Lord Peter, détective (1930)

Another clever mystery featuring Lord Peter Wimsey. The book is particularly interesting because this is the book where he meets Harriet Vine. ( )

At last, Harriet Vane! Rereading these after a long hiatus, this time as an audio book. Really enjoy the reading, the story, and, as Harriet would say, the piffle.

It is sometimes hard to read cringey behavior that was considered perfectly reasonable in the past, and there were a couple of moments like that for me in this one -- particularly Whimsey deciding to woo a woman who is literally imprisoned and incapable of telling him to piss off. However, I appreciate that Harriet has the strength of character to do just that, and at least Peter committed to finding evidence to free her, regardless of her returned interest. Eh, I was going to say, so it all works out in the end, but honestly, "you're imprisoned for murder, but let me tell you all about myself because I fell in love with you while watching you stand trial" is totally unacceptable behavior. Bad show, Whimsey, but thanks for the entertaining rest of the book. ( )

Strong Poison by Dorothy L Sayers shows a well written mystery story. Ms. Sayers explicitly displays the steps in catching the killer. The dialogue leaves nothing implied, every action presents itself. Sometimes, I feel that the detail boggles down the flow of the story. We learn about all types of poison and how they are used. We learn of typewriters and solicitors. Lord Peter Wimsey must have a huge purse for all the people he helps. Lord Peter reminds one of Hercule Poirot, but Lord Peter has a multitude of friends to aid in his investigations, as Poirot works alone. ( )

An average whodunnit read, craftily put together. I enjoyed reading conversations written in what was the “slang of the decade” from the 30's. I can see why these mysteries were so popular back then. I kept imagining this being played out in a black and white movie from the time. ( )

I’ve read Sayer’s books before and am revisiting them and finding them just a enjoyable as the first read.

This is the first in the Peter Wimsey series. I confess the beginning is a bit dry. It takes place in a court room. The judge is presenting a summation for the jury. (He’s the dry part.) The charge is murder by arsenic poisoning. Harriet Vane is the accused. Peter Wimsey and his mother, the Dowager Duchess, are in the audience. Wimsey has an intense interest in the case. He is convinced Vane didn’t do it. When the jury comes back without being able to make a decision, Wimsey gets his chance to investigate to prove her innocence.

He as assisted the police in the past and been successful. For him it is a hobby, but when he takes on a case, he is completely focused. An added focus in this case is he is also determined to make Vane his wife.

Through dogged determinedness and assistance of the “Cattery,” Wimsey is able to find the who and how of the murder. ( )