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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
An old woman dies of cancer and leaves her fortune to her one surviving relative. Nothing suspicious. Or is there? Without motive, means, or even convincing evidence of murder, Sir Peter Wimsey is convinced that the woman died before her time. Now he just has to prove it.
This was a really entertaining mystery. I did figure out whodunit pretty quickly, but enjoyed puzzling out all the what, where, when, and why. It is also really fun to see Sir Peter's spinsters at work. Sherlock Holmes might have his street urchins, but for my money, I would bet on Sir Peter's gentlewoman to go undercover and get the information.
The womenfolk were...interesting and I feel like I need to give this one a re-read in print to adequately form an opinion about their role.
Some problematic racism also at work.
Delightful to get anything of Sir Peter. Conflicting because I don't know how I feel about all the characters.
This was a really entertaining mystery. I did figure out whodunit pretty quickly, but enjoyed puzzling out all the what, where, when, and why. It is also really fun to see Sir Peter's spinsters at work. Sherlock Holmes might have his street urchins, but for my money, I would bet on Sir Peter's gentlewoman to go undercover and get the information.
The womenfolk were...interesting and I feel like I need to give this one a re-read in print to adequately form an opinion about their role.
Some problematic racism also at work.
Delightful to get anything of Sir Peter. Conflicting because I don't know how I feel about all the characters.
mysterious
medium-paced
More a 'howdunit' than a whodunit. The mystery is well constructed but the number and type of murders make it a bit of a downer (it ends on a really unsettling note). But this books introduces Miss Climpson!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The whole mystery and a lot of deaths and near deaths could have been avoided by Wimsey seeing in person or even having a photograph of the suspected murderer. Starting a story already knowing who the murderer mostly is means the rest of the story has to be quite interesting in the how and the why. The why never really seems believable to me while the how is possible but not as easy as they claim in the story and they got the veins wrong. I also didn't like the "kill your queers" trope. While the word lesbian is never mentioned it is clear that the first victim was in a long term lesbian relationship which is presented as well regarded by all in the community. In contrast the murderer either was in a lesbian relationship or encouraged the lesbian feelings of Vera. I both liked Miss Clampton and hated her judgemental views on Vera.
Wimsey seems to have no fear of poking the hornet's nest without realizing how harmful it could be and never seems to have remorse for it.
Will the subplot with the black minister could be seen as racist I think it was more a commentary and reflection of the racism of the time. He turns out to be a virtuous honest man who is financially rewarded in the end and suffers no harmful effects of the attempted framing which is better than even our current political climate and how African Americans are treated often by the legal system and the media.
I do like seeing Wimsey developing more although he still is quite immature for a 34 year old with means.
Wimsey seems to have no fear of poking the hornet's nest without realizing how harmful it could be and never seems to have remorse for it.
Will the subplot with the black minister could be seen as racist I think it was more a commentary and reflection of the racism of the time. He turns out to be a virtuous honest man who is financially rewarded in the end and suffers no harmful effects of the attempted framing which is better than even our current political climate and how African Americans are treated often by the legal system and the media.
I do like seeing Wimsey developing more although he still is quite immature for a 34 year old with means.
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs
Minor: Homophobia
Thoroughly enjoyed it! Complex enough that I didn't figure it all out, and the characters continued to be good company.
Another favorite! Such an ingenious plot. And so many things to look up. the word "epicene" and the strange quotes from "Death's Jest Book." Also googled the Inns of Court and the Inns of Chancery. I find it offensive that epicene is meant to describe those who are "unsexed" and "androgynous" but also "effeminate," as if ... as if ... !!!
But this learned woman packs her mysteries with references, allusions and plain old hard words! I love it.
But this learned woman packs her mysteries with references, allusions and plain old hard words! I love it.
After reading and loving the first two books in this series, this one was rather disappointing. When I can figure out the big plot twist, I am not impressed. It seemed very obvious to me. The plot was very convoluted and the one redeeming thing for me was the character of Miss Climpson. I loved her and hope that we get to see her in future books. I found this to be rather implausible and I can't believe that it took Parker and Wimsey so long to figure everything out. Will definitely continue my reading of this series, but this is one that I won't revisit.