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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
REREAD
One of these days I'll reread Sayers's other books to show what I think of her at her best- this is definitely not that, which is one of the reasons why I took it out of the library rather than from my own bookshelves. Still, the only two Sayers books that I'd go below 4 stars on are Whose Body? and Five Red Herrings. This one has some serious flaws (starts too slow, ends too fast; I can see why some of the more racist elements may have been, in her mind, well-meaning but it sure doesn't make it more pleasant to read them) but I do enjoy the "howdunnit" nature of it- nice change from the typical "whodunnit" style. Is the plot a bit overly complicated? Maybe. Is Mary Whittaker something of a cipher? Definitely (though maybe that's somewhat the point). Still an interesting and often affecting read as Wimsey is forced to grapple with whether his choice to investigate led to additional deaths, something which would affect him in the following book (Bellona Club) as he debates whether to take that case.
I don't mention homophobia here because I have a kind of an essay about it in my head- I think there is some, but less of it than people often blame this book for. But like, I do think you need to read Clemence Dane's Regiment of Women (mentioned in Unnatural Death itself) in order to get what Sayers was going for.
One of these days I'll reread Sayers's other books to show what I think of her at her best- this is definitely not that, which is one of the reasons why I took it out of the library rather than from my own bookshelves. Still, the only two Sayers books that I'd go below 4 stars on are Whose Body? and Five Red Herrings. This one has some serious flaws (starts too slow, ends too fast; I can see why some of the more racist elements may have been, in her mind, well-meaning but it sure doesn't make it more pleasant to read them) but I do enjoy the "howdunnit" nature of it- nice change from the typical "whodunnit" style. Is the plot a bit overly complicated? Maybe. Is Mary Whittaker something of a cipher? Definitely (though maybe that's somewhat the point). Still an interesting and often affecting read as Wimsey is forced to grapple with whether his choice to investigate led to additional deaths, something which would affect him in the following book (Bellona Club) as he debates whether to take that case.
I don't mention homophobia here because I have a kind of an essay about it in my head- I think there is some, but less of it than people often blame this book for. But like, I do think you need to read Clemence Dane's Regiment of Women (mentioned in Unnatural Death itself) in order to get what Sayers was going for.
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Murder
first read: Jul 25, 2007
I remembered *some* of this one, at least? The racism & antisemitism are appalling but in character for the characters, given the culture and time. The seemingly casual queer codes are fascinating, especially given the racial prejudice. (Which is not something I'd remembered at all. Huh.)
I remembered *some* of this one, at least? The racism & antisemitism are appalling but in character for the characters, given the culture and time. The seemingly casual queer codes are fascinating, especially given the racial prejudice. (Which is not something I'd remembered at all. Huh.)
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Author's writing style is on another level without the use of sensationalism and tawdry details. Conversations betweeen characters seemed real even though the English mannerism were difficult to comprehend. DLS characterizations takes the reader to the place and time of the story.
This novel was almost as good as the others, with the exception that I was able to guess the central twist before Lord Peter. I don't know if one should chalk that up to "womanly intuition" or what, but I enjoy Lord Peter most when he is smarter than me. I don't like beating him to the punch.
I think this is the first appearance of Miss Climpson. Huzzah! I like her. Nerves of steel under a pile of tea-stained lace doilies.
The mystery was twisty in this one, though I figured out the big reveal way before. The way the female characters are written in this are…interesting. Frustrating, maybe, that in some ways they're the most capable, the most hardy - but also, seen as unnatural (in several senses of the word).
It was boring. I like the books with Harriet Vane much better.
This is a great audiobook version of a terrific mystery. I originally read 25+ years ago but I enjoyed the reading by Ian Carmichael much more. Fortunately, I had forgotten the twist ending so it made finishing all the more satisfying. Ian Carmichael is a terrific reader and portrayed all the characters very well. I hope to find more of his audiobooks.