BOOK REVIEW

 

The Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries: Series Book 1-11

Author: Dorothy L. Sayers

Dorothy Sayers is a Christian author, a contemporary and friend of CS Lewis.  Her writings span from scholarly works, to Christian plays, to mysteries.  Sayers is now best remembered as the creator of the aristocratic detective Lord Peter Whimsey, protagonist of eleven books written in elegant prose without needless gore or sexual content.

These eleven detective stories fall into the ‘cozy mystery’ genre meaning the detective is an amateur and the setting is a socially intimate community, with the crime usually happening ‘off stage’. In these difficult days stress relief is an often-touted need and various venues are recommended.

I would offer to readers the gentle escapism within Dorothy Sayers’ Lord Peter Whimsey mysteries as hours of pleasure transporting you to a different age and place, England between the wars, refreshing yourself in a change of scenery within your mind at least.  It is not necessary to read the Lord Peter Whimsy books in order.  However, Whose Body? was written first and introduces the reader to the circumstances that lead to a Lord turning to detective work as a hobby to escape memories of the first world war.  The subsequent books bring out more of the character’s story, and ultimately there are three books that bring Lord Peter Whimsey and his to be wife together within the framework of three separate mysteries. My personal favorite book is Murder Must Advertise, with twists and turns into a satisfying conclusion.

Finally, as a bonus, public television filmed many of Sayers’ books, with two different actors being Lord Peter Whimsey. I strongly recommend reading the books first.  It is enjoyable to see the characters come to life, although as it is often the case, there are omissions to fit the timeframe of a film.

Order your copy online here.

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