J.I. Packer said he loved mystery novels and read all of the Peter Wimsey books. Another of his favorites was John Dickson Carr. Have you read any of his books?
One of the major reasons for Lord Peter's "fractured" nature and lack of fulfillment is WWI for sure. Remember The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club? It's just hinted at in Whose Body? but of course it is always there in the background. It's always amazed me how none of Agatha Christie's characters had it.
Peter Wimsey is hands down my favorite detective in fiction. I appreciate the complexity and humor displayed in his character. The thoughtful conversations on morality throughout Dorothy Sayers mysteries make them well worth a re-read in my book. Thank you for this excellent essay and character analysis!
Actually "penny dreadfuls" was the standard term for the cheap, sensational literature of the era. (I think "dreadful" is much like "horrid", which Catherine so wanted to be assured that the books were in *Northanger Abbey*.)
I haven't read the Lord Peter Wimsey books, but the TV series was awful. It struck me the author had a false impression of British people - the pantomime version.
I accept your points, but I am a Brit yet have never mixed with minor royalty. If I were to write similar books then I would be relying on caricatures gleaned from other books.
At the moment I am engrossed in Vernon Coleman's Young Country Doctor series (16 books). Light-hearted, yes, but a welcome break from philosophy and politics. I am drawn to books on the edge of my understanding. I shall try Sayers soon. Cheers.
Quick correction: Bunter wasn’t Lord Peter’s commanding officer in WWI; he was a sergeant and Wimsey was an officer.
Thanks, I’ll correct that. Could have sworn it was the other way around, but you are right.
I’ve read these books more times than I can count, as well as Jill Paton Walsh’s additions to the story, which are surprisingly good.
I’ve read almost everything from Sayers’ but I think I’m missing a few of the short stories. I haven’t tried the others you mentioned.
J.I. Packer said he loved mystery novels and read all of the Peter Wimsey books. Another of his favorites was John Dickson Carr. Have you read any of his books?
I haven’t. But sounds like I should.
One of the major reasons for Lord Peter's "fractured" nature and lack of fulfillment is WWI for sure. Remember The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club? It's just hinted at in Whose Body? but of course it is always there in the background. It's always amazed me how none of Agatha Christie's characters had it.
Peter Wimsey is hands down my favorite detective in fiction. I appreciate the complexity and humor displayed in his character. The thoughtful conversations on morality throughout Dorothy Sayers mysteries make them well worth a re-read in my book. Thank you for this excellent essay and character analysis!
I agree, they are worth reading again and again.
I have her first four mysteries in an omnibus on my nightstand. Two down, two to go!
Awesome. She has lots of short stories with Lord Peter too. Well worth reading those as well.
Wow! What a great write-up. It is enticing and wise at the same time.
*clears throat*
Actually "penny dreadfuls" was the standard term for the cheap, sensational literature of the era. (I think "dreadful" is much like "horrid", which Catherine so wanted to be assured that the books were in *Northanger Abbey*.)
I haven't read the Lord Peter Wimsey books, but the TV series was awful. It struck me the author had a false impression of British people - the pantomime version.
I’ve never seen the show, but almost always “The Book Is Better.”
Well the books are great. The author is a Brit herself.
I accept your points, but I am a Brit yet have never mixed with minor royalty. If I were to write similar books then I would be relying on caricatures gleaned from other books.
At the moment I am engrossed in Vernon Coleman's Young Country Doctor series (16 books). Light-hearted, yes, but a welcome break from philosophy and politics. I am drawn to books on the edge of my understanding. I shall try Sayers soon. Cheers.
Fair enough! My best to you!