Dorothy L. Sayers (1893–1957)

The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club -Sayers
Audio performance by Jonathan Keeble
4 stars

I enjoyed this audio version of the Sayers’ 4th Peter Wimsey novel. It begins on Armistice Day with clear references to the lasting emotional damage of trench warfare. The Bellona Club is a good old boys refuge for hard nosed duffers from the previous century. One old duffer has apparently died in the club library while parked in his favorite chair. So unpleasant.
Lots of red herrings, multiple suspects, and two complicating wills with competing heirs. Whimsy, Bunter, and Parker are very busy. I’d forgotten many of the details. It was good to reread.… (meer)

I like Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries; Wimsey is sophisticated, witty and has a knack for solving crimes, he collaborates with Scotland Yard detective Charles Parker, Solving the murder in Clouds of Witness is complicated by the fact that it is Wimsey’s older brother, who is accused of the murder, refuses to provide an alibi. I thought the solution was overly complicated and convoluted with a recap at the end that seemed like filler. But…I look forward to the rest of the series to see the development of relationships eluded to in the story.

I wouldn’t consider these light, cozy mysteries as the subject matter involves an abusive husband and relationships that were considered scandalous in the time period. Her books are fairly progressive considering they were written in the 1920’s and 30’s.… (meer)