Strong Poison by Dorothy L Sayers

Strong Poison (Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery, #6)

by Dorothy L Sayers

The sixth book in Dorothy L Sayers' classic Lord Peter Wimsey series, introduced by actor Edward Petherbridge - a must-read for fans of Agatha Christie's Poirot and Margery Allingham's Campion Mysteries.

'D. L. Sayers is one of the best detective story writers' Daily Telegraph

Can Lord Peter Wimsey prove that Harriet Vane is not guilty of murder - or find the real poisoner in time to save her from the gallows?

Impossible, it seems.

The Crown's case is watertight. The police are adamant that the right person is on trial. The judge's summing-up is also clear. Harriet Vane is guilty of the killing her lover. And Harriet Vane shall hang.

But the jury disagrees.

'She brought to the detective novel originality, intelligence, energy and wit.' P. D. James

Reviewed by jamiereadthis on

4 of 5 stars

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Now here is a woman who knows how to use a semicolon. And how to name a character. I’m in love.

(Two semicolons in the first two sentences, and beautifully used. An incomplete list of names: Salcombe Hardy, Sir Impey Biggs, Norman Urquhart, Mrs. Freakie Dimsworthy, Mr. Harringay, Lord Coote, Blindfold Bill, Waffles Newton.)

Oh, right, there’s a delightful story too, way more about the people than the mystery involved. My favorite kind. Five stars for Miss Murchison, who needs her own book, and I’m glad I’ve finally made the acquaintance of Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane.

(See? Those names.)

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 28 April, 2020: Finished reading
  • 28 April, 2020: Reviewed