The Documents in the Case - Dorothy L. Sayers

[Susan]

Published in 1930, this is an epistolary crime novel by Dorothy L. Sayers. Although this does not feature Lord Peter Wimsey, there is plenty to engage lovers of Golden Age crime fiction.

A young artist and an aspiring artist move upstairs from a married couple, called the Harrisons, who live with a middle aged companion, named Agnes Milsom. When an unusual death occurs, the son of the victim attempts to get to the bottom of the matter by examining all of the letters written between the various correspondents, along with reports and statements.

This is an unusual crime novel and it is great to re-visit Doroth L. Sayers work again. Please do not post spoilers in this thread.

[Susan]

As more of us are online during the weekend, I have opened the buddy read threads early.

[Roman Clodia]

I've just made a start on this and am enjoying it hugely as a re-read. Sayers is having so much fun with the characterisation, and the clever shifts in PoV as we read different versions of the same events.

Aggie's vs Jack's account of their meeting on the stairs is brilliantly done!

[Susan]

I thought it was really clever, and lots of fun, RC.

[Jill]

I found the letters at the start were quite entertaining and gave us an insight into the various characters in the house. This I thought was well done, as we realized what the tenants living there thought of each other. The overall plot I felt was well thought out, but where it fell down for me were the love letters, which I found went on for too long. At the end of the book the pages of being told about various poisons etc , were also stretched out for too long , so I was losing interest.
I understand from reading about Sayers that she did not really think much of this book, and personally I can understand why, as I didn't think it was up to the standard I expect from her.

[Judy]

I've just got to the end of the first section, leading up to the death. I felt it was a bit slow to get going, but I have got caught up in it now and am sure I will get to the end quickly. Both Aggie and Jack are so conceited that it is fun to see how Sayers mocks them via their own words!

[Judy]

I have an old New English Library paperback edition with a rather splendid cover showing a huge red toadstool:

[Susan]

That's a great cover, Judy!

[Sandy]

I'll be starting today - with the Olympics droning in the background.

[Sandy]

I'm about a third into the book and getting whiplash as my opinion of each character changes when I read the next letter. A fascinating way to tell a story.

[Judy]

I’ve finished this now and I really enjoyed it overall, though I do think it takes a while to get going. At times Jack is like a less charming/ more bigheaded version of Wimsey!

[ShanDizzy]

I just got notified that my copy the book will arrive in today's mail so that I can start it with the rest of the group. So excited!!!!

[Susan]

Hope your book arrived safely, S Dizzy :)

[ShanDizzy]

Susan wrote: "Hope your book arrived safely, S Dizzy :)"

It did, Susan. Thanks. It was on the table when I arrived home from work yesterday. After dinner, I sat down with a cup of Lancashire tea and started reading it. This will be my 1st non-LPW book by Ms. Sayers.

[Susan]

It was mine too, S Dizzy. Tea and a book - blissful :)