English Mysteries Club discussion

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Buddy Reads > Continuing Buddy Read of the Lord Peter Wimsey stories by Dorothy L. Sayers, with Adrian

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message 301: by Michaela (new)

Michaela | 262 comments I won´t continue with the Lord Peter mysteries, as those I read weren´t really to my taste, sorry.


message 302: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Rosemarie wrote: "I like the Dorothy Sayers books and have no desire to read any modern sequels."

Al I would say is that the first two sequels had a big input from DLS in the form of manuscripts that were found after her death.

Rosemarie wrote: "I've never been to London, or England either, but I love visiting Berlin."

So do I Rosemarie, although from England to Berlin is not as far as you travel. You will have to visit England one day !!


message 303: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Lynnie wrote: "I've also read the first story in In the Teeth of the Evidence I love that DLS always throws herself into the research of a person's job. In Busman's Honeymoon we had the sweep and here we have a dentist including info about fillings and teeth. "

I have to agree, she always does her research so well, previously we also had the advertising agency where again she knew all the ins and outs.


Lynnie wrote: "I would like to continue with the Jill Paton-Walsh books as I'm not ready to give up Peter and Harriet yet. If nobody else is interested maybe this thread could be kept open anyway? ..."

Well I was going to carry on myself anyway as I have the books, and as you say Lynnie, I want to learn more about their lives together


message 304: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Ellen wrote: "I would be interested in continuing."

Good , good. as I said above, I was intending to continue on my own if need be, but it looks like I shall have company, excellent.

I'm sure Jean will not mind leaving this thread going for a few more months.


message 305: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Michaela wrote: "I won´t continue with the Lord Peter mysteries, as those I read weren´t really to my taste, sorry."

No problem Michaela, thanks for being with us over the last 18 months or so. As I've said before if we all liked the same things this world would be very boring !!


message 306: by Lynnie (new)

Lynnie | 114 comments Oh good! I have the books too and I'm looking forward to reading them.

I've just read the 2nd story in In the Teeth of the Evidence - another intriguing little story.


message 307: by Michaela (new)

Michaela | 262 comments Adrian wrote: "Michaela wrote: "I won´t continue with the Lord Peter mysteries, as those I read weren´t really to my taste, sorry."

No problem Michaela, thanks for being with us over the last 18 months or so. As..."


Thanks for leading these discussions, Adrian! :)


message 308: by Ellen (new)

Ellen | 228 comments Just started In the Teeth of the Evidence today. I do plan to read all the stories not just the 2 with Lord Peter.


message 309: by Rosemarie (new)

Rosemarie | 383 comments I'm reading all the stories too.


message 310: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Michaela wrote: "Thanks for leading these discussions, Adrian! :)

You're welcome Michaela. I have to admit my contribution was intermittent at times when I was out of the country , but I hope you have enjoyed the books, even if they have not always been to your taste.


message 311: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Rosemarie wrote: "I'm reading all the stories too."

Ellen wrote: "Just started In the Teeth of the Evidence today. I do plan to read all the stories not just the 2 with Lord Peter."

I will also be reading all the short stories in In the Teeth of the Evidence and then for September we will reading Striding Folly which again is a mixture of short stories.


message 312: by Ellen (new)

Ellen | 228 comments I finished In the Teeth of the Evidence. All the stories were well written. Enjoyed the Wimsey and Egg stories and the one with Hector Punchon made you laugh. When we got to the stand alone stories several of them made me feel a bit queasy. Human nature shown in all it's wickedness.


message 313: by Rosemarie (new)

Rosemarie | 383 comments I agree that some of the stand alone stories were just a wee bit disturbing.


message 314: by Adrian (last edited Sep 12, 2023 08:20AM) (new)

Adrian | 631 comments I have to agree with you both (Ellen and Rosemarie), in that I enjoyed the LPW stories, not brilliant but still fun; Egg was as confident (cocky) as ever, but again was fun; the rest were a bit boring or not that enjoyable. So I only gave the book 3 stars.

And now I'm on to Striding Folly which is more short stories . That said , there are only 3 and all are Lord Peter stories. It also includes an intro to LPW and his creator by Janet Hitchman who was herself an author. She (Janet) was born in 1916 and had an unbelievably hard early life when her father was killed in WW1 when she was just 3 months old.

So onto Striding Folly and I hope we all enjoy it more.


message 315: by Lynnie (new)

Lynnie | 114 comments I have finished both In the Teeth of the Evidence and Striding Folly.

In the Teeth of the Evidence - I enjoyed the LPW stories and thought the Montague Egg ones were fun. The stand-alone stories reminded me of the Inside No9 tv series with their black comedy. I particularly liked The Milk-Bottles and The Inspiration of Mr. Budd. I rated this book 4 stars.

Striding Folly - it was okay. The best part of the book for me was the piece by Janet Hitchman which I found very interesting. I rated this book 3 stars.
Adrian - Thanks for that snippet about Janet Hitchman.

Ah, it's sad to come to the end but I'm looking forward to continue with the Jill Paton-Walsh books.

Also - just realised that I missed out Murder Must Advertise so might try and squeeze that in first!!


message 316: by Lynnie (new)

Lynnie | 114 comments Well, I did manage to read Murder Must Advertise and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Think it is now my favourite! Satirical and witty and a good mystery too.

Did anyone else notice the very brief unnamed cameo appearance of Harriet? I thought it was lovely.


message 317: by Ellen (new)

Ellen | 228 comments Started Striding folly, including three final Lord Peter Wimsey stories today. Enjoying the intro by Janet Hitchman.


message 318: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Well, i only finished Striding Folly a couple of days ago in the end. Planning for another house move and for a holiday sort of got in the way of any reading, and now here i am by the pool in a relaxing quiet village in Greece, oh life is hard. Whilst our house sale goes on without us back in England.
So many thanks to all of you that have journeyed with us so far, and also to those continuing into the Jill Paton Walsh Lord Peter and Harriet books. The first two of which, were based on manuscripts and ideas left behind after the sad demise of Dorothy L Sayers.
If people want a break to draw breath or catch up, let me know, otherwise we can dive straight into another full length story Thrones, dominations / Dorothy L. Sayers and Jill Paton Walsh.
Apologies for any typos, a kindle fire and intermittent wifi does not make it easy


message 319: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Lynnie wrote: "Well, I did manage to read Murder Must Advertise and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Think it is now my favourite! Satirical and witty and a good mystery too.

Did anyone else notice the ver..."


Well i'm glad you managed to catch up Lynnie. And no, i don't think i did notice the cameo from Harriet. That said my brain has been mush for the last couple of months 😁


message 320: by Adrian (last edited Oct 05, 2023 05:32AM) (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Well, for once i am ahead of the game, and an extended vacation in Greece has allowed me to catch up on my reading and I've just finished Thrones, Dominations.
I have to say, i thoroughly enjoyed it, and couldn't tell at all it was a collaboration. I will be interested to see what other people think of the novel and its genuiness.
It picks up soon after the events of Busman's Honeymoon with Peter and Harriet settling into married life in London and all that entails. There are also some wonderful diary entries from the dowager Duchess .
I look forward to your thoughts.


message 321: by Lynnie (new)

Lynnie | 114 comments Adrian, that sounds wonderful - both the relaxing holiday and the book!!!

I'm hoping to start next week, it's been on my tbr for ages so I'm really glad that we are continuing here.


message 322: by Ellen (new)

Ellen | 228 comments I am taking it with me on vacation. It will be a reread.


message 323: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Ellen wrote: "I am taking it with me on vacation. It will be a reread."

Then I hope you enjoy it as well Ellen. I felt is both a good book, and quite a genuine DLS.


message 324: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Lynnie wrote: "I'm hoping to start next week, it's been on my tbr for ages so I'm really glad that we are continuing here."

I hope you're enjoying it as well Lynnie


message 325: by Ellen (new)

Ellen | 228 comments Finished my reread of Thrones, Dominations. I felt that most of the time she was capturing the spirit of DLS. In my opinion she had a bit of trouble working in the supporting characters especially Bunter. It was a good effort and I am happy to go forward with Peter and Harriet.


message 326: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Ellen wrote: "Finished my reread of Thrones, Dominations. I felt that most of the time she was capturing the spirit of DLS. In my opinion she had a bit of trouble working in the supporting characte..."

Thats a really good point Ellen, I hadn't really thought about Bunter (How could I forget him ?? ).
Having never read a JPW Lord Peter novel, these are all new to me. It will be interesting to see if they get progressively less like DLS when they are not based on any notes etc she left behind.

I will be starting on A Presumption of Death in the next few days.

Are we all ok to keep going at one per month or does anyone feel the need for a month's grace ??


message 327: by Ellen (new)

Ellen | 228 comments Adrian wrote: "Ellen wrote: "Finished my reread of Thrones, Dominations. I felt that most of the time she was capturing the spirit of DLS. In my opinion she had a bit of trouble working in the suppo..."

I am good with starting A Presumption of Death in November.


message 328: by Lynnie (new)

Lynnie | 114 comments I'm also happy with A Presumption of Death in November. I've started late with Thrones, Dominations (really enjoying it so far) so will be able to catch up easily.


message 329: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Excellent that a few of us are still along for the ride with the Jill Paton Walsh Lord Peter novels.
I started A Presumption of Death last week and I have to say, I am again very impressed by its similarities to a Dorothy L. Sayers written novel.
I am really enjoying it so far !


message 330: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Well, amazingly here we are towards the end of November, and here in the UK, the weather has turned (for us) quite chilly with frosts at night and damp grey days where the sun decides not to shine and the temperature struggles up to about 3 degrees C. I realise not all of you will find this chilly but believe me, the damp and greyness makes it feel a good deal colder.

Anyway, enough of the weather. With packing tidying and sorting for our house move well under way despite losing our buyer (grrr) I seem not to have read much at all this month and so I am only half way through A Presumption of Death.

How is anyone else progressing and any thoughts ? I still think it is very much like a DLS novel in its writing style but look forward to others opinions.


message 331: by Lynnie (new)

Lynnie | 114 comments I have finished Thrones, Dominations and A Presumption of Death and have just started The Attenbury Emeralds!

I thought Thrones was the most like DLS but I did feel there was a spark missing between Peter and Harrriet. I missed Bunter too, he was replaced in the sleuthing by Mango, Harriet'a maid. I felt that JPW was more confortable with writing the female characters.

Presumption was very Harriet-centric. I did read somewhere a suggestion that had DLS continued with the series she would have had Harriet centre stage as her last two novels featured her a lot more. I enjoyed the letters a lot as they were from The Wimsey Papers. I still felt the spark and with was missing between H & P.

However, I'm still not ready to leave them yet and have jumped straight in to The Attenbury Emeralds - I am curious about that first case!


message 332: by Ellen (new)

Ellen | 228 comments I haven't managed to get started on my reread of A Presumption of Death but hope to in the next few days.


message 333: by Lynnie (new)

Lynnie | 114 comments I am flying through them and have just finished The Attenbury Emeralds.

I'm looking forward to reading everyone's thoughts!


message 334: by Ellen (new)

Ellen | 228 comments Finished my reread of A Presumption of Death. For some reason I enjoyed this more than I did the first time I read it. I can't remember why it didn't impress me on my first reading but this time it was one of those books I couldn't wait to get back to.


message 335: by Lynnie (new)

Lynnie | 114 comments Ellen - that's interesting, as though I'm not loving these I know I will reread them!!

I couldn't help myself and continued on with The Late Scholar, I couldn't let Peter and Harriet go. I enjoyed this one and will wait to see other people's thoughts.

Overall I did enjoy these continuations (with a few niggles) but glad I read them. I liked Thrones, Dominations the best.


message 336: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments And now its the middle of December, where does the time go ??

Ok, lets take things in order. I've finished A Presumption of Death and thoroughly enjoyed it. It seems that we all quite liked it, which is good !!

Anyway I am belatedly onto the The Attenbury Emeralds now , which I understand has even less DLS input (if any ? ). Still, that said I am looking forward to it !


message 337: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Lynnie wrote: "I am flying through them and have just finished The Attenbury Emeralds.

I'm looking forward to reading everyone's thoughts!"


Wow you are storming through them. I think I will be at least a week, depending on how much time I get.

But I am looking forward to it !


message 338: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Ellen wrote: "Finished my reread of A Presumption of Death. For some reason I enjoyed this more than I did the first time I read it. I can't remember why it didn't impress me on my first reading bu..."

Isn't it strange that you can enjoy a re-read more than the original. Quite unusual for me, but it has happened.
I think because I had never read any of the JPW novels, I really didn't know what to expect. That said, so far I have enjoyed them.


message 339: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments A Belated Merry Xmas to all the Lord Peter readers , and a Happy Healthy and Wonderful reading 2024.

I had a mini slump towards the end of last year and I'm now sorry to say a month behind, so haven't even started The Attenbury Emeralds. My apologies, and I hope to start very soon 😊


message 340: by Ellen (new)

Ellen | 228 comments Started reread of The Attenbury Emeralds yesterday. One of my favorites.


message 341: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Ellen wrote: "Started reread of The Attenbury Emeralds yesterday. One of my favorites."

Hi Ellen, I'm hoping to start tomorrow, so far behind, agh !


message 342: by Bionic Jean (new)

Bionic Jean (bionicjean) | 2941 comments Mod
Hope it's a good one even so Ade!


message 343: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Bionic Jean wrote: "Hope it's a good one even so Ade!"

And yes, I am enjoying it. It starts off almost like a précis of Lord Peter's first ever case, with Bunter and Lord Peter contributing to the story as they bring Harriet up to date on what happened all those years ago. But then concentrates on the present (early 1950s) as the current mystery unfolds, apart from necessary flashbacks.


message 344: by Bionic Jean (new)

Bionic Jean (bionicjean) | 2941 comments Mod
That actually sounds a good premise ...


message 345: by Adrian (last edited Jan 18, 2024 11:54AM) (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Well about half a month late I have finished The Attenbury Emeralds and I have to say I really enjoyed it. Probably the most enjoyable of the JPW Lord Peter novels I have read so far.

I know that some people have already finished reading all of the novels, and so I shall continue into The Late Scholar with the hope that its as good as the last


message 346: by Ellen (new)

Ellen | 228 comments Started The Late Scholar yesterday. The beginning chapters have me really interested. This is a reread but I don't remember anything. I rated it 4 stars so I'm wondering if maybe the ending let me down.


message 347: by Joan (new)

Joan  (xstitchfan) | 84 comments Don’t you just hate it when you love a book, but the ending is just so-so. You are left wondering why you spent time reading it! I have still left “ The Late Scholar” on my WTR pile. Many thanks for the review info Ellen.


message 348: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Ellen wrote: "Started The Late Scholar yesterday. The beginning chapters have me really interested. This is a reread but I don't remember anything. I rated it 4 stars so I'm wondering if maybe th..."

Oh no, I hope it really doesn't bomb at the end. I'm about 60% through and I must admit I am really enjoying it.


message 349: by Adrian (new)

Adrian | 631 comments Joan wrote: "Don’t you just hate it when you love a book, but the ending is just so-so. You are left wondering why you spent time reading it! I have still left “ The Late Scholar” on my WTR pile. Many thanks fo..."

I think that is why, now I am past the middle of my life (ha ha), I try to only read what I know I will like. doesn't always work, but mostly it does.

I think you should give it a go Joan


message 350: by Ellen (new)

Ellen | 228 comments Adrian wrote: "Ellen wrote: "Started The Late Scholar yesterday. The beginning chapters have me really interested. This is a reread but I don't remember anything. I rated it 4 stars so I'm wonderi..."

I finished my reread yesterday. I still rate it a four which means I really really liked it. It misses being a five because in my opinion there is a little too much "lets go to lunch" in other words filler that contributed nothing to advancing the story.


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