Rating: 
Summary: An Indication of Greater Works to Come
Review: Originally published in 1927, UNNATURAL DEATH is the third of Dorothy L. Sayer's "Lord Peter Wimsey" mystery novels--and a novel in which Sayers manages to strike the same balance of literary style and humor that she previously created in the 1926 CLOUDS OF WITNESS. But also like CLOUDS OF WITNESS, UNNATURAL DEATH is not a murder mystery per se--a fact that may annoy readers in search of a classic "whodunit" novel. In this instance, the criminal is a foregone conclusion; it is catching her that poses the problem.That problem proves remarkably convoluted. Miss Agatha Dawson, an elderly lady of considerable wealth, has died after a long battle with cancer--a reasonable death. Even so, the doctor in charge of the case feels uneasy; not only did the death benefit Miss Dawson's great-niece considerably, it seemed to him a little premature. And when Lord Peter Wimsey becomes intrigued, it seems that any individual who could give evidence against the niece suddenly dies! This poses an unexpected moral issue for Wimsey. Should he continue to pursue the case--even though his persistence seems to force the killer to kill again or again? While somewhat marred by her occasional tendency toward a patronizing sort of racism, UNNATURAL DEATH is far from the worst of the worst of Sayer's work--it is not, mercifully, as painfully overworked as the slightly later THE FIVE RED HERRINGS or HAVE HIS CARCASS. And although it falls a bit short of her masterpieces of the mid-1930s (MURDER MUST ADVERTISE, THE NINE TAILORS, GAUDY NIGHT, and BUSMAN'S HONEYMOON, titles that continue to dazzle readers and inspire writers to this day), it not only indicates the style of those works but it holds up very well as a tightly written, fast-paced, and intriguing read. Recommended. GFT, Amazon Reviewer
Rating:
Summary: Unnatural death - a great listen
Review: The audio book is wonderful. Ian Carmichael does a fabulous job and creates real atmosphere for this stereotypical 'cozy' English murder mystery. I wondered -- am I the only one to pick up on the lesbian themes in this book? The old spinster who died under suspicious circumstances was the life partner of another woman who owned her own business. Both were described as 'determined not to marry.' The suspected murderess had a female accomplice whom Lord Peter was sure despised the touch of men as well as a young woman who was slavishly devoted to her. Does the term 'unnatural' speak to these relationships too? (In the author's mind -- not the mind of the contemporary reader.)
Rating:
Summary: Unnatural death - a great listen
Review: The audio book is wonderful. Ian Carmichael does a fabulous job and creates real atmosphere for this stereotypical 'cozy' English murder mystery. I wondered -- am I the only one to pick up on the lesbian themes in this book? The old spinster who died under suspicious circumstances was the life partner of another woman who owned her own business. Both were described as 'determined not to marry.' The suspected murderess had a female accomplice whom Lord Peter was sure despised the touch of men as well as a young woman who was slavishly devoted to her. Does the term 'unnatural' speak to these relationships too? (In the author's mind -- not the mind of the contemporary reader.)
Rating:
Summary: Very Enjoyable!
Review: This is a very fun book to read, especially in order of the series. The more we find out about Lord Peter, the more interesting he becomes. The character development of the secondary characters in this work is superior to Sayers' two previous books, and the plot is more intricate. Overall a very enjoyable experience. The more I read of Dorothy Sayers' work, the more willing I am to highly recommend her books!
Rating: 
Summary: Sayers with a Nighmarish Quality
Review: This one did it for me. Dorothy Sayers had such a brilliant mind, to dream up this one. There is a brooding and tense atmosphere to this novel that is unrelenting and in every sense horrifying. You get the feeling that your worst thoughts about what is happening are continuously being confirmed. Wimsey certainly finds himself in some very eerie territory here. The characters, the plot, the tension, the humor and the pace are all fabulous. What more can I say. Pick it up right NOW!
Rating:
Summary: The Further Adventures of Lord Peter and friends
Review: UNNATURAL DEATH (THE DAWSON PEDIGREE) is the third Lord Peter novel, orginally published in 1927. The case centers around the death of an old woman who died just a bit sooner than expected. The early demise came to the benefit of her devoted niece who had been her intended heir all along. Still the suddeness of her demise did seem odd and lead ultimately to the attention of Lord Peter. His attempt to satisfy his curiousity took him to the country, back to town, delving into the past and finer points of law along the way.
As with some of the other earlier Lord Peter books the attraction here is in the characters more than the mystery. More information on Peter is given in the form of biographical notes in the beginning of the book. We are again treated to Parker and Bunter but most notable are the introductions of Mr. Murbles, the attorney and Miss Climpson, the spinster private detective.
The 21st century reader will need to make allowances for the state of forensic science in the early '20's as well as the prejudices of the day (against blacks), the limited opportunities for women and the coy way in which lesbian relationships are hinted at but never actually spoken of. Still, the charm of the novel is in the characters and the setting, the mystery is merely the vehicle. If you are looking for a serious, challenging mystery look elsewhere. If you are a fan of Lord Peter or just 'cozies' in general this one is for you.
Rating:
Summary: An Excess of Deceit
Review: When Dr. Edward Carr overhears Lord Peter Wimsey and Detective Charles Parker discussing crime and the responsibility of the medical profession, he is drawn to share a perplexing problem of his own. When a patient of his who was slowly dying of cancer suddenly took much worse and died, he was unable to sign the death certificate with confidence and insisted on a post mortem, greatly discomfiting the survivor, one Mary Whittaker. When nothing suspicious is found, Dr. Carr found himself losing patients, and eventually had to sell his practice. Wimsey is intrigued, and, despite the misgivings of both the doctor and Detective Parker, dispatches the elderly Miss Alexandra Climpson to gather information in the town of Leahampton while he pursues other leads in London. He finds many suspicions, but no facts, even when one death and then another are reported. In each case there are no indications of foul play, and Wimsey becomes convinced that he has grabbed the tail of the perfect crime. His opinion is not shared by Parker, however, and it is only reluctantly that the latter consents to investigate. Gradually circumstance builds, and even Parker must admit that there are many questions to be answers. Yet all are baffled. Even knowing who the perpetrator must be, the investigators are unable to formulate a case that will stand in court. Wimsey is up against one of those sociopathic minds that pays careful attention to detail and apparently has the means to murder as if by magic. Dorothy Sayers has created a truly baffling case. The greatest delight of this novel is the first appearance of Miss Alexandra Climpson. A delightfully sharp woman who is a persistent and dedicated investigator in the service of Lord Peter. Initially giving the appearance of the archetypal maiden aunt, it quickly becomes apparent that Miss Climpson has unplumbed depths and she will return often to the delectation and joy of the reader. While 'Unnatural Death' is an eminently readable and entertaining story, it does not bear up as well on rereading. For one thing, most of the book is spent knowing exactly who is guilty but not having the important clue in hand. As a matter of personal preference, I like to have to guess the criminal better than guessing the means. Also, since the story depends on a trick solution, the ending is less satisfying than it might have been. All this aside, it is still a great story. Dorothy Sayers' worst (which this isn't) is far better than most writers' best. Have no fear, you will enjoy this.
Rating:
Summary: An Excess of Deceit
Review: When Dr. Edward Carr overhears Lord Peter Wimsey and Detective Charles Parker discussing crime and the responsibility of the medical profession, he is drawn to share a perplexing problem of his own. When a patient of his who was slowly dying of cancer suddenly took much worse and died, he was unable to sign the death certificate with confidence and insisted on a post mortem, greatly discomfiting the survivor, one Mary Whittaker. When nothing suspicious is found, Dr. Carr found himself losing patients, and eventually had to sell his practice. Wimsey is intrigued, and, despite the misgivings of both the doctor and Detective Parker, dispatches the elderly Miss Alexandra Climpson to gather information in the town of Leahampton while he pursues other leads in London. He finds many suspicions, but no facts, even when one death and then another are reported. In each case there are no indications of foul play, and Wimsey becomes convinced that he has grabbed the tail of the perfect crime. His opinion is not shared by Parker, however, and it is only reluctantly that the latter consents to investigate. Gradually circumstance builds, and even Parker must admit that there are many questions to be answers. Yet all are baffled. Even knowing who the perpetrator must be, the investigators are unable to formulate a case that will stand in court. Wimsey is up against one of those sociopathic minds that pays careful attention to detail and apparently has the means to murder as if by magic. Dorothy Sayers has created a truly baffling case. The greatest delight of this novel is the first appearance of Miss Alexandra Climpson. A delightfully sharp woman who is a persistent and dedicated investigator in the service of Lord Peter. Initially giving the appearance of the archetypal maiden aunt, it quickly becomes apparent that Miss Climpson has unplumbed depths and she will return often to the delectation and joy of the reader. While 'Unnatural Death' is an eminently readable and entertaining story, it does not bear up as well on rereading. For one thing, most of the book is spent knowing exactly who is guilty but not having the important clue in hand. As a matter of personal preference, I like to have to guess the criminal better than guessing the means. Also, since the story depends on a trick solution, the ending is less satisfying than it might have been. All this aside, it is still a great story. Dorothy Sayers' worst (which this isn't) is far better than most writers' best. Have no fear, you will enjoy this.
| 
