The Attenbury Emeralds

By: Jill Paton Walsh

Narrated by: Edward Petherbridge

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Based on the characters created by Dorothy L. Sayers.

The recovery of the magnificent gem in Lord Attenbury's dazzling heirloom launched a shell-shocked young aristocrat on his career as a detective in 1921. Thirty years later, a happily married Lord Peter has just shared the secrets of that mystery with his wife, the detective novelist Harriet Vane. Suddenly, the new Lord Attenbury—grandson of Lord Peter’s first client—seeks his help to prove who owns the emeralds. As Harriet and Peter contemplate the changes that the war has wrought on English society, Peter, who always cherished the liberties of a younger son, faces the unwanted prospect of ending up the Duke of Denver after all.

©2010 Jill Paton Walsh and the Trustees of Anthony Fleming, deceased. (P)2011 AudioGo

Lovely book and so very British

I have always loved Edward Petherbridge's portrayal of Peter Whimsey. This is so correct and yet so pleasant and true to the legacy of Dorothy Sayers.

Excellent story but the reader mumbles in a dream

The reader seems intent on corrupting the text through his dream like sotto voce narrative, sounding like a mumbling dreamer at times. Too bad. It's a very good "Sayers" story, filled with nostalgia for Sayers. The author is more than half in love with Wimsey and Harriet, and of course Bunter.

Wonderful Story!

In my youth almost 30 years ago I read every Lord Peter story I could find. Recently, a desire to reread or listen to English mystery classics has arisen in me. Jill Patton Walsh does a superb job of bringing the Whimsy feel to my brain and heart. Edward Petherbridge reminds me of Sir Ian Carmichael.

Narrator mumbles sometimes

Enjoyed reading about Lord Peter & Harriet in their mature years. The narrator had a soothing voice but swallowed the last syllable often.

Problem with the speed?

I loved the story but found the narration to be too slow, almost like the playback was at the wrong speed. When I turned it up to 1.2X it was much easier to listen to. Loved hearing about Harriet and Peter again!

Delightful mystery with the Wimseys

Faithful to the original books. A delightful telling of Peter's first case with the emeralds and then more mystery about them to solve. I enjoyed it!

Most enjoyable novel

Fun take off on a favorite author with a terrific narrator.
I recommend this novel.

Admirable extension of a favorite series

I love the Lord Peter and Harriet when Dorothy Sayers was writing them, and this is actually quite good too. A bit slow starting, and a bit complex to understand without concentrating (I often listen to audiobooks while doing other things, but I really couldn’t do that with this) but ultimately satisfying.

Finally

The story provides very enjoyable reading for those of us wondering how the story would have continued.

I'm no critic

There's nothing about this book that I don't like. The narrator is excellent, in fact I've used this book to low myself to sleep at night,his voice is that calming.
The story has many twists and turns but manages to be a cohesive story. There are no real surprises but it still managed to hold my attention.
I listen to these books purely for fun, my reviews are not meant to be scholarly or pretentious, I either like a book or I don't. I liked this book.