Unnatural Death

A Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery, Book 3

By: Dorothy L. Sayers

Narrated by: Ian Carmichael

Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

The wealthy Agatha Dawson is dead and there are no apparent signs of foul play. Lord Peter Wimsey, however, senses that something is amiss and he refuses to let the case rest - even without any clues or leads. Suddenly, he is faced with another murder - Agatha's maid. Can super-sleuth Wimsey find the murderer and solve the case before he becomes the killer's next victim?

©1927, 1955 The Trustees of Anthony Fleming (deceased) (P)2012 AudioGO

Fabulous Narration!

Typical Lord Peter Wimsey book. He's a likable character for all his innate snobbishness. These books are elitist, of course, but in a fun way. Intriguing mystery.

good story, bad reading

Lord Peter story before Harriet. Good for what it is. to the narrator: STOP SMACKING YOUR LIPS. very annoying.

Narration is not up to snuff.

I under that Ian Carmichael is know for playing Peter whimsy but it is difficult at times to tell the difference between characters when he is narrating. Also the lip smacking becomes annoying after a time. The female characters are especially difficult to understand at times.

Dorothy Sayers is a hidden gem

What a wonderfully orchestrated mystery set in 1920s Britain. Good narration built the suspense to a satisfying ending.

Iam Carmichael. 'Nuff Said.

There is no substitute for this man. He reads Sayers like he was born for that specific purpose. My favorite voice for Lord Peter Wimsey.

Not quite the perfect crime

A death that may or may not be natural piques Wimsey’s interest. And as they sort through motive-and the finer points of law, the perfect murder isn’t.

Great story and narration

Simply love Sayers’ story and Ian Carmichael’s narration! Difficult for me to listen to any other narrator for her stories now.

Love this story and preformance

Would you consider the audio edition of Unnatural Death to be better than the print version?

I still prefer the print version, but the audio version is a good way to revisit the story

One of the best books I have ever listened to or read

I really could not figure this mystery out until the last 45 minutes or so. Usually I figure the story out much sooner. This was a pleasant surprise.

What makes this book better than most, though, is Sayers’s exploration of human nature and the unintended effects of our efforts to do good as well as to do evil. I found myself identifying with the some of the ill advised attempts to do right which went dreadfully wrong because of our own inadequate understanding of how our behaviors would affect the reactions of others. I have observed this phenomenon in a lesser way in my own life as well as in the world around.

I tend to give higher marks than books deserve because I am truly just looking for entertainment from most book. This one however, I would consider amongst the great literature of history. The performance was perfect as well. The reader made the book more enjoyable, though I want to buy a written copy because there are several sentences which are quote worthy, truly sublime examples of the well written sentence which is rare in today’s world.

My only complaint is that the last 30 minutes were excruciatingly slow because we knew who the murderer was and listening to silliness meant as humor at the point of greatest tension was tedious. Also, for some reason, Sayers has several characters point out that women are the cruelest kind of criminal. I find this a ridiculous thing to say from an author who otherwise is very thoughtful. Not that woman are not often excessively cruel, but that all the horrific cruelties of the invading hoards of male warriors throughout time are somehow not weighed in that discussion. But this was minor point within the book which was overall one of the best books I have ever experienced. It warrants ten stars in all categories.

Ian Charmicel has an excellent voice

This narration exceeded my expectations! I'm looking forward to further recordings. The story kept my interest and has many twists and turns so it keeps you engaged so that your looking forward to working with your headphones on. ;0)