Clouds of Witness

The Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries, Book 2

By: Dorothy L. Sayers

Narrated by: Ian Carmichael

Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's Summary

In a shocking scandal, the likes of which has not been seen in the English aristocracy since the 18th century, the Duke of Denver stands accused of the foul murder or his sister's fiancé, shot through the heart on a cold, lonely night at Riddlesdale Hall in Yorkshire. The duke's brother, Lord Peter Wimsey, attempts to prove Denver's innocence, but why is the duke refusing to cooperate? And what does his sister, Lady Mary, know about the affair? Trying to reveal the truth, Wimsey uncovers a web of lies and deceit within the family and finds himself faced with the unhappy alternative of sending either his brother or his sister to the gallows - until he himself becomes a target.

Public Domain (P)1992 AudioGO

The audio is the best version of all

I have read the book decades ago. I have seen the TV version multiple times, first on PBS (oh please! May PBS not ever be discontinued by shortsighted politicians) and later on tape and later still on DVD. But this version on audio is the most delightful of all.

Narrator/actor Ian Carmichael does a wonderful reading of Sayers' delightfully cloudy mystery. Absolutely superb and well worth listening to, over and over again. The humor in her earlier Lord Peter mysteries shines brightly in this version of "Clouds of Witness. " The tension of the rescue of Lord Peter from sinking into the Yorkshire bog is fully realized. I always thought Ian Carmichael too handsome on the TV versions for Sayer's Lord Peter character and too dignified. Here, where I listen only to his voice acting, he more fully becomes Lord Peter, the amateur detective who delights in silly patter while investigating death.

Ian Carmichael is the quintessential Wimsey.

A terrific classic of the golden age. The way in which three of the characters' stories get intertwined produces a very enjoyable mystery. The class distinctions of the English nobility, as well as some of the consequences of the First World War, are mixed up with the funny and erudite deductions of Lord Peter. As for Mr. Carmichael's narration, he is truly the quintessential Wimsey. He gets the spirit and tone of the book perfectly. Highly recommended. Can't wait to continue with the series.

Detection with Class!

Lord Peter is the ultimate English Upper Class Detective, and Ian Carmichael does a great job of portraying him, and the other characters in this novel. Dorothy Sayers is one of the "Queens of Crime" of the Golden Age detection, and I am glad to see that Audible seems to be re-releasing the unabridged versions of this series. Don't waste your time on any abridged versions, they loose the beauty of Sayers's prose.

Highly recommended. May the series continue to be released until all of Sayers's detective novels and short stories are available.

Like Listening to an Old Friend

Lord Peter Wimsey is one of my very favorite characters. I have read all the books and watched all the TV programs. I was delighted to see Dorothy Sayers on the recording list and excited that Ian Carmichael was doing the narration. The whole thing was delightful.

Fun story, challenging recording

I have only recently discovered Dorothy Sayers, and am enjoying her books, but I found the narration challenging to understand at times (revealing myself not to be British, I suppose) and the volume to be too low in places. Quite entertains though and the price can’t be beat!

Great book, great performance

Dorothy Sayers was one of the most brilliant writers of her time, and this rendition of Clouds of Witnesses by Ian Carmichael is so good that it actually enhances one of her classic mysteries.

Sayers/Wimsey/Carmichael for another winning book

Love the detailed info about period life
Missed having more about Bunter
Enjoyed the bells, but too much numeric content about the peals, but I just skipped it.
Wimsey and Ian C are wonderfully paired. Hope that all the rest of the Sayers books are put into audio! Particularly Busman's Honeymoon.

Wonderful writing snd narration.

I had read the Lord Peter Wimsey books several years ago and enjoyed them very much. In listening to this one now, I appreciate Sayers’ writing even more. Ian Carmichael was a perfect narrator for Wimsey. All of the voices were great except that the female voices were a bit deep. The personalities still came through, especially for the dowager duchess. A delightful listen.

Another Perfect Lord Peter

Sayers keeps me constantly with a smile on my face or wondering if
Lord Peter and Bunten are going to make it out of this scrape this time , to...wait a minute was that a clue. It is never a struggle to read Lord Peter's mysteries. It is always so refreshing to read a true mystery with a touch of "clean" grown-up humor. Ian Carmichael as the narrator is perfection and is one of my favorites .Please do not ever change him for this series.

Ian Carmichael has amazing range

Lots of fun in a period piece. A bit shallow and fluffy but entertaining.