The Attenbury Emeralds

De: Jill Paton Walsh

Narrado por: Edward Petherbridge

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

A Triumph

Walsh captures the Sayer's style in her first standalone sequel to the Lord Peter Whimsey stories. I was terribly excited to see that Edward Petherbridge was the narrator! His performances in the1980's Dorothy L. Sayers Mystery miniseries was definitive. His voice is a bit soft, and and shows his age, but as Peter is in his 60's in this book it compliments rather than detracts from the atmosphere of the story.

Only for existing Dorothy L Sayers fans

It is an okay book, really a bit of a cozy. It is a book for those that miss the Peter and Harriet characters enough to enjoy a paler version of the originals.

Good story, but not for the car

I love the original Dorothy Sayers books. Jill Paton Walsh does as excellent job of continuing the series in most respects. The main difference is that Lord and Lady Peter no longer toss quotations back and forth as freely, which is a relatively minor thing.

Others have commented adversely on the sound quality of this recording. When I first tried to listen to it while driving, it was unintelligible. When I gave it one last try, NOT in the car, it was totally clear. Maybe the speakers, maybe a cleaner download, whatever the cause, no longer a problem.

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.