I've loved Sayers' "Lord Peter" books for ages, so when I found this slightly-battered paperback (earlier edition, different cover than shown) among the charity-sale books at a local Hannaford supermarket I was delighted to nab it for release -- all the more because it's one of the titles that I hadn't already registered!

This one is relatively late in the series, and follows on the events of Strong Poison. Here, Lord Peter is attempting to court Harriet Vane, but she has determined to be independent - only her solitary walking tour leads her to discover a body, throat cut and blood streaming down, and under circumstances that leave her as a possible suspect. And Lord Peter is too well aware that if he comes to her rescue again, it's likely to make her even less willing to go out with him, but if he doesn't...

There are some entertaining bits here, including the decryption of a secret message, the affairs of the professional dancers at a seaside hotel, and Peter's attempts to prove to Harriet that he wants her as she is, stubborn and independent and all. The mystery is sufficiently convoluted to amuse mystery-lovers, though (after many re-reads and many years) I have to admit it's more than a little contrived. But I enjoyed the story, and if it isn't one of my favorite Wimsey novels it's still a very good read.

RELEASE NOTES:

I left this book among the magazines on the window ledge just inside the door of the Southgate Plaza Laundromat at about 12:30. Hope the finder enjoys it!