Whose Body? (Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries)

Book Description

The stark naked body was lying in the tub. Not unusual for a proper bath, but highly irregular for murder -- especially witha pair of gold pince-nez deliberately perched before the sightless eyes. What's more, the face appeared to have been shaved after death. The police assumed that the victim was a prominent financier, but Lord Peter Wimsey, who dabbled in mystery detection as a hobby, knew better. In this, his first murder case, Lord Peter untangles the ghastly mystery of the corpse in the bath.

Customer Reviews:

"His clothes were kind of a rebuke to the world at large.".......2006-09-18

Whose Body? Sayers first Lord Peter Whimsey novel hints at the promise of later volumes in the series. Lord Peter is the aristocrat who took up amateur sleuthing as a distraction from shell shock he suffers from serving in WWI. He has an enormous intelligence, a knack for charming difficult people and a fussy rambling manner that some mistake for weakness. His other talents are piano playing, knowledge of ancient books and manuscripts, and an athletic physique disguised by his sartorial excellence.

In this volume there is a seemingly insolvable mystery, with a not too competent police inspector who doesn't seem to like Lord Peter very much. Shades of Sherlock Holmes Inspector Lestrade? Sayers is still putting together her writing style and comes out with florid phrases like "His long amiable face looked as if it had generated spontaneously from his top hat, as white maggots breed from Gorgonzola." However, Sayers undoubtedly has a mastery of the English language and Whose Body is a highly readable novel as well as a good mystery which sets the stage for Lord Peter to develop as a character.

Detecting with Sophisticated Nonchalance.......2006-01-31

Lord Peter Wimsey, one of the classic detectives of British mysteries, is introduced to the reader and the world in this 1923 whodunit.

Miss Dorothy L Sayers, who with grace and wisdom excelled in this genre, presents her amateur sleuth as one whose "...long, amiable face looked as if it had generated spontaneously from his top hat, as white maggots breed from Gorgonzola."

We are drawn into a murder investigation that will include a body in the bath and a dowager duchess -- the first, disposed of in someone else's flat, and the second being Lord Peter's mother. We meet Wimsey's faithful manservant Bunter (who is also his protector) and we learn some of the quirks and sterling virtues of Lord Peter's character.

Wimsey is Miss Sayers' beau ideal of manhood--with an intellect and style that seems a combination of the (then) Prince of Wales (Wimsey's look, bearing and college being the same as the future Duke of Windsor) and Fred Astaire.

When not collecting rare books and sipping vintage wine, he collects around himself rare suspects and metes out the draught of justice. A gentleman to the core, Oxford educated and a veteran of the Great War (which has left him the worse for wear) Wimsey is the epitome of sophisticated nonchalance.

Without giving anything away, I encourage you to look for the humanity of Lord Peter. How he struggles with the issue of mercy v. justice. It is ever-present in the Sayers oeuvre, especially in the denouement.

For this reason, and many others, you will like Wimsey. You will like the way Miss Sayers writes. You will want to read more of these Lord Peter mysteries and there are a number of excellent ones to read.

And then you will wish there were many, many more.

If you find this review helpful you might want to read some of my other reviews, including those on subjects ranging from biography to architecture, as well as religion and fiction.

Delightful........2005-04-26

I had forgotten how fun this is. Reflecting the social attitudes of English aristocracy at the time, yet still with the impact of WWI, Wimsey is an interesting character surrounded by a cast of excellent supporting players. It was a real treat to be re-introduced to this delightful series. If you've not read Dorothy Sayers, I recommend giving the series a try.

The First in a Classic Series.......2004-11-13

Published in 1923, WHOSE BODY? was the first of Dorothy Sayers' novels--and in it she introduces the supercillious Lord Peter Wimsey, who conceals his depth under the veneer of London fop and who dabbles in criminal detection. And when a naked body is found in a timid architech's bathtub, Wimsey wastes little time in exploring the possibilities.

As others have noted, WHOSE BODY? is plagued by a certain degree patronizing racism--a disturbing note that Sayers will repeat in virtually every novel in the series. This is not defensible, but in fairness to Sayers it should be noted that she was of the "British Empire Era," a period in which such attitudes were the norm. And she is hardly the only writer of that period to strike such poses; the same attitudes arise, for instance, in Agatha Christie's novels of the 1920s and 1930s.

That aside, to a certain extent this is indeed an apprentice work, and it reads as somewhat stiff and mannered in comparison with Sayers' later work--but considered on its own merits the novel holds up unexpectedly well. This is largely due to the humor with which Sayers approaches her story, and while she will qualify, soften, and further humanize Lord Peter in later works he is nonetheless an instantly fascinating and completely original creation. While this particular novel will always be of more interest to established Wimsey fans than to newcomers, it is nonetheless the beginning of a series that would produce at least four masterworks--and as such it deserves to be read.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

Introducing Lord Peter and company.......2004-09-28

This is the first of the 'Lord Peter' series and therefore spends a lot of time laying the groundword for the series. We learn of Peter's wartime experiences and subsequent post traumatic stress (to use 21st century terms), meet many of the characters that will return through the series, most notably Bunter, Parker, and the Duchess Dowager. The on going conflict that Peter feels about the consequences of his 'poking around' is also introduced.

The mystery centers on the disappearance of a wealthy businessman and the appearance of a naked corpse in a bathtub. Peter finds the connection between these seemingly unrelated events after following a trail through various strata of 1920's English society. Although the mystery is clever for me at least the real story here is Lord Peter and his world. The lives of Peter and his friends and family are much more engaging than the mystery. This is definitely a 'cozy' series, anyone looking for a more hardcore challenging story should look elsewhere.

This story was written and set in the early 1920's and is definitely a product of those times. There a numerous comments that are typical to the time but are very offensive to the 21st century reader. Ignore those and enjoy the rest of the story.

This is also a first novel and has some flaws common to first novels. Sayers gives us far too much information and detail. The subsequent novels are better edited and move along more easily. Still this is a must read for any fan of this series.

Average customer rating:

Lynn, mother of twins
(RAW Rating: 4.5) - Knees. Knees, Knees
Wonderful book
what lovely knees
My son loves this book!

Whose Knees are These?
Jabari Asim
Manufacturer: L,B Kids
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

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ASIN: 0316735760

Customer Reviews:

Lynn, mother of twins.......2007-09-18

I purchased this book, along with "Whose Toes are Those?" for my twin boy and girl. They both love them! I think that these are great African-American books.

(RAW Rating: 4.5) - Knees. Knees, Knees.......2007-02-10

Jabari Asim has created a wonderful board book featuring characters of color that centers around, you guessed it, knees. The story starts with a question, that is sure to give a sense of mystery and intrigue to even the youngest of readers; "Whose knees are these?" Throughout the book, which is filled with fun illustrations, readers follow along until the narrator finally figures out to whom the mysterious knees belong.

WHOSE KNEES ARE THESE is an engaging celebration of individuality. The fun, rhyming language, and the overall simplicity of the story itself make it perfect for the target age group. In addition to celebrating uniqueness, the book promotes body awareness, introduces the concept of left and right, and encourages positive self-image and familial bonds. Toddlers, who often enjoy reading the same book over and over, can quickly pick up the book's content, and may even chose to "read" it to their parents.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Wonderful book.......2006-10-04

I was so happy to hear of this book on the NYTimes book review and see board books (along with partner book Whose Toes are Those) written for African American toddlers. My son is 18 months old and this is his favorite book! He carries it everywhere and forces me to read it over and over and over and over at bedtime.

what lovely knees.......2006-08-05

I have a new baby and I am seeking out books for black babies. I stumbled across this and I love it. I am buying a load of them for friends for the holidays--I'm planning ahead! Also check out the matching book, "Whose Toes Are Those," which features a little black girl--I have that too! I am glad to share my love of books with my son and better still that they feature children of color.

My son loves this book!.......2006-07-23

When I saw "Whose knees are these" I scooped it up just because I was so excited to see knees that looked like my son's on the cover of a book. Andrew absolutely adores this book and takes it everywhere. He's 14 months and loves showing mommy, daddy and grandparents his knees all the time now. I want every book by Jabari Asim now... and I thank God that someone is writing board books for black babies.

Surviving Betrayal: Hope and Help for Women Whose Partners Have Been Unfaithful * 365 Daily Meditations

Average customer rating:

Basic
This is an indispensible tool
Just OK for me
Just OK for me
Excellent book!

Surviving Betrayal: Hope and Help for Women Whose Partners Have Been Unfaithful * 365 Daily Meditations
Alice May
Manufacturer: HarperOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0062518046

Book Description

When Your Life Has Been Turned Upside Down

Filled with profound wisdom and clear, healing guidance, Surviving Betrayal is the essential companion for any woman whose life has been shattered by infidelity.

Author Alice May, who knows firsthand the devastating blow of spousal betrayal, gently leads women through the painful feelings of denial, desperation, and spiritual depletion that accompany infidelity. She shares her experience and strength and that of other women on how to find healthy outlets for rage, survive the inevitable rough spots, regain trust in others, and allow truth to heal the pain. She helps women empower themselves to live their lives with grace, dignity, and calm.

Customer Reviews:

Basic.......2007-03-27

pretty good basic daily meditation guide. Some things too broad and don't apply to me directly but overall a good start to the day.

This is an indispensible tool.......2006-01-11

This book is a must-have for any woman whose life has been shattered by betrayal. My husband and I prided ourselves on our continued love and lust after 25 years of marriage; you can imagine how devastated I was to learn that he was involved in an affair. May's book of meditations is somewhat like 12-step program literature--it puts the wounded partner's focus back on herself to promote healing. It will validate all the irrational, sick thoughts that betrayal causes, and provide some comfort that this too shall pass. Although we are working to repair our marriage, I still read this book everyday, because it could be tomorrow that it happens again; what I will see is that I cannot control what anyone else does, just that it's not my fault that someone else is soul sick. Do not be put off by the mention of "God;" just as in 12 step programs, this could be anything that provides you strength: Al-Anon meetings (go to them--they are a lifesaver), religion, or even the sunrise. I found this book indispensible. When my copy gets old, I hope to get another one.

Just OK for me.......2004-07-18

I have to disagree with the previous ratings, I didn't find this book that helpful. "Alice May" advocates that one is able to get through and heal from adultery without the help of God and it's only been by God's grace and provision that I am making it through. Also, her suggestions are pretty short and limited. She basically tells you where to go but gives little direction as to how to get there. I would suggest going with a Christian author who focuses on God and His healing grace and not on our own abilitys. God bless all who are going through this I know it's a very trying time!

Just OK for me.......2004-07-18

Excellent book!.......2003-11-14

I would not have made it without this book. After 23 years of marriage, the revelation of infidelity almost killed me. No matter what I was feeling or thinking on any given day, I could find hope that I would make it. I did. And this book has been my "bible".

Whose Body Is It Anyway?: Justice and the Integrity of the Person

Average customer rating:

Whose Body Is It Anyway?: Justice and the Integrity of the Person
Cecile Fabre
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0199289999

Book Description

In the prevailing liberal ethos, if there is one thing that is beyond the reach of others, it is our body in particular, and our person in general: our legal and political tradition is such that we have the right to deny others access to our person and body, even though doing so would harm those who need personal services from us, or body parts. However, we lack the right to use ourselves as we wish in order to raise income, even though we do not necessarily harm others by doing so---even though we might in fact benefit them by doing so. Cecile Fabre's aim in this book is to show that, according to the principles of distributive justice which inform most liberal democracies, both in practice and in theory, it should be exactly the other way around: that is, if it is true that we lack the right to withhold access to material resources from those who need them, we also lack the right to withhold access to our body from those who need it; but we do, under some circumstances, have the right to decide how to use it in order to raise income. More specifically, she argues in favour of the confiscation of body parts and personal services, as well as of the commercialization of organs, sex, and reproductive capacities.

Average customer rating:

Dorothy L. Sayers mystifies us from the beginning

WHOSE BODY?
DOROTHY SAYERS
Manufacturer: Boni & Liveright
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0739405292

Product Description

A modern reprint of Dorothy L. Sayers's first mystery novel, which gave the world one of the most remarkable figures in crime fiction, Lord Peter Wimsey.

Customer Reviews:

Dorothy L. Sayers mystifies us from the beginning.......2005-10-08

From the very beginning we are capture by her writing style and characters. She only gets better from here. It is the interaction and relationship of her characters that make the story come alive.

We start off with two mysteries at once. A naked man wearing sunglasses is found in someone else's bathtub. Across town an important person goes missing. The local policeman had figures it out already (or has he). He has even nabbed the suspects. Lord Peter (armature sleuth) and friend of Inspector Parker must figure out if one plus one is one or two.

Whose body?

Whose Body?: The First Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery (Mystery Masters)

Average customer rating:

Dorothy L. Sayers mystifies us from the beginning

Whose Body?: The First Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery (Mystery Masters)
Dorothy L. Sayers
Manufacturer: The Audio Partners, Mystery Masters
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 1572705213

Book Description

A naked body is found lying in the tub, a gold pince-nez perched before the sightless eyes. Telltale signs indicate that the face was shaved after death. Despite evidence to the contrary, the police are certain that the victim was a prominent financier. Lord Peter Wimsey knows better, but can he prove it? First published in 1923, Whose Body? established the disarmingly debonair, and somewhat foppish, Wimsey as one of the most enduring characters in English literature. It remains one of the most significant — and most charming — of the Golden Age mysteries.

Customer Reviews:

Dorothy L. Sayers mystifies us from the beginning.......2006-03-20

Average customer rating:

Dorothy L. Sayers mystifies us from the beginning

Whose Body?
Dorothy L. Sayers
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0060808292

Customer Reviews:

Dorothy L. Sayers mystifies us from the beginning.......2006-07-21

From the very beginning of this story we are capture by Sayers' writing style and character sketches. She only gets better from here. It is the interaction and relationship of her characters that make the story come alive.

We start off with two mysteries at once. A naked man, wearing sunglasses, is found in someone else's bathtub. Across town an important person goes missing. The local policeman had figured out the relationship already (or has he). He has even nabbed the suspects. Lord Peter (armature sleuth) and friend of Inspector Parker must figure out if one plus one is one or two.

Whose body?

Three Complete Lord Peter Wimsey Novels: Whose Body?, Murder Must Advertise, Gaudy Night

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Three Complete Lord Peter Wimsey Novels: Whose Body?, Murder Must Advertise, Gaudy Night
Dorothy L. Sayers
Manufacturer: Random House Value Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

ASIN: 0517077779
Release Date: 1992-02-24

Average customer rating:

Abridgment loses the ambiance

Whose Body? (BBC Radio Collection)
Dorothy L. Sayers
Manufacturer: BBC Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 0563529091

Customer Reviews:

Abridgment loses the ambiance.......2006-07-31

Whose Skin Is This?: A Look at Animal Skin--Scaly, Furry, and Prickly (Whose Is It?)

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Whose Skin Is This?: A Look at Animal Skin--Scaly, Furry, and Prickly (Whose Is It?)
Lisa Morris Kee
Manufacturer: Picture Window Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1404800107

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