Clouds of Witness (original 1926; edition 1995)

I do like Lord Peter. I was surprised at how little of him there was in this one, considering the family connection. In the first book, there were hints at his PTSD and such, but I didn't feel like the narrative of this book was as close to him. He wasn't so annoying, either, in his speech or attitude: part of that was probably knowing what to expect, of course, but still, it all felt somewhat toned down in this one, and not much by way of overarching plot seemed to happen -- I'm told it will, later on; I'm just eagerly watching out for it.

This one's a good mystery. Plenty of red herrings to keep one occupied, but not so difficult that it doesn't come straight near the end. Some things I got ahead of time, too, but not everything, which nicely balances the need to feel clever with the need for mystery to keep one reading.

The scenes/transcripts from court got perhaps a little too long-winded, but for the most part I found it nicely paced and easy to read.

Definitely a fun one. ( )

I think I liked Clouds of Witness more on a reread than I did the first time round. I now have a better mental image of Peter & co., after all, and I only comprehensively fell in love with the character when he fell in love with Harriet Vane. It helps that I can picture him as portrayed by both Ian Carmichael and Edward Petherbridge (leaning toward the Petherbridge, though my mother disapproves of my love for the newfangled late eighties Lord Peter), too. I'm not a visual person at all, and it seemed to help my appreciation of the novels to have a face to hang things on -- I can't imagine faces for the life of me.

Anyway, personal babble aside, I have to reluctantly say that anyone without the patience for a classical type of detective story should steer clear of Lord Peter. It's full of literary allusions, the quirks of Lord Peter's character, commentary on the social situations that arise... I really do love it, though: particularly, this time, the details of Inspector Parker determinedly to set out to purchase a fancy camisole for his sister, which tickled me rather -- and of course, his infatuation with Lady Mary.

I do think the novels get better with the introduction of Harriet Vane, but Clouds of Witness still has plenty to offer. ( )

An intricate and lovely mystery. Solid plot with lots of twists and turns. Lord Peter Wimsley is on a mission to exonerate his brother the Duke accused of murdering the fiancee of his younger sister. The period, early 20's is very well described without being heavy and awkward. The characters we've met in the previous book, Parker, the Duchess, Peter we come to care a lot about. A little less of Bunter in this one but we do meet Lady Mary and learn a little about Lord Peter's past. I loved it. I kept rationing my chapters because I didn't want it to end and have one less book to read. ( )

Love the writing and the dialogue of the different characters - it brings an era of England to life. the mystery itself is pretty good, too. lots of twists, where you think you're done and have figured it out... but no, you're not quite right. ( )

Still good fun, although I found the pace and complexity a little much after Whose Body? and the ending not entirely satisfactory - it seemed like it was all red herrings until the clue was produced literally in the nick of time that changed everything. Not bad, but not my favorite so far. ( )