THRONES, DOMINATIONS

Sayers never finished this Lord Peter Wimsey mystery, which she began in 1936. Here it is ably completed by Jill Paton Walsh. Peter and Harriet are married, living in London and working on an odd, high-society murder. Glimpses of their life together, the English class system and a bygone era combine for a most interesting period piece. Ian Carmichael, who has played Lord Peter several times for television, is excellent. Particularly enjoyable are his recreations of the self-proclaimed old lady/busybody who adds sparkle to the staid setting. Also his dramatic diary readings are a fun addition to the story. It is truly wonderful to have a new Sayers mystery worthy of her writing and characters, and Carmichael's outstanding presentation adds to the literary treat. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 00]