Murder Must Advertise

Lord Peter Wimsey plays a double part when he goes undercover as the amiable Death Bredon, a mild-mannered, multiskilled copy editor at Pym's Publicity, a large and successful advertising agency. In the unraveling of another murder, Wimsey enters the drug-riddled world of the decadent rich. Ian Carmichael could not be more Wimsey. In the last quarter of the novel, however, Carmichael begins dropping the "g's" from Wimsey's "ing" words, an odd habit for the ever so precise aristocrat. M.D.H. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine

This short but most satisfying Lord Peter Wimsey mystery, though pleasingly old-fashioned, is still appropriate today in our world of clever advertising and recreational drugs. Ian Carmichael recreates Lord Peter perfectly as the aristocratic gentleman and, in this story, jingle-writing advertising man. He makes Lord Peter blend in most believably with the everyday setting. Sound effects and the simpering of a spoiled aristocrat help bring the vintage time frame alive. Three other splendid narrators help enhance memorable lines such as, "It's not every puppy that appears in the kennel book." This is the perfect recommendation for mystery fans, as well as those who simply want to be entertained by the best! S.G.B. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

Lord Peter Wimsey learns the advertising trade while unmasking a slingshot murderer and a cocaine distribution ring. Ian Carmichael expertly articulates the differing voices of the many characters. The production never drags and charms the listener throughout. J.D.N. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Devotees of the Peter Wimsey mysteries are enchanted, not only by the idiosyncracies of their aptly named detective, but equally by the voice of Dorothy Sayers, who is subtly but definitely present in all her storytelling. So it's surprising that Recorded Books (usually reliable for flawless casting) chose a male voice--a decidedly mature one, at that--for this recording. John Franklyn-Robbins misses no shade of meaning, and (after a rough opening in which he struggles to distinguish 10 characters, with only moderate success), gives a respectable reading, including a suitable vocalization of Lord Peter. It will do, but it wants a woman's touch. S.P. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine