Clouds of Witness

The Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries, Book 2

By: Dorothy L. Sayers

Narrated by: Ian Carmichael

In a shocking scandal, the likes of which has not been seen in the English aristocracy since the 18th century, the Duke of Denver stands accused of the foul murder or his sister's fiancé, shot through the heart on a cold, lonely night at Riddlesdale Hall in Yorkshire. The duke's brother, Lord Peter Wimsey, attempts to prove Denver's innocence, but why is the duke refusing to cooperate? And what does his sister, Lady Mary, know about the affair? Trying to reveal the truth, Wimsey uncovers a web of lies and deceit within the family and finds himself faced with the unhappy alternative of sending either his brother or his sister to the gallows - until he himself becomes a target.

Public Domain (P)1992 AudioGO

Classic Sayers, Classic Carmichael

The combined genius of Sayers and Carmichael are a treat for both mind and ear! Really, really good.

Delightful

Dorothy L Sayers was one of the queens of the Golden Age of Mystery writing, and Ian Carmichael is an exceptional reader. He captures Peter Wimsey perfectly, differentiates all the characters extremely well. Great listening.

Almost 100 years old

I really do love Lord Peter wins the stories and the clouds of witness is one of my favorites but then I have 45 favorites in that series. It’s set in post-World War I England and like many of these stories they have good plots and this one is very good and they also make you laugh about some of the traditions and customs of the time in the English aristocracy. I love them all

Ian Carmichael!

Best reader of Wimsey I’ve heard so far. Second book in series, Sayers really rolling now. Only gets better as series progresses.

Sayers/Wimsey/Carmichael for another winning book

Love the detailed info about period life
Missed having more about Bunter
Enjoyed the bells, but too much numeric content about the peals, but I just skipped it.
Wimsey and Ian C are wonderfully paired. Hope that all the rest of the Sayers books are put into audio! Particularly Busman's Honeymoon.

Unusual plot

I have read a few hundred mysteries and I don’t remember ever seeing this plot in any other. Wonderful writing as always.

Love this genre

Great narrator! The affected dialect reminds me of Wooster and Jeeves! Complicated relationships! What a bother!

Luxuriate in the language

Ian Carmichael is unparalleled in bringing life to Ms. Sayers world. A glittering world, but one in which the horrors of war are never far behind.

Ian Carmichael has amazing range

Lots of fun in a period piece. A bit shallow and fluffy but entertaining.

Great golden age mystery !

This delightful mystery is the second featuring Lord Peter Wimsey. When his brother, the Duke of Denver, is accused of murder then it is Lord Peter's job to clear his name. The Duke is found standing over the body of his sister's fiancé, who he has recently argued with about claims that the victim, Captain Denis Cathcart, was a card sharp. However, when questioned, he refuses to give a reasonable account of why he was wandering around outside, in the middle of the night. Why is he being so secretive and what is their sister, Mary, hiding? This is a wonderful, Golden Age mystery, with Lord Peter Wimsey and Charles Parker truly collaborating. There are some great, atmospheric scenes, most notably when Wimsey and Bunter are lost on the moors. The scenes in the House of Lords, where the Duke of Denver is tried, are very interesting. The whole proceeding is intricately described. Much of the fun in these books is in Wimsey himself and his light-hearted banter and eccentric behaviour. He is one of the greatest fictional amateur detectives and this is one of his best cases.