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A Presumption of Death

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A Presumption of Death

By: Jill Paton Walsh, Dorothy L. Sayers
Narrated by: Edward Petherbridge
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About this listen

In A Presumption of Death, Jill Paton Walsh tells how World War II changed the lives of Peter, Harriet and their growing family.

The story opens in 1940. Harriet Vane - now Lady Peter Wimsey - has taken her children to safety in the country. But the war has followed them: glamorous RAF pilots and even more glamorous land-girls scandalise the villagers; the blackout makes the nighttime lanes as sinister as the back alleys of London. Then the village's first air raid practise ends with a very real body on the ground - not a war casualty but a case of plain, old-fashioned murder. And even before the second body is found, Lord Peter Wimsey and his brilliant wife are on their way to finding the killer.

©2002 Jill Paton Walsh and the Trustees of Anthony Fleming, deceased (P)2003 Audible
Crime Thrillers Historical Traditional Detectives World War II Young Adult Village Fiction War
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Critic reviews

She brought to the detective novel originality, intelligence, energy and wit. (P.D. James)
I admire her novels . . . she has great fertility of invention, ingenuity and a wonderful eye for detail (Ruth Rendell)
She combined literary prose with powerful suspense, and it takes a rare talent to achieve that. A truly great storyteller. (Minette Walters)

What listeners say about A Presumption of Death

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    4 out of 5 stars

Completely Unexpected.

I have tried reading this story and I wasn't that impressed. I do like Mr Petherbridge's narration in other recordings so thought I would give it a try. I much prefer the recording to the actual book. Mr Petherbridge so carefully brings the characters to life. That and his RP BBC "Home Service" delivery which matches so perfectly with the era in which the story is set enables you to willingly suspend disbelief. As though one was listening to a very good Radio Play on Radio 4.

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always good to hear Petherbridge

the story is a little bit slow and straggling, but I'm mainly glad I tried it

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Wartime for Peter & Harriett

Largely Harriet centric story set during the early War years.Gives a very good impression of wartime village life and the social order change begining to unfold in England.

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A Presumption of Death

A brilliant Lord Peter Wimsey mystery very entertaining, read with great feeling by Edward Petherbridge.

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Such a treat

The wonderful and hugely missed Edward Petherbridge reads this ingenious tale.

WWII is underway and Harriet Vane become the lead voice.

A very real treat to be lead on such a diverting adventure of the imagination by the unparalleled and incomparable voice of Mr Petherbridge, surely the definitive portrayer of Lord Peter.

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A Magnificent Job.

Jill Paton Walsh has brought to life Dorothy L Sayers characters in an absorbing story. Edward Petherbridge is the quintessential Wimsey in my opinion.
Highly recommended

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Fabulous!

A wonderful reading by Edward Petherbridge that really brings this strong story to life. Well worth listening too.

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Thoroughly enjoyable

Good story which resonated with times now - much wartime experience reminding me of Covid

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We’ll worth a read

The narration is accomplished and portray the characters beautifully
The story is clever with many twists and turns and the final ending ties things up marvelously

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Sorry when it finished !

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this and would heartily recommend it to Peter Wimsey and Harriet fans.

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