Like all genres, murder mysteries have components that readers expect. And “Unnatural Death” by Dorothy L. Sayers didn’t disappoint.
This book met my most important requirement for mysteries:
— I didn’t guess the identity of the killer! The plot was ingenious and complicated (without being hard to follow), and included enough red herrings to keep me off track.
I did figure out the method of murder before it was revealed. But I discovered that Sayers was likely the first writer to use that option. I think the only reason I guessed it, was because stories written later have used the same method.
So Sayers’ originality and the fact her “how the killer did it” idea has been adapted by others, is an added compliment to her.
The most striking and gratifying part of this story is Sayers’ development of a secondary character who society would typically dismiss as unimportant. This nuance elevates the story beyond entertainment, and reinforces the most valuable impact fiction has on society:
Compelling fiction reflects truth.
Sayers introduces an intelligent spinster named Miss Climpson. And the protagonist values the spinster’s talents and hires her to help discover the truth. Like many people in the world, unmarried ladies at the time (and sometimes even now), seem to be underrated and judged to be “not as useful” as others.
And Sayers presents this truth flawlessly, without preaching or heavy-handedness, which is a silent lesson to the reader:
Regardless of occupation or appearance or origin or “status”, every person is valuable and provides worth to the world.
NOTE: The audio version of “Unnatural Death” by Dorothy L. Sayers is in the public domain on librivox.org.
What truth have you learned from fiction?
The Value of a Murder (Mystery) – What truth has fiction taught you? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
Sounds like a great book, Joni. Thank you for highlighting Unnatural Death. I need to add this one to my list.
Thanks, Katherine. I’m so grateful for librivox.org. Many of the books have multiple versions with different audio readers, so you can pick the person whose voice you like the most.
Sometimes you learn more from the secondary characters than the protagonist:) Interesting post!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Jane. 🙂
A good story, with well-developed characters, often gives us insight into human nature. Thanks for a good post, Joni.
Thanks for your insights, Phyllis. I appreciate you reading and sharing.
Great post, Joni. I shared it on “X.”
Thank you for reading and sharing, Tim. I appreciate your support.