The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club by Dorothy L. Sayers (1928)

An elderly general is found dead one afternoon in his comfy chair at the Bellona Club, but the disposition of his estate hinges on the exact time he expired.

Mystery Review: The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club is the fifth Lord Peter Wimsey mystery (counting the prior short story collection) by Dorothy L. Sayers (1893-1957). Love that oh-so-British title. By now Lord Peter is less of a twit and is growing into his detective role. The plot is slow and deliberately paced, but as the puzzle unravels halfway through, a second riddle appears to cloud the story. A clever mystery which should elude all but the most perceptive readers (which genus did not include me). Sayers admirably evokes England in the Twenties, still grotesquely and profoundly haunted by the Great War, giving the reader the sense of stepping in and out of a time machine. The caste system is well in evidence, a clear line drawn between those who dine at their clubs with loyal staff at hand, and the servants themselves. Having packed my patience, The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club was an enjoyable read, not one to challenge Sherlock Holmes (who Sayers coyly gives a shout out or three) perhaps, but entertaining for the cast of characters and the adroit twists and detours along the way.  [3★]