Have His Carcase by Dorothy L. Sayers (1932)

A young Russian dancer's body is found at the edge of the sea; is it murder or suicide?

Mystery Review: Have His Carcase is the unfortunately-named second adventure of Harriet Vane with her admirer Lord Peter Wimsey after she was introduced in Strong Poison (1930). Although I've never quite warmed up to the much beloved Lord Peter I'm intrigued how Dorothy L. Sayers (1893-1957) employed her mystery-writer alter ego. Once again the practical Miss Vane is (vaguely) suspected of murder but charms everyone she meets. Have His Carcase is a rather lengthy book for a mystery but Sayers keeps the reader moving briskly along as she adds detail upon detail, suspect upon suspect. Her stories are engaging for somewhat more well-rounded characters than certain other authors while Vane and Wimsey (and the inimitable but indispensable Bunter) work well together (and separately). Wimsey seems to become less twittish with every book, while still retaining his ability to be occasionally be annoyingly enthusiastic. Nothing about his book collecting mania here, sadly. The mystery itself seems unnecessarily and perhaps incredibly complex and the cipher-breaking went on a little too long, but the solution to the book's riddle is elegant and believable. The characters are interesting and Sayers is always willing to put a little flesh on the bones of her story. Who knew that "lounge-lizard" was a common term in 1932? Have His Carcase was not quite as riveting as Strong Poison, but no less of an enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to the next Vane and Wimsey pairing, Gaudy Night.  [4★]