Berkeley’s Poisoned Chocolates (the only book of his I’ve read) is sui generis, incomparable. Unpleasantness at Bellona is superb, the tightest and most persuasive of Sayers, imho. Excellent analysis, thanks.
Dorothy L. Sayers is my second favorite after Agatha Christie and you're right, they have some similarities, but many differences! My favorites are Bellona Club and Gaudy Night, and it is interesting that those are amongst the 3 tied for the most "Christie-ish". And yes, Sayers' writing is very long-winded. Haha. I do like how she paints such a detailed picture, but I definitely need to be in a different head space to read one of her novels versus a Christie.
Yeah, I think especially mid to late Sayers get very long winded and I'm not always sure we need those descriptions. Ngaio Marsh is another who sometimes does that but those description become plot relevant so they are better integrated into the story in my opinion. I really love Sayers' plots much more than her writing.
@@summationgathering I've actually never read anything by Marsh! I'm always looking for new murder mystery writers (similar to or different from Christie, as long as I enjoy their books). This video was really interesting and also helpful in terms of some new suggestions!
@@rebeccag8589 I hope it works out for you. The first five Marsh novels can be a bit rough but I think if you start with Artists in Crime and proceed forward from there, you'll have a good experience. I know a lot of people find Marsh tedious and I agree she can be in some novels but I would disagree that is a regular issue for her.
Avoid the Hannah Poirots absolutely and unconditionally - all nonsense - ramble on - feel wrong - outrageously done for money - the Christie Estate has a lot to answer for, by choosing her for the sequels. Marsh mostly excellent and addictive - Death in a White Tie, Surfeit of Lampreys, Final Curtain, Scales of Justice, Tied Up in Tinsel five of the most interesting. Most tedious perhaps Death at the Bar, Photo Finish, Colour Scheme,. Sayers - best Strong Poison. Most fascinating Gaudy Night and Unnatural Death. Also recommend her short story The Leopard Lady (an idea Agatha Christie employs for The Pale Horse). Nine Taylors and Five Red Herrings I found unreadable. Patricia Wentworth mostly unreadable.
@@summationgathering I thought they might be. You are too diplomatic about Hannah. Perhaps you could review the Marple collection of short stories by various? Not a single one quite satisfies tho some worse than others.
@@58christiansful I reviewed the Hannah Poirots and the Miss Marple short stories here: ua-cam.com/video/8gWTgColYaI/v-deo.html I actually liked the Marple stories, though I agree some are stronger than others.
Another great video! I've said it before and I'll say it again: I can't wait till you get time to read all of Georgette Heyer's murder mysteries and all of Josephine Tey! I hope they are at least on your long term to-do list 😊
Berkeley’s Poisoned Chocolates (the only book of his I’ve read) is sui generis, incomparable.
Unpleasantness at Bellona is superb, the tightest and most persuasive of Sayers, imho.
Excellent analysis, thanks.
Thanks!
I really enjoy your reviews. Thanks!
Thank you.
Dorothy L. Sayers is my second favorite after Agatha Christie and you're right, they have some similarities, but many differences! My favorites are Bellona Club and Gaudy Night, and it is interesting that those are amongst the 3 tied for the most "Christie-ish". And yes, Sayers' writing is very long-winded. Haha. I do like how she paints such a detailed picture, but I definitely need to be in a different head space to read one of her novels versus a Christie.
Yeah, I think especially mid to late Sayers get very long winded and I'm not always sure we need those descriptions. Ngaio Marsh is another who sometimes does that but those description become plot relevant so they are better integrated into the story in my opinion. I really love Sayers' plots much more than her writing.
@@summationgathering I've actually never read anything by Marsh! I'm always looking for new murder mystery writers (similar to or different from Christie, as long as I enjoy their books). This video was really interesting and also helpful in terms of some new suggestions!
@@rebeccag8589 I hope it works out for you. The first five Marsh novels can be a bit rough but I think if you start with Artists in Crime and proceed forward from there, you'll have a good experience. I know a lot of people find Marsh tedious and I agree she can be in some novels but I would disagree that is a regular issue for her.
Avoid the Hannah Poirots absolutely and unconditionally - all nonsense - ramble on - feel wrong - outrageously done for money - the Christie Estate has a lot to answer for, by choosing her for the sequels.
Marsh mostly excellent and addictive - Death in a White Tie, Surfeit of Lampreys, Final Curtain, Scales of Justice, Tied Up in Tinsel five of the most interesting. Most tedious perhaps Death at the Bar, Photo Finish, Colour Scheme,.
Sayers - best Strong Poison. Most fascinating Gaudy Night and Unnatural Death. Also recommend her short story The Leopard Lady (an idea Agatha Christie employs for The Pale Horse). Nine Taylors and Five Red Herrings I found unreadable.
Patricia Wentworth mostly unreadable.
Those are my opinions almost exactly.
@@summationgathering I thought they might be. You are too diplomatic about Hannah. Perhaps you could review the Marple collection of short stories by various? Not a single one quite satisfies tho some worse than others.
@@58christiansful I reviewed the Hannah Poirots and the Miss Marple short stories here: ua-cam.com/video/8gWTgColYaI/v-deo.html I actually liked the Marple stories, though I agree some are stronger than others.
Another great video! I've said it before and I'll say it again: I can't wait till you get time to read all of Georgette Heyer's murder mysteries and all of Josephine Tey! I hope they are at least on your long term to-do list 😊
They are!
@@summationgathering woohoo! 😁
Yes!
This was an interesting video. Kudos, sir.
Thanks!