The Five Red Herrings
The Five Red Herrings
Book Brief
Beta297
Novel • Fiction
Scotland • 1920s
2012
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Dorothy L. Sayers’ mystery novel, The Five Red Herrings, amateur sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey investigates the death of an artist in a Scottish village. With six potential suspects—all artists with differing alibis—Wimsey methodically uncovers the truth, focusing on inconsistencies to solve the case. The novel emphasizes logical deduction and attention to detail.
Mysterious
Challenging
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
16,285 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Five Red Herrings by Dorothy L. Sayers is celebrated for its intricate plot, clever use of alibis, and vivid portrayal of a Scottish setting. However, some readers may find the detailed focus on timetables and train schedules overwhelming, which can detract from character development. Overall, it remains a classic detective story with Sayers' signature wit and intelligence.
Who Should Read The Five Red Herrings?
A reader who enjoys The Five Red Herrings by Dorothy L. Sayers would likely appreciate classic British detective mysteries with intricate plots. Fans of Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd or Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles might find this novel engaging due to its cerebral puzzles and artful settings.
16,285 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Five Red Herrings was adapted for television as part of the Lord Peter Wimsey series by the BBC in 1975, starring Ian Carmichael as Lord Peter Wimsey.
The novel's meticulous attention to the details of train schedules and alibi checks reflects Sayers' background in mathematics, which adds a layer of complexity to the mystery.
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Dorothy L. Sayers set the story in Galloway, Scotland, a region she knew well, as she regularly vacationed there with her husband.
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297
Novel • Fiction
Scotland • 1920s
2012
Adult
18+ years
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