Clouds of Witness

This delightful production is a perfect introduction to the world of Lord Peter Wimsey, one of the world's foremost fictional detectives. Listeners, who may be familiar with Carmichael's smooth portrayal of Lord Peter from PBS's "Mystery," will equally enjoy his adept and vivid characterizations of the other characters, including Bunter, Inspector Parker, and Sir Impy Biggs. Lord Peter returns from a vacation to investigate a murder on his own doorstep: His brother, the Duke of Denver, has been arrested for the murder of his sister Mary's fiancé. The unabridged presentation does justice to a multilayered, complex story line and will give listeners a chance to be reintroduced to one of the earliest appearances of this elegant, classic character. E.J.F. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

When Lord Peter Wimsey's brother, the Duke of Denver, is accused of murder, Lord Peter attempts to prove his innocence. What surprises Wimsey is the stubborn opposition he faces from his brother and other family members who don't seem to want him to investigate. Perfectly realized performances make this BBC Radio full-cast dramatization of Sayers's second Lord Peter Wimsey novel (1926) a listening joy. With all the finesse one could wish for, Ian Carmichael stars as Lord Peter, with Patricia Routledge as the Dowager Duchess and Miriam Margolyes as Mrs. Hardraw. Carmichael makes Wimsey's whimsy delightfully droll, and Sayers surrounds him with charmingly dotty characters and a clever plot filled with clues, red herrings, and choice suspects. Audio drama doesn't get much better than this. S.J.H. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine