41 pages • 1 hour read
Gaudy Night
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Book Brief
544
Novel • Fiction
Oxford, England • 1930s
1935
Adult
18+ years
870L
Super Short Summary
Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers follows mystery author Harriet Vane as she investigates a series of poison-pen letters and acts of vandalism at her Oxford alma mater, Shrewsbury College, where she reunites with former faculty and friends. Harriet enlists the help of Lord Peter Wimsey, and together they uncover the culprit while also navigating their evolving personal relationship. Topics include: attempted murder and mental health issues.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Romantic
Informative
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
34,277 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Dorothy L. Sayers' Gaudy Night is lauded for its intellectual depth and intricate mystery, set against the backdrop of an Oxford women's college. Reviewers commend its exploration of feminism and academic life. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot weighed down by philosophical digressions. Overall, it's praised as a compelling, thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Gaudy Night?
Readers who enjoy Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers typically appreciate intellectually stimulating mysteries with strong, independent female protagonists. Similar audiences might favor works like Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh or Miss Marple series by Agatha Christie, which blend wit, social critique, and intricate plots.
34,277 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lord Peter Death Bredon Wimsey
Lord Peter Death Bredon Wimsey
A 45-year-old aristocrat and amateur detective, known for his brilliant analytical skills, who works on special assignments for the Foreign Office.
Miss de Vine
Miss de Vine
A middle-aged scholar devoted to the life of the mind, known for her unyielding allegiance to truth.
Annie Wilson (Charlotte Ann Robinson)
Annie Wilson (Charlotte Ann Robinson)
A scout at Shrewsbury and widow of Arthur Robinson, she holds traditional beliefs about a woman's role.
Shrewsbury Faculty and Administrators
Shrewsbury Faculty and Administrators
The Dean, Miss Letitia Martin, supports Harriet, while Dr. Margaret Baring, the Warden, seeks to prevent scandal. Miss Hillyard is a History tutor critical of matrimony. Miss Lydgate, the Sub-Warden, is an innocent scholar whose work gets vandalized.
Viscount Gerald St. George
Viscount Gerald St. George
Wimsey's handsome, irresponsible nephew who is fond of Harriet.
Miss Cattermole
Miss Cattermole
A student who attends college to appease her parents, much to Harriet's frustration.
Mr. Pomfret
Mr. Pomfret
A 20-year-old student who becomes infatuated with Harriet and later makes amends with Wimsey.
Miss Newland
Miss Newland
An intellectually gifted student who becomes a target of the Poison-Pen.
544
Novel • Fiction
Oxford, England • 1930s
1935
Adult
18+ years
870L
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