41 pages • 1 hour read
Gaudy Night
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
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
544
Novel • Fiction
Oxford, England • 1930s
1935
Adult
18+ years
870L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.