Venomous

Author: (English) Dorothy L. Sayers & Xu Jinghao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Detective novelist Harriet Vane has a deep understanding of poisons and has even published specialized works on the subject. Her fiancé, Philip Boyes, is unexpectedly poisoned with arsenic, and the circumstances of his death are strikingly similar to a plot described in one of her novels. Moreover, it is speculated that both the time and location of the poison ingestion leave Harriet with no way to clear herself of suspicion. However, Lord Peter Wimsey firmly believes that Harriet is not the culprit and is determined to clear her name. With only thirty days until Harriet's final judgment, Lord Wimsey must find conclusive evidence to prove her innocence by the deadline. This is undoubtedly a tremendous challenge. Lord Wimsey's reasoning begins with identifying who would benefit from Boyes's death. When the focus of suspicion finally narrows down to Uncle Urquhart, a challenge presents itself to Lord Wimsey. The last dinner Boyes had before his death was with Uncle Urquhart. If Urquhart had poisoned him during the meal, he himself should have died as well. Yet, Uncle Urquhart is alive and well, which itself serves as a strong rebuttal to Lord Wimsey's reasoning. Ice doesn't form overnight. This meticulous murder case, which seemed to leave no trace, was the result of an unbelievable and protracted plot and planning.