Strong Poison

I originally read this years ago and was just reminded of it recently, prompting a reread. I probably would have given it 4 or 5 stars then, I remember that I loved the Harriet Vane books more than the others in the series.

This time around... kinda boring. Very expositiony, no emotional growth. I did like some of the minor characters like Miss Climpston and Bill Rum, but Peter seemed rather static. I may just have to reread more of the series!

I wonder if I wouldn't have enjoyed this more if I'd read the previous books in the series.

As is, I don't much care for Lord Wimsey. He's both silly and smart in a way that I don't find charming, not nearly as charming as to justify his flippant attitude. And I think that's something I'm supposed to enjoy about this book. That's not a literary criticism. It's really just my personal taste, I think.

Otherwise, this book is fine. I think the structure – beginning with a trial rather than ending – is very interesting. And there are lots of fun, cultural items from the time that I found entertaining.

But the plot is fairly pat and I just couldn't feel much tension in this book.

Not that it matters for the book itself, but the sound on the audiobook version is not very good.