Lord Peter Wimsey Novels Trivia Quiz

Answer: Whose Body?

The first Wimsey novel "Whose Body?" was published in 1923. In this book, Lord Peter seems a bit of a caricature, with lots of mannerisms (and the mystery isn't one of the most plausible ever written). However, it's still quite a good read.

Answer: My Cattery

"Unnatural Death" is the novel that introduces the reader to the irrepressible Miss Climpson and the girls of The Cattery.
Lord Peter is the agency's patron.

Answer: Balliol

Balliol is the oldest of the numerous colleges that make up Oxford University. It was formed in the mid-13th century and is named after Lord John Balliol (who died in 1269).

Answer: Shrewsbury

The novel "Gaudy Night" centres around Harriet's return to the college for a reunion. As nightmare-ish goings on take place throughout the novel, Miss Sayers is keen to reassure her readers that "Shrewsbury College, with its dons, students and scouts, is entirely imaginary." [Quote taken from "Gaudy Night - Author's Note"]

Answer: The Duke of Denver

Peter's brother (and his wife Helen) are mentioned in most of the novels, but they are very much minor characters. Gerald does, however, have his moment in the spotlight in "Clouds of Witness" where he is accused of murder! At such times, it's handy to have a crime-solving brother.

Answer: Clouds of Witness

The assailant was the unsavoury and radical Mr Goyles, a frequenter of "The Soviet Club".

Answer: Talboys

Talboys is a charming Elizabethan farmhouse located near Harriet's childhood home, and she has always had a hankering to buy the place. Once there, the Wimseys' initial stay turns out to be a far from relaxing experience.

Answer: Murder Must Advertise

The firm is of course "Pym's Publicity". Peter is incognito and tries to give a deliberately mediocre performance to avoid drawing attention to himself. However, his cover is blown when an old cricket fan becomes convinced he is watching none other than Wimsey of Balliol (who played for Oxford at Lords in 1911).

Answer: Mervyn

As a butler and valet, Mervyn Bunter is able to guess what you want even before you've thought to ask for it! Meticulous in his preparations, he is an absolute marvel. What would Peter do without him?

Answer: General

The Bellona Club is a typical stuffy old gentleman's club that hasn't seen innovation in decades. My favourite line comes near the beginning.

When the old soldier is found dead in an armchair at the club, his grandson hysterically rants: "We're all dead and we never noticed it!"

Answer: Parker

Lestrade is (of course) the Scotland Yard man most associated with Sherlock Holmes, whilst Inspector Gideon is a character created by John Creasey. Sugg is a Lestrade-like Sayers creation who features in "Whose Body?". He was not destined to become a fixture like Inspector (later Chief-Inspector) Parker, who rapidly became an indispensable component of the series.

Answer: Strong Poison

When it comes to romance, the circumstances surrounding "Strong Poison" do not give our couple an ideal start. Harriet Vane is on trial for murder at the time!

Answer: Bells

Bells and bell-ringing form the backdrop to this novel (with even the chapter headings alluding to the ancient art of change-ringing).

Answer: Unnatural Death

"Unnatural Death" is an intriguing mystery novel. As stated elsewhere, it is the one that introduces us to Miss Climpson, who is a brilliantly drawn Marple-esque character created by Dorothy L. Sayers. (This book is one of my very favourite novels in the series.)

Answer: Windle

"Windle" is the odd one out. as it's a location in the book "Strong Poison". The others are all indeed found in "The Five Red Herrings".

Answer: Photography

Bunter's interest in photography is featured time and time again in the novels (not least due to the contribution it makes to crime solving.)

Collecting rare books and playing cricket are of course two of Lord Peter's hobbies, whilst (the somewhat more unusual) pastime of reading theological texts is the penchant of Inspector Parker.

Answer: Dian De Momerie

Leila Garland appears in "Have His Carcase", Christine Levy features in "Whose Body?", and Hilary Thorpe is a character from "The Nine Tailors".

Answer: Robert Templeton

Harriet is often wrestling with plot points, character sketches, and possible clues for her crime fiction. One can imagine Dorothy Sayers musing over the very same issues as she strolled across The Fens many years ago.

Answer: Death

The name "Death" is (believe it or not) a real name - and not purely an invention of Dorothy Sayers. Thankfully it can be pronounced de-ATH.

Answer: Jill Paton Walsh

"Thrones, Dominations" was first published 1998. Since then, Jill Paton Walsh has gone on to pen another Wimsey novel entitled "A Presumption of Death". I'm sure the books are fine. However, (personally speaking) I don't think anything can compare with the novels written by the maestro herself - the great and immortal Dorothy L. Sayers!