The characters are often well - developed. Sayers was good at getting into the minds of her characters, and in her Sherlock Holmes fan fiction, you can see a deep exploration of Holmes and Watson's personalities. For example, Holmes might be shown with more emotional depth than in some other interpretations. Also, the settings are vividly described. You can almost smell the foggy London streets as you read, which really adds to the overall atmosphere of the story.
One well - known piece might be 'A Matter of National Importance' which combines Sayers' writing style with the Sherlock Holmes universe in an interesting way. It has a great plot that keeps you guessing, much like Doyle's original works.
Well, her detective fiction often features a strong sense of place. For example, she vividly describes the English settings, which adds to the atmosphere of the stories. The social context is also important. She weaves in elements of the upper - class society of her time, showing the manners, values and power dynamics. And of course, the mystery - solving in her works is methodical. Lord Peter Wimsey uses his intelligence, knowledge of various fields like literature and art, and his powers of deduction to crack the cases.
'Busman's Honeymoon' is also quite popular. It is a Lord Peter Wimsey novel that focuses on his honeymoon, which, of course, gets interrupted by a mystery that he has to solve. It's a story that combines elements of romance and mystery in an engaging way.
'Strong Poison' is also among her best. This novel is important as it introduces Harriet Vane, a strong - willed and intelligent female character. The mystery revolves around her being accused of murder, and Lord Peter Wimsey sets out to prove her innocence, and it has all the elements of a classic Sayers mystery with clever dialogue and interesting characters.
In my opinion, 'Gaudy Night' is one of the best. It combines mystery with an exploration of the intellectual and academic world. The characters are well - drawn, especially Harriet Vane, and the relationship between her and Lord Peter Wimsey adds depth to the story. The mystery at the heart of the novel, set against the backdrop of a women's college, is both engaging and thought - provoking.
Lord Peter Wimsey is at the heart of Dorothy L Sayers' detective fiction. He is from the upper class, which gives him access to certain circles and also influences his way of thinking. Harriet Vane is another key character. She is a writer, and her presence adds a different dimension to the stories. There are also other characters like Bunter, Lord Peter's manservant, who is loyal and often assists in the investigations.