A Presumption of Death is like coming home to a houseful of good friends you haven’t seen in years. There is something comforting in being surrounded by those you love. Ms. Paton Walsh handles the homecoming with the skill of a truly gifted author. Never in this novel do the characters appear alien to those first introduced by Ms. Sayers. But it is not just the familiarity with those characters that makes this such a wonderful read. The storyline itself is what drives the book so pleasantly forward. Against the backdrop of the early days of Germany’s aggression against England in World War II, we are given an insightful look into how that war affected the lives of everyday people. Through her descriptions of a time when rationing, blackouts, and air raid drills were the daily norm, we have a vivid look at how the human spirit rallies itself to serve in any capacity for the common good. Of course, it’s not a Wimsey/Vane story without the inclusion of a dead body. We are taken on a merry chase as we try to unravel this mystery filled with a number of possible suspects, intriguing scenarios and just the right amount of humor. Welcome back, Lord and Lady Peter. You’ve been greatly missed. And thank you, Ms. Paton Walsh, for arranging such a splendid reunion!
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