Strong Poison

A landmark of Golden Age detective fiction, Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers introduces one of the most unforgettable pairings in mystery literature: Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane. When Harriet, a brilliant mystery writer, is arrested for poisoning her former lover, the evidence is damning, the courtroom whispers are relentless—and the gallows awaits. Convinced of her innocence, Lord Peter Wimsey throws himself into the investigation with characteristic charm, razor-sharp intelligence, and a determination that borders on obsession. But as he navigates a labyrinth of courtroom drama, forensic evidence, and fair-play detective work, it becomes clear that this case will demand more than deduction alone. Saving Harriet Vane means confronting his own heart—and the possibility that justice and love may not align. Blending wit, psychological insight, and ingenious plotting, Strong Poison stands as one of the definitive classic British mystery novels. Sayers combines traditional whodunit construction with emotional depth, subverting the genre’s expectations while delivering a puzzle that rewards keen observation. For fans of vintage crime fiction, courtroom murder mysteries, and early twentieth-century detective stories, this is a perfect entry point into the most celebrated era of the Wimsey series. Ideal for libraries, book clubs, and readers discovering (or rediscovering) the Golden Age, Strong Poison continues to captivate with its blend of sparkling dialogue, atmospheric tension, and the thrilling first appearance of Harriet Vane—a character whose fate will change Wimsey’s life forever. Smart, stylish, and endlessly engaging, Strong Poison remains a cornerstone of the Lord Peter Wimsey series and a masterclass in the art of the fair-play mystery.