I have been a fan of Lord Peter Wimsey for many years. I always enjoyed reading about Harriet Vane who was a strong consistent and believable character. I loved Gaudy night in which Harriet took centre stage. In A presumption of death the story focuses on Harriet (now Wimsey) Jill Paton Walsh presents a stronger and more equal relationship between Harriet and Lord Peter, who now have two young sons. The book is set at the beginning of the second world war and there really and the author draws a clear picture of the fear and confusion of the time. The background detail of war time village life is excellent and the reintroduction of familiar characters in changed circumstances is fascinating. The author handles the class issues in a believable and thought provoking manner and the strength, warmth and humour of the Dowager Duchess brings a depth to the plot.
The resolution of the mystery is clever and the decisions made do feel like those which might well have been made in the circumstances ... whether they are the right ones, is a matter for debate, but the choices make clear the brutality of the war and the cost to those who are caught up in it.
I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to any Lord Peter Wimsey fan.
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