Strong Poison

A woman on trial. A poisoned lover. A detective determined to uncover the truth.

When mystery writer Harriet Vane is accused of murdering her former lover, Philip Boyes, with arsenic, the evidence against her appears overwhelming. The jury finds her guilty, and only a disagreement among its members prevents a conviction. Lord Peter Wimsey, convinced of her innocence, takes up the case and begins investigating the complicated relationship, conflicting accounts, and hidden motives surrounding Boyes's death. First published in 1930, Strong Poison combines a gripping murder mystery with sharp wit and psychological insight as Dorothy L. Sayers explores love, independence, social expectations, and the presumption of guilt.

Readers will discover:

• A compelling murder investigation: Lord Peter races to find the real killer before Harriet Vane faces another trial.
• A formidable suspect: Harriet is an intelligent, independent woman whose past relationship with the victim complicates her defense.
• An intricate poisoning mystery: Forensic evidence, overlooked details, and conflicting testimony shape the search for the truth.
• A changing social landscape: Sayers examines women's independence, professional ambition, and the expectations placed on women in early twentieth-century England.
• A turning point for Lord Peter Wimsey: His growing feelings for Harriet introduce a more personal dimension to his pursuit of justice.

Formats and delivery

Paperback — Elegant print edition presenting the complete, unabridged text, and ships in 3–5 business days.

Hardcover — Elegant print edition presenting the complete, unabridged text, and ships in 5–7 business days.

EPUB — DRM-free, compatible with Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and all major e-readers. Instant download after purchase.

Audiobook — Professionally narrated, complete and unabridged. Available on Audible, Spotify, Apple Books.

More than an ingenious detective story, Strong Poison marks an important development in the Lord Peter Wimsey series, introducing Harriet Vane, one of Sayers's most memorable characters. With its clever plotting, engaging dialogue, and thoughtful exploration of love and independence, it remains a standout of Golden Age detective fiction.

About the Author

Dorothy L. Sayers (1893–1957) was an English crime novelist, playwright, and translator, widely regarded as one of the leading figures of the Golden Age of detective fiction. A graduate of Somerville College, Oxford, she created the celebrated aristocratic detective Lord Peter Wimsey, who appeared in a series of novels and short stories noted for their intricate plots, literary sophistication, and psychological depth. Her best-known works include Whose Body?, Clouds of Witness, and The Nine Tailors.