The narrative follows Lord Peter Wimsey, an amateur detective with a penchant for curiosity, as he embarks on a journey that leads him to a wedding where a valuable diamond necklace is stolen. After a leisurely trip to Italy and Paris, he and his valet, Bunter, are en route to visit a duke when they encounter a commotion at the train station involving a young woman and a sallow man arguing over lost tickets. Intrigued, Wimsey decides to change their travel plans and investigate further. Onboard the ship back to England, Wimsey learns that the young woman, Célestine Berger, is now in service to the Dowager Duchess of Medway. He becomes increasingly interested in her and the man accompanying her, leading him to gather information about them. Upon returning to London, he discovers that Célestine is involved in a plot that culminates on the day of the duchess's granddaughter's wedding. As the wedding approaches, tensions rise when the diamonds intended for the bride go missing. The atmosphere becomes chaotic as guests panic, and Detective-Inspector Parker, a friend of Wimsey, is called to manage the situation. Wimsey, having anticipated the theft, reveals that he has already set a trap for the culprits. He identifies the male thief, Jacques Lerouge, known as Sans-culotte, and exposes Célestine as an accomplice. The story unfolds with a blend of humor and tension, showcasing Wimsey's deductive skills and his ability to navigate the upper echelons of society. The climax reveals the cleverness of the thieves and the unexpected twists in their identities. Ultimately, Wimsey's quick thinking and attention to detail lead to the resolution of the theft, while also highlighting the absurdities of social conventions and the complexities of human behavior. The narrative concludes with a humorous exchange between Wimsey and the dowager duchess, reflecting on the nature of deception and the unexpected turns of life.
By Dorothy L Sayers · First published 1934 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Humor