The Literary Life Podcast Episode 243: "Murder Must Advertise" by Dorothy Sayers, Ch. 6-11
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Sep 24, 2024 Dive into a world of witty literary analysis and historical insight as the hosts discuss Dorothy Sayers’ 'Murder Must Advertise.' Delve into the complexities of the drug trade in the early 20th century and explore Lord Peter’s clever disguises. Discover the intricate narrative structures of murder mysteries, the evolution of drug culture, and the nuances surrounding authors' relationships with their works. Enjoy humorous critiques and unexpected connections, revealing the delightful interplay of comedy, class, and detective fiction.
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Author's Own Low Opinion Of The Book
- Thomas notes Dorothy Sayers disliked Murder Must Advertise and considered it a potboiler compared to her favored The Nine Tailors.
- Angelina finds that despite Sayers' misgivings, this novel is one of her personal favorites.
Detective Fiction As Moral Order Restorer
- Detective fiction functioned as an order-restoring pastime after WWI's social disorder, akin to jigsaw puzzles and crosswords.
- The detective acts like a knight on a quest to reimpose moral order on a fragmented world.
Interwar Drug Use And Trade Shifts
- After WWI recreational drug use expanded beyond literary bohemia into upper-class circles, with cocaine prominent in the 1920s–30s.
- Drug supply sources shifted over time, with surprising early-20th-century producers (e.g., Japan for cocaine) before later Central American dominance.