Best Dorothy L Sayers Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 242: "Murder Must Advertise" by Dorothy L. Sayers, Intro and Ch. 1-5 1:26:07

14d ago1:26:07

1:26:07

Welcome back to The Literary Life podcast and the beginning of our series on Dorothy L. Sayers' classic detective novel, Murder Must Advertise. Beginning with the Golden Age of the detective novel and the backdrop of World War I, Angelina and Thomas give some historical background to provide a setting for this novel. Angelina also shares some biogr…

1
Book Club Conversation: Gaudy Night by Dorothy L Sayers (Full Spoilers) 57:29

20d ago57:29

57:29

This is the Shedunnit Book Club Conversation episode for September 2024, in which we are reading Gaudy Night by Dorothy L Sayers. This is part two of a two-part experience: in part one, you can hear some basic context and publication information for this book without any spoilers and this, part two, is a fully spoilered discussion between Caroline …

1
Shakespeare, the Bible and Dorothy L Sayers: A Conversation with Jem Bloomfield 42:36

22d ago42:36

42:36

Episode 134: Author Jem Bloomfield joins us to talk about his recently published book, ‘Allusion in Detective Fiction’, which looks at how and why allusion to Shakespeare and the Bible was used by the masters, or I should say mistresses, of golden age detective fiction. This may not seem like an obvious area when considering the pervasive influence…

1
Episode 244: "Murder Must Advertise" by Dorothy Sayers, Ch. 12-16 1:05:41

2h ago1:05:41

1:05:41

Today’s episode of The Literary Life podcast picks up our series on Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers with a discussion of chapters 12-16. After sharing their commonplace quotes, Angelina and Thomas begin by talking about whether Sayers is “too accomplished” to be writing detective stories and the decline and resurgence of the genre. Angel…

1
The Poisoned Chocolates Case (Green Penguin Book Club 5, Ad Free) 37:26

4h ago37:26

37:26

Martin Edwards joins Caroline to revisit this iconic example of golden age detective fiction. No major plot spoilers until you hear Caroline say we are "entering the spoiler zone", at 11:06. After that, expect full spoilers. A full list of titles in the Penguin series can be found at penguinfirsteditions.com. Mentioned in this episode: — The Poison…

1
Two Gentlemen of Verona: ‘O Heaven, Were Men but Constant.’ 34:25

1d ago34:25

34:25

Episode 137: The dating of the play Printing in the First Folio The sources for the play and the nature of the text A brief synopsis of the play The major themes of the play How the status and youth of Valentine and Proteus helps to understand their actions in the play The role of Speed and how the play features the embryo of Shakespearean wordplay…

1
Bonus: Caroline Ranks Christianna Brand’s Novels 18:10

6d ago18:10

18:10

Back in July of this year, I did an episode titled Christianna Brand's Impossible Crimes (Ad Free). During the research and preparation for that episode, I read quite a few Brand novels. Even though I haven't read every single work she published, I hope you enjoy this ranking of 15 books from Christianna Brand's canon. Christianna Brand novels ment…

1
Episode 243: “Murder Must Advertise” by Dorothy Sayers, Ch. 6-11 1:14:02

7d ago1:14:02

1:14:02

1On The Literary Life podcast this week, we continue our series on Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers, covering chapters 6-11. Angelina and Thomas begin the discussion talking about authors and their own thoughts on their best books versus those which readers seem to like best. Angelina shares some of the things she has learned about the dr…

1
Words, Language and Actions in ‘Titus Andronicus’: A Conversation with Eleanor Conlon. 41:53

8d ago41:53

41:53

Episode 136: Having given you my own thoughts on ‘Titus Andronicus’ last time I’m pleased to say that for this special guest episode I was able to take the discussion even further with Eleanor Conlon, a fellow podcaster and a theatre professional as you will hear Eleanor has a lot to say about the play and insights that, in some cases, go in differ…

1
The Red Barn Murder (Ad Free) 27:14

14d ago27:14

27:14

What connects a notorious 1827 murder case with the Detection Club’s cosy Soho clubrooms? There are minor spoilers for the books listed below in this episode. Also, please be aware that there are passing references (without description) in this episode to infant death. Mentioned or consulted in the making of this episode: — The Red Barn, A Tale Fou…

1
Titus Andronicus: 'Vengeance Is In My Heart, Death In My Hand' 34:54

15d ago34:54

34:54

Episode 135: Is Shakespeare’s early tragedy more than just a gore-fest? The first performance of the play, maybe The three playing troupes involved with the play Is the play a collaboration with George Peele? The popularity of violence in plays The sources for the play A brief summary of the play The establishing of characters in the first act The …

1
Adventures In Theatre History - Philadelphia: The Book 11:03

17d ago11:03

11:03

A short word from my good podcasting friend Peter Schmitz, he of the ‘Adventures In Theatre History Philadelphia’ podcast, who has written a book on that very subject and I’m sure that it will be as informative, as amusing and generally as fascinating as his podcast episodes always are. What is even better is that Peter has produced a short audio t…

1
Book Club Fact File: Gaudy Night by Dorothy L Sayers 9:15

20d ago9:15

9:15

This is the Shedunnit Book Club Fact File for September 2024, in which we are reading Gaudy Night by Dorothy L Sayers. There are no major spoilers here. This is a new two-part primer format that we're trying out. In this episode, part one — the fact file — you'll hear Caroline giving some basic context and publication information for this book with…

1
Episode 241: Why Read Dante with Jason Baxter 1:25:51

21d ago1:25:51

1:25:51

On this week’s episode of The Literary Life podcast, we are excited to bring you a new conversation with hosts Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks and their guest Dr. Jason Baxter. They open the discussion with some thoughts on why Dante has had renewed popularity in recent days. Jason talks about the big questions that poets seek to answer, and wha…

1
In The Dentist's Chair (Ad Free) 22:58

28d ago22:58

22:58

Open wide! There are spoilers in this episode for the titles listed below. Mentioned in this episode: — Death in the Dentist's Chair by Molly Thynne — The Uncertain Glory by Molly Thynne — "Death Sits in the Dentist's Chair" by Cornell Woolrich, collected in Darkness at Dawn: Early Suspense Classics — Murder Underground by Mavis Doriel Hay — One, T…

1
Episode 240: "Best of" Series - The Importance of Detective Fiction, Ep. 3 1:02:29

28d ago1:02:29

1:02:29

Today on The Literary Life Podcast, we bring you another episode from the vault, this time to prepare you for our upcoming discussion of Dorothy L. Sayers' detective novel Murder Must Advertise. In this conversation, Angelina and Cindy talk all things related to the detective novel. Why do we love detective fiction so much? What are the qualities o…

1
The Taming of the Shrew: ‘No Profit Grows Where No Pleasure Is taken’ 38:32

29d ago38:32

38:32

Episode 133: The complications with dating the play and it’s relationship with a similar Elizabethan play The sources for the play A short summary of the play The Christopher Sly framing device Switching of roles in the play The disguise motif The motivations of the leading characters The implication of the falconry images in the play The Elizabeth…

1
Bonus: Holiday Reading Habits 38:09

1M ago38:09

38:09

With holiday season in full swing for many of us, Leandra joined me in a discussion on holiday reading habits. We describe what we like to read on holiday, discuss the common assumptions about "beach reads," and share three book recommendations each. Mentioned in this episode: — Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar — Diavola by Jennifer Thorne …

1
Episode 239: “Best of” Series – The Literary Life of Jone Rose, Ep. 135 1:29:04

1M ago1:29:04

1:29:04

Welcome to another remix episode of The Literary Life podcast with this popular “Literary Life of…” interview episode with Angelina, Cindy and their guest Jone Rose. Jone is a “super-fan” of the podcast and is a homeschool mom living in North Carolina. Today Angelina starts off the interview asking about Jone’s childhood reading life and school exp…

1
Richard 3rd at Shakespeare's Globe 22:28

1M ago22:28

22:28

Episode 132 My thoughts on seeing a recent production of Richard 3rd at Shakespeare's Globe, starring Michelle Terry in the titular role. The production and the cotrovercy that surrounded it raises questions about gender fluid casting, the nature of leadership and the casting of able bodied actors in this famous portrayal of deformity. Support the …

1
Episode 26: THE NINE TAILORS, part 1 48:26

1M ago48:26

48:26

In which Charis and Sharon are back to begin discussing THE NINE TAILORS. We cover the first section of the book, the strong sense of place and atmosphere, and puzzle over where this book fits into the Wimsey chronology.By Charis Ellison and Sharon Hsu

1
Episode 238: Why Read Biographies 1:08:42

2M ago1:08:42

1:08:42

Welcome back to The Literary Life Podcast with Angelina Stanford, Thomas Banks, and Cindy Rollins. Thomas starts the conversation with some general thoughts on the biography as a branch of literature and as an art form. He also mentions some types of biography he does not care to read at all. Cindy brings up the tension between white-washing histor…

1
Instrument of Death (Ad Free) 21:28

1M ago21:28

21:28

Beware the pipe organ. Mentioned in this episode: — The Organ Speaks by E.C.R. Lorac — Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers — The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L. Sayers — The Nebuly Coat by J. Meade Falkner — The Hymn Tune Mystery by George A. Birmingham — Holy Disorders by Edmund Crispin — Swan Song by Edmund Crispin — The Pit-Prop Syndicate by Freeman Wil…

1
Richard 3rd: 'And Thus I Clothe My Naked Villainy' 33:35

2M ago33:35

33:35

Episode 131: Richard 3rd: ‘And Thus I Clothe My Naked Villainy.’ Shakespeare dramatises the life of the last Plantagenet king and create one of theatre's most spectacular villains. The dating of the play The quarto editions of the play When is a history play a tragedy, or not? The sources of the play The influence of Seneca Other contemporary versi…

1
Book Club: An Unsuitable Job for a Woman by PD James 10:55

2M ago10:55

10:55

This is the Shedunnit Book Club companion episode for August 2024, in which we are reading An Unsuitable Job for a Woman by PD James. There are no major spoilers in this primer, but if you'd rather read the book with no knowledge of its plot or structure at all, I'd recommend listening only once you've finished reading. I’ll see you in the Shedunni…

1
Episode 237: “Best of” Series – “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” Pt. 2, Ep. 106 1:10:35

2M ago1:10:35

1:10:35

This week on The Literary Life Podcast, we continue our remix of a past discussion of Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. If you missed last week’s episode, you will want to go back and catch Part 1. Angelina kicks of the book chat with a look at the format of the story and how it keeps us in suspense. Thomas bring…

1
The search for Richard 3rd: A Conversation with Mathew Morris 40:10

2M ago40:10

40:10

Episode 130: Mathew Morris talk to me about the archaeological dig that resulted in the discovery of the final remains of Richard 3rd, which serves as a prelude to the next episode which will be all about Shakespeare’s take on the final Yorkist king. Towards the end of our conversation, we spoke about the differences between the Richard of the play…

1
Episode 236: “Best of” Series – The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by R. L. Stevenson, Part 1 (Ep. 105) 1:17:32

2M ago1:17:32

1:17:32

Welcome to today’s episode and another “Best of” remix on The Literary Life Podcast! Today our hosts Angelina Stanford, Cindy Rollins and Thomas Banks explore Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. After their commonplace quote discussion, each cohost shares some personal thoughts on Robert Louis Stevenson. Be aware t…

1
Mr Fortune, Please (Green Penguin Book Club 4, Ad Free) 58:50

2M ago58:50

58:50

Dolores Gordon-Smith joins Caroline to read this short story collection by H.C. Bailey. Caroline's new book, A Body Made of Glass: A History of Hypochondria, is out now. To find out more and get your copy, visit her website carolinecrampton.com/abodymadeofglass. No major plot spoilers until you hear Caroline say we are "entering the spoiler zone", …

1
Henry 6th part 3: ‘How sweet a thing it is to wear a crown.’ 33:22

2M ago33:22

33:22

Episode 129: A brief recap on the dating and sources of the play A brief synopsis of the play The problem of multiple battlefield scenes and the depiction of violence How language in the play is used to underline the changing fortunes of the two sides. The depth of strong characterisation in the play Warwick, the would-be kingmaker Henry as an earl…

1
Episode 235: “Harry Potter” Book 1, Ch. 13-End 2:00:47

2M ago2:00:47

2:00:47

This week on The Literary Life, Angelina and Thomas wrap up their series on J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter: Book 1. Angelina and Thomas begin the episode with some thoughts on their Aristotelian approach to literature as seen in this series of episodes. After sharing their commonplace quotes, they dive into their discussion of the last few chapters o…

1
John Hall of Stratford-Upon-Avon: A Conversation with John Taplin 40:26

2M ago40:26

40:26

Episode 128: Author John Taplin discusses researching the Stratford families of Shakespeare's time and particularly the ancestry of John Hall, Shakespeare's son-in-law. John Taplin spent the majority of his career in management in the telecommunications industry until 2001 when he joined the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust at Hall’s Croft and Nash’s H…

1
Christianna Brand's Impossible Crimes (Ad Free) 21:43

2M ago21:43

21:43

Which matters more in a murder mystery, plot or character? Mentioned in this episode: — Nurse Matilda by Christianna Brand — Nurse Matilda Goes to Town by Christianna Brand — Nurse Matilda Goes to Hospital by Christianna Brand — Death in High Heels by Christianna Brand — The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie — Tour de Force by Christia…

1
Episode 234: “Harry Potter” Book 1, Ch. 8-12 1:49:51

2M ago1:49:51

1:49:51

Welcome back to The Literary Life podcast and our series on J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter: Book 1. After sharing some thoughts on detective fiction as it relates to Rowling, our hosts Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks discuss chapters 8-12. Some of the ideas they share are the following: Homeric echos and classical allusions in this book, the ident…

1
Henry 6th part 2: ‘The Fox Barks Not When He Would Steal the Lamb’ 33:32

2M ago33:32

33:32

Episode 127: A recap of Henry VI part one and the potential involvement of Christopher Marlowe A word on methods of authorship attribution in the context of Shakespeare and Marlowe The dating and sources of the play A synopsis of Henry VI part two The characterisation of the War of the Roses The decline of England mapped out in the play The main ch…

1
Bonus: Behind the Scenes of Death at the Speakeasy 34:53

3M ago34:53

34:53

In this bonus episode, Leandra and I discuss the planning, research, and production of Death at the Speakeasy (Ad Free). Not only was this Leandra's debut in the role of episode host, but we experimented with a completely new episode format. Mentioned in this episode: — Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition by Daniel Okrent — Murder on 'B' De…

1
Episode 233: “Harry Potter” Book 1, Ch. 3-7 1:34:35

3M ago1:34:35

1:34:35

On today’s episode of The Literary Life podcast, Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks continue their series on Harry Potter: Book 1 by J. K. Rowling. This week we are covering chapters 3-7. Angelina opens the book discussion with an overview of the literary motifs used by Rowling in the Harry Potter books to help modern readers better understand thes…

1
Shakespeare’s Borrowed Feathers: A Conversation with Dr. Darren Freebury-Jones 46:14

3M ago46:14

46:14

Episode 126: A conversation with Dr. Darren Freebury-Jones, author of 'Shakespeare’s Borrowed Feathers' about the influence of early modern playwrights on Shakespeare where we talk about Marlowe, Kyd, Greene and others and the role of data analytics in modern author attribution studies. Dr Darren Freebury-Jones is author of several works on early m…

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Dorothy L Sayers Podcasts

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