Reading Response..."Five Red Herrings"

Independent Study Dorothy L. Sayers August 25, 2003 Reading Response for Five Red Herrings Is the title appropriate? As in all detective stories, the plot encompasses the circuitous route taken in order to solve the crime, in this case a murder. The title is clever and descriptive, for a "red herring" is something that draws attention away from the central issue. In this novel, there are six suspects and five will prove to be red herrings. Does …

…railroad timetables between every small hamlet in Galloway or in route to Glasgow. It is too much information, and does nothing to enhance each "herring's" personal profile or allow the reader arrive at a plausible motive for the murder. No doubt, it is Sayers interest in facts and how she uses them as indisputable evidence sets her apart from the average mystery writer. She does her homework well, and, as a result, overwhelms the reader.