Lord Peter I own the copyright to this picture
The other day I finished reading Busman’s Honeymoon, by Dorothy Sayers, the very last book in her Peter Wimsey mystery series. It occurred to me as I read the last line (and a sobering last line it was), that I could never again have the pleasure of picking up an original Peter Wimsey novel for the first time. I’ve read all of them. It’s a sad feeling, but not altogether unpleasant. I feel rather like I’ve come the end of a long journey. The journey was wonderful, but it’s nice to be home and able to curl in front of the fireplace with a cup of tea. And a book, of course.
Perhaps it’s just me—and I’m strange, I know—but I tend bond with the characters in my books. And so I miss those I met on the journey: Lord Peter, the Dowager Duchess, Harriet Vane, Chief Inspector Parker, Bunter, Pickled Gherkins (also known as Saint-George, but that’s not nearly as funny). But the good thing is they’re still there, just waiting for me to pick up Whose Body? or perhaps Have His Carcase and dive back into their world.
Long days and pleasant nights from the Tale-Weaver.
Lights in the Library 
Exactly! Whenever I finish an exceptionally good set of books– the Chronicles of Narnia or LOTR, for the most obvious examples– I feel like I’ve left behind an old friend… it’s a rather sad feeling because now you know what exactly will happen and there’s no new adventures to be had in that world, except perhaps those within your imagination.
And Lord Peter is a very amiable character. I bet it will be sad to see him go when I get there…
Yes, I’m sure it will be. But don’t forget to read all the short stories, and the Wimsey Letters so as to hold that moment at bay for as long as possible. . .:)
I know how you feel; I hate ends of series, especially if I became particularly attached to the characters. (You forgot to mention Bunter though, he’s one of my favorites!) That’s the good thing about creating your own characters; they are always running around in your head doing new things (which does make it annoying when you try to write about them.)
So you read ALL the Lord Peter novels? My goodness! Which one is your favorite? I still haven’t read Busman’s Holiday yet; I think I’m going to this summer.
Ah, could I have forgotten Bunter? Bunter is one of the best things about the series.
And yes, so I’ve read them all, and all the short stories, and even the Wimsey Letters (see, Sarah, this is what happens when you get me hooked on something :)).
I don’t know which is my favorite though, probably Whose Body? or Strong Poison.
Strong Poison is probably my favorite too; I like Gaudy Night a lot as well. The Lord Peter short stories are great (especially Tallboys; that one makes me laugh no end). I haven’t heard of the Wimsey Letters, though. What are those?
Yes, I loved Tallboys. I read it with my mum and we both laughed to no end (and now you’re making me want to read it again :)).
The Wimsey Papers aren’t really stories, but they’re a series of fictitious letters Sayers wrote as part of a magazine column during World War II purported written by various characters in the Lord Peter books. They’re basically social commentary on World War II Britain and can be found here (http://commonplace-sam.livejournal.com/53631.html) and here (http://commonplace-sam.livejournal.com/54001.html). Warning: dense chunks of now obsolete British public life; perhaps best not read all in one go. But fascinating. And funny :).
Thanks for the links to the Wimsey Papers; I started reading them yesterday, and they are delightful. 🙂
I’m glad you’re enjoying them. Have you gotten to the part yet when Paul is talking about avoiding unlit ditches?
I share your grief at the laying down of new friends and the worlds in which they dwell. But Randy Alcorn in his series of novels entitled Deadline, Dominion and Deception introduces a delicious idea — that authors, at least the Christian ones, will be turning out new works in heaven! What sumptuous fare that! One more exciting possibility among the countless eternal pleasures God has in store for his beloved.