# VI: Found Dead explained — Unnatural Death

> Chapter companion for Unnatural Death by Dorothy L. Sayers.

## What happens

Lord Peter Wimsey and Detective Inspector Parker debate the possibility that Agatha Dawson was murdered, with Wimsey laying a bet that Mary Whittaker is guilty. Wimsey places an advertisement seeking Bertha and Evelyn Gotobed, former servants of Miss Dawson, hoping to flush out the killer. Shortly after, Bertha Gotobed is found dead in Epping Forest, and the investigation into her death begins.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Ambiguity of Evidence

Wimsey relies on instinct and psychological methods despite the lack of concrete evidence, while Parker demands proof.

### Psychological Manipulation

Wimsey plans to let the criminal convict herself through the advertisement, exploiting the criminal's tendency to overreact.

### Inheritance and Motive

The case revolves around Agatha Dawson's death and potential inheritance, with Mary Whittaker as the prime suspect.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Peter Wimsey

Argues with Parker about the murder, places the advertisement, and investigates Bertha Gotobed's death.

### Detective Inspector Parker

Skeptical of Wimsey's theory but agrees to the bet; later informs Wimsey about Bertha Gotobed's death.

### Bertha Gotobed

Former servant of Agatha Dawson; found dead in Epping Forest with a £5 note in her handbag.

### Mr. Murbles

Wimsey's solicitor; receives a letter about Bertha Gotobed's disappearance and is the contact for the advertisement.

### Mary Whittaker

Suspect in Wimsey's theory; goes away with Miss Findlater to look at a poultry farm.

### Miss Alexandra Climpson

Writes to Wimsey about Miss Findlater and the poultry farm trip.

## Key lines

> I shall use up-to-date psychological methods. Like the people in the Psalms, I lay traps; I catch men. I shall let the alleged criminal convict herself.

Wimsey plans to use modern psychological tactics to trap the murderer into self-incrimination.

_Wimsey outlines his strategy to Parker._

> Bertha and Evelyn Gotobed, formerly in the service of Miss Agatha Dawson, of 'The Grove,' Wellington Avenue, Leahampton, are requested to communicate with J. Murbles, solicitor, of Staple Inn, when they will hear of something to their advantage.

Wimsey places an advertisement asking the Gotobed sisters to contact his solicitor, hoping to provoke a reaction from the killer.

_The advertisement is a key plot device to draw out the suspect._

> Such a nice young lady... who would go to do a thing like that? I've been in such a state of worriment ever since she didn't come home last Wednesday.

Bertha's landlady expresses grief and worry over her disappearance and death.

_Mrs. Gulliver identifies Bertha's body and shares her distress._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unnatural_death_se/chapters/vi-found-dead
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unnatural_death_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unnatural_death_se/chapters