Sir, those who enjoy collecting books in which dentists and dentistry make a cameo appearance should find the novelist Jill Paton Walsh's A presumption of death1 of considerable interest – particularly in the light of the revelations made in the recent obituary notice for Beryl Murray Davies in the News section of the Journal for 10 August 2012.2

The book is a new Lord Peter Wimsey detective novel, set in the Second World War, and Dorothy L. Sayers is credited as posthumous co-author. A key turn in the plot is provided by a retired lady dentist, though to say what Mrs Spright does on page 251 would be to spoil the story. Definitely to be recommended.

Interest declared – the author sought advice via her agent on the accuracy and feasibility of her dental content.