# Miss Alexandra Climpson — Unnatural Death character guide

> Miss Alexandra Climpson in Unnatural Death by Dorothy L. Sayers.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Miss Climpson, Alexandra Katherine Climpson, Alexandra Climpson

**First appearance:** 0003-iii-a-use-for-spinsters

## Snapshot

A sharp-eyed spinster who talks her way into other people's kitchens and drawing-rooms, gathering gossip that the police could never coax out of anyone.

## Who they are

Miss Climpson lodges in a modest Pimlico flat she chose because a grander one would not have been suitable, and she deploys her vivacious manner like a tool. Among the Peasgoods and Murgatroyds she asks the innocent question that opens the whole quarrel about Miss Dawson's death. Her willingness to speak her mind, and to let others do the same, makes her Wimsey's most valuable pair of ears.

## In the story

### [III: A Use for Spinsters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unnatural_death_se/chapters/iii-a-use-for-spinsters)

Visited by Wimsey and Parker; assigned to search death certificates and conduct discreet inquiries in Hampshire.

### [Gossip](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unnatural_death_se/chapters/v-gossip)

Attends the work-party, gathers gossip, and meets Mary Whittaker.

### [VI: Found Dead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unnatural_death_se/chapters/vi-found-dead)

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

### [VIII: Concerning Crime](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unnatural_death_se/chapters/viii-concerning-crime)

Writes a letter to Lord Peter detailing the family history of Agatha Dawson and Clara Whittaker.

### [Crossroads](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unnatural_death_se/chapters/xi-crossroads)

Sends a letter to Wimsey reporting that Mary Whittaker was seen changing hats in a cloakroom, indicating she has something to conceal.

### [XVI: A Cast-Iron Alibi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unnatural_death_se/chapters/xvi-a-cast-iron-alibi)

Hosts Vera Findlater for tea, acting as a sleuth under Lord Peter's instructions; reflects on Mary Whittaker's influence and Vera's unhappiness.

### [XVII: The Country Lawyer's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unnatural_death_se/chapters/xvii-the-country-lawyer-s-story)

Met Parker at Leahampton; introduced him as her nephew Adolphus to Mrs. Budge to conceal his identity.

### [XIX: Gone Away](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unnatural_death_se/chapters/xix-gone-away)

Sent a letter to Wimsey revealing the scar on Mary Whittaker's hand; she is upset and out for a walk, not found at home.

### [XX: Murder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unnatural_death_se/chapters/xx-murder)

Mentioned as possibly able to obtain a photograph of Mary Whittaker; she is out when Parker visits.

### [XXII: A Case of Conscience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unnatural_death_se/chapters/xxii-a-case-of-conscience)

Central character; struggles with conscience over using the confession paper, investigates Mary Whittaker's disappearance, and plans a disguise to explore South Audley Street.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unnatural_death_se/characters/miss_climpson
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unnatural_death_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unnatural_death_se/characters