Lord Peter Wimsey, the dapper dilettante detective...

Lord Peter Wimsey, the dapper dilettante detective invented by crime writer Dorothy L. Sayers, sets up shop on the PBS “Mystery!” series for 10 weeks starting Thursday night (9-10 p.m. on Channels 28 and 15).

There will be three Wimsey stories presented during that period. In the first, the monocled sleuth is attracted to a strong-willed, clever, independent woman who is on trial for the murder of her lover. Wimsey has 30 days to save her from the gallows.

Wimsey is played in these stories by Edward Petherbridge. Harriet Walter plays Harriet Vane, the object of his affection. Richard Morant is his gentleman’s gentleman.

In the “Masterpiece Theatre” presentations of the 1970s, Wimsey (played by Ian Carmichael) seemed to revel in bachelorhood and the pursuit of whodunit. A less carefree and more romantic sleuth who’s preoccupied with Harriet emerges in this new 10-part series.