MADreads

A classic detective

July 18th, 2008 Liz C. - Alicia Ashman

In her debut novel, Nicola Upson puts classic mystery author Josephine Tey to work as a detective.  In An Expert in Murder Tey is journeying by train from Inverness to London where her play Richard of Bordeaux is entering its final week.  She makes the acquaintance of a young woman also heading to London with plans to attend the play and who is extremely thrilled to meet the playwright. 

Upon arrival in London, Tey is met at the station by friends and whisked away but not before she has agreed to meet the young woman at the theatre.  However, by evening the body of the young woman is found by cleaning staff in their train compartment, and Tey finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.  A fascinating blend of fiction and historical fact based on the life of mystery author Elizabeth MacKintosh (aka Josephine Tey).

Entry Filed under: Historical Fiction, Mystery