Josephine Tey

Publicada tras la Segunda Guerra Mundial y considerada una de las mejores novelas negras de todos los tiempos, esta obra nos invita a reflexionar sobre la importancia de la imparcialidad y la investigacion metodica en la busqueda de la verdad. Muestra, ademas, la poca ecuanimidad de la justicia, sobre todo en comunidades rurales donde las apariencias y los prejuicios se imponen con demasiada frecuencia.Marion Sharpe y su madre, dos mujeres que viven en una pequeña poblacion inglesa, tratan de defenderse de la acusacion que plantea contra ellas una huerfana de guerra, Betty Kane, que afirma haber sido victima de un presunto caso de secuestro y maltrato.

En una playa aislada cerca del pequeño pueblo de Westover, el cuerpo sin vida de Christine Clay, famosa actriz británica y estrella de Hollywood, aparece en la orilla al amanecer. El encantador y elegante Inspector Alan Grant, de Scotland Yard,se pone a investigar de inmediato a los sospechosos: un experto en cotilleos de celebrities, un joven arruinado que pasaba unos dias en la casa de campo de Christine, el marido aristocrata de la actriz o su hermano, un tunante que siempre ha vivido del cuento. Alrededor de todos ellos, el frivolo mundo de la farandula, con mediums de famosos incluidas, revolotea por el escenario de un crimen que parece hallarse en un callejon sin salida. Por suerte, en este caso Grant tendra el apoyo incondicional de la intrepida Erica Burgoyne, hija del comisario de policia local, que ejercera de exitosa detective amateur.Adaptada al cine por Alfred Hitchcock como Inocencia y juventud, Un chelin para velas, traducida ahora por primera vez al castellano, es un brillante misterio salpicado de psicologia, sutil humor y personajes pura y estrafalariamente britanicos.

De baja por fatiga mental, nuestro elegante inspector Alan Grant, de Scotland Yard, viaja rumbo a Escocia para disfrutar de unas fugaces vacaciones en la granja de su prima Laura. Sus planes no van mas alla de pescar en compañia de su primo pequeño Pat, experto en cebos monstruosos, tomarse la obligada copita de antes de cenar con Laura y su marido Tommy o esquivar con disimulo a las variopintas candidatas solteras que su prima acostumbra a hacer desfilar ante el. Sin embargo, en el tren nocturno que lo conduce a su retiro, un hombre aparece muerto en un vagon. Tentado por las enigmaticas lineas de un poema garabateadas por el difunto en un periodico, Grant no duda en zambullirse en este inesperado caso, cuyo rastro lo conducira hasta las remotas Hebridas Exteriores y mas alla de los confines de la gris Britania. No hay medico ni nervios que puedan frenar el instinto policial de este afable y certero inspector.

Una exclusiva fiesta de artistas no es precisamente el plan ideal de Alan Grant, Inspector de Scotland Yard. Él es más de meriendas con apacibles tazas de té. Pero cuando su amiga, la actriz Marta Hallard, le pide que la acompañe a la velada literaria de la famosa escritora Lavinia Fitch, no puede negarse. Y, una vez alli, queda impresionado con el enigmatico e increiblemente hermoso Leslie Searle, un joven fotografo norteamericano que ha sido invitado a la casa de campo de Lavinia, en el pequeño pueblo de Salcott St. Mary, refugio de buena parte del artisteo londinense del momento. Alli desaparecera, pocos dias despues, el apuesto Leslie sin dejar rastro. ¿Ahogamiento en el rio? ¿Asesinato a manos de alguna admiradora campestre? ¿O quiza el atractivo fotografo ha decidido evaporarse?

Postrado en una cama de hospital, el inspector Alan Grant se aburre mortalmente. Ni las anémonas de la señora Tinker, su ama de llaves, ni el ruibarbo estofado de la enfermera Darroll logran animarlo. Pero un dia llega su amiga, la actriz Marta Hallard, con una vieja postal de Ricardo III, y Grant queda fascinado por su enigmatico rostro. Ese no es el rostro de un monstruo jorobado, ni del supuesto asesino de niños que cuentan los libros de historia. Con la ayuda del joven y enamoradizo Brent Carradine, investigador del Museo Britanico, Grant se zambulle en la Inglaterra de la guerra de las Dos Rosas, en pleno siglo xv, para desentrañar uno de los misterios mas oscuros de la monarquia britanica: ¿mato Ricardo III a sus sobrinos, los Principes de la Torre, para hacerse con el trono?

Robert Blair, abogado en un pequeño y apacible pueblo británico, da ya por terminada su tranquila jornada laboral en el despacho cuando suena el teléfono. Es Marion Sharpe, vecina de la localidad, una mujer de pocas palabras que vive con su madre en una decrepita hacienda a las afueras del pueblo. Las Sharpe acaban de ser acusadas de secuestrar a una recatada jovencita llamada Betty Kane. Las declaraciones de la chica, al principio bastante improbables, cobran fuerza con las minuciosas descripciones del desvan de los horrores donde supuestamente la tuvieron retenida. Y Robert Blair, convertido a la fuerza en detective amateur, debera desentrañar este paradojico caso, que ni tan siquiera el inspector de Scotland Yard, Alan Grant, es capaz de comprender.

The Daughter of Time is a detective novel by Josephine Tey, concerning a modern police officers investigation into the alleged crimes of King Richard III of England. It was the last book Tey published in her lifetime, shortly before her death. In 1990 it was voted number one in The Top 100 Crime Novels of All Time list compiled by the British Crime Writers Association.

Nessun comportamento umano e inspiegabile Alan Grant.Lispettore Grant non possiede nessuna delle caratteristiche di moda durante lepoca doro dei romanzi gialli. Niente lunghi baffi impomatati, nessun monocolo, nessun cappello da cacciatore e niente pipa. È alto un metro e ottanta, e magro, elegante, gli abiti gli donano molto ma non e un manichino. Ha piccoli baffi alla Ronald Colman, un attore famoso negli anni Venti. Molti gli fanno notare che non sembra un ispettore di Scotland Yard e che assomiglia di piu a un militare in abiti civili. Ha un sorriso che fa si che i suoi subordinati lavorino fino allo stremo per lui. È ostinato, diligente, pronto ad ammettere di aver sbagliato e a ricominciare da capo.Josephine Tey abbandona il classico cliche del detective impavido e sicuro di se a favore di un personaggio che mostra la sua vulnerabilita. Grant non e perfetto, come dimostrano i suoi attacchi di panico, ed ha una vocina nella testa che mette in dubbio ogni sua decisione. Egli appare piu umano di molti altri detective ed e, per questo, piu affascinante.La raccolta comprende sei romanzi: "Luomo in coda", "Uno scellino per le candele", "Una questione di giustizia", "Amare ed essere saggi", "La figlia del tempo" e "Sabbie canore".

While in hospital, Inspector Grants professional curiosity is soon aroused. In a portrait of Richard III, the hunchbacked monster of nursery stories and history books, he finds a face that refuses to fit its reputation. But how, after four hundred years, can a bedridden policeman uncover the truth about the murder of the Princes in the Tower?

Marion Sharpe and her mother seem an unlikely duo to be found on the wrong side of the law. Quiet and ordinary, they have led a peaceful and unremarkable life at their country home, The Franchise. Unremarkable that is, until the police turn up with a demure young woman on their doorstep. Not only does Betty Kane accuse them of kidnap and abuse, she can back up her claim with a detailed description of the attic room in which she was kept, right down to the crack in its round window. But there's something about Betty Kane's story that doesn't quite add up. Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard is stumped. And it takes Robert Blair, local solicitor turned amateur detective, to solve the mystery that lies at the heart of The Franchise Affair...

A stranger enters the inner sanctum of the Ashby family posing as Patrick Ashby, the heir to the family's sizeable fortune. The stranger, Brat Farrar, has been carefully coached on Patrick's mannerisms, appearance and every significant detail of Patrick's early life, up to his thirteenth year when he disappeared and was thought to have drowned himself. It seems as if Brat is going to pull off this most incredible deception until old secrets emerge that threaten to jeopardise the imposter's plan and his very life.

Who really killed the princes in the tower? Was Richard III truly the ogre of legend and Shakespeare's play. - a wicked uncle who murdered his nephews to steal the crown of England? Inspector Alan Grant is not so sure. Laid up in hospital with a broken leg, he becomes obsessed with unravelling this most enduring of historical mysteries. As he investigates with the help of an enthusiastic young American scholar, he unearths long-buried intrigues and comes to a startling conclusion.

In "The Franchise Affair," Josephine Tey crafts a compelling mystery that intricately weaves themes of truth, justice, and societal perceptions of femininity. The novel, set in post-war England, revolves around the lives of two women who find themselves accused of kidnapping a teenager. Teys sharp prose and keen psychological insight illuminate the social mores of the 1940s, as she deftly unfolds a narrative that challenges notions of culpability and the reliability of eyewitness accounts. The book is notable for its rich character development and suspenseful plot twists, making it a timeless work within the crime fiction genre. Josephine Tey, a pseudonym for Elizabeth Mackintosh, was a significant figure in the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. Her experiences as a playwright and her deep engagement with psychological themes informed her writing. Teys exploration of the intricacies of human behavior and her skepticism toward conventional morality reflect her progressive views on gender and society, which were often ahead of her time. These factors undoubtedly influenced her creation of "The Franchise Affair," as she sought to critique and examine legal and social injustices. I highly recommend "The Franchise Affair" for readers who appreciate richly layered narratives that delve into the complexities of human nature and societal critique. Teys blend of suspense and social commentary offers a captivating reading experience that resonates with modern audiences, making it a classic worth revisiting.

In "British Murder Mysteries: The Greatest Thrillers of Josephine Tey," readers are invited to delve into the intricate webs of mystery and suspense that characterize Teys engaging narratives. With a literary style rich in psychological depth and social commentary, her work transcends the traditional boundaries of the detective genre, revealing the complexities of human nature and morality. Teys narratives often feature strong, intelligent protagonists who unravel crimes infused with themes of identity, justice, and societal critique, reflecting the shifting cultural landscape of early 20th-century Britain. Josephine Tey, a pseudonym for Elizabeth Mackintosh, was a prominent figure in the Golden Age of detective fiction. Her unique perspective as a playwright and novelist, combined with her disdain for formulaic approaches, contributed to her innovative storytelling. Teys experiences as a woman navigating the literary world, coupled with her keen observational skills and understanding of human psychology, inform her narratives, making her mysteries not only captivating but also thought-provoking explorations of the human condition. This anthology is a must-read for enthusiasts of classic British literature and mystery aficionados alike. Teys novels invite readers to challenge their perceptions of morality and justice, crafting narratives that remain relevant today. Discover the brilliance of Josephine Teys storytelling and immerse yourself in the labyrinthine plots that continue to leave an indelible mark on the genre.

In "The Greatest Murder Mysteries - Josephine Tey Edition," the reader is enveloped in a collection that deftly showcases Teys mastery of the crime genre, blending intrigue with psychological depth. Her unique narrative style, marked by meticulous character development and rich, atmospheric prose, invites an exploration of human motives and societal norms. The collection illustrates Teys innovative approach to mystery, where the exploration of moral ambiguities and the quest for truth are as compelling as the plots themselves, echoing the literary context of early 20th-century detective fiction that sought to challenge traditional conventions. Josephine Tey, a pioneer among female crime writers, was deeply influenced by her experiences in both the theatre and her own encounters with legal systems. Her background allowed her to craft narratives that transcend sheer entertainment, infusing her works with insightful commentary on justice and the human condition. Teys nuanced understanding of character psychology and societal structures underpins this collection, reflecting her commitment to exploring the complexities of crime and morality. For readers who relish the intricate dance of deduction and the unveiling of dark truths, this edition is a must-read. Teys ability to weave suspense with profound psychological insight captivates both aficionados of the genre and newcomers alike, making this collection an essential addition to any literary library.

In "The Franchise Affair," Josephine Tey masterfully intertwines psychological suspense with a razor-sharp critique of societal norms in post-World War II England. The narrative unfolds as truth and deception blur, centering around a seemingly straightforward yet troubling abduction case involving two women accused of kidnapping a teenage girl. Teys literary style is characterized by her keen observations and rich characterizations, inviting readers into a world where moral ambiguities reign. This novel stands as a profound commentary on gender, class, and the nature of justice, set against the backdrop of a transforming British society that grapples with the aftermath of war. Josephine Tey, born Elizabeth Mackintosh, was a Scottish author celebrated for her ingenious blending of detective fiction with social critique. Her background in theater and her experiences during the interwar years influenced her narrative style and thematic explorations. Driven by a desire to challenge societal conventions, Teys work often reflects her belief in the complexity of human motives and the shadowy intersections of right and wrong, elements that are inherently present in "The Franchise Affair." I highly recommend "The Franchise Affair" to readers who appreciate rich psychological depth and intricate plots that expose the darker facets of human nature. Teys novel not only captivates as a mystery but also provokes thoughtful discourse on justice, gender stereotypes, and the fallibility of perception, solidifying its timeless relevance.

In "A Shilling for Candles," Josephine Tey crafts a compelling detective narrative steeped in the rich tradition of English crime fiction. The novel introduces readers to the intricate web of motives and relationships surrounding a celebrated actress who is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Teys deft use of literary irony and her exploration of social mores in 20th-century England elevate her mystery beyond mere genre conventions, probing into themes of identity and public persona. The prose is characterized by Teys sharp wit and keen psychological insight, making the unraveling of the mystery as engaging as the characters themselves. Josephine Tey, born Elizabeth MacKintosh, was a trailblazer in the realm of detective fiction, often challenging the genres conventions. Her own experiences in the theater and her critical perspective on fame and morality heavily inform the narrative of "A Shilling for Candles." Teys background as a playwright and a novelist allowed her to intricately weave the complexities of human behavior into her storytelling, providing a nuanced perspective rarely seen in her contemporaries. Readers seeking an engrossing literary mystery that deftly addresses the allure and pitfalls of celebrity will find "A Shilling for Candles" particularly rewarding. Teys masterful plotting and rich character development promise not only an enthralling whodunit but also a profound meditation on the fragility of fame. This novel is a must-read for enthusiasts of classic crime fiction.

The "Inspector Alan Grant Mysteries - Complete Series" by Josephine Tey encompasses a masterful blend of mystery and psychological intrigue, marked by her innovative narrative style and character-driven plots. Teys writing, noted for its eloquent prose and subtle wit, explores the human condition through the lens of crime and investigation. Set against various evocative backdrops in early to mid-20th century England, this series not only entertains but delves into the intricacies of identity, morality, and the societal constructs of the time, pushing the boundaries of conventional detective fiction. Josephine Tey, born Elizabeth Mackintosh, was a pioneering figure in the genre of crime fiction. Her own experiences in theater and her keen observation of human nature profoundly influenced her writing. Having lived through the tumultuous events of the world wars, Tey adeptly infused her narratives with a rich understanding of psychological depth and societal changes, resulting in a unique voice that would reshape detective literature. Her commitment to crafting intelligent, multi-dimensional characters has earned her a lasting place in literary history. This complete series is indispensable for both seasoned mystery aficionados and newcomers alike. By immersing yourself in Teys intricate plots and compelling character studies, you will gain insight into the psychological nuances of crime and justice. Whether you seek to unravel the mysteries alongside Inspector Grant or appreciate Teys profound exploration of human nature, this collection is a treasure trove of literary brilliance that guarantees an enriching reading experience.