Josephine Tey

Josephine Tey was a pseudonym used by Elizabeth MacKintosh, a Scottish author best known for her mystery novels. She also wrote plays under the pseudonym Gordon Daviot. Her most famous work is 'The Daughter of Time,' which was named the greatest mystery novel of all time by the Crime Writers' Association.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Daughter of Time

    A detective, laid up in the hospital, becomes fascinated with a portrait of Richard III, the historical figure accused of murdering his nephews to secure his throne. He decides to apply his investigative skills to delve into the mystery, using historical documents and records as his clues. As he pieces together the puzzle, he begins to question the accepted narrative of Richard as a villain, suggesting that this image was a fabrication by the Tudors to legitimize their own claim to the throne.

    The 416th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. The Franchise Affair

    The book revolves around a solicitor named Robert Blair who is called upon to defend two women, Marion Sharpe and her mother, accused of kidnapping a teenage girl named Betty Kane. Betty claims she was held captive and forced to work as a servant at the Sharpes' home, The Franchise. However, as Blair delves deeper into the case, he uncovers inconsistencies in Betty's story and begins to suspect that there is more to the accusation than meets the eye. Set in postwar England, the narrative weaves through twists and turns as Blair seeks to prove the innocence of the Sharpes in a society eager to find scandal and guilt.

    The 1264th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Brat Farrar

    In this classic mystery, a young man is coached to impersonate Brat Farrar, the long-lost heir to a fortune, who supposedly perished years ago. The imposter is welcomed into the family with open arms, but as he grows more comfortable in his new identity, he begins to encounter a web of deceit, secrets, and a looming sense of danger. The family's complex dynamics and the true circumstances of the missing heir's fate unravel as the protagonist is faced with moral dilemmas and the risk of being exposed, leading to a dramatic and unexpected resolution.

    The 4105th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. The Singing Sands

    In this intriguing mystery, a weary Scotland Yard detective, Inspector Alan Grant, embarks on a much-needed vacation to the Scottish Highlands, only to find himself drawn into a perplexing case. While traveling by train, he discovers a cryptic note in the pocket of a deceased fellow passenger, hinting at a mysterious death. Despite his initial reluctance, Grant's curiosity and sense of justice propel him into an investigation that uncovers secrets buried beneath the serene landscape. As he delves deeper, he confronts themes of identity, memory, and the haunting echoes of the past, all while navigating the complexities of human nature.

    The 16626th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. To Love And Be Wise

    In this intriguing mystery set in the English countryside, a charming and enigmatic American photographer named Leslie Searle arrives in the small village of Salcott St. Mary, stirring curiosity and suspicion among the locals. When Searle mysteriously disappears during a river expedition with a popular radio personality, Inspector Alan Grant is called in to unravel the truth. As Grant delves into the complex web of relationships and hidden motives, he must navigate through a maze of deception and secrets to uncover the fate of the missing photographer, all while exploring the themes of love, jealousy, and the human desire for recognition.

    The 16612th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Man In The Queue

    In this classic mystery novel, a seemingly ordinary queue outside a London theater becomes the scene of a baffling murder when a man is found dead with a dagger in his back. Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard is tasked with unraveling the enigma, delving into the lives of the diverse individuals who stood in line that fateful night. As he meticulously pieces together clues and navigates through a web of deception, Grant confronts the complexities of human nature and the unexpected twists that challenge his investigative prowess. The story unfolds with a blend of suspense, character study, and a touch of psychological insight, leading to a surprising and thought-provoking conclusion.

    The 16634th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. A Shilling For Candles

    In this gripping mystery set in 1930s England, a famous actress is found dead on a beach, and what initially appears to be a tragic accident soon reveals itself to be a complex web of intrigue and deception. As Inspector Alan Grant delves into the lives of those connected to the victim, he uncovers a series of hidden motives and secrets that challenge his investigative skills. With a cast of eccentric characters and unexpected twists, the story explores themes of fame, identity, and the elusive nature of truth, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

    The 16696th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Miss Pym Disposes

    Set in a secluded English girls' physical training college, the story follows a former psychology lecturer who is invited to give a guest lecture. As she becomes immersed in the daily life of the college, she observes the students and staff with a keen eye, uncovering subtle tensions and hidden motives. When a tragic accident occurs, her psychological insights become crucial in unraveling the truth behind the incident, leading to a gripping exploration of human nature and morality.