Step into the glamorous yet shadowy world of 1930s London with the Josephine Tey Mysteries, where a real-life crime writer turns sleuth to unravel chilling murders! Penned by Nicola Upson, this captivating series reimagines Josephine Tey, the pseudonym of Elizabeth Mackintosh, as a sharp-witted detective navigating a world of theatrical drama and Golden Age intrigue. With her friend Detective Inspector Archie Penrose by her side, Tey solves mysteries that blend historical fact with deliciously twisty fiction, making this series a must-read for fans of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers.
Unlike traditional detective tales, this series stands out for its unique premise: a celebrated author solving crimes inspired by her own era. It’s a love letter to the Golden Age of crime fiction, wrapped in lush historical detail and complex human emotions. Ready to dive into a world where the stage is set for murder?
How Josephine Tey Mysteries Began
Nicola Upson, a British novelist with a passion for crime fiction, launched the Josephine Tey Mysteries with her 2008 debut, An Expert in Murder. Initially researching a biography on Elizabeth Mackintosh, Upson found Tey’s enigmatic life—split between her private Inverness roots and vibrant London career—too compelling for nonfiction. Instead, she crafted a fictional Tey as an amateur detective, blending real events, like the success of Tey’s play Richard of Bordeaux, with imagined murders. Upson’s deep research, including interviews with figures like John Gielgud, infuses the series with authenticity, making 1930s London feel alive and immersive.
The Heart of Josephine Tey Mysteries
The series kicks off with An Expert in Murder (2008), where Tey arrives in London for her play’s final week, only to be drawn into a murder case after a young woman she meets on the train is killed. Angel with Two Faces (2010) takes Tey to Cornwall, where a suspicious death at Archie’s family estate unravels dark secrets. Two for Sorrow (2011) explores a chilling historical crime tied to London’s past, while Fear in the Sunlight (2013) weaves in Alfred Hitchcock and the 1930s film industry, adding a cinematic flair. Each book stands alone but builds a rich tapestry of Tey’s world.
Thematically, the series delves into the scars of World War I, the silencing of marginalized voices, and the tension between art and justice. Upson’s Tey is a keen observer, her outsider perspective mirroring her real-life counterpart’s knack for piercing human nature. The 1930s setting—alive with theater glamour, feminist stirrings, and prewar unease—grounds the mysteries in a vivid historical context. Upson’s prose, elegant yet accessible, evokes the Golden Age style while tackling modern themes like identity and betrayal, keeping readers hooked.
Why Josephine Tey Mysteries Resonates
The Josephine Tey Mysteries have carved a niche in historical crime fiction, earning praise for their seamless blend of fact and fiction. Fans adore the series’ nod to Golden Age classics while appreciating its frank exploration of 1930s social issues, like the challenges faced by gay women, a nod to Tey’s likely identity. Critics, including P.D. James, have lauded Upson’s elegant storytelling and immersive settings, with titles like London Rain earning starred reviews for their psychological depth. The series’ cult following continues to grow, fueled by its unique premise and Tey’s enduring mystique as a literary figure.
- First Book: An Expert in Murder (2008)
- Total Books: 11 (as of 2025)
- Setting: 1930s London and beyond
- Notable Adaptation: BBC Scotland radio drama of An Expert in Murder
Grab An Expert in Murder and step into the dazzling, dangerous world of Josephine Tey Mysteries—where every clue unveils a new layer of 1930s intrigue!