Picture a British storyteller who spins gripping mysteries around a real-life crime novelist—meet Nicola Upson! This Suffolk-born author has carved a niche in historical crime fiction with her acclaimed Josephine Tey series, blending meticulous research with thrilling plots. Upson’s ability to weave fact and fiction into page-turners has captivated readers, earning her praise as a modern master of the genre.
With a knack for bringing 1930s England to life, Upson’s novels transport you to a world of shadowy theaters, wartime villages, and cunning killers. Her unique approach—using Golden Age crime writer Josephine Tey as her sleuth—sets her apart in the crowded world of crime fiction. Ready to dive into her story?
The Making of Nicola Upson
Born in 1970 in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, Nicola Upson grew up with a passion for books that led her to study English at Downing College, Cambridge. Her love for literature and theater shaped her early career, from freelance journalism to working in the arts. Upson’s talent earned her an Escalator Award from Arts Council England, a nod to her promising voice. Inspired by the enigmatic Josephine Tey (the pseudonym of Elizabeth MacKintosh), Upson found her calling in crime fiction, merging historical detail with imaginative storytelling.
Nicola Upson’s Unforgettable Stories
Upson’s debut, An Expert in Murder (2008), introduced her Josephine Tey series, where the real-life author becomes an amateur detective. Set in 1934 London, the novel swirls around Tey’s play Richard of Bordeaux and a gruesome murder, blending theater glamour with post-war grit. Fans love Upson’s vivid settings and complex characters, like Inspector Archie Penrose, who often aids Tey’s investigations.
Other standouts include Dear Little Corpses (2022), a haunting tale of missing evacuee children in 1939 Suffolk, and Shot With Crimson (2023), which dives into a murder on the set of Hitchcock’s Rebecca. Upson’s style is immersive, with a knack for weaving real events—like the abdication crisis or wartime upheaval—into her plots. Her research, including interviews with those who knew Tey, like Sir John Gielgud, adds authenticity that grounds her fiction in truth.
Themes of identity, love, and loss run through Upson’s work, often with a modern sensibility. She portrays Tey as a lesbian, drawing on letters and conversations to explore the silenced voices of 1930s gay women. This blend of historical accuracy and contemporary relevance makes her novels resonate with today’s readers.
Why Nicola Upson Matters
Nicola Upson has redefined historical crime fiction by making a lesser-known figure like Josephine Tey a star. Her novels don’t just solve mysteries; they illuminate the social and cultural shifts of the 1930s, from women’s rights to the scars of war. Upson’s work has been praised by luminaries like P.D. James and shortlisted for awards like the CWA Historical Dagger, cementing her influence in the genre.
By reviving Tey’s legacy, Upson introduces new readers to a Golden Age icon while crafting stories that feel fresh and relevant. Her ability to balance cozy mystery vibes with darker, emotional depth ensures her books appeal to both traditionalists and modern fans. Upson’s impact lies in her storytelling alchemy—turning history into thrilling, thought-provoking fiction.
- Born: 1970, Suffolk, England
- Key Works: An Expert in Murder, Dear Little Corpses, Shot With Crimson
- Awards: Escalator Award from Arts Council England, shortlisted for CWA Historical Dagger
- Fun Fact: Upson splits her time between Cambridge and Cornwall, drawing inspiration from both.
Snag An Expert in Murder and dive into Nicola Upson’s thrilling world of historical crime fiction! Her mysteries are the perfect blend of brainy puzzles and heart-pounding drama—your next obsession awaits!