The Man in the Queue
by Josephine Tey (Methuen, 1929)
audiobook read by Stefan Rudnicki (Blackstone, 2025)
An odd mystery, relying on regular policework to identify a suspect, uncommon coincidence to cast doubt on his guilt, and then an out-of-the-blue confession to solve the case. Inspector Grant is a cerebral, rather literary protagonist, present and involved from the outset.
Brat Farrar
by Josephine Tey (Peter Davies, 1949)
audiobook read by Carole Boyd (Bolinda, 2017)
The broad sweep of the mystery is predictable, the mechanics of the murder left improperly explained, yet this remains an oddly compelling read, full of nuanced characterisation and gently poetic depictions of post-war British country life (or the elite horsey subsection thereof).
The Franchise Affair
by Josephine Tey (Peter Davies, 1948); audiobook read by Carole Boyd (Audible Studios, 2011)
An Inspector Alan Grant mystery where Grant is, at best, a subsidiary character. There is also very little mystery or investigation! The novel is more a character study and a depiction of (and social commentary on) village life post- Second World War.