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Josephine Tey #12
The Voices of the Dead
Not yet published
Expected 3 Nov 26A newly discovered grave in the Welsh hills delivers messages from the dead, in Nicola Upson's latest thrilling novel.
Summer, 1941. As London is devastated by the Blitz, the National Gallery's most precious paintings find a new sanctuary in the slate mines of north Wales, supervised by Detective Chief Inspector Archie Penrose. Vacationing in the area is Josephine Tey, as well as Noel Coward who is preparing his defiant new play, Blithe Spirit, in which Margaret Rutherford plays a clairvoyant.
When a woman's grave is discovered amid the debris of a roof fall in the mines, Archie and Josephine are plunged into a forty-year-old mystery, and a death that threatens to tear apart the close-knit Welsh community. Secrets begin to emerge, and no-one is immune to the voices of the dead.
'Always a delight.' Sunday Times
'A distinguished series.' P. D. James
Summer, 1941. As London is devastated by the Blitz, the National Gallery's most precious paintings find a new sanctuary in the slate mines of north Wales, supervised by Detective Chief Inspector Archie Penrose. Vacationing in the area is Josephine Tey, as well as Noel Coward who is preparing his defiant new play, Blithe Spirit, in which Margaret Rutherford plays a clairvoyant.
When a woman's grave is discovered amid the debris of a roof fall in the mines, Archie and Josephine are plunged into a forty-year-old mystery, and a death that threatens to tear apart the close-knit Welsh community. Secrets begin to emerge, and no-one is immune to the voices of the dead.
'Always a delight.' Sunday Times
'A distinguished series.' P. D. James
Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 3, 2026
About the author
Nicola Upson
24 books570 followersNicola Upson was born in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, and read English at Downing College, Cambridge. She has worked in theatre and as a freelance journalist, and is the author of two non-fiction works, and the recipient of an Escalator Award from Arts Council England. She lives with her partner and splits her time between Cambridge and Cornwall.
Nicola is currently writing the sixth book in the 'Josephine Tey' series, and a standalone novel set in the 1920s.
Series:
* Josephine Tey
Nicola is currently writing the sixth book in the 'Josephine Tey' series, and a standalone novel set in the 1920s.
Series:
* Josephine Tey
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 2, 2026
I really like this series - and this is a really good entry to it. If you haven't read any of the previous books, this is actually a good entry point too because the wedding at the start means that all the main characters are introduced as part of that.
In the latest book we've reached 1941 and the height of The Blitz as Josephine and her friends gather for Archie Penrose's wedding. But as soon as the wedding is over Archie is off to Wales to help supervise the operation to move the National Gallery's paintings to the safety of a slate mine. Josephine is also in the area on holiday in the hopes of spending some more time with Marta who is part of a film crew documenting the operation for newsreels. Also in Wales is Noel Coward who is working on his new play, which will star Margaret Rutherford as a clairvoyant. They're all hoping for a peaceful time away from the terror of the bombings in London. But as the paintings are being moved in a roof collapses in part of the mine and reveals a body. It's been there for decades and Archie's superiors don't want him to investigate just to move the paintings but that doesn't sit right with Archie so he and Josephine start to investigate as best they can.
The mystery is good - and as ever I really enjoy the way that Upson weaves real people and real events into everything. I particularly enjoyed the paintings plot in this instalment because we went to Penrhyn Castle on a recent trip to Anglesey so I really appreciated the descriptions of the house which was one of the more boggling National Trust properties we have recently been to. In a weird quirk, I actually read two books set around the same night of the Blitz within a few days of each other so I hope that this doesn't become the new "night out at the Cafe de Paris" of World War Two-set books but this one obviously was timed to real events - while the other one was... less so.
All in all - definitely worth reading if you like historical mysteries like Jacqueline Winspear or Sally Smith.
***Copy from NetGalley for review consideration****
In the latest book we've reached 1941 and the height of The Blitz as Josephine and her friends gather for Archie Penrose's wedding. But as soon as the wedding is over Archie is off to Wales to help supervise the operation to move the National Gallery's paintings to the safety of a slate mine. Josephine is also in the area on holiday in the hopes of spending some more time with Marta who is part of a film crew documenting the operation for newsreels. Also in Wales is Noel Coward who is working on his new play, which will star Margaret Rutherford as a clairvoyant. They're all hoping for a peaceful time away from the terror of the bombings in London. But as the paintings are being moved in a roof collapses in part of the mine and reveals a body. It's been there for decades and Archie's superiors don't want him to investigate just to move the paintings but that doesn't sit right with Archie so he and Josephine start to investigate as best they can.
The mystery is good - and as ever I really enjoy the way that Upson weaves real people and real events into everything. I particularly enjoyed the paintings plot in this instalment because we went to Penrhyn Castle on a recent trip to Anglesey so I really appreciated the descriptions of the house which was one of the more boggling National Trust properties we have recently been to. In a weird quirk, I actually read two books set around the same night of the Blitz within a few days of each other so I hope that this doesn't become the new "night out at the Cafe de Paris" of World War Two-set books but this one obviously was timed to real events - while the other one was... less so.
All in all - definitely worth reading if you like historical mysteries like Jacqueline Winspear or Sally Smith.
***Copy from NetGalley for review consideration****
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 3.2/5
This is the 12th of the author's Josephine Tey books - a series which I have dipped in and out of, rather than having read consistently from the outset. That in itself can serve as something of a recommendation to prospective readers, as it indicates that you can safely read a story in isolation without having read all of the previous ones.
"The Voices of the Dead" is a solid addition to the series. Once again it features real life historical characters in fictional scenarios. Perhaps the most notable of these this time around (with the exception of Josephine Tey herself) is Margaret Rutherford, perhaps generally best remembered for her portrayal of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. The plot is neatly constructed, as it invariably is in Nicola Upson's books, with a solid mystery and engaging characters - whether totally fictional or fictionalised versions of real ones. Nicola Upson's style is also quite true to that "Golden Age" era in which the novel is set. As such, it also serves as much as an example of social history as it does a murder mystery.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
This is the 12th of the author's Josephine Tey books - a series which I have dipped in and out of, rather than having read consistently from the outset. That in itself can serve as something of a recommendation to prospective readers, as it indicates that you can safely read a story in isolation without having read all of the previous ones.
"The Voices of the Dead" is a solid addition to the series. Once again it features real life historical characters in fictional scenarios. Perhaps the most notable of these this time around (with the exception of Josephine Tey herself) is Margaret Rutherford, perhaps generally best remembered for her portrayal of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. The plot is neatly constructed, as it invariably is in Nicola Upson's books, with a solid mystery and engaging characters - whether totally fictional or fictionalised versions of real ones. Nicola Upson's style is also quite true to that "Golden Age" era in which the novel is set. As such, it also serves as much as an example of social history as it does a murder mystery.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the twelfth in Nicola Upson's 'Josephine Tay' series of murder mysteries and, as always, is gripping and easy to read and follow. It's a comforting read to revisit with familiar characters but Nicola Upson is always very good at introducing all her characters at the start of a book so there is no need to have read other books in the series.
This one had too slow a start for my liking. Archie Penrose, Detective Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard, is getting married in London in 1941. The night of his wedding to Virginia is the worse night of bombing that London experiences during the Blitz. Soon after the action moves to Wales to Portmeirion, Penrhyn Castle and Manod Quarry. Priceless artworks have been moved over a number of years from the National Gallery to Penrhyn Castle as the threat of Hitler increased. They are now being moved to Manod quarry where they will be a lot safer in case the castle is bombed. Archie is there to oversee the security during the move of the paintings. There is a lot of detail about the Blitz and the artworks, all of which were factual wartime events, but I found it dragged and felt like the author's love of researching this seemed to have triumphed a little over the plot.
Finally, 40% into the book a body appears in a chamber in the quarry. We meet a group of locals who've known each other since being children and many of their fathers worked in the slate quarry. The plot hots up as secrets from the past come to light. One of the characters, Morfydd, has had a gift of clairvoyance since an early ages so much centres around her.
At this point Noel Coward and Margaret Rutherford - again both real life people - enter the plot. The reader learns a lot about the sad and yet astounding life of Margaret Rutherford which had made me want to read a biography of her. Margaret has been asked by Noel to play the part of the medium, Madame Arcati, in his newly written play Blithe Spirit. Margaret meets with Morfydd to research how to play a medium in a genuine fashion showing respect.
There are great twists and turns along the way but the ending has left me with a number of questions where I felt things were left unexplained.
With thanks to NetGalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This one had too slow a start for my liking. Archie Penrose, Detective Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard, is getting married in London in 1941. The night of his wedding to Virginia is the worse night of bombing that London experiences during the Blitz. Soon after the action moves to Wales to Portmeirion, Penrhyn Castle and Manod Quarry. Priceless artworks have been moved over a number of years from the National Gallery to Penrhyn Castle as the threat of Hitler increased. They are now being moved to Manod quarry where they will be a lot safer in case the castle is bombed. Archie is there to oversee the security during the move of the paintings. There is a lot of detail about the Blitz and the artworks, all of which were factual wartime events, but I found it dragged and felt like the author's love of researching this seemed to have triumphed a little over the plot.
Finally, 40% into the book a body appears in a chamber in the quarry. We meet a group of locals who've known each other since being children and many of their fathers worked in the slate quarry. The plot hots up as secrets from the past come to light. One of the characters, Morfydd, has had a gift of clairvoyance since an early ages so much centres around her.
At this point Noel Coward and Margaret Rutherford - again both real life people - enter the plot. The reader learns a lot about the sad and yet astounding life of Margaret Rutherford which had made me want to read a biography of her. Margaret has been asked by Noel to play the part of the medium, Madame Arcati, in his newly written play Blithe Spirit. Margaret meets with Morfydd to research how to play a medium in a genuine fashion showing respect.
There are great twists and turns along the way but the ending has left me with a number of questions where I felt things were left unexplained.
With thanks to NetGalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Escaping from the Blitz in London to the peace of Portmeirion in Wales, unwittingly draws Josephine Tey into a murder investigation. DCI Archie Penrose got married on 10th May 1941, the worst night of the Blitz. The next day his honeymoon is disrupted because he is ordered go to Wales and supervise the transfer of the National Gallery’s paintings from Penrhyn Castle to the nearby Manod Quarry, a disused slate mine near Blaenau Ffestiniog, where equable environment conditions mean they will be safer. Josephine, an old friend of Archie’s, was at the wedding and was also going to Wales, mainly because her partner, Marta, has been hired by the National Film unit to film the transfer for historical interest. When the body of a woman, long dead, is found in the mine, Archie starts a murder investigation, but is recalled to Scotland Yard, leaving Josephine to continue what he had started. This leads her into a web of secrets and the world of spiritualism, in the form of acclaimed Medium Morfydd Price.
This is the12th Book in the series, but works a s a standalone, because all of the continuing characters are introduced during the wedding and Blitz section. Josephine and Marta are real people, of course, and some others are alluded to or appear, establishing an air of credibility to the story. The style of the writing is also quite of the period, and the historical background is correct. Anticipating that war was imminent, the National Gallery really did move the artworks out of London in August 1939, to Penrhyn and similar places, and then transfer them to Manod where they could more easily control temperature, humidity, etc. The night of 10-11 May 1941 was the heaviest onslaught of the Blitz. The murder and its investigation are cunningly contrived with one major, and a few minor, twists. So it’s a good example of the series. My only concern is with the balance where I felt the Wedding and Blitz scene was too long, and not very relevant. But then I’m a murder-mystery person, readers who like the series because of its accuracy about historical details will have a different view.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This is the12th Book in the series, but works a s a standalone, because all of the continuing characters are introduced during the wedding and Blitz section. Josephine and Marta are real people, of course, and some others are alluded to or appear, establishing an air of credibility to the story. The style of the writing is also quite of the period, and the historical background is correct. Anticipating that war was imminent, the National Gallery really did move the artworks out of London in August 1939, to Penrhyn and similar places, and then transfer them to Manod where they could more easily control temperature, humidity, etc. The night of 10-11 May 1941 was the heaviest onslaught of the Blitz. The murder and its investigation are cunningly contrived with one major, and a few minor, twists. So it’s a good example of the series. My only concern is with the balance where I felt the Wedding and Blitz scene was too long, and not very relevant. But then I’m a murder-mystery person, readers who like the series because of its accuracy about historical details will have a different view.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
During the London bombing raids in World War Two, thousands of priceless paintings were hidden in the vast caverns of Manod slate mine in Wales, on the order of the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.
DCI Archie Penrose supervises this delicate operation, he and his newly wed wife are meant to be on honeymoon in Portmeirion!
Josephine Tey and Marta Fox are also in that area, Marta is working with the Crown Film Unit to document this historic event, meant to be top secret, but of course, everyone in that area knows about it.
During a rock fall in the mine, a body is discovered. Efforts to find out the identity are hampered when the close knit mining village closes ranks and keeps their many years of silence intact.
Noel Coward is rehearsing a new play, Blithe Spirit, he wants Margaret Rutherford to play the part of a medium/ clairvoyant, but she has refused- her Aunt had the gift of the sight, and she doesn’t want fun made of something she believes in.
Margaret enlists the help of Morfydd Price, an established medium, for advice on taking on the role or not.
Despite Clairvoyance having a non- evidential basis, this device is used to reveal the identity of the body, and it reveals family secrets of great shame and sadness.
It was quite an emotional read, and the lesson is, never ignore the sixth sense, that little voice of warning and unease.
Darkness permeates this story, from the many deaths in London from the Blitz to the damp, cold atmosphere of a slate mine in Wales.
The conclusion is muddled, it feels too rushed, with too many revelations ,and overpopulated with suspects at times.
The photographs on line of the paintings being transferred to the mine are awe inspiring! Those narrow roads, the bridges and those cliffs of slate and rocks, such bravery for the war effort.
A four star read, the ending made me reread several times, hence the loss of a star rating.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Crooked Lane Books, for my advance copy , freely given in exchange for my honest review.
I will post copies to Goodreads and Amazon UK.
DCI Archie Penrose supervises this delicate operation, he and his newly wed wife are meant to be on honeymoon in Portmeirion!
Josephine Tey and Marta Fox are also in that area, Marta is working with the Crown Film Unit to document this historic event, meant to be top secret, but of course, everyone in that area knows about it.
During a rock fall in the mine, a body is discovered. Efforts to find out the identity are hampered when the close knit mining village closes ranks and keeps their many years of silence intact.
Noel Coward is rehearsing a new play, Blithe Spirit, he wants Margaret Rutherford to play the part of a medium/ clairvoyant, but she has refused- her Aunt had the gift of the sight, and she doesn’t want fun made of something she believes in.
Margaret enlists the help of Morfydd Price, an established medium, for advice on taking on the role or not.
Despite Clairvoyance having a non- evidential basis, this device is used to reveal the identity of the body, and it reveals family secrets of great shame and sadness.
It was quite an emotional read, and the lesson is, never ignore the sixth sense, that little voice of warning and unease.
Darkness permeates this story, from the many deaths in London from the Blitz to the damp, cold atmosphere of a slate mine in Wales.
The conclusion is muddled, it feels too rushed, with too many revelations ,and overpopulated with suspects at times.
The photographs on line of the paintings being transferred to the mine are awe inspiring! Those narrow roads, the bridges and those cliffs of slate and rocks, such bravery for the war effort.
A four star read, the ending made me reread several times, hence the loss of a star rating.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Crooked Lane Books, for my advance copy , freely given in exchange for my honest review.
I will post copies to Goodreads and Amazon UK.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Voices of the Dead by Nicola Upson is the latest installment in the Josephine Tey series.
I have not read the previous books in the series, but didn’t feel disadvantaged. This historical murder mystery is set during World War II. In this instalment, Josephine and Detective Chief Inspector Archie Penrose are in North Wales. Penrose is overseeing the moving of paintings from the National Gallery to storage in a slate mine in North Wales to ensure their safety for generations to come. Josephine has accompanied him to make a film about saving the priceless artwork from the Blitz.
A woman’s grave is discovered in the slate mine and Penrose and Josephine investigate. The community in Blaenau is closely knit bound by history and Chapel. I loved the historical backdrop, and was fascinated by the National Gallery moving artwork away from London to safeguard it. With World War II and so many people dying, I was fascinated by people’s interest in spiritualism and Clairvoyance. Penrose and Josephine also cross paths with Noel Coward, who has just finished writing Blithe Spirit, featuring a clairvoyant. Margaret Rutherford even features.
The story moves along at pace between Wales and London. There are some twists and turns and the story kept me in suspense right up until the end. After this, I will read the other books in this series.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Faber and Faber, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I have not read the previous books in the series, but didn’t feel disadvantaged. This historical murder mystery is set during World War II. In this instalment, Josephine and Detective Chief Inspector Archie Penrose are in North Wales. Penrose is overseeing the moving of paintings from the National Gallery to storage in a slate mine in North Wales to ensure their safety for generations to come. Josephine has accompanied him to make a film about saving the priceless artwork from the Blitz.
A woman’s grave is discovered in the slate mine and Penrose and Josephine investigate. The community in Blaenau is closely knit bound by history and Chapel. I loved the historical backdrop, and was fascinated by the National Gallery moving artwork away from London to safeguard it. With World War II and so many people dying, I was fascinated by people’s interest in spiritualism and Clairvoyance. Penrose and Josephine also cross paths with Noel Coward, who has just finished writing Blithe Spirit, featuring a clairvoyant. Margaret Rutherford even features.
The story moves along at pace between Wales and London. There are some twists and turns and the story kept me in suspense right up until the end. After this, I will read the other books in this series.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Faber and Faber, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 12, 2026
I have always loved these Josephine Tey mysteries, I have read them all, and this is no exception.
I also love novels set on the home front of World War II so I get a double whammy here!
The lovely DCI Archie Penrose is escorting the artworks from the National Gallery to their wartime place of safely in a Welsh slate mine via a short honeymoon trip to Portmeirion, when a skeletal body literally falls through the ceiling of the cavern. Josephine is there with Marta, who is filming for the government, and gets embroiled with the locals and the mystery.
The settings and atmosphere are superb, as always, with Nicola Upson's work, and the bombing scene in London hot on the heels of Archie's wedding was very moving.
Margaret Rutherford makes an appearance,as well, which was a treat as I am very fond of her eccentric portrayal of Miss Marple.
There is a twist at the end I certainly didn't see coming, nor the resolution, and the clairvoyance element is very well handled.
This novel is perfectly understandable if you haven't read the others in the series, but I recommend you do just to properly get to know the character's backstories.
I eagerly anticipate every instalment in this series and hope we get another wartime setting for the next, do read them they are captivating.
I also love novels set on the home front of World War II so I get a double whammy here!
The lovely DCI Archie Penrose is escorting the artworks from the National Gallery to their wartime place of safely in a Welsh slate mine via a short honeymoon trip to Portmeirion, when a skeletal body literally falls through the ceiling of the cavern. Josephine is there with Marta, who is filming for the government, and gets embroiled with the locals and the mystery.
The settings and atmosphere are superb, as always, with Nicola Upson's work, and the bombing scene in London hot on the heels of Archie's wedding was very moving.
Margaret Rutherford makes an appearance,as well, which was a treat as I am very fond of her eccentric portrayal of Miss Marple.
There is a twist at the end I certainly didn't see coming, nor the resolution, and the clairvoyance element is very well handled.
This novel is perfectly understandable if you haven't read the others in the series, but I recommend you do just to properly get to know the character's backstories.
I eagerly anticipate every instalment in this series and hope we get another wartime setting for the next, do read them they are captivating.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a good book! I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect as the cover to me seemed more on the cosy side of crime but I’d heard good things about the author.
The history of this was absolutely intriguing. It follows Detective Chief Inspector Archie Penrose as he supervises the transportation of artwork from the National Gallery to a Welsh mine to save them from the Blitz.
The description of the transport and storage of the artworks was fascinating and well researched.
The integration of real people such as Margaret Rutherford and Josephine Tey was really well done and respectful. The real events of the Blitz gave an interesting backdrop to a tragic murder.
It was such a compelling read. I would say it is more on the cosy side of crime. I would recommend to people that enjoy the crime genre or historical fiction.
Due to be published 10th November.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC
The history of this was absolutely intriguing. It follows Detective Chief Inspector Archie Penrose as he supervises the transportation of artwork from the National Gallery to a Welsh mine to save them from the Blitz.
The description of the transport and storage of the artworks was fascinating and well researched.
The integration of real people such as Margaret Rutherford and Josephine Tey was really well done and respectful. The real events of the Blitz gave an interesting backdrop to a tragic murder.
It was such a compelling read. I would say it is more on the cosy side of crime. I would recommend to people that enjoy the crime genre or historical fiction.
Due to be published 10th November.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 ⭐
I don't read a lot of cosy crime, but I make an exception for Nicola Upson and Josephine.
This is an excellent long running series. The joy of a series is that sometimes it'd just good to catch up with the characters.
There were elements of that here, but I very much enjoyed being back in Wales (sadly no unpronounceable names) and lots of spirits , oh and a long forgotten body.
The story threw some twists in, and I'm off to Google Margaret Rutherford in a second.
Always interesting to see another side to well known names.
Great ending, and all round a great addition to the series.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy.
I don't read a lot of cosy crime, but I make an exception for Nicola Upson and Josephine.
This is an excellent long running series. The joy of a series is that sometimes it'd just good to catch up with the characters.
There were elements of that here, but I very much enjoyed being back in Wales (sadly no unpronounceable names) and lots of spirits , oh and a long forgotten body.
The story threw some twists in, and I'm off to Google Margaret Rutherford in a second.
Always interesting to see another side to well known names.
Great ending, and all round a great addition to the series.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
very much enjoyed this further Josephine Tey mystery.
The art treasures from the National Gallery are being moved to the slate mines of north Wales - supervised by DCI Archie Penrose, following the Blitz bombings in London - when a skeleton is found.
Jacqueline is staying nearby with Marta who is employed to film the mission.
Both become involved in investigating a 40 year old mystery and uncovering long held village secrets.
The book brings to life the reality of 1941 during the London blitz and also the impact in rural areas.
A compelling read.
The art treasures from the National Gallery are being moved to the slate mines of north Wales - supervised by DCI Archie Penrose, following the Blitz bombings in London - when a skeleton is found.
Jacqueline is staying nearby with Marta who is employed to film the mission.
Both become involved in investigating a 40 year old mystery and uncovering long held village secrets.
The book brings to life the reality of 1941 during the London blitz and also the impact in rural areas.
A compelling read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Voices of the Dead is the twelfth book in the historical series featuring Josephine Tey .Set during the Summer of 1941 amid the London Blitz DCI Archie Penrose overseas the relocation and safe guarding of the National Galleries most valuable artwork inside the slate mines of North Wales .When a slate mine roof collapses a woman's body is found .Local secrets unravel .Though this is my first read of this series I found it a good standalone ,a compelling story with a very surprising ending .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An intruiging story with many twists and turns. When, during the Second World War the National Gallery decides to hide their pictures in a slate mine in Wales, little do they expect to find the skeleton of someone who died about 40 years ago. Four schoolchildren at the time, think that they know the truth, but do they?
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher I read a free, advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher I read a free, advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
September 29, 2026
Excellent book to develop the Josephine Tey historical mystery series by Nicola Upton. This features real life writer Tey, but in fictional murder mysteries, and I think Upton does a really good job in honouring Tey both in personality and plot. There’s good historical research, interesting mysteries, and characters you care about - so ticks lots of boxes for me! Funnily enough after reading about Welsh Nots in this book for the first time, another book I’m reading then mentions them as well! All I can say is it was a horrible idea and I hope it’s died out now.
The plot here was interesting and different, and I didn’t spot the twist near the end that made me do a double take… really liked that! It was an enjoyable read, and I definitely need to go back and read the series from the start!
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
The plot here was interesting and different, and I didn’t spot the twist near the end that made me do a double take… really liked that! It was an enjoyable read, and I definitely need to go back and read the series from the start!
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews