Top 12 Nicola Upson Books

Kimberly Williams
12 min readSep 28, 2024

Dive into the captivating world of Nicola Upson Books, an enchanting collection of literary works that will mesmerize and inspire. This roundup delivers a comprehensive overview of each literary masterpiece, allowing you to explore each tale with ease and curiosity. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through Nicola Upson's enchanting stories, and discover why her books have become beloved classics for avid readers.

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1. The Daughter of Time

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The Daughter of Time, a thrilling work of fiction by acclaimed author Josephine Tey, invites readers to unravel the complexities surrounding one of history's most notorious figures: Richard III. Inspector Alan Grant, faced with a mysterious portrait of Richard that contradicts the villainous image of the past, embarks on an ambitious mission to uncover the truth behind the legend.

As the story unfolds, Grant delves deep into the enigmatic life of Richard Plantagenet, drawing from the expertise of the British Museum and the valuable insights of an American scholar. As he attempts to separate fact from fiction, Grant is faced with a dilemma: was Richard III truly a heartless tyrant, or was he a victim of the deceptive forces that governed England's throne at the time?

Packed with suspense, intricate plotting, and historical elements, The Daughter of Time masterfully weaves together a tale of mystery and intrigue that will have readers questioning the very nature of power and justice. A must-read for fans of historical fiction and suspenseful thrillers, this highly-anticipated novel delivers a gripping exploration of the complexities of history and human nature.

  • Authors: Josephine Tey
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published Date: September 14, 2009
  • Page Count: 226.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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2. An Expert in Murder

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A Josephine Tey Mystery

Enter the thrilling world of Josephine Tey, the beloved mystery writer of the early 20th century, in "An Expert in Murder. " Set against the backdrop of a post-war society still grappling with the aftermath, Tey's life takes a dramatic turn as she finds herself embroiled in a mystery far from the pages of her books.

As Tey travels from Scotland to London for the final week of her play, Richard of Bordeaux, a surprising hit with themes resonating in a world recovering from war, she befriends a young woman on the train. However, the joy of her arrival is quickly overshadowed by the horrifying discovery of the murder of the young woman. As Tey delves deeper into the mystery, she unwittingly finds herself in danger as the killer seems determined to claim even more victims.

Detective Inspector Archie Penrose, convinced that the killings are connected to the enigmatic play and fearing for Tey's safety, joins forces with her to uncover the truth and put an end to the ruthless slayings. "An Expert in Murder" is a gripping tale of suspense, mystery, and danger that will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they unravel the secrets behind the murders and the dangers lurking in Tey's world.

With a page count of 189 and published by Harper Collins in 2009, "An Expert in Murder" by Nicola Upson is a must-read for fans of mystery and historical fiction.

  • Authors: Nicola Upson
  • Publisher: Harper Collins
  • Published Date: October 13, 2009
  • Page Count: 189.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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3. Angel with Two Faces

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A Mystery Featuring Josephine Tey

Experience the intriguing world of Josephine Tey in Angel with Two Faces, the exhilarating second installment in Nicola Upson's ingenious series. Set in the golden age of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and their contemporaries, this novel will leave you enthralled with plot twists, unexpected turns, and red herrings at every corner.

As a real-life British mystery writer comes to life as a fictional sleuth, Tey pairs up with Detective Inspector Archie Penrose to unravel a mysterious crime at a Cornwall country house and backstage at a local theater. This captivating journey takes readers on a thrilling adventure with a touch of British noir. Fans of P. D. James and those who appreciate intelligent mysteries will find themselves lost in its pages, as Angel with Two Faces offers a traditional mystery with an invigorating twist. Don't miss out on discovering how Upson, praised by the renowned P. D. James herself as "a new and assured talent, " artfully weaves together this delightful whodunit. Dive into the alluring world of Angel with Two Faces and immerse yourself in the charming intrigue of a masterful new series.

  • Authors: Nicola Upson
  • Publisher: Harper Collins
  • Published Date: June 29, 2010
  • Page Count: 448.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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4. Two for Sorrow

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A New Mystery Featuring Josephine Tey

Two for Sorrow is a thrilling mystery novel from acclaimed author Nicola Upson. This intriguing tale takes us to 1940s London, where mystery writer Josephine Tey finds herself drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a sinister murderer.

Tey is inspired by the tragic story of Amelia Sach and Annie Walters, infamous "baby farmers" hanged in 1903, and decides to write a novel based on their horrific crimes. As her research unearths the horrifying truth about the past, her own life becomes entangled in a chilling murder investigation that will have far-reaching consequences.

A young seamstress, an ex-convict determined to start anew, is found brutally murdered in the studio of Tey's friends, the Motley sisters. This brutal killing doesn't appear to be a result of a long-standing domestic feud. As more shocking events unfold, Inspector Archie Penrose becomes convinced there is a much darker and more sinister truth lurking in the shadows.

As Tey delves deeper into the investigation, she and Penrose must race against time to unmask the sadistic killer before more blood is shed. This gripping tale of past horrors and present danger brings to life a world of dark secrets and hidden evil, ultimately showing how the repercussions of heinous crimes can linger for generations.

With its beautifully crafted storytelling and engaging characters, Two for Sorrow is a must-read thriller that skillfully blends chilling suspense with a haunting look into our past.

  • Authors: Nicola Upson
  • Publisher: Harper Collins
  • Published Date: August 09, 2011
  • Page Count: 498.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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5. Fear in the Sunlight

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"Fear in the Sunlight" by Nicola Upson is a gripping tale of suspense, mystery, and psychological tension that transports readers to the Golden Age of crime writing. In the summer of 1936, real-life writer Josephine Tey joins her friends in the idyllic resort village of Portmeirion for a lavish birthday celebration attended by legendary film director Alfred Hitchcock. But as the party unfolds, Hollywood's leading actress is found dead in a cemetery near the village. Fear and suspicion take over as the enigmatic Hitchcock uses his charm to entertain the guests while exposing their deepest fears.

Based on the life of Josephine Tey, best-selling crime writer of the Golden Age, "Fear in the Sunlight" captures the essence of her works with its evocative suspense and intricate plot. Nicola Upson masterfully infuses the classic Hitchcockian thriller with elements of real-life events, blending biography and fiction to craft a compelling and engrossing novel. This 432-page tour de force promises a thrilling ride for fans of crime fiction and psychological suspense.

  • Authors: Nicola Upson
  • Publisher: Harper Collins
  • Published Date: April 09, 2013
  • Page Count: 432.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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6. London Rain

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A New Mystery Featuring Josephine Tey

London Rain: A New Mystery Featuring Josephine Tey by Nicola Upson immerses readers in the thrilling 1930s London, as England prepares to crown a new king. This sixth installment in the popular series follows intrepid writer and amateur sleuth, Josephine Tey, as she navigates through the city's glamorous and turbulent atmosphere.

As she joins a BBC radio adaptation of her own play, Josephine unwittingly becomes involved in a complex web of betrayal, jealousy, and long-held secrets. A love triangle of her own making only adds to the intrigue as she attempts to solve a series of murders.

Fans of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot and Jaqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs will be captivated by Upson's charming and provocative storytelling. London Rain is an unforgettable portrait of a city on the brink and an unforgettable woman always one step ahead of her time.

  • Authors: Nicola Upson
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published Date: March 29, 2016
  • Page Count: 336.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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7. Nine Lessons

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A Josephine Tey Mystery

Immerse yourself in the gripping world of Nine Lessons, a mesmerizing historical British mystery by Nicola Upson. Set in the 1930s, the renowned mystery author Josephine Tey finds herself entangled in a real-life investigation that takes her to the tranquil town of Cambridge. As the crisp autumn air fills the ancient university, a series of vicious attacks against women casts a shadow over the community.

Detective Chief Inspector Archie Penrose is called to the peaceful churchyard of St-John’s-at-Hampstead, where he confronts one of the most baffling murders of his career. The bizarre scene leaves Archie hunting for answers, leading him to the heart of Cambridge - a town where Josephine Tey and her lover, Bridget Foley, are both settling in.

As the investigations deepen, secrets are revealed, and connections to past tragedies are uncovered. Archie and Josephine find themselves racing against the clock to unravel the sinister web of malevolence that threatens their community. With suspense-filled twists and turns, Nine Lessons captures the essence of an elite crime-fighting duo.

Embark on this intricately plotted, beautifully written mystery that will leave you on the edge of your seat, questioning every step. With stunning character development and a vivid portrayal of 1930s England, this riveting novel by Nicola Upson explores the shadowy corners of the human psyche, revealing the unexpected connections that bind us all.

  • Authors: Nicola Upson
  • Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
  • Published Date: October 10, 2017
  • Page Count: 328.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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8. Sorry for the Dead

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A Josephine Tey Mystery

In the haunting and captivating world of Josephine Tey, Nicola Upson masterfully weaves together a tale of love, loss, and the hidden darkness that lies beneath. As the heartbreaking mystery of a young girl's death unfolds at Charleston Farmhouse on the Sussex Downs, Josephine is forced to confront the painful memories of her past.

As the past and present converge, with murders spanning decades apart, Josephine must grapple with the possibility that the scandal that threatened to destroy the lives of the women with whom she once shared a home held a far more sinister secret. This chilling and poignant novel from Crooked Lane Books will leave readers questioning the true nature of the darkness that lurks within even the most seemingly innocent of lives. With a page count of 320 and a rating of NOTMATURE, "Sorry for the Dead" is a gripping work of fiction that will leave an indelible mark on your heart.

  • Authors: Nicola Upson
  • Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
  • Published Date: October 08, 2019
  • Page Count: 320.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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9. Josephine Tey

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A Life

Uncover the captivating life of legendary author Josephine Tey in this updated edition of the definitive biography. Born Elizabeth MacKintosh, this multi-talented Scottish writer dazzled the world under the pen-name Josephine Tey, known for her iconic crime novels.

Discover her remarkable story as she navigated diverse creative worlds, with success as a playwright, novelist, and Hollywood writer, all while enjoying a solitary existence in north Scotland. This enchanting biography, celebrating the 125th anniversary of Tey's birth, delves into the life of an extraordinary woman, revealing her personal triumphs and struggles behind the celebrated Golden Age Crime Fiction author. Immerse yourself in this immersive, 560-page journey through the life of Josephine Tey, written by Jennifer Morag Henderson and published by Sandstone Press Ltd in 2021.

  • Authors: Jennifer Morag Henderson
  • Publisher: Sandstone Press Ltd
  • Published Date: November 04, 2021
  • Page Count: 560.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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10. Miss Pym Disposes

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Miss Pym Disposes is an intriguing work of fiction by the talented Josephine Tey. Delve into the captivating life of Miss Lucy Pym, a high school French teacher-turned-best-selling author of a pop psychology book. As she is invited to deliver a guest speech at Leys Physical Training College, an old friend's humble request leads to an unexpected and intriguing series of events.

Tensions rise as Miss Pym begins to unravel jealousies, rivalries, and uneasiness hiding beneath the surface of the seemingly normal lives of the college's students and teachers. When an accident occurs, Miss Pym is convinced there is more to the story than meets the eye, leading her on a thrilling journey of discovery.

Explore the secrets and mysteries in this classic 1941 novel, now reimagined for modern readers by Publisher DigiCat.

  • Authors: Josephine Tey
  • Publisher: DigiCat
  • Published Date: November 13, 2022
  • Page Count: 212.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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11. Brat Farrar

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In the late 1940s, nestled in the picturesque village of Clare, lies the centuries-old family estate of Latchetts, home to the struggling Ashby family. At the heart of this family is Beatrice Ashby, a spinster, who's been keeping Latchetts afloat by turning the family stable into a thriving horse-based business. The estate's future rests on the shoulders of her nephew, Simon, who turns 21 soon and will inherit the family fortune.

Among the ashes of loss and struggle, an enigmatic figure named Brat Farrar appears on the scene. A young man with a mysterious past, Brat was once an expert horseman. Abandoned as an infant, he grew up in an orphanage and later ran away to the western US, where he spent years working at ranches and stables. However, a fall leaves him with a permanent limp.

As the family's financial situation worsens, Simon's inheritance becomes the hope for a brighter future. But when Simon discovers the chilling truth about his missing twin brother, Patrick, the Ashby family's darkest secrets begin to unravel. It is here that Brat Farrar's true intentions and connection to the Ashbys are revealed, setting the stage for a suspenseful and gripping tale of intrigue and deceit.

Josephine Tey masterfully weaves a story of family, loss, and the lengths that people will go to protect their secrets. With characters as complex as the estate they call home, readers are in for an unforgettable journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. Don't miss out on the adventure that awaits in the pages of Brat Farrar.

  • Authors: Josephine Tey
  • Publisher: BoD - Books on Demand
  • Published Date: December 13, 2022
  • Page Count: 262.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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12. A Shilling for Candles

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Explore the captivating world of Josephine Tey's A Shilling for Candles as we delve into the suspenseful investigation of a film actress' drowning. Set in 1936, this classic mystery novel follows the journey of Inspector Alan Grant as he unravels the truth on a picturesque, yet eerie beach in Kent. Drawing from the author's own experiences with actors, A Shilling for Candles offers a truly immersive experience, captivating readers with its intricate plot and vividly described setting.

With a page count of 228, this literary gem is sure to spark your imagination. Don't miss out on the thrilling story of A Shilling for Candles as you join the hunt for the truth.

  • Authors: Josephine Tey
  • Publisher: Strelbytskyy Multimedia Publishing
  • Published Date: December 23, 2022
  • Page Count: 228.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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