An Expert In Murder Nicola Upson Harper June 08

On the cover of An Expert In Murder it reads: A new mystery featuring Josephine Tey. Tey certainly was an expert in murder. Upson seems to be as well. Her novel reads the same way mysteries from the thirties do. Upson polishes every word. Her paragraphs are truly descriptive. Each of her possible suspects, victims and of course Josephine Tey and her Detective Inspector friend, Archie Penrose are all brought fully to life. Ms. Upson has done her homework as well. She blends the real life Tey and several other characters into a traditional mystery set in a contemporarily historical background.

The story has Josephine Tey coming into London as her play is in its final week on stage there. On the train she meets Elspeth Simmons, a young woman from a family of hatters. The two women lunch together and Tey offers to meet Elspeth again at the theater. In London, on the platform, Tey introduces Elspeth to the actress, Lydia Beaumont. Beaumont signs a program for Elspeth and they all part. Elspeth, back to the train to retrieve some luggage. It's there in the compartment she's killed. Tey's friend of twenty years, Penrose gets the case. Because he knows Tey, Penrose is something of a theater buff. He's a keen observer and a sympathetic policeman. Between him and his partner, Sgt. Fallowfield they provide the reader with a nice glimpse into 1930's styled detective writing. Tey and the others provide a theatrical experience. This was a throwback read. Nicely paced and without a lot of bloodshed. I know the cozy fan will enjoy An Expert In Murder. Theater fans will, and so might those who read historicals. Ms. Upson should sell well and have a big audience waiting for her next Penrose case.

Dave Biemann