Source: Purchased
Description: Robert Blair was about to knock off from a slow day at his law firm when the phone rang. It was Marion Sharpe on the line, a local woman of quiet disposition who lived with her mother at their decrepit country house, The Franchise. It appeared that she was in some serious trouble: Miss Sharpe and her mother were accused of brutally kidnapping a demure young woman named Betty Kane. Miss Kane's claims seemed highly unlikely, even to Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard, until she described her prison -- the attic room with its cracked window, the kitchen, and the old trunks -- which sounded remarkably like The Franchise. Yet Marion Sharpe claimed the Kane girl had never been there, let alone been held captive for an entire month! Not believing Betty Kane's story, Solicitor Blair takes up the case and, in a dazzling feat of amateur detective work, solves the unbelievable mystery that stumped even Inspector Grant.
Genre: Mystery - Classic
Why I Picked This Book: I'm slowly reading through Josephine Tey's mysteries.
My Impression: I'm not exactly sure while Inspector Grant is in this at all because Robert Blair is definitely the star of the show. The premise is an interesting one that I haven't come across before. I really wasn't sure at all how it was going to unravel and how everything was going to be explained.
This was an interesting read from beginning to end. I loved the world that built up around the Sharpe's as the case came to light. Stanley and Nevil were definitely my favorite characters though I couldn't help but like Robert as well. This wasn't the fastest paced book but it never lagged and I always looked forward to picking it up and getting a little more of the story.
My only real issue with this was Betty Kane's age. By today's standard she's a child but I suppose at the time the book was published a 15/16 year old wasn't viewed quite the same. It was still a bit jarring at times but for the most part didn't impact my enjoyment of the mystery I just wish she had been a bit older.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I had been on the fence about her after having mixed results with some her books but with the last few I have read I'm definitely looking forward to trying more.
Would I Recommend this Book? Yes, I would. It's definitely a mystery unlike any other I've come across and I thought it was very well done.
Would I Recommend this Book? Yes, I would. It's definitely a mystery unlike any other I've come across and I thought it was very well done.
That's a great review, Katherine. I want this one!
ReplyDeleteI've read quite a few classic mysteries over the years, but never a Josephine Tey. I need to add her to my list. Is there one of hers that you liked more than the others?
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this author before. Maybe I'll get around to trying her sometime.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
This sounds very compelling and I've been enjoying classic mysteries lately s othis sounds great! Glad it was good!
ReplyDelete