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Informative,
Interesting,
Dramatic

2 reviews

The Daughter of Time

by Josephine Tey

Published: 2011-05-14
Hardcover : 158 pages

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Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 2 members

One of the greatest detective novels, in which a Scotland Yard inspector is bedridden and embarks on historical research to pass the time. Was King Henry III really a cruel murderer? Or was it political propaganda? Read Tey's final work to find ...

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Introduction

In one of Tey's bestselling mystery novels ever, Scotland Yard Inspector Alan Grant is intrigued by a portrait of Richard III. Could such a sensitive face actually belong to one of history's most heinous villains--a king who killed his brother's children to secure his crown? Grant determines to find out once and for all what kind of man Richard was and who in fact killed the princes in the tower.

Editorial Review

Josephine Tey is often referred to as the mystery writer for people who don't like mysteries. Her skills at character development and mood setting, and her tendency to focus on themes not usually touched upon by mystery writers, have earned her a vast and appreciative audience. In Daughter of Time, Tey focuses on the legend of Richard III, the evil hunchback of British history accused of murdering his young nephews. While at a London hospital recuperating from a fall, Inspector Alan Grant becomes fascinated by a portrait of King Richard. A student of human faces, Grant cannot believe that the man in the picture would kill his own nephews. With an American researcher's help, Grant delves into his country's history to discover just what kind of man Richard Plantagenet was and who really killed the little princes.

Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

The deaths of the Princes in the Tower may be the ultimate "cold case file.' How do you think the mid-20th century Grant's investigation resembles or differs from the approach a 21st century detective might take to a "cold" homicide case?

What do we learn about Grant as a character from his reactions in the opening chapter to the various books his friends have brought by, and to the historical figures he discusses with his friend, Marta?

From a historian's perspective, do you think Tey has "played fair" with the historical information?

by RachelP (see profile) 07/05/11

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Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

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Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 2 members.

Member Reviews

Overall rating:

"The Daughter of Time"by Elizabeth M. (see profile) 03/02/15

I liked it, but at times I felt I was drowning in all the Henry's, Richard's & Elizabeth's. It was hard for me to keep them all straight!

"The Daughter of Time"by Rachel P. (see profile) 07/05/11

As a person with a history degree, I found this book to be so interesting that I count it as one of those books that changed my outlook on life.

"Who really killed the princes in the tower"by Cathy M. (see profile) 07/19/07

Inspector Grant is hospitalized and bored. His friend, actress Marta Hallard, brings him pictures of famous faces to study. He becomes intrigued by the picture of Richard 111 and begins to read all he... (read more)

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