Brat Farrar1

Josephine Tey died in 1952. She was born in the Highlands of Scotland (United Kingdom); her baptismal name being Elizabeth MacKintosh.

Her death cut short a distinguished career as novelist and playwright. It was for her second detective novel ("A Shilling for Candles") that she took the name Josephine Tey. Josephine was her mother's Christian name whilst Tey was her grandmother's maiden name.

Brat Farrar is an enthralling mystery story. It was eight years since Patrick had vanished leaving his pitiful note, 'I'm sorry but I can't bear it any longer. Don't be angry with me, Patrick.'

But if Patrick really had committed suicide, who was this mysterious young man claiming to be him and calling himself Brat Farrar?

This is the tale of a scam to win an inheritance which turns into a murder mystery. It could be classed as a detective story but without a detective.

The stiff upper lip of the English family characters, combined with an obsession for horses, is well portrayed by Tey. Adding this, to the complications arising from the variety of emotions felt by the appearance of Brat Farrar, leads to a very good read indeed.

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Other books by Josephine Tey

To read, and read, and read again!

Please note:
As these stories were written some time ago, they may prove difficult to find. But I am sure when you read them, that you will be glad you continued your search. Let me know if I can be of help in finding them for you.

A Shilling for Candles

Witty, ingenious and interesting characters. In my view, however, this story is not as good as Brat Farrar.

Miss Pym Disposes

This is a crime story with elegance. Set in Leys Physical Training College, Miss Lucy Pym felt inadequate by the health and beauty of the students. But then there was a nasty accident......

The Daughter of Time

In this story Tey brings mystery and history together with total genius. After four hundred years, how can a bedridden policeman uncover the truth about the Princes in the Tower?

An unusual angle to a story - I believe in 'The Daughter of Time' Tey succeeded with brilliance.

The Singing Sands

A great storyline set in Scotland - Tey gives atmosphere in her description of the beauty of the Highlands. A gripping read with a very strong ending to this mystery - Tey's style has been compared favourably to John Buchan.

Last Updated: 05 February 2012

In memory of 'Lucky and Sherry'