Nicola Upson

Nicola Upson is a British crime fiction author best known for her historical mystery series featuring real-life crime writer Josephine Tey as a fictional detective. Her debut novel, An Expert in Murder (2008), marked the beginning of the Josephine Tey series, which is set in 1930s Britain and blends fact with fiction. The series combines meticulously researched historical detail with classic murder mystery elements. Prior to becoming a novelist, Upson worked as a freelance journalist and critic, writing extensively about the arts and theater. She studied English at Downing College, Cambridge. Her work has received critical acclaim for its atmospheric portrayal of the interwar period and its exploration of complex social themes, particularly those surrounding gender and sexuality in early 20th century Britain. The Josephine Tey series continues to expand, with each new installment further developing the fictional world of its real-life protagonist.

Readers appreciate Upson's atmospheric depiction of 1930s Britain and her creative reimagining of Josephine Tey as a detective. Many note the detailed historical research and complex character development throughout the series. What readers liked: - Authentic period details and settings - Thoughtful exploration of LGBTQ+ themes in historical context - Integration of real historical figures and events - Well-crafted mystery plots that maintain suspense - Strong sense of time and place What readers disliked: - Slow pacing in some books - Complex plots that can be difficult to follow - Some find the fictional portrayal of Tey problematic - Later books in series seen as less engaging than earlier ones Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 3.8/5 across all books Amazon: 4.2/5 average customer rating LibraryThing: 3.9/5 average One reader noted: "Upson captures the essence of Golden Age mysteries while addressing social issues of the era." Another commented: "The pacing requires patience but rewards careful reading."

An Expert in Murder (2008) A mystery set in 1934 London that follows real-life crime writer Josephine Tey as she investigates a murder connected to her hit play "Richard of Bordeaux."

Angel with Two Faces (2009) Josephine Tey travels to Cornwall where a tragic drowning reveals darker secrets beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic community.

Two for Sorrow (2010) While researching a historical crime involving baby farmers, Tey uncovers connections to present-day murders in London.

Fear in the Sunlight (2012) Set in 1936 Portmeirion, Wales, the story follows Tey as she becomes entangled in murders connected to Alfred Hitchcock's visit to the village.

The Death of Lucy Kyte (2013) Tey inherits a cottage in Suffolk and discovers a legacy of murder tied to a notorious Red Barn killing from the 1800s.

London Rain (2015) Against the backdrop of George VI's coronation, Tey investigates a murder at the BBC Broadcasting House.

Nine Lessons (2017) A series of murders in Cambridge draws parallels with M.R. James's ghost stories and forces Tey to confront her own past.

Sorry for the Dead (2019) Tey revisits a tragedy from her past at a Sussex horticultural college during the First World War.

Stanley and Elsie (2019) A standalone novel about the relationship between artist Stanley Spencer and his housekeeper Elsie Munday.

Dear Little Corpses (2022) During World War II evacuations, Tey investigates the disappearance of a young girl from a Suffolk village.

Dorothy L. Sayers writes mystery novels set in the same time period as Upson's work, featuring aristocratic detective Lord Peter Wimsey in 1920s-30s Britain. Her works explore similar social themes and class dynamics of the interwar period.

Jacqueline Winspear created the Maisie Dobbs series about a female investigator working in post-WWI London. Her books combine historical detail with mystery plots and examine the era's changing roles for women.

Charles Todd writes the Inspector Ian Rutledge series set in post-WWI England featuring a Scotland Yard detective. The series deals with the psychological impact of war and British society's transformation during this period.

Elizabeth George produces the Inspector Lynley series combining detailed character studies with complex murder investigations in Britain. Her work features similar attention to psychological depth and social dynamics.

Anthony Horowitz creates murder mysteries that blend real literary figures with fiction, including works featuring Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. His approach to mixing historical fact with detective fiction parallels Upson's use of Josephine Tey as a character.