To Love and Be Wise

by Josephine Tey
To Love and Be Wise cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8201
  • Added: 2025-12-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781479453191
  • Publisher: Wildside Press LLC
  • Published: 2020-09-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

When a strikingly handsome young photographer mysteriously disappears, Inspector Alan Grant is tasked with uncovering the truth behind his vanishing. The photographer's many female admirers and enigmatic lifestyle raise questions about whether his death was an accident, a suicide, or a deliberate act of foul play. /n/n As Grant delves deeper into the case, he encounters a labyrinth of secrets and deceptions that challenge his investigative skills. The story unfolds with a blend of suspense and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Reviews
The Nature of Things Blog · 2018-03-29
literary 4.50

The book is a literary mystery with unforgettable characters and an intricate plot. The use of language is particularly praised.

This review highlights the book's strengths as a literary mystery. The reviewer praises the unforgettable characters and the intricate plot, which keeps the reader engaged throughout. The use of language is particularly noted for its excellence, adding depth and richness to the story. The reviewer sees the book as a standout in the mystery genre, offering a compelling and well-crafted narrative. The characters are memorable, and the plot is intricate, making it a satisfying read for fans of the genre. The writing style is also commended for its quality and the way it enhances the overall reading experience.

Quick quotes

    It is, in fact, a literary mystery, full of unforgettable characters, an intricate plot, and a wonderful use of language.

    The characters are memorable, and the plot is intricate.

    The use of language is particularly praised.

Nordie's Blog · 2015-01-29
decent 3.00

The story is tight and decent, but it doesn't stand out enough to make the author a must-read. The reviewer plans to read more books in the series.

The reviewer found the book to be a decent and tightly plotted mystery. However, they felt that it lacked something special that would make the author a standout in the genre. The story is engaging and well-told, but the reviewer doesn't see it as a reason to immediately seek out more books by the same author. They plan to read more in the series, hoping that other books might offer more of what they're looking for in a mystery novel. Overall, the book is seen as a good read, but not an exceptional one.

Quick quotes

    Whilst a decent, tight story, there's nothing (on this book alone) to make Tey join the list.

    I have a few other books in the series that might change my mind.

    The story is engaging and well-told.

Leaves and Pages · 2013-03-27
satisfying 4.00

The book is a satisfying vintage mystery with a charming English countryside setting. The characters are well-crafted and the plot is engaging.

This review highlights the book's strengths as a classic mystery novel. The reviewer appreciates the traditional English setting and the well-developed characters. The plot is described as engaging and satisfying, with a nice twist at the end. The writing style is noted for its intricacy and the way it encourages contemplation. Overall, the book is seen as a delightful read that stays true to the mystery genre's conventions while offering a fresh and interesting story.

Quick quotes

    A most satisfactory vintage mystery story, with a traditionally English countryside setting.

    The characters are well-developed and real.

    The writing is intricate and different from other mysteries.

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