The Daughter of Time

by Josephine Tey
The Daughter of Time cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 8903
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • Publisher: Good Press
  • Published: 2023-12-11
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

Josephine Tey's 'The Daughter of Time' is a unique blend of mystery and historical inquiry. Set in a hospital room, the novel follows Inspector Alan Grant as he, confined by a leg injury, investigates the infamous Richard III and the murder of the Princes in the Tower. Tey's narrative style is a sophisticated interplay between contemporary detective fiction and historical inquiry, challenging readers to reconsider accepted historical narratives. Tey, whose real name was Elizabeth Mackintosh, was a Scottish author with a deep fascination with history. Her background in theater and her critical view of historical accounts informed her approach to 'The Daughter of Time.' The novel reflects her belief in the importance of scrutinizing the past and drawing parallels between the processes of justice in both fiction and reality. This incisive novel is highly recommended for readers who appreciate historical mysteries and thought-provoking literature that interrogates the nature of truth itself.

Reviews
Words and Peace · 2022-08-23
intriguing 4.75

The book offers a unique and fascinating perspective by analyzing historical enigmas through the eyes of a modern police inspector.

This novel stands out for its unique approach to historical mysteries, using the perspective of a modern police inspector to analyze past events. The blend of historical analysis and detective work is both intriguing and educational. It's a clever and engaging way to explore historical enigmas, making the book a standout in its genre.

Quick quotes

    Unique and fascinating perspective: analyze historical enigmas with the eyes of a modern police inspector.

    The blend of historical analysis and detective work is both intriguing and educational.

    A clever and engaging way to explore historical enigmas.

Book Thoughts from Bed · 2021-03-29
fascinating 4.50

The book attempts to clear Richard III of the murder of his nephews, blending historical mystery with police procedural elements.

This novel is a fascinating blend of historical mystery and police procedural, focusing on the alleged crimes of Richard III. The approach is unique and engaging, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known historical figure. The narrative is compelling and well-crafted, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts and mystery lovers alike.

Quick quotes

    The Daughter of Time is a novel, written as a police procedural, that attempts to clear Richard III of the murder of his two young nephews.

    The narrative is compelling and well-crafted.

    A must-read for history enthusiasts and mystery lovers alike.

Mike Finn's Fiction · 2020-05-04
thought-provoking 4.00

The novel is not particularly engaging as a story, but it is an outstanding wake-up call to question the weight of historical narratives.

This book doesn't shine as a traditional novel, but it excels in challenging the reader to reconsider the stories we've been told about history. The perspective is refreshing and thought-provoking, making it a standout in its approach to historical analysis. It's a unique blend of fiction and historical critique that leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    As a novel, it doesn't do much for me.

    As a wake-up call to cast off the weight of the dead hand of history, it's outstanding.

    It's also a lot of things, but it's not a novel that you'll want to put down.

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