The Dead Of Winter (Josephine Tey Book Nine) by Nicola Upson

 

The Dead of Winter by Nicola Upson.

Published 5th November 2020 by Faber and Faber.

Audio book narrated by Sandra Duncan.

From the cover of the book:

December 1938, and storm clouds hover once again over Europe. 

Josephine Tey and Archie Penrose gather with friends for a Cornish Christmas, but two strange and brutal deaths on St Michael's Mount - and the unexpected arrival of a world famous film star, in need of sanctuary - interrupt the festivities. 

Cut off by the sea and a relentless blizzard, the hunt for a murderer begins.

Pivoting on a real moment in history, the ninth novel in the 'Josephine Tey' series draws on all the much-loved conventions of the Golden Age Christmas mystery, whilst giving them a thrilling contemporary twist.

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December 1938: Josephine Tey is preparing for a cosy Christmas in Cornwall with her partner Marta, at the family home of her close friend London-based DCI Archie Penrose, so she is rather surprised when Archie tells her there is going to be a last minute change of venue. 

Instead they find themselves expected to take part in a rather different sort of festive gathering in the grand house on St Michael's Mount, after Archie is given the job of minding a very famous film star for a charity get-together, arranged by his childhood friend Hilaria St Aubyn.

Hemmed in by the sea, and trapped on the island by a severe blizzard, the unlikely group of guests is looking forward to enjoying a traditional country house Christmas. However, Christmas Day brings with it rather more than presents and tradition, when two brutal deaths are discovered. Archie, as the only law enforcement officer on hand in the extreme weather, now has the hunt for a murderer on his hands - and it can only be someone on the island...

Upson creates an intriguing cast of characters to trap together on an island surround by wild seas and freezing weather, with our stalwart detective Archie and his part-time assistants Josephne and Marta rubbing shoulders with aristocracy, the clergy, a journalist, a suburban couple, an heiress with poor taste in companions, and a Hollywood mega-star (who will remain nameless for fear of spoilers). Throw in a few domestic staff, and residents of The Mount, with troubles of their own, and you have all the makings of a fine 'locked-room' mystery - which is exactly what Upson does to perfection.

This is a very fine period murder mystery, with a contemporary twist, told through the narratives of a variety of characters. The pieces of the puzzle come together slowly and the story keeps you guessing in the most enjoyable fashion. There is clever misdirection, and some lovely red herrings to throw you off he scent, and Upson uses the isolated location and extreme weather to enhance the feelings of claustrophobia and menace beautifully. Interestingly, she gives the game away about part of the story right at the beginning, but leaves you completely in the dark in other ways, so you really do not know who to trust among the likely group of suspects.

I love the way Upson brings in so many themes to her books, and this one is overflowing with threads that delve into difficult relationships, family ties, and sins of the past. She uses the Christmas setting to give her characters pause, reflecting both on the past, and what the future might mean for them all - especially with the threat of war in the air. Most poignantly, is Archie's recollections about a shocking murder scene eighteen years before, of which he is somehow reminded by one of the murders he must now solve. There are lovely moments between Josephine and Marta too, as they face the prospect of being parted, and as always, Josephine's friendship with Archie is emotional gold.

One of my favourite things about Upson's books is the way she combines fact and fiction, putting real world people into her stories in a way that makes them seem so natural, and creating delightful interplay between the factual and fictional characters - and the very famous Hollywood actress that appears in this one is a stunner, alongside the usual magic she weaves with novelist Josephine Tey. Her murderers are also complex and painted in shades of grey, and this book in particular made me shed many tears when Archie finally uncovers what lies behind the tragic events that play out in these pages.

I have to say a word about the incredible audio book narrated by Sandra Duncan, which kept me going with the story during the times I could not hold the physical book in my hands. Duncan's narration is wonderful, and she voices the characters so well that it almost feels as though you are listening to a ensemble piece. This is the first time I have listened to one of Upson's books, rather than sticking with the physical format, but it will not be my last - Duncan brings the story alive beautifully!

The Josephine Tey series of books by Nicola Upson evokes all the things about Golden Age crime stories that I adore, and The Dead of Winter is my favourite one yet.

The Dead of Winter is available to buy now in hardcover, paperback, ebook and audio formats.

Thank you to Faber and Faber for my gifted hard back copy. I also purchased the splendid audio book.

About the author:

Nicola Upson is the author of numerous previous Josephine Tey mysteries, including An Expert in Murder, and two works of nonfiction. She has worked in theater and as a freelance journalist. A recipient of an Escalator Award from the Arts Council England, she splits her time between Cambridge and Cornwall.