The daughter of time

The daughter of time / by Josephine Tey; narrated by Derek Jacobi.— North Kingstown : Sound Library/BBC Audiobooks America, [2002], p1987.
6 sound discs (5 hrs., 19 min.) : digital ; 4 3/4 in.
Republication of the 1987 recording by Chivers Audio Books, Bath
Compact discs.
ISBN: 9781572702448

1. Grant, Alan (Fictitious character) -- Fiction. 2. Mystery fiction. 3. Police -- Great Britain -- Fiction. 4. Richard III, King of England, 1452-1485 -- Fiction.

Was the last Plantagenet king of England the complete villain that was portrayed on stage by William Shakespeare a century later? Scottish playwright and novelist Elizabeth Mackintosh presents the case for the defense in this mystery novel published in 1951 under her pen name Josephine Tey. Scholarly historians had made the case before this, but Daughter of Time turned historical debate into a work of popular entertainment that has gathered critical praise as a work of literature long after it first appeared. In this, it is not unlike Shakespeare’s success at turning history into popular entertainment in his series of plays on the War of the Roses that culminated with “Richard III.” The works share more than an intriguing central character.

But what of the character of this English king who, although he ruled for only a little over two years, is still the source of vigorous debate between his detractors and supporters? Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard takes on the case out of boredom caused by forced confinement. While waiting for a broken leg to heal, he becomes fascinated by a portrait of Richard. To Grant, with the eye of a detective, he looks like a man who should be on the bench deciding the case, not someone on the stand accused of the cold-blooded murder of his two young nephews for political gain. But, as a policeman, Grant knows that cases aren’t solved by hunches or clues they’re solved by taking statements. Fortunately, a friend steers someone his way who’s eager to do the legwork of research and round up the statements, American amateur historian Brent Carradine. As Carradine digs up the documentation, Grant ponders the evidence and how it all fits together and who would stand to gain by the princes’ death.

Actor Derek Jacobi gives a superb reading. His American accent for Carradine is good, if not perfect, but Grant and all the other British characters are flawless. It’s little wonder that Booklist selected it as one of the “Top 10 Mystery Audiobooks” in 2001.

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Narkiewicz, Beverly S. “Honk If You Love Richard III.” New York Times (May 21, 2000); page TR10

Harris, Karen. “Top 10 Mystery Audiobooks.” Booklist (May 1, 2001) page 1616

“Second Reading: Josephine Tey: Sleuthing Into The Mystery of History.” The Washington Post (March 12, 2003) page C01