Synopsis
First published in 1948, this mystery follows Robert Blair, a solicitor in a quiet Midlands town, who is asked to defend Marion Sharpe and her mother. They live at The Franchise, an isolated house, and stand accused by fifteen-year-old Betty Kane of locking her up and beating her after she refused service. Blair tests Kane's account of missing weeks against the Sharpes' habits, neighbours, and the physical house, while police and newspapers close in. The book is a crime novel of accusation and inquiry, not a courtroom drama from first page to last.
Title Metadata
Record ID2611
Contributor
AuthorJosephine Tey
Translator
—Introduced by
Lady Antonia FraserEditor
—Preface by
—Illustrator
Mark SmithCollection & Classification
Collections—
First Published
1948Fiction / Non-Fiction
FictionEdition
Standard EditionPhysical Details
Binding
Cloth BoundTypeface
Dante, Station No. 5Page Count
328ISBN
—Slipcase
YesMarket & Pricing
Language
EnglishFolio Price
$80.00Avg. Sale Price
—In Print
NoFolio Number
2263Last Updated: 6 September 2026
Subject/Genre
5 SubjectsFiction
Mystery & Detective
Crime
20th Century
England
No images yet
Physical Description
Dimensions22.9 x 14.6 cm
Bound in grey image and title blocked buckram. Plain slipcase.
Printings1 Printings
| Printing | Print Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Printing | 2020 | — |