Inspector Alan Grant

The Man in the Queue by Josephine Tey is the compelling first installment in the Inspector Alan Grant series. This classic detective novel begins with the mysterious murder of a man standing in line outside a London theater. When the victim is found with a knife in his back, it falls to the astute and methodical Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard to unravel the case. With no clear motive, no immediate suspects, and scant evidence, Grant's investigation delves into the lives of the people around the crime scene. As he navigates the labyrinthine streets of London and the complexities of human behavior, Grant encounters a host of intriguing characters, each with their own secrets and potential motives. Tey's masterful storytelling is characterized by rich character development, atmospheric settings, and a plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The novel combines the intellectual rigor of classic detective fiction with Tey's unique psychological insights and sharp wit, making it a standout in the genre. The Man in the Queue not only introduces readers to the brilliant and enigmatic Inspector Grant but also sets the stage for his future adventures. It remains a must-read for fans of mystery and detective fiction, showcasing Tey's skill in creating an engaging and thought-provoking whodunit.

First published in 1929. A young man is stabbed in the back with a stiletto dagger while waiting in the queue for standing room at one of the final West End performances of a hit musical comedy. None of those near him in the queue noticed him until he collapsed, or appear to have any motive for killing him. The dead man carries no identification; the only item found on him is a service revolver.

A man stands in line for a London theater performance. Moments later, he collapses-murdered in plain sight, yet no one saw a thing. Thus begins The Man in the Queue, Josephine Tey's masterfully plotted debut mystery that introduced the sharp, quietly brilliant Inspector Alan Grant. Set against the bustling backdrop of 1920s London, this gripping whodunit blends classic detective fiction with psychological depth and subtle wit. As Grant digs into the victim's shadowy past, what first appears to be a random act of violence becomes something far more intricate-and far more dangerous. With no clear motive, no witnesses, and a trail that twists through the streets of London and into the highlands of Scotland, Grant must rely on intuition, patience, and determination to solve a case that defies easy answers.