Inspector Alan Grant Series 5-6

5. The Daughter of Time

In The Daughter of Time, Inspector Alan Grant is confined to a hospital bed after an injury, but his sharp detective mind refuses to rest. To occupy himself, he begins investigating a historical mystery—the supposed villainy of King Richard III, accused of murdering his nephews, the Princes in the Tower. With the help of a young researcher, Grant re-examines the centuries-old evidence and concludes that Richard was likely innocent, framed by political enemies and Tudor propaganda. Through meticulous reasoning and historical analysis, Tey transforms a cold case of history into a detective puzzle. The novel challenges the reliability of recorded history and the biases that shape public perception. The Daughter of Time is both an intellectual mystery and a meditation on truth, justice, and the persistence of myth—widely considered Tey’s masterpiece and one of the greatest mystery novels ever written.

6. The Singing Sands

The Singing Sands begins with Inspector Alan Grant on medical leave, suffering from exhaustion and anxiety. Traveling to Scotland for rest, he encounters a mysterious death on a train—a young man found dead with a cryptic poem about “the singing sands.” Though officially ruled an accident, Grant’s curiosity drives him to investigate. His inquiry leads through clues hidden in poetry, a desert map, and a network of deceit that reaches beyond Britain. As he unravels the mystery, Grant undergoes a quiet journey of self-renewal, rediscovering his confidence and love for life. The novel combines psychological depth with a reflective tone, exploring both the detective’s inner recovery and the puzzle of the crime. The Singing Sands, published posthumously, closes the series with a poignant mix of mystery and introspection, marking the end of Tey’s brilliant, character-driven exploration of reason, truth, and human resilience.