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The Franchise Affair

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The Franchise Affair

By: Josephine Tey
Narrated by: Carole Boyd
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About this listen

Marion Sharpe and her mother seem an unlikely duo to be found on the wrong side of the law. Quiet and ordinary, they have led a peaceful and unremarkable life at their country home, The Franchise. Unremarkable that is, until the police turn up with a demure young woman on their doorstep.

Not only does Betty Kane accuse them of kidnap and abuse, she can back up her claim with a detailed description of the attic room in which she was kept, right down to the crack in its round window. But there’s something about Betty Kane’s story that doesn’t quite add up.

Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard is stumped. It takes Robert Blair, solicitor turned amateur detective, to solve the mystery...

©1948 Josephine Tey (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Cosy Crime Fiction Mystery Crime Fiction

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A well-constructed tale of how a solicitor is drawn unwillingly into disproving the allegations made against two women, and of how his life is jogged out of its complacency as a result. Some may find this story, set in an English market town in the late 1940's, too simple and unhurried, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Josephine Tey is a wonderful writer, bringing beautifully-observed detail and subtle wit to this intriguing story. And Carole Boyd is the perfect choice as narrator, with a well-paced and acerbic delivery that brings the characters to life. A wonderful gentle listen, and definitely one to play again.

Well-paced and intriguing

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This is one of the (very few) books that I can read or listen to, again and again at intervals over the years, and find the same enjoyment each time.

A favourite story, with excellent narration

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A superb story, well constructed and satisfying to listen to. It’s full of acerbic and waspish observations on the manners, social mores, media, and English life of her day.

It was a bit of a shock to find that the reader was the Archers “ Linda Snell, but after a chapter or two I was quite comfortable with it and the actress concerned did brilliantly well.

Thoroughly recommended.

Waspishly brilliant

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A delightful tale and beautifully narrated by Carole Boyd. I shall listen to more by Josephine Tey. I’m sorry several of her works are not on Audible (yet)….

Wonderful!

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Excellent clear narration resonated with the book's narrative and essence perfectly. A story not out of place today acted out by sympathetic characters without "issues" but constrained by stereotypical small town expectations which they overcome. The tale rolls along quickly; no murders, (except character assassinations). A very good introduction to Josephine Tey. Have ordered Singing Sands and one other 2nd hand from Abe.

A very satisfactory comeuppance!

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