Man in the Queue

A quiet line outside a London theater becomes the scene of a chilling crime in this classic British mystery that introduces one of detective fiction's most thoughtful investigators.

On a damp March evening, theatergoers gather to see a hit musical. But as the queue inches forward, a man collapses-stabbed through the back in full view of dozens, yet unnoticed until it is too late. Who was he? Who wanted him dead? And how could the killer vanish from such a public space without a trace?

Enter Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard-a perceptive, intuitive detective known for his deep understanding of human nature. As Grant pieces together the identity of the victim, he uncovers a tangle of misleading appearances, reluctant witnesses, and the unsettling realization that the truth may lie far from where it first appears.

Grant's journey takes him from the heart of London's West End to the rugged landscapes of Scotland in pursuit of a suspect-and in search of certainty in a case clouded by doubt. Along the way, The Man in the Queue subtly explores themes of justice, social class, and the danger of quick conclusions.

Written under the pseudonym Gordon Daviot, Josephine Tey's first novel is a brilliantly constructed puzzle and a sharp psychological portrait that helped redefine the modern detective story. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and P.D. James, this is where the legend of Alan Grant begins.