To Love and Be Wise

Inspector Alan Grant Series, Book 4

By: Josephine Tey

Narrated by: Jennifer M. Dixon

A witty and sophisticated mystery featuring best-selling author Josephine Tey's popular Inspector Alan Grant, a beloved character created by a woman considered to be one of the greatest mystery writers of all time.

Literary sherry parties were not Alan Grant's cup of tea. But when the Scotland Yard Inspector arrived to pick up actress Marta Hallard for dinner, he was struck by the handsome young American photographer, Leslie Searle.

Author Lavinia Fitch was sure her guest "must have been something very wicked in ancient Greece," and the art colony at Salcott St. Mary would have agreed. Yet Grant heard nothing more of Searle until the news of his disappearance. Had Searle drowned by accident or could he have been murdered by one of his young women admirers? Was it a possible case of suicide or had the photographer simply vanished for reasons of his own?

©1950 The National Trust (P)2018 Tantor

Ahead of its time

An excellent story that was probably considered quite avant-garde when it was originally published, and lovely, evocative language. This narrator has a lovely voice, quite easy to listen to and enjoy. Not quite enough variation in voices for my tastes, however, as sometimes I ended up confused over which character had said which thing in back-and-forth dialogue.

Brilliant

Josephine Tey’s mystery novels are timeless and intelligent. This plot was particularly engrossing and unpredictable.

It is all in the telling...

Not much of a mystery. But expertly and sensitively written. I adore the way she tells it. Narration is fine too.

Another brilliant Tey

Josephine Tey is known for her unconventional mysteries. This one doesn't fail to deliver! The 4th in the Inspector Grant series, To Love and be Wise has a plot twist that will leave you reeling, but is typical Tey. Audible needs to have a full Tey library!

An excellent story by J. Tey

Tey’s Chief Inspector Grant methodically works his way through another good mystery, and Jennifer Dixon gives an excellent performance as narrator.

Slowed narration?

Great book, but narration sounds unnaturally slow… Or slowed? Sounds great after adjusting the speed.
Love this ending & this series, not always a “fair” investigation for reader to solve though.
Recommend if you like dialogue.

Intriguing story, glorious writing, attitude.

Tey's second rank tales are better than most authors' best effort. This is not her best, but it is very good.

master storyteller

very enjoyable story—witty with good characters and observations. Ms Dixon was the perfect narrator

Great unconventional mystery.

Great sample of a work from the golden age of mystery. unconventional plot exploring important human relationships and emotions. These themes could be explored in some heavy treatise on the human condition but Tey does it very well in a thoughouly enjoyable light read.

Delightfully acerbic, with first rate, dialogue and plot

There is a certain wry quality to the perspective, and the banter is delicious. Of all the detective writers I know, only Donna Leon possesses the same sparkle. Furthermore, in this detective novel, the reader acquires the “leper’s squint“ into the life and slang of the British upper and middle classes from a very long time ago. Highly recommended.