A Shilling for Candles

Main Ideas

• A detective investigation into the murder of the famous actress Christine Clay.
• Complex relationships between characters and their hidden motives.
• The role of public opinion and media during the investigation.
• The use of intuition and logic in solving the crime.
• Themes of human nature, such as jealousy, ambition, and betrayal.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Alan Grant - a Scotland Yard inspector leading the murder investigation. He is methodical, detail-oriented, and possesses a sharp mind. Throughout the investigation, he encounters various obstacles, but his persistence and analytical skills help him solve the case.
• Christine Clay - a young actress whose life becomes the center of attention after the murder. She faces numerous challenges, including suspicion and pressure from the public and the police. Ultimately, her strength of spirit and determination help her overcome these difficulties.
• Robert Tredennick - the brother of the murdered woman, who also falls under suspicion. He experiences internal conflict and suffers from the loss of his sister, but his honesty and loyalty to his family play a crucial role in the plot's development.
• Eric Leighton - a well-known actor and the lover of the murdered woman. His selfishness and secrecy arouse suspicion, but as the story unfolds, his true motives and feelings become clearer.
• Gilbert Larkin - a journalist who assists Grant in the investigation. His curiosity and professional skills prove useful, and he plays a significant role in uncovering some key evidence.

Interesting Facts

• The book is the second in the series of novels featuring detective Alan Grant.
• The plot of the book is inspired by a real murder case that occurred in the 1930s.
• The main character, Inspector Alan Grant, investigates the death of a young actress who drowned under mysterious circumstances.
• The book features a character who is a prototype of the famous actor Alfred Hitchcock.
• The novel was adapted into a film titled "Young and Innocent" directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1937.

Book Review

«A Shilling for Candles» by Josephine Tey is a captivating detective novel that stands out for its atmosphere and masterfully crafted plot. Critics note that Tey succeeds in creating an intriguing story full of unexpected twists and deep psychological portraits of the characters. The main character, Inspector Alan Grant, is presented to the reader as a smart and perceptive detective, making the investigation into the young actress's murder particularly engaging. The book has also been praised for its realistic depiction of British life in the 1930s and the subtle humor that permeates the narrative. Overall, «A Shilling for Candles» is considered one of Tey's best works, showcasing her talent in the detective genre.