
Set in a girls college during the forties, 'Miss Pym Disposes' by Josephine Tey is a witty and well-written mystery that opens a window to a fascinating time and place. The plot is character-driven, with Miss Pym, an amateur student of psychology, applying her knowledge to find the culprit behind a murder at a women's college. The story unfolds slowly, focusing on character profiles with a murder in the background, rather than being a traditional murder mystery. Miss Pym's involvement in the school's affairs leads to a moral dilemma, leaving readers questioning her decisions until the very last page.
'Miss Pym Disposes' is a unique mystery novel that combines psychological study with a character-driven plot. The book delves into the consequences of murder on people's lives, offering a detailed examination of various female students in the forties. The story unfolds at a leisurely pace, emphasizing character development and interactions, leading to a surprising and satisfying ending that resonates with both Miss Pym and the readers.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes casually racist comments reflective of its time and potentially triggering themes of jealousy and moral dilemmas.
From The Publisher:
Miss Lucy Pym, a popular English psychologist, is guest lecturer at a physical training college. The year's term is nearly over, and Miss Pym - inquisitive and observant - detects a furtiveness in the behavior of one student during a final exam. She prevents the girl from cheating by destroying her crib notes. But Miss Pym's cover-up of one crime precipitates another - a fatal "accident" that only her psychological theories can prove was really murder.
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About the Author:
Josephine Tey began writing full-time after the successful publication of her first novel, The Man in the Queue (1929), which introduced Inspector Grant of Scotland Yard. She died in 1952, leaving her entire estate to the National Trust.
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