The Man in the Queue

A gunshot rings out in a crowded London theater queue, and a man collapses dead before the performance even begins. The killer vanishes into the crowd, leaving confusion, panic, and a mystery that demands immediate answers. In The Man in the Queue, Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard takes on his first case, pursuing a murderer through the streets, parks, and boarding houses of London. What follows is a fast-moving investigation built on sharp observation, quick deductions, and the constant pressure of a killer still at large. Josephine Tey's debut novel combines the clarity of classic detective fiction with the urgency of a manhunt. The story moves briskly from clue to clue, driven by action and consequence rather than armchair puzzles. First published in 1929, The Man in the Queue introduces one of the most intelligent and humane detectives in crime fiction and remains a gripping entry point into Tey's celebrated body of work.

This Impact Books edition restores a foundational British mystery for readers who enjoy tight pacing, intelligent investigation, and stories where every page moves the case forward.