London, 1903. Two women are hanged in Holloway Prison for killing babies. More than thirty years later, their crimes resurface with shocking consequences. When Josephine Tey sets out to write a novel about Amelia Sach and Annie Walters, the notorious Finchley baby farmers sentenced to death for a string of newborn murders, she has no idea that the research for her book will be used in the investigation of a modern-day killing—the sadistic murder of a young seamstress, found dead in the studio of Tey's friends, the Motley sisters, amid preparations for a star-studded charity gala.
While initially the death of the young girl, an ex-con trying to go straight, seems to be the result of a long-standing domestic feud, Josephine's friend, Inspector Archie Penrose, is not convinced. And when a second young woman is involved in a horrific accident soon afterwards, the search begins for a vicious killer who will stop at nothing to keep the past where it belongs. Moving between the decadence and glamour of a private women's club, the bleak surroundings of Holloway prison, and the deprivation of London's slums, Two for Sorrow is a dark and unsettling exploration of the way in which the crimes of the past destroy those left behind—long after justice is served.
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"I really enjoyed this, the third book in a series featuring a semi-fictional incarnation of Josephine Tey. I had some reservations about the way the mystery played out - but on the whole thought it was pretty good. Definitely one of my must-read series now. "
— Kirsty (4 out of 5 stars)
“Upson upsets readers’ expectations with a surprise that keeps the suspense high to the satisfying conclusion. Puzzle fans as well as admirers of psychologically-rich crime authors such as Ruth Rendell will find a lot to savor.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)“This excellent entry in this highly recommended series provides all the classic detective components with a contemporary kick. The case is intricate and surprisingly intimate, weaving in and out of two historical periods.”
— Library Journal (starred review)“Curiously touching and psychologically compelling.”
— Sunday Times (London)“Upson’s style is compelling, meticulously researched, and immaculately written. She creates a world you enter through her pages and are reluctant to leave at the end.”
— Hunts Post (London)“Any crime aficionado…should make room for Nicola Upson’s novels in which the real-life author Josephine Tey, one of the grandest dames of the Golden Age of detective fiction, investigates murders in the thirties.”
— Daily Telegraph (London)" Her best yet! The plot line was so intricately woven, it was a joy to unravel- "
— Denise, 9/10/2011" I got to page 152 and thought why am i working so hard at this? I quit there. "
— Richard, 8/30/2011" Two for Sorrow By Nicola Upson. The story started out good, with the two women sentenced to the gallows for killing babies. When Josephine decided to write a book about the two women, the story got lost in to much dialog. "
— Sharon, 7/27/2011" Well written and interesting in presenting this time period, however, it was too grim to enjoy reading. "
— Mary, 7/2/2011" The mystery was too obvious and I found the explicit love scenes a bit weird for a mystery, but I still like the characters and the setting so I'll continue to read the series. "
— Kirsten, 5/17/2011Nicola Upson is the award-winning author of several novels, including An Expert in Murder, Angel with Two Faces, and Two for Sorrow. She was the winner of an Escalator/Arts Council England award in 2006 for her debut novel, An Expert in Murder. She is also the author of a number of nonfiction books, including Mythologies: the Sculpture of Helaine Blumenfeld and In Good Company: A Snapshot of Theatre and the Arts.
Davina Porter has been enthralling listeners for over twenty-five years with her ability to mine the psychological depths of the characters she reads and bring them convincingly to life. In 2006, she won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Female Narration and in 2004 for Best Inspirational Literature Narration. She has been honored as an AudioFile Golden Voice and has won nineteen AudioFile Earphones Awards. As an actress, she has appeared on stage at the Vineyard Playhouse and the Square One Theater, among others.