Angel with Two Faces

Detective fiction meets literary sophistication as mystery writer Josephine Tey seeks respite in the Cornish countryside, only to find herself entangled in a web of secrets that threatens the peaceful village community. When Tey arrives for what should be a restorative retreat, she discovers that a recent drowning has cast a shadow over the locals, and the circumstances surrounding the young man's death prove far more complex than they initially appear. As layers of deception unfold, Tey must navigate dangerous undercurrents of passion, betrayal, and long-buried grudges that simmer beneath the village's tranquil surface.

Davina Porter delivers a masterful performance that captures both the atmospheric tension of rural Cornwall and the psychological complexity of Upson's characters. Her nuanced vocal work distinguishes each villager with subtle regional inflections while maintaining the sophisticated tone that elevates this beyond typical cozy mystery fare. Porter's pacing allows the suspense to build naturally, letting listeners absorb the rich period details and intricate plotting that define Upson's craftsmanship. The audio format particularly enhances the story's sense of place, immersing listeners in foggy moors and shadowed village lanes.