A beloved old friend, I fell back on this when I found myself stuck in a reader's block. Written in 1949 it remains, but for some outdated attitudes and non-PC-ness, as fresh and vibrant as anything being produced nowadays, and a damned sight better written and plotted than most. It's a case of imposture and mistaken identity but, in a twist on the conventions, it's the imposter who engages the reader's sympathies – with reason, as it later becomes all too clear. Also, there are horses. It's classified as a detective novel, but with not a detective in sight; only people, and their ways and means and manners, at their best and at their worst. And, at the heart of it, deep and abiding love – for family, for home, for a way of life fast vanishing – but hatred too, and bitter, monstrous jealousy, with all its consequences.

Josephine Tey wrote far too little during her short career as a crime writer, but everything she left us is a small, perfect gem. ( )

I have not read many "classic" mysteries and Tey was cited as one to read. I loved it. It was beautifully written, the characters were complex and wonderful and the added bonus for me was the role of the horses. ( )

This is a very enjoyable, well-written story. Although the reader can determine the plot very early, this does not detract from the suspense, but instead stimulates interest. As the plot progressed I became impatient to discover how it would be resolved - that is the real mystery. Brat Farrar, the main character, is portrayed cleverly, revealing his thought processes and responses with realistic insight. The details are dovetailed very nicely, leaving no loose ends or having to resort to over-complications. The only weak point - for this reader - was the somewhat abrupt conclusion that bordered on cliché. Still, an excellent read. ( )

Love this book. How could I not? A mystery of mistaken identies and amnesia or possibly amnesia AND horses to boot. ( )

This is my absolute favorite of all Tey's books. I reread it about once a year, and find that it wears phenomenally well. It involves twins, an assumed identity, an inheritance, and family tragedy -- and Tey takes these well-worn elements and weaves a brilliantly constructed, fascinating story out of them all.

The characters are beautifully drawn and individualized, and if the plot seems a tad familiar, it is important to remember that Tey wrote this back in 1948/9.

A great read, and highly recommended. ( )