Again a member of
Churchill's staff, Maggie travels with him to Washington, DC for the
meeting between Churchill and Roosevelt to negotiate a treaty for the
US entrance into the war. The two men get along from the beginning,
sharing the worries of the war in Europe and enjoying cocktails
(Roosevelt) and Scotch (Churchill).
A young woman who
worked for Eleanor Roosevelt is murdered and a scandal is brewing.
Maggie becomes involved at Churchill's request trying to avert the
bad publicity. Eleanor is also trying to get the president to
intervene in the death penalty for Wendell Cotton, a fifteen-year-old
black boy. There is a much darker side to the case than first
appears.
John Sterling,
Maggie's lover, who was spirited out of Germany while Maggie was
there on a special assignment, is also part of the Churchill staff.
He and Maggie intend to renew their relationship, but their
assignments keep getting in the way.
The historical
detail is excellent. The interactions
between Churchill and Roosevelt appear to be accurate. Likewise the
portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt is illuminating. The author has done a good job of bringing this critical period to life.
It isn't necessary to read the other books in the series to enjoy this one, but it helps. The characters have a great deal of past history that motivates them. Although the author brings in some of the past, I think it's better to have read about it.
The mystery is
intriguing, but for me, it took second place to the view of the main
characters. If you enjoy a WWII story combined with a mystery, you'll
enjoy this book. I think it's the best Maggie Hope
so far.
I reviewed this book
for Net Galley.
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