It’s 1940, Evelyn Redfern, known and the Parisian Orphan, is doing her part for the war effort working in a munitions plant. The work is boring, so when Mr. Fletcher, one of her father’s friends, recruits her to work in Winston Churchill’s war rooms she jumps at the chance. Fletcher coaches her to look for a suspected leak, but when one of the other secretaries is found dead she transfers her attention to solving the mystery.
In her investigation she’s helped by a reluctant colleague, David Poole. At first he seems determined to keep her from investigating, but when she discovers that he is also looking for the suspected leak, they team up.
Since this is the first book in a new mystery series, it’s reasonable that the first quarter of the book gives Evelyn’s background. In the next section of the book, the mystery heats up and we’re introduced to the myriad characters working in the tunnels of the war room. At this point, I found the number of characters a bit overwhelming. However, as the story progresses the characters fit into place and it’s easy to figure our what’s happening. I was pleasantly surprised by the twist at the end.
I loved Evelyn’s character. She determined and spunky, but with a clever mind and quick repartee. The amusing dialogue kept the story moving. David is a good foil for Evelyn. At first, he’s very standoffish and tells people she’s just taking notes for him, as their relationship develops he becomes more accepting of her help.
This is a great cozy mystery with well researched background on the Churchill war rooms. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks to the published and Net Galley for this review copy.
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