Solid historical fiction, as Perry is known for! 4 stars to reward the historical aspect, learning opportunity......through an easy to read historical novel series featuring returning characters. It's good, actually a very scary time period in history..... It's easy to follow, even for a novice historical fiction reader.
I received a digital copy of the book from Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine via NetGalley for review purposes. this is my own fair & honest review.

I did not realize that this was the 4th book in a series. That being said, although I might have gained more insight and information from the previous books, I felt that this held as a standalone book. As a member of Britain's MI6, Elena goes into Berlin in the summer of 1934 to bring a German scientist to exile before he can be made to help develop germ warfare. As a historical fiction fan, I love a great WWII story, and this did not disappoint. I don't believe that I have ever read any of Anne's previous books, so this was a pleasant find for me! It keeps your attention, and the story flowed. Thanks so much to Anne Perry, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this e-arc.

Ann Perry has written another book in the Elena Standish series, A Truth to Lie For.

I am continuing to read this series of mystery novels about Elena Standish during World War II because I feel dedicated to follow through, but I will say that they are not as compelling as they should be. They are easy to put down and hard to pick up and finish.

Ann Perry has long been a favorite author of mine. I really enjoyed the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series and I have read some of the Hester and William Monk series but this time there is not enough of a mystery to each novel to make it exciting. These novels take place during WWII . They are about the secret services of England trying to spy in Germany. Each time there is a spy who has infiltrated a different department of war in Germany and is now compromised in some way and needs to get out of the country. Elena is sent as a young woman who should not call attention to her herself and can help the person in question escape. Of course there are always complications.

It is interesting that Perry as made a young woman the protagonist in this series, though her grandfather and her boss are also quite important to the story lines and their friendship always factors into the plot. It is still worth taking some time to read.

Check out my review of the first book in this series, A Question of Betrayal, reviewed on this blog.

In this fourth book of the Elena Standish mystery series, we see Elena returning to Germany once again as an operative of MI6. This time her mission is different, but the constant threat of danger is very real. She is to help one of two scientists escape from Germany. Another agent will help the other scientist escape. The scientists have been working on creating a “germ” to cause an illness that would decimate the enemy and the antidote to the illness . Hitler’s head men are pushing for this new modern technique with war looming dark on Europe’s doorstep. MI6 wants to help the scientists escape the volatile atmosphere in Germany and use the research to further their own cause and no one but Elena can do the job.

After nearly escaping from Germany a year ago, Elena can’t believe she is back in Germany. This time, her mission is short, sweet and to the point: get the scientist safely out of Germany and if at any time the mission is in jeopardy, to kill him without a second thought. When she arrives, she is quickly alarmed when someone begins to follow her around Berlin while she is making contact with her target. She is uneasy, but the mission requires that the scientists be evacuated as soon as possible as every second could be fatal. She teams up with her friend Jacob who is an American journalist who has been reporting on the dark deeds of Germany’s government as it rushes towards another world war. He is doubly in danger as he is also a Jew. Elena and Jacob soon escape Berlin but soon find themselves involved in chaos in Munich as Hitler rids himself of his competition.

The thing that I love so much about this series is that these books are always packed full of action and suspense. Set in the 1930’s as Hitler makes his rise in Germany with England still holding on to hope that another world war can be avoided, these books show just how tense Europe was at that time in history. The author does a great job of using real historical events and people effortlessly into her stories. In this book, the author gives readers a glimpse of what Munich was like on the Night of the Long Knives when Hitler murdered Rohm, the leader of the Brownshirts or the SA (the “Stormtroopers”), and several hundred others all because he felt that Rohm was a strong political opponent and Hitler was insecure of his own power even though he was already the Fuhrer. It is hard to make historical events and fiction flow together easily, but Perry just has that knack for it. I highly encourage readers of historical mystery to check out this lovely series for yourself.

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars
Author: Anne Perry

Series: Elena Standish Mystery #4

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Publication Date: September 20, 2022

Pages: 289

Genre: Historical Mystery

Get It: Amazon

Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review. I reviewed this book without compensation of any kind. All thoughts and opinions are solely mine.

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

Who are you? And who are they? Possibilities of past and present come alive in this pre-WWII novel in the Elena Standish mystery series. You'll wonder what the history books don't say and listen to your grandpa and grandma's stories in a different way.

You can hardly put it down, with all its plot surprises. You'll sometimes cheer, sometimes wonder who is a "good guy", and turn the last page with a sigh. Why? because you'll be waiting for the next in the series.

Anne Perry's Elena Standish novels are consistently entertaining. This fourth entry takes Elena back to Berlin on an extremely dangerous mission to extricate a German scientist working on the government's germ warfare project. Simultaneously, another agent will get another scientist out who has responsibility for part of the same project. An old enemy of her grandfather Lucas, former head of M16, is in charge of this project. Johann Paulus' reputation was decimated by Lucas Standish during the Great War and Paulus would do anything to destroy Lucas. Elena arrives in Berlin with exactly one contact and their interaction must be brief. She does involve a contact from a prior project who readers will recognize.

Running parallel to Elena's work, we see Paulus at work, a ruthless man who has Hitler's ear. His top aide, Hans Beckendorff is a rising star. He too is fervently behind the Furhrer and is proud that Paulus has included him in meetings with Hitler. He is an attorney, married to a British woman and they have an infant daughter. They do not discuss his work. His tender side is evident with the baby. Because he is not stupid, he is wary of Paulus, knowing that he is in fact ruthless, but he also understands the need to consolidate power in support of Hitler and that this may have to be done at any cost.

Ultimately, Perry takes us on a grand adventure with unexpected twists. It is a spy thriller and it thrills, This is historical fiction and it takes place during a key period of WWII history, before President Hindenburg is gone but at a time he fully knows Hitler is in charge. Again, I like this series and have read all four novels, now that I finished A Truth to Lie For. That said, some of the connection to the recurring characters that I've had with prior Perry series is just not there for me. I don't dislike them. They are not sufficiently three dimensional for me. With the prolific Perry, this might shape up over time, but it means this work is not five stars for me even though I look forward to continuing to read about Elena's future assignments and will indeed buy the books and recommend them to others.

This was an exciting installment in the series and I loved the edge of the seat suspense.
Many thanks to Random House and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest feedback.

*I received a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review*
Elena is my type of girl and I adore her. Following her on her adventures through war torn Europe is a delicious adventure. Watching the struggle of the people through my imagination and Anne Perry' s words is such a joy.

The Elena Standish mystery series continues to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Elena is sent back to Berlin to facilitate an important scientist’s escape from 1930’s Germany. As Hitler is growing in power, MI6 discovered that two scientists were studying germ warfare and making progress. At the same time, Hans, a Gestapo lieutenant was beginning to question his decisions after meeting Hitler. I could not put the book down, and highly recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

In this latest installment of the Elena Standish mysteries, the protagonist, with a new identity as Ellen Stewart, is being sent back into Germany to find and extricate one of Hitler’s scientists who is developing Germany’s germ warfare program. The story is set in 1934 as Hitler is on the ascendant and surrounded by his goons, Rohm, Goring, Goebbels, Himmler, and others who are all jockeying for power. There is a secondary story involving a young German Lieutenant, Hans Beckendorff, working under General Paulus who is looking to settle a long simmering embarrassment against Elena’s Grandfather, Lucas Standish, the former head of of Britain’s M16. Lots of players, lots of action, intrigue, soul searching and nail biting tension. Amidst the horrors of Hitler’s fanaticism, there are also people stepping up, making hard decisions, risking their lives to save others.

One of the aspects of Perry’s stories is that her characters are fallible and things don’t always go to plan. Mistakes are made and segues become the norm. If you are looking for a plan that goes off without a hitch, not happening. If you are expecting things to move in a linear direction with a perfect ending well we don’t always get what we want. As is so often the case, the ending is abrupt but leaving no doubt that we will see more of Elena Standish.

Thank you Ballantine Books and NetGalley for a copy.

It's 1934 Germany and Hitler is ready to take over as much of Europe as possible. Two scientists have made strides in deadly germ warfare. One of them makes the antidote while the other the toxin. MI6 agent Elena Standish is tasked with returning to Berlin to help one of these two scientists escape; another agent will help the other scientist. In addition to Elena's storyline we have that of Hans Beckendorff, a young German Gestapo officer who seems to be moving quickly up the ranks. He's married to a British women, whose father is the cultural attaché at the British Embassy, and they have a baby girl only a few months old.

This was a fantastic story of political intrigue and suspense along with a moral message. I was on the edge of my seat for both storylines. Would Elena get the scientist out of Germany? Are the people helping her really helping or are they double agents? Is Hans really going to go along with his superior officer and Hitler's plan? If he doesn't, what will happen to Hans and his family? I look forward to Elena's next mission but I also want to see Hans again.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Ballantine Books via NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.

Anne Perry has the uncanny ability to put fictitious characters into true historical scenarios and make her readers feel they are actually there. This is no exception in the fourth installment of the Elena Standish series,
A Truth to Lie For. It’s 1934 and Hitler is becoming more powerful. There are two scientists in Germany who have made developments in germ warfare, and M16 sends Elena to get one of the scientists out before he is forced to give his research to the Nazis; it is believed they will use this research to kill millions. It’s a very dangerous mission, and there is a man who has recently risen to power after being exposed and humiliated by Elena’s Grandfather, Lucas Standish. Lucas comes out of retirement expecting to be killed by this villain. In order to complete her mission, Elena calls on an old friend from a previous novel to help her.

Perry is a favorite author due to the fact that she not only does her research, but builds storylines that keep readers on the edge. Her stories make readers actually live the history. Elena is a great protagonist – likeable, skilled, but with a few flaws like regular people. Perry is a master at developing supporting characters and that makes the story ring true. Of course there are twists and turns that will keep readers guessing.

Anyone who likes historical novels that are believable, will want to pick up this excellent novel as soon as possible. Although all of Anne Perry’s novels are readable and enjoyable, this is one of her best and it is highly recommended.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

This has been my favorite Elena Standish book of all. I really love how the author develops this period in time.
I love that some past characters (and one of my favorites), came back! I love when authors bring back my favorite characters. Don't be worried; you don't have to have read the past books to follow along. Perry does an excellent job pulling them in while telling you their connections...without making it take away from the story for series readers. This easily can be read as a stand-alone.

The pacing of this book compared to previous ones in the series is faster paced and more action packed. She's and MI-6 agent on a mission (FINALLY) to retrieve and extract an individual. There was a lull between 10-45 % (on my kindle) where the characters went through a lot of second guessing. Without a lot of decision making. Just make it through it, it will be worth it. The side characters I accept this from; the atmosphere of the time period makes personal dilemmas realistic.

But... oh Elena. Last book she was finally growing a back bone. She took 2 steps forward...and then 3 steps backward in this book. She is the most indecisive female. If she had to propel this particular book forward...she would have failed. Thank goodness for good side characters who step up, do all the work, and somehow keep her safe. Cause that girl never has a plan. And can never make an in-the-moment decision.

I was provided an ARC by NetGalley; and the reviews expressed are my own!

A Truth to Lie For
It is 1934 and Elena Standish is back. She has been asked by M16 to sneak back into Germany and help a scientist doing important work on germ warfare, escape from the country.
Hitler has risen to power and his elite Gestapo is up against the unruly Brownshirts. The powerful general in charge of germ warfare, Paulus, is an old enemy of Elena’s grandfather, Lucas, the former head of M16. The two men had been enemies for over 20 years after Lucas humiliated the general in battle.
This story captures the danger and unpredictability of Hitler and his Gestapo. As Elena finds her way out of Germany, she views the violence that Hitler enacts against his enemies. She also learns that he is intent on conquering the rest of Europe.
This story is fast paced and has much violence. Some of the action, such as the killing of a main historical character, is not accurate. However the story should appeal to those interested in WWII and espionage.
I received this ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Anne Perry takes us into Germany in 1934 where Hitler is getting ready to put down Rohm and his hirelings and English M16 are working to get two German scientists working on germ warfare out to England. A Truth to Lie For pits the granddaughter of the former head of M16 who is in the extraction team against a former German spy Paulus who has risen high under Hitler. Caught in the middle is a German officer who works loyally for Hitler but who is married to the daughter of a British embassy staff member. What could go wrong? Fast paced with human interest. Read and enjoy.

Germany, 1934. Hitler and the Nazi party continue to move toward complete power. Elena Standish, now working for MI6, has been sent on a mission to Berlin. Her assignment, assist a scientist to get out of the country before the enemy can use his knowledge for themselves. To complete her mission it will take everything she has learned and more. And to save herself and protect what is most important to her, she must learn just how resourceful and courageous she can be.

Perry’s plot weaves several distinct storylines together in order to give you a sense of the political strain of the times, as well as the personal struggles of the characters involved. The writing and language help to evoke a Germany on the brink, and Perry brings one of history’s most crucial events to life. The Night of the Long Knives encompassed a series of politically motivated executions ordered by Hitler in order to consolidate his power. In recreating this event, Perry provides a real sense of the disorder, the frenzy, and the fear that infected everyone and everything.

As in prior installments in this series, Elena Standish makes a compelling protagonist. She is undeniably intelligent, sensitive, and caring. But, over the course of the series she has not grown with regards to inner strength or self confidence. In short, she dithers her way through just about every situation. Surprisingly, the character that most captured my attention was Hans Beckendorff. With Hans, Perry has created the personification of a rising Gestapo officer in Hitler’s new regime. His story furnishes a great deal of insight into what was probably the mindset of many within Germany during this turbulent time.

While, for the most part, the pacing was good, the were points in the story where it could have been better. As I mentioned previously, the character of Elena had a habit of questioning her motives, second guessing her decisions, and holding back when it came to taking action. This often resulted in significantly bogging down the narrative as it flitted back and forth along with Elena’s inner monologue.

Set amidst the tensions of a world on the brink of WWII, A Truth to Lie for is an effective story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I’m Hooked. “A Truth to Lie For” is gripping, suspenseful, and unputdownable.

“A Truth to Lie For” by Anne Perry is the fourth book in the Elena Standish series, but it works as a standalone.

This is historical thriller with plenty of suspense and mystery thrown into the mix. The story takes place in 1934, and Elena is an MI6 agent sent to Germany to smuggle a German scientists out of the county. There are two scientists who want to escape. Their research is horrendous and terrifying.

Perry uses multiple points of view. The one I found intriguing was Hans Beckendorff, a young Gestapo captain, who plays a major role in “The Night of the Long Knives” which established Hitler and allowed him to consolidate his power in Germany.

What I liked:

This story is a slow burn. One of those tales that sets up several story lines then builds and builds the tension and suspense until you are on the edge of your seat, reading until two am. (Yep, I confess.)

After experiencing a worldwide pandemic, I found the possibility of germ warfare terrifying. Most of the characters, even the German scientists, risk their lives to prevent massive destruction.

The reader gets a peek inside the German mindset. Hans and others see Hitler as a savior, bringing order and respect to Germany. I found this point of view at once understandable, naïve, and disturbing. 

Perry pulls off several surprising twists that made me think, “Yeah, that’s how it should be.”
What I wasn’t crazy about:

I enjoyed this book and don’t have any dislikes. The narrative grabbed me on page one. 
If you haven’t read other books in the Elena Standish series, I’d suggest giving this a try or you could start with the first book. Since this book was my entry into the series, I plan on reading the others. 

If you like your thriller to start out action packed, the beginning is slow paced as Perry sets up the characters and events. I think this makes the suspense stronger.

If you like historical thrillers, this is excellent. 


A big thank you to NetGalley for an ACR copy of Anne Perry’s “A Truth to Lie For.”

A Truth to Lie For has Elena Standish back in Germany for this espionage story by Anne Perry. Elena is still vulnerable at times trying to accomplish her sleuth mission. As she was in the first book, she is an intriguing character, underestimated by some. This mission was taunting when she started it but becomes even more dangerous as the book progresses. It is an extremely tense read as old family enemies appear. Elena’s grandfather has a more supportive role than in the previous books which is quite interesting.

Political intrigue, chemical warfare, and the tension over Hitler’s rise to power provides a moving backdrop to this historical novel. One that is hard to put down because it has you at the edge of your seat wanting to find out if Elena accomplishes all that she has been assigned. Also, will help come her way, who will it be as well as those who are trying to stop and eliminate her? A wonderful installment in this fascinating series.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

I have read and enjoyed Anne Perry's books for many years, but this latest entry in the Elena Standish series is disappointing. From the title, which is barely relevant to the characters, to the plot, to the somewhat intertwined stories, little of it stand out Certainly the fate of General Paulus, a real-life German military officer, differs from reality and the failure of important German and British missions are treated in what seems to be an overly-casual manner. Books in this genre seem to be "a dime a dozen" right now. To stand out one requires memorable characters, interesting plots, extraordinary yet plausible feats, and settings that play an important role in setting atmosphere, creating reality and/or serving as another character.. A Truth to Lie For, while not a bad read, just doesn't deliver enough in any of these areas to distinguish it from all those other books sitting beside it. I hope Perry's next attempt is more successful.

A Truth to Lie For by Anne Perry is another of Perry’s Elena Standish stories surrounding British spying during World War II. Elena is still very inexperienced and in some ways that benefits her when the higher-ups are selecting someone for a mission. This time her innocence and blonde hair are definitely in her favor. The mission is to take a scientist out of Germany. He is instrumental in developing germ warfare, which is a problem, and he wants out. Elena is to make contact and figure out a way to get him out. Her contact is a porter at the hotel at which she is staying, and he will get her to the target, then she is on her own. She knew what she had to do. She contacted Jacob, a reporter who had helped her the last time she was in Berlin, to see if he could get her an untraceable car. Then they could be on their way, hopefully before the Nazis noticed they were gone.

This is a good series, although this is not the best of the books in the series. Many of the things that happened were unreal and painted the Nazis as stupid rather than the reality. The mission did not end well, but Elena got home all in one piece. She is an excellent character, well-written and intelligent. Her grandfather, Lucas, was also in this story, and visited Berlin precipitating a second storyline. The general plot was good, with the Lucas’ portion of the story ringing true. It was Elena’s journeys that didn’t ring true. It was, however, an entertaining story, full of interesting characters and the opportunities to get to know them.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC Of A Truth to Lie For by Ballantine, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Ballantine #AnnePerry #ATruthToLieFor