In this beginning to a new historical mystery series, Evelyne Redfern's life changes when she begins working in the Prime Minister's war rooms and gets caught up in a murder investigation.

I love a good historical mystery but I really don't read them that often. Books like this really make me want to change that though because I really enjoyed this one. It was just a fun and atmospheric read. I really enjoyed the historical details, the setting, and the mystery itself. This book was just one of those enjoyable reads that sucked me in. I took my time with it, lost between the pages, trying to figure out the why's and who's behind the mystery. It's a bit of a slow burn but you should know by now that I don't mind that at all. And I didn't see the ending coming although I guessed part of who was behind it (but definitely not why). Overall, a fun and solid read that has me excited to continue on with the next book when it releases.

Readers who enjoy historical mysteries or mysteries in general should pick this book up. Four stars and an author for me to read more of!

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher. Honest thoughts are my own.

"Sometimes we tell stories about ourselves that suit us best."

3.5 stars rounded up! What a cute little mystery! This was a fast, easy read. One that kept me glued to the page as the MC learned detail after detail and chased down another clue! I've rounded my stars up because this book is a lot of dialogue and interviewing and it was done so well, it felt natural and easy.

The mystery was shocking at first and then just an adventure to solve. I loved the twists, that we were there for every clue and every detail they tracked down. I liked the way the MC thought, her suspicions were easy to follow and I felt myself nodding along as she changed all the clues down. There were a lot of secrets so I found the ending satisfying. I especially loved the last chapter. I think I'll end up hunting down book 2 to keep this easy series going. This one was just so much fun to read!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

A Traitor in Whitehall is book #1 in Julia Kelly’s The Parisian Orphan Series. Evelyne Redfern is known in the press as the Parisian Orphan after a scandalous divorce and child custody battle between her famous father, Sir Reginald Redfern, and his French wife. Now in 1940, Evelyne adores detective fiction, preferring to stay in to read mysteries. Her boring job at a munitions factory is mysteriously ended when Sir Redfern’s friend recommends her for the typing pool in Prime Minister Churchill’s underground cabinet war rooms, CWR. Sent for a sunlamp treatment, Evelyne finds herself locked in a dark room with the dead body of Jean, from the typing pool. Thus begins the search for answers to who killed Jean and why? The investigation leads to a complex puzzle with many intricate pieces.
Julia Kelly introduces readers to the host of characters in the typing pool, as Evelyne Redfern assists a minister’s aide, David Poole, in the investigation of the suspects. Evelyne is putting all her intelligence, discernment, and “book experience” to excellent use! Julia Kelly creates anticipation with wailing sirens, suspense in situations where sensitive information is leaked, and suspicion of characters through revealing body language and actions. From the Royal Marine guards to the gossip in the canteen, Kelly connects the dots as Evelyne and David attempt to find a murderer and a mole in Churchill’s CWR. Through thoughtful endearing asides Evelyne’s personality and determination are revealed. The bomb shelter scene, David and Evelyne sitting shoulder to shoulder, reading from her book sinks readers into reality for the London citizens. From the murder to the investigation to the realization of how the many pieces fit together, A Traitor in Whitehall is a stellar start to The Parisian Orphan Series.

I thought this was an interesting WWII tale without being all military and heart breaking. I enjoyed the banter between Evelyn and Mr. Poole. I did have to resort to pencil and paper to try to keep the cast of characters sorted along with their alibi's. Still didn't have it figured out though.

Thank you to Minotaur books and NetGalley for the gifted eARC of this title!

Julia Kelly is one of my favorite historical fictions authors, and her latest release does not disappoint! I loved that this title was a little different than her others and had a little mystery- detective action. Her books always have relatable characters that you get attached to from the beginning. I highly recommend!

It's 1940 and Evelyn Redfern is working at a munitions factory and is sharing rooms with several woman. She runs into one of her fathers friends and he offers her another job filled with intrigue. She gets a secretary job but one of the girls is murdered. Aha, a murder mystery and Evelyn wants to find who did it. Yet, if that is not enough, she finds out that there is a traitor at Whitehall. So, who’s been selling England’s secrets and who will be the next person to be killed?

This 1940s mystery takes place in London. I loved Evelyn’s cheeky humor and her obsession with reading detective novels. There were several references to mystery books, authors, and characters woven throughout the story that added a fun element to the reading. I wanted to look them all up and add them to my TBR list! Most of all I liked how Evelyn and David worked together to solve the mystery. They were a good match. I can’t wait to read the next book!

I also highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Marisa Calvin! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Marisa has a great voice to listen to. She uses different voices for the characters and is very animated.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for the ARC and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review!

I loved this Agatha Christie meets cozy meets historical fiction. The fact that this was historical but was a solid mystery had me hooked and I could not stop!

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

This is a fascinating historical fiction story of a young woman during WWII who becomes a typist in Churchill’s underground bunker.
This book was unputdownable. I was fully immersed within the first couple of pages. I loved the details of living below ground during the London Blitz.

Evelyne Redferd is given a job there and asked to be on the lookout for anything unusual. There is a treasonous leak somewhere and classified information has made its way to the German enemy.
She finds the murdered body one of one of her fellow typists, and in her mind the police aren’t investigating as thoroughly as they should.

Evelyne starts working with the mysterious Mr. Poole to discover how the murder and the leaked intelligence fit together. What they discover shocks them both..

I highly recommend this book, 4.5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.

Read if you like: historical mysteries.
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During WW2, Evelyne starts a new job as a typist/secretary for the Prime Minister's war room. There she comes across a dead body and is plunged into solving their murder and figuring out who is the spy in the office.
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Overall, the book was good but didn't really hold my attention. Felt like a typical WW2 mystery book to me, which is sad because I wanted to love this one!

3.5 stars. A rather light, cozy mystery set in London's underground war rooms during WWII. The mystery was wrapped up rather quickly but I'm curious to see how the main characters develop over time. I will read the follow-up books.

Thank you Netgalley, Minotaur Books and the author Julia Kelly.
Set in wartime London, Evelyn finds herself plunged into the world of Winston Churchill's cabinet war room.
While working in the secretarial pool, one of the girls is found dead and an investigation begins.
Evelyne loves mystery novels and thinks she can find the murderer.
The novel is set during wartime, the bombings, the hardship, food shortage, and living in small quarters, all of which are sensed while reading this novel.
I have read a few novels by Julia Kelly and enjoy them. Well-researched and written
Loved the characters, especially Evelyne.
Recommend. 4 stars

I felt this story had a bit of a messy middle. I got bored but just kept chugging along. To me, there were a few too many ins and outs that weren't necessary to the main mystery and storyline. I really enjoyed getting to know Evelyne and how she came to teaming up with Mr. Poole to work on solving the crime. I actually liked the mystery being set in London in WWII. With a murder at the center of the story, it felt like a bit of a fresh look at wartime. I am still interested in dipping my toes into any other books Julia Kelly puts out in this series, but I am hoping the stories are tightened up in the future.

Courtesy of Minotaur Books and Netgalley, I received the ARC of The Traitor in Whitehall by Julia Kelly, from The Parisian Orphan series..In this WWII historical novel, Evelynne Redfern is recruited to work as a secretary at the Churchill War Rooms, while attempting to investigate leaked confidential information. When a coworker is murdered, her detective instincts, honed from reading mystery novels, help to uncover the killer. I loved the references to detective mystery fiction! Compelling and fast paced, I highly recommend this book! Looking for a sequel!

Immense Gratitude for #NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! This is a well crafted novel. It focuses on the investigation of the mysterious death of one of the typist pools. This novel showcases Evelyn Redfern and David Poole while they were working in Churchill's war rooms. I really enjoy spending time with the characters in this novel. It was such an enjoyable read.

I have had the pleasure of reading most of Julia Kelly’s books over the past many years. All of her previous books that I had read were historical fiction and stand-alone books. A Traitor in Whitehall (Parisian Orphan #1) was definitely written as a historical fiction detective mystery. It was set during World War II in the war rooms of Winston Churchill. In my opinion, it read more like a cozy mystery. It was definitely a good blend of the two genres. I listened to the audiobook that was well narrated by Marisa Calin. This was the first book in a series that I have had the opportunity to read by Julia Kelly.

Evelyne Redfern was the daughter of Reginold Redfern, a prominent and successful businessman who happened to also be a known adulterer. Her estranged father deceived her mother at their custody battle over her. Evelyne was sent to an all girls boarding school. When Evelyne returned to London she discovered that her mother had died and her father had vanished from her life. In all ways, Evelyne was an orphan. She did not want to be associated with her unscrupulous father so she hid her real last name and took an inconspicuous position at a munitions factory. The work was mundane but Evelyne felt that she could hide her real identity in this setting. After all, she was helping the war effort and that was her main intention. She shared a flat with a good friend and continued to enjoy her favorite pastime of reading detective mystery books.

One evening on her way home she met up with an old acquaintance of her now estranged father. She recalled that his name was Mr. Fletcher. To Evelyne’s surprise, Mr. Fletcher proposed that Evelyne be given the opportunity to work as a typist in the war rooms of Winston Churchill. Evelyne was excited about this turn of events. The munitions factory served its purpose but working in the same building as Winston Churchill was so much better and exciting. Mr. Fletcher also asked Evelyne to be extra vigilant and observant of anything that might appear suspicious or questionable as she worked in the typist pool.

Shortly after starting her new job as a typist, Evelyne discovered the dead body of one of her coworkers. For a few tense moments, Evelyne found herself locked in the same room with the dead body. Someone had intentionally locked her in the room, but who and why?

Evelyne somehow managed to get herself assigned to assist in the murder investigation. After all, it was she that found the body. She ended up assisting someone from the Ministry of the Interior. All those years reading Murder Mystery books was about to pay off. The man from the Ministry of the Interior soon realized that Evelyne was very perceptive and had good instincts. He began to trust her and her abilities to help solve this murder.

There were many suspects and twists and turns throughout this investigation. I adored Evelyne as the female protagonist in this book. She was insightful, intelligent, systematic, thoughtful and caring. The Traitor in Whitehall by Julia Kelly was suspenseful and engaging. The ending was not at all what I had guessed but it was believable and satisfying. Julia Kelly proved once again what a masterful storyteller she is. A Traitor in Whitehall (Parisian Orphan, #1) was a gripping murder mystery that read somewhat like a cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series now. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of A Traitor in Whitehall (Parisian Orphan, #1) by Julia Kelly through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Traitor in Whitehall starts out slow as all the pieces and players are introduced until a key moment and then the story picks up and the pages turn quickly. It’s wartime and Evelyne is working in a munitions factory until a random meeting with an old family acquaintance leads her to a job in the typing pool in the cabinet war rooms. Still learning the lay of the land, Evelyne finds herself observing her coworkers closely until she stumbles onto the body of one of the lesser liked women. Being an avid mystery reader, Evelyne finds herself unable to leave the detecting up to the professional and her questions lead her to unlikely partner whom she solves the case with.

I liked Evelyne and I loved the tiny glimpses into her background and I know they will play an important part in this series as it progresses. I liked David and his reluctance to have Evelyne join him but also his willingness and appreciativeness to have her help. I’m looking forward to this series and think it’s going to be great.


Thank you @minotaur_books and @netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

🎉Julia Kelly is one of my go-to historical fiction authors, so I jumped at the chance to read this. And let me tell you this did not disappoint.

🎉The setting is WWll London during The Blitz, and I loved that it features a strong female heroine.

🎉This is a nice beginning to a series, and the mystery has some interesting twists and turns. There are plenty of red herrings, and the ending is clever and compelling. There is a touch of romance, but it does not take over the story. I liked that Evelyne was independent and determined, even in the face of often blatant sexism from some of the men around her.

I'm excited to see what Julia comes up with next for this series. An enthusiastic 4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me!

Thank you to @minotaur_books @stmartinspress
for the arc physical copy for review.

I liked this one so much! Intrigue. Banter. Murder. Oh my!
Evelyne meets a family friend - as a member of the British Government, she lands a job as a typist in the underground Ministry. Close quarters with several women - they all have moods and hopes for their futures.
A typist is murdered - loathed by the other women, the list of suspects is considerable.
Evelyne helps David Poole gather information. I loved their relationship.
Great book, loved the writing.

Thanks to Minotaur Books & NetGalley for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This was a top-notch historical mystery novel! Skillfully and accurately written, I couldn’t stop reading. I adored the charming main character, Evelyne, and was sorry when I finished the book. So glad this is the first of a coming series. Can’t wait for more!

The murder mystery is cleverly constructed, taking place during World War II just as the bombs begin to fall in London. Evelyne has been hired as a secretary in Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s cabinet war rooms (CWR), the underground bunkers where everyone has secrets and no one can be trusted. Soon after Evelyne discovers a murdered colleague, she grudgingly teams up with David Poole, who turns out to be a (handsome) undercover government agent seeking the mole who is selling government secrets.

They are an “oil and water” couple, who reluctantly admit they need each other in order to find the murderer and the mole. Although Evelyne has no formal investigative training, her passion for detective fiction sharpens her skills in solving the murder. At the beginning of the novel she tells the reader, “You see, I simply adore detective fiction. Each new story contains within it the tantalizing possibility of a puzzle so fiendishly twisted that the solution may elude me until the final pages.”

An engaging reason I liked Evelyne was how she felt about books, not just detective fiction. She makes sure to bring five novels with her for her 3-day shift in the CWR, telling the reader, “I could go without many things during a time of war, but I could not abide the thought of being without books.”

The theme of books reoccurs as David and Evelyne spar over which novels are better – American detective fiction or British mysteries such as Agatha Christie’s. These small bits give the novel extra personality and charm and kept me turning the pages.

If you’re looking for an engaging World War II murder mystery with a hint of romance and the promise of future novels, this is the book for you. I highly recommend!