This is the first time I have read anything by this author. I admit I was expecting more, but it was a pretty good book. I enjoyed overall, but I struggled getting through it because some parts were just way too slow. Although when it got going, I really enjoyed it. I can't wait to see what else this author comes up with in the future.

Thank you Net Galley ARC

3.5 - 3.75 stars
I did enjoy this book but at times it moved a little slow for me and when it picked up it really got moving. There’s a murder on a facility where arms are made for the British side of the war. A special team is called in to figure out who did it and why.

Although I didn’t read the first book in this series, it didn’t take long to pick up on the situation and I found the set-up interesting. Main character Evelyne is a newly trained special agent in the British secret service equivalent during World War II. Unlike many books of a similar genre, the focus is more on detective type work at home than daring exploits overseas. It is an interesting blend of police procedural and war story. It is definitely less heavy than many WW II historical fictions, mainly because the secondary characters are not developed in a sympathetic way and the actual war isn’t brought home to the setting. Evelyne’s character is well-developed as she takes charge of the investigation with the help of her partner David. It was a nuanced plot and kept my interest. I will go back and read the first book now, and look forward to see how the characters are developed in future books, and whether the field of operations broadens.

Thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books/St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Newly trained Evelyn Redfern is back in action in Julia Kelly's latest historical mystery, Working with her handler, David, they are assigned to the Blackthorn Park estate looking for a thief suspected of stealing war materials used to make weapons. When a murder takes the stakes up a notch, Evelyn finds herself once more trying to solve a much more complex crime.

Julia Kelly is wonderful at writing WW2 historical fiction. She is able to capture the characters pride in their country as they work towards winning the war, but also the uncertainty of the times and scarcity of goods and simple pleasures that a war of such large magnitudes created. Readers can see what a fearless protagonist Evelyn is. I enjoyed this novel and look forward to any further story with these characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this novel.

In the 2nd book of the Parisian Orphan series, Evelyne returns and finds herself caught up in a new mystery.

My apologies for the very generic one sentence summary - I didn't want to include anything that might spoil events from the first book. This is book two in a historical mystery series and it picks up almost directly after the first book left off. I have to say that I'm really enjoying this series so far. I love the historical details and learning a bit more about this time in history even if this is a fiction book. The mysteries in both books have been really solid. This book in particular was a bit darker than I expected (check trigger warnings if you need them) but I enjoyed it. I really like Evelyne's character and am excited for future books in this series. I would recommend reading this series in order (only two books so far) just because events that happened in the first book led to this second book. I will be picking up the next book in this series whenever it releases.

Historical mystery readers and mystery readers as well should give this series a try. The first book is titled A Traitor in Whitehall. Both books have been solid mysteries that kept me lost within the pages. Four stars for this one. This book reminded me yet again how much I enjoy historical mysteries - I need to pick them up more often.

If mystery, intrigue, and historical fiction about WWII are your jam then this well written, fast past story will have you hooked from the beginning. I didn’t realize that this was book two in the Evelyne Redfern series when I started reading. I was easily able to follow the storyline and feel this could be read as a stand alone novel.
I loved the chemistry between Evelyne and David and look forward to seeing if they stay in the exclusive “friend zone” in future installments.
This is a great read which I highly recommend. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book 2 of the Evelyne Redfern series. I have not read Book 1 but found this story easy to follow. Evelyne Redfern has graduated from her World War II training to become a spy and an investigator and envisions herself dropping behind enemy lines in France. Instead, she is sent to Blackthorn Park, a manor house far out in the countryside. Pretending to be someone visiting a distant cousin, she spends very little time at her rooming house. Her first night of sleuthing reveals a dead body. It looks like a suicide but something is off. David Poole, her handler, shows up and the investigation proceeds. Blackthorn Park is being used for a little known war effort to develop new weaponry to fight the German forces. Winston Churchill is scheduled to visit in a couple of days and Evelyne and David need to find answers to the murder before his arrival. There are lots of red herrings and twists and turns to this intriguing mystery.

I really wanted to love Betrayal at Blackthorn Park, by Julia Kelly. However, I ended up just "liking it." The two protagonists are both very engaging and well nuanced. The story is set during WWII in the English countryside. The mystery includes murder, espionage, and danger both on the front lines and at home. That is a lot pointing to an exciting read. Yet, it wasn't. The plot meandered back and forth with lots of interviews and research, punctuated by the frustration of the main characters. I was so tempted to skip to the last chapter, but managed to restrain myself. It ended up being a very slow read. Nonetheless, I would try the next entry in the series before giving up entirely. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read a digital ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Julia Kelly for a chance to read an ARC of Betrayal at Blackthorn Park. This is my honest and unpaid review of the book. I loved the first Evelyn Redfern mystery and this one just as much! It's so exciting to find a new series to enjoy. I've read a few other books of Julia Kelly's and love how she captures the feel of what wartime in England may have been like for some. She writes in a detailed but not cumbersome way, I definitely am never bored reading her books. She got a great sense of pacing and has me guessing as to what's coming next.

This mystery was set in England during WWII where Evelyn Redfern begins as a field operative (spy) at Blackthorn Park which is an estate near a small town in the English countryside. Her handler is David Poole, who she has trained with and worked previously. Blackthorn Park is a weapons manufacturing facility and the two are assigned there because some items have been missing at the plant.
When two murders are staged to look like suicides, Evelyn and David ramp up their investigative skills and the procedural takes off ala Agatha Christie. Their detective work brings a predictable ending in which all the loose ends are tied up nicely. This cozy mystery with likable characters, is the second in a series involving the main characters. They are both likable and relatable, and seem to work well together.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and the opinions are my own.

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park offers a light and easy mystery, perfect for a relaxed read. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the novel follows Evelyne Redfern, a newly minted spy, as she navigates the complexities of her first field assignment at the secluded Blackthorn Park.
While the premise is intriguing, the execution leans towards the gentle side of mystery. The plot lacks the gripping twists and turns that characterize a suspenseful thriller. The investigators, Redfern and Poole, are likable characters but somewhat one-dimensional. Despite hints of a potential romantic spark, their relationship remains platonic.
One of the novel's weaknesses lies in its repetitive nature. While beneficial for readers who may have missed a detail or two, this characteristic can diminish the element of surprise. While reassuring, the consistent pace and predictable plot progression may not keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The historical setting provides a rich backdrop, and the author's attention to detail adds authenticity. The ending, though predictable, offers a satisfying conclusion, tying up loose ends without resorting to overly dramatic or gruesome scenarios.
Overall, Betrayal at Blackthorn Park is a pleasant and undemanding read. It's perfect for those who enjoy a gentle mystery with likable characters and a historical setting. While it may not be the most mind-bending thriller, it offers a comfortable and enjoyable escape.

I’m enjoying this series.
I like the good old fashioned sleuthing without modern amenities.
I like how Evelyne has grown in her role and her confidence as a field operator.
I also enjoy the presence of David Poole by her side and am eager to see if anything develops.

Great mystery, didn't figure it out until the hero and heroine (the heroine was first) figured it out. Overall well written historical fiction with a great detective story. Loved the story line and the characters were well developed. It's sometimes hard to read a mystery that's not obvious and this fits the bill.

I have been provided with a review copy of Betrayal at Blackthorn Park from NetGalley for an impartial review. Awwww this was such a cute story. I was just captivated by everything that was taking place. It was just so easy to get into these characters lives and you just can't help but fall in love with them. I can't wait to see what's next from this author.

This is one of those stories that great for a quiet snowy afternoon by the fireplace. I really like the characters and there is enough drama to keep things interesting. A must read for any one who is an Agatha Christie fan.

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park is the second book in the series following Evelyne Redfern and the first were she’s a full fledged agent having just completed her training. For Evelyn’s first assignment she is tasked with a simple security test at Blackthorn Park and then to return back to London to write her report. Only it didn’t turn out to be a simple assignment when gunshots got off and a man is found dead at his desk in an apparent suicide. Evelyne again teams up with David Poole as they investigate to uncover what is happening at Blackthorn Park ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.

I liked seeing Evelyne embracing her roll as a new agent head on and how reluctant David was to be her handler and jumped at the chance to join her in the field. The two of them work really well together and I’m excited to see where this series heads next.


Thank you @minotuar_books and @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback

I really loved the first book in this series so I was very excited to be sent Betrayal at Blackthorn Park in exchange for my review. The characters are so interesting and really make me want to follow their adventures. I love the backdrop of WW2 and how the war effort adds to the story. I hope there are more of these because they are so fun!

I found it a little hard to get into this one but once I was about 40% of the way through I was invested. Excited to see where the series is going (a cliffhanger!).

I loved this book; once I started reading it, it was hard to put down. Having read the previous book in the series, A TRAITOR IN WHITEHALL, it was exciting to find Evelyne Redfern and David Poole back together on a new case. After having successfully completed months of training to be a member of Winston Churchill’s top secret spy organization, Evelyne is assigned to a new case under the supervision of her new handler: David Poole. It seems that some irregularities have been reported at a special weapons research facility on the Blackthorn Park estate in Sussex. It appears that someone has been stealing supplies and Evelyne’s job is to determine who is behind it.

While David stays behind in London, Evelyne sneaks into the research compound and is immediately confronted by the apparent suicide of the research facility’s top engineer, Sir Nigel Balram. Through Evelyne’s eyes, however, something doesn’t add up. Her first look at the so-called suicide scene things don’t add up. When she relates her findings to David, he decides to join her in Sussex and thus her new handler is again her investigative partner.

Before all is said and done, Evelyne uncovers evidence of treason as well as a second so-called suicide. To this point, no one outside of the investigative team know that they were not suicides, but rather murders. By keeping that fact secret, they were able to find the clues leading to an arrest.

The author does a superb job of dropping the crumbs necessary to lead us through this maze of intrigue, murder, and treason to a great conclusion. Along the way there are sufficient “red herrings” to keep the reader guessing.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great detective investigation mystery. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me access to this book with the promise of a free and fair review.

Julia Kelly places Evelyne Redfern in harm's way as a government agent looking into missing items at a facility manufacturing weapons for World War II in Betrayal at Blackthorn Park. Two murders staged as suicides affected men in charge of production of bombs, etc. Evelyne and her partner need to find out who is responsible before Churchill visits the facility. Excellent wartime mystery.