This book covers so many genres: historical fiction (WWI England), mystery and thriller with the sharp mind and wit of Evelyne Redfern as the newly trained spy. Her first assignment: checking a security test at Blackthorn Park which is a R&D secret weapon facility. While this was to be a solo assignment, the discovery of the body of an official her handler is dispatched to aid her. To add to the urgency of the task, finding the murderer is essential as Winston Churchill is due in three days to see the effectiveness of the weapons. While this is a series, it is easily a standalone read. I loved at the conclusion of the story that there is a clue that a new book will be forthcoming. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for an Advance Read Copy; the review is my honest opinion.

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park is a captivating and well-crafted novel that offers a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and historical intrigue. Julia Kelly’s skillful storytelling and rich character development make this book a standout in the genre. The novel’s themes and messages resonate long after the final page, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
I highly recommend Betrayal at Blackthorn Park to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with strong, relatable characters and a well-crafted plot. Julia Kelly’s engaging writing style and the novel’s compelling narrative make it a must-read. Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction or simply looking for a captivating story, this book is sure to satisfy.

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park is a strong sequel to A Traitor in Whitehall, where we first met the clever and independent Evelyne Redfern. I enjoyed accompanying Evelyne on her first official mission as a trained secret agent, in part because her character is so well written that it is easy to connect with her. The initial mission quickly turns to a murder investigation, with twists and turns that lead to some of Britain’s new key weapons and even Churchill himself at risk - all of which kept me turning pages past my bedtime. I really liked the balance between closure and loose ends at the conclusion, as I feel satisfied but definitely looking forward to the next book!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, Netgalley, and the author for early access to yet another well-written and engaging mystery.

I was so happy to see this book being published. I really enjoyed getting to know Evelyn in the first one and was curious to see what she was up to in this installment.

Having just completed her training, this was Evelyn’s first case and her handler is none other than David Poole.

I was curious to see how well Evelyn and David would worn together and as is usually the case, there was more going on at Blackthorn Park than initially suspected.

It was fun reading about David and Evelyn working together and adjusting to the change in their dynamic with David being her handler.

I enjoyed this story and look forward to catching up with Evelyn again, hopefully.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the copy of this book. All views are my own.

This was an entertaining follow-up to Traitor at Whitehall. Evelyne has graduated from spy training camp and is excited to handle her first mission in the field with David Poole serving as her new handler. Of course, nothing goes to plan, and what was supposed to be a straightforward reconnaissance mission turns into Evelyne discovering a dead body. Evelyne and David once again have to pair up to solve the murder and find a potential saboteur at a top-secret weapons engineering site before Winston Churchill's planned visit.

Like the first in the series, the plot moves foward quickly and keeps the reader engaged throughout. The mystery is interesting, as David and Evelyne work their way through the short list of suspects, all of whom had a grudge against the dead man and plenty of motive. Evelyne quickly takes charge of the interrogations like last time and puts her detective skills from reading mysteries to work. My only minor complaints are that we don't really learn anything new about David's mysterious past or get any further hints about Evelyne's shady father (my suspicion is he's also a government operative, though still a terrible father). Hopefully David will also play a more active role in future investigations, as he became somewhat superfluous here with Evelyne running the case. I liked how he served as more of a foil to Evelyne in book 1, which added to the tension between them. It's still fun getting to see Evelyne put the pieces together, though.

Looking forward to reading more of Evelyne's adventures!

Thank you to Minotaur and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!

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

This is the second in the well-written series featuring Evelyne Redfern during World War II. I read #1 last year but I think you could easily start with this one. Then you’ll want to go back and also read A Traitor in Whitehall because Evelyne is the kind of engaging, intelligent character who makes any book a page-turner.

After completing her intense 6-week spy training program, Evelyne is sent as a field agent to perform a simple security test at Blackthorn Park, a top-secret research and development facility set up in a converted manor house in the British countryside. She soon discovers a dead body and is joined by David Poole, her handler and fellow agent. The two of them must solve the murder among a houseful of suspects, with only three days before the upcoming visit of Winston Churchill.

Witty dialogue, a bit of humor, lots of clues, some red herrings, suspense, danger, and intrigue with a touch of romance makes this an engaging “solve along” mystery. And I was delighted with the way the story ended as there’s the promise for book #3.

I loved the first book in the series and couldn't wait to read this book! It was wonderful to follow Evelyne and David once again as they worked together to figure out the murder of Sir Nigel and Mr. Porter (who was on my suspect list). The plot was cleverly written, with lots of twists and turns. I loved the characters and enjoyed figuring out what was happening in the story and who was behind the murders because every character had a motive to kill Sir Nigel. The ending was action-packed while taking down the murderer. It was my favorite part of the story. I loved the cliffhanger at the very end with the mysterious package sent to Evelyne from her estranged father. I can't wait to read what that storyline is all about!

The audiobook was delightful to listen to with a unique voice for every character. The narrator Marisa Calin also reads with emotion and animation making it easy to follow the story and stay interested. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook!

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

After rereading the first book in the series I was so excited to pick this one up. It did not let me down! Evelyne is ready for her first assignment after six weeks of rigorous training. She's a bit disappointed with the relatively simple one she is assigned but not as disappointed as David Poole is when he is assigned to be her handler and not out in the field. Of course, things go terribly wrong and a dead body is added to the things that need to be investigated.

I liked the focus on a research lab manufacturing new and experimental weapons for the war effort. Everyone is a bit of a prima donna which makes for a lot of drama and all kinds of secrets. The war effort is always front and center which makes for heavy possibilities of espinoage and treason.

I liked how Evelyne and David work together. Evelyne is learning that her new career has downsides besides the danger. I liked how honest David was about the isolation and the downsides. The mystery is a good one with lots of little side mysteries that really kept me guessing. The pacing was good and I love Julia Kelly's writing style. I'm looking forward to reading more from her and hopefully more about Evelyne.

This author has transitioned from historical romance to historical fiction/mystery with a flawless precision, keeping her stories fascinating and suspenseful.

Historical mysteries are my favorite genre' combining all the elements of a great story while bringing in mystery, intrigue and suspense. The past comes alive during WWII and shows how the difference between winning or losing can happen.

I am so glad this is a series, after reading the first book, I was hooked and this only makes me want to read more!!

Wow! I loved this exciting second book in the Parisian Orphan series! Julia Kelly has written an outstanding historical mystery, well researched and fast paced. It has wonderful character development and a strong female protagonist. Newly trained agent Evelyne Redfern is assigned to Blackthorne Park to investigate the security of the facility and report to her handler, David Poole. Blackthorne has been requestioned by the British Government for weapons development and testing. Not long after her arrival the sound of a gunshot turns her investigation deadly when she discovers of one key scientists for the project dead in his office. With an impending visit by Winston Churchill to the facility, David joins Evelyn as the two race to uncover the secrets beneath the surface of Blackthorn Hall. This book delves a bit more into Evelyn's history, and the interaction between Evelyn and David definitely adds to the story. Although the second in the series, it works well as a standalone also. Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy. The opinions of this review are my own.

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park by Julia Kelly is the second in the delightful and engaging Evelyne Redfern series, one I'm enjoying tremendously. This Historical Fiction Mystery is set during World War II with spies, top-secret missions and research, theft, murder and tiny stirrings of romance.

Feisty and enterprising Evelyne Redfern has completed training as a field agent with the Special Investigation Unit and is excited to do her part. However, when she discovers her first task isn't what she bargains for, she is disappointed. Plus, she is teamed up with her infuriatingly charming handler (who sweetly blushes) and fellow spy David Poole. Despite their differences the two complement each other very well and their mutual respect is evident. Winston Churchill's arrival means increased security involving special skills, Evelyne's and David's wheelhouse. Another situation which grabs Evelyne's attention is the death of the chief engineer who some say committed suicide. She notices things others don't and David helps her investigate. Red herrings abound but Evelyne is bright.

I like that Evelyne takes charge in situations even when she is unsure. Her wise aunt's sparkle makes me smile. The cliffhanger is well done and makes me thirst for more. But the writing! It's gorgeous! I wonder what the third in the series holds?

My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this captivating novel.

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park is book two in the Parisian Orphan series by Julia Kelly.
I loved being back in the company of Evelyne Redfern. I enjoyed her character in book one and was excited to see what was in store with the second book.
The author expertly weaves together elements of mystery, historical intrigue and a hint of romance that kept me hooked from start to finish.
This intriguing mystery is set in Britain during WWII. Kelly does such a phenomenal job taking us back setting the scene. I could picture everything so vividly it was just perfectly executed.
Julia Kelly has amazing storytelling skills. This book will keep you turning pages.
The perfect historical mystery story.

Thank You NetGalley and Minotaur Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Former typist, Evelyne Redfern, has just completed a rigorous spy training program. She is excited for her first assignment. Her first task is performing a simple security test at Blackthorn Park. When Evelyne discovers Blackthorn Park’s chief engineer dead in his office, her simple assignment becomes more complicated.

Evelyne is a unique character. I love that she is a tough female and she is definitely not falling into the female norm!

This is not my usual genre. I love historical fiction, but I do not care for something like Alfred Hitchcock or Agatha Christie. This is basically what the story reminds me of. It is a lot of deductions and it moves a bit slow. So take this with a grain of salt, read this for yourself and form your own opinion.

The reason I stuck with the story is that I absolutely love this narrator. The narrator, Marisa Calin, is super! She kept this novel moving!

Need a different type of historical mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this audiobook from the publisher for a honest opinion

I love a good who-done-it and Betrayal at Blackthorn Park was the perfect mystery full of intrigue, pinning everyone as a suspect.

This is the second book in the series, but I feel like this novel can be read as a standalone. I never once felt lost which I attribute to great writing by Julia Kelly. The suspense kicks off full force as soon as Evelyne gets to Blackthorn Park and from that moment on, I was hooked.

There is something that interested me from the start and I found myself losing sleep as I worked to see if Evelyne would be successful on her first real case. I really enjoyed the whole investigation. The imagery gives dark academia which is perfect for the fall season, and I love that it wasn’t overtly graphic. I enjoyed seeing the obvious bond between David and Evelyne and how great they worked together during their investigation and shared a love of reading. I hope to see their relationship mature further in future installments.

The case is tied up neatly, with who I had guessed all along being the perpetrator, but the last chapter leaves a looming question that we will have to wait for the next installment to unpack. I love this so much! It’s nice to have one mystery solved with another one looming on the horizon. It doesn’t get much better than this!

EVELYNE, UNASSUMING SPY

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park by author Julia Kelly is one of my favorite novels of the year! The novel's setting is during WWII. Kelly’s two main characters are a delightful set of spies sent to perform a security test at Blackthorn Park. Evelyne is fresh from intense training in spycraft and ready for action. Imagine her disappointment when she learns her first assignment is as simple as performing a security test! To make matters worse, she is to have a handler, David, who is in equal measure by the book and handsome beyond compare.

As Evelyne performs her security check, she confirms something serious is amiss. How serious is it? Dead body serious! The bodies start to multiply! These essential people (Division Leaders) are “mysteriously” dying.
To make matters worse, she and David know that Winston Churchill is arriving in a matter of days to witness a demonstration at the secret weapons and research facility. Evelyne finds essential details because she blends in and hides in plain sight. After all, Evelyne is a woman, and no one would suspect her to be a spy. She and David solve the case with the cooperation of a few helpful, loyal people who are also truth seekers. In doing so, the two discover they have made a splendid team and could work together again. And, as a bonus, is there a hint of something more growing between them than just mutual admiration for a job well done?

Minotaur Books and NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. However, my opinions are entirely my own and uninfluenced.

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park, set in Britain during World War II, is a welcome continuation of the Evelyne Redfern series. We already know from the first book in the series, A Traitor in Whitehall, that Evelyne had an unusual upbringing, a boring job as a secretary to support the war effort, and that she excelled when she was selected to perform a much more exciting and dangerous role. We learned she was patriotic, brave, loyal, determined, and very, very competitive. Especially competitive when partnered with another undercover agent, David Poole. David had more experience, more influence, more power, but still . . . there was something about him. Like maybe some little spark between them? This is wartime and they have jobs to do, the fate of the country is at stake, so any attraction, if it is even real, must be buried for now.

So here we are today. Evelyne has completed rigorous training, been in danger, and is now an official field agent. She’s proud of what she’s accomplished and eager to start real field work. So imagine her surprise and dismay when she is given that assignment and learns it is nothing more exciting than performing a simple security test at Blackthorn Park, a requisitioned manor house in the countryside. And imagine her barely concealed irritation when she is introduced to her handler: none other than David Poole. If that doesn’t add insult to injury . . . .

However, Evelyne and David are both professionals. He doesn’t like being her handler – and not in the field – any more than she does. They have one of their usual tiffs and then get down to work. They create her cover story and identity, plan how she will observe and acquire the information needed and get started. This is all in preparation for the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Blackthorn Park, and if they don’t agree about anything else they are in full agreement that this mission is vital.

Evelyne’s slow, boring start to the mission goes just fine – until the chief engineer is found dead; a murder not very well disguised as a suicide. David immediately drops his handler role and is right there at Evelyne’s side. Although she initially resents what she perceives as his interference, they do work amazingly well together. There are so many potential suspects, so many potential additional victims, so many people with weak or non-existent alibis and so many people that are just greedy, mean, and have secrets they would do anything to protect. And the clock keeps ticking down to the Prime Minister’s visit.

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park is well-plotted and exciting, with enough clues to track down and people to investigate to keep your interest first page to last. People from book one pop up and it’s good to catch up with them and there is a large, fascinating new cast of characters to figure out. Not to mention that persistent little bit of tingle between Evelyne and David. Although they are both competitive and ambitious, they also are able to nearly finish each other’s sentences and work hard to hide their fear when the other is in danger. They seem so comfortable and meant to be partners – at work and maybe more – that you can’t wait to see this relationship progress.

Thanks to Minotaur Books | St. Martin's Publishing Group for providing an advance copy of Betrayal at Blackthorn Park. I was happy to continue with this series and totally satisfied with the story. I voluntarily leave this review and was not compensated in any way; all opinions are my own.

Top notch historical mystery!
Having completed her training to be a field agent, Evelyne Redfern is ready for an assignment that will help England win the war! She is a little disappointed to be sent to the English countryside, to a requisitioned manor house called Blackthorn Park, where scientists are designing, making and testing weapons, to investigate the possible theft of supplies. Things get more exciting when one of the members of the Blackthorn team is found dead and Evelyne and her handler/partner, David Poole, must sort out what happened before Prime Minister Churchill's scheduled visit later that week. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, and the sequel does not disappoint! Betrayal at Blackthorn Park moves at a quick pace and provides a mystery worthy of one of Evelyne's favorite fictional detectives, Hercule Poirot. The characters are as good as the mystery: Evelyne is a likeable, intelligent and strong female lead character, the dashing David is equally smart and more open-minded about the role women can play than most men in the 1940's, and Evelyne's aunt is quirky and interesting. Can't wait for book 3!

Thanks to Minotaur Books for an advanced copy of Betrayal at Blackthorn Park. This is book 2 in the Parisian Orphan series about Evelyn Redfern.

This book picks up where A Traitor In Whitehall ends. Evelyn has just finished her training and is being sent on her first mission which should be simple until she finds a dead body. Her handler is David and get need to work together to figure out who is behind this, especially since it could be connected to the war.

I loved seeing Evelyn become more confident and the attraction to David! I love this historical mystery set in 1940s England during WWII and the way this one ended I can't wait to read book three!

If you like historical mysteries with a hint of romance you'll enjoy this book. I've loved Julia Kelly's historical fiction and her historical mysteries have been just as fabulous!

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park comes out tomorrow - October 1st!

I am a sucker for WWII historical fiction with a female main character. In the first book of the series, Evelyne worked in Churchill’s War Rooms to help uncover a traitor. She teamed up with her handsome co-worker, David, to solve the case and uncover the traitor.

In this second book in the series, Evelyne is newly graduated from a training program to become a spy. Her first assignment is to work with David to assess the security of a secret facility in advance of Churchill’s visit. When the bodies start piling up, Evelyne and David are on the case.

I enjoyed this second installment just as much as the first. WWII historical fiction is a favorite of mine and I can’t get enough of it. This book has the right balance of mystery and intrigue for me. There is a bit of romance, but my preference is for a stronger romance storyline.

I can hardly wait to read more books in this series! Hopefully there will be more romance in the next installment.

BETRAYAL AT BLACKTHORN PARK is Book 2 in the Parisian Orphan series by Julia Kelly. I thoroughly enjoyed Book 1, A TRAITOR IN WHITEHALL, and couldn’t wait for the next installment in this entertaining historical mystery series. After being recruited as a secret agent in the first book, Evelyne Redfern has just returned from a rigorous spy training program and is ready for her first assignment as a field agent in Britain during World War II. Evelyne is disappointed to learn that her first task is just to check security protocols at Blackthorn Park, a manor house in the country that has been requisitioned for the war effort. Little does she know that Blackthorn Park is a site for top secret weapons research and development, making security of critical importance. But her simple assignment takes an unexpected turn when Evelyne discovers Blackthorn Park’s chief engineer dead in his office of an apparent suicide. Evelyne suspects there is more to this death than meets the eye. Then another death occurs. Soon Evelyne and her partner, David Poole, are on the case, using all of their instincts and skills to catch a killer. Can they solve the mystery before Winston Churchill comes to inspect Blackthorn Park? The story is fast-paced and intriguing, blending history and fiction perfectly. I was completely engrossed in this story and very much look forward to the next Evelyne Redfern book. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.