Once again Evelyne Redfern and David Poole team up as investigators druing a WWII mystery. Originally sent to Blackthorn Park to investigate theft at a secret location where engineers work to invent new technology for the British government. What should have been a simple assignment becomes much more complex as bodies drop on a regular basis. This is the second in an enjoyable series for those who like historical mysteries. The chemistry between the two agents provides a bit of humorous relief during a serious time. Well written with just enough twists to keep you guessing.
Thanks to #NetGalley#BetrayalAtBlackthornPark#MinotaurBooks for the EARC.

WWII is my favorite era to read about. This book was set during that era but was not what I would consider a war book. There were mentions and things were different because of the war but it was not about the front-line battles and military. Betrayal at Blackthorn Park is a story of murder and mystery.

I love that Evelyne is the main character and she is female. She is a strong female character who holds her own in what would normally be a man’s job. She works alongside men, not taking any lip from them. She does not shy away from gruesome discoveries and jumps into the crime-solving with both feet. She works well with her handler, David, and I really enjoyed their relationship. I think there is more there than meets the eye and hope to have it expanded on in future books in this series.

This is book two in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. There will be more books, and I cannot wait to get my hands on them.

Evelyne is remarkably confident in her first assignment after she finishes her training. Much to his dismay David is her handler rather than a fellow field agent. A simple assessment of security at Blackthorne Park becomes a murder investigation for the two to conduct. Evelyne and David learn team work as they try to discover if there is a saboteur at work. I enjoyed the ongoing process of the two putting their heads together, splitting the work, and trusting one another

Honestly, this book has it all. Fast paced, great characters, well researched history, and a creative mystery. I was sucked in on page one and enjoyed it through the end. I liked the strong female main characters and supporting male character - they were well created, interesting and realistic. I liked their banter and intellect - it made for an interesting read. I was a big fan of her first book in the series, and was happy to have the same characters return. You can read this as a standalone, but was great as a series.

Evelyne finds herself on a quick security mission to blackthorn park. When the top guy is found dead, she soon finds herself, alone with David Poole, in the middle of a murder investigation.

Thank you NetGalley for my advanced reader copy

First, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was excited to get this ARC because I have a soft spot for period piece mysteries. When I realized it was book 2 in a series, I got the first book from my local library and read it first. Though I think this could absolutely be read as a standalone, I'm glad I had more context for Evelyn's past when I started this.

This was another enjoyable installment in the series. We hear a bit about Evelyn's training and get to see her undertake her first mission. As David is acting as her handler for the mission, even when he's with her, Evelyn is expected to take the lead, which was a good way to work around David being the more experienced of the two and, therefore, typically the one more likely to be lead agent. The relationship between the two remains professional for now, which I appreciate. So many mystery series - including ones I like very much - force a romance in book 1 and then try to drag it out for 5-6 books. I still think, if this series continues, they will eventually get together, but I find it far more believable that a relationship like that would take time to develop. Also, I appreciate that as two professionals they are behaving, well, professionally! Both demonstrate respect for the other's skills, and, while there are a few to-be-expected growing pains at first, each is willing to let the other take the lead when it makes sense to do so.

Kelly once again finds an interesting WWII-specific venue for her story. Last time, we got the underground cabinet war rooms. This time, we get a secret experimental weapons testing facility based, as the afterword notes, on an actual WWII research center. I like that the author seems committed to give us unique, period-specific locales in which to set her mysteries. Why bother to set a book in England during WWII unless you're going to take advantage of the settings that time and place has to offer?

The mystery moves along nicely. As with the first one, I had some pieces figured out before the reveal, but not quite how it all fit together, which is fine with me for a mystery book. I like my mysteries in the space between "so convoluted that you are never meant to solve it" and "so obvious you are left questioning the intelligence level of the main character." This one is definitely in that range.

In summary, if you like period-piece cozy mysteries, I think this will be up your alley. It's not the best one I've ever read, but it's fun, moves at a good pace, and resolves well. It seems like there are likely to be more installments of this series, and I'll be reading them, if so.

Miss Redfern has found herself embroiled in a murder mystery once again, and what an adventure it is! Written in classical British mystery style, Kelly embraces the details and clues of a masterful sleuth and presents it all beautifully. Well done!

"Betrayal at Blackthorn Park" is a captivating blend of historical fiction, mystery, and espionage, set against the backdrop of World War II. Julia Kelly introduces us to Evelyne Redfern, a freshly minted spy eager to prove herself, who quickly finds her seemingly routine first assignment spiraling into a deadly game of intrigue. What starts as a straightforward security test at a manor-turned-research facility quickly escalates when Evelyne stumbles upon the murder of the chief engineer. The stakes rise sharply, especially with Winston Churchill scheduled to visit the facility, making the case not just a matter of espionage but of national security.

Kelly does a great job balancing the tension and character development, particularly the dynamic between Evelyne and her handler, David Poole. Their chemistry is both endearing and frustrating, as they struggle to solve the case while navigating their growing attraction. The twists and turns of the mystery are well-paced, keeping the reader engaged without feeling rushed. Though some plot elements are a bit predictable, the overall story is enjoyable, making it a satisfying read for fans of historical mysteries and spy fiction.

What a fun read! Evelyne Redferne is back in this fast paced murder mystery, sequel to her first book “A Traitor in Whitehall.” This time Evelyne is on her very first field assignment, with sidekick David Poole as her handler. Evelyne is not super pleased that David is her handler but she makes do. Sent on assignment to Blackthorn Park to find out why things seem to go missing from a very important secret program, what is supposed to be a one day assignment quickly turns to a murder investigation when Evelyne hears and shot fired and finds a dead body. At first glance it appears to be a suicide…..or is it? Why would Sir Nigel, a well regarded engineer and head of the project, commit suicide? As Evelyne digs deeper, the layers of misdirection pile up and it’s hard to know who to trust at this place and on this project that could very well turn the tide of the war. To top it off, Winston Churchill is expected for a visit in just a few days and everything must be cleaned up before then.

The ever evolving relationship between Evelyne and David is a delight to read. Evelyne herself is a wonderful character; intelligent, energetic and determined to succeed in a time and place where women were not given the kind of opportunity she is. Loved the book, and am looking forward to the next one!

Second book in this series, an exceptionally good follow up with Evelyne's new assignment.
Evelyne wants to proof her worth as a field agent and is a bit disappointed when her next assignment is examining a theft in a research facility and check the security measures in place. It does not take her long to stumble into the murdered body of the chief engineer.
We have a murderer present. Is it greed or sabotage by a German spy? Our brave soldiers are losing their lives because of it. Evelyne together with her newly minted handler are trying hard to unravel the mystery.
If you have not read the first book, might I recommend you read it. This book can be read as a stand-a-lone but to get the full flavor of Evelyne and David best to read them in order.

"Betrayal at Blackthorn Park" is the second installment in Julia Kelly’s Evelyne Redfern Mystery series, also known as The Parisian Orphan series.
It can easily be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the book is a historical fiction cozy mystery that is meticulously researched to capture the period's atmosphere.

The story follows Evelyne Redfern as she embarks on a mission to uncover the truth behind a theft, which quickly escalates to a murder investigation at Blackthorn Park, a secretive facility in Sussex responsible for creating explosive devices used in espionage. While there are subtle hints of a potential romance between Evelyne and her former partner-turned-handler, the primary focus remains on the mystery surrounding the crimes.

Fans of historical fiction and light mysteries will find this book enjoyable.

And the saga continues in this historical fiction mystery. Evie is now a fully trained secret agent and sent on her first solo mission with David as her handler. Set at Blackthorn Park in the English countryside, it has been converted into a secret munitions factory making special bombs that will help Churchill win the war. But there might be a thief, stealing materials that are necessary. However, what should have been a simple assignment, all of sudden there is a murder of an important person involved in the operation. Evie must now find the murderer before Churchill's visit and assure that the bomb demonstration is safe for all involved. Fast paced, this story is so interesting. Women were important and really contributed in the war and Julia Kelly brings this to light. The best is the ending, where a new mystery comes to light to Evie from her wanderlust father in the form of a safety box key. I can't wait for her next story. Many thanks to #netgalley #betrayalatblackthronpark #juliakelly for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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!!