Evelyne Redfern works for the British Government as a spy during the beginnings of World War II. She has officially passed her training and is officially a Special Operation Executive. Her very first assignment as a field agent is to investigate suspicious thefts at a highly secret government research and development site. The site of this secret government facility is at Blackthorn Park, Sussex, England. Another main character is David Poole who we were introduced to us in book one. He is very much by the book type of employee. Evelyn is a little bit more spur of the moment. The combination of these two agents is a delight.

Evelyn soon realizes that there is more than theft going on at Blackthorn Park. There is an urgency to solve this quickly since it is a secret facility and that Winston Churchill is arriving in several days for a demonstration of the newest weapons that will be used in war against Germany. David comes in to assist Evelyn.

I very much appreciate Julia Kelly’s writing style and her crafting of an intriguing story. I love that the major character is a heroine. Ms. Kelly’s characters are rich, deep, smart, determined and likeable. I also like that Ms. Kelly’s research into this historical time frame was excellent. The sabotage, the reconnaissance and espionage were gripping. The story is woven so well. You really aren’t sure who the trouble maker is. The story keeps you interested until the end.

If you are looking for a female spy who you can follow I believe Evelyn Redfern is that spy. Since Susan Elia MacNeal just wrapped up my favorite spy series about Maggie Hope, I am pleased to have found Evelyn Refern. I think you will too.

I can’t wait to see what Ms. Kelly has in store for us next! Well done. I would like to thank Ms. Kelly, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park is the second book with Evelyne Redfern as the main character. By Julia Kelly this young woman is intelligent, observant and eager to help Britain to win the war. Imagine my surprise when Evelyne finding another body in an office. Not exactly like the first book but if I was her, I would begin to want someone to go with me to any offices where I was assigned. I wasn’t surprised but glad to see David Poole as her handler in this story. There is a strong chemistry between these two while both try to avoid any recognition of the fact.

A great story reminding the reader that spies can be anywhere. Suspense and danger that directly affect the war effort has Evelyne putting the clues today famously. Always Evelyne does her part right where she is needed. Excellent look at a different aspect of WWII.

A second in series for this historical mystery and it is as filled with drama and intrigue as the first. Set in England during the World War II era is the perfect place for imperfect characters. Redfern and Poole are once again partnered when murder and a puzzle abounds. It is a riveting and page turning experience as they investigate and uncover clues on their way to unmasking a killer. Readers will go right along with them as they try to correctly guess until all is revealed.

Book Review: Betrayal at Blackthorn Park by Julia Kelly

For fans of historical mysteries, particularly those with an espionage twist, Betrayal at Blackthorn Park is an enjoyable read. It’s reminiscent of Susan Elia MacNeal’s WWII series featuring a female spy, and Kelly’s ability to blend historical intrigue with character-driven drama makes it a standout in the genre. This was a perfect pick for my Spy vs Spy September Readathon that I host on my YouTube channel, Bookeemonsters, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-paced, atmospheric mystery with a strong, clever heroine.

Julia Kelly’s Betrayal at Blackthorn Park, the second entry in her historical mystery series, is a thoroughly enjoyable and captivating read. Fresh off "spy training", Evelyne Redfern, former typist for Winston Churchill, finds herself in what initially seems like a mundane first assignment—a security test at Blackthorn Park, a requisitioned manor in Sussex. However, Blackthorn Park holds far more secrets than she anticipated, and her mission takes a turn when she finds the chief engineer dead. David Poole is tasked to be her handler, though he'd prefer to be in the field with her to keep her safe.

Kelly crafts a good balance between historical detail and suspense. The WWII backdrop is skillfully woven into the narrative, adding layers of tension and urgency. Evelyne’s character is a the right tone for the time —resourceful, intelligent, and with a keen sense of determination, she brings a fresh perspective to the world of espionage. Her evolving relationship with David Poole, both frustrating and charming, adds a touch of wit and romantic tension, making their partnership all the more enjoyable to follow.

The mystery itself is deftly plotted, with plenty of twists and red herrings to keep readers guessing. The stakes feel real, especially given the high-profile presence of Winston Churchill and the vital weapons research happening at Blackthorn Park.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing an ARC of this novel. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed the first book in this series, A Traitor In Whitehall, and was excited to read this latest installment, which did not disappoint! Immersive and intriguing!

Former typist Evelyne has completed rigorous training after being recruited for spy work to help England win WWII. Her first assignment should have been straightforward, only a day. However, it becomes a much more complex and dangerous situation, and David Poole has been assigned as her handler.

Set in the early 1940s, the world-building in this is fantastic. The level of historical detail drops you into time and place, from the dialogue to the clothing to the wartime concessions and the era's technology. Kelly clearly does a lot of research, and not only does it set the stage, but it also heightens the sense of urgency and high stakes of the investigation.

Evelyne is a strong, capable FMC. She wants to do an excellent job on her first official assignment, which sometimes leads to moments of overconfidence, but she also shows her determination and bravery. I appreciated that we also see conflicting emotions in Evelyne as she grapples with living a double life. It's not easy for her to keep so many secrets from her best friend, Moira, yet Evelyne knows her actions are for the greater good. There is also a hint of romance in her chemistry with David despite the two maintaining their professionalism.

The mystery is very well-plotted, complex, and engaging. This is not an easy one to guess, and the red herrings are very well done. The ending has me looking forward to book three!

Marisa Calin does a fantastic job narrating the audiobook. There are several characters, and she makes them easy to differentiate. She adds to the suspense and intrigue and makes the story come alive.

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the gifted book and audiobook!

Evelyne Redfern has been trained as a field agent to help Britain during the war years and in this book she receives her first assignment on her own to explore a potential security breach at Blackthorn Park. Her training partner David is tasked with supervising her work from afar. As Evelyne begins to explore Blackthorn Park, she is quickly thrown straight into the action when she hears a gunshot and finds the chief engineer dead. Her quick thinking puts her and David in the drivers seat as lead investigators, and they begin to question other employees and uncover more and more secrets. This was a fun page-turner as the reader tries to figure out "who did it?"

I am late in writing my review. I couldn't stop thinking about this wonderful WW2 mystery. The author stumped me. I went back and reread the story looking for what I might have missed. I searched for glimpses and hits of whoever did it. I came to the conclusion that author writes a brilliant mystery that kept me entertained, not once, but twice in a week's time.

Evelyne is going on her first solo mission after completing training. They sent her to Blackthorn Park thinking it would be a simple investigation. They sent her thinking she would find the weaknesses in security and get back on a train. Her only communication would be with David as her handler.

There is nothing simple when it comes to Evelyne Redfren. She and David soon find themselves deep in a murder investigation. A secret weapons development location has more secrets than anyone expected. The story grabbed me from the minute the shot was heard by Evelyne. I was excited for every layer of drama as they attempted to discover why someone would kill the man in charge. So many suspects. So many misdirections. I loved every word.

The story was addictive. The story was thrilling. The story had wonderful characters. That ending---Oh My Word. How long do I have to wait to see what that is all about. Hopefully not too long.

4.25/5 ⭐️

In this second outing of the Evelyne Redfern series, Evelyne takes on her first official assignment following her spy craft training to assist her country during WWII. She is tasked with investigating the efficacy of security measures at a weapons testing facility in rural Sussex, but ends up being plunged into a double murder investigation along with her handler/partner David Poole.

I am continuing to enjoy this series, especially the characters (Evelyne is wonderful!). The plot lines are engaging and well thought out, the writing flows smoothly and is a pleasure to read and the banter and developing relationship between the mains is fun to watch.

Looking forward to (hopefully) many more adventures from this intrepid heroine.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for providing the free early arc of Betrayal at Blackthorn Park for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Oct. 1, 2024
“Betrayal at Blackthorn Park” is the second novel in the Evelyne Redfern (“The Parisian Orphan”) series of novels by historical fiction writer Julia Kelly. I loved Kelly’s “A Traitor in Whitehall” (the first novel in the series) and there was no doubt I was going to eagerly devour her new novel as well.
Former typist Evelyne Redfern has spent the last few months training to be a spy and now she has been called into action. Her first mission is to infiltrate the illustrious Blackthorn Park, a quiet manor house in Sussex, to search for a thief amongst its residents. To further her disappointment that she is not involved in something more exciting, Evelyne’s partner, David, accompanies her on this mission, but is serving as her supervisor. While at Blackthorn Park, however, Evelyne finds the chief engineer dead in his office, and then another body is found shortly after, both staged to look like suicides but Evelyne has a gut feeling that something more sinister is at work. With only days until the Prime Minister himself is coming to Blackthorn, Evelyne must race the clock to uncover what secrets Blackthorn holds within its walls.
The historical-female detective fiction that is “Blackthorn” had me intrigued from the start. I loved Evelyne in Kelly’s first novel and getting to know her was half the fun, so I would think twice before skipping the first entry in the series! Evelyne’s friends and coworkers and other characters from the previous book make an appearance, and I’m so grateful Kelly didn’t forget them (especially Evelyne’s best friend and roommate, Moira).
Kelly writes an exquisite murder mystery that fans of Agatha Christie will consume with fervour. Add to that the spunky, young, underestimated female spy that is our protagonist with some sprinkles of humor and intrigue, and Kelly takes historical fiction to the next level. I immediately connected with Evelyne in the first novel, and cheered for her throughout this one, as well.
“Blackthorn” was full of action, adventure, drama and mystery and I couldn’t help but turn the pages! Kelly has added her own flair to an inundated, often predictable detective fiction genre, and I can’t seem to get enough. This novel made obvious hints to another Redfern novel, and I will be keeping my eyes open for it!

I'll be honest, I'm not sure what happened between my enthusiastic five stars for book one and my middle-of-the-road three stars for this second book featuring amateur sleuth Evelyne Redfern. Was I in a really generous mood the first time around, or am I in a particularly parsimonious one this time? All I know is that, despite my general love of historical mysteries with strong female characters, Evelyne came across as flat and tedious in this entry, and the mystery - theft and sabotage at a secret WWII munitions research lab - failed to keep me engaged. The book starts with Evelyne having just completed her spy training, where, we are told, she kicked ass. She and David are paired up to investigate mysterious goings-on at Blackthorn Park, and they're on a tight timeline to clear things up before a planned visit from Churchill. I will still probably read book 3, but I hope Kelly can give her characters a little more depth and dimension in the next entry. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for a digital review copy.

I listened to the first half of this book and read the second half since I received both. I liked both modes, but perhaps the reading on my own better. I enjoy this series and find the main characters Evelyne and David to be likable and clever. Looking forward to the series continuing.

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park brings back spy, Evelyne Redfern in her latest adventures. Her first solo mission to gather intelligence inside a weapons research facility finds Evelyne stumbling over a dead body. When the supposed suicide turns into murder, Evelyne’s reconnaissance mission turns to murder investigation. David moves from handler to Evelyne’s co-investigator as the duo work to uncover and murderer and the secrets Blackthorn Park hide. The chemistry between Evelyne and David add an interesting romantic element that will hopefully be further explored in future books. I love the way Evelyne’s mind works to untwist all the facts. The mystery is both interesting and unpredictable with an unpredictable whodunnit for another page turning historical romance. My voluntary, unbiased, and non mandatory review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

Julia Kelly’s Betrayal at Blackthorn Park is an atmospheric historical mystery that deftly blends romance, intrigue, and a web of secrets set in post-World War I England. With its evocative period setting and a plot full of twists and turns, Kelly delivers a captivating story that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and those who love a good, slow-burn mystery. I felt at times that I was watching an episode of 'Downton Abby'.

The novel opens with the return of Lily Watson to Blackthorn Park, a grand estate with a troubled history. Set in the aftermath of World War I, the narrative captures a world grappling with change, as society redefines itself after the devastation of the war. Lily’s return to Blackthorn Park is marred by suspicion and unrest—her former lover, Matthew Spencer, has been found dead under mysterious circumstances. Soon, Lily finds herself entangled in an investigation into his death that exposes secrets buried within the estate, its inhabitants, and even herself.

Kelly skillfully weaves a plot that balances suspense with emotional depth, slowly peeling back layers of deception. Each chapter builds the tension as Lily uncovers more about Matthew’s connections, the mysterious figures at Blackthorn Park, and her own complicated past. The suspense grows as Kelly unveils the dangerous and hidden motives behind the seemingly quiet lives of those around her.

One of the novel’s strengths is its immersive setting. Kelly excels at portraying the post-war English countryside, with Blackthorn Park standing as both a refuge and a symbol of the past’s inescapable weight. The descriptions of the estate’s grandeur, now faded and burdened by years of loss, add a gothic layer to the novel that enhances the mystery and unease that permeates the story.

Lily Watson is a compelling protagonist, marked by resilience and independence. Her determination to uncover the truth about Matthew’s death is driven not just by love or grief, but by a deeper desire for justice and closure. Throughout the novel, Kelly explores Lily’s inner struggles, particularly her feelings of guilt and betrayal as the truth about Matthew’s life begins to surface.

One of the more intriguing dynamics is Lily’s relationship with Matthew. Through flashbacks and conversations with those who knew him, Kelly unravels the complexities of their relationship—one marked by passion, deception, and unfulfilled promises. As Lily reflects on their past, the novel poses questions about love, loyalty, and the ways in which people can betray one another, either through intention or omission.

What sets Betrayal at Blackthorn Park apart from a typical historical mystery is its emotional core. While the novel’s plot revolves around solving a murder, the real heart of the story lies in its exploration of how people cope with loss, trauma, and the weight of past decisions. Kelly gives space for the characters, especially Lily, to process these emotions, which lends the story a level of introspection and depth beyond the typical whodunit structure.

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park is an engrossing and richly layered historical mystery that showcases Julia Kelly’s talent for weaving suspense with emotional depth. With a strong, resilient heroine at its center, and a plot full of secrets and revelations, the novel is a compelling blend of romance, intrigue, and historical insight. Kelly’s ability to evoke a vivid sense of time and place, combined with her attention to the emotional lives of her characters, makes this book a standout in the genre.

For readers who enjoy a well-crafted mystery set against a beautifully detailed historical backdrop, Betrayal at Blackthorn Park is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It captures the tension of post-war England while also delving into the complexities of love, betrayal, and the search for redemption.

Thank you to Minotaur and St. Martin's Press for my advance electronic version. My opinions are my own.

Now that Evelyne Redfern has officially entered the Special Operation Executive and passed training, her first assignment as a field agent is to investigate suspicious activity at a secret government R&D site, Blackthorn Park, in Sussex. The twist is that David Poole has been assigned as her handler, and his by-the-book approach clashes just as much as ever with her by-the-seat-of-her-pants technique. But when Evelyne discovers the chief engineer at Blackthorn Park dead, it quickly becomes obvious that there is more to the situation than they originally thought. And they only have a few days to find the killer before Winston Churchill himself arrives for a demonstration of the latest weaponry to be used in the fight against Germany and its allies in World War II.

I appreciated that this sequel explored how having to keep secrets and living a double life wears on operatives. That, and we got a glimpse of what spycraft looked like in that era. The idea of espionage, sabotage, reconnaissance, etc. wasn't fully embraced by everyone in the government in England, and many considered it to be "ungentlemanly." So not only did Blackthorn Park need to produce useful weaponry in order to maintain its funding, but it also had something to prove on behalf of spycraft in general (as did Evelyne and David). The attraction between the two continues, but is not the main focus of the story (which really works for this series so far). I felt that the book was a bit heavy on Evelyne's showing up David in pretty much everything, though, and I would have appreciated it if their discoveries and breakthroughs were less one-sided. I did like how well they communicated, though, and I hope that continues! One of my favorite things about this series is how historically immersive the stories are. I'm hoping that there will be a third installment soon!

Julia Kelly is a comfort read for me. Her HF novels are cozy and slow. And this new one is no exception as we go back to a murder mystery in the form of the board game ‘clue’ meeting Angela Lansbury of ‘Murder She Wrote’. And for fun, give it the cozy feels of ‘The Maid’ by Nita Prose.

Basically that’s how I felt the whole book. It was one of those 3 things that it reminded me of.

But it was fun to be back in the 40’s under covering suicides that show up as such… but clever Evelyne and David know something doesn’t add up. Why would lead scientist commit suicide? When he seems to have been a narcissist that would never do such a thing.

I will say that I think it was a bit long and slow. I know intentional for the cozy feel. But it was extra slow.

If you enjoy HF or the fabulous Julia Kelly, then you’ll enjoy this autumn read. Not my favourite of hers but still enjoyable

3.5 ⭐️

This is the second book in the series. Unfortunately, I hadn't read the first one, and when this book caught my eye, I was a little worried that my lack of knowledge about the main character's previous actions would affect my enjoyment of the reading experience.

Fortunately, the author provides enough information to smoothly integrate the reader into following the heroine's adventures. I spent a great time in the company of Evelyn and David.

Books set in WWII England, filled with secrets, intelligence battles, and talented agents, are my favorite light reading. *Betrayal at Blackthorn Park* did not disappoint in this regard. We had interesting characters, a romance hanging in the air, and an intriguing crime mystery. I could only sigh like Constable Lee, that there were no German spies.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this copy.

Historical Mystery set in England 1940 featuring a former typist turned spy and her handler team up to catch a weapons facility chief engineer's killer and uncover a deadly deception.

5/5 stars: This is the second entry in Kelly's Parisian Orphan series which is a Historical Mystery set in 1940 England featuring a former typist turned spy who winds up teaming up with her handler after her first mission to performing a simple security at a weapons facility ahead of a visit from Churchill takes a deadly turn after she discovers the chief weapons engineer dead. As the two investigate to murder they uncover a deadly deception that could change the course of the war. ith plenty of twists and turns, Kelly has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Additionally, Kelly's writing and character work are stellar; the main characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable and the secondary cast members are well crafted and uniquely voiced. It's great to catch up with Evelyne and learn more about her unique upbringing; her aunt Amelia is a definite character. Also I love Evelyne and David's working relationship and how it's budding into friendship and possibly more. Kelly touches on some sensitive subjects, so take care and the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, A Traitor in Whitehall.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park, the second in a series, features avid reader of detective mysteries, Evelyn Redfern. Plucked from the typing pool, Evelyn is a newly trained spy for the Special Investigations Unit in London 1940. Her first mission is a security check at a country manor in Sussex, known as Blackthorn Park. Now a weapons research facility with a staff of engineers, administrators, and workers, it is the perfect setting for a mystery.
The focus of Evelyn’s mission changes from a security check for missing supplies to a murder investigation. Author Julia Kelly’s lifelong love for mysteries and detective stories lends credence to interviews of suspects, tricks of the detective trade, and summaries of clues before heading the search off in another direction.
Julia Kelly’s characters move with ease from Whitehall to Blackthorn Park. To Evelyn’s dismay her partner at Whitehall, David Poole, has been promoted to ‘handler’ in the SIU and follows her to Blackthorn. Kelly’s development of Evelyn’s view of David Poole evolves from mostly annoying to sometimes endearing, giving readers hope for a closer connection in the future. She uses clever pairings such as Mr. and Mrs. Sherman, stationmaster at Benstead and housekeeper at the manor, to make connections and confirm clues. To relax the frantic pace and drama of the mission Kelly isolates the interviews of suspects into chapters and switches to Evelyn’s London life with occasional telephone calls to best friend Moira.
Betrayal at Blackthorn takes place in one hectic week, with a day-by-day countdown to Winston Churchill’s visit for a weapons demonstration. Interviews, journal checks, letters and a secret hiding place keep readers piecing clues together until the last explosion at Blackthorn Park.

This book is a continuation of the first book in the series so I recommend reading them in order. The audiobook brought the story alive with good narration. I loved how strong the female protagonist is in this book.

I am a pushover for theses very Brit ish spy novels. I love the repartee and the formal dealings with the police and the background ops. It’s like being a fan of the Beatles or Perry Mason…. I am addicted. The novel was terrific. Witty, clever, old fashioned..on purpose… and I recommend it to any who are watchers of the BBC mysteries on TV. Here’s another character to love!