Rating: 4/5
I received an eARC & audio for my honest opinion.

This is book two of the Evelyne Redfern series, I did not read the first book, and I have no issues with understanding what was going on, or the characters. In this book you will meet Evelyne Redfern who has a new assignment, she is to go to Blackstone Park and evaluate their security. See Blackston Park is a place where explosive devices are designed and built for the British forces during the war, but when Evelyne gets there, she discovers a dead body. It appears that the man has killed himself, but something doesn’t seem right, could it have been murder? With the help of David Poole, her handler, can they find out the truth behind this murder and before others might die.

I really enjoyed this cozy historical mystery; it had a little bit of romance in it, mystery, suspense and just an overall fun and easy read. I found the plot to be well developed and the pace to be perfect to getting to know the characters and still see the plot is moving forward. I liked that the author did add in a few twists and turns in the plot, it kept you on your toes, but what I loved the most was that Evelyne was the main character in this book. You will see a strong, determined female character. I liked that you could see the characters developing throughout the book.

I found the characters to be likable and easy to connect with. For me it was really about Evelyne's character, but I loved the banter between David and her. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and seeing what was important to them and why it was. I loved seeing a strong female character from WW2 doing some spying and being a baddie at it, she believed herself and her abilities that she learned. I found hers and Davids’s chemistry between these characters to be chef's kiss, can I hope that the author will develop more between these characters in later books.

I did receive the audio as well and I thought Marisa Calin did a great job narrating this book. I would recommend the audio or the book to anyone. For this being my first historical fiction mystery book, I really enjoyed it.

I want to thank NetGalley & St. Martins/Macmillan for the opportunity to review this book.

This intriguing murder mystery set during World War II is second in a series, which I didn't notice when I requested it from NetGalley. However, the author gave enough of the main character's back story to make this one easy to follow. It definitely ends on a cliffhanger, so the next one should be interesting. Great narration of the audiobook.

A highly entertaining and well-written historical WWII mystery featuring a female sleuth that was good on audio narrated by Marisa Calin and perfect for fans of authors like Iona Whishaw and Ashley Weaver. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park was the second book in the Parisian Orphan series by Julia Kelly. I had previously read A Traitor in Whitehall, the first book in this series, and enjoyed it very much so I was excited to see that Julia Kelly had written a second book in this series. Betrayal at Blackthorn Park can best be described as a historical fiction cozy mystery. The setting for Betrayal at Blackstone Park was at Blackthorn Park, a reclusive and quite secure facility located in nearby Sussex during World War II. The primary function of Blackstone Park was to design and build explosive devices that would be used by British forces during the war. Only a very selective group knew of Blackstone Park’s existence and what was being done there.

Evelyne Redfern had recently returned to her London boarding house after partaking in an intense training operation that prepared her for her new role as an agent for the British government. David Poole had also undergone training to become a handler. Both Evelyn and David were summoned to headquarters to receive their first official assignment. They were both anticipating an assignment that was dangerous, presented them with risks and challenged them to use their newly acquired knowledge and skills they had acquired in their training. When Evelyne learned that she was being sent to a place called Blackthorn Park to evaluate their security because sensitive and crucial equipment had disappeared and that David Poole was to be her handler and not her partner she was disappointed. However, once Evelyne arrived at Blackthorn Park, she put her intuitive abilities to work. It was not long until Evelyne began to suspect that everything was not as it appeared to be at Blackthorn Park. Then she discovered a dead body. Was it a suicide as it appeared to be or had the victim been murdered? The discovery of the dead body brought David Poole to Blackthorn Park. Can the two work together to unravel all that was going on at Blackthorn Park?

I listened to the audiobook of Betrayal at Blackthorn Park by Julia Kelly. It was very well narrated by Marisa Calin. Betrayal at Blackthorn Park was very well written, fast paced and impeccably researched. I really enjoyed getting to know the protagonist, Evelyne Redfern, even better in this book. She displayed qualities of strength, determination, intelligence, intuition and resilience. In a time when women were expected to be behind the scenes and reliant on their male counterparts, Evelyne was a woman who believed in her own abilities. The obvious chemistry and hint of romance that might develop between Evelyne and David was welcomed and I look forward to see how it develops as the series continues. There were several twists which only added to my enjoyment and curiosity. I look forward to reading or listening to the next addition in this series and I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Betrayal at Blackthorn Park by Julia Kelly through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

A great whodunit set during the height of the second world war. When the chief engineer at a secret government research station is found dead in his office, newly graduated field agent Evelyn is ready to tackle the case. The story was fast paced, and filled with just the right amount of tension and witty dialogue. I really enjoyed Evelyn, and her Bond-esque handler, David, was very dreamy. A fun series for fans of cozy mysteries and classic British spy thrillers.

Special thanks to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, and the author, Julia Kelly, for an advanced copy if the audiobook to review.

This is the second mystery in the Parisian Orphan series. The series is told in first person by Evelyne Redfern, known as “The Parisian Orphan” by many due to the media coverage of her parent’s infamous divorce and the aftermath. The audiobook is narrated by Marisa Calin and she gives a lovely voice to Evelyne’s latest adventure. While the mysteries are self-contained, I recommend that you read A Traitor in Whitehall for character background especially as it pertains to Evelyne’s background, friends and professional situation. The series takes place during World War II and I find the lighter fair (if you can consider a murder mystery lighter) to be a refreshing take on the time period.

This story finds Evelyne at the end of her espionage training as she is given her first assignment to test the security at Blackthorn Park, a manor house in Sussex requisitioned to be used as a facility for the manufacture of clandestine weapons. Evelyne is joined in this assignment by David Poole on his first operation as a handler and both are juggling their feelings about this latest assignment and what it may mean for their careers. Evelyne quickly stumbles into a murder and must assess whether the victim was killed due to personal or professional reasons and how those reasons might contribute to her investigation.

I find Evelyne to be quite a savvy and interesting character. As her partner in the investigation, I find David a worthy colleague that sparks my curiosity to know more about him. There were quite a few suspects to choose from at Blackthorn manor with simple, contentious and amorous relationships all over the place. I enjoyed watching the plot unfold and trying to figure out the culprit or culprits. I’ll definitely follow along on Evelyne and Mr. Poole’s next adventure.

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, and Minotaur Books for a copy provided for an honest review.

Book two in the Parisian Orphan series was just as compelling as A Murder at Whitehall. Along with our main gal Miss Redfern there are a few returning characters that bring stability and comfort to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, how everything was resolved, and all the drama the ensued.

I’ll admit I haven’t read the first one in this series, but it didn’t hinder my understanding or enjoyment of this one. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrator did a great job bringing the story to life, especially the main character Evelyne. This cozy mystery historical fiction series is interesting and I love getting to read about a woman who was tapped to be a spy and investigator but would never have been if there hadn’t been war. Evelyne is given her first full mission now that she has completed training, but she’s disappointed it doesn’t seem like a big enough mission. To make matters worse David Poole is her handler instead of her partner. But when Evelyne gets to Blackthorn Park she finds a dead body and while it was set up to look like a suicide something doesn’t sit right with Evelyne. This mystery was fun and had some interesting red herrings and twists. I’ll definitely have to go back and find that first book in this series after finishing this one.

NOTE: I thoroughly enjoyed the AUDIO BOOK for BETRAYAL AT BLACKTHORN PARK which was narrated by Marisa Calin with her soft British accent and expressive voice. She did an excellent job and I am looking forward to more in this series.

BETRAYAL AT BLACKTHORN PARK by Julia Kelly features the same two characters – trained operatives Evelyne Redfern and David Poole -- as her earlier WWII historical mystery, A Traitor in Whitehall. This time the action takes place primarily in the English countryside where Blackthorn Park is being used as a weapons research facility. Due to concern about missing materials, Redfern and Poole set out to investigate, but quickly confront a death – suicide or murder of Sir Nigel, the brilliant but brusque scientist who leads the engineers? All of this is a bit confusing initially because so many characters are introduced, but then the relationships and motives crystallize; plus, suspense develops further as newly manufactured weapons malfunction just prior to a visit from Winston Churchill. I agree with Publishers Weekly who said, "Most readers will be able to ferret out the culprit well before Evelyne and David do, but their simmering romantic chemistry and Kelly's talent for brisk pacing win out in the end." Enjoy!

This was a fast pace kind of cozy murder mystery, I wasn't fully able to get into it though it was still good

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

Julia Kelly's fast-paced whodunit BETRAYAL AT BLACKTHORN PARK provides an engrossing mixture of a secluded World War II manor house, a group of scientific boffins developing the lethal tricks and toys Mr. Churchill is so fond of for use in what he calls "ungentlemanly warfare," and two smart, attractive secret agents, Evelyne and David. Someone is pilfering scarce materials and they've been tasked to solve the mystery. The matter needs to be settled as quickly and as quietly as possible, because Churchill is scheduled to visit in just a few days. The plot, as they say, "thickens" when the head boffin is murdered. Is the pilferage part of a larger sabotage scheme and might Churchill, himself, be in danger if he visits? It's always a joy to find just the right book for some good, old-fashioned escapist reading. Many thanks to Julia Kelly for supplying it!

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.

I listened to this one in audio and really enjoyed the narrator, Marisa Calin, and her ability to bring the characters to live with both voice changes and changes in tone and inflection. She does a fantastic job and I hope she narrated the next 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 and MacMillan audio for the ALC. All views are my own.

This audiobook was delightful to listen to. The narrator Maris Calin did a great job of reading with emotion and animation. I also loved that each character had their own distinct voice. It made it easy to follow along with the story. I would highly recommend listening to the audiobook!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review!

In a series reminiscent of Susan Elia MacNeil's Maggie Hope series mixed with Rhys Bowen's Her Royal Spyness series, the second book of Kelly's Parisian Orphan series opens with the start of Evelyne Redfern's spying career. After solving a murder in the series' first book, Evie trained as a spy and is ready for her first official assignment. Again paired with David Poole, they are investigating a crime research facility at Blackthorn Park. However, soon the investigation takes a turn as a murder occurs. It's up to Evie and David to find out who the killer is while also solving the mystery of why supplies are causing issues at the facility.

Written in an easily flowing manner, Betrayal at Blackthorn Park is a historical mystery that looks into a side of World War II often overlooked-the research that went into the technology developed during the war. And keeping with the first book, historical facts were interwoven in to the story seamlessly, and Evie and David's working relationship borders that of colleague and something more. Evie is also depicted as a strong woman who is more than willing to pave her own way and not reply on tenuous family ties. David, meanwhile, shows he is still growing to appreciate this trait in Evie. Then the bombshell dropped at the end indicated book three is pending.

Since I listened to the NetGalley audio advanced reader copy, I can add the narrator was excellent. A true British upper-class accent to match Evie's character. And the narrator did a great job using her voice to depict emotions of the characters.

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 received a copy of this title from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Betrayal at Blackthorn Park is the second title to feature Evelyn Redfern. She's recently returned from training to be a special operative to help defeat the Germans. Her first assignment, which is expected to be easy, finds her working with David Poole as her handler. David is an trained operative in his own right, but is working to transition into being a handler with Evelyn as his first agent. Evelyn is going undercover at a facility that makes "clandestine weapons: after a tip was received that things have been going missing. Shortly after her arrival, her mission escalates into a murder investigation when the head of the facility is found dead. To make matters worse, time is ticking to solve the case prior to PM Churchill's visit to the facility.

The narration really enhances this title. The mystery in this one is excellently written and really engaging. I was kept guessing and loved all the historical details that were included. I really like Evelyn and David as characters and the chemistry they have together. I'm very excited to see how their relationship continues to develop. Additionally, there is definitely a mystery related to the death of Evelyn's mother and her relationship with her father that I'm looking forward to learning more about in future titles.

For newly trained spy Evelyne, her first assignment—a seemingly simple security test at a Sussex manor house requisitioned for weapons research—takes a deadly turn when she discovers the chief engineer murdered. With Winston Churchill’s visit imminent, Evelyne and her handler, David, must uncover a web of deception that threatens to derail the war effort.

I loved this. I generally avoid WWII books, but this one is solidly a murder mystery, with the war being secondary. The characters are well-developed, and I enjoyed the relationship between Evelyne and David. The audiobook narration is well done.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park is the second book in the Parisian Orphan series. It is a cleverly written book for cozy mystery lovers with an intriguing whodunit drama filled story.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?

This story has everything for those mystery lovers who enjoy following the clues, trying to detect the red herrings and cheering for a plucky MC as she takes on a murder mystery.

I also was drawn into the building relationship between Evelyn and David. Will they stay in the “friend zone”? I’m not saying, but the quirky chemistry between them that adds humor to the story.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:

Cozy mysteries
Agatha Christie
History
Strong female MC
Espionage
London
Amateur sleuth
Asshole men who think women are inferior and the women who show them up

How was the audiobook?

Marisa Calin did a wonderful job bringing this story to life and all the different style accents added to each character's personality.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?

Slow burn

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?

If you are a fan of solving mysteries, this Christie-esque cozy mystery is for you. Plus this is the first book in a brand new series, so you know there are more murders and intrigue to come!

Thank you Minotaur Books and MacMillan Audio for this gifted copy.

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park by Julia
Kelly is the second book in the Evelyne Redfern mystery series. I enjoyed the first book in this historical fiction and couldn't wait to read the second book. Julia Kelly didn't disappoint. This was a fast paced page turner. I love the chemistry between Evelyne and David. They are tasked with solving crimes during WW2. If you like historical mystery you will love this series. I can't wait to read the next installment. The ending of book 2 has really made me want more!!