This second installment in the Secret Churchill Files series exists in a harsher emotional environment than its predecessor, “A Jewel in the Crown.” Whereas the first book included a lot of humorous banter between its leads, the Welsh socialist/former police constable Caitrin Colline and the English aristocrat Hector Neville Percy, as well as conspiracies and various dare-devil feats, the new novel introduces deep loss and grief. It could hardly be otherwise, since it opens on December 31, 1940, with the Battle of Britain in full swing. Caitrin’s section of London has been demolished by relentless attacks from the Luftwaffe, and even 512, the all-female intelligence operation that recruited Caitrin early in “Jewel” is under pressure to accept incorporation into one of the other secret services. As 1941 dawns, things only get worse.

When it becomes clear that the Nazi pilots are homing in on beacons planted by British sympathizers with Hitler’s cause—a group known as Die Brücke (the Bridge)—512 dispatches Caitrin to find out who’s responsible. Hector, on loan from the Special Operations Executive (SEO, another intelligence agency), acts as backup. But the novel focuses primarily on Caitrin, since it’s her contacts and experience with the London underworld that prove most important in moving the mission forward. There are also many scenes featuring Winston Churchill himself, as well as the occasional reversion to the lighthearted tone of book 1 (a humorous scene featuring Ian Fleming—yes, the creator of James Bond—is a personal favorite of mine).

I enjoyed finding out more about Caitrin’s family, especially her parents, and the coal-mining town in Wales where she grew up. Although she experiences sadness here, that too enriches her character. Her interactions with Hector are snippier and less satisfying, as if each of them is stuck in a rut and neither knows how to get out. The fundamental mission of the story—to find the mastermind responsible for the targeting beacons—ends with a satisfying twist, however, so if you enjoyed the first book, I would definitely give this one a try.

You can also find out more from my blog interview with the author (link below) in late June, when the book appears.

I really enjoyed this: it had purpose and Caitrin’s quick wit and sense of humour were a delight. Well crafted, set in England during WW2, the author’s focus is on a small secret service group comprised of females in their hunt to find and stop Nazi saboteurs from destroying English historic buildings. The characters from different classes and society backgrounds was a good blend as the story unfolded in pursuit of their quarry.

Brilliant! I must read more books by this author as his style was perfect. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.