Thank you to Netgalley for this e- copy of Secrets of Malta in exchange for a honest review. This is a well - written piece of historical fiction told in 2 different time frames . In 1926 Vera is an archaeologist working at a dig in Syria when her professor is killed in a tomb collapse . Years later the code name Nero that was associated with him re-emerges in Malta . He is accused of murder and espionage . How can this be when he has been dead for many years ? Or is it really him or someone else? This book keeps you guessing until the end.Lots of drama and intrigue..

I ended up having a fantastic time reading this book. Secrets Of Malta ended up being so much more than just another WWII story, with a dual timeline that takes you on a journey across multiple countries as well as time itself.

The blurb of Secrets Of Malta is actually just part of the plot, as this book actually has a dual timeline structure and switches between 1943 and 1926. I admit that this structure doesn't always work well for me, but in this case I loved both timelines equally. I think the fact that one of the main characters Vera is so present in both timelines really helps connecting the two and it makes the story flow more naturally. I loved the 1926 timeline with the focus on archeology, but the 1943 timeline with the espionage angle was excellent as well.

Secrets Of Malta uses a multiple POV structure, but it's quite easy to keep the different characters apart. I admit that you had to pay attention whenever Vera was in play, since she appears in both timelines, but it personally never slowed me down too much. Vera and Margarita are probably the two most interesting characters, although I really enjoyed the whole investigation into the mysterious spy Nero that Pratchett's POV offered.

One of the things I loved most about Secrets Of Malta was the amount of armchair travel it provided along the way, taking us to multiple countries as we follow the different characters on their journey. The 1926 Syrian setting was a highlight with its archeology focus, although I enjoyed the bookish travel in general. And while I admit that there were parts of the plot where the story slowed down a bit too much, I personally wasn't too bothered by it and I still enjoyed the journey. There were a couple twists I definitely didn't see coming, so that's always a bonus! I love it when a story manages to surprise me along the way.

As a whole, Secrets Of Malta turned out to be a well written and engaging piece of historical fiction that combines an international setting with an espionage angle and plenty of intrigue. I'm definitely looking forward to read more of this author in the future!

I absolutely loved everything about this book. It was a very great storyline and easy to follow. Very hard to put down once I started. Can’t wait to read more from this Author!

Marla, 1943 - WWII. A love affair with a married man. When he disappears, she befriends his wife. It has strange twists and turns.

As someone who has family in Malta, I absolutely loved the detailed accuracy of this book! Also, loved the pace of the story and the effort to make this book non-generic.

A dual time line story across 1926 in Syria and 1943 in Malta and Italy.
The war may be over but it still rages on in Europe.
Intelligence agencies discover there may be an intelligence leak in Malta and a German spy called Nero is still at large who could threaten stability in Europe. It is imperative he is captured and a host of characters are introduced in the hunt for Nero.
This is a cat and mouse intriguing spy thriller.
It did take me a few chapters to become captivated by the chase but once hooked the book was a page turner.
I have visited Malta and Italy many times and I loved the author’s descriptive passages of the countries.
A truly great historical fiction read.