This is book number 2 in the Evelyne Redfern series.
If you enjoy Julia Kelly’s historical fiction novels, I encourage you to read her Evelyne Redfern historical mysteries. In this one, the 2nd in the series, we again enjoy the teamwork of Evelyne Redfern and David Poole as they work together to solve the mysterious death at Blackthorn Park before the Prime Minister’s visit. It is fast paced and engaging with interesting characters and twisty clues that lead to an unexpected ending. Patiently waiting for book 3.
— Laura BWith mystery, intrigue, and the hints of romance international bestselling author Julia Kelly is known for, Evelyne Redfern returns in Betrayal at Blackthorn Park.
Freshly graduated from a rigorous training program in all things spy craft, former typist Evelyne Redfern is eager for her first assignment as a field agent helping Britain win the war. However, when she learns her first task is performing a simple security test at Blackthorn Park, a requisitioned manor house in the sleepy Sussex countryside, she can’t help her initial disappointment. Making matters worse, her handler is to be David Poole, a fellow agent who manages to be both strait-laced and dashing in annoyingly equal measure. However, Evelyne soon realizes that Blackthorn Park is more than meets the eye, and an upcoming visit from Winston Churchill means that security at the secret weapons research and development facility is of the utmost importance.
When Evelyne discovers Blackthorn Park’s chief engineer dead in his office, her simple assignment becomes more complicated. Evelyne must use all of her—and David’s—detection skills to root out who is responsible and uncover layers of deception that could change the course of the war.
Praise for Betrayal at Blackthorn Park
“Tautly plotted, with layered historical detail and plenty of dry wit, Evelyne's second adventure is a satisfying mystery and a slice of (nearly) top-secret wartime history.” –Shelf Awareness
“Fans of Susan Elia MacNeal’s Maggie Hope series will delight in following the adventures of a promising new World War II spymaster.” –First Clue
“A surprising denouement caps a budding romance in a country torn by war.” –Kirkus Review
"[Evelyne and David's] simmering romantic chemistry and Kelly's talent for brisk pacing win out in the end. Historical mystery fans will make quick work of this one." –Publishers Weekly
Praise for A Traitor in Whitehall
"An exceptional historical murder mystery." –Wall Street Journal
“If you like to mix history with your mystery, then this propulsive novel set in World War II London should be on your TBR list. . . This is a superbly constructed whodunit that pays homage to Agatha Christie’s locked-room mysteries.” –Oprah Daily
“Kelly's narrative zips along. . . a well-plotted start to an entertaining new series.” –Shelf Awareness
"Romance, feminism, and historical detail combine in an exciting new series." –Kirkus Reviews