Wowza! I really, really was trying to avoid WWII books, but the premise of this book just interested me so much. It was about the Cabinet War Rooms (CWR) in London. I knew very little about the CWR, but I knew that Churchill took the government underground. So seeing the CWR is definitely on my bucket list.
The story starts right as the London Blitz begins in September 1940. The main character, Evelyne, is recruited by a family friend to join a typing pool in the CWR in order to report to him about anything that is amiss. Well, within a few days, another woman, Jean, in the typing room is killed. The mystery is unpacked from there.
The best part was the description of the CWR and how it all worked for the people who worked there during WWII. It was amazing how they all pulled together as a country to defeat Germany.
This is a wonderful and fun historical fiction mystery. It was great!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
I have read several of Julia Kelly's historical fiction novels. But this is the next level. I loved the mystery combined with historical fiction plus all of the twists and turns had me guessing, incorrectly, until the very end!
The writing about the London Blitz and CWR was powerful. All of the folks involved with the lifesaving work during the London Blitz and CWR are heroes - they saved the world from a horrific fate.
Oh, and I see this novel referred to with a subtitle as "The Parisian Orphan" at Goodreads. This information was briefly referenced in the storyline. I really hope that this becomes a long series as the characters are fascinating!
Character development: 4.5 stars
As a typical historical fiction novel and mystery, there are many characters! Especially with what the story is based on - the London Blitz and CWR affected a LOT of people!
There are two main characters Evelyne and David. Both work for the CWR and quickly become partners in solving the murder of Jean. They work together and separately to solve the murder and treason, but did they?? Yes, there are so many twists and turns until the final ending that is so well done!!
The secondary characters are the typing pool, the "bad guys", and Jean who indirectly haunts everyone from the grave.
So, so good!
Storyline: 4.5 stars
The storyline is about finding a traitorous mole and solving a murder! It was done so very well! The characters had two sides to their personality and details and clues slowly reveal themselves. But the hard part is knowing if the information revealed has to do with the murder and treason.
The location was London.
Memorable/Informative: 4.5 stars
I knew very little about the London Blitz as it wasn't covered much in our history classes here in the United States. I also only knew about the CWR because friends visited them recently while on vacation in England. This was a huge turning point in world history and we all should know all about this time frame! All this is so fascinating and I need to learn more!!!
Book cover: 4.5 stars
So very pretty!
Book title: 4.5 stars
Completely on point.
Gut feeling: 4.0 stars
As I indicated earlier, I knew very little about the London Blitz and the CWR. So I wasn't sure if this novel would be for me!
Suggestions:
A map of the areas mentioned in London would have been helpful for this American native.
Definite RECOMMEND
BOOK INFORMATION
A Traitor in Whitehall by Julia Kelly
288 pages
NetGalley Kindle ARC
Release date of 10/03/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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