Tessa Arlen also writes the Lady Montfort series in which Lady Montfort and Mrs. Jackson, her inimitable housekeeper, solve murders in the early 1900's. Since I've enjoyed that series, I was happy to give Poppy Redfern a try.
The book opens with the final stages of Poppy's training to become an Air Raid Warden, giving a view of how those subjected to the nightly bombings in London managed to get to safety during an air raid.
The wardens had a range of duties, such as advising local people on air raid precautions and enforcing the night time ‘blackout’ to ensure no artificial lights were visible from the air. During a raid, wardens were responsible for monitoring and reporting bomb damage, and for helping to coordinate the response of other civil defence services. Source
Having completed her training, Poppy returns to her small village and begins her nightly rounds checking to see that the blackout rules were being followed. Previously, a small country village wouldn't have attracted much attention, but the recent installment of an American air base increased the possibility of an attack.
The arrival of the Yanks created some hostility in the village because local girls began dating the young men. When two young women who had been dating Americans are murdered, the anger and distrust increases. An American airman is arrested and held on base, but Poppy isn't sure that the American is guilty and joins an American pilot in a little investigating.
When a third young woman narrowly escapes the same fate, Poppy's private investigation becomes more serious--and dangerous.
Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders provided interesting historical information, appealing characters, and an enjoyable mystery. The guilty party isn't too difficult to figure out, but the wartime adventure was nevertheless a pleasure.
NetGalley/Berkley Publishing
Historical Mystery. Nov. 5, 2019. Print length: 320 pages.
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On the subject of the Blitz, this site has some amazing photos.
This sounds like a great mystery. I think that the time period and characters sound very well done. I will have to keep this one in mind.
ReplyDeleteI suppose it fits in the cozy mystery category because of the village aspect as well as the historical mystery genre. I liked it! :)
DeleteI don't think this was from my blog, Jen, or my searching hasn't turned up anything. However, I most certainly should have recommended it, Poppy sounds fantastic! (Apologies if it really is on my blog and I missed it entirely)
ReplyDeleteUh oh. I thought it was on a post about book covers that I saw on your blog. Now, I have no idea where I saw the cover, which was what attracted me in the first place!
DeleteNo worries! Happens to me all the time too
DeleteThe premise sounds intriguing. And I love that cover. :)
ReplyDeleteThe cover was the initial attraction and the setting was also appealing. :) Then I enjoyed the content!
DeleteIt is a fun time period to read about. And Poppy sounds like a great heroine. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty amazing what England went through during WWII. The characters are interesting, and Poppy makes a good protagonist. :)
DeleteI am really eager to read this one. I love Tess Arlen's Lady Montfort series.
ReplyDeleteI know, Wendy, I like that series as well!
DeleteI really enjoyed this one, too, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the next book in the series takes us.
ReplyDelete