Status
Available
Series
Publication
Bantam (2020), Edition: Illustrated, 352 pages
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Thriller. Historical Fiction. HTML:Can a stolen violin lead secret agent and spy Maggie Hope to a serial killer terrorizing London? Find out as the acclaimed World War II mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Susan Elia MacNeal continues. �??A wartime mystery to sink your teeth into.�?��??Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Huntress Maggie Hope started out as Winston Churchill�??s secretary, but now she�??s a secret agent�??and the only one who can figure out how the missing violin ties into a series of horrifying murders. London, December 1943. As the Russian army repels German forces from Stalingrad, Maggie Hope takes a much-needed break from spying to defuse bombs in London. But Maggie herself is an explosion waiting to happen. Traumatized by her past, she finds herself living dangerously�??taking huge risks, smoking, drinking, and speeding through the city streets on a motorbike. The last thing she wants is to get entangled in another crime. But when she�??s called upon to look into the theft of a Stradivarius, one of the finest violins ever made, Maggie can�??t resist. Meanwhile, there�??s a serial killer on the loose in London, targeting conscientious objectors. Little does Maggie know that investigating this dangerous predator will pit her against a new evil�??and old enemies. Only Maggie can uncover the connection between the robbery, the mur… (more)
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Media reviews
Action-packed, intertwined mysteries featuring an introspective heroine and packed with little-known historical details.
This enjoyable effort will inspire those new to MacNeal to seek out earlier entries.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Loried
I was delighted to get the opportunity to read an advice copy of Susan Elia Maclean's latest Maggie Hope book as I have read and enjoyed the whole series. I think this one is even better than the previous books as it reveals more about Maggie's complex feelings as she recovers from the trauma of
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the events in the last book. I found the book did a great job covering many of the issues people had to deal with during WWII. The book not only was a good mystery, but also a fascinating character study. I highly recommend the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member eawsmom
At the beginning of the book, Maggie Hope attends the sentencing of the "Blackout Beast," who had been killing women in the style of Jack the Ripper until she put a bullet in his face when he tried to kill her. As a result of this experience and that of being held on an island to prevent her from
Many of her fellow bomb defusers are conscientious objectors--they aren't willing to kill fellow human beings, but they are willing to serve by taking on an extremely dangerous but necessary task. As COs beginning disappearing and skeletal remains begin appearing in suitcases found in the Thames River along with white feathers denoting cowardice, Maggie fears another serial killer may be at work.
Maggie resists involvement as much as she can, but as more members of her bomb disposal group fail to appear for work, she begins investigating alongside DCI Durgin. Missives from the new serial killer, dubbed "Jimmy Greenteeth" by the press, give the impression that the Blackout Beast and the new murders are somehow related. As Maggie investigates that link, she realizes the truth and arrives at "Jimmy Greenteeth's" home just in time to foil the murder of another CO and solve the case.
This is another solid entry in the Maggie Hope series, with a few more glimpses into Maggie's past and a peek at her future. As usual, there are plenty of thrills and action--perhaps a bit too much, as I kept waiting for one of the UXBs to blow up while she was working on it. If you like historical fiction with a strong female character, this is a good series, but I recommend reading them in order as each book builds on events from the past.
I received this book through the Early Reviewers program of LibraryThing in exchange for an unbiased review.
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giving away plans for D-Day, she appears to be hellbent on self-destruction--she is smoking and drinking too much, riding a motorbike like a maniac, and defusing unexploded bombs (UXBs).Many of her fellow bomb defusers are conscientious objectors--they aren't willing to kill fellow human beings, but they are willing to serve by taking on an extremely dangerous but necessary task. As COs beginning disappearing and skeletal remains begin appearing in suitcases found in the Thames River along with white feathers denoting cowardice, Maggie fears another serial killer may be at work.
Maggie resists involvement as much as she can, but as more members of her bomb disposal group fail to appear for work, she begins investigating alongside DCI Durgin. Missives from the new serial killer, dubbed "Jimmy Greenteeth" by the press, give the impression that the Blackout Beast and the new murders are somehow related. As Maggie investigates that link, she realizes the truth and arrives at "Jimmy Greenteeth's" home just in time to foil the murder of another CO and solve the case.
This is another solid entry in the Maggie Hope series, with a few more glimpses into Maggie's past and a peek at her future. As usual, there are plenty of thrills and action--perhaps a bit too much, as I kept waiting for one of the UXBs to blow up while she was working on it. If you like historical fiction with a strong female character, this is a good series, but I recommend reading them in order as each book builds on events from the past.
I received this book through the Early Reviewers program of LibraryThing in exchange for an unbiased review.
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LibraryThing member KateBaxter
Readers of the Maggie Hope Mystery series by Susan Elia MacNeil, are in for a real treat. Maggie's loyal followers have been through the emotional ringer with Maggie as she's gone from clever math whiz and code breaker, through aide to Churchill, high-end nanny, secret agent, security liability to
In this installment, we find Maggie almost as explosive as the bombs she's defusing. The "Black Out Beast" who had attacked her in a previous installment has been sentenced for various murders and for the failed attempt on Maggie's life. Her dreams are haunted by his existence. Meanwhile, there appears to be a copycat executing more of these heinous crimes. What's the connection between the copycat and the Black Out Beast? Maggie refuses to assist in pursuing the clues to yet another murder. But helping to figure out the whereabouts of a stolen Stradivarius violin, is a whole other story.
Again, we readers are on an emotional rollercoaster ride with Maggie. The gears of her mind are cranking away a mile a minute as she tears through the streets of London. We are white-knuckling it right beside her for the entire ride. There were quite a few red herrings throughout the story. Yet, as exciting as the story was, I was disappointed to have figured out who the copycat was long before the ending. But the writing is too good to gloss over and I wanted to devour the the story right through to the end. It was a satisfying conclusion to yet another wonderful adventure with Ms. Hope.
The anticipated publication date of "The King's Justice" is sometime in February, 2020.
I am grateful to author Susan Elia MacNeil and Bantam Books for having provided a free advance uncorrected proof of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Synopsis (from publisher's website):
Can a stolen violin lead secret agent and spy Maggie Hope to a new serial killer terrorizing London? Find out as the acclaimed World War II mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Susan Elia MacNeal continues.
Maggie Hope started out as Winston Churchill’s secretary, but now she’s a secret agent—and the only one who can figure out how the missing instrument ties into the murders.
London, December 1942. As the Russian army repels German forces from Stalingrad, Maggie Hope takes a much-needed break from spying to defuse bombs in London. But Maggie herself is an explosion waiting to happen. Traumatized by her past, she finds herself living dangerously—taking huge risks, smoking, drinking, and speeding through the city streets on a motorbike. The last thing she wants is to get entangled in another crime.
But when she’s called upon to look into the theft of a Stradivarius, one of the finest violins ever made, Maggie can’t resist. Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer on the loose in London, targeting conscientious objectors. Little does she know that investigating this dangerous predator will pit her against a new evil—and old enemies. Only Maggie can uncover the connection between the robbery, the murders, and a link to her past.
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bomb defuser. She's been shot at, maimed and somehow she always comes back for more. Yet we see a definite shift in her mien as World War II takes its toll on her and on those she holds most dear. In this installment, we find Maggie almost as explosive as the bombs she's defusing. The "Black Out Beast" who had attacked her in a previous installment has been sentenced for various murders and for the failed attempt on Maggie's life. Her dreams are haunted by his existence. Meanwhile, there appears to be a copycat executing more of these heinous crimes. What's the connection between the copycat and the Black Out Beast? Maggie refuses to assist in pursuing the clues to yet another murder. But helping to figure out the whereabouts of a stolen Stradivarius violin, is a whole other story.
Again, we readers are on an emotional rollercoaster ride with Maggie. The gears of her mind are cranking away a mile a minute as she tears through the streets of London. We are white-knuckling it right beside her for the entire ride. There were quite a few red herrings throughout the story. Yet, as exciting as the story was, I was disappointed to have figured out who the copycat was long before the ending. But the writing is too good to gloss over and I wanted to devour the the story right through to the end. It was a satisfying conclusion to yet another wonderful adventure with Ms. Hope.
The anticipated publication date of "The King's Justice" is sometime in February, 2020.
I am grateful to author Susan Elia MacNeil and Bantam Books for having provided a free advance uncorrected proof of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Synopsis (from publisher's website):
Can a stolen violin lead secret agent and spy Maggie Hope to a new serial killer terrorizing London? Find out as the acclaimed World War II mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Susan Elia MacNeal continues.
Maggie Hope started out as Winston Churchill’s secretary, but now she’s a secret agent—and the only one who can figure out how the missing instrument ties into the murders.
London, December 1942. As the Russian army repels German forces from Stalingrad, Maggie Hope takes a much-needed break from spying to defuse bombs in London. But Maggie herself is an explosion waiting to happen. Traumatized by her past, she finds herself living dangerously—taking huge risks, smoking, drinking, and speeding through the city streets on a motorbike. The last thing she wants is to get entangled in another crime.
But when she’s called upon to look into the theft of a Stradivarius, one of the finest violins ever made, Maggie can’t resist. Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer on the loose in London, targeting conscientious objectors. Little does she know that investigating this dangerous predator will pit her against a new evil—and old enemies. Only Maggie can uncover the connection between the robbery, the murders, and a link to her past.
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LibraryThing member CassiesBooksReader
The King‘s Justice by Susan Elia MacNeal is the latest Historical Mystery Thriller featuring Maggie Hope. What I find exciting in each new book is Maggie always finds new adventures and dangerous tasks or they find her. She is talented, tireless and encourages others to serve using their gifts
Plenty of cringe worthy scenarios, twisted, scary suspense that I could not stop reading. Who is committing these horrific killings? Action and thrills as Maggie tracks the killer before another murder. Pit of your stomach angst.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. Loved it! 5 Stars
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for the war effort as she does. She is faithful to her country giving her best even when others let her down.Plenty of cringe worthy scenarios, twisted, scary suspense that I could not stop reading. Who is committing these horrific killings? Action and thrills as Maggie tracks the killer before another murder. Pit of your stomach angst.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. Loved it! 5 Stars
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LibraryThing member eyes.2c
A solid read!
After having escaped the serial killer Nicholas Reitter, dubbed by the press, the “Blackout Beast”, Maggie Hope's life is grim and becoming more so. She's frenetic, drinking too much, smoking too much and defusing bombs with the Bomb Disposal Unit. She is doing all she can to feel
Her relationship with Detective Chief Inspector James Durgin has rocks strewn in its path. It seems Maggie's looking for the quick fix but Durgin is holding back. They are drawing further apart. And then there's Maggie's mother, a constant undercurrent in her thoughts.
Nicholas Reitter is convicted and sentenced to death. Maggie attends his sentencing but even that doesn't bring her peace. Really it just opens up more wounds.
When a new serial killer starts to upstage him Reitter requests her presence. He knows who the killer is and he will milk his meetings with Maggie until the very end. The victim, persecutor, rescuer, triangle seems to be closing in as they unwittingly interchange roles. That the victims seem to be Conscientious Objectors or those escaping from military service adds further frisson and impetus to finding the killer.
On top of this there's the rumored possibility that the King might commute Reitter's sentence to life imprisonment. Such a move is called the "King's Justice." Maggie is shattered. She starts to investigate what makes a serial killer and seemingly has an ephinany about captital punishment after her readings. It is only after this that she can step outside the roles assigned her in her meetings with Reitter and look for a new way through the miasma of their association.
I found the story fascinating on many levels, but this was not a comfortable read. Maggie is at a crossroad. As she metamorphoses throughout the series, a new pathway beckons. And yes there are clues throughout, particularly the Phoenix reference. What Maggie's rising from the ashes will look like is for the future.
A Random House Ballantine ARC via NetGalley
After having escaped the serial killer Nicholas Reitter, dubbed by the press, the “Blackout Beast”, Maggie Hope's life is grim and becoming more so. She's frenetic, drinking too much, smoking too much and defusing bombs with the Bomb Disposal Unit. She is doing all she can to feel
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alive whilst flirting with death, to live in the moment. After all she's been through, with Reitter and her "false imprisonment and near death" at the hands of the Special Operations Executive, Maggie feels not only betrayed but shattered. In today's parlance we'd say she's experiencing PTSD.Her relationship with Detective Chief Inspector James Durgin has rocks strewn in its path. It seems Maggie's looking for the quick fix but Durgin is holding back. They are drawing further apart. And then there's Maggie's mother, a constant undercurrent in her thoughts.
Nicholas Reitter is convicted and sentenced to death. Maggie attends his sentencing but even that doesn't bring her peace. Really it just opens up more wounds.
When a new serial killer starts to upstage him Reitter requests her presence. He knows who the killer is and he will milk his meetings with Maggie until the very end. The victim, persecutor, rescuer, triangle seems to be closing in as they unwittingly interchange roles. That the victims seem to be Conscientious Objectors or those escaping from military service adds further frisson and impetus to finding the killer.
On top of this there's the rumored possibility that the King might commute Reitter's sentence to life imprisonment. Such a move is called the "King's Justice." Maggie is shattered. She starts to investigate what makes a serial killer and seemingly has an ephinany about captital punishment after her readings. It is only after this that she can step outside the roles assigned her in her meetings with Reitter and look for a new way through the miasma of their association.
I found the story fascinating on many levels, but this was not a comfortable read. Maggie is at a crossroad. As she metamorphoses throughout the series, a new pathway beckons. And yes there are clues throughout, particularly the Phoenix reference. What Maggie's rising from the ashes will look like is for the future.
A Random House Ballantine ARC via NetGalley
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LibraryThing member lusetta
This is the first book by Susan Elia MacNeal that I have read. This title is the 9th in the Maggie Hope series. I enjoyed reading this book because of the insight into life in London during that time period along with storyline of serial killing. From the references listed at the end, Susan did
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much research and it shows in the authentic feel of the story. While it can be read and fully enjoyed as a stand alone, there are many references to Maggie's past l that I assume are detailed in previous titles in the series. Reading titles of a series in the order they are written usually bring a fuller understanding of the characters and more satisfaction with stories. I recommend this title for those who enjoy mysteries, historical fiction and the titles by Jacqueline Winspeare and Anne Perry. Show Less
LibraryThing member cathyskye
I've been a fan of Susan Elia MacNeal's Maggie Hope series since the very first book, Mr. Churchill's Secretary, and it's been a joy to watch it get stronger with each new book. The King's Justice follows this trend. As always, MacNeal can easily put us right in the middle of wartorn London by
As much as I learn about World War II and the people who fought in it by reading these books, it's the character of Maggie Hope who always brings me back. She's quite simply amazing. Starting out as rather naive, she's grown so much, learned so much, and her quick wits and steely resolve have gotten her out of more than one hair-raising circumstance. The thing that I like about Maggie the most is-- regardless of what she's done-- she's not Wonder Woman. Bullets don't bounce off her. Everything she's done, everything she's experienced, has had an effect on her, and in The King's Justice, we see it all coming to a crisis point. She's got what we now call PTSD, and how she realizes it and how she works through it is one of the best parts of the book.
By the book's end, Maggie has a new adventure awaiting her, one that I'm really looking forward to. That's about the only bad thing about a wonderful series like the one Susan Elia MacNeal has created: the interminable wait for the next book. If you're new to the series, you can read this as a standalone, but I strongly advise against it. You'll miss too much just in character development alone. Start with Mr. Churchill's Secretary. (You can thank me later.) As for all you fellow Maggie Hope fans, rejoice! You've got another excellent book to savor!
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inserting facts about the Tower of London being hit during the Blitz, giving names and histories to the ravens at the Tower, mudlarking, and defusing bombs (which reminded me of watching Anthony Andrews in Danger UXB). But it was what I learned about conscientious objectors that had the most effect on me, and I really liked how it was woven into the story.As much as I learn about World War II and the people who fought in it by reading these books, it's the character of Maggie Hope who always brings me back. She's quite simply amazing. Starting out as rather naive, she's grown so much, learned so much, and her quick wits and steely resolve have gotten her out of more than one hair-raising circumstance. The thing that I like about Maggie the most is-- regardless of what she's done-- she's not Wonder Woman. Bullets don't bounce off her. Everything she's done, everything she's experienced, has had an effect on her, and in The King's Justice, we see it all coming to a crisis point. She's got what we now call PTSD, and how she realizes it and how she works through it is one of the best parts of the book.
By the book's end, Maggie has a new adventure awaiting her, one that I'm really looking forward to. That's about the only bad thing about a wonderful series like the one Susan Elia MacNeal has created: the interminable wait for the next book. If you're new to the series, you can read this as a standalone, but I strongly advise against it. You'll miss too much just in character development alone. Start with Mr. Churchill's Secretary. (You can thank me later.) As for all you fellow Maggie Hope fans, rejoice! You've got another excellent book to savor!
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LibraryThing member Kimaoverstreet
This is the ninth installment in Susan Elia MacNeal’s Maggie Hope mystery series. As in most mystery series, the books are best read in sequential order Ms. Hope finds herself in a dark place recovering from personal and professional trauma and is living dangerously in an attempt to repress the
One of the best Maggie books so far, in my opinion, this one blends MacNeal’s usual impeccable research and interesting facts about life in WWII London with real character growth and a good murder mystery.
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surging tide of her emotions. Though she tries to put her intelligence and police work behind her, she is drawn into a murder investigation by a serial killer or sequential murderer.”One of the best Maggie books so far, in my opinion, this one blends MacNeal’s usual impeccable research and interesting facts about life in WWII London with real character growth and a good murder mystery.
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LibraryThing member anneb10
Still reeling from the one-two punch of the events in THE PARIS SPY and THE PRISONER IN THE CASTLE, Maggie Hope has stepped back from spying and is currently defusing unexploded bombs in London. Living dangerously with a rickety old motorcycle and using pink gin to anesthetize herself, she is also
With the Blackout Beast - whom she caught with DCI Durgin - awaiting his sentence, and teaching young conscientious objectors how to defuse German bombs, Maggie is drawn into a case involving a missing Stradivarius violin. A new serial killer begins stalking London, and Maggie is just trying to keep her heads above water and get closer to James Durgin. But can she stay safe?
Maggie is dealing with all of the trauma of "doing her bit" for the war effort in this book. She's not quite the plucky young heroine in this book - and that's okay. She's living with the choices she's made, and dealing with all that baggage. But if you are a fan of the Maggie Hope series, you definitely don't want to miss this book.
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still living in the same old house with Chuck and Mr. K, and dating Detective Chief Inspector James Durgin. With the Blackout Beast - whom she caught with DCI Durgin - awaiting his sentence, and teaching young conscientious objectors how to defuse German bombs, Maggie is drawn into a case involving a missing Stradivarius violin. A new serial killer begins stalking London, and Maggie is just trying to keep her heads above water and get closer to James Durgin. But can she stay safe?
Maggie is dealing with all of the trauma of "doing her bit" for the war effort in this book. She's not quite the plucky young heroine in this book - and that's okay. She's living with the choices she's made, and dealing with all that baggage. But if you are a fan of the Maggie Hope series, you definitely don't want to miss this book.
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LibraryThing member cfk
Multiple traumas preceding this novel have created a much less likeable (to me) character in Maggie Hope. She smokes, drinks hard, disables bombs and races through the blacked out streets of London. In the earlier novel, she has personally defeated and brought to justice the killer know as the
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Blackout Beast. The countdown to his execution frames the unfolding story of another serial killer somehow linked to the first. Show Less
LibraryThing member ddelmoni
Maggie's back in a new mystery/thriller/adventure and I'm glad. This 9th installment is closer to MacNeal's earlier works after a few less than stellar installments.
LibraryThing member bookchickdi
Now that I have binged the entire three seasons of Netflix's The Crown, I couldn't wait to return to the world of WWII in Susan Elia MacNeal's Maggie Hope series with her ninth book, The King's Justice.
We last left Maggie on an island in Scotland where she was forced to stay with other British
Her job is still dangerous though, as it is 1943 and Maggie is part of a team who dismantles the many unexploded German bombs that lie in wait around London. She is training a young man, a conscientious objector who wants to do his part.
Maggie is dragged back into her past as the man she shot and helped put behind bars, Nicholas Reitter "the Blackout Beast", a wannabe Jack the Ripper, is awaiting sentencing for his crimes. While he is in prison, a copycat killer is on loose.
Reitter, in a Silence of the Lambs scenario, will only talk to Maggie, so she is pressed back into service to help track down the new killer. The scenes between Maggie and Reitter are incredibly tense, something MacNeal excels at as a writer.
MacNeal also does a great deal of research for her Maggie Hope novels, and in this one we learn about the prejudice facing Italian immigrants in Great Britain during WWII. I had no idea that Italian immigrants were rounded up and placed in custody, much like the United States did to Japanese- Americans following Pearl Harbor.
When it becomes apparent that the killer is targeting conscientious objectors, Maggie believes that that the police, including Detective Chief Inspector James Durgin whom Maggie has worked with and cares deeply about, should warn the objectors. Durgin doesn't want to tip off the killer and refuses, which causes Maggie much anguish.
Now that we are back in London after books set in Paris and Scotland, we see the toll that the war is taken on Maggie and her friends. Maggie is drinking way too much, her flatmates Nigel and his wife Charlotte are having marital problems, and her friend Sarah is still struggling after her horrific intelligence mission in Paris.
The King's Justice gives us everything we want in a Maggie Hope novel- a suspenseful mystery to be solved, catching up with Maggie and her friends, and a new look at a piece of WWII history we knew little about. (And as someone who recently visited the Tower of London, I really enjoyed the ravens section, we loved our tour of the Tower.)
Fans of Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series should begin the Maggie Hope series right away while we await the next Maisie book due in 2021.
We last left Maggie on an island in Scotland where she was forced to stay with other British
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intelligence agents who had been deemed security risks in The Prisoner in the Castle. Now Maggie is a back in London, but she is no longer working for British intelligence.Her job is still dangerous though, as it is 1943 and Maggie is part of a team who dismantles the many unexploded German bombs that lie in wait around London. She is training a young man, a conscientious objector who wants to do his part.
Maggie is dragged back into her past as the man she shot and helped put behind bars, Nicholas Reitter "the Blackout Beast", a wannabe Jack the Ripper, is awaiting sentencing for his crimes. While he is in prison, a copycat killer is on loose.
Reitter, in a Silence of the Lambs scenario, will only talk to Maggie, so she is pressed back into service to help track down the new killer. The scenes between Maggie and Reitter are incredibly tense, something MacNeal excels at as a writer.
MacNeal also does a great deal of research for her Maggie Hope novels, and in this one we learn about the prejudice facing Italian immigrants in Great Britain during WWII. I had no idea that Italian immigrants were rounded up and placed in custody, much like the United States did to Japanese- Americans following Pearl Harbor.
When it becomes apparent that the killer is targeting conscientious objectors, Maggie believes that that the police, including Detective Chief Inspector James Durgin whom Maggie has worked with and cares deeply about, should warn the objectors. Durgin doesn't want to tip off the killer and refuses, which causes Maggie much anguish.
Now that we are back in London after books set in Paris and Scotland, we see the toll that the war is taken on Maggie and her friends. Maggie is drinking way too much, her flatmates Nigel and his wife Charlotte are having marital problems, and her friend Sarah is still struggling after her horrific intelligence mission in Paris.
The King's Justice gives us everything we want in a Maggie Hope novel- a suspenseful mystery to be solved, catching up with Maggie and her friends, and a new look at a piece of WWII history we knew little about. (And as someone who recently visited the Tower of London, I really enjoyed the ravens section, we loved our tour of the Tower.)
Fans of Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series should begin the Maggie Hope series right away while we await the next Maisie book due in 2021.
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LibraryThing member librarian1204
Discovering Maggie Hope on her 9th outing was an experience.
Susan Elia MacNeal began this series with ‘Mr. Churchill’ s Secretary’ , a book that garnered acclaim and readers.
The series has continued and this is the latest ( and my first ) adventure with Maggie Hope.
In this book, Maggie, is
Now she is working with danger, but living fast and wild, running from the memories that the last case left her with.
The young man, she is training to defuse bombs, is a conscientious objector, and an Italian. Just as Japanese where interred in the US during WW II , Italians were subject to arrest and detainment in Scotland.
The book links the Britalians, the conchies, a new serial killer and a missing Stradivarius violin into a fast paced exciting adventure.
But what sets this book, (and I imagine the prior books ), apart is the research, the carefully interwoven historical facts in the story. There is so much history to absorb and learn, authentically presented, and the chance to look back at the events that shaped our lives , all part of a great storyline.
Read as an ARC from LibraryThing.
Susan Elia MacNeal began this series with ‘Mr. Churchill’ s Secretary’ , a book that garnered acclaim and readers.
The series has continued and this is the latest ( and my first ) adventure with Maggie Hope.
In this book, Maggie, is
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defusing bombs in London. She has just finished working a serial murder case in Scotland where she barely escaped being a victim, herself.Now she is working with danger, but living fast and wild, running from the memories that the last case left her with.
The young man, she is training to defuse bombs, is a conscientious objector, and an Italian. Just as Japanese where interred in the US during WW II , Italians were subject to arrest and detainment in Scotland.
The book links the Britalians, the conchies, a new serial killer and a missing Stradivarius violin into a fast paced exciting adventure.
But what sets this book, (and I imagine the prior books ), apart is the research, the carefully interwoven historical facts in the story. There is so much history to absorb and learn, authentically presented, and the chance to look back at the events that shaped our lives , all part of a great storyline.
Read as an ARC from LibraryThing.
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LibraryThing member jetangen4571
England, war-is-hell, WW2, bomb-defusal, PTSD, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, prejudice *****
This is the first book I've read by this author and I really commend the clear exploration of the effects of psychological trauma on individuals during a war on home
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via NetGalley. Thank you!
This is the first book I've read by this author and I really commend the clear exploration of the effects of psychological trauma on individuals during a war on home
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soil as well as that experienced by law enforcement and military personnel. Maggie has previously suffered serious wounds while working at the Met, but she still has serious problems with institutional murder of the perpetrator. And now, in 1943 there is another sequential killer on the loose. But while she can't deal with working on that case, she can deal with excess alcohol, cigarettes, and defusing bombs left over from the Blitz. There is also a hard look at the prejudices of that time, and the wise will extrapolate to those of today. It's a darker story than some but very well done. Held me to it well past bedtime.I requested and received a free ebook copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via NetGalley. Thank you!
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LibraryThing member Karen.Helfrick
I won a free copy of this novel through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewer’s group.
What a twisty-turny path this one takes. As always, I love how Susan Elia MacNeal writes so beautifully and personably about people’s experiences, pain, suffering, and growth. I will be endlessly fascinated with
What a twisty-turny path this one takes. As always, I love how Susan Elia MacNeal writes so beautifully and personably about people’s experiences, pain, suffering, and growth. I will be endlessly fascinated with
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the brave civilians living in London during WW2 and Ms MacNeal always brings the every day experience to her readers. I was happy to see Maggie’s journey here, from where “The Prisoner In The Castle” ends to where “The King’s Justice” leaves us, and always happy to see the cast of friends together, living and growing with their scars. This was a great distraction from the uncertainty of the current world. I do recommend you read all of the books, in order, as they all tend to build on the previous ones plot points. This one in particular brought back old friends, old beaus, old villains. Show Less
LibraryThing member aardvark2
My thoughts on this book (attempting not to include spoilers):
I found the identity of the murderer, and the person's reason for committing the murders, hard to believe.
I found the identity (and arrival at just the right moment) of the person who shoots the murderer, near the end of the book, hard
I felt that Maggie's dangerous behavior (drinking, smoking, motorcycling) was out of character for her. I don't think that she would have resorted to this type of behavior no matter what trauma she had experienced. She was too disciplined.
There were far too many quotes (Nietzche, Churchill, etc.), far too many poems, too many song lyrics. The author went off on tangents unrelated to the mystery story. I often felt like she was adding "fillers" to pad out the book.
The author, unless I'm wrong, all but told us where Maggie will be and why in the next book. TMI.
I found the identity of the murderer, and the person's reason for committing the murders, hard to believe.
I found the identity (and arrival at just the right moment) of the person who shoots the murderer, near the end of the book, hard
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to believe.I felt that Maggie's dangerous behavior (drinking, smoking, motorcycling) was out of character for her. I don't think that she would have resorted to this type of behavior no matter what trauma she had experienced. She was too disciplined.
There were far too many quotes (Nietzche, Churchill, etc.), far too many poems, too many song lyrics. The author went off on tangents unrelated to the mystery story. I often felt like she was adding "fillers" to pad out the book.
The author, unless I'm wrong, all but told us where Maggie will be and why in the next book. TMI.
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LibraryThing member dianne47
I received a free ARC of this book. I hadn't read any of the others in the series, and I found that an obstacle to enjoying this one, as so much is related to actions that took place in an earlier book. In this one Maggie is working as a bomb defuser in WWII London. She becomes involved in finding
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a lost violin, and resolving a case involving a serial murder and conscientious objectors. I didn't especially enjoy the characters and I don't think I'll go back and read the earlier books. I might have thought differently if I'd read the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member dpappas
Now is the perfect time to escape into a book. I just happened to escape into the latest installment of one of my favorite series. Maggie is back once again and this time diffusing bombs (is there anything she can't do?). Unfortunately for her she might be dragged into the middle of another serial
I didn't really enjoy how angry Maggie was in this book. I understand her anger at everything that has happened but I feel like she wasn't getting her emotions out properly. I'm hoping that as the series continues she will be able to get back some of her hope and work through some of these difficult emotions.
I really look forward to reading more in this series. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the galley.
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killer that is terrorizing London. I didn't really enjoy how angry Maggie was in this book. I understand her anger at everything that has happened but I feel like she wasn't getting her emotions out properly. I'm hoping that as the series continues she will be able to get back some of her hope and work through some of these difficult emotions.
I really look forward to reading more in this series. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the galley.
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LibraryThing member Kadia
Maggie Hope has led an adventurous and exciting life and now she is ready to be away from work with the police, the intelligence community, and the government and focus on less thrilling activities. For example, disarming UXBs (unexploded bombs) in 1943 London and speeding through the city on a
Note: I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program.
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motorbike. However, she is drawn into the search for a serial killer who appears to be connected with a previous case. While the plot moves to an exciting conclusion, I was more interested in Maggie herself and her relationships with friends, current and former colleagues, a romantic interest, and the victims of the killer. This is the ninth book in MacNeal’s series about Maggie, so there are a lot of backstory clues that a new reader has to pick up in order to get a good picture of Maggie. The character intrigued me enough that I intend to read previous books in the series and expect to enjoy them as much as I did this one.Note: I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program.
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LibraryThing member lindapanzo
This Maggie Hope series, featuring Maggie in various (and interesting) World War 2 roles, is among my favorites. I eagerly read each new book as it comes out.
That said, this 9th one one had a different feel. More of a regular whodunnit feel. Maggie stays home and solves a crime. She also seems to
Even so, I loved it. I love the characters and the feel of the times. I love how I learn something with each book.
Also, the author often telegraphs where the next book is going. If I'm guessing right, I'm looking forward to the next one.
Highly recommended!!
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.)
That said, this 9th one one had a different feel. More of a regular whodunnit feel. Maggie stays home and solves a crime. She also seems to
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have a different personality than usual. This all took some getting used to.Even so, I loved it. I love the characters and the feel of the times. I love how I learn something with each book.
Also, the author often telegraphs where the next book is going. If I'm guessing right, I'm looking forward to the next one.
Highly recommended!!
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.)
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LibraryThing member mzonderm
In this 9th installment of the Maggie Hope series, MacNeal's heroine is really struggling. Poor Maggie has been through the wringer is the first 8 books, and has taken up living on the edge as a way to deal. She's zipping through town on her motorbike, smoking, trying to get her new boyfriend into
This serial killer seems to have a connection to the killer she thwarted in The Queen's Accomplice (book #6), even as that murderer is counting down the days to his execution. Much as Maggie might like to be able to put those memories firmly behind her, she must confront him in order to try to apprehend the new murderer, and deal with her conflicting feelings about the death penalty as well.
Like Maggie's other adventures, there are more than a few red herrings thrown across our path, and quite a bit of pedantic dialogue, but overall MacNeal keeps this mystery rolling along nicely. Maggie might be a little out of control, but readers will empathize with her, and of course root for her to solve the mystery, protect her friends, and even find a little bit of emotional peace.
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bed with her, and defusing bombs left over from the Blitz. She's convinced herself that this is perfectly acceptable, until another serial killer hits the streets of London. Despite her best efforts, she can't help but get involved, especially when she figures out that her new comrades in bomb defusing, many of whom are conscientious objectors, may be the killer's targets.This serial killer seems to have a connection to the killer she thwarted in The Queen's Accomplice (book #6), even as that murderer is counting down the days to his execution. Much as Maggie might like to be able to put those memories firmly behind her, she must confront him in order to try to apprehend the new murderer, and deal with her conflicting feelings about the death penalty as well.
Like Maggie's other adventures, there are more than a few red herrings thrown across our path, and quite a bit of pedantic dialogue, but overall MacNeal keeps this mystery rolling along nicely. Maggie might be a little out of control, but readers will empathize with her, and of course root for her to solve the mystery, protect her friends, and even find a little bit of emotional peace.
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LibraryThing member owlie13
I've read quite a few historical mysteries, including many set during this same time period. This one has unique characteristics that I found appealing. Mainly, there is a real depth and complexity to the issues - the heroine is not the usual plucky sort you often find in these stories. Rather,
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Maggie is struggling and has a realism about her I found intriguing. In addition, the social problems presented are not ones usually discussed in this sort of story - at least I wasn't familiar with them. The plot points about the plight of conscientious objectors in wartime Britain, the bigotry faced by both native- and British-born Italians, and the lives of those who were defusing unexploded bombs were all interesting. This was my first book in this series, and I was interested enough to go find more. Show Less
LibraryThing member Kathy89
This is a grim story. Maggie is suffering from PTSD from her time being held as a prisoner at the isolated Scottish castle and acting recklessly by too much drinking, smoking, partying and recklessly driving around on her motorbike while as a bomb defuser on unexploded German bombs. She has a sort
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of relationship with Chief Inspector Durgin and he wants her to help capture a serial killer who’s target conscientious objectors. She resists until a friend and a young man she’s training goes missing. Show Less
LibraryThing member ethel55
The serial killer the Beast is sentenced and Maggie Hope is London bound while his days count down. She is off the front lines and busy helping defuse bombs in the City of London. Many unexploded ordinances are all over the place. It was interesting to learn that many who undertook this role were
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Conscientious Objectors, immigrants and Quakers for instance. This was a bit darker in tone, touching on the toll war takes on those fighting it. I am not sure when PTSD becomes an actual diagnosis, but it was well shown in this story. Maggie even gamely admits that she is much like the bombs she is working on. Show Less
LibraryThing member JanicsEblen
My thanks to LibratyThing Early Review for the opportunity to receive and read this book. I am not someone who will with a great deal about the plot. Maggie Hope, our heroine, is interesting to learn about. She has an involved and unique history. Never having read any prior books in this series I
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did find it somewhat disquieting to find so many references to events from prior books. The information about the history of the time of this book is also something that adds to the enjoyment of the reading. While the story line is complex, something I normally enjoy, I don't think I would buy another book in this series. That isn't really as negative a comment as it reads - I just was not enthralled with this book. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2020-02-25
Physical description
9.5 inches
ISBN
0399593845 / 9780399593840