Susan Elia MacNeal

I've read all of the Maggie Hope World War 2 era historical mysteries and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. I'm sorry to see the series end with this book. This final installment may well be the best of the bunch.

Here, Maggie is sent to Madrid to meet fashion designer Coco Chanel and bring home a peace proposal and also to meet Werner Heisenberg, the physicist behind the German atomic bomb program, to see whether the bomb is nearing completion.

Besides the plot, the book offers plenty of interesting insights into life in a "neutral" country during the war.

A real page-turner and, at times gut wrenching book. One I would highly recommend.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.)… (más)

This new to me series set amid the backdrop of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill's visit to the United States. While this is a fictional book, many of the details are very researched and this reminds those living in the US at the time, that our experience before deciding to enter the War and assist Europe, was so very different than what those countries were facing.

The setting is Decemer 1941 soon after the attack on Unisted States Pearl Harbour. Using a fictious character named Maggie Hope, who is an ace investigator/private detectice who travels to the White House with Churchill's assistants who are helping negotiane the United States entry into World War II.

Previously an isolationist, when Pearl Harbor is bombed, killing so many unspecting innocents, it is obvious that the United States can no longer stick it's head in the sand and must rally round Churchill. Both eloquent speakers and hard-working, intelligent leaders, when the two come together, a strong bond results. It is obvious the author did a lot of research, and notes that she watched the Ken Burns series of United States history as a springboard.

When Maggie Hope learns that there is a plot to defame Eleanor Roosevelt after her secretary is murdered, she chooses to bring this to light with Mrs. Roosevelt. While the sitaution did not occur, the author uses this character so allow the reader access to the life and intelligence of Eleanor is portrayed lovingly and quite accurately.

The portrayal of Winston Churchill was fascinating and the details of Hitler's sweep through the European countries, leaving death and destruction in his path, confirms that those previously reluctant to enter the war, are now convinced of the enevitability of necessity.

The backdrop of Christmas at the White House and Churchill and Roosevelt stratigized hoe to defeat Hitler was a delighted addition.

I liked this book so much that I purchased most of the series.

Highly Recommended!!… (más)

Such a spectacular final story for a much loved and thrilling series. Ms. MacNeal has pulled out all the stops to deliver a fast-paced, well crafted, well-researched high octane spy thriller. This may well be the best one yet!

The setting is July, 1943. Our illustrious Major Maggie Hope has been tasked with her most difficult assignment yet. Under the pretense of serving as a courier, chosen specifically by Nazi-sympathizer Coco Chanel, the renowned fashion designer, Maggie is to retrieve in Spain a pair of letters destined for Churchill's consideration. While also in Spain, she's to assassinate the lead German scientist on their atomic munitions program. So much is at stake, not the least of which, is the future of the entire world. There certainly were a few close calls and some riveting nail-biter moments. Yet when all is said and done, can Maggie achieve the objectives and make it home safely?

This is been a wonderful series which I have personally enjoyed from the very beginning until now. It has been a great ride these last twelve years and I am rather eager to see what new projects Ms. MacNeal has in mind for her faithful readers. Excelsior!

I am grateful to Bantam Books for having provided a complimentary uncorrected proof of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher:‎ Bantam
Publication Date: May 21, 2024
No. of pages:‎ 304
ISBN-13:‎ 978-0593156988… (más)