Author: Tessa Arlen
Series: A Woman of WWII Mystery (Book 1)
Publication: Berkley (November 5, 2019)
Description: Charming and feisty Poppy Redfern stumbles into murder in this exciting new World War II historical mystery series from critically acclaimed author Tessa Arlen.
Summer 1942. The world has been at war for three long and desperate years. In the remote English village of Little Buffenden, Poppy Redfern’s family house and farmland has been requisitioned by the War Office as a new airfield for the American Air Force. As the village's Air Raid Warden, Poppy spends her nights patrolling the village as she tries to ease her neighbors’ fears about the “Friendly Invasion” and what it means to their quiet way of life.
When two young, popular women who were dating American servicemen are found strangled, Poppy quickly realizes that her little town has been divided by murder. The mistrust and suspicion of their new American partners in war threatens to tear Little Buffenden apart. Poppy decides to start her own investigation with the help of a charismatic American pilot and she soon unearths some chilling secrets and long-held grudges. Poppy will have no choice but to lay a trap for a killer so perilously close to home, she might very well become the next victim....
My Thoughts: Poppy Redfern is the only Air Raid Warden in her town of Little Buffenden. Her family's house and farmland have been requisitioned by the War Office to build a new airfield for the American Air Force. The invasion by American Airmen is a sort of friendly invasion that is resented by many in the isolated and insular town.
Tensions rise even more when two young women who were dating American Airmen are found strangled to death and a third young woman narrowly escapes death. Poppy is one of the few who don't believe that an American soldier is the strangler. She is busy investigating as she does her rounds. She is helped by American Lieutenant Griff O'Neal even though he does some suspicious things in the course of this story.
I liked that there were a number of suspects and that the murderer wasn't necessarily the obvious choice. I liked the interesting characters who lived in the village. I liked Poppy who was attractive and bright but who lacked a little self-confidence. I liked that she had a hidden life as a writer. I liked her canine companion Bess.
This was an engaging and entertaining mystery for fans of stories set during World War II.
Favorite Quote:
"What on earth was the girl doing out at night, alone? I heard she was supposed to be visiting Mrs. Wantage's sister in Little Netherton." Granny was incredulous.I received this one in exchange for an honest review from Edelweiss. You can buy your copy here.
I've requested this and hope it will be given. Sounds so good.
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