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The Valentine Cipher: A Homefront Sleuths Mystery
Love is in the air in wartime England—but so is murder.
Crofter’s Green is abuzz with excitement. Seven young couples are preparing to say their vows at a Valentine's Day celebration—an event made even more thrilling by the expected arrival of a very important (and very secret) the most famous woman in the world.
But when the beloved village curate is found dead just days before the ceremony, Harry is called in to investigate what looks suspiciously like murder. Then, in London, Evie and Nigel intercept a Norwegian spy’s cipher—and the dead curate’s name is hidden within it.
As the Homefront Sleuths race to uncover the truth, they're forced to Which of the blushing brides is hiding a deadly secret? And can they stop a plot that could change the course of history—before vows are spoken and lives are lost?
Meanwhile, as love hangs in the air, Evie and Nigel must confront a question that’s far more personal—and one only Valentine’s Day may help them answer.
Packed with charm, suspense, and heart, The Valentine Cipher is a cozy mystery full of romantic twists and wartime secrets that will keep you guessing until the final toast. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Jacqueline Winspear!
One-click now for romance, intrigue, and cozy mystery magic!
Crofter’s Green is abuzz with excitement. Seven young couples are preparing to say their vows at a Valentine's Day celebration—an event made even more thrilling by the expected arrival of a very important (and very secret) the most famous woman in the world.
But when the beloved village curate is found dead just days before the ceremony, Harry is called in to investigate what looks suspiciously like murder. Then, in London, Evie and Nigel intercept a Norwegian spy’s cipher—and the dead curate’s name is hidden within it.
As the Homefront Sleuths race to uncover the truth, they're forced to Which of the blushing brides is hiding a deadly secret? And can they stop a plot that could change the course of history—before vows are spoken and lives are lost?
Meanwhile, as love hangs in the air, Evie and Nigel must confront a question that’s far more personal—and one only Valentine’s Day may help them answer.
Packed with charm, suspense, and heart, The Valentine Cipher is a cozy mystery full of romantic twists and wartime secrets that will keep you guessing until the final toast. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Jacqueline Winspear!
One-click now for romance, intrigue, and cozy mystery magic!
498 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2026
247 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Anna Elliott
82 books446 followersAnna Elliott is an author of historical fiction and fantasy. She enjoys stories about strong women, and loves exploring the multitude of ways women can find their unique strengths. She was delighted to lend a hand with the Sherlock & Lucy series, and thrilled to continue a new spin-off series featuring Becky and Flynn. Her first series, the Twilight of Avalon trilogy, is a retelling of the Trystan & Isolde legend. She wrote her second series, The Pride & Prejudice Chronicles , chiefly to satisfy her own curiosity about what might have happened to Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and all the other wonderful cast of characters after the official end of Jane Austen’s classic work.
WEBSITE: http://sherlockandlucy.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sherlockand...
FACEBOOK READER GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/77782...
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Anna lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and five children.
WEBSITE: http://sherlockandlucy.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sherlockand...
FACEBOOK READER GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/77782...
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anna-El...
Anna lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and five children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 15, 2026
3.5 Stars
It would seem that this series is enjoyed by many, but for me this was my first book. It is well written, plotted with precision and enjoyable from the perspective of bringing a bit of history to life. Eleanor Roosevelt's visit is greatly anticipated as the plot builds and possible problems surrounding the visit are uncovered. War-time life was illustrated vividly. I may dip further into the series.
Kindle Unlimited
It would seem that this series is enjoyed by many, but for me this was my first book. It is well written, plotted with precision and enjoyable from the perspective of bringing a bit of history to life. Eleanor Roosevelt's visit is greatly anticipated as the plot builds and possible problems surrounding the visit are uncovered. War-time life was illustrated vividly. I may dip further into the series.
Kindle Unlimited
February 20, 2026
Three and a half stars
Not really a four-star book but a decided improvement on the previous book in the series. So the four stars makes up for my two-star rating last time. There were still some repetitive phrases and women with "hair pulled back into severe buns," but overall, it was slightly less Nancy Drew, and who did it wasn't immediately obvious. However, I'm pretty sure Merriweather was British army, and they put him in an American uniform, and towards the end, bad guys were coming out of the woodwork. 😏 It might have been a little excessive. Plus, for Pete's sake, please don't have Nigel or Evie get kidnapped in the next one!! That plot line is getting a little old now.
This was a final chance for the series for me and it passed well enough that I'll give the next book a try when it's released. A basic, semi-cozy mystery.
Not really a four-star book but a decided improvement on the previous book in the series. So the four stars makes up for my two-star rating last time. There were still some repetitive phrases and women with "hair pulled back into severe buns," but overall, it was slightly less Nancy Drew, and who did it wasn't immediately obvious. However, I'm pretty sure Merriweather was British army, and they put him in an American uniform, and towards the end, bad guys were coming out of the woodwork. 😏 It might have been a little excessive. Plus, for Pete's sake, please don't have Nigel or Evie get kidnapped in the next one!! That plot line is getting a little old now.
This was a final chance for the series for me and it passed well enough that I'll give the next book a try when it's released. A basic, semi-cozy mystery.
February 8, 2026
As someone who has followed this series from the very beginning, reading The Valentine Cipher felt like catching up with old friends. Anna Elliott has a gift for weaving the tension of World War II espionage with the comforting "cozy" atmosphere that keeps me coming back book after book.
The best part of reading these in order is watching the characters grow. They aren’t static; their relationships, confidence, and worldviews shift realistically with every mystery and every year the war progresses.
If you haven’t started this series yet, do yourself a favour and start from book one so you can appreciate the full journey. I’m already counting down the days until March—I’ve already pre-ordered the next release and can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
The best part of reading these in order is watching the characters grow. They aren’t static; their relationships, confidence, and worldviews shift realistically with every mystery and every year the war progresses.
If you haven’t started this series yet, do yourself a favour and start from book one so you can appreciate the full journey. I’m already counting down the days until March—I’ve already pre-ordered the next release and can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
January 12, 2026
Homefront Sleuths
Another episode in the wartime saga of the Homefront Sleuths. Worth reading. Clever deduction, breathtaking chase, nerve wracking escape. Quite a bit of willing suspension of disbelief needed, but hey! Good fun
Another episode in the wartime saga of the Homefront Sleuths. Worth reading. Clever deduction, breathtaking chase, nerve wracking escape. Quite a bit of willing suspension of disbelief needed, but hey! Good fun
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love is in the frosty air of Crofter's Green, and so is wartime intrigue. The Valentine Cipher will see seven couples wed. All of the brides-to-be are involved in the war effort. Most work of them work helping farmers as part of the Women's Land Army.
Love is in the frosty air of Crofter's Green, and so is wartime intrigue. The Valentine Cipher will see seven couples wed. All of the brides‑to‑be are involved in the war effort. Most of them work helping farmers as part of the Women’s Land Army.
Crofter’s Green will be getting a visit from a very special American for the Valentine’s Day weddings. This has both American and British military commanders in the area on high alert.
The Curate of St. Mary’s, Timothy Vale, is found dead in his church office. At first it is thought to be an accident. Timothy Vale is meticulous in all he does; if he hadn’t become a cleric, he would probably have become an accountant. Just prior to his death, he remarked to Reverend Markham that something was amiss with the paperwork for the weddings.
Meanwhile, Evie and Neville are at a party at the Norwegian Embassy, tasked with getting information on a member of the staff who is passing intel to the enemy.
Spies, a special visitor, and weddings add up to a tangled web that will require the efforts of all the Hometown Sleuths to unravel.
As always, do read the Historical Notes section. It contains facts that pertain to the story. And if you haven’t already done so in an earlier book, read About the Authors—the father‑and‑daughter writing team of Veley and Elliott has added forty‑odd stories to the Sherlock Holmes canon and are now well on their way to taking us through World War II, detailing the patriotism and caring a nation exhibits during such adversity.
The Valentine Cipher is a bit of a nail‑biter that will keep you reading well past your bedtime. You might as well pour yourself another cup of tea and imagine yourself at the Cozy Cup with Evie, Alice, and Dorothy; Harry and Nigel; and Blake and Katherine, pondering the clues they have collected.
The continuing saga of Crofter’s Green truly shines when read in order, each installment offering a thread of foreshadowing that rewards loyal readers. With every book, the village feels a little more lived‑in, the friendships a little deeper, and the stakes a little more personal. I’m eager to see what the next chapter brings—and whether another romance is quietly waiting to bloom.
Love is in the frosty air of Crofter's Green, and so is wartime intrigue. The Valentine Cipher will see seven couples wed. All of the brides‑to‑be are involved in the war effort. Most of them work helping farmers as part of the Women’s Land Army.
Crofter’s Green will be getting a visit from a very special American for the Valentine’s Day weddings. This has both American and British military commanders in the area on high alert.
The Curate of St. Mary’s, Timothy Vale, is found dead in his church office. At first it is thought to be an accident. Timothy Vale is meticulous in all he does; if he hadn’t become a cleric, he would probably have become an accountant. Just prior to his death, he remarked to Reverend Markham that something was amiss with the paperwork for the weddings.
Meanwhile, Evie and Neville are at a party at the Norwegian Embassy, tasked with getting information on a member of the staff who is passing intel to the enemy.
Spies, a special visitor, and weddings add up to a tangled web that will require the efforts of all the Hometown Sleuths to unravel.
As always, do read the Historical Notes section. It contains facts that pertain to the story. And if you haven’t already done so in an earlier book, read About the Authors—the father‑and‑daughter writing team of Veley and Elliott has added forty‑odd stories to the Sherlock Holmes canon and are now well on their way to taking us through World War II, detailing the patriotism and caring a nation exhibits during such adversity.
The Valentine Cipher is a bit of a nail‑biter that will keep you reading well past your bedtime. You might as well pour yourself another cup of tea and imagine yourself at the Cozy Cup with Evie, Alice, and Dorothy; Harry and Nigel; and Blake and Katherine, pondering the clues they have collected.
The continuing saga of Crofter’s Green truly shines when read in order, each installment offering a thread of foreshadowing that rewards loyal readers. With every book, the village feels a little more lived‑in, the friendships a little deeper, and the stakes a little more personal. I’m eager to see what the next chapter brings—and whether another romance is quietly waiting to bloom.
January 9, 2026
The Homefront Sleuths are still battling German spies in the Kentish village of Crofter's Green. This time around a Valentine's Day wedding of seven wartime couples will be celebrated at the local airbase community hall with the help of local women to decorate, arrange flowers donated from local estate greenhouses, and baked goods made with horded food rations. When word gets around that American First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, on a mission to strengthen ties with the British after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, will be present for the weddings, the Sleuths are concerned. Then a local curate is murdered and a St. Valentine's relic is stolen from St. Mary's Church. While investigating the curate's death, the Sleuths stumble upon a plan ti assassinate Mrs. Roosevelt and must devise a plan to catch the killer. Crofter's Green is still a cozy English village full of unique characters and the sleuths are still members of the community. Alice ontinues to grow herbs for homeopathic remedies while she also does research for the group. Evie is still an operative for MI6 who just happens to run a tea room. Dorothy is still nurturing her family between ferreting out useful gossip. Blake and Katherine are still deciphering codes. And Nigel and Harry are still leading the investigations from inside the constabulary. Despite some tense moments, Mrs. Roosevelt survives her trip to Crofter's Green and leaves assured that the British homefront is full of competent guardians against the Nazi menace. I love this series and everyone eccentric villager.
February 19, 2026
Best of the series so far
All the usual characters are present for this latest installment of our hometown sleuths during World War II in Britain.
The book is certainly well researched, providing details that most folks would not be aware of, and make for startling and cleverly constructed diabolical aspirations on the part of the Nazis.
For the most part, the pacing is really good and the character development is spot on. We have some new characters introduced, which is done so effortlessly that it seems that they have always been a part of the storyline. There are several villains, and while some might appear suspect in the story, the truth of the matter is far from settled until the very end.
Lots of surprises. Quite a number of twist and turns. A great deal of suspense delivered over and over!
While the story seems to center mostly on Harry, in this book everyone is not only available to help, but also an integral part of tracking down dangerous threats on the homefront and abroad.
The stories develop at a comfortable pace; each installment draws the team a little closer. We get to learn a little bit more about each character. And the reading is comfortable, generally believable, and intriguing enough to keep the reader coming back for more.
In my opinion, this was the best of the books so far. I am so encouraged that we have more to look forward to from these group of friends/investigators!
This is a cozy mystery series that I thoroughly enjoy!
All the usual characters are present for this latest installment of our hometown sleuths during World War II in Britain.
The book is certainly well researched, providing details that most folks would not be aware of, and make for startling and cleverly constructed diabolical aspirations on the part of the Nazis.
For the most part, the pacing is really good and the character development is spot on. We have some new characters introduced, which is done so effortlessly that it seems that they have always been a part of the storyline. There are several villains, and while some might appear suspect in the story, the truth of the matter is far from settled until the very end.
Lots of surprises. Quite a number of twist and turns. A great deal of suspense delivered over and over!
While the story seems to center mostly on Harry, in this book everyone is not only available to help, but also an integral part of tracking down dangerous threats on the homefront and abroad.
The stories develop at a comfortable pace; each installment draws the team a little closer. We get to learn a little bit more about each character. And the reading is comfortable, generally believable, and intriguing enough to keep the reader coming back for more.
In my opinion, this was the best of the books so far. I am so encouraged that we have more to look forward to from these group of friends/investigators!
This is a cozy mystery series that I thoroughly enjoy!
February 17, 2026
I once again have enjoyed this new Homefront Sleuths story. Once again, the Sleuths have to thwart another spy filled attempt at undermining the outcome of WWII. This time they uncover a plot to assassinate Eleanor Roosevelt.
Set at Valentine's Day it is a complicated plot involving microdot espionage, falsified marriage licences, and kidnapping set against a backdrop of A Valentines Wedding ceremony uniting Land Girls with their military beaus.
As always, the Sleuths work together and alone to sort out the multi-layered plot. There are plenty of thwarted ambushes and a a murder that gets solved at the end. What is as compelling as the story is how the main characters are evolving. Blake and Katherine are expecting a baby, Alice and Dorothy are getting more involved and Nigel and Evie are growing closer to each other and being ready to share their relationship with the rest of the group.
The biggest draw for me in this series is the well researched historical elements. While the events in these books are fictional, the historical perspective and explanations at the end make them even more of a good read.
Set at Valentine's Day it is a complicated plot involving microdot espionage, falsified marriage licences, and kidnapping set against a backdrop of A Valentines Wedding ceremony uniting Land Girls with their military beaus.
As always, the Sleuths work together and alone to sort out the multi-layered plot. There are plenty of thwarted ambushes and a a murder that gets solved at the end. What is as compelling as the story is how the main characters are evolving. Blake and Katherine are expecting a baby, Alice and Dorothy are getting more involved and Nigel and Evie are growing closer to each other and being ready to share their relationship with the rest of the group.
The biggest draw for me in this series is the well researched historical elements. While the events in these books are fictional, the historical perspective and explanations at the end make them even more of a good read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love this series and appreciate the opportunity to read advance review copies. That said, I never rate and review a book unless I really like it. Everyone enjoys different things, and I would hate for someone to miss a book they would have liked, because I didn't like it, for whatever reason. So, if I didn't totally love this book and think other mystery readers would enjoy it, I wouldn't be writing a review.
This book is set in rural England during WWII. There are several "main characters" whose lives intersect in various ways. Each is unique, interesting and makes valuable contributions to the plot.
The plot involves Nazi spies with a plan to kill a famous American. There are many suspects, most of them innocent. Can the real threat be identified and neutralized in time?
I enjoyed this novel so much that I read it twice...once to look for typos and then, a few days later, just to enjoy the story in its final form. If you like clean historical mystery novels, I think you will enjoy this one.
This book is set in rural England during WWII. There are several "main characters" whose lives intersect in various ways. Each is unique, interesting and makes valuable contributions to the plot.
The plot involves Nazi spies with a plan to kill a famous American. There are many suspects, most of them innocent. Can the real threat be identified and neutralized in time?
I enjoyed this novel so much that I read it twice...once to look for typos and then, a few days later, just to enjoy the story in its final form. If you like clean historical mystery novels, I think you will enjoy this one.
February 4, 2026
It's been a minute. 14 years to be exact, since I last penned a book review. Goodreads tells me I've read over 1000 books since then; probably more. I thought it about time to revive the conversation -- not just consume the books, but share and talk about them.
First up...one of my favorite new cozy mystery series: The Homefront Sleuths.
From the dynamic father-daughter duo that brought us the Sherlock and Lucy series, this WWII countryside set is like a warm blanket on a cold day. It has just enough intrigue to keep you guessing, a smattering of romance, and vibrant, budding friendships.
So far, I have read up through The Valentine Cipher, which was one of my favorites. Romance is in the air, but so is espionage.
Evie, Nigel, Harry, and the crew always seem to have different pieces to the same puzzle. Part of the magic of this series is the way those pieces eventually fall into place in a non-forced, collaborative way. Every member of the team brings their unique talents and observations to create the whole (and stop the bad guy).
I love the way the friendships have blossomed and the characters bring out the best in one another -- especially the female friendships. I love the budding romance between
First up...one of my favorite new cozy mystery series: The Homefront Sleuths.
From the dynamic father-daughter duo that brought us the Sherlock and Lucy series, this WWII countryside set is like a warm blanket on a cold day. It has just enough intrigue to keep you guessing, a smattering of romance, and vibrant, budding friendships.
So far, I have read up through The Valentine Cipher, which was one of my favorites. Romance is in the air, but so is espionage.
Evie, Nigel, Harry, and the crew always seem to have different pieces to the same puzzle. Part of the magic of this series is the way those pieces eventually fall into place in a non-forced, collaborative way. Every member of the team brings their unique talents and observations to create the whole (and stop the bad guy).
I love the way the friendships have blossomed and the characters bring out the best in one another -- especially the female friendships. I love the budding romance between
January 5, 2026
This is the absolutely best book in the series! There were so many roads being traveled by the different Homefront sleuths. It was really a group effort. Only one missing most of the book was Bonzo. But fear not, no Homefront sleuths cannot be solved without the little guy.
As I mentioned, there are so many things going on but the storylines were merges fairly smoothly with one exception towards the end where the timelines got mixed up. Can't say more without any spoilers. But it did not distract from this being an excellent book.
And the next one sounds like it will be even more intense. Can't wait.
I received an ARC from the author. My review is both voluntary and honest. I love the series.
As I mentioned, there are so many things going on but the storylines were merges fairly smoothly with one exception towards the end where the timelines got mixed up. Can't say more without any spoilers. But it did not distract from this being an excellent book.
And the next one sounds like it will be even more intense. Can't wait.
I received an ARC from the author. My review is both voluntary and honest. I love the series.
January 13, 2026
The Homefront Sheuths are again involved in an intriguing story. Seven couples are to wed on Valentine's Day before the men go to war. All the sleuths are involved in their expert ways. A curate is found murdered who has been investigating slight discrepencies in the marriage certificates. A relic goes missing at the same time and to further cause concern, we discover that Eleanor Roosevelt will be paying a visit to Crofter's Green. Everyone is very involved in their own areas of expertise to bring the event to a happy conclusion without a major disaster. A very interesting and unputdownable story even if my furnaced died during one of the coldest period of the winter. Highly recommend.
January 17, 2026
2026 bk 4. Another delightful book in the Homefront Sleuths series. I love that we have an ensemble/a team of people working together as civilians to do their part to keep Britain safe. In this one the group is brought in on the periphery to a major Valentine's Day event where 7 couples, military/land girls/WS Volunteers are getting hitched in separate ceremonies, but on the same day and in the same place - an airbase hanger. But ugliness raises its head as the new vicar is murdered, the St. Valentine relic is stolen, the clues point to forged records, and a famous celebrity might be visiting. A finely woven mystery with just a teeny tiny clue to what will happen in the next book. Well done!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have to wonder if Evie is at all related to Ms. Seeton - as Nigel notes, Evie seems to attract trouble every half hour (just like Ms. Seeton). While Miss Marple made it clear in her polite and quiet way that English village life is not as pastoral or as peaceful as it appears, surely it cannot be this eventful, even in times of war! It is clear that the authors have done a lot of research to make this particular tale of mayhem, mystery and derring-do historically realistic and plausible. I highly recommend this to fans of Manning Coles.
I received an ARC from the authors and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the authors and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
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January 3, 2026I absolutely l9ve the Homerown Sleuths series! It combines mystery with life lived in England during WWII. This particular book furthers the adventure of our intrepid sleuths who work to solve murder, kidnapping, attempted murder, a stolen relic, doctored records, and reunited lovers. Oh yes. Did I mention doing this all the while preparing for the visit of a very important VIP? This series is best enjoyed by starting at the beginning with The Blackout Murders which introduces this cast of characters who somehow stumble into and subsequently solve murders and mysteries. The books are very clean reads with alternating points of view that will keep you reading long into the night.
January 9, 2026
A favorite series.
I've read all of this series and it is a favorite that I look forward to reading. I grab my copy the same day the newest book comes out. The setting of a country village in England as WWII rages on is "homey" and comforting. The writer(s) have made the various characters into people we care about. They are what keep me coming back. And the addition of Alfie and Pilot was genius. I'm hoping they are involved in the series from now on. I will definitely be back to find out what happens to Evie, Nigel, Harry, and the rest of the "sleuths" as they fight against fascism. I'm marking my calendar now.
I've read all of this series and it is a favorite that I look forward to reading. I grab my copy the same day the newest book comes out. The setting of a country village in England as WWII rages on is "homey" and comforting. The writer(s) have made the various characters into people we care about. They are what keep me coming back. And the addition of Alfie and Pilot was genius. I'm hoping they are involved in the series from now on. I will definitely be back to find out what happens to Evie, Nigel, Harry, and the rest of the "sleuths" as they fight against fascism. I'm marking my calendar now.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Crofter’s Green, February 1942, It all startswith a stolen church relic and a murdered curate. But why was he killed and what is the connection to possible irregularities in marriage certificates of the seven couples who will marry on Valentine's Day. An added problem will be that they are to marry in front of a V.I.P. with the threat of Nazi spies in the area.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of very likeable and interesting characters living in this appealing village. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of very likeable and interesting characters living in this appealing village. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2026
As usual great storyline.
What a Valentine’s Day this will be, 7 couples are due to get married at the local air base. The local vicar is a stickler for getting all the paper work in order, and then he is murdered! One of the local brides to be is brutally attacked, her ex fiancee has chained himself to the local train line, and the. Then Evie is kidnapped. Nigel has an unexpected helper, a young boy and his dog are key to finding Evie when time is running out.
Oh and a hush, hush American VIP is on the hit list, if that helps.
What a Valentine’s Day this will be, 7 couples are due to get married at the local air base. The local vicar is a stickler for getting all the paper work in order, and then he is murdered! One of the local brides to be is brutally attacked, her ex fiancee has chained himself to the local train line, and the. Then Evie is kidnapped. Nigel has an unexpected helper, a young boy and his dog are key to finding Evie when time is running out.
Oh and a hush, hush American VIP is on the hit list, if that helps.
January 8, 2026
Amor Vincit Omnia
Love of country, love of doing what is right, love for a partner, for war orphans, and dogs. The love of a pastor for his people. We see it all in this book.
And all the exciting espionage we expect to see with the Homefront Sleuths. Spies abound, friends from high places reappear to help, new friends are found. Evie is, of course, kidnapped AGAIN, but we know Nigel will find her. Even Bonzo finds a new friend. And a guest appearance by an important historical figure. Enjoy!
Love of country, love of doing what is right, love for a partner, for war orphans, and dogs. The love of a pastor for his people. We see it all in this book.
And all the exciting espionage we expect to see with the Homefront Sleuths. Spies abound, friends from high places reappear to help, new friends are found. Evie is, of course, kidnapped AGAIN, but we know Nigel will find her. Even Bonzo finds a new friend. And a guest appearance by an important historical figure. Enjoy!
January 12, 2026
There’s going to be a time when you stumble across a cute little cozy mystery series and ask yourself, “should I read it?”
The answer is heck yes!
Things I love about this series:
THE CHARACTERS
Evie and Nigel
Bonzo
Found family
Short chapters
Historical fiction
Whodunnit that isn’t too predictable
Did I mention the characters?
Each character has their own strengths and are so likable; and when they come together, they’re unstoppable. Just love this series and so happy to see a 9th one has been added!
5 ⭐️
The answer is heck yes!
Things I love about this series:
THE CHARACTERS
Evie and Nigel
Bonzo
Found family
Short chapters
Historical fiction
Whodunnit that isn’t too predictable
Did I mention the characters?
Each character has their own strengths and are so likable; and when they come together, they’re unstoppable. Just love this series and so happy to see a 9th one has been added!
5 ⭐️
January 17, 2026
Another excellent book on the wartime exploits of Evie, Alice and Dorothy ( and the others ). The curate is murdered and the fact a relic is stolen from the church makes it look like a robbery gone wrong, but Harry is not convinced, as it looks like the curate had been worried about irregularities in the recording of marriages.
The Land Girls administrator is also worried about the number of girls all getting married at the same time.
The trail leads to spies and plans to upset the planned Valentine’s Day wedding celebrations.
The Land Girls administrator is also worried about the number of girls all getting married at the same time.
The trail leads to spies and plans to upset the planned Valentine’s Day wedding celebrations.
January 15, 2026
Absolutely brilliant! A really good WW2 spy plot with the usual twists and adventure for all the characters. Lots of tension that will keep you gripped. Consistently good writing by the authors. I commend you on your WW2 intrigue. Once I started I had to read it to the end. An unputdownable read that dots every “i” and crosses every “t”. Thank you for the ARC and totally absorbing entertainment.
January 28, 2026
An exceptional series
I don't know how this father-daughter team manages it, but every three months or so they give us an intricate, baffling mystery and raise the stakes of the series to an excruciating level. I love everything about this stellar series, from the writing to the immersive historical setting, to the myriad of different characters you can't help but root for. I can't recommend these stories highly enough.
I don't know how this father-daughter team manages it, but every three months or so they give us an intricate, baffling mystery and raise the stakes of the series to an excruciating level. I love everything about this stellar series, from the writing to the immersive historical setting, to the myriad of different characters you can't help but root for. I can't recommend these stories highly enough.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an advanced readers copy at no cost. This is an excellent addition to the home front sleuths mystery series. It is very well written and holds your attention from start to finish. If you enjoy spy/murder stories with lots of details this book is for you. I highly recommend you get it as soon as it is published.
January 5, 2026
The Homefront sleuths have another mystery to solve that starts with the murder of a young curate in their village. Can Evie, Nigel and the sleuths discover who's working for the enemy before the Valentine's Day weddings? Read this very interesting mystery and find out. I was an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion.
January 7, 2026
What a great series
Stumbled upon this series and have devoured each book. In this day when many books reek of AI (yes, you can tell) this series captures your heart and mind. The many characters are each handled so skillfully you feel you know and care about them. Recommended with enthusiasm and waiting impatiently for the next book, read these , you will really enjoy them.
Stumbled upon this series and have devoured each book. In this day when many books reek of AI (yes, you can tell) this series captures your heart and mind. The many characters are each handled so skillfully you feel you know and care about them. Recommended with enthusiasm and waiting impatiently for the next book, read these , you will really enjoy them.
March 1, 2026
I found thes e mysteries with the Lucy James series
These books all of them are great before bed, the engage enough to want more but are a lot like " The Thin Man" in pace and the ability to breath or step in and out. I think I have read every book and the characters are so engaging without being complicated. I recommend these a lot to friends and family.
These books all of them are great before bed, the engage enough to want more but are a lot like " The Thin Man" in pace and the ability to breath or step in and out. I think I have read every book and the characters are so engaging without being complicated. I recommend these a lot to friends and family.
January 5, 2026
I received this book as an advanced readers copy at no cost. This series is excellent way of traveling back to a simpler time where friendship and being civil to one another was just a part of everyday life. Yes there is mayhem but who wants to read a book without some action.
January 5, 2026
The Valentine Cipher. The latest in the Homefront Sleuths Mysteries and arguably the best so far. It starts with a murder, soon the Sleuths realise that there is more to it. German spy infiltrating our, and our allies. Plenty of action and intrigue and an explosive climax. A great read.
January 10, 2026
another top story!!!
I don’t know how this father & daughter combo keep coming up with hit after hit but they never disappoint. The dynamics of their group always provide a strong base for gripping war stories.
I don’t know how this father & daughter combo keep coming up with hit after hit but they never disappoint. The dynamics of their group always provide a strong base for gripping war stories.
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