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Shadows of War #1
The Courier
Before there is war, there are those willing to fight…no matter the cost.
France, 1938. While Hitler rebuilds Germany, and French and English leaders focus on appeasement, one man risks everything to smuggle information out of Munich – and into the hands of a young woman.
Evelyn Ainsworth is enjoying a carefree summer in Paris high society with her French relatives. When her father stops to visit on his way from London to Prague, she never dreams that one favor for him will change her life forever. For beneath the glittering gaiety on the continent, a menacing shadow is growing. While many choose to look the other way, there are some who are desperate to combat the growing evil.
And others even more desperate to empower it.
Offered a chance to make a difference, Evelyn is drawn unexpectedly into a world she didn’t know existed. A world where war is much closer than anyone thinks, information is gold...
...and no one is safe.
France, 1938. While Hitler rebuilds Germany, and French and English leaders focus on appeasement, one man risks everything to smuggle information out of Munich – and into the hands of a young woman.
Evelyn Ainsworth is enjoying a carefree summer in Paris high society with her French relatives. When her father stops to visit on his way from London to Prague, she never dreams that one favor for him will change her life forever. For beneath the glittering gaiety on the continent, a menacing shadow is growing. While many choose to look the other way, there are some who are desperate to combat the growing evil.
And others even more desperate to empower it.
Offered a chance to make a difference, Evelyn is drawn unexpectedly into a world she didn’t know existed. A world where war is much closer than anyone thinks, information is gold...
...and no one is safe.
126 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2020
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437 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 13, 2022
3.5 stars
This is the first short story of the series, a sort of introduction I imagine. The series are meant as a tribute to those who were in the resistance in WWII.
Evelyn has a wealthy British background, but is a bit fed up with society life. When she's offered a job as a courier she takes it.
This is the first short story of the series, a sort of introduction I imagine. The series are meant as a tribute to those who were in the resistance in WWII.
Evelyn has a wealthy British background, but is a bit fed up with society life. When she's offered a job as a courier she takes it.
February 27, 2023
The Courier … had me hook line & sinker .. I was really getting into the drama,the terror the fear for Evelyn’s safety … then it ended .. seemingly before it had really started WHAA! I guess this must be what they call a Novella? I hadn’t noticed that all important word before I bought it! I don’t understand Why people write like this or is this style of writing a one off for CW Browning? I’m looking at reading the next book in the series but I’m making sure bk. 2 The Oslo Affair is not another Novella. I feel I’ve been short changed here.. a book that’s not a book .. I know .. Caveat Emptor!
OK. I’ve worked it out and have now purchased the whole series!
Hold that thought ..
Kindle is unable to complete the transaction… Pulling out Hair! 😖
However I did manage to download
The Oslo Affair. It is NOT a Novella… indeed It’s quite a long book.. and good heavens she’s quite a lucky little spy.
OK. I’ve worked it out and have now purchased the whole series!
Hold that thought ..
Kindle is unable to complete the transaction… Pulling out Hair! 😖
However I did manage to download
The Oslo Affair. It is NOT a Novella… indeed It’s quite a long book.. and good heavens she’s quite a lucky little spy.
June 13, 2022
A short novella not worth the effort. One of many female-authored WW2 espionage novels featuring female spies that seem to be all the rage these days.
June 10, 2021
The Short of It
Be aware of what you're getting: a 32k (ish) novella, a character that can be too good to be true, wrapped in an entertaining - if flawed - historical thriller.
The Longer of It: Good Start That Needs More Imperfections
I originally found the author, C.W. Browning, after coming across The Oslo Affair and being enamored by that striking cover. I had to read the summary, and when I found it was a series, I wanted to start from the top. If the title (Shadows of War #0.5) doesn't make it clear, The Courier is a prequel novella, where we learn about Evelyn Ainworth before she becomes a MI6 Agent.
The book is a solid three stars for me. Though I could have given it three and a half. I didn't, primarily because Evelyn was a little too perfect. Not only is she a well-to-do, born and bred English woman of wealth, she's also a polyglot, a martial arts student, a brilliant mind, as well as a social and gender-roles nonconformist. Plus, I want to say at least two or three suitors are mentioned as carrying torches for her, and pretty much everyone (except for the baddies, of course) just adore her.
Again, with the exception of two Nazi officers, her biggest foes are (mentioned) her mother wanting to marry her off to a suitor of equal or better station, and her father being mildly to moderately concerned about Evelyn being too clever for her own good. Turns out he's right. More on that later.
If this were toned down, I could easily give it four stars. Evelyn is a very likable young lady. The small cast of characters assembled around her feel fleshed out enough for the page length. There are several I like and look forward to hearing more about: her father (though he apparently he dies suddenly in the next one, which is on the back of the book, so I'm not marking it as a spoiler), William and Josephine. I also want to know what becomes of Karl. I think that's plenty to engage me to read the next, full, novel.
Criticisms I have:
1. I hated the chapter that was from Voss' point of view. We already know the Nazis win - at least for a while - and having to be in his head made me angry. I couldn't wait until I was back to someone else, anyone else. I hope there isn't a lot of his POV in the other books. Depending on how it goes, that could make me stop reading further.
2. As mentioned, Evelyn is mostly flawless. To the point that on her very first mission, she directly ignores the advice of a seasoned agent, and still comes out unharmed. Barring a case of the shakes and one sleepless night.
She does exactly what she was told not to do, and escapes with minimal consequences. You'll know the screw up when you get there. It actually made me groan, bury my head in my hands, and step away for a minute. This would be excusable if she was actually portrayed as more incapable.
But she can take down a grown man with martial arts, saunter right up to an SS officer then leave unscathed, and even finds an ally in her time of need. Without more than a "trust me", and no actual proof that this person is on her side, Evelyn follows and escapes to live another day. I would be okay with all this, if she's now a target of the SS, and has to face the consequences in the future.
3. I have a hard time believing two things, a) that Wing Chun is a viable self-defense, and b) a woman would be allowed to learn it prior to the 80s. Maybe the 60s. According to my - albeit, incomplete - research, Wing Chun is built on "forms", or collections of chained maneuvers and attacks. But they're more about looking fancy than saving your own skin. I've read it works better in close combat, but that's usually the last thing a woman wants in a fight. Where she can (typically) be easily overpowered.
Depending on who you ask, Wing Chun is also mocked as complete bullshit. Which is why it made me roll my eyes. I have doubts about how much the author researched martial arts. I suspect she thought it sounded cool, did a little Googling, and put it in there. It reads a little as the mystical Asian trope. Where the wise Asian man teaches the foreigner his exotic skills, and the student masters them, often surpassing the master who has dedicated their life to it.
If this were a movie there'd be a musical montage. If it were a white man, this would likely be considered racist. But Evelyn is a white girl so it's fine. The owner of the school spots her hiding behind a fence, and without considering whether she's a threat or not, sees something in her - all without words - and accepts her as a student. I would find this more believable (and hilarious) if her father begged the guy to take her, because he needed something to keep Evelyn busy. Or because the teacher saw a bored, white girl with money.
It would also help if we actually saw Evelyn sparring with other students beforehand. Especially if she sparred and failed. Because, for example, she's so good at languages, she's not used to being unable to master something quickly. The training forces her to overcome obstacles she's never faced before. Character growth! Challenges! Actual struggle! But the novella isn't about that. It's about making her the Black Widow / Natasha Romanoff of WWII. With more money and less trauma.
We never see Evelyn fight a single time, prior to the big scene in the library. We hear mentions of her continuing to train, but not once do we see her fight someone her size (or larger). I'm giving Browning one "she caught him by surprise" token for this. It's been cashed. If her super-duper martial arts skills aren't tested in the next one, I'm out.
Sidebar related to the library scene: why didn't she just put them in her bra or underwear? Couldn't she have gone to the ladies' room and tucked them away? Surely, she'd be safe long enough, especially if she was able to follow someone inside. It would make the agent extremely suspicious to any other women present. While I think the end reveal is charming and clever, I immediately thought she was going to stash them under her blouse.
Evelyn also has the scent of "new author" syndrome. She's not drenched in it, but it is there. She's too good to be true at points. She has no flaws, except perhaps taking the task too lightly and valuing her own skill too heavily. Neither of which do any lasting harm in this book. Hopefully this will change in the future, and her own frivolity and hubris will land her in some real trouble.
I don't know how long Browning has been writing, but according the Amazon paperback publishing dates, the entire series - all four books - have been published in under a year. Exactly, 11 months and 11 days, if my numbers are correct. They're listed as self-published, if any publisher is listed at all. Now, neither of these are bad, but they do make me suspicious. 80-90% of the books I've read that are self-published have been shit.
This isn't Browning's first story, she published three books [The Exit Series] in under two years. Took a break for over three and half years, and published another four books in just under 14 months. Plus another one in third series, Games of Deceit. Maybe she's just that damn fast. Maybe she has planning skills, typing speeds, and discipline that would make Patrick Rothfuss weep. I tip my hat to her. But she could also use an editor that caught her Americanisms, and helped her steer Evelyn away from the strong currents of the Mary Sue Sea.
After all these words three stars probably seems high, right? Ultimately, I think Browning has a good world started here. Evelyn is a fun character - like Peggy Carter, Agent 99, or Sarah Bartowski - and I hope she grows and matures as the series continues. The tension in both the earlier conversation with Voss, and the later confrontation with the SS was top notch. Browning can write excellent scenes of peril and tension. The book was a fun, quick read (clocking in at 2 hours) and has me intrigued enough to continue Evelyn's story with the next book.
[Edit, later in the day] OH! I completely forgot that in the final (or second to, I can't remember) chapter she recaps the entire investigation to Bill! Why, why would you do? The novella is hardly a tome of thousands of words. This is another example of needing a stronger editor, because that screamed "word padding" in bright neon lights.
Be aware of what you're getting: a 32k (ish) novella, a character that can be too good to be true, wrapped in an entertaining - if flawed - historical thriller.
The Longer of It: Good Start That Needs More Imperfections
I originally found the author, C.W. Browning, after coming across The Oslo Affair and being enamored by that striking cover. I had to read the summary, and when I found it was a series, I wanted to start from the top. If the title (Shadows of War #0.5) doesn't make it clear, The Courier is a prequel novella, where we learn about Evelyn Ainworth before she becomes a MI6 Agent.
The book is a solid three stars for me. Though I could have given it three and a half. I didn't, primarily because Evelyn was a little too perfect. Not only is she a well-to-do, born and bred English woman of wealth, she's also a polyglot, a martial arts student, a brilliant mind, as well as a social and gender-roles nonconformist. Plus, I want to say at least two or three suitors are mentioned as carrying torches for her, and pretty much everyone (except for the baddies, of course) just adore her.
Again, with the exception of two Nazi officers, her biggest foes are (mentioned) her mother wanting to marry her off to a suitor of equal or better station, and her father being mildly to moderately concerned about Evelyn being too clever for her own good. Turns out he's right. More on that later.
If this were toned down, I could easily give it four stars. Evelyn is a very likable young lady. The small cast of characters assembled around her feel fleshed out enough for the page length. There are several I like and look forward to hearing more about: her father (though he apparently he dies suddenly in the next one, which is on the back of the book, so I'm not marking it as a spoiler), William and Josephine. I also want to know what becomes of Karl. I think that's plenty to engage me to read the next, full, novel.
Criticisms I have:
1. I hated the chapter that was from Voss' point of view. We already know the Nazis win - at least for a while - and having to be in his head made me angry. I couldn't wait until I was back to someone else, anyone else. I hope there isn't a lot of his POV in the other books. Depending on how it goes, that could make me stop reading further.
2. As mentioned, Evelyn is mostly flawless. To the point that on her very first mission, she directly ignores the advice of a seasoned agent, and still comes out unharmed. Barring a case of the shakes and one sleepless night.
She does exactly what she was told not to do, and escapes with minimal consequences. You'll know the screw up when you get there. It actually made me groan, bury my head in my hands, and step away for a minute. This would be excusable if she was actually portrayed as more incapable.
But she can take down a grown man with martial arts, saunter right up to an SS officer then leave unscathed, and even finds an ally in her time of need. Without more than a "trust me", and no actual proof that this person is on her side, Evelyn follows and escapes to live another day. I would be okay with all this, if she's now a target of the SS, and has to face the consequences in the future.
3. I have a hard time believing two things, a) that Wing Chun is a viable self-defense, and b) a woman would be allowed to learn it prior to the 80s. Maybe the 60s. According to my - albeit, incomplete - research, Wing Chun is built on "forms", or collections of chained maneuvers and attacks. But they're more about looking fancy than saving your own skin. I've read it works better in close combat, but that's usually the last thing a woman wants in a fight. Where she can (typically) be easily overpowered.
Depending on who you ask, Wing Chun is also mocked as complete bullshit. Which is why it made me roll my eyes. I have doubts about how much the author researched martial arts. I suspect she thought it sounded cool, did a little Googling, and put it in there. It reads a little as the mystical Asian trope. Where the wise Asian man teaches the foreigner his exotic skills, and the student masters them, often surpassing the master who has dedicated their life to it.
If this were a movie there'd be a musical montage. If it were a white man, this would likely be considered racist. But Evelyn is a white girl so it's fine. The owner of the school spots her hiding behind a fence, and without considering whether she's a threat or not, sees something in her - all without words - and accepts her as a student. I would find this more believable (and hilarious) if her father begged the guy to take her, because he needed something to keep Evelyn busy. Or because the teacher saw a bored, white girl with money.
It would also help if we actually saw Evelyn sparring with other students beforehand. Especially if she sparred and failed. Because, for example, she's so good at languages, she's not used to being unable to master something quickly. The training forces her to overcome obstacles she's never faced before. Character growth! Challenges! Actual struggle! But the novella isn't about that. It's about making her the Black Widow / Natasha Romanoff of WWII. With more money and less trauma.
We never see Evelyn fight a single time, prior to the big scene in the library. We hear mentions of her continuing to train, but not once do we see her fight someone her size (or larger). I'm giving Browning one "she caught him by surprise" token for this. It's been cashed. If her super-duper martial arts skills aren't tested in the next one, I'm out.
Sidebar related to the library scene: why didn't she just put them in her bra or underwear? Couldn't she have gone to the ladies' room and tucked them away? Surely, she'd be safe long enough, especially if she was able to follow someone inside. It would make the agent extremely suspicious to any other women present. While I think the end reveal is charming and clever, I immediately thought she was going to stash them under her blouse.
Evelyn also has the scent of "new author" syndrome. She's not drenched in it, but it is there. She's too good to be true at points. She has no flaws, except perhaps taking the task too lightly and valuing her own skill too heavily. Neither of which do any lasting harm in this book. Hopefully this will change in the future, and her own frivolity and hubris will land her in some real trouble.
I don't know how long Browning has been writing, but according the Amazon paperback publishing dates, the entire series - all four books - have been published in under a year. Exactly, 11 months and 11 days, if my numbers are correct. They're listed as self-published, if any publisher is listed at all. Now, neither of these are bad, but they do make me suspicious. 80-90% of the books I've read that are self-published have been shit.
This isn't Browning's first story, she published three books [The Exit Series] in under two years. Took a break for over three and half years, and published another four books in just under 14 months. Plus another one in third series, Games of Deceit. Maybe she's just that damn fast. Maybe she has planning skills, typing speeds, and discipline that would make Patrick Rothfuss weep. I tip my hat to her. But she could also use an editor that caught her Americanisms, and helped her steer Evelyn away from the strong currents of the Mary Sue Sea.
After all these words three stars probably seems high, right? Ultimately, I think Browning has a good world started here. Evelyn is a fun character - like Peggy Carter, Agent 99, or Sarah Bartowski - and I hope she grows and matures as the series continues. The tension in both the earlier conversation with Voss, and the later confrontation with the SS was top notch. Browning can write excellent scenes of peril and tension. The book was a fun, quick read (clocking in at 2 hours) and has me intrigued enough to continue Evelyn's story with the next book.
[Edit, later in the day] OH! I completely forgot that in the final (or second to, I can't remember) chapter she recaps the entire investigation to Bill! Why, why would you do? The novella is hardly a tome of thousands of words. This is another example of needing a stronger editor, because that screamed "word padding" in bright neon lights.
April 11, 2024
A novella that introduces us to Evelyn, a daughter of a diplomat, who is determined to find out about the world at large. From her sheltered upbringing of privileged French High Society which includes fine dining, nice clothes and butlers, Evelyn finds out pretty quickly the world is not as it seems. She learns pretty quickly that her world (Europe) is 'spinning out of control' and is under the dark spectre of Nazism and in East Asia it is also falling under Japanese fascism. For the novella is set in France in 1938 and the world is on the brink of war (WW2) which will stay for years to come. A very good piece of spy fiction. FOUR STARS.
Some of the best spy fiction on offer ~ (In order of date):
1. 'The Quiet American', Graham Greene. (1955).
2. 'The Spy Who Came in From the Cold', Le Carre. (1963).
3. 'Other Paths of Glory', Anthony Price. (1974).
4. ‘Harry's Game’, Gerald Seymour. (1975)’ and
‘The Day of the Jackal’, Frederick Forsyth. (1975). (Not quite spy fiction, but very good).
5. ‘Berlin Game’, Deighton. (1982).
6. ‘Home Run’, Gerald Seymour. (1989).
7. 'Other Kinds of Treason', Ted Allbeury. (1990). (SS)*.
8. 'The Line Crosser', Ted Allbeury. (1991).
9. 'A Polish Officer', Allan Furst. (1995).
10. 'Absolute Friends', John Le Carre. (2003).
11. The Slough House series by Mick Herron. (2010 ~ ).
12. 'A Treachery of Spies', Manda Scott. (2018).
13. 'A Long Night In Paris', Dov Alfon. (2019).
14. ‘The Insider’, Matthew Richardson. (2021).
15. 'The Scarlet Papers’, Matthew Richardson. (2023).
*(SS): short stories.
Some of the best spy fiction on offer ~ (In order of date):
1. 'The Quiet American', Graham Greene. (1955).
2. 'The Spy Who Came in From the Cold', Le Carre. (1963).
3. 'Other Paths of Glory', Anthony Price. (1974).
4. ‘Harry's Game’, Gerald Seymour. (1975)’ and
‘The Day of the Jackal’, Frederick Forsyth. (1975). (Not quite spy fiction, but very good).
5. ‘Berlin Game’, Deighton. (1982).
6. ‘Home Run’, Gerald Seymour. (1989).
7. 'Other Kinds of Treason', Ted Allbeury. (1990). (SS)*.
8. 'The Line Crosser', Ted Allbeury. (1991).
9. 'A Polish Officer', Allan Furst. (1995).
10. 'Absolute Friends', John Le Carre. (2003).
11. The Slough House series by Mick Herron. (2010 ~ ).
12. 'A Treachery of Spies', Manda Scott. (2018).
13. 'A Long Night In Paris', Dov Alfon. (2019).
14. ‘The Insider’, Matthew Richardson. (2021).
15. 'The Scarlet Papers’, Matthew Richardson. (2023).
*(SS): short stories.
April 9, 2025
This novella is the start of the Shadows of War series, set during WWII, and it follows Evelyn Ainsworth, the daughter of a wealthy and respected English diplomat. While visiting her cousins in Paris, Evelyn grows frustrated with the continual societal constraints placed on her and is increasingly alarmed by Hitler's rise to power. When the chance to make a difference presents itself, Evelyn eagerly volunteers to collect a parcel from a man smuggling vital information out of Munich. However, things quickly take an unexpected turn.
The Courier was a gripping read that captured my attention from the very beginning. I really liked Evelyn - she’s intelligent, resourceful, and brave. There were several nail-biting moments as she tried to outwit those chasing her, keeping my heart in my throat more than once. The suspense was intense!
I'm not usually a fan of novellas, but this one was an exception. I've already tracked down the second book in the series and can't wait to start it. I have a feeling this series is going to be an exciting ride.
The Courier was a gripping read that captured my attention from the very beginning. I really liked Evelyn - she’s intelligent, resourceful, and brave. There were several nail-biting moments as she tried to outwit those chasing her, keeping my heart in my throat more than once. The suspense was intense!
I'm not usually a fan of novellas, but this one was an exception. I've already tracked down the second book in the series and can't wait to start it. I have a feeling this series is going to be an exciting ride.
July 26, 2022
I received this book/novella from the author as part of a promotion where a number of authors offer a book or novella in an attempt to attract more readers.
That said, while the premise is interesting- that of a minor aristocrat who accidentally becomes involved in the world of espionage- I didn't find the book/novella to be on par with the authors that I normally read. As such, I can't say that this book/novella was a horrible piece of tripe not fit to read but I'm not going to say that it was the greatest either. This book/novella would rate a two and a half stars out of five (which would round up to three).
As with all my reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
That said, while the premise is interesting- that of a minor aristocrat who accidentally becomes involved in the world of espionage- I didn't find the book/novella to be on par with the authors that I normally read. As such, I can't say that this book/novella was a horrible piece of tripe not fit to read but I'm not going to say that it was the greatest either. This book/novella would rate a two and a half stars out of five (which would round up to three).
As with all my reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
January 27, 2025
This is the first of a series of books.
It's not very long, so a perfect quick read.
It's also easy to read and the characters are believable.
Evelyn is the daughter of a British aristocrat, however she isn't a snob. She likes adventure.
She is bright, speaking several languages and after living in Hong Kong for several years is adept at Kung Fu.
She is asked by a friend of her father's to deliver a message, not knowing it is part of a secret spy group that is active just before the war. It is 1939 and she manages to do some quick thinking in a tricky situation and successfully completes her 'mission'.
So begins her secret life as a spy.
Looking forward to the next in this series.
It's not very long, so a perfect quick read.
It's also easy to read and the characters are believable.
Evelyn is the daughter of a British aristocrat, however she isn't a snob. She likes adventure.
She is bright, speaking several languages and after living in Hong Kong for several years is adept at Kung Fu.
She is asked by a friend of her father's to deliver a message, not knowing it is part of a secret spy group that is active just before the war. It is 1939 and she manages to do some quick thinking in a tricky situation and successfully completes her 'mission'.
So begins her secret life as a spy.
Looking forward to the next in this series.
September 29, 2025
I have finally started the Shadows of War series and I am glad that I didn't skip it. While the first book is a novella, the rest of the series is much longer. A historical fictions series set in a period leading up to and during WWII. I would add more action oriented as this story focuses on espionage, intelligence agencies, aerial combat and the threat of NAZI Germany. Evelyn is a young M16 agent whose life is drawn into the shadowy world of spies, traitors, double-agents, and war. I was hooked with this character. She's driven, resourceful and human. I like how she grows and becomes the woman she needs to be to survive in this world.
May 27, 2020
Kobo epub - no printed ISBN - ©2020 (Kobo listing 1230003687765)
An introduction to a modern heroine, socialite upperclass butterfly who feels trapped by her sex and upbringing in pre-war Europe. An excellent linguist and a devotee of the Wing Chun (Kung Fu) defence art she is recruited to meet and receive a delivery from a German British agent. Things go wrong but Evelyn, our heroine, uses her skills to extricate herself from the situation - and this leads to a possible, somewhat unexpected but no less welcome, future rôle for her...
Rather fine.
An introduction to a modern heroine, socialite upperclass butterfly who feels trapped by her sex and upbringing in pre-war Europe. An excellent linguist and a devotee of the Wing Chun (Kung Fu) defence art she is recruited to meet and receive a delivery from a German British agent. Things go wrong but Evelyn, our heroine, uses her skills to extricate herself from the situation - and this leads to a possible, somewhat unexpected but no less welcome, future rôle for her...
Rather fine.
September 17, 2020
The Courier. CW Browning
Evelyn comes from a very good and distinguished family in England. Very wealthy and highly respected . She is at first glance the most unlikely candidate butv has all the necessary credentials. A spy. She is not your typical socialite. She's extremely outgoing, outspoken and loves to stretch the limits of how society dictates how she should behave. An excellent read!!
Evelyn comes from a very good and distinguished family in England. Very wealthy and highly respected . She is at first glance the most unlikely candidate butv has all the necessary credentials. A spy. She is not your typical socialite. She's extremely outgoing, outspoken and loves to stretch the limits of how society dictates how she should behave. An excellent read!!
November 17, 2020
This is an okay story (novella). I thought it was a little thin. Rich, bored young girl gets caught up being a courier for her father's friend who has started a spy network. Evelyn's father is a diplomat so she has lived all over the world. While posted in Asia she learns a type of karate that she uses to kick an SS soldier's butt. A little contrived for me. I probably won't read anymore in the series.
February 12, 2021
WWII fiction at its finest!
I love it when I stumble onto a really good story. I have been reading , more than a lot since 2013. I began with historical romance that morphed into WWII fiction. Now I read as much as I can of both. I dislike writing reviews because I am not an author. Good books deserve a good and wordy review. Let me say this. This was nerve-wracking. Read it!
I love it when I stumble onto a really good story. I have been reading , more than a lot since 2013. I began with historical romance that morphed into WWII fiction. Now I read as much as I can of both. I dislike writing reviews because I am not an author. Good books deserve a good and wordy review. Let me say this. This was nerve-wracking. Read it!
June 15, 2021
Quick and interesting read
This was the perfect book for a vacation read. It's a brief and interesting perspective on Europe during the years leading up to World War II. The main character, Evelyn, is realizing that she wants more in her life at the same time Europe and England are realizing war with Germany is coming. The story has humor set against the very real dangers of espionage.
This was the perfect book for a vacation read. It's a brief and interesting perspective on Europe during the years leading up to World War II. The main character, Evelyn, is realizing that she wants more in her life at the same time Europe and England are realizing war with Germany is coming. The story has humor set against the very real dangers of espionage.
August 15, 2020
This is a daft book really but good fun with enough action to make you want to read another in the series. Pre WW2 thriller set in Strasbourg with a pretty young gel as the hero.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press
October 24, 2020
Excellent characters and exciting adventure.
CW Browning has intrigue down pat. I like World War II spy when women are doing everything the men are. It makes me think we have a whole history of women's contributions to the war effort gone undocumented. Rock on, give us more. Thanks.
CW Browning has intrigue down pat. I like World War II spy when women are doing everything the men are. It makes me think we have a whole history of women's contributions to the war effort gone undocumented. Rock on, give us more. Thanks.
February 23, 2020
A privileged young lady with unusual talents…war clouds rising in Europe…and the nerve-wracking drama caused by those who choose to stand up for their countries. A great introduction to a new series by a talented writer.
October 26, 2020
Surprising twist compelling narrative.
What I liked is a compelling story line that piggyback on a successful narrative, the intensity of WWII resistance espionage. Sucked me right in.
What I liked is a compelling story line that piggyback on a successful narrative, the intensity of WWII resistance espionage. Sucked me right in.
November 3, 2020
To think Wm Buckley would entrust the mission to this girl is absurd.....to think the French women would not take the microfilm is also wrong...... if it was so important that the microfilm be delivered ASAP why did she not deliver it to Buckley until the morning AFTER she got back to Paris...???
December 2, 2020
Loved the Book
The only reason I gave it a 4 star instead of a 5 was because it is such a short read,. I absolutely loved the book, very well written, good story, love the characters.
The only reason I gave it a 4 star instead of a 5 was because it is such a short read,. I absolutely loved the book, very well written, good story, love the characters.
December 13, 2020
Very intriguing!!
I loved the flow of the story seeing the strength and courage of a young girl turning into a strong capable young women. It opened up my memory of the history on the start of WW II.
I loved the flow of the story seeing the strength and courage of a young girl turning into a strong capable young women. It opened up my memory of the history on the start of WW II.
February 19, 2021
Excellent book. As soon as I finished it, I knew I wanted to read all in the series; I even sent the author a note. She assured me that she was continuing on. Good story, some good characters and lots of action and tension. Thanks!!
March 25, 2021
Captivating Story of Intrigue and Adventure
I was enthralling from the very first page of this book. I love the characters. They are all very unique. I could not wait to get through this book for the next.
I was enthralling from the very first page of this book. I love the characters. They are all very unique. I could not wait to get through this book for the next.
October 21, 2021
Good book
Wow we are off and running. This tale was very exciting with lots of twist and turns. If a person enjoys stories of W W 2 and spy stories this is the fight series for them. Can't wait to read book #2.
Wow we are off and running. This tale was very exciting with lots of twist and turns. If a person enjoys stories of W W 2 and spy stories this is the fight series for them. Can't wait to read book #2.
January 16, 2022
This is a gut wenching tale about the 1960 between the USSR and the USA. I remember as a small girl the bitter conflict between the two and the fear many of us had. So thankful for the men who became spys and helped with the Cuban missle crisis.
July 20, 2022
It's tempting enough to buy the 2nd book... But I find her too nice. I know as the daughter from a family of wealth she is unlikely to have circles of friends that are different to her, but really, just a bit sickly.
February 1, 2023
Really enjoyed the book, I really got absorbed into the story, then the story finished too early it should have gone on further it felt that story was not finished, I was left hanging, this disappointed me.
April 5, 2024
Amateurish and too US biased in phraseology
The military used as a noun is a case in point!i incorrect usage of English sadly commonplace now would never have been used in WW2 by a member of the UK MI6 or the aristocracy!
The military used as a noun is a case in point!i incorrect usage of English sadly commonplace now would never have been used in WW2 by a member of the UK MI6 or the aristocracy!
February 24, 2020
I love everything I’ve ever read from this author. This new series did not disappoint! I was captivated from the start and highly recommend The Courier as your next series of reads!
May 26, 2020
This is a new series. Very good.
The next book in the series is The Oslo Affair.
Will be reading it soon.
The next book in the series is The Oslo Affair.
Will be reading it soon.
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