Mr. Churchill's Secretary (Maggie Hope Mystery, #1) in Around the World in 80 Books

Oct 07, 2016 Ginger rated it did not like it

Shelves: history, fiction-literature

I rarely rate books I don't finish. Only if I'm certain I never will. I tried to like this one. I really did. But according to my 50 page rule, I really was barely interested. I didn't like the characters, and honestly didn't even know what the problem being set up was -- the mysterious death from the prologue? I'm all for a plucky heroine character (I want to BE Nancy Drew, after all), but I did not like Maggie, or her friends Paige and Chuck. SO much language. I ignored (against my better judg ...more

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Nov 23, 2016 Tony rated it it was ok

Shelves: setting-england-london, historical-fiction, novels, war-ww2, espionage

I grew up on a diet of British mystery paperbacks, and am always keen for a good World War II yarn, so I picked up this first book in the "Maggie Hope" series hoping for a good diversion in the vein of the Foyle's War TV series. The premise is that an Anglo-American woman who graduated top of her class from Wellesley with a brilliant mind for mathematics and code is living in London at the time of the Blitz. She's applied to be a "Personal Secretary" in the Prime Minister's office (sort of a pro ...more

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Aug 16, 2013 Pam rated it really liked it

Shelves: uk-mystery

AUTHOR: MacNeal, Susan Elia
TITLE: Mr. Churchill's Secretary

Date Read: 08/11/13
RATING: 4.5/B+
GENRE/PUB DATE/PUBLISHER/# OF PGS: Mystery/2012/Bantam Books/349 pgs
SERIES/STAND ALONE: 1st in Maggie Hope series

TIME/PLACE: 1940/London
CHARACTERS: Maggie Hope born in UK but raised in US by her aunt, now living & working in London for Winston Churchill

FIRST LINES: I would say to the House, as I've said to those who have joined this Government, I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears & sweat. We ...more

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Jan 21, 2012 Tammy AZ rated it liked it

Shelves: edgars

Maggie is a well-educated American living in London during World War II who becomes a secretary to Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The author did a very good job with the setting and I really could picture London, 10 Downing Street, the War Offices, Bletchley Park and the bombings that occurred during the war. While I enjoyed the story, it had too many overly contrived plotlines and too many characters who added little to the story. I enjoyed the book and without providing spoilers feel that t ...more

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Feb 23, 2012 Madeleine rated it it was ok

Shelves: mystery-thriller, series

I so want to give this book four stars. I loved, loved, loved the first two thirds (how often have I been saying this lately?!). A young smart likeable female central character (bit like Maisie Dobbs), an intriguing supporting crew of roommates (bit like The Likeness actually), Londoners resisting the Blitz through grim humor, and SPIES. Lots of spies. Spies spying on spies spying on spies, as is the case in one of my other favorite books (The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest).

However. And this ...more

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Dec 19, 2013 Andy Plonka rated it it was amazing

Shelves: src

I don't know much about the British participation in WWII so this filled in some gaps. It also provided a bit of the not always friendly feelings of the British and American during this time period. The mystery part was well done. ...more

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Nov 08, 2013 Jessica rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: world-war-ii, england, mystery, spy

MacNeal exceeded my expectations here, which is always refreshing - she manages not to get too bogged down in the historical elements and keeps the pace moving quickly. She also shows a deft hand with a large cast, and it plays to her advantage as she's got a knack for creating believable friendships and alliances. Think it's time to add further outings for Maggie to my TBR list. ...more

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