The Traitor Beside Her is the second title in Evans’s WWII set series. (First in the series was The Physicist’s Daughter.) It offers an enjoyable read.
As the novel opens, Justine is working as a welder and training for secret missions. What does she see at her job as the story begins and what does that mean? This will lead readers right into the story and Justine’s new assignment.
Justine will be incognito as Smantha Ogletree, appearing as the daughter of a Southern minister and his wife. Her cover job is to be the the assistant to a Doctor Van Dorn in the German section at Arlington Hall, a place where cryptologists work. Of course, Justine is really there to figure out who is “The Traitor Beside Her.” Plans change however and readers will find out why.
Some favorite characters appear again in this story. They include Georgette, Paul and Jerry.
Readers will hope for Justine’s success as she tackles espionage, murder and maybe some romance. There is much to enjoy here.
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
Note: This book can be enjoyed even if a reader has not read the first in the series.
Pub date: 06 June 2023
THE PHYSICISTS DAUGHTER
There have been so many WWII set novels in recent years. I am not sure when a saturation point will be reached but it hasn’t arrived yet. Even among many WWII novels though, this one stood out for me. There are a few reasons for this.
First, the story is based in the U.S. It is set in Louisiana. I don’t know of any other WWII books with this setting. Second, I found the characters intriguing. Protagonist, Justine, is the daughter of two physicists and the goddaughter of a third one. She works in a war plant. What is being produced there and why is carbon involved? Who wants to sabotage this workplace?
That popular term, plucky, applies to Justine but she has more going for her thn just that; in addition she is bright and has unique talents for a woman in her time. She is a welder who is called upon to make emergency repairs to the factory’s equipment. Why is it always breaking down? Someone has died because of one of the industrial incidents.
The story is filled with characters both good and bad. Justine has quite a sexist boss. She has good friends including a fellow worker and boarding house resident. Justine herself is multifaceted and I enjoyed spending time with her.
This book pays tribute (literally in the book’s introduction) to the many women scientists whose contributions have impacted us. The novel has been carefully researched by the author.
I recommend this title to those who enjoy historical fiction and mysteries. I hope that there will be further additions to this series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 