Who is: A Traitor in Whitehall (by Julia Kelly)

Julia Kelly has written a number of historical fiction titles that I have enjoyed.  With A Traitor in Whitehall, she adds a murder mystery into the mix.  The result was an absorbing read.
Readers learn early on that protagonist, Evelyne, has a backstory through her parents' relationship .  She moves forward from this into managing her own life.  When she is tapped by a friend of her father's to work in Whitehall, both in a position there, and also with an eye to reporting to an outside source, little does she anticipate all that will happen.
One of the women who works in the typing pool has been found murdered.  Why?  Who did it?  Readers will try to figure this out even as Evelyne works with David, supposedly a Minister's aide, on the case.  There are many suspects.
In addition to the well conceived plot, I also enjoyed the setting in Churchill's War Rooms.  Readers are given a genuine feel for what it would have been like to work in this deep underground setting during the war years.
One thing that I struggled with a bit, however, was keeping all of the women who worked with Evelyne straight.  I went back a number of times to remember something about each of them.
This minor quibble aside, this was a book that I very much liked.  I hope that Ms. Kelly will add another and make this a series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur for this title.  All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 03 October 2023

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A welcome resource: Growing Feelings by Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moor and Christina McLaughlin

#GrowingFeelings #NetGalley

The cover of this book gives a good indication of the range of feelings that are explored in these pages. The authors are well qualified for their task with one a psychologist and the other a parenting and health writer.

This book is for children although adults may want to peek at it as well and be open to what their child wants to say while reading it. They may also want to sit down and share some of the ideas in this one with younger kids.

This title covers many day to day feelings and situations that kids face in their friendships and more. It is cleverly designed with cartoons, information and even a cat and dog who make points. I like that the book covers serious topics in a fun way.

I highly recommend this title. It is a gift (for a lifetime) to help children identify, understand and learn to cope with their emotions. Get this one for your home library.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Beyond Words Publishing. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 11 July 2023