Meet: The Greatest Spy Writers of the 20th Century by Phil Carradice

Are you a reader of spy fiction? Do you ever wonder how the best authors of this genre got their ideas? Here is a title that brings readers into the world of three of the best authors in the field, Buchan, Fleming and Le Carre.

The author clearly shows his love of spy fiction. He begins his introduction with his own introduction of books like Huntingtower and The 39 Steps by John Buchan. He fell in love with these novels starting at age nine when his grandfather gave him a Buchan book. Carradice returned the favor when, many years later, he gifted his grandfather a Le Carre title.

Spy novels are just a bit over 100 years old. With many authors to think about including Graham Greene and Eric Ambelr, among others, Carradice chose the three noted above. He feels that they are the best of the best.

Start with the excellent introduction and keep going. This book offers a very entertaining read and one that is filled with information. The author is a big fan of his subject.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for this title. All opinions are my own.

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Pub date: 30 June 2023

It is so much fun to: Draw Kawaii Style

This book offers a fun guide for those who enjoy making sweet drawings. Included in this title are over 60 lessons, starting with a helpful introduction. Following this are step-by-step instructions on how to draw a variety of animals, people, objects and foods. Choose your favorites. I liked the gardener, the baby and Kimono Girl, and also the cupcake, Ramen noodle bowl and cake slice. Finally, I also liked the umbrella and teapot. Make your own picks, get out your colored pencils and get ready for some enjoyable me time.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 July 2023

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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