When I read Rhian Tracey's first book in the Bletchley Park Mysteries - 'I, Spy' - I loved it! But...I can honestly say that I loved the sequel - "Hide and Seek' - even more!!
When Ned's mum, Helen Letton, is required to undertake a new job in rural Wales as part of her secret war work, she arranges for Ned to go with her.
Never having left his Bletchley Park home before, life in a small Welsh village is a complete change for Ned, where not everyone is quite so welcoming.
Along with a team of specialists they are tasked with rescuing national treasures and protecting them from the enemy in an abandoned quarry in Manod, Wales.
But when news of their secret mission is leaked to the newspapers, will they be able to continue without putting themselves, and the whole community, in danger?
Rhian really nailed her descriptions of life in the forties, from the way they lived at home, the food they ate during rationing, village life, and their suspicions towards newcomers.
The secretive nature of their work was captured really well, along with the difficulties that this resulted in for all concerned.
I enjoyed the mix of characters, and how each had a problem to overcome caused by the war. It was interesting to read about Anni's background as an Austrian Jew, and the effects on family members when a loved one was missing in action.
This tale covers a fascinating aspect of WW2; the secrecy, friendship and the power of art and music to overcome the odds and bring people together.
If you enjoy reading about this era, then you'll definitely love 'Hide and Seek'. I highly recommend this novel for readers aged nine to adults. It's totally engaging and a perfect period page turner! I do hope this is not the last Bletchley Mystery!
When Ned's mum, Helen Letton, is required to undertake a new job in rural Wales as part of her secret war work, she arranges for Ned to go with her.
Never having left his Bletchley Park home before, life in a small Welsh village is a complete change for Ned, where not everyone is quite so welcoming.
Along with a team of specialists they are tasked with rescuing national treasures and protecting them from the enemy in an abandoned quarry in Manod, Wales.
But when news of their secret mission is leaked to the newspapers, will they be able to continue without putting themselves, and the whole community, in danger?
Rhian really nailed her descriptions of life in the forties, from the way they lived at home, the food they ate during rationing, village life, and their suspicions towards newcomers.
The secretive nature of their work was captured really well, along with the difficulties that this resulted in for all concerned.
I enjoyed the mix of characters, and how each had a problem to overcome caused by the war. It was interesting to read about Anni's background as an Austrian Jew, and the effects on family members when a loved one was missing in action.
This tale covers a fascinating aspect of WW2; the secrecy, friendship and the power of art and music to overcome the odds and bring people together.
If you enjoy reading about this era, then you'll definitely love 'Hide and Seek'. I highly recommend this novel for readers aged nine to adults. It's totally engaging and a perfect period page turner! I do hope this is not the last Bletchley Mystery!