The third and final book in The Codebreakers series, this can easily be read as a stand alone novel, but I’ve enjoyed all three in the series. In this book we meet expert Russian cryptographer Rivon Marin. Forced to flee Russia he’s determined to offer his help to the British in the hope this in turn will help his country. He meets Lily Blackwell who works in British Intelligence as a photographer involved in propaganda and their friendship begins to blossom. But is he as trustworthy as he seems? And what about his Bolshevik brother, also heading for England?
As always with Roseanna White’s books, this is a fast-paced story with an excellent plot and sub-plot, interesting characters, and plenty of tension. What lets it down a bit for a British reader is the far too casual approach to the secrecy involved in Room 40 and the Intelligence Services in general. People just would not have spoken about the work they were doing, even within their families.
On the upside, Lily’s photography work, especially the re-touching for propaganda purposes is interesting and the way her world is described through her eyes makes it very personal for the reader. The plot is gripping and makes the reader want to keep turning the pages!
This is another book which doesn’t ignore harsh realities: there is heartbreak in places, but that helps to keep the feel of the book more grounded. The sense of place and time is generally very well written, and this is another story where the faith is woven seamlessly throughout.
You can read an excerpt here.
9780764231834, Bethany House, out now
Note: for transparency, I was sent an advance copy of this book, but I was not required to write any specific or favourable review. All views herein are my own.
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