Secrets and Spies

The moat entertaining part of the Delafield & Malloy historical mystery series is the sleight-of-hand the author uses to place her sleuths at the center of historical events. Some historical writers use a crowbar; Trish MacEnulty uses a scalpel.The setting this time is 1915. America has not yet formally entered the war, but it’s hinted that American ships are secretly supplying the British, who are desperate for succor. New York City is full of clandestine agents for both sides, jockeying for position. Society writer Louisa Delafield is contemplating an offer of marriage. Her assistant Ellen Malloy is about to cross the sea to Ireland, where her father is on the edge of death. The ship she’s booked on is called the Lusitania. It’s the fate of that ship which will turn them both into double agents working for both the British and the Germans.There’s no rah-rah cheering in this book. There are villains and victims on both sides (on all three sides, we’re privy through Ellen to the attempts of the Irish to get out from under the British yoke; they’re not afraid of skullduggery to achieve their aims.). It’s a layered, considered view that we’re presented with, which makes for a rich narrative, allowing MacEnulty to give voice to everyone from Jane Hull to Sir Roger Casement. And these momentous happenings will overturn Louisa and Ellen’s private lives profoundly. Some of the regular characters we’ve come to depend on may not survive; it’s war after all, even if it’s undeclared.Don’t get me wrong: there’s excitement aplenty, treachery at every turn, and courage in great measure, as we’ve come to expect from Delafield and Malloy. I look forward eagerly to the next installment.

I typical stay away from wartime stories. But the cover of this one caught my eye. Isn't her hair glorious??! I like that the story includes an actual historic event. The sinking of a ship was dramatic and full of details from a personal perspective of Ellen as she is heading home for her dying father. I like how the society writer is also Ellen's boss and how they work quietly behind the scenes to enact change. The story was interesting and I liked it.

Reading a modern historical novel that interjects more inclusive and progressive thinking while not ignoring the actual more restrictive social rules of the time is really enjoyable. This is the 3rd book of the series and each one has been better than the last. I'm really enjoying the characters and the storylines. Well done!