A new series set in the north of England in World War II. It's an easy read, but despite extensive research by the (American?) author, there are some historical inaccuracies that perhaps should have been picked up at the editing stage. And the plot is a little simplistic with a few too many convenient contrivances to be really compelling. But it is the start of a series, and if its promise is fulfilled in future episodes it could take off, with a ready made love interest between our heroine and a shy policeman.

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House Publishing for an e-galley of this novel.

Jessica Ellicott was a new author for me and I'm glad to say I thoroughly enjoyed this first novel in a new series. Ms Ellicott has set her historical mystery in a city that doesn't have the name recognition I am familiar with reading about (Hull) as well as putting her characters in occupations that are slightly unusual. Wilhelmina Harkness has lately suffered the death of her mother in an automobile accident, her father is a prisoner of war and her brother is unaccounted for on the battlefield. Wilhelmina, or Billie as she is called in the story, received a letter from a member of the family she knew nothing about with an invitation to come for a visit to Kingston upon Hull while adjusting to the death of her mother. Billie had wanted to sign up for the war effort but now realizes she can't continue to live in the rectory with the bachelor temporary rector taking her father's place, so she whole heartedly accepts the offer from her cousin Lydia Harkness.

Billie Harkness is hired as the second female constable in Hull and assigned to work with Peter Upton, a special constable who works as a policeman after completing his regular job each day along the docks of the port. During a bombing raid Billie finds the body of a woman in a cafe who was dead before the bombing started. She and Peter have to find ways to work together while they solve this unusual murder mystery.

I liked this plot, writing style and unusual circumstances quite a lot. I can see how Billie and Peter can each use their strengths to make a good team when solving crimes. Both are young, in their early 20s (I think) but both also show a lot of good old fashioned common sense which I appreciate. Having the story set in Hull was quite refreshing and added an aspect of interest to the project that makes me want to read the second book when it is released.

Death in a Blackout is the first book in Ellicott's compelling brand new historical mystery series. Our library has all of Jessica's Beryl and Edwina Mysteries in our collection so it was a no-brainer that we'd buy this one too. It was a great read with excellent characters.

An excellent well written historical mystery novel!!! This book had it all for me. It’s extremely well written with tons of historic detail to the time period, great and relatable characters, and an interesting yet fun plot and storyline. Highly recommend for all mystery lovers. You will not be disappointed!!!