An interesting story about the workings of Bletchley Park during World War II. Lots of period detail, including the treatment of women and a few real people thrown in (e.g. Alan Turing). I really enjoyed Robyn’s knowledge about animals and the friendship between the children was lovely. It felt like it was a bit disjointed at times and took a while to get going but it became a gripping adventure.

I found this book quite fascinating to read. It really brought home to me how difficult it must have been living in World War 2 Britain. The children in the story are made to sign the Official Secrets Act, but feel like they don't know what things are secrets and what aren't. They feel like no one is telliing them what is going on and that the adults don't trust them. On the other hand, it doesn't feel like anyone really trusts anyone else either. There is definitely something going on in the park, with secret coded messages being found and the Heron turning up in unexpected places. But is he the spy, or is there someone else?

I really enjoyed learning more about how messenger pigeons were used during the war and found it especially interesting that the Germans might have trained hawks to attack British pigeons (how would the hawks know???). There were points in the book where time jumped forwards and for some reason I found this a little jarring but I feel that this book would be a great addition to any primary classroom where they're learning about World War 2.

Having had an interest in, even having visited, Bletchley Park in the past, I jumped at the chance to request I Spy.

From the very beginning, we're thrown into Robyn's quickly changing world, it's the beginning of World War Two and Bletchley Park is a hive of activity. We see Robyn collecting conkers and climbing trees. Before long, she's set to work in the loft of Bletchley, helping to look after the pigeons, but Robyn thinks there is a spy at Bletchley and makes it her mission to catch them. With the help of her friends, Ned and Mary, Robyn sneaks and snoops around Bletchley, determined to find out what is going on and get the proof she needs to convince the adults of her theory.

I very much enjoyed following Robyn's escapades. Being aware of the context of Bletchley Park made certain elements more exciting to read, but I think that someone with no knowledge would have just as much fun, perhaps more at different times. It was very well balanced for readers with all prior knowledge levels.

Every character felt distinct, with the Heron in particular standing out as being perfectly frustrating.

There were a couple of loose threads that I wish had been wrapped up, but nothing of any significance, just a couple of things that I'd have liked to have seen mentioned in the epilogue.

A wonderful adventure and a book that will take you into the very depths of Bletchley Park and wartime Britain. This book will be a great addition to any Key Stage 2 class studying World Wars. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to share it with others.

My 8 year old daughter found this book really interesting, the characters Robyn, Mary and Ned were a fascinating trio and the carrier pigeons bringing messages from Mr Samuels were a great insight to communication during the war years, so removed from our technology today! We especially love bed were Joy the pigeon saved Robyn by sending a message. We'd love to read more from Rhian Tracey!

Loved the setting in this - Bletchley Park is fascinating and having a kids book set here is a really exciting place for an adventure. The main character and her friends are a great spy crew and I love Robyn’s connection with nature, wildlife and the importance of her role in the pigeon loft. Parts if this mystery were a bit slow and then the ending all happened in a rapid pace. I wish there had been more of a slow reveal of the characters figuring out what was really going on rather than stumbling over the events. I was rooting for them to figure it out!

WW2 is always a popular reading topic with our UKS2 children so I'm always on the look out for new books to add to our library. I thoroughly enjoyed this different perspective on the events which happened at Bletchley Park.
Told using the characters of Robyn (Birdy), Mary and Ned, I was fascinated and intrigued by behind-the-scenes glimpses we get of daily life in Bletchley Park. I found the detail around Robyn's work with the pigeons absolutely fascinating and I'm sure this will inspire children to want to know more about the vital role played by the carrier pigeons.
I'll definitely be purchasing a copy for our school library.

This is the latest of several books that are set at the famous Bletchley Park during the war. In this story, the heroine lives on site and as she is leaving school she is given a job as assistant to the pigeon-loft keeper. Before long, she and her friends are caught up in intrigue as they try and discover if there is a spy working at the park. An excellent look at this period and at the reality of life for quite young people.

A wonderful adventure and a book that will take you into the very depths of Bletchley Park and wartime.

With Robyn, Mary and Ned, the trio are determined to get to the bottom of secrets and mysteries, although given the work at Bletchley, the official secrets act is a bind but what can be done when espionage may be at foot?

It was a really entertaining read and a great children’s book. Filled with friendship, strength through turbulent times and carving out fun during difficulties, I loved the main characters and the whole book really captured what it was like during these times. And it was great reading it from a child’s point of view, as they were out to work during their respective apprenticeships to help with the war.

I seemed to finish it in no time and it was effortless to read. Really enjoyed!