Secrets and Spies

Although this is the third book in the Delafield &Malloy investigates series it reads as a stand alone novel and does not detract at all if you have not read the other books.
Set in the early days of World War One when the Lusitania was sunk by a German U boat and the USA had not yet entered the war and were remaining neutral.
German spies were prolific in their actions in New York doing all that they could to prevent ships travelling to Ireland and England by placing bombs on board to blow up mid Atlantic.
Delafield and Malloy play a central part in this story to uncover the spies and bring them to justice.
The characters are well formed and the historical accuracy is amazing especially the use of characters that in reality were part of the espionage at that time
Absolutely brilliant

Secrets and Spies is a story about women, for women. It is set in America during the First World War, and explores the actions taken by women in a totally unexpected way. The two heroines, Ellen and Louisa, become drawn into the war from different sides, Irish and American. They become involved with dangerous German characters who have infiltrated American society. We also learn about the Irish Sinn Fein, or Irish Stevedores, who were to be found loading and unloading ships to help the Germans, not the British.
There are some very graphic images in the story, including the sinking of the Lusitania, describing the panic, confusion and horror of its passengers. The plot effectively builds on factual accounts from the time, and does not shy away from sensitive subjects such as colour prejudice and lesbian relationships.
The secondary plot, the murder of Louisa's father brings a shocking and unexpected conclusion. The ending to the novel brings hope for the future, leaving the reader eager to follow the exploits of Louisa and Ellen. It has been a pleasure to review this unique and interesting novel for NetGalley!

In the third book of the series, Trish MacEnulty brings Lousia and Ellen into the thick of World War I. Ellen and Hester travel to Europe on the doomed Lusitania, setting Ellen on a crash course with the Irish resistance and German spies. Left behind in New York, Louisa hires a new assistant, the widowed Phyllis, who begins to challenge Louisa’s role as a society columnist when Louisa gets embroiled in her own adventures with German spies in New York City. MacEnulty brings several new characters into the story, and the interactions between Louisa, Ellen, and other returning characters with these new characters are dynamic and intriguing. MacEnulty again seamlessly weaves her characters into the historical events of the Lusitania and World War I, bringing in other historical figures as the story demands. Her characters and their relationships are vibrant and lifelike, driving the plot forward and immersing the reader into Louisa and Ellen’s lives, troubles, and triumphs. MacEnulty sets the scene perfectly, bringing the reader into the story and the world immediately, and her setting is equally detailed and immersive. Once again, MacEnulty delivers with the third Delafield and Malloy investigation, bringing Louisa and Ellen’s firm friendship and partnership back for more daring exploits.

An interesting book. Very well written! Great historical elements are written from a unique perspective.

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.