Danger Lurking

The Secret Agent by Elisabeth Hobbes is a marvellous historical novel that will have you gripped from the start.

The novel is set mainly in occupied France during 1944 as we follow the exploits of the resistance and S.O.E as they operate under the nose of the Nazis. They are brave and daring as they plan and carry out acts of sabotage.

Not all Germans were Nazis. The reader witnesses flashes of humanity behind the uniform. We must remember that on every side soldiers had families who would mourn their passing. In contrast to this we view cruel attitudes towards others as evil reigns within.

The brave men and women of the resistance had to be adaptable and think on their feet as not everything went according to plan.

All the characters were well drawn eliciting a variety of responses from the reader.

We see the background story to a character as the novel alternates backwards from 1944. Life events produce choices, choices that eventually lead to where and why a character ends up in 1944.

The Secret Agent was a thrilling read. It was impossible to relax as danger lurked close by. I loved it and hope to read more by Elisabeth Hobbes.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON