[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars This was first class scholarship hands down. I found this account of the Special Operations Executive in Denmark during WW II to be completely fascinating . The book’s step by step explanation of how these operatives from Britain and Denmark helped sow the seeds of resistance against the Germans is a deeply valuable resource to those who wish to know of a lesser known aspect of the Second World War.
NetGalley, Dylan Simon

In A Hundred Years of Spying Phil Carradice gives a nice overview of intelligence work during, primarily, the 20th century. This is a good introduction and suggests many opportunities for a reader to explore certain people or aspects more fully. As he makes clear, the act of spying did not originate in the early 20th century, but that is when it became a standard arm of a nation's defense. Prior to that spies were usually employed for specific purposes rather than an organization of spies maintaining a flow of information as a matter of course. Carridice manages to tell the story as a coherent narrative while also highlighting certain spies and incidents. In this way the reader sees both the bigger picture of how the intelligence community developed over the years as well as the personal aspects of some of the people who played key roles. I would recommend this for anyone wanting a good introduction and overview of modern intelligence gathering. While some with more background may not.. Read more
NetGalley, Jack Messer

‘Nymphomanic’ spy Stella Lonsdale vindicated at last
The Times 07/06/21

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars Books such as this which focus on people of extraordinary courage are fascinating to read. I have read many, MANY WWII era books recently and the more I learn, the more I thirst to discover. British Madge Addy was a remarkable woman, fearless in ways, very enterprising and smart. She worked in the Spanish Civil War as well as WWII. She was a chiropodist in Manchester, a nurse in Spain and a secret agent where she also acted as a courier to deliver messages in the lining of her coat to Portugal, all amazing considering the time and the fact women rarely traveled. She helped organize the Garrow escape line which enabled Allied soldiers to escape. She became an integral link to huge chains. Though Made did not journal she wrote copious letters describing conditions when pleading for aid. The author describes Madge's background and history as well as meticulously-researched details on both wars. This book is a wide look into a completely different world than.. Read more
NetGalley, Brenda Carleton

There is so much we still don't know about the amazing exploits of the offiers of the S.O.E. during WWII - this account of the life and career of Major E C R Barker is one story, and is a stark reminder of the dangers they faced and the intense secrecy of their missions and undertakings.
Books Monthly