MYSTERY

Princess Elizabeth’s Spy: A Maggie Hope Mystery

by Susan Elia MacNeal
. October 2012. 352p. 978-0-55359-936-4. 15.
COPY ISBN
Churchill and the crew at 10 Downing Street move their fledgling spy, ­Maggie Hope, into Windsor Castle ostensibly as a math tutor for 14-year-old Princess ­Elizabeth, but really because they’ve been alerted to a possible kidnapping plot. While Maggie learns the ins and outs of royal society, she also endears herself to Elizabeth and her sister Margaret by teaching them simple codes and math games. Then one of the ladies-in-waiting is killed on the grounds, and Maggie finds an unexpected clue in the victim’s bookcase. As in all good spy thrillers, the clock is ticking, and soon Maggie’s job will be more dangerous and complicated than she calculated.
VERDICT MacNeal’s sophomore historical outing (after Mr. Churchill’s Secretary) synchronizes perfectly with the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. With a smart, code-breaking mathematician heroine, abundant World War II spy intrigue, and a whiff of romance, this series has real luster. The author leaves readers with a mind-boggling conclusion that hints at Maggie’s next assignment.
Reviewed by Sue White , Sep 01, 2012
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby
by Lloyd, Ellery
FICTION

A Lovely Lie
by Hendricks, Jaime Lynn
FICTION

Joe Hustle
by Lange, Richard
FICTION

A World of Hurt
by Mejia, Mindy
FICTION

Shades of Mercy
by Borgos, Bruce
FICTION

The Burning
by Castillo, Linda
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?