Betrayal at Blackthorn Park

A Mystery

By: Julia Kelly

Narrated by: Marisa Calin

"Calin's versatile characterizations, subtle accents, and comfortable pacing capture this privileged world wherein modern ideas clash with traditional values" —AudioFile on The Last Dance of the Debutante

With mystery, intrigue, and the hints of romance international bestselling author Julia Kelly is known for, Evelyne Redfern returns in Betrayal at Blackthorn Park.

Freshly graduated from a rigorous training program in all things spy craft, former typist Evelyne Redfern is eager for her first assignment as a field agent helping Britain win the war. However, when she learns her first task is performing a simple security test at Blackthorn Park, a requisitioned manor house in the sleepy Sussex countryside, she can’t help her initial disappointment. Making matters worse, her handler is to be David Poole, a fellow agent who manages to be both strait-laced and dashing in annoyingly equal measure. However, Evelyne soon realizes that Blackthorn Park is more than meets the eye, and an upcoming visit from Winston Churchill means that security at the secret weapons research and development facility is of the utmost importance.

When Evelyne discovers Blackthorn Park’s chief engineer dead in his office, her simple assignment becomes more complicated. Evelyne must use all of her—and David’s—detection skills to root out who is responsible and uncover layers of deception that could change the course of the war.

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.

Critic reviews

Praise for Betrayal at Blackthorn Park

“Tautly plotted, with layered historical detail and plenty of dry wit, Evelyne's second adventure is a satisfying mystery and a slice of (nearly) top-secret wartime history.” –Shelf Awareness

“Fans of Susan Elia MacNeal’s Maggie Hope series will delight in following the adventures of a promising new World War II spymaster.” –First Clue

“A surprising denouement caps a budding romance in a country torn by war.” –Kirkus Review

"[Evelyne and David's] simmering romantic chemistry and Kelly's talent for brisk pacing win out in the end. Historical mystery fans will make quick work of this one." –Publishers Weekly

Praise for A Traitor in Whitehall

"An exceptional historical murder mystery." –Wall Street Journal

“If you like to mix history with your mystery, then this propulsive novel set in World War II London should be on your TBR list. . . This is a superbly constructed whodunit that pays homage to Agatha Christie’s locked-room mysteries.” –Oprah Daily

“Kelly's narrative zips along. . . a well-plotted start to an entertaining new series.” –Shelf Awareness

"Romance, feminism, and historical detail combine in an exciting new series." –Kirkus Reviews

Can’t wait for the next book

This book was intriguing and I enjoyed it very much. I liked the strong female character. The narrator was good but not great.

Well done listen

I love all things WW2 spys, espionage, etc. while not about the enemy, it’s still a grate listen with Miss Redfern looking into some problems at the Department of Ungentlemanly Warfare. Good mystery in which to lose one self.

Mystery Maven

Good story, interesting plot and characters BUT I was surprised that the same narrator was so disappointing on this title. Too breathy, too annoying and no differentiation between male/female/youth characters. Unfortunate.

Intrigue and plot twists abound

Julia Kelly’s latest mystery is captivating! It’s loaded with intrigue and plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a grown up version of Nancy Drew!

Narration ruined the story

The haunting, whispery, over dramatic narration is distracting to the story. It's so difficult to listen to, I was unable to finish the book. I'm disappointed as I really enjoyed the first book and was interested in following the journey of the lead character. The narration is just horrible. Sad....