Spy and code-breaker extraordinaire Maggie Hope returns to war-weary London, where she is thrust into the dangerous hunt for a monster, as the New York Times bestselling mystery series for fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Charles Todd, and Anne Perry continues. England, 1942. The Nazis’ relentless Blitz may have paused, but London’s nightly blackouts continue. Now, under the cover of darkness, a … cover of darkness, a madman is brutally killing and mutilating young women in eerie and exact re-creations of Jack the Ripper’s crimes. What’s more, he’s targeting women who are reporting for duty to be Winston Churchill’s spies and saboteurs abroad. The officers at MI-5 quickly realize they need the help of special agent Maggie Hope to find the killer dubbed “the Blackout Beast.” A trap is set. But once the murderer has his sights on Maggie, not even Buckingham Palace can protect the resourceful spy from her fate.
Praise for The Queen’s Accomplice
“Maggie is a thoughtful spy whose dangerous escapades never disappoint.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A fine historical mystery given a feminist slant.”—Booklist
“Plausible and elegant . . . Like all MacNeal’s novels, this one ends on a cliffhanger that will leave readers eagerly awaiting Maggie’s next adventure.”—Shelf Awareness
“Works as a suspenseful stand-alone . . . interesting and informative . . . wartime London is vividly portrayed . . . recommended for those who like their historical mysteries with a large dose of suspense.”—Historical Novel Society
“For those who are Maggie Hope diehards, this latest in the series is sure to satisfy.”—Reviewing the Evidence
“MacNeal’s meticulous research shines through on every page, and pays off with a wartime atmosphere that feels real.”—Crimespree Magazine
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4 Stars
Reading this book is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. I’m often very good at predicting what’s coming but not in this book. Even at the last page I was caught – “Wait!!!! What???” Warning: you may as well just order the next book at the same time you get this one.
Love this series! It’s historically accurate. I never knew some of the things noted in the books. Be sure to read the whole series.
Review by Pam
I have now read all of the Maggie Hope Mysteries and loved them all — eagerly awaiting #14!
Mystery thriller
Setting – WWII England and some WWII Germany
Mature audiences
No steamy sex, but we know what’s going on.
There is violence without being sickeningly descriptive, but the concepts are horrifying because one of the thread lines of the story includes a man mimicking Jack-the-Ripper’s crimes. Another gives an account of mistreatment in Ravensbruck, one of the concentration camps in Germany. There is blood and murder.
Some strong language including obscene suggestions directed towards females.
Third person story telling, mostly from Maggie’s point of view, but as necessary it will shift to others’ viewpoints including the villain’s.
Recurring theme: The constant dismissal of women as being weaker and unable to understand the intricacy of a man’s world. (Question: Did wartime Vogue Magazine really include an article or story in which a protagonist kills women for pleasure? I’ll have to re-load the book onto my Kindle to check the author’s facts at the end of the book. If so, SHAME on them!)
Three and a half storylines:
1. Maggie is assigned to try to figure out who is mimicking Jack the Ripper. Meanwhile she has realized from coded messages that one of their agents in France is in trouble, but her superior will not listen to her pleas to send help.
2. Maggie’s 1/2 sister, who has strong moral and religious values, is released from a prisoner of war camp but on condition that she denounce friends within 9 days or be returned.
3. Maggie’s good friends are chosen to train for an assignment as civilian spies in Paris. Will they be compromised? We’ll find out in the sequel.
In spite of the intertwining storylines, the story is never confusing. Characters are clearly defined. The plot moves along well. No parts drag or make the reader wonder why they’re even included.
This is one of the stories in a series, but could probably be read out of sequence.
Highly HIGHLY recommended.
Love the series. Looking forward to reading more of her books. Keep em coming…
It’s hard to say what I liked about this book. I love her books and can hardly wait for the next one. All her books are very realistic of the times.
I’ve read the entire series and this one did not disappoint. Great period piece – brings history alive.
The author carefully researches her subject, so this is a very authentic World War II spy novel with very interesting characters (main character is a woman math major who had been intending to go to MIT). Hard to put these books down; I have read all of them so far, and highly recommend them. Who knew history could be so interesting?
Not an easy read. Maybe a little to real for me. Violent!
I really enjoy these stories about a female WW II spy in Britain.
Relaxing but informative. Not intense but we’ll-written look at “ordinary life” amid famous people during WWII.
Good Summer Read. Basic facts are true ie Serial killer in London during the WWII.
Characters were interesting and opinionated almost to the point of irritability. To me, end of book happened in just several paragraphs when whole book was setting up the ‘mystery’ of the who done it. Overall it was fun to read.
Love this author and the world she created. Hope she keeps writing many more books.
I enjoy this series. Am always waiting for the next book.
Really like this series.
I absolutely love the Maggie Hope series!!
An interesting story, interesting presentation of historical facts with fictional plot. I want to read each of Susan MacNeal’s books. Very enjoyable.
I love the characters and the setting. Have always been fascinated with England and WW11. Author provides wonderful details about time and setting.
It’s a better book than I’m giving it credit for. Given the current situation, the violence against women and the general level of misogyny just left me mad. I love this series, but I’m going to have a hard time reading this one again.