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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I have read all of the books in this series and and have preordered the next. Over the series, the character of Maghie has grown as she has experienced more and had to use all of her skills as a British agent and codebreaker during WWII. As a strong and intelligent woman, she has begun more and more to chafe at the way women are perceived and treated in the 1940’s. Good for her.
I have read the other Maggie Hope stories. This one started a little slow, but in the end, it was a good story.
Reading her books is an excellent way to learn more about the top secret history of WWII and the every day lives of the participants.
I liked this book more for the depiction of life in wartime London than for the mystery. However, the mystery all the right elements to keep one guessing. An enjoyable beach read.
Interesting story with good period details. This is the first of the series I’ve read and it makes me want to read more.
An interesting blend of historical characters with fictional ones coping with world war2 London.
Slow and not as good as the earlier books.
This apparently is not a series to come upon in the middle. It was OK reading but much seemed to be missing, like listening to two friends talking about a third that you don’t know. Also, the queen had so little to do with this particular story, hard to see how she became title character.
Wish she didn’t use profanity; otherwise the books are fascinating and exciting.
I loved this book. The topic was not one I would have known about and it was most entertaining.
An excellent portrait of England during WWII. I recommend the entire series.
I am a big fan of Maggie Hope. It was quite a tense adventure to travel with her to Berlin at the height of World War 11. Of course she took more risks than a sensible person would. But as in a real world plot line there were consequences both short term and long term. This sort of honesty is part of what makes me a fan is Susan MacNeal’s books. She doesn’t spare you. Maggie is not just a “pluckie girl”, but much more of a fully formed character. It’s best if you have read the previous books in the series as it gives you back ground into Maggie’s situation, background, relationships and thought processes.
I highly recommend this series for anyone interested in reading about young female adults in breakout roles in England during World War 11. This book wil hod your attention and is likely to teach you some fragments of history as well.
A good story with a couple of mistakes that could have been avoided with a little research. I loved the ending which left me up in the air and anxious to read the following volume
Enjoy this series she has become one of my favorite authors. I now recommend to friends all the time.