I loved reading When the Germans Come by David Hewson.

It is an outstanding mix of historical fiction and compelling murder mystery/suspense. Set in 1940 with the threat of Nazi invasion in the air, the story paints an authentic-feeling picture of wartime Britain. The characters are cleverly crafted—Louis Renard, a wounded ex-detective, is both compelling and flawed as all book-heroes should be, while Jessica Marshall, the determined, naive Canadian journalist, adds an engaging and fem-fatale perspective as she chases down a story with life-threatening stakes that the Army simply does not want told

The setting and atmosphere feel completely authentic, capturing the fear, uncertainty, and resilience of a small town on the brink of invasion. The murder mystery at the heart of the story is both sensible and believable, weaving seamlessly into the larger context of war and espionage. Hewson’s ability to balance historical detail with a tight, suspenseful plot is evident, keeping the reader engaged until the big reveal. The story’s atmosphere of danger and intrigue is palpable, and the exploration of moral dilemmas in wartime adds another thoughtful layer. This is a book where everything works well—the characters, the plot, and the richly created setting combine to make it a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

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