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World War II comes to Farleigh Place, the ancestral home of Lord Westerham and his five daughters, when a soldier with a failed parachute falls to his death on the estate. After his uniform and possessions raise suspicions, MI5 operative and family friend Ben Cresswell is covertly tasked with determining if the man is a German spy. The assignment also offers Ben the chance to be near Lord Westerham’s middle daughter, Pamela, whom he furtively loves. But Pamela has her own secret: she has taken a job at Bletchley Park, the British code-breaking facility.

As Ben follows a trail of spies and traitors, which may include another member of Pamela’s family, he discovers that some within the realm have an appalling, history-altering agenda. Can he, with Pamela’s help, stop them before England falls?

Inspired by the events and people of World War II, writer Rhys Bowen crafts a sweeping and riveting saga of class, family, love, and betrayal.

In Farleigh Field: A Novel of World War II
Rhys Bowen
Pub Date: 3/1/17
Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Historical Fiction
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In Farleigh Field is a historical fiction novel that blends spy action and romance into a story that everyone can enjoy. Rhys Bowen, author of the Molly Murphy mysteries, crafts an intriguing read set in the thick of World War II.

I was quite surprised when this story fully engaged me from the very beginning to the end. I'm not a big history buff and war reads aren't my forte, but In Farleigh Field touches on more than either of those topics. Farleigh Place, the home of the Westerham family, has become occupied by soldiers. Two of Lord Westerham's daughters, Margot and Pamela, are assisting with the war effort although their actual duties are not to be disclosed to their family or friends. During the war the people are cast into a manner of living in which they have to be secretive, to keep sensitive information from reaching the wrong ears, and learn how to live with less. Everyone feels the pressure and suspicions arise as some seem to be doing too well, even with all the rationing, and everyone is aware of the possibility of infiltration by German spies. When a soldier crashes to his death onto Farleigh land with no identification, Ben Cresswell is sent home to investigate. As an agent of MI5, he is also assisting in the war efforts in London.

As the story unravels Ben travels along the country working to uncover a devious plot and sniff out traitors. Along the way readers get a genuine feel of what it must have been like for people during that era. While some, like the RAF pilot Jeremy Prescott, want to fight hard and party even harder others just hoped the war would end soon. Rhys Bowen masterfully weaves in a multitude of different perspectives on the war. Some want the Germans to invade while some couldn't think of what the country would come to should that happen. In Farleigh Field is a lively account even as the characters face dangerous situations.

In Farleigh Field is a story for everyone. There's romance to lighten the serious tone and a sense of adventure that will keep you reading. Rhys Bowen hit all the right notes in this World War II drama!
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

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