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Kim Maxwell #1

Operation Lightning Bolt

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Hampshire, 1943.

Kim Maxwell has been languishing in the ‘cooler’ in what she sees as punishment for getting caught — and tortured — by the Nazis, before being freed by Resistance fighters and smuggled back into England. Now she is sent for by the head of SOE. This is her chance to prove herself.

A fellow agent has been found murdered. It would seem that Lilian Harvey heard something she shouldn’t have and that her murder was a warning. Setting out to uncover the culprit, Kim spots a strange zigzag pattern on the wall above the bed where the body was found, which Lilian drew using her own blood as she lay dying.

Before Kim knows it, she uncovers evidence that there exists a dark society working in the shadows and she realizes the Nazis are not England’s only enemy.

When she meets the mysterious yet captivating Roland, aka Red Fox, they embark on a mission to solve the murder — all the while being drawn to each other and further into trouble.

But in order to expose this dangerous web of deceit, Kim must go back into the heart of occupied France — and into the hands of the enemy . . .

Audio CD

First published September 8, 2022

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121 people want to read

About the author

Hilary Green

46 books613 followers
Hilary Green is a trained actress and spent many years teaching drama. She has always written, producing novels, scripts for the BBC, and short stories, one of which one the Kythira Prize awarded by the Historical Novel Society.

When not writing she gardens, rides horses, walks in the countryside and plays bridge as well as enjoying travel and has been round the world several times. Hilary is married, a grown-up son and two grandchildren.

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5 stars
219 (53%)
4 stars
126 (30%)
3 stars
59 (14%)
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6 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Brenda.
5,102 reviews3,019 followers
November 9, 2022
It was 1943 in Hampshire when Kim Maxwell was returned to active duty. She'd been operating in France and was caught by the Nazis, tortured and left to die. She was fortunate to be rescued by the Resistance and returned to England. Now recovered - although possibly not mentally - Kim was keen to be involved once again. Investigating the death of one of their agents, Kim was shocked at what she discovered.

With the assistance of another operator, and under the orders of M from London, Kim and Roland worked at uncovering the traitors who were working with the Nazis, but in England. But Kim could see that the only way to get to the heart of it was to return to France, to the place she'd felt the most fear she had ever felt...

Operation Lightning Bolt is an exceptional historical mystery by Hilary Green, set during WWII, with lots of action and plenty of heart-in-mouth scenes. This is my first by this author, and I'll be looking for more of her work. Set in both the south of England and France, the interactions of the Resistance, their efforts to foil the Nazis plans, the amount of people who were on the side of the French, but also the traitors who thought Germany would win the war - all made for fascinating reading. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for "Avonna.
1,468 reviews589 followers
September 12, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

OPERATION LIGHTNING BOLT by Hilary Green is a WWII historical mystery set in both France and England featuring a dogged young female spy in a race to uncover a plot on English soil that could change the outcome of the war. This is a standalone mystery full of intrigue and mystery.

Lieutenant Katherine “Kim” Maxwell is a member of the SOE. She has been recuperating in Scotland since her retrieval by the French Resistance from her Nazis captors. When a friend and fellow agent is found murdered, Kim is sent by Brigadier Colin “M” Gubbins to investigate in the guise of a teacher at her old spy school.

Kim is aided by one of her students, Roland “Foxy” and they uncover a shadow group of Nazi sympathizers who are ready to attempt a change in the English government at the very top and the English position in the war.

This historical mystery has fully drawn main characters that were interesting, and I was sorry to see their storyline end. Kim is a smart and spirited main character who was just as able as any male spy in this book which I enjoyed. She did not wait for a rescue from her romantic interest. The mystery plot itself is well paced and has some twists, but it was also easy to anticipate many of the pivotal plot points. That said, it was a well-researched historical novel and a very enjoyable read with engaging characters that I am sorry to say goodbye to.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,282 reviews69 followers
September 8, 2022
1942 After recovering from her latest mission Lieutenant Katerine 'Kim' Maxwell is sent to the Special Operations Executive's 'finishing school' at Beaulieu. Her mission is to investigate the death of Mrs Lillian Harvey, another operator. But the case becomes more dangerous than initially thought and more complicated.
An entertaining, well-written World War II spy mystery and thriller. With its cast of interesting and varied characters.
Profile Image for Lisa .
844 reviews51 followers
August 14, 2023
Outstanding Read!

This one takes off like a rocket from the very first page and the action doesn't stop until the last page. The very real dangers faced by agents in France weren't sugar coated. The author's fictional characters mesh smoothly with the historical ones connected to the SOE during World War II. The fictional characters are fabulous and I look forward to reading more about Lt. Katherine Maxwell's missions.
Profile Image for Christina O’Keefe.
301 reviews50 followers
September 19, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hampshirite, 1943.
What is the Blitzschlag??

Read if you like:
- history!
- Mexican gothic
- CSI type examinations of bodies 💀
- military thrillers
- bad-a** lady heroes

This is a spy-type mystery/thriller in which a bad-ass lady boss lieutenant Kim seeks to solve a mystery involving one of her old coworkers. She is sent to a sort of finishing school to investigate the murder, along with one of her students Roxy. One word is sent out over the transistor “blitzschlag” which translates to “lightning”, but what does it mean?? Are we in danger?? Why was it sent in German and not translated??
This book does as too many so often do; started out strong and interesting but lagged and dragged on too much in the middle. I did enjoy the ending though I do have to admit, but it feels like there’s too much unnecessary filler in the middle.
Overall this book was unlike something I’ve really ever read before, and it was definitely enjoyable to read something different. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something unlike other mysteries.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Joffe Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review 💕
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,026 reviews56 followers
September 12, 2022
Anybody who knows me well, knows that not only am I a book geek but I am also a history nerd, with a particular interest in the Second World War. So you can probably imagine how excited I was to read the synopsis of 'Operation Lightning Bolt'. I couldn't wait to start reading and so without further ado, I grabbed my Kindle, grabbed a cup of tea and settled down for what proved to be one hell of an afternoon of reading. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Operation Lightning Bolt' but more about that in a bit.

As soon as I started reading, I realised that I was reading something special and that I wouldn't be able to put this book to one side for any length of time. I was correct on both counts. I had initially picked the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters to say that I had made a start but I became so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the different characters that I was still sat there three hours later. I just couldn't put the book down. My Kindle wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. For me, this book was the equivalent of watching a Hollywood blockbuster movie- there was drama, intrigue, shocks, trauma, twists and turns aplenty. I soon got to the end of 'Operation Lightning Bolt' and I had to bid farewell to the different characters. I found 'Operation Lightning Bolt' to be a gripping, tense and dramatic read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

'Operation Lightning Bolt' is superbly written. Hilary has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. She certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Hilary has clearly done an awful lot of research into the period in which the story takes place and this shines through in the quality of her writing and makes the story seem that bit more authentic. Reading 'Operation Lightning Bolt' felt like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I love the way in which Hilary makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Operation Lightning Bolt' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Hilary's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Profile Image for Leigh.
1,185 reviews
April 22, 2024
I have fallen behind in checking on favourite authors especially since book depository shut down so I as surprised and happy to discover Hilary Green had not one but two new books out. I later discovered she also has two books out under another name so the next few months look good for me, I have yet to be disappointed by her. Onto the book. What starts out as a murder mystery so becomes a wild spy thriller with secret double agents and a possible coup involving the Duke of Windsor which reminds me I need to read The Traitor King one -of these days. Based on that book the events here could've been somewhat true. Anyway an SOE agent is found dead in her room ruled suicide at first it soon becomes murder. Enter Katherine Maxwell, code name Maxine or Max also called Kim which I didn't understand until I realized her initials spelled Kim. Kim is back from France after she was captured and tortured by the gestapo. Since the murder victim is a secret agent she's asked to investigate. Beginning with the mysterious lightning bolt the victim wrote in blood above her bed and the fact that the last known person to have seen her mumbled about thunderstorms in his sleep and is now in the hands of the gestapo after sending out one word in his only radio transmission which was lightning bolt Kim figures there is something being plotted. With the help of a promising if slightly shady new recruit called Roland or Foxy, they begin to dig into this mysterious plot, a plot that someone is desperate to keep secret. Kim will return to France to try to save the young man who is being tortured for saying lightning bolt, Roland (I can't say Foxy with a straight face) will infiltrate some seedy places to get to the bottom of things. I have to say the story did grip me from page one and was a much quicker read than expected. Lots of suspense and tension, even though you know at least Kim will make it you don't know how she does. It's less murder mystery in fact the reveal of the actual killer is kind of buried as its a small part of a very large plot. But still a very engaging and entertaining read and I'm excited to see where Kim and Roland go next.
1,365 reviews
September 19, 2022
This is one of a series (all are standalones) of historical fiction.

This story follows WW2 SOE operative Kim Maxwell, who after surviving capture and torture by the Nazis in occupied France, returns to England and is called upon to investigate the gruesome death of a fellow operative. Lily was able to leave behind a drawing of a lightning bolt in her own blood before she died. But what does it signify? Is there a mole at work? Are sympathetic organizations in England at work to further their Nazi agendas? “Max” must return undercover to France to rescue a captive agent who might have all the answers.

I enjoyed this one more than expected. Well written, Max is a tenacious and very brave woman, jumping into some white-knuckle moments filled with adventure and danger. There’s a little unexpected romance along the way as well. I might just read another in this series.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing the free arc of Operation Lightning Bolt for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
47 reviews
November 12, 2022
The book by Hilary Green is a historical fiction novel and spy thriller set during World War II. The plot, which is set between England and France, features a spirited, touch, and extremely intelligent young female spy who has returned to the field after recuperating from a Nazi imprisonment.

Lieutenant Katherine "Kim" Maxwell was sent to investigate the murder of a friend and fellow agent in France. She is sent as an undercover teacher at the spy school. With the help of one of her students, they discover a group of Nazi sympathizers attempting to topple the English leadership and negatively impact the English effect on the war.

Hilary Green excels at character development, with numerous interesting characters who keep you engaged. The plot had interesting surprises including an exceptional ending. My only hesitancy in giving a 5 star rating is that the middle of the story is a little slow and some of the twists are predictable and not surprsing.

Overall an entertaining book. I will look for more books by Hilary Green in the future.
Profile Image for Ronald.
306 reviews
August 21, 2024
Operation Lightning Bolt is quite an intense novel, with many twists and turns as the heroine, Kim, gets deeply involved in trying to solve a murder and becomes involved in spying for the British government during World War II. Overall I enjoyed reading the story, it was well-written and kept bringing up new aspects to be pursued by Kim and those associated with her.
There are quite a few different characters in the story and it was a bit difficult to keep track of "who was who" at times. The descriptions of London and France and other areas were well done, and the characters, good and bad, were well developed I thought. The story also depicts the hurt, pain, suffering, and deaths, people went through as they fought the Nazis and Nazi sympathizers.
My biggest complaint about the book was the love-making sections. They didn't add anything to the context of the story and I feel took away from the intensity and flow of the overall story. They were like an unwanted and unwarranted interruption to quite a good story.
Profile Image for Kelly.
218 reviews3 followers
January 23, 2023
Wow what an intriguing WWII mystery!
I started off reading a chapter or two here and there and then snowballed into I have to finish this book!
Mystery, intrigue, thriller with a bit of a love story thrown in for good measure,
There were several times in the book I had to stop and look up a part of history to see if it actually happened or if it was a fictional side of things. I really enjoy learning details of what the SOE did and how they truly risked everything for their country, The fascist plots in London were all new to me and something I will be delving into more.
A wonderful first read by Hilary Green. I am looking forward to reading another from this series,
Thanks to Net Galley and Joffe Books for the advanced copy.
Profile Image for Beachcomber.
901 reviews30 followers
February 12, 2025
4.5 stars. An excellent WW2 spy mystery with a hint of romance. Kim/Max is a feisty and talented female spy and Foxy is clearly a born secret agent thanks to his history as a con man turned good guy. There was a good sense of time and atmosphere, pacing and plot, and I hope that although we don’t see how Kim/Foxy’s future pans out as the war is still on going, that they end up living happily ever after given all their service. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and will see what else the author has written in a similar vein

I received a free ARC copy of this book via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review. Apologies for the delay in providing this but I hope the genuinely positive review makes up for this!
646 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2022
A Brilliant Book

Kim is a secret agent and had been in France before being captured and tortured by the Germans. Due to the bravery of French resistant workers she was rescued and managed to get home. Now her life is in danger again when a new recruit, Lucien, is sent to France and is immediately captured by the German army. Before being taken Lucien manages to send a one word message, Lightning, back to England, and it is up to Kim to find out what he meant and to find Lucien himself. Set in the New Forest, Hampshire, this book kept me gripped from beginning to end, and is one of the best books I have read so far this year. Would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
Profile Image for Becca.
240 reviews22 followers
September 21, 2022
3.5 stars - A fast-paced, enjoyable WWII spy thriller, Operation Lightning Bolt had me on the edge of my seat — I stayed up far past bedtime because I needed to know what happened! This is not a deeply emotional read, which actually works well because the story is so intense (though never gratuitous), you, much like the characters, just need to keep moving so you don't get bogged down by the horror of the war. If you're up to it, and certainly if you're a fan of the genre, consider adding this one to your list. My thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Eala.
54 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2022
Having read previous Hilary Green novels a number of years ago, I was excited to start Operation Lightning Bolt and it did not disappoint. I do enjoy historical fiction from this era and Hilary Green perfectly captures the drama, the danger, the intrigue that goes hand in hand with SOE. It was a genuinely gripping page-turner. My only issue was that it is immediately obvious who the traitor is, but none of the SOE agents seem to realise! I felt that really wasn't believable, considering how clever and well trained they supposedly were. My sincere thanks to Joffe Books for an advance copy for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Kindlelover 1220.
865 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2023
Kim is an agent who was recently freed from the Nazis. She returns to England and soon discovers that another agent was murdered. Before Lilian passed, she left clues behind about a a secret society that is coming to fruition. Now Kim needs to solve her murder, while hiding from the Nazis and look for that secret society. A thrilling historical fiction story with a breathtaking plot and great characters.

Disclaimer: Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Aileen  (Ailz) Grist.
748 reviews15 followers
September 13, 2022
A well written, pacy and exciting story set during WWII. A good cast of characters drawn from all echelons of British society and involving Maquis, SOE and codebreakers.

Loved it. Kept vanishing on our guests to go and read some more.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
3 reviews
Read
January 18, 2024
Not brilliant

Reasonable plot, but poorly executed with unbelievable holes. Attention to detail not good 're vehicles, aircraft and equipment mentioned e.g. a multi engined Lysander and Witley bomber described as a small plane????????
55 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2022
An absolutely brilliant read. Great characters and a fast moving plot that held me gripped. With a World War II setting and many twists and turns the story felt lifelike and comp[elling.
Profile Image for Renny deGroot.
Author 13 books31 followers
September 29, 2022
Great Characters

I enjoyed the complexity of the plot, and loved the main character along with the secondary ones. Great story - kept me interested from start to finish.
34 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2023
Great story

Beaut characters with strong storyline that's why I like World War 1 and 2 stories and so many brave people.
2 reviews
August 4, 2024
Riveting page turner - looking forward to reading more of Hillary's books!
Profile Image for Fi.
697 reviews
December 31, 2025
Hilary Green has to be one of my favourite authors of this genre, and this did not disappoint!
315 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and will look for volume 2.
Julian Tremayne, East Yorkshire
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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