The Denehurst Secret Service

Denehurst #1

by Gwendoline Courtney

Genres: School Stories

238 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1940

About the author

Born near Southampton in 1911, Gwendoline Courtney was the daughter of antiques dealer Edwin Courtney, and his wife Joanna. She was distantly related to author and educator Arthur Mee, and first cousins with Phyllis Norris, who wrote a number of books for girls. The family moved to Wallasey when Courtney was young, and she was educated at Oldershaw High School. She worked for a time in her father’s office, before joining Lord Goodman’s staff, during WWII, and prided herself on being the only civilian to work on Operation Overlord. After the deaths of their parents, Courtney and her two sisters lived together for the rest of their lives, moving from place to place - Courtney had sustained an ear injury, during a bomb blast, that made quiet absolutely essential - as the need arose. She died in Shaftesbury, in 1996.

Beginning with Torley Grange, published when when she was twenty-four, Courtney produced thirteen book for young readers. Her work fell out of favor during the 1960s, but she continued to write and lecture extensively. She was very active in various societies related to her interests, such as the West Country Writers Association, the Cornish Cat Society, and the Salisbury Fencing Club. She was also much involved in amateur theatricals, writing, producing and acting in plays.

Reviews

[CLM · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a pity this book is so hard to find because I think many young people would enjoy it.

My review: https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps 3.5 stars. The plot is not entirely believable, as I don't really think an army officer would have confided in and enlisted the help of several teenage girls to unmask a traitor. But the story is fast-paced and keeps the reader interested. Shortly after the beginning of the Second World War, sisters Moira and Elaine are sent to a boarding school in Cornwall, where they are placed in separate houses. Unfortunately the two school houses are in the midst of a feud, so members don't associate with one another outside of class. But the sisters refuse to obey what they feel is a ridiculous demand, and, in then, are instrumental in ending the feud.

[Lady_bercilak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed many family stories by Gwendoline Courtney, but this is the first of her ‘adventure’ stories that I have read. While I didn’t think it was as strong a story as the family stories, I found it an enjoyable read. Set in the Second World War, the story sees two sisters arriving at a boarding school in Cornwall as new pupils, after their parents have to go overseas. Their cousin, who seems to be engaged in some hush-hush war work, asks them to conceal their fluency in the German language and to keep a watch for suspicious activities. The excitement and suspense builds well within the story, and a few suspects and red herrings add to the intrigue. The resolution is satisfying; altogether an enjoyable story.

[Jen Pritchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwendoline Courtney's characters are full of charm and most likeable as is her style of writing. This book, set in a boarding school during war-time, is full of interest as it relates all sorts of war related issues.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad Girls Gone By republished Gwen Courtneys excellent books so a new generation of readers could enjoy them too.