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Hide and Seek: a Bletchley Park mystery
A thrilling mystery adventure based on true historical events, from the author of I, A BLETCHLEY PARK MYSTERY.
Before the war starts, Ned is resigned to a future working in the family funeral parlour. Then the covert operations at Bletchley Park begin and his life is transformed.
Ned and his mother leave Bletchley Park on a vital wartime mission into the remote Welsh countryside. Their to protect the priceless artwork that is being stored in a slate mine in the village of Manod. As long as its whereabouts are secret, they'll keep the national treasures out of the hands of the enemy.
But when it appears that someone in the village is trying to expose the truth, suspicion turns to the newcomers - Ned, his mother, and a young Jewish refugee, Anni. Can Ned, Anni and their friend Harri prove their loyalty to the mission and keep the secret safe?
A gripping wartime story, perfect for fans of Phil Earle, Robin Stevens, Lesley Parr and Hilary McKay.
Before the war starts, Ned is resigned to a future working in the family funeral parlour. Then the covert operations at Bletchley Park begin and his life is transformed.
Ned and his mother leave Bletchley Park on a vital wartime mission into the remote Welsh countryside. Their to protect the priceless artwork that is being stored in a slate mine in the village of Manod. As long as its whereabouts are secret, they'll keep the national treasures out of the hands of the enemy.
But when it appears that someone in the village is trying to expose the truth, suspicion turns to the newcomers - Ned, his mother, and a young Jewish refugee, Anni. Can Ned, Anni and their friend Harri prove their loyalty to the mission and keep the secret safe?
A gripping wartime story, perfect for fans of Phil Earle, Robin Stevens, Lesley Parr and Hilary McKay.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2024
About the author
Rhian Tracey
14 books6 followersTRUE COLOURS is Rhian Tracey's fourth book for Bloomsbury, and the first for a younger readership. Rhian has a BA in English Literature from Aberystwyth University and a PGCE in English and Drama Teaching from Cheltenham and Gloucester University. She works as an English and Drama teacher in Brackley. She has written stories since she was five years old.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 28, 2024
When I read Rhian Tracey's first book in the Bletchley Park Mysteries - 'I, Spy' - I loved it! But...I can honestly say that I loved the sequel - "Hide and Seek' - even more!!
When Ned's mum, Helen Letton, is required to undertake a new job in rural Wales as part of her secret war work, she arranges for Ned to go with her.
Never having left his Bletchley Park home before, life in a small Welsh village is a complete change for Ned, where not everyone is quite so welcoming.
Along with a team of specialists they are tasked with rescuing national treasures and protecting them from the enemy in an abandoned quarry in Manod, Wales.
But when news of their secret mission is leaked to the newspapers, will they be able to continue without putting themselves, and the whole community, in danger?
Rhian really nailed her descriptions of life in the forties, from the way they lived at home, the food they ate during rationing, village life, and their suspicions towards newcomers.
The secretive nature of their work was captured really well, along with the difficulties that this resulted in for all concerned.
I enjoyed the mix of characters, and how each had a problem to overcome caused by the war. It was interesting to read about Anni's background as an Austrian Jew, and the effects on family members when a loved one was missing in action.
This tale covers a fascinating aspect of WW2; the secrecy, friendship and the power of art and music to overcome the odds and bring people together.
If you enjoy reading about this era, then you'll definitely love 'Hide and Seek'. I highly recommend this novel for readers aged nine to adults. It's totally engaging and a perfect period page turner! I do hope this is not the last Bletchley Mystery!
When Ned's mum, Helen Letton, is required to undertake a new job in rural Wales as part of her secret war work, she arranges for Ned to go with her.
Never having left his Bletchley Park home before, life in a small Welsh village is a complete change for Ned, where not everyone is quite so welcoming.
Along with a team of specialists they are tasked with rescuing national treasures and protecting them from the enemy in an abandoned quarry in Manod, Wales.
But when news of their secret mission is leaked to the newspapers, will they be able to continue without putting themselves, and the whole community, in danger?
Rhian really nailed her descriptions of life in the forties, from the way they lived at home, the food they ate during rationing, village life, and their suspicions towards newcomers.
The secretive nature of their work was captured really well, along with the difficulties that this resulted in for all concerned.
I enjoyed the mix of characters, and how each had a problem to overcome caused by the war. It was interesting to read about Anni's background as an Austrian Jew, and the effects on family members when a loved one was missing in action.
This tale covers a fascinating aspect of WW2; the secrecy, friendship and the power of art and music to overcome the odds and bring people together.
If you enjoy reading about this era, then you'll definitely love 'Hide and Seek'. I highly recommend this novel for readers aged nine to adults. It's totally engaging and a perfect period page turner! I do hope this is not the last Bletchley Mystery!
April 14, 2024
On the mountain - which was called Manod Mawr, according to the driver - the steep slate path was framed with tall white grasses and fans of green ferns clumped with snow… and not a barrage balloon in sight, Ned noticed; there wasn’t much need to force enemy aircraft to greater heights, he supposed, not out here in the wilderness of Wales. He wondered if the enemy had even heard of Wales
…
Hide and Seek is the second book in the Second World War A Bletchley Park Mystery series which follows on shortly after the events in I, Spy finish
Non spoilery review ⬇️
Suitable for upper middle grade readers. Hide and Seek focuses on Ned a young lad and his mother Helen.
Ned has never left Bletchley Park till his mother takes him on a train with her to Wales on some Secret War Work (which you can find out more about by reading the book)
Where they go to stay with Mrs Thomas and her son Harri, Mary the evacuee and Kip Mrs Thomas’s dog. But not everyone in the small remote village is happy about the arrivals of strangers.
Then word of their top-secret mission ends up in the newspapers, and the community is put in danger. Can young Ned gain the trust of the villagers and help keep his mother’s work from falling into the wrong hands?
I devoured this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book despite having family over to visit. I think it may even be better than book one.
I learned a lot about what went on in Wales during ww2 which I’m ashamed to say being Welsh I didn’t know much about.
I do hope there will be a book three coming in the future.
I’ve said it before but I could definitely see this series becoming a cosy Sunday Tea Time BBC series.
…
Hide and Seek is the second book in the Second World War A Bletchley Park Mystery series which follows on shortly after the events in I, Spy finish
Non spoilery review ⬇️
Suitable for upper middle grade readers. Hide and Seek focuses on Ned a young lad and his mother Helen.
Ned has never left Bletchley Park till his mother takes him on a train with her to Wales on some Secret War Work (which you can find out more about by reading the book)
Where they go to stay with Mrs Thomas and her son Harri, Mary the evacuee and Kip Mrs Thomas’s dog. But not everyone in the small remote village is happy about the arrivals of strangers.
Then word of their top-secret mission ends up in the newspapers, and the community is put in danger. Can young Ned gain the trust of the villagers and help keep his mother’s work from falling into the wrong hands?
I devoured this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book despite having family over to visit. I think it may even be better than book one.
I learned a lot about what went on in Wales during ww2 which I’m ashamed to say being Welsh I didn’t know much about.
I do hope there will be a book three coming in the future.
I’ve said it before but I could definitely see this series becoming a cosy Sunday Tea Time BBC series.
February 29, 2024
The second book in the Bletchley Park Mystery series is similar to the first in terms of being named after a well-known children's game and having a Famous Five feel to it (especially the front cover which sums up the story in a single illustration) as well as drawing attention to lesser known aspects of Second World War history in an accessible way by setting a fictional piece around true events.
However, there's a new gang of three for the reader to follow as Ned (one of the trio from the first novel) leaves Bletchley Park when his mother's secret war work protecting important artwork from the enemy takes them to the remote Welsh village of Manod - much to the displeasure of his disapproving father whose argument with Ned's mother about the move opens proceedings.
While the concise chapters ought to ensure that events move at a fast yet digestible pace, the tale doesn't really get going until approximately 100 pages in when news of what is happening in Manod is leaked to a local newspaper, prompting everyone to look at each other suspiciously while, as part of the attempt to keep the mission confidential, Ned and his new colleagues Anni and Harri (plus Kip the Guide Dog) run an errand to take a picture back to London which ultimately sees Ned reunite with Robyn and Mary from the first book...
However, there's a new gang of three for the reader to follow as Ned (one of the trio from the first novel) leaves Bletchley Park when his mother's secret war work protecting important artwork from the enemy takes them to the remote Welsh village of Manod - much to the displeasure of his disapproving father whose argument with Ned's mother about the move opens proceedings.
While the concise chapters ought to ensure that events move at a fast yet digestible pace, the tale doesn't really get going until approximately 100 pages in when news of what is happening in Manod is leaked to a local newspaper, prompting everyone to look at each other suspiciously while, as part of the attempt to keep the mission confidential, Ned and his new colleagues Anni and Harri (plus Kip the Guide Dog) run an errand to take a picture back to London which ultimately sees Ned reunite with Robyn and Mary from the first book...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2024
Hide and Seek
By Rhian Tracey
Published by Bonnier Books
Another thrilling historical adventure from Rhian Tracey, the author of I, SPY: A BLETCHLEY PARK MYSTERY.
All Ned knows is that his future is working in the family funeral parlour, but after the
covert operations at Bletchley Park begin his life is transformed.
Vital wartime missions take Ned and his mum into the remote Welsh countryside. No word can be uttered to anyone, not even Ned’s father.
Their task: to protect the priceless artwork that is being stored in a slate mine in the village of Manod. This top secret mission, to keep the national treasures out of the hands of the enemy is no mean feet. And so the team of fearless, loyal and brave characters are born. Ned, his mother, Harri a new recruit and a young Jewish refugee, Anni have everything to prove to keep their secret mission on track and the priceless art safe.
A gripping wartime story, full of twists and turns, perfect for fans of Phil Earle, Lesley Parr and Hilary McKay. A must for all KS2 teachers, sharing historical knowledge, full of compassion and loyalty to the last word.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley
By Rhian Tracey
Published by Bonnier Books
Another thrilling historical adventure from Rhian Tracey, the author of I, SPY: A BLETCHLEY PARK MYSTERY.
All Ned knows is that his future is working in the family funeral parlour, but after the
covert operations at Bletchley Park begin his life is transformed.
Vital wartime missions take Ned and his mum into the remote Welsh countryside. No word can be uttered to anyone, not even Ned’s father.
Their task: to protect the priceless artwork that is being stored in a slate mine in the village of Manod. This top secret mission, to keep the national treasures out of the hands of the enemy is no mean feet. And so the team of fearless, loyal and brave characters are born. Ned, his mother, Harri a new recruit and a young Jewish refugee, Anni have everything to prove to keep their secret mission on track and the priceless art safe.
A gripping wartime story, full of twists and turns, perfect for fans of Phil Earle, Lesley Parr and Hilary McKay. A must for all KS2 teachers, sharing historical knowledge, full of compassion and loyalty to the last word.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley
February 20, 2024
This is an interesting mystery/adventure story aimed at young adults. It is set in World War 2. It is the second book from the “Bletchley Park Mystery” series.
Ned and his mother leave Bletchley Park for the remote village of Manod in Wales. His mother was sent there to carry out secret war work in connection with protecting artwork from the enemy.
In Monod, they have to deal with some hostility from the locals and danger from a leak, which puts the whole community at risk.
Aided by Harri, Anni and Kip, the guide dog, Ned is thrown into adventure, danger and must learn to stand on his own two feet. His escapades take him both back to Bletchley Park and to London, where he meets up with his old friends from the “I, Spy” book, Robyn and Mary.
There are some nice historical references and it may stimulate the reader to want to research more about that period in history, particularly about art. There is an interesting chapter at the end of the book titled “Historical Notes”, which is worth reading.
At times I felt the flow of the story was a little vague and there were parts where I felt it lost direction and depth but the characters were interesting, there was a strong storyline, and I would recommend it.
Ned and his mother leave Bletchley Park for the remote village of Manod in Wales. His mother was sent there to carry out secret war work in connection with protecting artwork from the enemy.
In Monod, they have to deal with some hostility from the locals and danger from a leak, which puts the whole community at risk.
Aided by Harri, Anni and Kip, the guide dog, Ned is thrown into adventure, danger and must learn to stand on his own two feet. His escapades take him both back to Bletchley Park and to London, where he meets up with his old friends from the “I, Spy” book, Robyn and Mary.
There are some nice historical references and it may stimulate the reader to want to research more about that period in history, particularly about art. There is an interesting chapter at the end of the book titled “Historical Notes”, which is worth reading.
At times I felt the flow of the story was a little vague and there were parts where I felt it lost direction and depth but the characters were interesting, there was a strong storyline, and I would recommend it.
February 23, 2024
Its 1942, and Ned along with his mother leave Bletchley Park to do important war work, this will take them to a village in Wales called Manod. They are billeted with many others, including a young jewish refugee girl Anni, whom Ned soon becomes friends with as she shows him around the neighbourhood and explains who everyone is. Ned doesn't know what to make of Harri though, is he friendly or just a bit offish as he tries to make fun of Ned at every opportunity. But soon there is a bigger problem as it seems that someone has leaked to a newspaper in Liverpool, a story which sounds just like what is happening in Manod! Soon everyone is looking suspiciously at everyone else and trying to work out who would have leaked out this information, information that is definitely not allowed during wartime, if this got into the hands of the enemy it would be devastating.
As the story progresses, there is plenty of action, and although it's a young adult book, it has a good storyline, and I really enjoyed reading it. If you loved reading Famous Five books as a child, you will enjoy reading this. The front cover is appealing with its design, and this actually depicts part of what happened. A five-star read from me, and I will definitely read more from this author.
As the story progresses, there is plenty of action, and although it's a young adult book, it has a good storyline, and I really enjoyed reading it. If you loved reading Famous Five books as a child, you will enjoy reading this. The front cover is appealing with its design, and this actually depicts part of what happened. A five-star read from me, and I will definitely read more from this author.
March 10, 2024
This is the second book in the Bletchley Park mystery and I was delighted to get a chance to continue the story of Ned and his mother Helen.
In this story the pair have left Bletchley behind and have transferred their work to Wales and are now living in Manod Mawr a small town which is unsuspectingly hiding priceless artwork from the National Gallery in London to keep it safe whilst the second world war continues. Living with Mrs Thomas and her son Harri, her guide dog Kip and a young Austrian Jewish girl Anni. Not everyone is pleased by the arrival of outsiders to the village and after there is a leak of information in the Liverpool Echo about what is actually going on in Manod, suspicion begins to fall on the residents and in particular the newcomers.
Ned works hard to convince the villagers that what is going on is innocent and to prevent his mother’s work from falling into the wrong hands and when she is not contactable after she returns to London he heads off with Harri and Kip to find her and deliver a painting ready for display.
This is a lovely history lesson in a book, how some people had important roles to do in the war effort at home to maintain morale amongst the people as much as they did fighting overseas.
In this story the pair have left Bletchley behind and have transferred their work to Wales and are now living in Manod Mawr a small town which is unsuspectingly hiding priceless artwork from the National Gallery in London to keep it safe whilst the second world war continues. Living with Mrs Thomas and her son Harri, her guide dog Kip and a young Austrian Jewish girl Anni. Not everyone is pleased by the arrival of outsiders to the village and after there is a leak of information in the Liverpool Echo about what is actually going on in Manod, suspicion begins to fall on the residents and in particular the newcomers.
Ned works hard to convince the villagers that what is going on is innocent and to prevent his mother’s work from falling into the wrong hands and when she is not contactable after she returns to London he heads off with Harri and Kip to find her and deliver a painting ready for display.
This is a lovely history lesson in a book, how some people had important roles to do in the war effort at home to maintain morale amongst the people as much as they did fighting overseas.
February 13, 2024
The second instalment in the Bletchley Park Mystery Gang - perfect for fans of the old Famous Five books by Enid Blyton or Swallows and Amazons.
Set in wales in the 1940s Ned and the gang undergo another top-secret mission in the sleepy little village of Manod.
At just over 250 pages it’s an ideal length for the target age (late primary / early secondary, depending on reading ability). There is also some additional factual information after the epilogue for children who are interested in further researching the war-time era or some of the topics covered within the story.
The cover is gender-neutral so appeals to a wider range of readers. Alongside the dog and the train t ticks a lot of boxes for potential readers who have many books to choose from. If this was in the class library it gives a clear indication of what’s to be expected in the story, including the time period, so the quick blurb is all that’s needed for a child to decide if this is their sort of thing.
Set in wales in the 1940s Ned and the gang undergo another top-secret mission in the sleepy little village of Manod.
At just over 250 pages it’s an ideal length for the target age (late primary / early secondary, depending on reading ability). There is also some additional factual information after the epilogue for children who are interested in further researching the war-time era or some of the topics covered within the story.
The cover is gender-neutral so appeals to a wider range of readers. Alongside the dog and the train t ticks a lot of boxes for potential readers who have many books to choose from. If this was in the class library it gives a clear indication of what’s to be expected in the story, including the time period, so the quick blurb is all that’s needed for a child to decide if this is their sort of thing.
April 2, 2024
I loved the first Bletchley Park mystery, I, Spy, so I was delighted to win a copy of Hide and Seek. As a History teacher I am always on the look out for fantastic historical fiction, and this story is wonderful. I love that it explores WW2 from a completely different perspective, focusing on hiding Britain’s art collection from the Nazis. There are many great characters in this story. If you have read I, Spy, then you will already be familiar with Ned, but we learn so much more about him and his mother in this book. I loved that his mum was so intelligent and knowledgable and that she is the one Ned looks up to. Showing a strong female role model is important to me; this is also reflected in the character of Mrs Thomas too. Harri and Anni also add depth to the story and I really loved Anni! I was delighted that the story had many twists and unexpected turns in it; it definitely kept me hooked! This is a perfect series for UKS2/KS3 students and it will be added to my Read History bookclub list.
February 18, 2024
Book 2 in the Bletchley Park series, although this one is mainly set away from the park and only concerns one member of the Bletchley Three. Ned, the undertaker/carpenter's son moves away to Wales with his art historian mother. She is one of a top secret group tasked with saving all the national tresaures somewhere safe away from bombs or potential invasion forces.
The author has set a fictional story around a true event, the hiding of precious artworks and other antiquities down a mine in Wales. Rather than leave Ned alone with his embittered father, she brings him along to help with maintenence jobs. They board with a school teacher, her son and a Jewish refugee child. So Ned, Harri and Anni become a new gang of three, along with dog Kip they save the day when the news is leaked to the press about the cover up.
It's another cracking 'boys own' adventure that races along leaving you always wanting to read just one more page. And there will be more to come.... yoppee!!
The author has set a fictional story around a true event, the hiding of precious artworks and other antiquities down a mine in Wales. Rather than leave Ned alone with his embittered father, she brings him along to help with maintenence jobs. They board with a school teacher, her son and a Jewish refugee child. So Ned, Harri and Anni become a new gang of three, along with dog Kip they save the day when the news is leaked to the press about the cover up.
It's another cracking 'boys own' adventure that races along leaving you always wanting to read just one more page. And there will be more to come.... yoppee!!
February 19, 2024
This is the second of these books, the other being called the Bletchley Park Mystery. The reading age is 9-13 years old but I have enjoyed both of them.
This one isn’t about Bletchley Park as the first one.
Ned and his mother had war work to do in Wales and move in with Mrs Thomas in Mamod.
Her son and refugee girl lived there with Mrs Tomas, there names are Harri and Anni. Henri didn’t like Ned much and kept calling him English which really annoyed Ned, Harri.
One day he challenged Ned to a race down a cliff in an old miners train, he said if he won he wouldn’t call Ned English anymore but would use his real name.
There is a guide dog Mrs Thomas has to use called Kip, could just imagine him doing as it says in the book as so well described that it felt you were in the same room.
There are a lot of code names, eg H,C and so one so have to really get in and follow it.
It is a very enjoyable book, don’t be put off by the recommended age.
This one isn’t about Bletchley Park as the first one.
Ned and his mother had war work to do in Wales and move in with Mrs Thomas in Mamod.
Her son and refugee girl lived there with Mrs Tomas, there names are Harri and Anni. Henri didn’t like Ned much and kept calling him English which really annoyed Ned, Harri.
One day he challenged Ned to a race down a cliff in an old miners train, he said if he won he wouldn’t call Ned English anymore but would use his real name.
There is a guide dog Mrs Thomas has to use called Kip, could just imagine him doing as it says in the book as so well described that it felt you were in the same room.
There are a lot of code names, eg H,C and so one so have to really get in and follow it.
It is a very enjoyable book, don’t be put off by the recommended age.
March 12, 2024
This is a historical fiction with elements of mystery, set in 1942 during World War 2.
Ned never thought he would leave Bletchley Park in England. When the war breaks out, his mother's secret war work takes them to Manod in Wales. People there don't seem to take kindly to the new strangers but when the village is in real danger, can Ned get the help he needs to keep his mother's work falling into the wrong hands?
The author has written it with descriptions and dialogues. She has developed the characters well and has created suspense and mystery. It is dated so it relates to past events.
There is a map of Manod, Wales in the front of the book to aid the readers. The map looks like a sketch and it is drawn by a child. It has labels.
I enjoyed reading this book because I like the historical fiction genre. I really like the map at the front of the book that can aid readers.
Ned never thought he would leave Bletchley Park in England. When the war breaks out, his mother's secret war work takes them to Manod in Wales. People there don't seem to take kindly to the new strangers but when the village is in real danger, can Ned get the help he needs to keep his mother's work falling into the wrong hands?
The author has written it with descriptions and dialogues. She has developed the characters well and has created suspense and mystery. It is dated so it relates to past events.
There is a map of Manod, Wales in the front of the book to aid the readers. The map looks like a sketch and it is drawn by a child. It has labels.
I enjoyed reading this book because I like the historical fiction genre. I really like the map at the front of the book that can aid readers.
May 16, 2024
I found some parts a little slow but in general there is plenty of interest here to keep a young reader involved. The scope is surprisingly wide, including art appreciation, art history, a little Welsh and necessarily many fascinating details of life in wartime Britain, such as food shortages, alertness to the possibility of spies, the collection of domestic metal for the war effort, aid stations and the blackout.
The plot rather stretches belief but I don't think young readers will find that too much of a problem. I noticed the language used by the characters has a wartime ring to it whilst still being comprehensible to twenty first century children. The main characters are very varied and the dynamics between them are nicely expressed. I especially like children's novels like this one which show adults as people rather then focusing on the inequalities of the relationships and potential for friction between adults and children.
The plot rather stretches belief but I don't think young readers will find that too much of a problem. I noticed the language used by the characters has a wartime ring to it whilst still being comprehensible to twenty first century children. The main characters are very varied and the dynamics between them are nicely expressed. I especially like children's novels like this one which show adults as people rather then focusing on the inequalities of the relationships and potential for friction between adults and children.
February 22, 2024
It is very interesting, it talks about immigrants, music, art and war. It's a very nice story. The writer did a lot of research to achieve it and the result is very good!
Each of the characters has an important role in this story. Everything is woven little by little until in the end you discover everything that is happening.
Ned is a very brave and very thoughtful boy, he would do anything for his mother and his friends.
Harri, despite his tough facade, is very tender and is capable of sacrificing anything for the good of his friends and his country
Kip is my favorite character, he is a very intelligent dog and with his help everything turns out very well in the end.
I received this book in exchange for giving my honest opinion, and I really liked it, I really enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to readers first for this amazing gift, I really enjoyed.
Each of the characters has an important role in this story. Everything is woven little by little until in the end you discover everything that is happening.
Ned is a very brave and very thoughtful boy, he would do anything for his mother and his friends.
Harri, despite his tough facade, is very tender and is capable of sacrificing anything for the good of his friends and his country
Kip is my favorite character, he is a very intelligent dog and with his help everything turns out very well in the end.
I received this book in exchange for giving my honest opinion, and I really liked it, I really enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to readers first for this amazing gift, I really enjoyed.
March 11, 2024
Ned has always been at Bletchley park but now his mam's war work has made them leave and uproot themselves to Wales for her secret war work.
They are now in Manod and her aim is to hide famous artworks in a quarry for the duration of the war.
But as newcomers to the area when word gets out as to what is afoot they are of course blamed for bringing danger upon the little Welsh village.
How can they prove that it really wasn't them who caused the leak?
Ned and his new friends Harri and Anni attempt to set out to do just that and meanwhile get an important artwork to London to be shown at a gallery to boost morale.
This was a fast paced, exciting tale and a worthy follow on to "I, spy."
Really enjoy these stories.
They are now in Manod and her aim is to hide famous artworks in a quarry for the duration of the war.
But as newcomers to the area when word gets out as to what is afoot they are of course blamed for bringing danger upon the little Welsh village.
How can they prove that it really wasn't them who caused the leak?
Ned and his new friends Harri and Anni attempt to set out to do just that and meanwhile get an important artwork to London to be shown at a gallery to boost morale.
This was a fast paced, exciting tale and a worthy follow on to "I, spy."
Really enjoy these stories.
May 14, 2024
A YA adventure you need to read!
Im a big mystery fan and a big YA reader and this novel had it all, from a captivating story line to interesting g and complex characters that make you feel like you're right there alongside them during their adventure. I liked how the author took us back in time to ww2 and so easily sets the scene with the amazing attention to detail from how the characters interact to their surroundings.
Ned is a character that is easily likeable along with his mother Helen who is on a top secret job. With its unique plot line, with tons of twists and turns which keep you locked in from the very start this is a novel that anyone at any age could easily read and enjoy. Definitely a book I would recommend to any historical fiction lover.
Im a big mystery fan and a big YA reader and this novel had it all, from a captivating story line to interesting g and complex characters that make you feel like you're right there alongside them during their adventure. I liked how the author took us back in time to ww2 and so easily sets the scene with the amazing attention to detail from how the characters interact to their surroundings.
Ned is a character that is easily likeable along with his mother Helen who is on a top secret job. With its unique plot line, with tons of twists and turns which keep you locked in from the very start this is a novel that anyone at any age could easily read and enjoy. Definitely a book I would recommend to any historical fiction lover.
January 30, 2024
An interesting read for grown ups and children. It’s great for KS2 students and will keep their attention. I expect that it will make them want to learn more about life in Britain during WW2 and the efforts made to protect important works of art during this time. For myself, I learnt a lot as well.
I felt that it had a strong start and interesting characters, but I didn’t find the race against time as gripping as it was supposed to be. Some threads were left hanging which may be picked up in the next book. Thank you to Bonnier Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
I felt that it had a strong start and interesting characters, but I didn’t find the race against time as gripping as it was supposed to be. Some threads were left hanging which may be picked up in the next book. Thank you to Bonnier Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2024
A good follow up to I Spy, following Ned this time as he and his mum go off to Wales on a secret mission.
I liked the discussion points around immigration, how people treated outsiders / refugees, but it felt like it jumped forward in the story towards the end, making it seem as if i had missed something.
I liked the discussion points around immigration, how people treated outsiders / refugees, but it felt like it jumped forward in the story towards the end, making it seem as if i had missed something.
April 19, 2024
A great read highlighting the importance of those left behind during war and the vital roles they play. We follow Ned and his mum as they protect priceless art work during WW2.
This book offers the perfect insight into the evacuees and refugees during the war and the impact they had.
This book offers the perfect insight into the evacuees and refugees during the war and the impact they had.
May 15, 2024
4.5 stars 🌟 a great read!!
June 27, 2024
You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
October 3, 2024
I just didn’t find it a gripping adventure. I didn’t feel the urgency in the story and it was rather flat. I was definitely not picking up the vibes and could easily of given up on the book.
April 15, 2024
Interesting how they protected the artwork. It was also historical fiction!
July 16, 2024
Well researched and with amazing attention to detail, the second book in the Bletchley park mystery series was a joy to read. This was my first dive into Rhian Tracey’s series based around three young people working at Bletchley park during WW2. However, the second book takes us away from Bletchley and off into Wales. The story follows teenager Ned, who, desperate to escape his domineering father, travels with his mum to a top-secret location for a very important task. Their job, to look after priceless artwork from the National Gallery, being stored in a slate mine up the side of a mountain to keep it out of enemy hands. Everyone working there has signed the official secrets act, but with a small gossiping village nearby, it isn’t long before word gets out.
The story drew me in from the start. I loved that it is based on true events; the collection of the National Gallery, plus others, really were stored in a slate mine during WW2. While the author has obviously added in her own characters and used artistic license, she uses real characters, details and situations too and this really gives the story a ring of truth and makes it come to life. The author also often mentions events happening in the rest of the country or mentions real people. This is a great way to introduce young readers to WW2 history and get a better understanding of the full picture. Her attention to small details and descriptions makes the story feel like time travel. Teachers will love it and I can see it being used in lots of classrooms!
Ned is a likeable and dedicated ‘hero’. The fact that he also has an important job although he is just a teenager, and doesn’t go to school, will really appeal to the readers. It also shows them how different life was and how crucial it was for everyone to play their part.
Without spoiling the story, I love that not all the characters are likeable and often ‘good’ and ‘bad’ boundaries are blurred, (although sometimes ‘bad’ characters are obviously just that). This makes the characters all the more believable and realistic. Also, by including characters such as Anni, a Jewish refugee in a Welsh village, and Mrs Thomas who has a guide dog, young readers can experience different viewpoints and understand the range of people living in Britain at the time.
There really were Jewish refugees in Wales, and by including Anni in the story, the reader begins to understand the hardships the Jews in Britain went through. They had often come through untold hardship and were now living in strange environments where they were often seen as the ‘alien’. As shown in the story, in small villages in Wales, this could cause unwarranted suspicion and blame to be cast on them.
I really liked the author’s inclusion of historical notes at the end. I am a lover of history, and I think this really encourages young readers to explore history further, brings it to life and shows them how exciting it can be.
As I mentioned, I haven’t read the first book in the series, but will definitely now be going back to read it! I will be following this series with interest and look forward to reading further books!
The story drew me in from the start. I loved that it is based on true events; the collection of the National Gallery, plus others, really were stored in a slate mine during WW2. While the author has obviously added in her own characters and used artistic license, she uses real characters, details and situations too and this really gives the story a ring of truth and makes it come to life. The author also often mentions events happening in the rest of the country or mentions real people. This is a great way to introduce young readers to WW2 history and get a better understanding of the full picture. Her attention to small details and descriptions makes the story feel like time travel. Teachers will love it and I can see it being used in lots of classrooms!
Ned is a likeable and dedicated ‘hero’. The fact that he also has an important job although he is just a teenager, and doesn’t go to school, will really appeal to the readers. It also shows them how different life was and how crucial it was for everyone to play their part.
Without spoiling the story, I love that not all the characters are likeable and often ‘good’ and ‘bad’ boundaries are blurred, (although sometimes ‘bad’ characters are obviously just that). This makes the characters all the more believable and realistic. Also, by including characters such as Anni, a Jewish refugee in a Welsh village, and Mrs Thomas who has a guide dog, young readers can experience different viewpoints and understand the range of people living in Britain at the time.
There really were Jewish refugees in Wales, and by including Anni in the story, the reader begins to understand the hardships the Jews in Britain went through. They had often come through untold hardship and were now living in strange environments where they were often seen as the ‘alien’. As shown in the story, in small villages in Wales, this could cause unwarranted suspicion and blame to be cast on them.
I really liked the author’s inclusion of historical notes at the end. I am a lover of history, and I think this really encourages young readers to explore history further, brings it to life and shows them how exciting it can be.
As I mentioned, I haven’t read the first book in the series, but will definitely now be going back to read it! I will be following this series with interest and look forward to reading further books!
March 19, 2024
Wartime adventure for Young Adults
This is the second book in a series but can easily be read as a stand alone. The first group was about a group of friends living at Bletchley Park and this story continues with one of the group of friends. The book is written from the perspective of Ned and flows in a way that a similar age reader will read avidly, although I am not sure the cover design would appeal to this age group, as appropriate as it is to the tale it does make the book appear dated. Ned’s mother is involved in protecting the great artworks held in Great Britain and this involves her and Ned travelling across to Wales. They are billeted at a house in a village and Ned after a bit soon makes a new group of friends that are all very different coming from different circumstances. This book has contains interesting historical facts about how we worked to protect our historical assets from invading forces in a time of war.
This is the second book in a series but can easily be read as a stand alone. The first group was about a group of friends living at Bletchley Park and this story continues with one of the group of friends. The book is written from the perspective of Ned and flows in a way that a similar age reader will read avidly, although I am not sure the cover design would appeal to this age group, as appropriate as it is to the tale it does make the book appear dated. Ned’s mother is involved in protecting the great artworks held in Great Britain and this involves her and Ned travelling across to Wales. They are billeted at a house in a village and Ned after a bit soon makes a new group of friends that are all very different coming from different circumstances. This book has contains interesting historical facts about how we worked to protect our historical assets from invading forces in a time of war.
May 25, 2024
I didn’t love this book as much as the first, although I actually liked Ned as a main character more than the first book’s protagonist and I preferred the welsh characters that he meets in Manod. I loved learning about the protection of art during the Second World War. However, I didn’t get the “peril” I needed from this in a way that I found convincing - who are these people chasing him (explained at the end but feel like as readers we needed more foreshadowing to this) and we never found out who the leak to the newspaper was in the end which was a loose end I wanted tied up.
I loved the setting in Wales, and thought the author did a superb job building a whole community that felt so real to the reader. I’d love more of Ned, Harri and Anni’s stories which just goes to show how well I connected to the characters. But, for me, the plot needed more refining.
I loved the setting in Wales, and thought the author did a superb job building a whole community that felt so real to the reader. I’d love more of Ned, Harri and Anni’s stories which just goes to show how well I connected to the characters. But, for me, the plot needed more refining.
June 26, 2024
An original war-time adventure story for middle-grade readers.
Set during World War II, the plot revolves - amongst other things - around the fate of National Gallery paintings that were hidden in the quarries of Wales.
The little explicative texts provided with the novel mean that this book would be well suited for in-class study at school and would provide great discussion material for history, literature, art and society classes.
Thank you to Bonnier Books UK and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest opinion of the book.
Set during World War II, the plot revolves - amongst other things - around the fate of National Gallery paintings that were hidden in the quarries of Wales.
The little explicative texts provided with the novel mean that this book would be well suited for in-class study at school and would provide great discussion material for history, literature, art and society classes.
Thank you to Bonnier Books UK and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest opinion of the book.
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