Under a Lightning Sky

by Pam Lecky

London is under attack. But within the rubble, a greater danger lurks…The Luftwaffe has been bombing London continuously since September 1940.

During a bombing raid, Madeline Fairfax is caught in her kitchen whilst cooking for her husband and children. She becomes trapped in the rear of her home, but regains consciousness just in time to see a familiar face, offering hope of rescue. But instead, Madeline is tragically strangled to death.

As a dangerous murderer uses the Blitz to cover their crime, local detective Jamie Barton enlists the help of Madeline’s sister and volunteer firefighter, Penny Fairfax to help. Now, caught in a web of uncertainty and mistrust, a grieving Penny must find the truth and do whatever it takes to protect those she loves most.

Together, will they unravel this case before it's too late…?

A gripping and completely addictive page-turner set in World War Two London during the Blitz. Perfect for fans of Suzanne Goldring and Kate Quinn.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Historical, Audiobook, Historical Mystery

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Pam Lecky is an Irish historical fiction author, represented by Susanna Lea & Associates, London. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Crime Writers Association, and the Society of Authors.

Since 2020, Pam has been writing for Avon Books UK, and in January 2024, she signed a 4 book deal with Storm Publishing.

Her debut novel, The Bowes Inheritance, was awarded the B.R.A.G Medallion; shortlisted for the Carousel Aware Prize 2016; and long-listed for the Historical Novel Society 2016 Indie Award.

Pam lives in north county Dublin, close to the sea, where she loves to walk the beach, garden and herd her three PAs (2 cats and a dog!).

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

“London is under attack, but within the rubble, a greater danger lurks…”

The magic of historical fiction for me is that it truly makes me feel like I’m experiencing life in another era. I’m always excited when I find an author who expertly combines fictional characters with real settings and events and presents it in such a way that makes it all feel visceral.

Lecky creates a rich picture of everyday life in Blitz-weary London.

I stopped and re-read the first chapter a couple of times because I’d never read such a realistic portrayal of the confusion and disbelief the air raid caused. Of course people would become confused if the nightly raids for the past three months were predictable! I’d never thought of that nor how people would be so focused on, in this case, the pudding needing 10 more minutes to cook, what they were doing and the interruption the raid caused. Perhaps getting to safety wasn’t first and foremost in peoples’ thoughts as I’d imagined. I love a different spin on the familiar.

Where most authors (at least the ones I’ve read recently) focus on the British air defense during the Blitz, Lecky focuses on the civilian victims. She does touch upon the ‘Blitz Spirit’, the stoic acceptance, and the heartwarming human connections that resulted from the disaster but her focus quickly segues to the crimes perpetrated under the cover of the bombings. Lecky capably immerses her readers in a world where detectives had their hands full dealing with the destruction caused and had little time to investigate crime….and shows them the ‘perfect storm’ created for criminals to have a field day.

The opening scene prepared me for what Lecky had in store and was the ‘carrot’ I needed to keep reading while she prepared the backgrounds for DI Jamie Barton and DS Lyle. I enjoyed the fusion of historical fiction and crime, thought her twists were great, and loved the mystery and ensuing investigation. The possibility of a Fairfax family devotion coming into play and readers’ awareness of Madeline Fairfax’s secret intentions gives plenty to ponder while attempting to solve the crime.

This standalone murder mystery set during the Blitz was a refreshing read in this genre.

I was gifted this copy by Avon Books UK and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madeline Fairfax boys have been evacuated to the country, she’s making a Christmas pudding when she’s caught in a bombing raid and doesn’t make it to the streets shelter in time. Madeline can hear the planes getting closer, suddenly there’s a big bang and she feels herself being flung across the room and when she comes around she trapped in the back of her house, Madeline sees a familiar face and she's relieved to be found. Madeline is killed and not rescued, initially the police assume she died in the raid and from the wounds she sustained, until they notice some suspicious marks on her body at the morgue and it’s up to detective Jamie Barton to solve the case.

Penny Miller is Madeline’s younger sister, she works in the family’s jewellery store during the day and as a volunteer firefighter at night. Penny has never liked her brother-in-law Arthur, in fact she told Madeline not to marry the older solicitor and it drove a wedge between them.

The Metropolitan Police have been busy during the Blitz, the bombings and blackout creates the perfect cover and environment for criminals who are involved in gang violence, the black market and stealing from damaged houses. Detective Barton starts by interviewing the people closest to Madeline, her parents, sister and husband, and he finds out she’s rather impulsive and headstrong. He has to consider was Madeline she bored with her life and did she cheat on her spouse, or did she get mixed up with the wrong people and have money problems? Jamie looks at the evidence again and he re-interviews neighbours and Penny gives him a couple of clues.

I received a copy of Under a Lightening Sky by Pam Lecky from Avon Books UK and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Beginning just before Christmas 1940, I have never read a murder mystery set during the Second World War and it certainly adds to the uncertainty, suspense and makes it harder to solve the crime. Due to evidence being destroyed by the bombing or it changed the scene of the crime, so many people didn’t have a permanent address and it made it harder to follow up alibis and leads.

A narrative full of lots of twists and turns and I didn't guess who the killer was. Mistrust and deceit, uncertainty and secrets are hidden in the story line and I liked detective Barton’s and Penny’s characters (they would make a wonderful couple and this book could be a great way to start off a historical suspense series) and five stars from me and I highly recommend.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping WWII mystery set in London during the blitz that kept me up late pacing through the pages. Unputdownable!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really surprised me. I knew I was going to be reading a book placed in World War II and I knew it would be focused on the German bombings in London at that time. But what I did not realize, for whatever reason on my part, was that this was going to be such a riveting and engaging story about people and a murder investigation.

Pam really hones in on a set of characters that are intertwined with one another and showcases the human element of betrayal and how sometimes you're too close to someone to realize how deceptive they really are. A woman barely survives a bombing after her home has been hit right in the back, but as she's pleading for help out of the rubble, a mysterious figure arrives and ends her life.

The rest of the book lays out for you the daily comings and goings of this family and slowly unfolds the deception and eventual murder of Madeline. I was rather impressed with the detailed storytelling and engaging characters. Truly, I devoured this book quickly and loved it. Pam Lecky is a new to me author and she has lots of books out that now I need to seek out!

[Toni Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

September 1940 London is under attack, the Luftwaffe has been bombing continuously the city. While preparing dinner Madeleine Fairfax is caught in her kitchen as a bomb explodes, now trapped under the rubble of her house her only hope is that someone will come to her aid. When she sees a familiar face her prayers seemed to have been answered only to be dashed as she is tragically strangled to death... Detective Jamie Barton and Madeline’s sister Penny Fairfax will find the truth behind the mystery....

Although the London Blitz may be a player here, the story is more a very suspenseful mystery. The author unravels her mystery bit by bit and by doing so she has hooked me 1/3 in and from then on I was more than captivated. The beginning was rather slow to take off I was wondering what happened to Madeleine she seemed to have been forgotten but no ...leaving her behind was the author’s ways to keep us on our toes till Jamie Barton and Penny Fairfax came into play then springs into action the investigation and I was into a suspenseful and very captivating drama. What happened to Madeleine and who killed her was a mystery unveiled at the very end.

Great characters to root for and a delightful mystery to past time with.

Well-said and well-done.

My thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for this ARC

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good mystery novel, perfect for PD James' fans! I enjoyed the plot as well as the characters very much. I found the setting particularly interesting: to run a murder investigation under the regular bombings by the Germans prove a challenge indeed! The writing was convincing, I got a vivid image of London and its inhabitants. A great novel!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

[K McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Pam Lecky’s writing so was very excited to get a copy of this mystery set in London during the Blitz. A new-to-London inspector recovering from personal loss investigates a jewelry shop robbery and a death that turn out to be linked by way of criminal gangs taking advantage of the chaos of the German bombing. The victim’s sister gets caught up in all the ripple effects as well as serving as a distraction for the inspector. There were plenty of twists and turns in the mystery, great historical detail that’s smoothly woven in, and a touch of romance. I hope this turns out to be the first in a series as I would love to see more about the characters and how things progress as the war goes on.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am obsessed with reading WW2 historical fiction that takes place in England. The words of authors are the only way I will be able to understand what my relatives went through, survived and, in some cases, thrived. That being said, I usually don't read crime drama. That is until now. I absorbed the story, excited for the crimes to be solved. So thrilling. So exciting.

OH. MY. GOODNESS. I was sucked into the numerous crimes that had to be investigated by the New Scotland Yard. There were so many twists, I didn't think they would have discover who was involved. The interrogations had me wanting to know more. I wanted to help solve the crimes. I needed to know who was involved and why.

Making the inspectors job more challenging was the bombs that the Germans were dropping. Evidence was being buried with debris. Suspects could disappear in the rubble. Suspects could not always provide alibis. After all how many people are watching from the same roof.

This story gave me such detail of what may have happened in the city during the bombings. I am still shocked that one could be driving a long and a building, maybe more than one, could come down. Freaking scary!!!! I don't think I will ever look at a pothole the same way.

I can't believe how naive I have been. I never thought about the gangs taking advantage of bombings. Silly me, thought that the people of England stood together against those trying to destroy others. To think that some took advantage and took everything they could from others breaks my heart. This was definitely an eye opening story.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

During a bombing raid, Madeline Fairfax is caught in her kitchen whilst cooking for her husband and children. She becomes trapped in the rear of her home, but regains consciousness just in time to see a familiar face, offering hope of rescue. But instead, Madeline is strangled to death. As a dangerous murderer uses the Blitz to cover their crime, local detective Jamie Barton enlists the help of Madeline's sister, volunteer firefighter Penny Fairfax, to help. Now, caught in a web of uncertainty and mistrust, a grieving Penny must find the truth and do whatever it takes to protect those she loves most.

Madeline Fairfax was making a Christmas pudding when the bomb hits near her home. She's flung across the kitchen and loses conscious for a few minutes. When Madeline comes round, she sees a friendly face, but Madeline does not get rescued, she gets strangled instead. The police thought she had been killed by the bombing, but the marks around her neck were discovered at the morgue.

Although this story is set during the Blitz, it's more a murder investigation than a war story. We have two crimes being solved by local Detective Jamie Barton - a jewellery shop robbery and the murder of Madeline Fairfax. Madeline's sister, Penny, is helping solve her sister's murder. We learn some historical facts in this twisted and well-plotted read. This is a quick and enjoyable read.

Published 4th July 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUk and the author #PamLecky for my ARC of #UnderALightningSky in exchange for an honest review.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this World War II historical mystery, readers travel to a quiet street in London during the Blitz, which covers up many crimes like the murder of Madeline Fairfax. Trapped in her house during a bombing raid, Madeline thinks that her savior is there to help her when they are in fact there to kill her. A local detective named Jamie Barton takes on her case once he discovers that foul play is involved, and he asks Penny Fairfax, her younger sister and a volunteer firefighter to help. Penny’s family, now tied up in two different crimes, has a lot on the line and must set their grief aside to solve Madeline’s murder. Penny must consider everyone to be a suspect as she helps Jamie find her sister’s killer. A fascinating mystery with a complex historical backdrop, Lecky’s latest book has brought a single London street, its inhabitants, and a killer to life. Penny and Jamie are a clever duo, with a nice and realistic dynamic which is reminiscent of other detective duos where the two are equals. The family relationships in this book as well as the secondary mystery plot are also particularly interesting, immersive, and compelling, making Lecky’s latest book a must-read for fans of historical mysteries and World War II historical fiction.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the advance copy.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

During the London Blitz, Madeline Fairfax becomes trapped in her home after a bomb detonates nearby. When her body is found the next morning, it first appears that Madeline is just another victim of the relentless bombing. Soon Detective Jamie Barton is called to the medical examiner’s office only to be told Madeline was murdered. Barton quickly connects Madeline to the victims of a recent robbery. Are these two events connected?

Suspects abound and Jamie enlists the help of Madeline’s sister Penny, a volunteer firefighter doing her part for the war effort, to help. They discover that not many people liked Madeline, but which one didn’t like her enough to kill her?

Pam Lecky’s “Under the Lightning Sky” is a twisty mystery with many clues and lots of misdirection. Just when you think you’ve figured out who the killer is, another clue is revealed and you have to take a step back and reassess. It’s a page-turner that immerses the reader in wartime London.

“Under a Lightning Sky” is great for those who enjoy WWII historical fiction and historical mysteries.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Avon Books UK, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: Between the Germans bombing London to bit in the Blitz and serious crime on the upswing, widower Jamie does not expect his life will be turned on its ear when he attends a jewellery robbery in Hatton Gardens. There is something highly suspicious about the job so his first interactions with Penny are testy at best. However, it is when he must return and bring more grief to the Miller family that he and Penny see each other in a different light. Penny’s sister Madeline’s death is not as straightforward as another bombing victim. As Jamie unravels the dark secrets of her life, it takes him to the bowels of the Soho underworld and face to face with many unsavoury characters. But both he and Penny want to learn the truth, no matter how painful it is.

Both Jamie and Penny are heroic characters. They fight the war the best way they can and in each other they find the qualities they doubted they would ever discover. This is a great historical fiction that puts the reader smack dab in the middle of the devastated London on 1940. As more is revealed about their pasts, it would be impossible not to admire and pull for them to salvage happiness out of despair. I could not stop until I knew how it ended. Five purrs and two paws up.

[Rachel Kosla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining historical crime mystery set during the London Blitz. This was a quick read and I appreciated the sweet romance.

My major critique is that the female protagonist, Penny, is passive. Things happen to her, but she doesn’t do anything to propel the plot forward. I wish more was done with her character. I would have liked her to have had a bigger role in solving the mystery.

A minor critique is that there’s an excessive use of exclamation marks. I’m a heavy user of exclamation points in text messages and work emails, but it was distracting to see so many per page in a novel. For example, one page has 8 exclamation points (and that wasn’t an anomaly). I started to silently sigh to myself every time I saw an exclamation point. I’ve never been so put out by punctuation before. (I know it seems petty to focus so much on exclamation points but I promised NetGalley I’d provide honest feedback in exchange for this ARC so I’m just following through.)

Overall, I enjoyed this book and plan on checking out Pam Lecky’s other books.

[Julianne Munich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the Audible version of 'Under a Lightning Sky' by Pam Lecky, who is now one of my favorite authors.

The narrator does a wonderful job performing the various female and male voices, with a variety of personalities and accents. It made me feel very immersed in the London setting!

This is a murder mystery novel set in the background of World War II London during the Blitz bombings. Instead of being ABOUT the war, the war is almost a background character in itself, which was very unique.

On one violent night of bombing in December of 1940, a young wife named Madeleine Fairfax chose not to go to the shelters in time- because she was busy baking a Christmas pudding.

This is how the novel opens, a perfect hook. The circumstances of Madeleine and that night are the catalyst for a mystery. On the case is one dashing inspector Jamie Barton, who finds himself involved in the case and the victim's family on a more personal level than he normally would.

I can't say much more to not spoil this book. 5 stars!

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under a lightning sky by Pam Lecky is a gripping and completely addictive page-turner set in World War Two London during the Blitz. The Luftwaffe has been bombing London continuously since September 1940. During a bombing raid, Madeline Fairfax is caught while preparing dinner for her little boy. Trapped in her own kitchen as a bomb explodes at the rear of her home, she regains consciousness just in time to see a familiar face, offering hope of rescue. But instead, Madeline is tragically strangled to death.
As a dangerous murderer uses the Blitz to cover their crime, the local detective Jamie Barton enlists the help of Madeline’s sister and AFS worker, Penny Fairfax to help. Penny must find the truth and do whatever it takes to protect those she loves.
Pam Lecky masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and betrayal as the Luftwaffe's bombings provide cover for a heinous murder. A very enjoyable read. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Judefire33 · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review –

Firstly huge thanks to Pam Lecky for so kindly sending me a signed copy of Under A Lightning Sky.

I’m a huge fan of crime fiction and thrillers particularly set during the First or Second World War, so with that in mind, I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in London during 1940.

The opening chapter sets the scene with a terrible death during an air raid on a bombed house. As always with Pam Lecky’s novels, the attention to historical detail is just sublime, the descriptions of air raids, bombings and life in London during this time is magnificent, and really drew me into the story.

The cast and characters are wonderfully observed from Detective Jamie Barton and the supporting Police cast to Penny Fairfax and her family who he comes to know through tragedy. I really liked Jamie and thought the Police procedural side of Under A Lightning Sky was very well observed.

This is a real page turner and had me gripped from the outset, I must admit though I did guess who the killer was, but I do read an enormous amount of crime novels so I’m quick on the uptake, however it did not detract from the plot!

Another great novel from Pam Lecky and one I totally recommend. A very solid 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.

[N.L. Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

London is being bombed, and there are victims every day, but when a murder is found in the rubble it's down to Barton and Lyle to investigate.

But robbery is high and gangs are waring at the same time, the two must find the clues and the suspects as soon as possible and there might just be a love story a long the way.

One of the things I love about Lecky is that I always find their novels so easy to read I can't help but get absorbed. I loved the character of Penny and the contrast of her sister Madeline.

I also felt for the character of Jamie and their heartache back story, I was rooting for him from the start.

This novel is a great murder mystery set during the war and another great novel by one of my go to authors.

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great WWII Historical Fiction with a difference. It’s set during the London Blitz. We learn about the fire wardens, & how dangerous & catastrophic the German bombing was for many with the loss of homes & loved ones. It’s also a crime drama & murder mystery. We learn of rival gangs who’ve evaded call-up & are profiteering. It’s a fascinating look at London life in 1940. Then there’s Madeline. What a tangled web her life is! Can her sister Penny find out the truth? There’s also Historical Romance. Totally riveting. This story captivated me immediately. Highly recommend
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley.
I am writing an honest, voluntary review

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The WW2 London Blitz provides an evocative setting for this historical crime fiction. Whilst the people are ordinary, what happens to Madeline is chilling, and the following complex investigation has many false leads and suspects. Jamie Barton is a clever and driven detective still grieving a personal loss, which makes him uniquely qualified to empathise with crime victims. Penny is a courageous voluntary firefighter; she is a staunch defender of her family and keen to solve the mystery of her sister's death. I like the characters, atmospheric setting, historical details, and immersive investigation.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Under a Lightning Sky" is a gripping WWII thriller set during the Blitz in London. Pam Lecky masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and betrayal as the Luftwaffe's bombings provide cover for a heinous murder. When Madeline Fairfax is strangled during a raid, her sister Penny teams up with detective Jamie Barton to uncover the killer. Amidst the chaos and danger, they navigate a web of mistrust and intrigue to protect their loved ones. With strong characters and a riveting plot, this historical fiction is perfect for fans of Suzanne Goldring and Kate Quinn.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨4.5 stars✨

This is my first time reading a book by this author and I really enjoyed this book!

This is a murder mystery set during the Second World War in London during the Blitz. I found this book really easy and quick to read and the investigation into the murder had me invested throughout.

I would recommend this book to people who enjoy murder mysteries as this was perfectly executed in my opinion and I am excited to read more from this author in the future!!

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under A Lightning Sky is a gripping mystery set during WWII. I enjoyed the plot and found it interesting that a murder takes place during the Blitz over London. Pam Lecky weaves a tale of suspense, mystery and betrayal, together beautifully.

The Miller family is devastated when their married daughter is killed during an air raid and the ensuing investigation reveals shocking details. The story keeps you guessing about who did it until the end. I would recommend this book as it was a very good read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advanced copy of this book.

[Roger Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable mystery set in London during the Blitz. A supposedly well to do woman named Madeline is killed when a German bomb explodes in the back yard of her fashionalbe home. Upon further examination, it appears that she has been murdered. It is now up to the two London inspectors, aided by the deceased woman's sister Penny, to solve the riddle of who killed her as she lay severely wounded in her demolished home. Highly recommended.

[Diane Saul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set in London during WWII. There has been a murder that was made to look like the results of a bombing. Scotland Yard has the case. This book gives an accurate presentation of what it was like to be a resident of London during this time period. The book was well written with an interesting story line. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

[Ron Baumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing mix of a romance and mystery set during WW2 in London. The story really held my attention, so I had to finish it in the same day. The story is a quick read with well-developed characters. A definite worthwhile read!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Carey Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel takes place in London during the blitz. A woman is found dead in a building that was bombed but they discover she was strangled. Who did it and why? As detective Jamie investigates he learns there are a few suspects. What he didn’t suspect is that he would fall for the victim’s sister, Madeline, who helps in the investigation. I enjoyed it as I have her other novels

[Beverley Latimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly good read!

I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't wait to turn each page to find out what would happen next.
I loved the main characters and so wanted a happy ending for them.
If you love a good whodunit, you'll enjoy this book.
Highly recommended!

[Donna Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a different take on the London Blitz. I do like reading about the self sacrifice and heroism, but it’s refreshing reading about some of the negative aspects of having more crime and a smaller police force. And, this an interesting “who-done-it.” I enjoyed it immensely.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good historical mystery set in a well researched and vivid London in WWI and featuring well plotted characters.
It kept me hooked, guessing and reading.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine