A Beacon in the Night

The Secret Churchill Files #2

by David Lewis

Like a female James Bond but with better one-liners, an unflappable British spy works alongside her aristocratic partner to root out homegrown Nazi collaborators in this riveting, action-packed WWII caper for fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Susan Elia Macneal, and Charles Todd. Now available in paperback!

London, 1941. Britain has endured the relentless bombing campaign of the Blitz and emerged scarred but unbroken. Caitrin, too, strives to weather each challenge that comes her way, though her ever-ready banter belies deep heartbreak and loss. But now the war has entered another phase. Instead of indiscriminate bombing, the Luftwaffe is pinpointing historic targets with the help of homing beacons placed by the enemy. It’s as if Germany plans to erase Britain’s very essence and culture, destroying morale as it does so.

Caitrin is no fan of the landed gentry, even if her fellow operative and friend, Lord Hector Neville-Percy, is one of them. Yet soon it is not just historic targets under attack, but hospitals and nursing homes too. Tasked with rooting out the saboteurs placing the beacons, she finds that all roads lead to Daniel “Teddy” Baer, a charismatic Whitechapel crook who will crush anyone who interferes with his dreams—Caitrin included.

As a member of the female-driven 512 counterespionage unit, Caitrin understands how often women are underestimated and overlooked—and how to use it to her advantage. Yet she’s not the only one who knows how to hide in plain sight, how to outwit and manipulate. And sometimes, as with a beacon hidden deep within a building, danger only becomes apparent when it flares to life, right before the moment of impact . . .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Historical, World War II, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Audiobook

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2025

About the author

Library of Congress Authorities:
Personal name heading: Lewis, David (Cinematographer)
Located: California
Place of birth: Wales
Field of activity: Historical fiction ;
Cinematography
Profession or occupation: Authors ; Cinematographers
Found in: Lewis, David. A jewel in the crown, 2024: title page (David Lewis) about the author (born in Wales and moved to Hollywood to become a director of photography ; has worked on movies, TV, music videos, and commercials ; also lived and worked in Scotland ; lives in Southern California)

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction comes alive with the emotions and struggles of humanity, under such intense pressures. Being part of a great cause, giving the sacrifice of time and possibly your life is something that the majority of people only imagine. Here’s the story of a woman and many others willing to sacrifice for a cause bigger than they are.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading stories about the history of WWII, until they all started to sound the same. When I started A Beacon in the Night I was unable to put it down. It is a totally different look at London during the Blitz, when Great Britain is fighting nearly alone. 5I2 was a counter espionage unit made up entirely of very brave women, “like MI6 but much smarter.”

Bethany Goodman is the commander of 5I2. She believes women make the best operatives, because “they are either ignored or invisible in our society.” Her first and best recruit was Catrin Colline, former police officer.
Bethany and Catrin are doing their best to prevent 5I2 being absorbed by other agencies with male operatives and continue their anti spy work. A chance meeting with Max Evarts, American fighting with the RAF, brings some laughter and romance to Catrin’s life.

The author’s description of London’s days and nights of bombing, fires, lack of food and so many deaths is heartbreaking. There are so many twists and turns to this story with Catrin, it glued my attention to every page. After I finished I immediately bought A Jewel in the Crown. It is the first book in the Secret Churchill Files. And I’m sure equally as entertaining even though I’m reading out of order.
I highly recommend this Five Star read.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this: it had purpose and Caitrin’s quick wit and sense of humour were a delight. Well crafted, set in England during WW2, the author’s focus is on a small secret service group comprised of females in their hunt to find and stop Nazi saboteurs from destroying English historic buildings. The characters from different classes and society backgrounds was a good blend as the story unfolded in pursuit of their quarry.

Brilliant! I must read more books by this author as his style was perfect. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Carole Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

She seeks justice for what has been taken from her

London in 1941 is under constant bombardment from the Luftwaffe, with bombs raining down on a nightly basis. Losing homes and loved ones is happening with increasing regularity and it is taking its toll on the psyche of those who live and work there. Caitrin Colline is one such person, born in Wales, the daughter of a coal miner, who has already lost one brother during the Great War and has two more currently serving in the military. She was once a policewoman in the East End, but it didn't take...she's not much for blindly following bosses and regulations with which she doesn't agree...and instead found her niche working for Bethany Goodman as an operative in 512, a little known all-female unit focused on counterespionage. Caitrin wants England to survive, but would be more than happy to see the aristocracy crumble...she's a socialist who has no liking for the toffs who glide through life while people like her family die in their coal mines and perish fighting their wars. Caitrin is out one night with the man she intends to marry, an American pilot serving in the RAF named Max, and the two are in the midst of proposing to one another at the Café de Paris when a bomb hits the building, Max is among the dead, and adding insult to injury is that in addition to losing yet another person she loves to an early death Caitrin also had what was to be her wedding ring stolen by looters as she lay injured in the rubble. Searching for her lost ring brings her into the orbit of clever London criminal Daniel "Teddy" Baer, the son of immigrant Jews whom the police have found it hard to arrest and who aspires to rise up from his Whitechapel roots and infiltrate aristocratic society. Teddy will also become an avenue to pursue 512's latest mission, identifying how the Luftwaffe is able to successfully target culturally important buildings using only a single plane. Who is creating what must be beacons, and how are they able to smuggle them into the targeted buildings unnoticed? Working for a second time with SOE's Lord Hector Neville-Percy to track down the ring of saboteurs, Caitrin will need her every bit of her training and resourcefulness to find answers to those questions...and it may cost her her life.
A Beacon in the Night is a historical thriller, the second in a series, set during a dark moment in British history when the German juggernaut seemed unstoppable and allies were hard to find. Caitrin is an intriguing female protagonist, smart and deadly, more than a little jaded and not a fan of all aspects of British society. She colors outside the lines, which makes the 512 the perfect outlet for her (although its continued existence is very much in jeopardy....in a time of limited resources few in government see the value of a women-only unit). She has a quick wit and a sharp tongue, both of which she uses to spar with Hector and Teddy, the two very different men to whom she both feels an attraction and yet can't completely reconcile herself to their differences. The bleak and dangerous life of a Londoner is well portrayed, and the elements of espionage, class conflict, the undervaluing of women's abilities and the allure of attractions when each day could be your last are woven together to deliver a page-turning tale. Readers of Susan Elia MacNeal, Kate Quinn, and Jacqueline Winspear will find the series and its lead character an excellent addition to their TBR list, as will those who enjoy tales of espionage during WWII. My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing/John Scognamiglio Books for allowing me access to this suspenseful novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

London, 1941. As the Blitz winds down the Nazis begin a series of terror-bombings focused on British churches, stately homes, hospitals, and other emotional landmarks in an attempt to destroy cultural heritage and demoralize the British. Can Caitrin Colline, agent of the all-female 512 counterespionage, unit track down the source of the beacons that lead the planes to the bomb sites?
 
Despite Caitrin’s success in saving the Crown Jewels almost single-handedly in the first book in the series, Churchill is threatening to improve his budget by absorbing the 512 into the Special Operations Executive (SOE). Head of the 512 Bethany Goodman is determined to prove her unit’s usefulness by sending Caitrin to track down the source of the homing beacons.
 
Caitrin is intelligent, determined, and well-educated but does not hide her working-class resentment of the aristocracy, even though she is attracted to her fellow counterespionage agent Lord Marlton, Hector Neville-Percy (aka “Hecky”). Hecky embodies all that is good about British aristocracy. He’s clever, handsome, willing to do what it takes to get the job done, and, most importantly (and unlike most the other men in the book), sees women as his equals. Although they are from different social classes, Caitrin and Hecky’s interactions show they are intellectual equals with a mutual attraction expressed in verbal jibes backed up by a deep trust in one another.
 
In contrast to Hecky is Daniel “Teddy” Baer, a Jewish Whitechapel crook who aspires to become part of the British aristocracy regardless of the cost. Caitrin needs Teddy’s help to solve a personal crime that leads her to suspect his criminal network spreads beyond Whitechapel to something even more nefarious. Is Teddy somehow related to the beacons that are being set on British landmarks? As Teddy evolves from a slum crime lord to potential aristocrat, his contrast to Hecky becomes clearer. While Teddy acquires the veneer of aristocracy, Hecky is the real thing. Teddy’s lack of scruples to get what he wants destroys any charm he had when Caitrin first met him.
 
The somewhat tongue-in-cheek tone of the series sets it apart from other WWII mysteries. Despite her loyalty to Britain, Caitrin makes her views on Socialism clear as well as her resentment of the aristocracy and men who are too blind to see the value of women as espionage agents. Some of her one-liners are laugh-out-loud funny, as is her meeting with Commander Ian Fleming. Yes, THAT Ian Fleming. Caitrin’s realistic contradictions, such as her attraction to Hecky despite her belief in Socialism, make her a complex, believable protagonist.
 
Before reading this book, I had never heard of the Nazis using homing beacons on British landmarks. To me, this is even more terrifying that the Blitz. In London, there was plenty of warning, shelter in the Underground, barrage balloons, and ant-aircraft guns. Yes, it was awful but at least countermeasures were taken. In the country, there was no warning, no place to hide, and little anti-aircraft protection. One minute you might wonder if you heard a plane, the next minute your stately home cum hospital had been bombed. (Imagine Downton Abbey being bombed!)
 
I really enjoyed Caitrin’s confidence and independence, the contrast of Hecky and Teddy, and the supporting characters. Although I haven’t yet read A Jewel in the Crown (the first book in this series), I agree with the publisher’s statement that fans of Jacqueline Winspear and Susan Elia MacNeal will probably like this series.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

David Lewis's A Beacon in the Night is a book that defies easy categorization, much like the nebulous glow it describes. Part philosophical musing, part speculative fiction, and part heartfelt memoir, Lewis weaves a narrative tapestry that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. My initial apprehension about its unconventional structure quickly dissolved as I found myself drawn into a contemplative journey through grief, memory, and the persistent human search for meaning in the face of the unknown.

Lewis, with the keen eye of a poet and the meticulous precision of a scientist, invites us to consider the "beacon" not just as a literal light in the darkness, but as an enduring symbol of hope, a whisper of connection across time and space. The narrative oscillates between vividly rendered personal anecdotes – moments of profound loss and quiet joy – and broader philosophical inquiries into the nature of consciousness, the vastness of the cosmos, and the enduring legacy of those we've loved. This fluid movement between the intimate and the immense is where A Beacon in the Night truly shines, demonstrating how deeply intertwined our personal narratives are with the grander narratives of existence.

What makes this book unique is Lewis’s willingness to embrace ambiguity. He doesn't offer definitive answers but rather prompts deeper questions, inviting the reader to engage in their own introspective exploration. His prose is elegant and unhurried, allowing moments of profound insight to settle and resonate. There’s a comforting vulnerability in his writing, as he grapples with complex emotions and abstract concepts with raw honesty.

While the non-linear structure might challenge some readers accustomed to more traditional narratives, it ultimately serves to enhance the book's reflective quality. Each chapter, almost like a self-contained essay, adds another layer to the overarching theme, gradually illuminating the multifaceted nature of the "beacon." A Beacon in the Night is not a book to be rushed; it’s a book to be savored, to be pondered, and to be revisited.

For readers who appreciate thoughtful, introspective journeys and are open to blurring the lines between genres, A Beacon in the Night will be a profoundly rewarding experience. It’s a book that encourages us to look inward and outward, to find solace in the shared human experience, and to recognize that even in the deepest night, there is always a glimmer of light. Lewis has crafted something truly special here – a quiet, powerful testament to the enduring human spirit.

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is set in London and elsewhere in Britain in 1941 during the blitz. The Special Operations Executive (SOE), a real organization, had been created in 1940 to conduct espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance in German-occupied Europe and to aid local resistance movements there during World War II. In "A Beacon in the Night," a fictitious SOE spin-off organization known as "512," run almost entirely by women spies, operates independently but inside Britain. The rationale for 512 is based on the fact that women are largely ignored and thus invisible in the espionage world, where they can hide in plain sight.

Caitrin Colline, a brave and super confident young Welsh woman, is a member of 512 and eventually lands a major assignment - to stop the planting of homing beacons in treasured cultural landmarks such as cathedrals and ancient churches, as well as hospitals and ancestral homes. These beacons mark these places as targets for German bombers in an effort by the Nazis to destroy British morale. In order to succeed in this fight, however, Caitrin and her colleagues must determine where the beacons are coming from and who is planting them? Is it German spies or British traitors? In the course finding answers to these questions, Caitrin is dragged into a dangerous involvement with a charismatic Whitechapel criminal kingpin named Daniel "Teddy" Baer.

There are many positive aspects to this novel. The description of the suffering of the people of London during the blitz is moving, especially given that we Americans never really suffered the terror of being targets of German attacks on our shores. The characteristics of the 512 spies are inspiring for their toughness, courage, and the fact that they manage to maintain their senses of humor under extremely trying and dangerous circumstances. Several characters are killed in the course of the story, which also emphasizes that the context of London and elsewhere during the blitz was absolutely no joke.

So, you may ask, why the 3-star rating? I debated whether A beacon in the Night merits 4 stars and, in the end, settled for 3. There is little character development, and although the writing is reasonably good, it could be a lot better. But then this novel does not pretend to be a literary masterpiece and is more a tale of intrigue and courage. I recommend it as light, but serious, reading, especially if you like historical novels.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Beacon in the Night makes the London Blitz come alive in so many ways. The pain and horror of so many people killed and so much destruction. For the first time a war could seem impersonal to those pilots but so very personal for the people whose lives were being impacted in so many ways. Catrine Colline, an agent of 512, an espionage organization made up of women, found herself in an underground nightclub one night with Max, the man she intended to marry when a targeted bomb dropped, destroying the club and killing most people there, including Max. A looter then stole the ring, her mother's wedding ring from Catrine while she was incapacitated. Her unofficial mission became finding that ring and getting it back. This led her to Teddy Baer, a Whitechapel rogue who had his finger on every illegal thing that went on in London. Her official mission was to locate the source of the homing devices being planted near specific locations so the Nazis could directly hit their targets. These included the nightclub, old estates, churches, hospitals. If that meant working with those building the homing devices for awhile, that's what she would do. Does 512 stop the efforts in time for Churchill to keep their organization alive. You have to read to find out!
Once again, Catrine gives the upper classes a run for their money. I loved meeting her mother. Easy to see where she gets her spunk and sassy wit. I really enjoyed this one and think you will too!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historic fiction thriller set during World War II, A Beacon in the Night (2025) by David Lewis features Caitrin Colline. Caitrin works for an independent, British female counterespionage unit - 512. A smart, feisty hero, Caitrin is a socialist and daughter of a Welsh miner. Caitrin is tasked with identifying enemy saboteurs as the Blitz bombing rages. Having not read the first book of the Secret Churchill Files series, makes this a standalone review, as no knowledge of previous events are known. The story makes interesting use of historical figures, notably Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming, giving the narrative an authentic, believable feel. So, if you like great spy drama then this novel is itself a beacon, with a four and a half star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement. With thanks to Kensington Publishing and the author for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Beacon in the Night is book 2 in the WW2 historical fiction series “The Secret Churchill Files”. Although it mentions a few things that happened in book 1, it can be read totally stand-alone. I have not read the first book (yet) and I never felt lost.

From the first page, I was immediately engaged. Descriptions of everyday life in WW2 England were vivid: the rationing, the nightly air raids, the bombed-out buildings, the search for a little joy in the midst of it all. The dialog is clever and snappy. But the real draw is former police officer Caitrin Colline, female spy. She works for an all-female spy agency and is investigating a series of targeted bombings. Through the course of the investigation she infiltrates an underworld operation which puts her in the path of several unsavory characters. I was on the edge of my seat until the end.

Thanks to David Lewis, Kensington Publishing Corp., and Goodreads for an advance copy of this book.

[Mbsuther · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beacon

This was the second in the series. The first had a great storyline and very interesting characters. A bit James Bond-ish, but enjoyable. The second had most of the same characters, but a much more sinister storyline. This dealt more with death occurring close to the main characters and somewhat wrapped the story around it. It was a better espionage story, but was more scattered and left the reader with deciding who was "moral" and the main villian "got away with it". Still and, an interesting read. A 4.6 out of 5 rating.

[Brook Brush · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway

I struggled with this book. It didn’t keep my attention and I had a hard time following - there were too many names and places (and nicknames for them) for me to keep them all straight. It was an interesting read, and some chapters were more captivating than others, but over all I didn’t love this one and wouldn’t recommend it.

*language, minor sexual content, rape, murder

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me point out that I received this book via a Goodreads Giveaway. This was a book that when I read the brief about it, I was interested in and put it on my Consider to be Read list. Well it was a real good read, 4.5+. A spy novel based during WWII, an English spy group which was all women. It was a good story and a quick read, action moving from beginning to end - my type of stories. This book I highly recommend and now I have to go back and find The Secret Churchill Files #1.

[Debra Pease · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual story on WW2

I mostly was shocked about the details of bombing in London. Then the lighthouse storyline was abhorrent to think British people doing to their own countrymen. War is horrible and I don't know how as humans we won't do anything to prevent it from happening. Alas. It appears the horrors of WW2 are so far removed from the English people they don't seem to care, its all about making money, everywhere in our world. Very good thorough story.

[Norma Endersby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end of the story did not disappoint! So well done, both from a historical and from a fiction point of view. I love that the author left you wanting more but effectively tied up all the loose ends. Smart dialogue and a wonderful storyline, at times funny and at times sad, but always intriguing and very interesting. I look forward to reading more of this author.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been many a year since I read a book with lots of Thieves Cant - Rhyming Slang. I see Wikipedia refers to it as Cockney Rhyming Slang, but I first read it in Georgette Heyer's Regency novels and it was referred to as Thieves Cant.

Regardless of this minor matter, a very well done story of WW II.

[Barbara Laramie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good unfiltered view of stilted entitled English royalty and their disdain for those they consider beneath them and for Ireland. Actually a great spy story all females being the spies and heroes with just a little help from 1 lone male!

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free giveaway.
Thrilling and interesting.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as strong as first in the series, but entertaining and thrilling enough for me to be waiting for #3 in the future.

[Mikaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. I love the retelling of a James bond esk story. The character deaths though kind of stabbed me in the heart so that was rude but fun read. Looking forward to more!

[Mary G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good adventure story. The characters are well drawn. I do hope there will be another book in the series.

[Kiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though this isn’t a long book, it seems to drag more than its predecessor, which is too bad. I liked both of them pretty well, otherwise, except for some annoying anachronisms.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Nick Ertz · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting, historically based mystery/adventure. Structure is a bit choppy, but the narrative does move along, if you count all the hops in focus.

[Julia Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I missed the first in this series but this story of war-time intrigue clips right along. I'm going to find the others and keep reading.

[Rebecca Bridson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC of David Lewis's 'A Beacon in the Night'.

I enjoyed this different take on the Blitz. In this novel our heroine Caitrin, an agent with the all-female espionage unit 512, is tasked with identifying German/enemy saboteurs during the height of the Blitz. When it becomes clear that the Germans are targeting buildings of historical importance, Caitrin and her team must do everything in their power to discover how the Germans locating these buildings with pin-point accuracy. and stop them succeeding This means going under cover and putting herself at great risk.

A punchy, fast-paced, and exciting read. Great for those who are starting to get bored with run of the mill historical fiction and looking for a change of pace.