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A Legion of Traitors
Jana Petken presents “A Legion of Traitors,” the sixth and final instalment of “The Man from Section Five” series.
As the war turns in Britain’s favour, Brin confronts old and new enemies and discovers someone close to him is a British traitor.
Jameson finally breaks free of the torturer, Anton Ziegler, but is he walking into even greater danger when the SS takes him captive and extradites him to Berlin?
MI5 continues to groom its double-cross agents in the lead up to Britain’s greatest deception against Germany, while the Germans use a legion of British traitors in their propaganda war against Russia.
When the Scottish courts free Mary Boyle from prison, she leaps straight into an international conspiracy involving a neutral country. Can Brin save her from the Abwehr or will he leave her to her fate?
A rollercoaster story of action and intrigue, I had trouble putting this one down.
... Eoin Dempsey, Bestselling author of White Rose, Black Forest, and the Longest Echo.
“Jana Petken is a master of WWII fiction. Well-researched, her books never disappoint. The Man from Section Five is a powerful and captivating suspense that grabs you from the first page and does not let go until the very end. A true page-turner.”
… Kathryn Gauci #1 Bestselling author of The Secret of the Grand Hôtel du Lac.
As the war turns in Britain’s favour, Brin confronts old and new enemies and discovers someone close to him is a British traitor.
Jameson finally breaks free of the torturer, Anton Ziegler, but is he walking into even greater danger when the SS takes him captive and extradites him to Berlin?
MI5 continues to groom its double-cross agents in the lead up to Britain’s greatest deception against Germany, while the Germans use a legion of British traitors in their propaganda war against Russia.
When the Scottish courts free Mary Boyle from prison, she leaps straight into an international conspiracy involving a neutral country. Can Brin save her from the Abwehr or will he leave her to her fate?
A rollercoaster story of action and intrigue, I had trouble putting this one down.
... Eoin Dempsey, Bestselling author of White Rose, Black Forest, and the Longest Echo.
“Jana Petken is a master of WWII fiction. Well-researched, her books never disappoint. The Man from Section Five is a powerful and captivating suspense that grabs you from the first page and does not let go until the very end. A true page-turner.”
… Kathryn Gauci #1 Bestselling author of The Secret of the Grand Hôtel du Lac.
Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2025
About the author
Jana Petken
77 books750 followers Jana Petken is a multi award winning historical fiction author.
She is critically acclaimed as a bestselling, gritty author who produces bold, colourful characters and riveting storylines. She is the recipient of numerous major international awards for her works of historical fiction.
Before life as an author, she served in the British Royal Navy. During her service, she studied Naval Law and history. After the Navy, she worked for British Airways and turned to writing after an accident on board an aircraft forced her to retire prematurely.
Nice to meet you all x
She is critically acclaimed as a bestselling, gritty author who produces bold, colourful characters and riveting storylines. She is the recipient of numerous major international awards for her works of historical fiction.
Before life as an author, she served in the British Royal Navy. During her service, she studied Naval Law and history. After the Navy, she worked for British Airways and turned to writing after an accident on board an aircraft forced her to retire prematurely.
Nice to meet you all x
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 1, 2025
Petken continues the tale of Brin Knight, working-class kid who rose up in MI-5 by infiltrating Oswald Mosley's fascist British Union, putting him and other leading fascists in jail when the war breaks out.
Like the earlier installments, it's a leisurely read. I read it off and on over a couple of months, then started turning the pages in earnest during the second half.
Midway through the war, he's hard at work on the secret operation feeding the Germans misinformation about Allied invasion plans. The Brits run double agents who send the Germans intelligence, often from completely fictitious spy networks, directing Axis attention away from Normandy.
Captured American journalist, and British spy, Jameson Weldon, after nearly dying at the hands of the Abwehr, lands in a more standard POW setting before his transfer to a more unusual one. The Germans want to create a legion of British soldiers, mostly those who were fascist sympathizers before the war, to fight the Russians. Weldon isn't a traitor but must play along.
German bad guys spend as much time plotting against one another as they do rooting out Resistance members and Allied spies. We see rotten doings, particularly the exploitation of Jews trying to flee the Holocaust.
Knight's brother Tommy, a POW since Dunkirk, reappears late in this story— as does Knight's onetime paramour Ursula, suddenly back from America. She'd sought a Hollywood film career and fled to avoid internment as a German national after ditching Brin.
She's meanwhile become the mother of his child. Will she rattle the security of Brin's recent marriage to the nicer and much worthier Sarah McGibbon?
Knight monitors the Mosleys, inserting a spy close to them in jail.
With Oswald Mosley ailing, the government now faces pressure to free him and other jailed toffs. This highlights the awkward ties among Britain's upper classes causing regular folk to wonder if they're more loyal to each other than to the nation. (As they'll wonder in later years during the Kim Philby and John Profumo scandals.)
MI-5 knows the Mosley s plotted to enable a German invasion, the restoration of King Edward VIII and Mosley's installation as puppet prime minister.
With the slow pace, it was jarring when Petken suddenly jumps ahead to after the D Day Invasion without much mention of it, after all Knight's work setting up the double cross operation. And then again to early 1945 and again to war's end.
Spoiler alert. Don't read further if you haven't read the story.
I thought some elements of the ending spotty. When Tommy Knight comes home, there's a hint of bad news involving Lizzie, his prewar girlfriend, but we never hear what it is. We assume she's dumped him in the interim, or perhaps believes him to be a traitor. Petken may have dropped this in at some point but we need reminding.
Ursula's mental return to the Mosleys' camp is a stretch. Yes, she's selfish and shallow. Yes, it's her pattern. But she aided the FBI while in Hollywood and MI-5 against the Mosleys. What's key, though, is her own secret Jewish background, which caused her change in perspective in earlier years. The Mosleys don't know and it's a well-buried secret. Brin knows but probably no one else still living. But wouldn't this change her outlook enough that she'd want to keep a distance from the Mosleys? And wouldn't her self-interest alone keep her away from these two with their Nazi taint?
I think Petken missed some opportunities. This lengthy series often moved slowly, with countless meetings, interrogations and dinner-table conversations. She meanwhile passes up opportunities for action as a refreshing change of pace. She might have gotten suspense out of D Day showing Brin's work succeeding, and she could have used Jameson and Tommy's escape as POWs to provide some action. The Dresden firebombing scene is dramatic, but she could have followed the two further on what had to be a harrowing journey through collapsing Germany. They're the good guys and we want to see them escape.
Like the earlier installments, it's a leisurely read. I read it off and on over a couple of months, then started turning the pages in earnest during the second half.
Midway through the war, he's hard at work on the secret operation feeding the Germans misinformation about Allied invasion plans. The Brits run double agents who send the Germans intelligence, often from completely fictitious spy networks, directing Axis attention away from Normandy.
Captured American journalist, and British spy, Jameson Weldon, after nearly dying at the hands of the Abwehr, lands in a more standard POW setting before his transfer to a more unusual one. The Germans want to create a legion of British soldiers, mostly those who were fascist sympathizers before the war, to fight the Russians. Weldon isn't a traitor but must play along.
German bad guys spend as much time plotting against one another as they do rooting out Resistance members and Allied spies. We see rotten doings, particularly the exploitation of Jews trying to flee the Holocaust.
Knight's brother Tommy, a POW since Dunkirk, reappears late in this story— as does Knight's onetime paramour Ursula, suddenly back from America. She'd sought a Hollywood film career and fled to avoid internment as a German national after ditching Brin.
She's meanwhile become the mother of his child. Will she rattle the security of Brin's recent marriage to the nicer and much worthier Sarah McGibbon?
Knight monitors the Mosleys, inserting a spy close to them in jail.
With Oswald Mosley ailing, the government now faces pressure to free him and other jailed toffs. This highlights the awkward ties among Britain's upper classes causing regular folk to wonder if they're more loyal to each other than to the nation. (As they'll wonder in later years during the Kim Philby and John Profumo scandals.)
MI-5 knows the Mosley s plotted to enable a German invasion, the restoration of King Edward VIII and Mosley's installation as puppet prime minister.
With the slow pace, it was jarring when Petken suddenly jumps ahead to after the D Day Invasion without much mention of it, after all Knight's work setting up the double cross operation. And then again to early 1945 and again to war's end.
Spoiler alert. Don't read further if you haven't read the story.
I thought some elements of the ending spotty. When Tommy Knight comes home, there's a hint of bad news involving Lizzie, his prewar girlfriend, but we never hear what it is. We assume she's dumped him in the interim, or perhaps believes him to be a traitor. Petken may have dropped this in at some point but we need reminding.
Ursula's mental return to the Mosleys' camp is a stretch. Yes, she's selfish and shallow. Yes, it's her pattern. But she aided the FBI while in Hollywood and MI-5 against the Mosleys. What's key, though, is her own secret Jewish background, which caused her change in perspective in earlier years. The Mosleys don't know and it's a well-buried secret. Brin knows but probably no one else still living. But wouldn't this change her outlook enough that she'd want to keep a distance from the Mosleys? And wouldn't her self-interest alone keep her away from these two with their Nazi taint?
I think Petken missed some opportunities. This lengthy series often moved slowly, with countless meetings, interrogations and dinner-table conversations. She meanwhile passes up opportunities for action as a refreshing change of pace. She might have gotten suspense out of D Day showing Brin's work succeeding, and she could have used Jameson and Tommy's escape as POWs to provide some action. The Dresden firebombing scene is dramatic, but she could have followed the two further on what had to be a harrowing journey through collapsing Germany. They're the good guys and we want to see them escape.
May 1, 2025
Excellent
Patrick Wayne - Continuing a Legacy of Hollywood Royalty
Patrick Wayne, born on July 15, 1939, in Los Angeles, California, is an American actor and producer who has carved out a career in Hollywood spanning over five decades. As the son of legendary actor John Wayne, Patrick Wayne inherited not only his father's rugged good looks but also his passion for acting and commitment to the entertainment industry.
Wayne's acting career began in the 1950s, where he appeared in small roles in films such as "The Searchers" (1956) and "The Alamo" (1960), both of which starred his father, John Wayne. These early experiences on set sparked Wayne's interest in acting and set the stage for his future in the industry.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Wayne began to establish himself as a leading man in his own right, starring in a series of Western and adventure films that capitalized on his rugged charm and screen presence. He starred in films such as "The Young Land" (1959), "The Comancheros" (1961), and "The War Wagon" (1967), alongside his father and other Hollywood icons.
Throughout his career, Wayne showcased his versatility by taking on roles in various genres beyond Westerns, including action, drama, and science fiction. He starred in films such as "Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger" (1977), a fantasy adventure film, and "Big Jake" (1971), another collaboration with his father, which highlighted his ability to handle complex characters and intense action sequences.
In addition to his work in film, Wayne also appeared in television series and made-for-TV movies throughout the 1970s and 1980s, expanding his repertoire and reaching broader audiences. His appearances on shows such as "Fantasy Island," "Murder, She Wrote," and "The Love Boat" showcased his versatility and established him as a familiar face on television screens.
Beyond acting, Wayne has also worked behind the scenes as a producer, contributing to projects that continue to uphold the Wayne family legacy in Hollywood. His commitment to preserving his father's contributions to film and expanding his own career has solidified his place in the industry.
Patrick Wayne's enduring career in Hollywood is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the legacy of his father, John Wayne. As he continues to contribute to the entertainment industry both in front of and behind the camera, Wayne's impact on film and television remains a vital part of Hollywood history. His ability to embody iconic roles and maintain the Wayne family tradition of excellence ensures that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
Patrick Wayne - Continuing a Legacy of Hollywood Royalty
Patrick Wayne, born on July 15, 1939, in Los Angeles, California, is an American actor and producer who has carved out a career in Hollywood spanning over five decades. As the son of legendary actor John Wayne, Patrick Wayne inherited not only his father's rugged good looks but also his passion for acting and commitment to the entertainment industry.
Wayne's acting career began in the 1950s, where he appeared in small roles in films such as "The Searchers" (1956) and "The Alamo" (1960), both of which starred his father, John Wayne. These early experiences on set sparked Wayne's interest in acting and set the stage for his future in the industry.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Wayne began to establish himself as a leading man in his own right, starring in a series of Western and adventure films that capitalized on his rugged charm and screen presence. He starred in films such as "The Young Land" (1959), "The Comancheros" (1961), and "The War Wagon" (1967), alongside his father and other Hollywood icons.
Throughout his career, Wayne showcased his versatility by taking on roles in various genres beyond Westerns, including action, drama, and science fiction. He starred in films such as "Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger" (1977), a fantasy adventure film, and "Big Jake" (1971), another collaboration with his father, which highlighted his ability to handle complex characters and intense action sequences.
In addition to his work in film, Wayne also appeared in television series and made-for-TV movies throughout the 1970s and 1980s, expanding his repertoire and reaching broader audiences. His appearances on shows such as "Fantasy Island," "Murder, She Wrote," and "The Love Boat" showcased his versatility and established him as a familiar face on television screens.
Beyond acting, Wayne has also worked behind the scenes as a producer, contributing to projects that continue to uphold the Wayne family legacy in Hollywood. His commitment to preserving his father's contributions to film and expanding his own career has solidified his place in the industry.
Patrick Wayne's enduring career in Hollywood is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the legacy of his father, John Wayne. As he continues to contribute to the entertainment industry both in front of and behind the camera, Wayne's impact on film and television remains a vital part of Hollywood history. His ability to embody iconic roles and maintain the Wayne family tradition of excellence ensures that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
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August 12, 2025Interesting backstory to Britain's role in WWII
I really enjoyed the historical background and the use of real characters from the time period. I wasn't always satisfied with the fictional MI5 and MI6 characters and supporting roles. The dialogues, personalities and actions were not always believable. But the series gives one an appreciation for the major roles and significant contributions of these intelligence agencies.
I really enjoyed the historical background and the use of real characters from the time period. I wasn't always satisfied with the fictional MI5 and MI6 characters and supporting roles. The dialogues, personalities and actions were not always believable. But the series gives one an appreciation for the major roles and significant contributions of these intelligence agencies.
February 23, 2026
Having absolutely loved the Half Blood Trilogy on Audible as well as each of the five Brinley Knight novels, I waited with baited anticipation for the audiobook release. It was assured to be available last year and yet disappointment ensued.
Unable to suffer the burden of patience any longer I succumbed to the kindle version which although in plot essence is on point, it sadly ruined what should have been an epic saga. Jack Sackville was a magnificent narrator
Unable to suffer the burden of patience any longer I succumbed to the kindle version which although in plot essence is on point, it sadly ruined what should have been an epic saga. Jack Sackville was a magnificent narrator
March 27, 2026
What an outstanding series to read. The final book was so engrossing and on the edge thriller. I had not read of Amery before today and what awful things he did(delusional idiot) .The legion of prisoners he put together in the beginning to fight with the Nazis had my blood boiling!
Overall the series is a must for those interested in what Britain faced with the British fascists and Churchill trying to save England.
Well done Jana Petken
Overall the series is a must for those interested in what Britain faced with the British fascists and Churchill trying to save England.
Well done Jana Petken
March 17, 2025
Wonderful book/series
These books were wonderful ig you enjoy spy novels. These books ate fast paced and interesting. The characters were suberb. These books protray a very difficult war on all sides the likes of which we pray never happens again.
These books were wonderful ig you enjoy spy novels. These books ate fast paced and interesting. The characters were suberb. These books protray a very difficult war on all sides the likes of which we pray never happens again.
March 7, 2025
The worst book in the series. Long and tedious.
March 29, 2025
Excellent
Although the action slows down a bit as the war edges to its end, there is still a high pitch at times.
Well worth the read!
Although the action slows down a bit as the war edges to its end, there is still a high pitch at times.
Well worth the read!
April 24, 2025
Welcome ending to a too long story
I am glad to finish this overly drawn out story. Reading/waiting for 6 books to compete one story became a bit overbearing.
I am glad to finish this overly drawn out story. Reading/waiting for 6 books to compete one story became a bit overbearing.
September 11, 2025
Superb series. Great historical background. Multiple believable characters.
December 15, 2025
absolutely amazing series
This series is fantastic such in depth history of the Second World War and what the people of United Kingdom sufferd
This series is fantastic such in depth history of the Second World War and what the people of United Kingdom sufferd
May 12, 2026
Very good series.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews