The Dark of the Moon

by Fiona Valpy

From the bestselling author of The Dressmaker’s Gift. She’s spent a lifetime searching for him. Is this her last chance to find the truth?

Philly Delaney risked everything during the war. From flying planes for the Air Transport Auxiliary corps, aka the ‘Attagirls’, to working with the Bletchley Park codebreakers, and life-or-death missions as an SOE agent in France, she and her colleagues pushed their courage—and their luck—to the limits.

Joining biographer Kendra and her family on the stunning, sun-drenched Île de Ré, Philly is ready to reveal her extraordinary life story. But she has another reason for being she’s never given up searching for her beloved pilot husband, Ben. Shot down during a dangerous mission, this is the only place left where she might discover what happened to him.

Listening to Philly’s war stories, Kendra’s young son Finn decides to use his own unique skills in maths, logic and persistence to track down Ben’s final resting place—and the answers that Philly longs for. Can they solve the decades-long mystery of Ben’s disappearance together? Because sometimes, lost people are still out there, just waiting to be found…

A wonderfully immersive, atmospheric and moving story of wartime resilience, hope, loss—and the enduring power of love.

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

288 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

Fiona Valpy spent seven years living in France, having moved there from the UK in 2007. She and her family renovated an old, rambling farmhouse in the Bordeaux winelands, during which time she developed new-found skills in cement-mixing, interior decorating and wine-tasting.

All of these inspirations, along with a love for the place, the people and their history, have found their way into the books she’s written, which have been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.

Fiona now lives in Scotland, but enjoys regular visits to France in search of the sun.

Sign up to be the first to hear about her NEW releases here: http://bit.ly/184zc8B

Reviews

[Wendy Hart]

I have read a lot of this author’s books. She can be relied on to deliver a an engaging yarn in diverse settings,filled with warm, lovable characters. This novel deals with the interaction between a ninety year old woman, who lost her leg and the love of her life during WW2, and an autistic teenage boy.
It is a delightful story with just enough twists and turns to avoid melodrama" The novel features Valpys characteristic descriptive narrative and vivid imagery I was engaged throughout
I commend this book. I cannot imagine anyone not liking it.

[Elaine]

**** STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING, AND PUT THIS ONE ON YOUR LIST!!! ****
I was looking at this on NetGalley, and almost didn't request it... I am so glad that I did, AND that I was approved to get an early copy!
It. Was. Phenomenal!!!!

Historical Fiction ✔️
Dual Timelines ✔️
A little romance ✔️
Strong family and friendship ties ✔️✔️
Gives you ALL THE FEELS ✔️✔️✔️

This one just had it all!! Once again set in war times, and the time around Hitler and all the horrendous stories there... but also, brought to light code breakers, women pilots, friendships, worries, loves, and ... so much more!!!
I was hanging on to every word, and that just doesn't happen with me much, as I am such an avid reader... but this one.... WOW!!!!

Ophelia (Philly) became involved in the war in a roundabout way... and then became such an integral part of the war story!
Ben, a pilot, was another integral part of the story... and they became close.
But then again, Philly seemed to befriend so many. She was just loved all-around.

And once again, I find that the last book I read had a bit in common with this one...
Once again we have an Autistic Main Character, (Finn) who is noted for his flaws, but also, who Philly elevates to new highs with her wonderful attitude and personality, and just love...
And through the two of them, we learn a whole big, beautiful story about the war, and all its parts... both good and bad, big and small, ups and downs... and love.... and all it's parts too!!

I cannot say enough about this book!! It brought out 🩷🩷 all the feels 🩷🩷, yes, but it also just made me want to root for each and every single character in the book... because by the end, you are invested in the outcome too!!!
Oh… and the title…. When it comes up… 😮🥹❤️

And the ending, just beautiful. 🩷
Heartfelt... and PRICELESS!!!! And one that I would never have guessed in a million years!!!
I will leave you with that!

ALL THE STARS IN THE WORLD FOR ME!!!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✨✨✨✨✨💫💫💫💫⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Please keep your eyes 👀 open for this one!!!
*** IT HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED!!! Please look for it on Tuesday, 9/23/25! ***

#TheDarkOfTheMoon by @FionaValpy and narrated stunningly by @AnneFlosnik and @AngusYellowlees.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BrilliancePublishing, #BrillianceAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Cindy Spear]

Two things that attracted me to this novel: Fiona Valpy and the title. I love Fiona’s novels so I knew this would be another exceptional pager turner and it is! By the end I was so choked up, quite a few tears escaped my sleep deprived eyes. I could not put The Dark of the Moon down. I was totally immersed in this inspiring story. I was also captivated by the lyrical title and use of poetry in the plot.

The novel is told from two very different viewpoints. A senior lady name Philly, a WW2 veteran, in her nineties and a young boy named Finn who has autism. I was deeply engrossed in Philly’s story that she shares with Finn. His perspective of her details also lends a unique interpretation. He is the force that helps drive the goal for Philly to achieve closure.

Philly is a pretty courageous person. Like many, she risked her safety and life to help bring end to the war. She was one of the Attagirls who flew planes for the Air Transport Auxillary corps. She also worked with the Bletchley Park codebreakers and was appointed to dangerous missions as a SOE agent in France: one of which altered her life dramatically. Her courage was driven by her love of a pilot named Ben. Their love grows into an eternal connection but sadly: due to the nastiness of war, things don’t turn out as happily as we’d hope. Yet their time together is special and the poem they share carries each of them through rough waters whipped up by the war. But one day, on a mission, Ben disappears and it is feared he is captured. The tracks to his whereabouts turns cold and Philly goes through the rest of her life wondering what became of him. Yet she never gives up trying to find his resting place.

Philly ventures to Ili de Re to share her story with Kendra. Her autistic son listens in on their conversations. He gets involved and uses his special math skills to help Philly uncover her husband’s final journey. I enjoyed his insight and approaches. As Philly states, he sees life ‘through a lens of logic and persistence.’ After searching through many cemeteries, she becomes disheartened. But Finn’s determination and discoveries, spur her on to continue the search. At times, the ‘clouds of doubt’ obscure her ‘glimmer of hope,’ but Finn’s faith and positive attitude push her forward to get the needed results.

This beautifully rendered story shines with resilience (as seen in Ben, Philly and others). Finn’s fresh eyes and youthful determination add sparkle and hope. There is loss, of course, sadness and despair but the power of love lifts each one involved into realms of extraordinary strength. I loved this couple and the young boy. I also appreciated all the useful research Fiona wove into the plot: including info on Aviatrixes Amy Johnson and Amelia Earhart: two women of courage that stormed the skies with their fearlessness and passion.

This novel has many wonderful lines of truth. One is: ‘how important it is for those who are left behind to have a place to go to remember those who’ve been lost; a place where we can feel that connection and honour our dead.’ This need spurs Philly to join JCCC – a Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre as a War Detective to help others ‘find the ones they lost.’ This shows how our own difficult experiences may lead us to help others. There is no greater sympathetic person than one who has walked a mile in a painful set of shoes.

Finn also makes an incredible statement about the moon (an important symbol in the title and in this novel). ‘There isn’t a dark side of the moon, you know. It’s more accurate to call it the far side, because it does receive sunlight at certain times. It’s just that we never see it.’ Philly responds with: ‘I think people are like that, Finn. There’s the face they show and then the side they keep hidden. It’s the less obvious side that can be the most intriguing.’

Philly continues talking about those who are lost—that have not been found yet, like so many who have been struck down in war. ‘Just because you cannot see them, does not mean they’re not there.’ And ‘You don’t always have to see things to still believe in them.’ Also like truth, the stars during daylight, gravity and the far side of the moon.

Yes, this novel touches on so many deep and meaningful aspects of life. This powerfully written, lyrical feast, shines with truth that is everlasting. So glad I read it! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.

[Zoe]

Charged, touching, and intriguing!

The Dark of the Moon is a rich, captivating tale that sweeps you into the life of Philly Delaney, an elderly woman who, after serving as an ATA pilot, Bletchley Park codebreaker, and SOE agent during WWII, returns to France to stay with a biographer and her family, including their young neurodivergent son, Finn, in the hopes of finally uncovering what happened to the love of her life, who vanished on a mission all those years ago.

The prose is eloquent and fluid. The characters are resilient, brave, and endearing, and the plot unfolds into a tender tale of life, loss, family, secrets, separation, sacrifice, desperation, tragedy, friendship, espionage, romance, and the quiet heroism of war.

Overall, The Dark of the Moon is a heartfelt, nostalgic, affecting read by Valpy that beautifully weaves together historical fact and compelling fiction into an insightful, emotionally resonant story that is atmospheric and utterly absorbing.

[Margaret Wakeling]

A good read. A story set in WW2 time before moving to the present. The breaking of the Enigma Code, secret missions and the bravery of the Lysander pilots as they dropped off and picked up agents from occupied France.

The love of Philly’s life, her husband, a Lysander pilot is reported missing and she has spent the remaining 7 decades of her life trying to find out what happened to him. She had managed during her working life to track down missing airmen but Ben’s death and his whereabouts remained a mystery. It took a young autistic boy, named Finn, to bring her new hope.

[Louise Hooper]

‘But helping one another is surely why we’re put on this planet.’ 🌎🤍

Simply sublime.

The Dark of the Moon by Fiona Valpy is one of those rare novels that quietly settles into your heart and refuses to leave. Told through dual timelines and narratives that beautifully echo and enrich one another, the story unfolds with remarkable balance and emotional intelligence. I’ve always been drawn to novels with strong, complex female leads, and this book delivers that in spades—women whose courage, vulnerability, and resilience feel deeply real rather than romanticised.

What truly undid me, though, was the exquisitely rendered relationship between Philly, a sharp and spirited woman in her nineties, and Finn, a young neurodivergent boy. Their bond is portrayed with such tenderness and authenticity that I didn’t even realise I was crying until tears were already falling. It’s utterly charming, quietly profound, and handled with enormous empathy.

Combined with the novel’s meticulous research and rich historical detail, Valpy creates a moving tribute to our WWII wartime heroes that feels both respectful and deeply human. Written with great pathos and compassion, this is a story about connection across generations, the weight of memory, and the enduring power of kindness. This book will stay with me for a long time and hold a very special place on my shelf—and in my heart ♥️

[Teresa]

I love reading historical fiction books and especially those that are set during WWII. This also features a dual timeline which I enjoy as well. The characters are well developed and you will be drawn into the story for both periods of time. I loved the main character in the WWII time period was a strong and intelligent woman. Ophelia (Philly) played an integral part during the war in many aspects. The primary character in the second time line, Finn, is autistic. But thew ay his family and Philly treated him and helped him to develop abilities that gave him a purpose and respected his idiosyncrasies was touching. Such a wonderful story of love, loss, family, friendships … it hits all the right notes. And the ending will fill your heart to overflowing. A definite book to put on your to-be-read list!

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

[Ann]

Gosh what a stunningly brilliant read.
Told in dual timelines in alternating chapters, we follow Philly in her journey from an Attagirl girl, her work in Bletchley Park and beyond in WWII, to the present day in the company of Finn, the autistic son of the person writing her story.
From encounters with Amy Johnson and Alan Turing the obviously brilliantly researched detail brings alive the times and taught me a lot about some of the history I didn’t know about of WWII. Don’t bother Googling the facts or places, I did and they are all real events, people and places. The chapters featuring Finn and his neurodiversity are equally obviously well researched and shine a light on the very special and wonderful talents that neurodiverse people bring to the world.
While both a wonderful historical and modern day tale this is also a love story. A beautiful book with characters that will stay with me for a long time to come.

[Elinor Dixon]

Probably not my favourite Valpy but absolutely gorgeous and so interesting. Loved the character development and the way she knitted the past and present together. A really exciting but terribly sad story

[Laura]

A friend recommended reading Fiona Valpy's books and I have really enjoyed every single one. This latest one didn't disappoint, so moving and so beautifully written.

[Nadja]

4.5⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for the arc.
This story about Philly and Finn was purely heartwarming. A woman that is over ninety wants to find out one last thing about what happend during the second world war. A boy with autism who is trying to figure out his life listens to the story from Philly which she tells his mum.
To see how they get to know each other was just amazing. I loved that autism wasn’t just represented as an illness but also as a gift.
If you like historical fiction with the setting now and during the second world war as well as the representation of an illness you will eat this book up.

[Arwynn Clawson]

This was AMAZING!

[Ailsa]

The worst portrayal of autism i have ever seen. Genuinely upsetting and borderline offensive at times.

[Helen H]

The Dark of the Moon is a beautiful story of shining stars, unconditional love, searching and never giving up.

Told from the viewpoints of ninety year old Philly, who served as an Attagirl and Bletchley Park codebreaker; and Finn, a child living with autism. I grew to really like both of these main characters. They understand each other; they are both intelligent and courageous; and they just seem to compliment each other in a unique and beautiful way. I felt as though I was a spectator on the sidelines, witnessing this lovely friendship blossom between Philly and Finn. And along with Philly, I found I was taking steps forward in appreciating and seeing the world through Finn’s eyes, navigating each day with autism.

I really like the way this story acknowledges the importance of Commonwealth War Graves. Having visited numerous CWGC memorials and cemeteries across France and Belgium, I can relate to the significance and peace experienced by Philly and Finn at such sites.

The audio narration is easy to follow, with tone and conviction that brings Philly and Finn to life.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing for an audio copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Lyndi (mibookobsession)]

This beautiful work of historical fiction is told in dual timelines and different perspectives. Philly is a WWII veteran in her 90s who's almost lost hope of ever finding out what happened to her pilot husband Ben. The story goes back and forth from their love story to the present, where Philly is relating her story to Kendra when her young autistic son Finn overhears. From his perspective he uses logic and math to try and solve Ben's final flight and resting place. The growing relationship between Philly and this neuro divergent not was wonderful to read. I love this author's writing and how well researched it is. I definitely recommend this if you're looking for WWII historical fiction!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Mimi]

The Dark of the Moon is told from two very different viewpoints. Ophelia Delany (Philly) looks back on her life from the 1930s to the present and recalls her husband, Ben, the love of her life, who disappeared on a secret flying mission during WWII. She's never stopped trying to find out what happened to him. While she tells Kendra the story of her life, Kendra's son Finn listens, fascinated. Finn, who is autistic, is determined to help Philly find out what happened to Ben. By using a process of elimination, Finn postulates Ben's last possible location.

I enjoy Fiona Valpy's style of writing. Her novels seem to follow a similar pattern: two interconnected stories told from two different POVs. This one is a bit of a tearjerker so keep some tissues handy.

[Jane Watson]

Another good one from Fiona Valpy. Set during the war and the present day, the story follows Philly as she is signed up to Bletchley Park during the war and what happens to her then, against the present day when she is much older and staying with a family in France with an autistic son, Finn, whom she befriends and he helps her track down something she is looking for. As always the characters are well written and believable and the story moves along and is intriguing.

[Elle]

How has it taken me this long to read a Fiona Valpy book?! I gave this book 5 stars on the basis of how it made me feel, especially towards the end! Such a special book with characters that you fall in love with! Finn will hold a special place in my heart 🫶🏽 A quote I completely adored during the book..
'The gift of knowing that, no matter how dark the night, we are never really alone when we are loved' ❤️

[bonono]

4.5⭐️

I was not expecting this book to hit me like it did. This was such a beautiful story, the friendship between Philly and Finn was beautiful to read. The flashbacks of everything Philly endured during the war was amazing to read. This book had me crying at the end when we got the closure Philly had been searching for regarding Ben. Also the representation of Finn was very realistic and believable. So glad I picked up this book, looking forward to reading another of this authors work. Immersive read this, audio book is dual narration and very good.

[Karis North]

Absolutely charming book with wonderful characters . I loved the interaction between the 90 year old WW2 veteran (and pilot and codebreaker) and the autistic boy. What a great reminder to never overlook anyone because of their circumstances! The story goes back-and-forth between the past and the present, and each section makes you want to read more. I had a hard time putting it down!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Michaela Budge]

I loved this book! Such an interesting historical fiction set in WW2, and the role of a woman with cryptography, the enigma code and other interesting things. Very fascinating story and loved the writing style. Would definitely recommend!

[Charlene Podgorski]

It was a sweet story, however it was a bit slow and I really did not feel a connection with characters.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy.

[Taggy Elliott]

4.5💫

[Lauryn Muirhead]

I loved this book - a beautifully written WW2 historical fiction using dual timelines.

[Lisa]

This is a great book, both historical fiction and all the feels. A lovely warm and often informative, interesting read.

[Ellie]

4.5*

[Jessica Duerr]

Incredible.

[Caroline Mattinson]

Well written story of determination,dedication&eternal love

A fascinating book about the life of a Bletchley Park cryptographer & her relentless search for her missing pilot husband,in France during the second world war.
I loved this book & meeting the autistic boy who helps her in her final search. A great read .

[Agerius]

The Dark of the Moon is a Mom Book. You intuitively know what that means without explanation. Dramatic yet deliberately slight, puzzlelike, breezy prose, a lot of heart. And The Dark of the Moon would be a pretty good Mom Book if it had half the ambition and twice the patience. Nonagenarian Philly collaborates with a writer on the tale of her time as part of the Women’s Auxiliary (and later as a codebreaker) in the British military during World War 2, a story of bravery, heroism, and love found and lost- kinda like Titanic by way of Alan Turing (who himself makes an appearance.) This seems in and of itself like a perfectly acceptable plot for a Mom Book- better than acceptable, really! Valpy has clearly done more research than you might initially expect on these lesser-discussed military roles, and I found myself pretty compelled and interested in exploring these topics further. But the wraparound story- Philly’s recitation of her memoirs in modern day- is where things start to fall apart. It seems like Valpy didn’t think (or was advised that) Philly’s World War 2 story would be insufficient to carry the book, so it’s crudely bolted to a modern-day story involving Finn, her interlocutor’s autistic teenaged son, and their burgeoning cross-generational friendship full of understanding and love and the special magic of autism and sailing and you know the drill. It sucks. Philly’s meditations on autism sound like the sort of thing you would read in a SO YOUR CHILD REALLY ENJOYS SONIC THE HEDGEHOG pamphlet, and Finn and family’s story is so underbaked and clearly included for the purpose of padding page count that it does little more than interrupt the flow of the primary plot. What’s the need for wraparound stories like this? Do we gain anything by viewing Philly through an additional layer of memory? Hardly. C’mon, Valpy- just give me the intricate and focused historical fiction you’re clearly more invested in. In short: half of a pretty good book and half of a really bad one, and that ultimately makes it less than the sum of its parts.

https://hideousrecollection.substack.com

[Debbie McGolpin]

Simply wonderful

I have visited Bletchley park a few times and have been in awe of what happened there, this book brought it alive with a story beyond the park. Love, heartbreak, bravery and a whole lot more.
Finns story has helped understand one families life with autism in a wonderful way
Beautifully written thoroughly enjoyable