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Lucie Musilova #1
Blood, White and Blue
Love, deception and murder dominate as thriller writer James Silvester delivers the first in the Lucie Musilova series. Britain is a hotbed of racial tension and economic uncertainty. Only Sir Geoffrey Hartnell, an ageing but hugely respected MP, can bring about a successful resolution to the talks, but a ghost from the past threatens to bring the UK to its knees. Lucie Musilova meanwhile, is a young woman running out of places to hide. Half British, half Czech and rejected by both countries in the aftermath of Brexit, she meets ‘Mr. Lake’, the eccentric Head of a branch of the intelligence services known as ‘The Overlappers’, and is press ganged into service on the Huxley case……
- GenresThriller
360 pages, Paperback
First published November 8, 2018
13 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 22, 2018
This is the third book of his that I’ve read and I have to say this is the best yet. A gripping story, delicately told with creative description throughout, and a character as solid and real as I’ve seen on the page in a long time.
In many ways the story is a reflection of our times. The book could easily read as an examination of the Great Britain so heavily featured in this page-turning thriller. A nation not so great right now. The conclusion to the exam? A damning F grade and a nation with nothing to be proud of.
I have to say as part of the 48% I’m completely with the author... does that mean the slight majority (as was) will object?
I doubt it... there are long words in this beautiful book and no pictures, so I think that already defines the readership. Love a good book? Read it! Wonder where the country is heading if we go through with Brexit? Read it! Want to know what Europeans actually feel like about life in the UK now? Read it!
In many ways the story is a reflection of our times. The book could easily read as an examination of the Great Britain so heavily featured in this page-turning thriller. A nation not so great right now. The conclusion to the exam? A damning F grade and a nation with nothing to be proud of.
I have to say as part of the 48% I’m completely with the author... does that mean the slight majority (as was) will object?
I doubt it... there are long words in this beautiful book and no pictures, so I think that already defines the readership. Love a good book? Read it! Wonder where the country is heading if we go through with Brexit? Read it! Want to know what Europeans actually feel like about life in the UK now? Read it!
July 15, 2019
I found the description of this story intriguing, especially the idea of a spy being an ex-RAF chaplain.
I actually found Lucie quite confusing, she suffers from depression and probably PTSD, yet she still has faith in God even though she can no longer understand how to be a chaplain. However I found it difficult to see how and why she suddenly became a spy capable of using her body to get information and possibly killing someone. She turned out to be an interesting ‘kickass’ heroine, but I never felt comfortable with her.
I also wasn’t convinced by the ‘Overlappers’ group, they really didn’t impress me as a viable security organisation. In fact, although it wasn’t bad, I felt there were times when the whole story just lacked plausibility.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
I actually found Lucie quite confusing, she suffers from depression and probably PTSD, yet she still has faith in God even though she can no longer understand how to be a chaplain. However I found it difficult to see how and why she suddenly became a spy capable of using her body to get information and possibly killing someone. She turned out to be an interesting ‘kickass’ heroine, but I never felt comfortable with her.
I also wasn’t convinced by the ‘Overlappers’ group, they really didn’t impress me as a viable security organisation. In fact, although it wasn’t bad, I felt there were times when the whole story just lacked plausibility.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
April 7, 2025
Picked up at Crime Central after the author had joined the monthly panel.
This political thriller is superbly written with a great cast of characters and weaves a tale of intrigue across the backdrop of Brexit Britain and the political fallout that was evident at the time and even more prevalent now.
In Lucie we find a strong female lead that is both intelligent and fierce but has her foibles so isn't a Lisbeth Salander or Jack Reacher type of crusader. This is, for me at least, a great thing as her weaknesses show a strength in depth to the world view the book is trying to convey.
The pace throughout is gripping and had me anxious to find out how deep the plot was and who exactly was behind the events that transpired. This also was till able to provide a twist that I didn't expect and will be returning to the series and the authors work as a result.
This political thriller is superbly written with a great cast of characters and weaves a tale of intrigue across the backdrop of Brexit Britain and the political fallout that was evident at the time and even more prevalent now.
In Lucie we find a strong female lead that is both intelligent and fierce but has her foibles so isn't a Lisbeth Salander or Jack Reacher type of crusader. This is, for me at least, a great thing as her weaknesses show a strength in depth to the world view the book is trying to convey.
The pace throughout is gripping and had me anxious to find out how deep the plot was and who exactly was behind the events that transpired. This also was till able to provide a twist that I didn't expect and will be returning to the series and the authors work as a result.
December 10, 2018
A present-day political thriller with a strong heroine in her abilities and identity
Britain is a melting pot of racial tensions and economic uncertainty. Sir Geoffrey Hartnell, an ageing but hugely respected MP, is the only one who can bring about a successful resolution to the Brexit talks. But a ghost from the past threatens to bring the UK to its knees. Meanwhile, Lucie Musilova is a young woman running out of places to hide. Being half-British and half-Czech, she feels rejected by both countries in the aftermath of Brexit. To be kept out of trouble, she is put in touch with ‘Mr. Lake’, the head of a branch of the intelligence services known as ‘The Overlappers’. After being blackmailed into joining The Overlappers, Lucie takes on the Hartnell case. As events spiral out of control, it becomes apparent that it is not just the future of the nation that is at stake, but Lucie’s very life.
One of the most intriguing things about this book is also one of its strengths, that it is set very much in the present political climate of Brexit and the Brexit talks. As a result, you feel as if events such as those that take place in the novel could very well be taking place now. Such a background against which the plot is set additionally makes you think about the politics of this country and reflect about your own views in today’s political world. The setting of Prague made a nice contrast to London, and despite having never been to Prague myself, the descriptions were very vivid, allowing me to visualise the beautiful city with its snow-covered rooftops.
The plot is tense, although there are some moments where you can pause and take a breath. In these instances, there is calm, emotional reflection and character development which subsequently helps you become invested in these characters. I was hooked from the opening few chapters which intrigue you and throw you into the action. There are surprises, twists and turns throughout the book which build up along with the suspense to a tense, thrilling and climactic conclusion with revelations that you won’t see coming.
The protagonist of Lucie is very capable, independent and feisty, but she also has her damaged and traumatised side from her experiences in Afghanistan. Her faith, whilst not every reader may share it, is nevertheless inspirational; it doesn’t matter who or what you believe in, whatever you can find or use that will help you through your most dark and difficult times is all that is important. Lucie’s split identity means that Brexit has had awful consequences for her as neither country wants or loves her but she loves them. The character of Lucie is symbolic of all those whose futures are uncertain because of the repercussions of the simple question ‘in or out?’, which subsequently gives you a perspective you might not have considered.
Other characters such as Della I felt a lot of sympathy for because her experience of espionage puts the intelligence services in a different light. Whereas we may view espionage as thrilling and exciting like the James Bond books and films depict, Della’s character demonstrates how it is anything but that. Instead, it is tough and far more emotional than you might assume or be led to believe.
Overall, Blood, White and Blue is an exciting political thriller of our time with a strong and capable heroine. However, beneath her tough exterior is a woman who is emotionally traumatised and divided in her identity. She is a thought-provoking protagonist in the political consequences she suffers, consequences that you may not have previously considered.
Britain is a melting pot of racial tensions and economic uncertainty. Sir Geoffrey Hartnell, an ageing but hugely respected MP, is the only one who can bring about a successful resolution to the Brexit talks. But a ghost from the past threatens to bring the UK to its knees. Meanwhile, Lucie Musilova is a young woman running out of places to hide. Being half-British and half-Czech, she feels rejected by both countries in the aftermath of Brexit. To be kept out of trouble, she is put in touch with ‘Mr. Lake’, the head of a branch of the intelligence services known as ‘The Overlappers’. After being blackmailed into joining The Overlappers, Lucie takes on the Hartnell case. As events spiral out of control, it becomes apparent that it is not just the future of the nation that is at stake, but Lucie’s very life.
One of the most intriguing things about this book is also one of its strengths, that it is set very much in the present political climate of Brexit and the Brexit talks. As a result, you feel as if events such as those that take place in the novel could very well be taking place now. Such a background against which the plot is set additionally makes you think about the politics of this country and reflect about your own views in today’s political world. The setting of Prague made a nice contrast to London, and despite having never been to Prague myself, the descriptions were very vivid, allowing me to visualise the beautiful city with its snow-covered rooftops.
The plot is tense, although there are some moments where you can pause and take a breath. In these instances, there is calm, emotional reflection and character development which subsequently helps you become invested in these characters. I was hooked from the opening few chapters which intrigue you and throw you into the action. There are surprises, twists and turns throughout the book which build up along with the suspense to a tense, thrilling and climactic conclusion with revelations that you won’t see coming.
The protagonist of Lucie is very capable, independent and feisty, but she also has her damaged and traumatised side from her experiences in Afghanistan. Her faith, whilst not every reader may share it, is nevertheless inspirational; it doesn’t matter who or what you believe in, whatever you can find or use that will help you through your most dark and difficult times is all that is important. Lucie’s split identity means that Brexit has had awful consequences for her as neither country wants or loves her but she loves them. The character of Lucie is symbolic of all those whose futures are uncertain because of the repercussions of the simple question ‘in or out?’, which subsequently gives you a perspective you might not have considered.
Other characters such as Della I felt a lot of sympathy for because her experience of espionage puts the intelligence services in a different light. Whereas we may view espionage as thrilling and exciting like the James Bond books and films depict, Della’s character demonstrates how it is anything but that. Instead, it is tough and far more emotional than you might assume or be led to believe.
Overall, Blood, White and Blue is an exciting political thriller of our time with a strong and capable heroine. However, beneath her tough exterior is a woman who is emotionally traumatised and divided in her identity. She is a thought-provoking protagonist in the political consequences she suffers, consequences that you may not have previously considered.
November 23, 2018
Wow. Where do I start with this book, other than to say it is utterly brilliant. I raced through the pages. It has everything. A plot that twists and turns, lots of fast paced action, Brexit and a kick-ass heroine who you just can't help but admire and root for. I loved this book!
Lucie Musilova is the star of this book and she is completely mesmerising. She has a colourful past, having worked as a chaplain in the RAF, something which surprised me, given how she responded to a group of men who attacked her while she was working aboard a ship on its way to England. I won't say what happens, but this truly captured my attention. I needed to know more about this woman and what had happened to her. I needed to understand her.
This book tackles some serious issues head on, such as political unrest surrounding Brexit, political scandal, immigration and the growing sense of unease created by the far right. It's a thought provoking read that is hugely relevant to today's political climate, and although a bloody good thriller, the social commentary running throughout the plot, creates an in depth and moving read about a woman who is hugely misunderstood.
Blood, White and Blue is the first book in the Lucie Musilova series and I honestly can't wait to read the next instalment.
Lucie Musilova is the star of this book and she is completely mesmerising. She has a colourful past, having worked as a chaplain in the RAF, something which surprised me, given how she responded to a group of men who attacked her while she was working aboard a ship on its way to England. I won't say what happens, but this truly captured my attention. I needed to know more about this woman and what had happened to her. I needed to understand her.
This book tackles some serious issues head on, such as political unrest surrounding Brexit, political scandal, immigration and the growing sense of unease created by the far right. It's a thought provoking read that is hugely relevant to today's political climate, and although a bloody good thriller, the social commentary running throughout the plot, creates an in depth and moving read about a woman who is hugely misunderstood.
Blood, White and Blue is the first book in the Lucie Musilova series and I honestly can't wait to read the next instalment.
December 11, 2018
This is a well-conceived tale of political skulduggery, mixing both old unresolved misdemeanours with a plot that is bang up-to-date. Lucie is a well-rounded, kick-ass heroine. Her work for Mr Lake has plenty of potential for further adventures. An easy page-turner that will keep you guessing.
July 13, 2020
Had Mixed Reviews. Some People Can Never. Respect the Forty Eight Percent Opinion. Female Hero. Flirt,s Between Londyn & Praha. Interesting Plot Lines. Pity Author illness in Writing . Did Not Enjoy as Much. As First Two Books. Still a Worth While Book.
September 20, 2019
Remainer propaganda
I gave up on this book at 48℅ (ironically) as the underlying anti Brexit message got too much and was spoiling the story.
I gave up on this book at 48℅ (ironically) as the underlying anti Brexit message got too much and was spoiling the story.
August 10, 2022
AN Enjoyable Read
This is not the usual genre of novels that I read but I enjoyed reading it. A good and we'll crafted storyline with historical features and a number of strong characters. Will look out for the sequel.
This is not the usual genre of novels that I read but I enjoyed reading it. A good and we'll crafted storyline with historical features and a number of strong characters. Will look out for the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews