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A Woman of World War II Mystery #2
Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers
It is the late autumn of 1942. Our indomitable heroine Poppy Redfern is thoroughly immersed in her new job as a scriptwriter at the London Crown Film Unit, which produces short films featuring British civilians who perform acts of valor and heroism in wartime. After weeks of typing copy and sharpening pencils, Poppy is thrilled to receive her first solo script project: a fifteen-minute film about the Air Transport Auxiliary, known as Attagirls, a group of female civilians who have been trained to pilot planes from factories to military airfields all over Britain.
Poppy could not be more excited to spend time with these amazing ladies, but she never expects to see one of the best pilots die in what is being labeled an accident. When another Attagirl meets a similar fate, Poppy and her American fighter-pilot boyfriend, Griff, believe foul play may be at work. They soon realize that a murderer with a desire for revenge is dead set on grounding the Attagirls for good. . . .
Poppy could not be more excited to spend time with these amazing ladies, but she never expects to see one of the best pilots die in what is being labeled an accident. When another Attagirl meets a similar fate, Poppy and her American fighter-pilot boyfriend, Griff, believe foul play may be at work. They soon realize that a murderer with a desire for revenge is dead set on grounding the Attagirls for good. . . .
312 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2020
72 people are currently reading
1678 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Arlen
10 books530 followersTESSA ARLEN is the USA TODAY bestselling author of IN ROYAL SERVICE TO THE QUEEN, a novel of Marion Crawford the first royal servant to kiss and tell. Tessa writes historical fiction when she is not gardening.
For more information about Tessa and her books please visit her website. http://www.tessaarlen.com/
For more information about Tessa and her books please visit her website. http://www.tessaarlen.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
February 11, 2021
Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers is the second book in the “A Woman of World War II” mystery series by Tessa Arlen. Although it is the second in a series, it can be read as a standalone. It is 1942 and Poppy, employed by the London Crown Film Unit as a scriptwriter during the war, is sent to work on location at an airfield. The film she is working on is about the Air Transport Auxiliary pilots, or “Attagirls.” This amazing group of female pilots flew many different types of planes and transported them to airfields all over Britain during World War II. Sometimes these transports occurred during severe weather conditions. Poppy begins to work on the film and starts to get to know this intriguing group of talented and professional female pilots. When two “Attagirls” are killed in accidents during seemingly routine flights, Poppy and her boyfriend Griff begin to investigate.
This was such an interesting read, especially since I had never heard of the “Attagirls.” The history of these brave women is fascinating, and the author provides more facts about them in a historical note at the end of the book. The murder mystery is well done, with many twists, turns, and red herrings. The villain is not easy to figure out, so the reader is surprised at the end. The characters are compelling and well developed. Our heroine, Poppy, proves to be a witty and clever sleuth. Her relationship with her boyfriend Griff is complicated at times, but that just makes it more interesting. This is a great combination of World War II historical fiction and cozy mystery. I would recommend this book to fans of both genres.
The first book in the series is Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders.
I received a free copy of this book from Berkley Publishing via Netgalley for Historical Novels Review. My review is voluntary.
This was such an interesting read, especially since I had never heard of the “Attagirls.” The history of these brave women is fascinating, and the author provides more facts about them in a historical note at the end of the book. The murder mystery is well done, with many twists, turns, and red herrings. The villain is not easy to figure out, so the reader is surprised at the end. The characters are compelling and well developed. Our heroine, Poppy, proves to be a witty and clever sleuth. Her relationship with her boyfriend Griff is complicated at times, but that just makes it more interesting. This is a great combination of World War II historical fiction and cozy mystery. I would recommend this book to fans of both genres.
The first book in the series is Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders.
I received a free copy of this book from Berkley Publishing via Netgalley for Historical Novels Review. My review is voluntary.
December 22, 2020
I decided to go into this story blindly not knowing what to expect and I was delighted and happy to listen to such a fun and engaging WW II suspense mystery. It was based on the Air Transport Auxiliary, known as "Attagirls" which were actually a group of young lady civilians who were trained during World War II to fly manufactured airplanes from factories to military airfields all over Britain. (This was actually a true fact, these ladies actually existed and did this.) But from this, Tessa Allen, was able to write a wonderful fictional suspense mystery where a couple of the girls end up dying under somewhat suspicious circumstances.
Poppy Redfern and her boyfriend Griff decide they want to secretly try to solve this mystery case. Poppy is actually a scriptwriter, in a new job at the London Crown Film Unit, which produces short films featuring British civilians who perform acts of valor and heroism in wartime, and is on her first solo project. She is there to do a 15-minute film about and starring the Attagirls, with actual footage of them flying so they can promote the job and try to recruit more of them to their squad. All the girls had interesting personalities to add to the storyline.
What a upbeat fun person Miss Poppy Redfern turned out to be! I had a lot of fun listening to this audiobook. It was an engaging mystery that kept me guessing all the way to the end. Also Poppy and her boyfriend Griff made a great team along with her cute little Corgi dog, Bess. The narrator did a superb job with the audiobook and I enjoyed her upbeat nature.This was such a fun read and I gave it 5 stars. There are more Poppy Redfern books to read as well, if you loved this one!
I would like to thank #NetGalley and the publisher #DreamScapeMedia, for an audioARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Poppy Redfern and her boyfriend Griff decide they want to secretly try to solve this mystery case. Poppy is actually a scriptwriter, in a new job at the London Crown Film Unit, which produces short films featuring British civilians who perform acts of valor and heroism in wartime, and is on her first solo project. She is there to do a 15-minute film about and starring the Attagirls, with actual footage of them flying so they can promote the job and try to recruit more of them to their squad. All the girls had interesting personalities to add to the storyline.
What a upbeat fun person Miss Poppy Redfern turned out to be! I had a lot of fun listening to this audiobook. It was an engaging mystery that kept me guessing all the way to the end. Also Poppy and her boyfriend Griff made a great team along with her cute little Corgi dog, Bess. The narrator did a superb job with the audiobook and I enjoyed her upbeat nature.This was such a fun read and I gave it 5 stars. There are more Poppy Redfern books to read as well, if you loved this one!
I would like to thank #NetGalley and the publisher #DreamScapeMedia, for an audioARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 18, 2020
A certain intrepid WWII-era woman is back and has a new mystery to solve. Is it murder among the Attagirls? After appreciating the first book with an engaging mystery set against the home front of England at War, I was eager to follow Poppy to London and see her spread her wings outside her village setting.
Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers is the second book in a series. A reader might dive in and do all right, but Poppy, Griff, and their situations are all introduced in the first book and I found it was better having read the first one.
In book one, Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders, Poppy is chafing to get out and do something meaningful for the war effort, but had been stuck in her backwater village. Then she paired up with American flyer, Griff, to solve a series of murders and made a name for herself. But, ironically, she’s now languishing as nearly an office girl and longing to get into the action which happens when she gets assigned to help with a propaganda film involving the Air Transport Auxiliary, an amazing group of civilian women pilots who step up to ferry planes about to free up the male pilots for combat. Incidentally, I’ve read other stories about these heroic flyers who moved planes and it was a hair-raising job much of the time.
Anyway, Poppy ends up working a piece about the Attagirls and soon spots foulplay. Like the first book, she is plucky, but also an amateur so she suspects some wild exotic poison and dives into her sleuthing with fervor. I could have wished she had handled her way of catching her villain differently, it turned out to be a more complicated end than I saw coming. Part of that was because Griff was working his own line of the mystery and dug up even more.
Speaking of Griff, I was glad he was back and they are in the boyfriend-girlfriend status even if Poppy was giving him the stiff Brit routine much of the time. On one side, I was annoyed with her, but on the other, I get it- there’s a war on and she’s still pretty young and just getting her feet wet out there in the big wide world. They were working separate lines of investigation and had separate responsibilities for work so it was mostly time inside Poppy’s head about their relationship more than actual relationship time. I have a feeling things will settle down over the course of the series.
It did have lag in the middle. The lush war-time setting and situations were painted well and I found that more fascinating than Poppy or the mystery at times as she checked out people and their stories. It was neat being in the Attagirl world. I can’t say I was thoroughly satisfied with that finish of the mystery either, but it did make sense when looking back on what came before.
All in all, I enjoyed this latest Poppy mystery and definitely want more. The author puts the time in to draw the setting and people well. The mysteries can draw out, but do get there. Historical mystery fans who like a young, intrepid heroine in war-time should give these a try.
My thanks to Penguin via Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers is the second book in a series. A reader might dive in and do all right, but Poppy, Griff, and their situations are all introduced in the first book and I found it was better having read the first one.
In book one, Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders, Poppy is chafing to get out and do something meaningful for the war effort, but had been stuck in her backwater village. Then she paired up with American flyer, Griff, to solve a series of murders and made a name for herself. But, ironically, she’s now languishing as nearly an office girl and longing to get into the action which happens when she gets assigned to help with a propaganda film involving the Air Transport Auxiliary, an amazing group of civilian women pilots who step up to ferry planes about to free up the male pilots for combat. Incidentally, I’ve read other stories about these heroic flyers who moved planes and it was a hair-raising job much of the time.
Anyway, Poppy ends up working a piece about the Attagirls and soon spots foulplay. Like the first book, she is plucky, but also an amateur so she suspects some wild exotic poison and dives into her sleuthing with fervor. I could have wished she had handled her way of catching her villain differently, it turned out to be a more complicated end than I saw coming. Part of that was because Griff was working his own line of the mystery and dug up even more.
Speaking of Griff, I was glad he was back and they are in the boyfriend-girlfriend status even if Poppy was giving him the stiff Brit routine much of the time. On one side, I was annoyed with her, but on the other, I get it- there’s a war on and she’s still pretty young and just getting her feet wet out there in the big wide world. They were working separate lines of investigation and had separate responsibilities for work so it was mostly time inside Poppy’s head about their relationship more than actual relationship time. I have a feeling things will settle down over the course of the series.
It did have lag in the middle. The lush war-time setting and situations were painted well and I found that more fascinating than Poppy or the mystery at times as she checked out people and their stories. It was neat being in the Attagirl world. I can’t say I was thoroughly satisfied with that finish of the mystery either, but it did make sense when looking back on what came before.
All in all, I enjoyed this latest Poppy mystery and definitely want more. The author puts the time in to draw the setting and people well. The mysteries can draw out, but do get there. Historical mystery fans who like a young, intrepid heroine in war-time should give these a try.
My thanks to Penguin via Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2022
This second book in the Poppy Redfern series was so interesting and the pace was great. Poppy and Griff are even closer than in the last book and adorable Bess steals the show at times.
Poppy is in London now, working to make war films (feel-good propaganda for the public). She’s assigned to a team that will make a film about women ATA pilots who ferried planes from bases and factories. One of the pilots crashes while flying for the film crew and another crashes shortly after.
Griff has joined Poppy on site because he has some leave, but it becomes obvious that he’s investigating something else while helping Poppy get to the bottom of things.
Side note: we learn that Poppy shares her food with Bess because of food rationing and that she found Bess at the start of the war when many were lining up at vet clinics to put their dogs down due to scarcity. It’s a tiny moment, but it’s another one of those insights into WW2 life that conveys just how hard daily life was for many in that time.
Poppy is in London now, working to make war films (feel-good propaganda for the public). She’s assigned to a team that will make a film about women ATA pilots who ferried planes from bases and factories. One of the pilots crashes while flying for the film crew and another crashes shortly after.
Griff has joined Poppy on site because he has some leave, but it becomes obvious that he’s investigating something else while helping Poppy get to the bottom of things.
Side note: we learn that Poppy shares her food with Bess because of food rationing and that she found Bess at the start of the war when many were lining up at vet clinics to put their dogs down due to scarcity. It’s a tiny moment, but it’s another one of those insights into WW2 life that conveys just how hard daily life was for many in that time.
December 18, 2020
This is the second book in the Poppy Redfern series but it's the first one I read and it can definitely stand alone. Set during WWII in England's home front, the first thing that struck me is its authenticity. The historical detail woven into the story really brings the era to life. Even the title has a 1940s feel to it. The story is definitely mystery, but it also feels like an adventure and I loved learning about the ATTA girls. The combination made it a pleasure to read.
December 6, 2020
It’s been a while since I have read anything by Tessa Arlen but I have loved her Lady Montford mystery series and I was excited to start her latest series featuring new heroine, Poppy Redfern.
I started reading the first book when it first came out but then something happened to my copy and I couldn’t locate it for months. I have a feeling mom or sister took it off my nightstand but I have yet to discover incriminating evidence.
Sadly I picked up something else and got distracted and never went back to Poppy Redfern but with this one coming out, I was really excited to dive back into one of Arlen’s exciting mystery novels and get acquainted with this new heroine even if I hadn’t read the first book yet.
First of all, I want to comment how wonderful these covers are. They are eye catching, interesting, and capture the feel of the era and are meant to lure readers of WWII novels in immediate. Full disclosure, the cover got me before I even read the story. Being a fan of historical mysteries in this period, the cover spoke to me and my reader heart. So big kudos to the cover design team because you guys nailed it!
Having not read the first book in the series, I felt at a slight disadvantage. I do think I need to unearth my copy or order a new one so I can go back and read the first book all the way through so I can get a better understanding of Poppy as well as her romantic interest, Griff. Part of my felt like Poppy was a little to indifferent to Griff and I wondered how they got together in the first place so I think going back and reading more about them and Poppy herself would have made me enjoy that aspect of the story a little more.
In this book there was a lot of commentary and orientation regarding the ATA girls flyers. At first I found it interesting and was excited to learn more about them, but then at some point it became a little overwhelming and I wanted to get back to the main mystery. But I didn’t think it was horribly distracting, just a personal preference.
I did enjoy Poppy’s character. She has wonderful pluck and sass that I would expect from a period mystery novel like this. I am really looking forward to the direction of this series and seeing how Poppy evolves throughout the books to come. I am also going to go back and read the first book in the series so I can fully appreciate Poppy and Griff. I personally favor the Lady Montford mysteries but I think this series could easily grow on me and I am excited to see what’s coming up!
See my full review here
I started reading the first book when it first came out but then something happened to my copy and I couldn’t locate it for months. I have a feeling mom or sister took it off my nightstand but I have yet to discover incriminating evidence.
Sadly I picked up something else and got distracted and never went back to Poppy Redfern but with this one coming out, I was really excited to dive back into one of Arlen’s exciting mystery novels and get acquainted with this new heroine even if I hadn’t read the first book yet.
First of all, I want to comment how wonderful these covers are. They are eye catching, interesting, and capture the feel of the era and are meant to lure readers of WWII novels in immediate. Full disclosure, the cover got me before I even read the story. Being a fan of historical mysteries in this period, the cover spoke to me and my reader heart. So big kudos to the cover design team because you guys nailed it!
Having not read the first book in the series, I felt at a slight disadvantage. I do think I need to unearth my copy or order a new one so I can go back and read the first book all the way through so I can get a better understanding of Poppy as well as her romantic interest, Griff. Part of my felt like Poppy was a little to indifferent to Griff and I wondered how they got together in the first place so I think going back and reading more about them and Poppy herself would have made me enjoy that aspect of the story a little more.
In this book there was a lot of commentary and orientation regarding the ATA girls flyers. At first I found it interesting and was excited to learn more about them, but then at some point it became a little overwhelming and I wanted to get back to the main mystery. But I didn’t think it was horribly distracting, just a personal preference.
I did enjoy Poppy’s character. She has wonderful pluck and sass that I would expect from a period mystery novel like this. I am really looking forward to the direction of this series and seeing how Poppy evolves throughout the books to come. I am also going to go back and read the first book in the series so I can fully appreciate Poppy and Griff. I personally favor the Lady Montford mysteries but I think this series could easily grow on me and I am excited to see what’s coming up!
See my full review here
September 21, 2020
It is the late autumn of 1942. Our indomitable heroine Poppy Redfern is thoroughly immersed in her new job as a scriptwriter at the London Crown Film Unit, which produces short films featuring British civilians who perform acts of valor and heroism in wartime. After weeks of typing copy and sharpening pencils, Poppy is thrilled to receive her first solo script project: a fifteen-minute film about the Air Transport Auxiliary, known as Attagirls, a group of female civilians who have been trained to pilot planes from factories to military airfields all over Britain.
Poppy could not be more excited to spend time with these amazing ladies, but she never expects to see one of the best pilots die in what is being labeled an accident. When another Attagirl meets a similar fate, Poppy and her American fighter-pilot boyfriend, Griff, believe foul play may be at work. They soon realize that a murderer with a desire for revenge is dead set on grounding the Attagirls for good. . . .
I loved book 1 in the Poppy Redfern series so was very excited to read book 2 and it did not disappoint. I am thoroughly hooked on Poppy, Griff and Bess as favorite characters and can't wait to learn more about their adventures.
As they try to navigate their developing relationship and solve the mystery of two accidents, I was kept on the edge of my seat and quickly turning page after page.
Highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a great escape mystery and definitely if one grew up loving the Nancy Drew mystery books or current fans of the Maisie Dobbs, Lady Sherlock or Royal Spyness series.
Poppy could not be more excited to spend time with these amazing ladies, but she never expects to see one of the best pilots die in what is being labeled an accident. When another Attagirl meets a similar fate, Poppy and her American fighter-pilot boyfriend, Griff, believe foul play may be at work. They soon realize that a murderer with a desire for revenge is dead set on grounding the Attagirls for good. . . .
I loved book 1 in the Poppy Redfern series so was very excited to read book 2 and it did not disappoint. I am thoroughly hooked on Poppy, Griff and Bess as favorite characters and can't wait to learn more about their adventures.
As they try to navigate their developing relationship and solve the mystery of two accidents, I was kept on the edge of my seat and quickly turning page after page.
Highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a great escape mystery and definitely if one grew up loving the Nancy Drew mystery books or current fans of the Maisie Dobbs, Lady Sherlock or Royal Spyness series.
February 6, 2021
This is the second book in Tessa Arlen's A Woman of World War II mystery series and was just as intriguing as the first book. I was caught up in Poppy's story from the first chapter. Poppy is a combination of strong determination, curiosity about others, a soft heart and naivete of the world around her. I'm enjoying her flirtation with Grif as it gives me more insight into Poppy character. Ms. Arlen's research of the ATA women shows through as you meet these characters and get to know them. I enjoyed every minute reading this one and look forward to the next one in the series.
July 16, 2023
So strange to read almost back to back books featuring the ATA. But I continue to really like the tone of these books! I hope they go back to Poppy's village at some point, but by setting this near an airfield and in a smaller location than London, really helped keep the feel that I liked so much about the first book. And Griff and Poppy are DELIGHTFUL and I would like them to put their mouths together ASAP. Glad to have found this series!
December 16, 2020
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Mystery / Historical Fiction
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers is the second installment in author Tessa Arlen's A Woman of WWII Mystery series. This story picks up 4 weeks after the ending of Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders. As the story opens, Poppy has taken the job of assistant scriptwriter for the London Crown Film Unit. The Crown Film Unit produces short films featuring British civilians who perform acts of valor and heroism in wartime to keep up the morale of the country which has been at war for 3 long years.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Mystery / Historical Fiction
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers is the second installment in author Tessa Arlen's A Woman of WWII Mystery series. This story picks up 4 weeks after the ending of Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders. As the story opens, Poppy has taken the job of assistant scriptwriter for the London Crown Film Unit. The Crown Film Unit produces short films featuring British civilians who perform acts of valor and heroism in wartime to keep up the morale of the country which has been at war for 3 long years.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
July 29, 2023
After reading the first Poppy Redfern novel, I jumped into the next one: Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers. Just as wonderful as the first one.
Poppy has moved on from being the air raid warden of her little town. She’s gotten herself a job as a scriptwriter for the London Crown Film Unit. They tell stories of the war and the Homefront that give the English people hope and entertainment. Poppy is given the chance to be a lead writer for a piece of the Attagirls, the Air Transport Auxiliary. These pilots are civilian women who transport airplanes to bases for the Air Force. The women are fearless and confident, just the kind of story that the English need to see and hear. Unfortunately, as they are making the film, one of the best pilots does in an accident. Then another pilot dies and it begins to look like it isn’t a strong of bad luck accidents. Something is wrong and someone is trying to cover up a secret. Can Poppy and her American boyfriend, Griff, solve the mystery of the fatal flyers before someone else ends up dead?
Poppy is everything! She’s so wonderful. She’s a go-getter and quite the goal-oriented lady of her time. She is quite endearing when she is shy about letting Griff know how much he means to her. She’s confident in so many ways but not when it comes to her relationship with Griff or when making friends. She feels like such a real character, slightly flawed and relatable. I’m in love with Griff! He’s sweet, thoughtful, supportive and confident. He’s definitely all-American. They are the cutest little couple.
The mystery is a bit more twisty and turny in this one. I was able to guess part of it and then was completely surprised by another part. The historical elements are blended into the mystery story. Arlen takes her time to paint the historical setting, add realistic elements, bring characters to life and cultivate a bit of romance without letting her mystery suffer. That’s a tall order for sure.
I recommended these books to my husband, who is a WWII buff. He found it just as charming as I did and ran through both books in about a week. While he says the historical details are very good, there are elements that are not correct according to the timeline. I wouldn’t have known anything about that so I was able to enjoy the book without that bothering me. The both of us love Poppy, Griff and little corgi Bess. I find that a WWII mystery is a bit rare so I do love these books for the unique experience I get when reading them.
Poppy has moved on from being the air raid warden of her little town. She’s gotten herself a job as a scriptwriter for the London Crown Film Unit. They tell stories of the war and the Homefront that give the English people hope and entertainment. Poppy is given the chance to be a lead writer for a piece of the Attagirls, the Air Transport Auxiliary. These pilots are civilian women who transport airplanes to bases for the Air Force. The women are fearless and confident, just the kind of story that the English need to see and hear. Unfortunately, as they are making the film, one of the best pilots does in an accident. Then another pilot dies and it begins to look like it isn’t a strong of bad luck accidents. Something is wrong and someone is trying to cover up a secret. Can Poppy and her American boyfriend, Griff, solve the mystery of the fatal flyers before someone else ends up dead?
Poppy is everything! She’s so wonderful. She’s a go-getter and quite the goal-oriented lady of her time. She is quite endearing when she is shy about letting Griff know how much he means to her. She’s confident in so many ways but not when it comes to her relationship with Griff or when making friends. She feels like such a real character, slightly flawed and relatable. I’m in love with Griff! He’s sweet, thoughtful, supportive and confident. He’s definitely all-American. They are the cutest little couple.
The mystery is a bit more twisty and turny in this one. I was able to guess part of it and then was completely surprised by another part. The historical elements are blended into the mystery story. Arlen takes her time to paint the historical setting, add realistic elements, bring characters to life and cultivate a bit of romance without letting her mystery suffer. That’s a tall order for sure.
I recommended these books to my husband, who is a WWII buff. He found it just as charming as I did and ran through both books in about a week. While he says the historical details are very good, there are elements that are not correct according to the timeline. I wouldn’t have known anything about that so I was able to enjoy the book without that bothering me. The both of us love Poppy, Griff and little corgi Bess. I find that a WWII mystery is a bit rare so I do love these books for the unique experience I get when reading them.
January 30, 2021
I enjoyed this mostly because I knew nothing about the ATA and the role of women pilots on the British homefront during WWII. The mystery was good, too; I just would have liked to see Poppy and Griff's relationship develop a bit more.
December 24, 2020
Closer to a 3.5 for me. Enjoyable entertainment, but I wasn't drawn into the mystery. I listened to the audiobook, which could have been part of the issue.
November 19, 2020
Series: A Woman of WW II Mystery #2
Publication Date: 12/1/20
Number of Pages: 320
This series is a delightful find! I have read other books by Tessa Arlen, but I missed out on the first of the Poppy Redfern books – and I’m so sorry about that! The writing is excellent, the mystery is well-formed and well-executed so you don’t guess who the villain is until the very end. There are lots of red herrings to keep you guessing. This book was so entertaining that I’ll now have to go back and read the first book in the series. Speaking of it being a series, this book can totally be read as a standalone – but I can promise you, you’ll want to go back and read the first book.
I listened to an ARC of the audiobook and I enjoyed the listen. The narrator, Madeleine Leslay, performed the narration with a tempo and voice that made me feel as if Poppy is a happy person who enjoys her life. She sounded very upbeat. I didn’t totally lose myself in the story because I did have a hard time differentiating among the speakers. They all sounded pretty much the same – every once in a while, the Scot would sound like a Scot, but the American never, ever, sounded like an American. So, I had to really concentrate to determine who was speaking. I’ll also mention that the American, who is also the masculine lead, was performed so that he sounded so prissy that I would have thought the part was female had the word ‘he’ not been used to describe him.
In late autumn of 1942, Poppy Redfern is settling into her new job as a scriptwriter at the London Crown Film Unit, which produces short films about valorous deeds performed by ordinary British citizens in wartime. She’s really excited to receive her first assignment, writing the script for a fifteen-minute film on a group of female pilots known as the Attagirls. These intrepid ladies fly every sort of aircraft to bases all over England. These ladies would much rather actually fly as part of the Royal Air Force, but England doesn’t allow female combat pilots – they barely allow these ladies to fly the planes around England. They perform a vital service – getting new planes from the manufacturer to the bases who need them as well as ferrying newly repaired planes back to their bases. Poppy cannot wait to meet these ladies.
Poppy’s gentleman friend, Griff, has seven days of leave and decides to go along with Poppy for a few days. Both Griff and Poppy quickly come to like and admire these brave ladies who fly in all sorts of adverse conditions without any of the basic safety devices regular combat pilots have. Their bravery and patriotism come through loud and clear. The six ladies they meet were the first recruited by the Air Transport Auxiliary and all of them are highly skilled and rated for most types of aircraft.
Poppy, Huntley (the producer), Keith (the cameraman), and Griff, all head for the ferry depot from which the Attagirls work. Poppy and Griff arrive first and Poppy sets about getting to know the ladies in order to begin the scriptwriting. She likes them very much and is excited to tell their tales. That excitement turns to horror when, one of the best pilots crashes and dies during a filming session. Everyone is immediately saying it was an accident and/or pilot error. Griff, who is a pilot, and Poppy don’t believe it to be an accident. They investigate more and more – they become more and more sure it wasn’t an accident. Without any proof, they cannot say anything – and when a second crash and death occur, they are sure both are related. When the powers-that-be decide that the crashes are ‘accidents’, and the filming session is drawing to a close, they know they have to quickly get some answers.
I absolutely adored Poppy and Griff – not to mention Bess, Poppy’s sweet little Corgi. Since I didn’t read the first book, I have no idea where Poppy and Griff left their relationship in that book. However, in this book, it is quite evident they care for each other. I’ll be so very happy to read the next book in order to see what mystery they get to solve and to see where their relationship goes next.
I voluntarily listened to and reviewed an Advance Audio Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 12/1/20
Number of Pages: 320
This series is a delightful find! I have read other books by Tessa Arlen, but I missed out on the first of the Poppy Redfern books – and I’m so sorry about that! The writing is excellent, the mystery is well-formed and well-executed so you don’t guess who the villain is until the very end. There are lots of red herrings to keep you guessing. This book was so entertaining that I’ll now have to go back and read the first book in the series. Speaking of it being a series, this book can totally be read as a standalone – but I can promise you, you’ll want to go back and read the first book.
I listened to an ARC of the audiobook and I enjoyed the listen. The narrator, Madeleine Leslay, performed the narration with a tempo and voice that made me feel as if Poppy is a happy person who enjoys her life. She sounded very upbeat. I didn’t totally lose myself in the story because I did have a hard time differentiating among the speakers. They all sounded pretty much the same – every once in a while, the Scot would sound like a Scot, but the American never, ever, sounded like an American. So, I had to really concentrate to determine who was speaking. I’ll also mention that the American, who is also the masculine lead, was performed so that he sounded so prissy that I would have thought the part was female had the word ‘he’ not been used to describe him.
In late autumn of 1942, Poppy Redfern is settling into her new job as a scriptwriter at the London Crown Film Unit, which produces short films about valorous deeds performed by ordinary British citizens in wartime. She’s really excited to receive her first assignment, writing the script for a fifteen-minute film on a group of female pilots known as the Attagirls. These intrepid ladies fly every sort of aircraft to bases all over England. These ladies would much rather actually fly as part of the Royal Air Force, but England doesn’t allow female combat pilots – they barely allow these ladies to fly the planes around England. They perform a vital service – getting new planes from the manufacturer to the bases who need them as well as ferrying newly repaired planes back to their bases. Poppy cannot wait to meet these ladies.
Poppy’s gentleman friend, Griff, has seven days of leave and decides to go along with Poppy for a few days. Both Griff and Poppy quickly come to like and admire these brave ladies who fly in all sorts of adverse conditions without any of the basic safety devices regular combat pilots have. Their bravery and patriotism come through loud and clear. The six ladies they meet were the first recruited by the Air Transport Auxiliary and all of them are highly skilled and rated for most types of aircraft.
Poppy, Huntley (the producer), Keith (the cameraman), and Griff, all head for the ferry depot from which the Attagirls work. Poppy and Griff arrive first and Poppy sets about getting to know the ladies in order to begin the scriptwriting. She likes them very much and is excited to tell their tales. That excitement turns to horror when, one of the best pilots crashes and dies during a filming session. Everyone is immediately saying it was an accident and/or pilot error. Griff, who is a pilot, and Poppy don’t believe it to be an accident. They investigate more and more – they become more and more sure it wasn’t an accident. Without any proof, they cannot say anything – and when a second crash and death occur, they are sure both are related. When the powers-that-be decide that the crashes are ‘accidents’, and the filming session is drawing to a close, they know they have to quickly get some answers.
I absolutely adored Poppy and Griff – not to mention Bess, Poppy’s sweet little Corgi. Since I didn’t read the first book, I have no idea where Poppy and Griff left their relationship in that book. However, in this book, it is quite evident they care for each other. I’ll be so very happy to read the next book in order to see what mystery they get to solve and to see where their relationship goes next.
I voluntarily listened to and reviewed an Advance Audio Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 3, 2020
Full review can be found here: https://www.criminalelement.com/book-...
May 24, 2024
hoopla
February 12, 2021
This novel was much better than the first in the series, in several aspects: the mystery was more interesting, characters were better developed, pacing was better, and there was just more detail, more content. I enjoyed learning a bit about the various planes, and especially about the “Attagirls” (the Yanks’ nickname for the female pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary, or ATA). Such amazing, talented, and brave women, some of whom were better trained and had more experience than the male RAF pilots (according to the author)—yet the RAF didn’t allow women to be pilots after the war. Commercial airlines would not hire them, either. Typical.
The romance between Poppy and Griff is picking up, too; it was slow to get off the ground (no pun intended, in a book about planes ;), but hopefully it will pick up even more in book 3.
The side story about black market activity reminded me of a “Foyles’s War” episode, the one about thieves siphoning off petrol. It was interesting to read about all the foreign pilots who went to England to join the RAF; I knew that the Poles helped England (reminding me of another British series, “Home Fires”), but not that they were involved in the Battle of Britain.
Reading about the Glenn Miller Orchestra playing at the Bedford Corn Exchange gave me a jolt. That will probably mean nothing to most readers, but it triggered a jolt of recognition, because I lived in Bedford for 3 years in the mid-‘80s. Hardly the 1940s, so I knew nothing of Glenn Miller concerts at the Corn Exchange, but I was familiar with the music thanks to my dad. (I have fond memories of dancing with him to those tunes. ;) I had been aware before that many young English women married Yanks in during the war, but I had no idea that the number was over 100,000. I have a childhood friend, though, whose mum came from England, who met her dad when he was based there during WW2. Memories....
The romance between Poppy and Griff is picking up, too; it was slow to get off the ground (no pun intended, in a book about planes ;), but hopefully it will pick up even more in book 3.
The side story about black market activity reminded me of a “Foyles’s War” episode, the one about thieves siphoning off petrol. It was interesting to read about all the foreign pilots who went to England to join the RAF; I knew that the Poles helped England (reminding me of another British series, “Home Fires”), but not that they were involved in the Battle of Britain.
Reading about the Glenn Miller Orchestra playing at the Bedford Corn Exchange gave me a jolt. That will probably mean nothing to most readers, but it triggered a jolt of recognition, because I lived in Bedford for 3 years in the mid-‘80s. Hardly the 1940s, so I knew nothing of Glenn Miller concerts at the Corn Exchange, but I was familiar with the music thanks to my dad. (I have fond memories of dancing with him to those tunes. ;) I had been aware before that many young English women married Yanks in during the war, but I had no idea that the number was over 100,000. I have a childhood friend, though, whose mum came from England, who met her dad when he was based there during WW2. Memories....
November 27, 2020
Having really enjoyed the first book in this series, Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders, I couldn't wait to read this one. I wasn't disappointed. Author Tessa Arlen put me right in the middle of not only a film crew but also an amazing group of women who flew for the Air Transport Auxiliary. I've read about them, and I am so pleased that a great deal of World War II women's history is finally coming to light. These women flew planes in all sorts of conditions-- new, repaired, damaged-- in all sorts of weather to all parts of Britain as well as France and Belgium. The planes they flew had no weapons so they couldn't defend themselves, and they were not allowed to use the radios. (Heaven forbid. They're women and might start chattering away. The Royal Air Force was really a dinosaur in its attitudes.) Many of these women had far broader flying experience than their male counterparts in the RAF, but when they landed their planes at RAF fields most of the time they were allotted no sleeping, bathing, or toilet facilities. However, they weren't in it for the perks; they loved what they did. (Read Arlen's notes at the back of the book.)
Poppy's job as scriptwriter gives her carte blanche to interview the Attagirls multiple times which really helps in her investigation. My liking for Poppy continues to grow. She's brave, intelligent, and resourceful, and her behavior around her American fighter pilot boyfriend can make me smile.
The mystery is a good one, too. In fact, I am happy to report that I was only partially correct about the solution, and-- due to the number of mysteries I read-- I always like when that happens. Anyone who is even remotely familiar with Agatha Christie's work will do a double-take just like I did when they come across a certain sentence. (Don't worry, I'm going to let you find it for yourselves.)
Poppy's job in the Crown Film Unit has the potential to take her to all sorts of places, and I certainly look forward to joining her in all of her adventures. Now comes the wait for book number three.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
Poppy's job as scriptwriter gives her carte blanche to interview the Attagirls multiple times which really helps in her investigation. My liking for Poppy continues to grow. She's brave, intelligent, and resourceful, and her behavior around her American fighter pilot boyfriend can make me smile.
The mystery is a good one, too. In fact, I am happy to report that I was only partially correct about the solution, and-- due to the number of mysteries I read-- I always like when that happens. Anyone who is even remotely familiar with Agatha Christie's work will do a double-take just like I did when they come across a certain sentence. (Don't worry, I'm going to let you find it for yourselves.)
Poppy's job in the Crown Film Unit has the potential to take her to all sorts of places, and I certainly look forward to joining her in all of her adventures. Now comes the wait for book number three.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
April 19, 2021
Poppy is turning into a most interesting young women in the middle of WWII. I totally enjoyed following along as she starts out in a new career assisting in producing films to help the war effort. Each adventure gives us a glimpse into daily life for England during such a traumatic time.
One thing the author is very good at is introducing us to a wide variety of people fully involved in working together on behalf of England's home front. The realty of that war come close to home when a character unexpectedly dies shortly after we meet her. Poppy and her friend Griff are soon trying to figure out what really happened as there were numerous inconsistencies in the official explanation, and especially after a second "accident" happens. How much of the pilots' backstories are true? What version was the real Edwina? What is the reality of the "Attagirls"?
There were no great surprises in the conclusion, and a couple of leaps of logic, but it was still an enjoyable story. The climax was also very intense! Throughout the book the relationship between two young people, so very different and yet similar in many ways, was very realistically portrayed with humor and misadventure helped along by Poppy's pet, Bessie. Poppy and Griff are a great couple and I look forward to their next adventure.
One thing the author is very good at is introducing us to a wide variety of people fully involved in working together on behalf of England's home front. The realty of that war come close to home when a character unexpectedly dies shortly after we meet her. Poppy and her friend Griff are soon trying to figure out what really happened as there were numerous inconsistencies in the official explanation, and especially after a second "accident" happens. How much of the pilots' backstories are true? What version was the real Edwina? What is the reality of the "Attagirls"?
There were no great surprises in the conclusion, and a couple of leaps of logic, but it was still an enjoyable story. The climax was also very intense! Throughout the book the relationship between two young people, so very different and yet similar in many ways, was very realistically portrayed with humor and misadventure helped along by Poppy's pet, Bessie. Poppy and Griff are a great couple and I look forward to their next adventure.
"No, no, I know you are onto something that points to murder, but I think a request for an autopsy should wait until we have discovered more—and you are in a perfect position to do so." It was the old invitation for me to scout around for clues!
November 27, 2020
A highly enjoyable story. Poppy is a plucky heroine who wants to do her best for her country during WWII by creating scripts for propaganda films. During her first assignment she encounters two suspicious fatal airplane crashes which she suspects may be something other than accidental. With the help of her perhaps boyfriend, American flyer, Griff, investigates the top women pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary to determine what is happening before Great Britain loses another precious pilot and vital aircraft in their desperate battle for survival.
Arlen is very deft at using a group that performed important work for the war effort but perhaps a lot of people know little or nothing of and creating a good story and mystery. She has created interesting characters and I adore, Poppy, her dog and Griff. The narrator I thought was perfect for the voice of Poppy, good with some of the secondary characters, and could have had more differentiation on some of the minor characters. Though this is the second in the series it is not necessary to have read the first to understand this one but I would recommend reading it because it is another good read. Cheers to a hopefully long lived series!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Arlen is very deft at using a group that performed important work for the war effort but perhaps a lot of people know little or nothing of and creating a good story and mystery. She has created interesting characters and I adore, Poppy, her dog and Griff. The narrator I thought was perfect for the voice of Poppy, good with some of the secondary characters, and could have had more differentiation on some of the minor characters. Though this is the second in the series it is not necessary to have read the first to understand this one but I would recommend reading it because it is another good read. Cheers to a hopefully long lived series!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2020
Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers is an interesting look at the ups and downs of the life of British female pilots in WWII. I enjoyed following Poppy through her adventures of the making of a British morale video and exploring the airfield and all those who work there. Tessa Arlen had many twists in the story that I never expected, all the way to the end. I appreciate her intensive research into the historical facts about these women and what their life would have been like. It made the story feel so realistic. She made what could be a boring repetitive job each day seem interesting and always new. This was a new author for me but I fell in love with her writing and will absolutely read more of her books. I listened to this on audio and would like to also compliment the narrator for a job well done. Her voices and inflections made it easy to listen to and follow the story. A fun read/listen that kept my interest and never felt heavy and forced.
March 2, 2021
2021 bk 36. I was reading this when I looked up and saw vandalism going at the nation's capital. I put it down, and did not pick it up again until a few days ago. The second of the series continues to show the author as a thorough researcher in all areas of World War II and British life. Poppy has moved on to working with a film crew producing propaganda for the government. Assigned to create a film to promote female pilots joining the ATTA Girls, our heroine and her American pilot, along with a film crew are there to witness a plane crash and the death of their 'star'. Detecting a mystery, Poppy and Pal set to work, staying in the village rather than returning to town each evening. Along the way the reader learns more about planes and flying in WWII, the lives of pilots, and jealousy. An excellent read.
January 15, 2021
I enjoyed this as much as the first. Poppy is so independent and has found what is practically her dream job while helping the war effort as well. The Crown Film Unit is sending her to the Didcote Airfleld to help make a film about the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), female pilots who ferry fighter planes to various air fields for the RAF, etc. There she meets some of the original women to start up the unit, all with big personalities to go with their fearless love of flying. A crash becomes suspect almost right away and with a little help from American pilot Griff, Poppy tries to figure it all out.
May 29, 2021
Poppy's first novel got her a job as scriptwriter at a studio making short uplifting films to cheer the war-weary British public. Her first assignment is to cover the work of women flying for the Air Transport Auxiliary, ferrying planes from factory to airfield to repair shop. The Attagirls, as Poppy's American flyer boyfriend calls them, are hardworking and photogenic, but the one who will be featured in the film is also predatory and reckless. When she crashes during a filmed flight, Poppy is suspicious; when a second woman also crashes, she's sure that someone is planning the deaths.
December 27, 2025
(3.5 stars) This is the second book in the series. Poppy has started her new job as a scriptwriter for Crown Films. Her first assignment is for a short film about the Air Transport Auxiliary and the women pilots who move planes from the factories to air fields. When a tragic accident occurs, Poppy thinks there is something odd and when a second crash occurs, she and Griff begin their investigation in earnest. They find that one of the victims was receiving threatening letters and that there were some underlying jealousies and rivalries, leading to a short list of suspects.
February 18, 2022
Not sure if I’m going to finish this one which is sad because I quite liked the first one. This ones appears to have been written by an angry bitter feminist who takes every opportunity to say how horrible women were treated and how horrible rich people were. I don’t doubt that many injustices have been done, but I read for pleasure not to constantly be slapped in the face by someone screaming about injustices of bygone decades.
October 13, 2020
I am liking this mystery series! Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers features one of my new favorite crime-solving-while-falling-in-love-while-sharing-some-WWII-history in an interesting enigma. Poppy is writing script for a recruiting movie about the Air Transport Auxiliary Flyers, and the pilots keep dying. Poppy and Griff try to fly "under the radar" and figure out who is behind these deaths before another pilot is murdered. If you like an historical mystery series, this charming novel is definitely one to add to your TBR stack.
December 5, 2020
Was it really pilot error that killed the skilled woman performing aerials for the camera? Poppy, the script writer and more, really doubts it. Surprisingly, her American airman friend (and more) isn't too sure either. These women pilots are part of an elite squadron who ferry planes from one location to another and are highly skilled. Poppy has spent days getting to know them and more. I know it's repetitious, but want to avoid details and possible spoilers. The sleuthing begins and so do the red herrings and misdirections, but it is all very well done in this historical cosy. These events are fiction, but the service was real and meticulously researched to show readers that not all women stayed in place.
Madeleine Leslay has a remarkable talent for mimicry and delineates the characters very well.
I requested and received a free audio copy from Dreamscape Media/Berkley via NetGalley. Thank you!
Madeleine Leslay has a remarkable talent for mimicry and delineates the characters very well.
I requested and received a free audio copy from Dreamscape Media/Berkley via NetGalley. Thank you!
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December 11, 2020I really enjoyed Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers, the second book in what I hope will be a series starring Poppy Redfern. The books are set in England during the Second World War. They are a blend of interesting historical novel mixed with an English village mystery. They are based on real events and give a good feel for life during those trying times.
January 25, 2021
This is such a marvellous, suspenseful book! I was still guessing at the end and loved every moment. Thank you for another great adventure, Tessa Arlen!
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