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Deadly #5
Deadly Travel: A World War II Mystery
Travel to Berlin in 1939 is treacherous. Carrying out two clandestine missions in the enemy capital could prove deadly.
When a Quaker Kindertransport chaperone is murdered in the East End of London, Britain's counterintelligence spymaster tasks Olivia Denis to join the group rescuing children from Nazi Germany. Olivia must find not only a killer, but a traitor relaying sensitive material to the enemy.
Once they reach Berlin, Olivia discovers she must rescue the family of an imprisoned British spy before she leaves the next day. An attack convinces Olivia the family's two young sons are in grave danger, but where to hide them?
Can she protect the boys before they become the traitor's next victims?
When a Quaker Kindertransport chaperone is murdered in the East End of London, Britain's counterintelligence spymaster tasks Olivia Denis to join the group rescuing children from Nazi Germany. Olivia must find not only a killer, but a traitor relaying sensitive material to the enemy.
Once they reach Berlin, Olivia discovers she must rescue the family of an imprisoned British spy before she leaves the next day. An attack convinces Olivia the family's two young sons are in grave danger, but where to hide them?
Can she protect the boys before they become the traitor's next victims?
319 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2020
172 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Kate Parker
29 books746 followersKate began reading Agatha Christie mysteries and the Nancy Drew books while her classmates were reading Dick and Jane. She particularly likes historical mysteries and the feeling of time travel a good historical book can give the reader. Combined with her love of late Victorian to World War II architecture and fashions, she found an outlet for the stories and characters that fill her head by writing The Victorian Bookshop Mysteries, The Milliner Mysteries, and The Deadly series, as well as taking part in the Christmas Revels anthologies.
So far, Kate has put out four free short stories, The Missing Brooch (Victorian Bookshop Mystery), Emily's First Case (Milliner Mysteries), and The Missing Maps and A Christmas Mystery (Deadly Series), to her newsletter list. The Mystery at Chadwick House is a novella that is free for newsletter subscribers or can be purchased at retailers. Sign up at www.KateParkerbooks.com to get free copies.
So far, Kate has put out four free short stories, The Missing Brooch (Victorian Bookshop Mystery), Emily's First Case (Milliner Mysteries), and The Missing Maps and A Christmas Mystery (Deadly Series), to her newsletter list. The Mystery at Chadwick House is a novella that is free for newsletter subscribers or can be purchased at retailers. Sign up at www.KateParkerbooks.com to get free copies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 17, 2022
3.4 stars
October 5, 2020
This story takes place during a very dangerous time in Europe, 1939, no one knew when the boarders were going to close in most countries.
These kind hearted people take risks and go and bring Jewish children out of Germany, before it is too late. In hind sight we know what happened here, but trying to put myself in the shoes of those parents and sending my precious children to the unknown, what a sacrifice. The group doing this are Quakers, pacifists, and yet one of their own is murdered, but it must be an outsider, they are peaceful people.
This is book 5 in this series and we are back with Olivia Denis, and yes it can be run alone, a trusted Reporter and most important a great help to British counterintelligence, and is asked to help with the transport, and to maybe find out who the killer is.
This is a page turning read, and it will keep your attention right to the end.
I wanted a longer visit here!
I received this book through Great Escapes Book Tours and was not required to give a positive review.
These kind hearted people take risks and go and bring Jewish children out of Germany, before it is too late. In hind sight we know what happened here, but trying to put myself in the shoes of those parents and sending my precious children to the unknown, what a sacrifice. The group doing this are Quakers, pacifists, and yet one of their own is murdered, but it must be an outsider, they are peaceful people.
This is book 5 in this series and we are back with Olivia Denis, and yes it can be run alone, a trusted Reporter and most important a great help to British counterintelligence, and is asked to help with the transport, and to maybe find out who the killer is.
This is a page turning read, and it will keep your attention right to the end.
I wanted a longer visit here!
I received this book through Great Escapes Book Tours and was not required to give a positive review.
October 14, 2020
DEADLY TRAVEL by Kate Parker
The Fifth Deadly Mystery
It's March 1939 and war is looming ever closer. A Quaker woman working with the kindertransport has been murdered and it appears that there is a traitor in their midst, giving information to the Nazis while shepherding Jewish children out of Germany. Olivia Denis is once again conscripted by Britain's counterintelligence service, tasked not only with finding the killer, but catching a spy as well. Her assignment is made more difficult once she arrives in Berlin when she's told she must also get the hysterical wife of a dissident and their two sons out of Germany with the rest of the kindertransport. Will Olivia be able to help get everyone to England safely? Will she succeed in finding the spy before more British secrets are shared with the Nazis? Could a Quaker, a pacifist, actually be both a murderer and a spy? Or is someone not truly a Friend?
I love everything about the fifth Deadly Mystery. From the rich historical backdrop and the deep characterizations to the well plotted mystery and the action packed story. DEADLY TRAVEL grabs you and never lets go.
DEADLY TRAVEL is a taut complex mystery that increases feelings of apprehension and worry as the story unfolds. The thought of being in Berlin in 1939 is already terrifying and adding the daunting task Olivia faces makes for heart racing, pulse pounding, page turning reading. There are scenes that take your breath away. Meanwhile, lighthearted moments throughout the book give readers a break from all of the tension. Moments Olivia shares with her fiance, time spend on the farm outside of London, and Olivia's attitude toward many of the men all give glimmers of hope and laughter. The characters themselves reassure readers. They are so well developed they practically jump off the page. I admit to having a bit of a crush on Oberst Wilhelm Bernhard and fear what will happen to him in future books.
Filled with historical detail that is both fascinating and chilling DEADLY TRAVEL is the best book I've read all year.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me an e-copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The Fifth Deadly Mystery
It's March 1939 and war is looming ever closer. A Quaker woman working with the kindertransport has been murdered and it appears that there is a traitor in their midst, giving information to the Nazis while shepherding Jewish children out of Germany. Olivia Denis is once again conscripted by Britain's counterintelligence service, tasked not only with finding the killer, but catching a spy as well. Her assignment is made more difficult once she arrives in Berlin when she's told she must also get the hysterical wife of a dissident and their two sons out of Germany with the rest of the kindertransport. Will Olivia be able to help get everyone to England safely? Will she succeed in finding the spy before more British secrets are shared with the Nazis? Could a Quaker, a pacifist, actually be both a murderer and a spy? Or is someone not truly a Friend?
I love everything about the fifth Deadly Mystery. From the rich historical backdrop and the deep characterizations to the well plotted mystery and the action packed story. DEADLY TRAVEL grabs you and never lets go.
DEADLY TRAVEL is a taut complex mystery that increases feelings of apprehension and worry as the story unfolds. The thought of being in Berlin in 1939 is already terrifying and adding the daunting task Olivia faces makes for heart racing, pulse pounding, page turning reading. There are scenes that take your breath away. Meanwhile, lighthearted moments throughout the book give readers a break from all of the tension. Moments Olivia shares with her fiance, time spend on the farm outside of London, and Olivia's attitude toward many of the men all give glimmers of hope and laughter. The characters themselves reassure readers. They are so well developed they practically jump off the page. I admit to having a bit of a crush on Oberst Wilhelm Bernhard and fear what will happen to him in future books.
Filled with historical detail that is both fascinating and chilling DEADLY TRAVEL is the best book I've read all year.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me an e-copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
October 11, 2020
It’s 1939 in England. You are a journalist, an amateur detective, and a part-time spy for the British government. You are chosen to join the Quaker Kindertransports of mostly Jewish children from Germany to England. Your goals? Find out who murdered the person you are replacing. Discover who is giving Germany British secrets during the trips. And one more thing that you will learn about once you reach Germany. Oh, Livvy? Be aware that this is Deadly Travel. Germany and Hitler have just conquered Czechoslovakia. Germany might declare war on England at any minute. Which, unfortunately, will leave you on the wrong side of the front. Good luck!
2020 has been a bad year overall with murder hornets, COVID pestilence, wars everywhere, and climate change-driven mega-storms and wildfires. Not to mention BLM protests and a US President that defies all precedence. However, despite all that, 1939 England was somehow worse. It is also a time period not covered much in fiction.
Therefore, I really enjoyed the way Deadly Travel immersed me in a completely foreign world. It is hard to imagine how I would feel in Livvy’s shoes. Would I be as brave? As resourceful? I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. If you enjoy historical cozy mysteries, you will love this book. Plus you will learn some history too. 4 stars!
Thanks to the author and Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
2020 has been a bad year overall with murder hornets, COVID pestilence, wars everywhere, and climate change-driven mega-storms and wildfires. Not to mention BLM protests and a US President that defies all precedence. However, despite all that, 1939 England was somehow worse. It is also a time period not covered much in fiction.
Therefore, I really enjoyed the way Deadly Travel immersed me in a completely foreign world. It is hard to imagine how I would feel in Livvy’s shoes. Would I be as brave? As resourceful? I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. If you enjoy historical cozy mysteries, you will love this book. Plus you will learn some history too. 4 stars!
Thanks to the author and Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 5, 2020
Kate Parker continues her pre-WWII series with Deadly Travel. It’s the spring of 1939, and Olivia Denis has been recruited to fill in as a chaperone on a KinderTransport run to Germany and back. Run by local Quakers, the organization rescues German children, mostly Jewish, who are in danger under the Nazis. Olivia’s cover is to write a favorable article which will help raise money for the work, but she’s really going on an errand for spymaster Sir Malcolm Freemantle. The woman she is replacing, Alice Waterson, has been murdered, and Sir Malcolm wants to know who did it.
When Olivia arrives in Berlin and checks in with the British Embassy, she’s given another assignment: smuggle the wife and sons of a German dissident and British spy who has been arrested by the Gestapo to safety in England on the KinderTransport.
When another murder occurs, Olivia is certain one of the Quaker chaperones is the killer, but how can that be? These people are Pacifists, after all. Juggling her job, Sir Malcolm’s demands, a seemingly dead end investigation, and her plans to marry Adam Redmond, Olivia has her hands full.
Kate Parker combines the serious, and frequently terrifying, circumstances of the late 1930s, as Olivia and all of England wait on edge for the war they know is coming, with domestic humor and the details of daily life. You can’t go wrong with any of her novels.
When Olivia arrives in Berlin and checks in with the British Embassy, she’s given another assignment: smuggle the wife and sons of a German dissident and British spy who has been arrested by the Gestapo to safety in England on the KinderTransport.
When another murder occurs, Olivia is certain one of the Quaker chaperones is the killer, but how can that be? These people are Pacifists, after all. Juggling her job, Sir Malcolm’s demands, a seemingly dead end investigation, and her plans to marry Adam Redmond, Olivia has her hands full.
Kate Parker combines the serious, and frequently terrifying, circumstances of the late 1930s, as Olivia and all of England wait on edge for the war they know is coming, with domestic humor and the details of daily life. You can’t go wrong with any of her novels.
October 15, 2020
Deadly Travel is the second book I've read by Kate Parker, and I enjoyed it just as much as her book Murder at the Marlowe Club. Though these two books are from different series and time periods, they're both historical cozy mystery books, and that's a sub-genre I adore. This series is set during WWII, and stars Olivia Denis whom you will love! She's smart, funny, kind, spunky, and resourceful.
Sometimes it's hard jumping into a series several books in. That's not the case with Deadly Travel. The story is well-crafted and exciting enough to make you feel as if you are reading a stand-alone book. It irritates me when an author tries to "catch you up" on what's happened prior to the book you're reading. Parker doesn't have to catch you up since her skillful writing makes you feel as if you already know who's who and what's what.
Deadly Travel has a wide variety of characters with captivating personalities. Trying to figure out whodunit is tough since the murderer is talented at disguising their true nature. Olivia, the main character, is my favorite, and that's not always the case when I read books. Sometimes a character with just a tiny part is my favorite! I realize I haven't read the other books in the series and don't know everything about Olivia. However, in Deadly Travel, I envisioned her as a (sometimes) subdued version Hildy Johnson in His Girl Friday. (If you haven't watched His Girl Friday, get on it!)
If you enjoy historical cozy mysteries (especially those set in the WWII era), you need to read Deadly Travel! You'll quickly become attached to many of the characters in this delightful book. The exciting, face-paced plot will keep you flipping the pages! I highly recommend it!
Sometimes it's hard jumping into a series several books in. That's not the case with Deadly Travel. The story is well-crafted and exciting enough to make you feel as if you are reading a stand-alone book. It irritates me when an author tries to "catch you up" on what's happened prior to the book you're reading. Parker doesn't have to catch you up since her skillful writing makes you feel as if you already know who's who and what's what.
Deadly Travel has a wide variety of characters with captivating personalities. Trying to figure out whodunit is tough since the murderer is talented at disguising their true nature. Olivia, the main character, is my favorite, and that's not always the case when I read books. Sometimes a character with just a tiny part is my favorite! I realize I haven't read the other books in the series and don't know everything about Olivia. However, in Deadly Travel, I envisioned her as a (sometimes) subdued version Hildy Johnson in His Girl Friday. (If you haven't watched His Girl Friday, get on it!)
If you enjoy historical cozy mysteries (especially those set in the WWII era), you need to read Deadly Travel! You'll quickly become attached to many of the characters in this delightful book. The exciting, face-paced plot will keep you flipping the pages! I highly recommend it!
October 5, 2020
Great story
I really like this series, the characters are well drawn out and the storyline crisp. 1939 England was a major time of uncertainty, the nation and the people getting ready for war not knowing when the bombs will start falling, all this within two decades from the first war. People were seeing a spy behind every tree, and sometimes they were right. This is the backdrop for this story of murder and of selling one's country secrets to Germany. Olivia is tasked by Sir Malcolm to find the murderer of a woman and who is passing secret documents to the Nazis in Berlin using the Quakers Kindertransport of Jewish children to England. Will Olivia succeed? Must read to find out, you won't be disappointed.
I really like this series, the characters are well drawn out and the storyline crisp. 1939 England was a major time of uncertainty, the nation and the people getting ready for war not knowing when the bombs will start falling, all this within two decades from the first war. People were seeing a spy behind every tree, and sometimes they were right. This is the backdrop for this story of murder and of selling one's country secrets to Germany. Olivia is tasked by Sir Malcolm to find the murderer of a woman and who is passing secret documents to the Nazis in Berlin using the Quakers Kindertransport of Jewish children to England. Will Olivia succeed? Must read to find out, you won't be disappointed.
October 18, 2020
A terrific premise for a mystery: Who is killing people connected to the altruistic transport of children out of Nazi Germany? Parker does a great job ramping up the suspense as well as setting the historical stage. Livvy is a terrific sleuth with complicated relationships with her father, newspaper editor, and British Intelligence handler. The story moves quickly, yet Parker takes the time to develop the subplot of two orphan boys looking for a new life in England. Parker is a veteran writer with a great eye for detail. I'll be reading more of the Deadly Mystery series!
October 17, 2020
It’s early 1939. Europe is in turmoil. War is in the horizon. Olivia (Livvy) Denis is undercover once again. This time, she must try to find a killer as she accompanies a group of Quakers who are running Kindertransports to help Jewish children escape from Nazi Germany.
It’s not an overly complex mystery, but it was enjoyable and I like all of the characters, especially Livvy, who is strong, smart and resourceful.
It’s not an overly complex mystery, but it was enjoyable and I like all of the characters, especially Livvy, who is strong, smart and resourceful.
March 18, 2024
Olivia is off again to Berlin on a rescue mission. According to her handler she fails when one of the people she is rescuing is killed after all should be clear, so now she has to find out who the killer is and prove it when no one wants to believe the answer that is so clear to her. I was almost fooled by this mystery there were several logical suspects and I was a little surprised by Olivia's insistence that it could not be anyone else as early as she did.
April 23, 2021
I Was Held Captive
Fantastic story! I really enjoy anything about the 1930s and 1940s. My parents both grew up during that time and have told me me stories about their lives during the Depression and WWII. So these books have been a natural fit for me. I also love the spying and intrigue. If this is what you enjoy --read these books. Can't wait for the next one!
Fantastic story! I really enjoy anything about the 1930s and 1940s. My parents both grew up during that time and have told me me stories about their lives during the Depression and WWII. So these books have been a natural fit for me. I also love the spying and intrigue. If this is what you enjoy --read these books. Can't wait for the next one!
April 1, 2022
deadly travel
I always enjoy this series of books. The events leading up to WWII make for interesting reading and the heroine of these novels leads a very unique life. I can’t imagine having the courage to take on the sleuthing and travels to Germany required to solve each mystery.
I always enjoy this series of books. The events leading up to WWII make for interesting reading and the heroine of these novels leads a very unique life. I can’t imagine having the courage to take on the sleuthing and travels to Germany required to solve each mystery.
January 5, 2023
Rather enjoyed this one! I was worried it would be too emotionally heavy, being about the kinder transports of Jewish children out of Germany. But the author kept it focused on the murder mystery so it wasn't so bad. Had a bit of a hard time remembering all the suspects, they were all so bland I had a hard time telling them apart.
June 20, 2024
This might be my favourite one yet. I love the historical details as well as the mystery and the characters. In this one I learnt about something new to me - the Kindertransport where Quakers arranged and accompanied groups of Jewish children out of Germany. And I adore the character of Wilhelm the German army man who is Livvy's friend. I am as delighted as Livvy whenever she meets him.
June 3, 2025
A pre-war story of the KinderTransport train run by Quakers to get children out of Germany before the start of WWII. A female reporter goes undercover with them to solve a murder of one of their team members, only to experience another murder on the train coming back to England from Germany. To add suspense, she must smuggle two boys out who were not suppose to be on the transport.
January 31, 2021
Kept me up all night. Very good.
I loved this series. It has great characters and while I was born in 1943 in the US I still have memories of blackout curtains and lights out. This series makes the war seem very real to me.
I loved this series. It has great characters and while I was born in 1943 in the US I still have memories of blackout curtains and lights out. This series makes the war seem very real to me.
February 25, 2021
As usual, Ms. Parker doesn't disappoint. DEADLT TRAVEL is well written with great characters. This was a great story using a little known fact (at least to me) about getting thousands of children out of countries soon to be occupied by the Nazi's. Great work Kate!
April 30, 2021
Entertaining and mysterious to the near end; Kate Parker delivered another brilliant read! I cannot wait to find what Olivia Denis does when Great Britain and Germany engage in war and where she will find herself, then!
August 13, 2021
Great series, Good book
This was an especially good book with the factor of the children. How many more lives could have been saved if other countries had done what the British did. I am so ashamed that the US did not. Get into this series today it is great.
This was an especially good book with the factor of the children. How many more lives could have been saved if other countries had done what the British did. I am so ashamed that the US did not. Get into this series today it is great.
April 29, 2024
Suspense filled mystery.
Another great book in the Deadly Series. As usual Kate has written a captivating book that grabs you from the beginning. I love the historical aspect of the book and the continued growth of the characters and their relationships.
Another great book in the Deadly Series. As usual Kate has written a captivating book that grabs you from the beginning. I love the historical aspect of the book and the continued growth of the characters and their relationships.
May 25, 2025
Just okay. I listened to the audiobook of this book. The storyline had potential but I often found myself drifting off while listening. Unfortunately, it is not a memorable book and will soon be forgotten. I would not recommend this book to my family and friends.
March 11, 2021
Always a good mystery. Love the characters and their interactions. Loved learning more about the Kindertransport.
March 22, 2021
The Deadly series keeps improving.
May 12, 2021
I really enjoy this series.
September 9, 2021
This was the strongest entry in the series
October 23, 2021
I have enjoyed this series on audiobook. The heroine is a likable character and the time Britain right before WWII is interesting as a country gets ready for a war that they know will happen. Waiting to listen to latest book
March 17, 2022
I echo the many 5 Star reviews of this 5th audiobook in the Deadly Mystery series. It’s well written, fast paced and skillfully narrated. Next up-Deadly Darkness!
July 4, 2023
review
Love the twists and turns of the plot. Enjoy the history associated with the storyline and the bravery demonstrated by common people.
Love the twists and turns of the plot. Enjoy the history associated with the storyline and the bravery demonstrated by common people.
December 22, 2024
Late Logging this book - but really great book! I am loving this series.
This series is a keeper!
I created a new category called Cozy Mystery Plus. It is still a cozy mystery, but with just a little bit more.
This series is a keeper!
I created a new category called Cozy Mystery Plus. It is still a cozy mystery, but with just a little bit more.
September 4, 2025
Novel set in 1939 in Europe mostly England. It features the rescue of children from Germany and other countries taken over by the Nazi. It was an easy to read book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews