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Olive Bright Mystery #2
A Valiant Deceit
Weaving wartime intrigue, rural village life, and little-known historical facts about the role of carrier pigeons in WWII, Stephanie Graves continues the adventures of Olive Bright, a young pigeoneer who, along with her racing birds, has been conscripted to aid the fight against the Nazis. It’s not the daring role she'd envisioned for herself, but her quiet little English village is not nearly as sheltered as she imagined…
Returning to Pipley following her FANY (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry) training, Olive is eager to step up her involvement in the war effort. Her pigeons are being conscripted to aid the Belgian resistance, and it’s up to Olive to choose the best birds for the mission. To protect the secrecy of their work, she must also continue the ruse of being romantically involved with her superior, Captain Jameson Aldridge, a task made more challenging by the fact that she really does have feelings for the gruff Irish intelligence officer.
But perhaps the greatest challenge of all comes when an instructor at Station XVII, the top-secret training school housed at Brickendonbury Manor, is found dead in Balls Wood by a troop of Girl Guides. The police quickly rule Lieutenant Jeremy Beckett’s death an accident, but based on clues she finds at the scene, Olive begins to suspect he might have been a spy. Involving the reluctant Jamie, she is determined to solve the murder and possibly stop a threat to their intelligence efforts which could put the Belgians—not to mention her pigeons—in grave danger.
Returning to Pipley following her FANY (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry) training, Olive is eager to step up her involvement in the war effort. Her pigeons are being conscripted to aid the Belgian resistance, and it’s up to Olive to choose the best birds for the mission. To protect the secrecy of their work, she must also continue the ruse of being romantically involved with her superior, Captain Jameson Aldridge, a task made more challenging by the fact that she really does have feelings for the gruff Irish intelligence officer.
But perhaps the greatest challenge of all comes when an instructor at Station XVII, the top-secret training school housed at Brickendonbury Manor, is found dead in Balls Wood by a troop of Girl Guides. The police quickly rule Lieutenant Jeremy Beckett’s death an accident, but based on clues she finds at the scene, Olive begins to suspect he might have been a spy. Involving the reluctant Jamie, she is determined to solve the murder and possibly stop a threat to their intelligence efforts which could put the Belgians—not to mention her pigeons—in grave danger.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2022
53 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Graves
3 books79 followersStephanie Graves is the author of the Olive Bright Mysteries, as well as four novels under the pseudonym Alyssa Goodnight. As a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, she worked in Austin as a product engineer on automotive application microcontrollers before returning to Houston and becoming the mom of two boys. She is a self-professed connoisseur of British mysteries of all sorts and has done extensive research on the little-known role of pigeons during the war, as well as the Special Operations Executive, particularly their school for sabotage, Station XVII: Brickendonbury Manor.
source: Amazon
Stephanie Graves also writes as Alyssa Goodnight
source: Amazon
Stephanie Graves also writes as Alyssa Goodnight
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 25, 2021
Olive Bright has returned home to Pipley in Hertfordshire, after doing her First Aid Nursing Yeomanry course, she and fellow FANY’s, Marie, Kate and Liz are working at nearby Brickendonbury manor. As part of her cover story, she and Captain Jameson Aldridge are pretending to be dating, he’s an Irish intelligence officer and it gives him a valid reason to visit her at home.
Olive raises pigeons, a special mission called Operation Conjugal will drop her pigeons into Belgium and Jameson involved. It’s a way of communicating with the Belgian resistance, Olive has to choose three suitable birds, and they need to be in peak condition and to make dangerous journey back to Bright Lofts.
The local guide group is camping in Balls Wood, when they find Lieutenant Jeremy Beckett dead, and Henrietta Gibbons alerts Olive to the scene. He’s an instructor Station XVII, a highly secret training school at the manor and Olive met him at the village library. The police think he died from a tragic accident, Olive’s not convinced, she starts making a list of nine strange things she has noticed and she’s concerned they have a murderer and a traitor working with them at Brickendonbury manor.
Olive's sure all is not right with the three Belgian agents, the first message they sent back to England seems a little off and one of her pigeons has failed to return. Major Boom’s positive everything’s just fine, and Jamie and Olive do a little investigation work of their own.
A Valiant Deceit is a story about life in a small village during WW II, where Olive's the pig keeper, amateur sleuth, beloved daughter, pretend girlfriend, and trouble seems to follow her. Characters from the previous book Olive Bright Pigeoneer are included in the narrative and two new characters Lady Revell and wounded war hero Honorable Maxwell Dunn make their debut.
I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss, Kensington Publishing and author Stephanie Graves in exchange for an honest review, I enjoyed reading about Olive's and her pigeons latest wartime adventures and four stars from me.
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Olive raises pigeons, a special mission called Operation Conjugal will drop her pigeons into Belgium and Jameson involved. It’s a way of communicating with the Belgian resistance, Olive has to choose three suitable birds, and they need to be in peak condition and to make dangerous journey back to Bright Lofts.
The local guide group is camping in Balls Wood, when they find Lieutenant Jeremy Beckett dead, and Henrietta Gibbons alerts Olive to the scene. He’s an instructor Station XVII, a highly secret training school at the manor and Olive met him at the village library. The police think he died from a tragic accident, Olive’s not convinced, she starts making a list of nine strange things she has noticed and she’s concerned they have a murderer and a traitor working with them at Brickendonbury manor.
Olive's sure all is not right with the three Belgian agents, the first message they sent back to England seems a little off and one of her pigeons has failed to return. Major Boom’s positive everything’s just fine, and Jamie and Olive do a little investigation work of their own.
A Valiant Deceit is a story about life in a small village during WW II, where Olive's the pig keeper, amateur sleuth, beloved daughter, pretend girlfriend, and trouble seems to follow her. Characters from the previous book Olive Bright Pigeoneer are included in the narrative and two new characters Lady Revell and wounded war hero Honorable Maxwell Dunn make their debut.
I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss, Kensington Publishing and author Stephanie Graves in exchange for an honest review, I enjoyed reading about Olive's and her pigeons latest wartime adventures and four stars from me.
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
January 22, 2022
A VALIANT DECEIT by Stephanie Graves, Kensington Books. Love book #2 in this fab WWII series about young Olive Bright, a pigeoneer also trained by FANY (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry). Her pigeons help the Belgian resistance; the enticing tale also includes intrigue, murder, romance, and such an endearing protagonist. Out Jan 25.
Thanks to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#AValiantDeceit #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#AValiantDeceit #NetGalley
January 22, 2022
A VALIANT DECEIT by Stephanie Graves, Kensington Books. Love book #2 in this fab WWII series about young Olive Bright, a pigeoneer also trained by FANY (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry). Her pigeons help the Belgian resistance; the enticing tale also includes intrigue, murder, romance, and such an endearing protagonist. Out Jan 25.
Thanks to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#AValiantDeceit #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#AValiantDeceit #NetGalley
April 11, 2022
Rated 3.5 stars. #2 Olive Bright historical mystery set in England during WWII. Enjoyed this more than #1. Some interesting historical details combined with likeable characters and snappy dialogue. Olive and her "pretend" romance with Capt Jameson Aldridge seemed more realistic in this episode. A new character is introduced and hoping he'll be in future books. Am getting attached to Olive's pigeons and piglets! I personally think this series would work as straight historical fiction without the mystery angle.
June 13, 2022
“In the heat of the moment, wrapped up in discovery and justice and certitude, it’s easy to forget things like caution and common sense.”
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (3.75 rounded up)
Thank you to Kensington and Edelweiss+ for an e-ARC of this book. I also rented the audiobook from my local library. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content warnings: war, Nazis, mentions of murder, attempted murder, injury, severe burns, mentions of torture, multiple sclerosis, workplace romances (both with equals and superiors), mention of animal death (pigs and pigeons), animal injury, homophobia
A Valiant Deceit is book 2 in the Olive Bright series, following amateur detective Olive Bright, a pigeoneer and FANY (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry) trainee (?) in the midst of World War II. While struggling to maintain a fake romance with a man who she can barely stand not to argue with every conversation, who is also secretly her superior officer, Olive manages yet again to stumble upon a crime scene with an unfortunate death.
With the rest of the town assuming an accident, will Olive’s instincts that there is something more devious at play turn out correct? Will she manage to find a sneaky way to investigate without getting caught by a potential murderer or her own boss? And will she manage to stop feeling stifled by the fact that her fake romance cover story is indefinitely keeping her from having a real one?
Olive Bright, Pigeoneer (book 1) was one of my favorite books when it came out, so I was delighted to apply for an ARC of the sequel. It was in my top 4 most anticipated books of 2022! While it was not the 5 star read I expected it to be, I still had a great time and flew through this read. I love the work Stephanie Graves puts in to use historical accuracy whenever possible, and I have been sure to add some non-fiction books about pigeons during WWII onto my TBR thanks to her!
It was a wonderful feeling to be back with Olive’s world, but found myself (along with Jamie haha) frustrated that she seemed to learn nothing from any of her investigating in book 1, and is still very much impulsive and usually unable to rely on others. The romance is /incredibly/ slow burn, which I will accept if there will be more books 😂🤣 I also really enjoy the side characters Henrietta and Jamie and the new character (Max?).
What lost me at times was the plot. This one felt a bit like filler between book 1 and a next book or just an episode or two of plot instead of a season in TV show terms. I thought we would learn more about Olive’s mother, but she was only mentioned offhand once or twice. I may have misunderstood as I finished this book in the middle of the night, but one of the evidence items seemed to be unrelated to the antagonist, so I wondered why it was important for so long and then it was never brought up again?
I’m still really enjoying this series and would love to read another. I’m also excited by the appearance at the end of one of my favorite book 1 characters! I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical wartime fiction, does not mind the slowest burn romance of all time, and fans of pigeons!
January 8, 2022
This book is so good! It is intriguing, interesting, full of twists and turns, and so much more! Whenever I picked up "A Valiant Deceit", I was whisked back in time, and found this book quite difficult to put down.
This is the second book in Stephanie Graves "An Olive Bright Mystery" series, and I hope this series continues for a long time. Ms. Graves writing style is visceral, vivid, detailed, and so well-researched that, as the reader, I feel immersed in the pages I am reading.
Olive is such a spunky, brave, smart, and intelligent young woman, though, at times, she can be very impulsive. However, Olive believes in finding out what is the truth, and does not stop at what seems obvious. I do not want to spoil too much plot wise about this book, so, I will simply say, it is a must-read for mystery lovers. When Lieutenant Beckett is found dead, many suspect his death to have been an accident. However, Olive starts to notice more and more clues. She and Jamie try to solve what happened. Is there any sort of connection between Beckett and the work Olive and her pigeons are doing? If so, what is it? Why was he killed? And by whom? Is there more going on than meets the eye? You will just have to read to find out.
I really enjoyed learning even more about the work that pigeons did during WWII. I am looking forward to doing more research on this as well.
If you enjoy historical mysteries, I highly recommend this book. It kept me turning the pages each chapter to see what was going to happen, and I look forward to reading what Ms. Graves writes next.
Thank you so much to Kensington Books for the ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the second book in Stephanie Graves "An Olive Bright Mystery" series, and I hope this series continues for a long time. Ms. Graves writing style is visceral, vivid, detailed, and so well-researched that, as the reader, I feel immersed in the pages I am reading.
Olive is such a spunky, brave, smart, and intelligent young woman, though, at times, she can be very impulsive. However, Olive believes in finding out what is the truth, and does not stop at what seems obvious. I do not want to spoil too much plot wise about this book, so, I will simply say, it is a must-read for mystery lovers. When Lieutenant Beckett is found dead, many suspect his death to have been an accident. However, Olive starts to notice more and more clues. She and Jamie try to solve what happened. Is there any sort of connection between Beckett and the work Olive and her pigeons are doing? If so, what is it? Why was he killed? And by whom? Is there more going on than meets the eye? You will just have to read to find out.
I really enjoyed learning even more about the work that pigeons did during WWII. I am looking forward to doing more research on this as well.
If you enjoy historical mysteries, I highly recommend this book. It kept me turning the pages each chapter to see what was going to happen, and I look forward to reading what Ms. Graves writes next.
Thank you so much to Kensington Books for the ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 20, 2024
Interesting look at a little known aspect of England in WWII, using homing pigeons to help get messages back on troop movements. I did find the middle bogged down a little while Olive was working to put pieces together on the murder.
April 28, 2023
I thought this book much better than the first. The characterization is better and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters better.
October 4, 2023
Not yet finished with this but need to express my frustration with the author's lack of attention to historical detail. You don't turn off an AGA cooker. They stay on all the time. You simply lower a heavy insulated lid over the hot burner. She has the FANYs going out for drinks wearing "dresses with full skirts, nipped in waists, and, ...flashes of cleavage." This fashion trend was not available until after the war when rationing on clothing eased. Styles and amounts of fabric to be used in clothing was strictly regulated and a full skirt would not have fit these regulations. In the previous book the drug store owner is trying to hurry along the development of penicillin in May. But by September her father is out using antibiotics on livestock. Penicillin was not readily available to civilians until 1945 so I doubt you would be using it on cows and I don't think it was called antibiotics then. And then who is so willing giving up all their sugar and white flour to make all those cakes? If you had a cream scone it was only if you got it on the black market as it was illegal to sell otherwise.
I know these seem like petty little details but they niggle at me because one of the tasks of a writer of historical fiction is to get the details right.
I know these seem like petty little details but they niggle at me because one of the tasks of a writer of historical fiction is to get the details right.
November 18, 2021
A mystery with a glimpse into using pigeons during WWII.
I had mixed feelings about this book. I really enjoyed the investigation and more action in finding Lieutenant Beckett's killer. Some of the clues that helped identify the killer were well thought out and placed perfectly. I felt like it took a little bit to get going since the beginning had me really trying to figure out the main plot points since I didn't quite know how the pigeons and other characters fit in.
Olive and Jamie's relationship was complicated, but I felt they played off eachother well. I think that some of Olive's actions were a bit far fetched and wouldn't fly in a real situation. She was a bit too much of a loose cannon.
I really liked the book in the end once it got going into a lot of the clues and I got past the slow start.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
I had mixed feelings about this book. I really enjoyed the investigation and more action in finding Lieutenant Beckett's killer. Some of the clues that helped identify the killer were well thought out and placed perfectly. I felt like it took a little bit to get going since the beginning had me really trying to figure out the main plot points since I didn't quite know how the pigeons and other characters fit in.
Olive and Jamie's relationship was complicated, but I felt they played off eachother well. I think that some of Olive's actions were a bit far fetched and wouldn't fly in a real situation. She was a bit too much of a loose cannon.
I really liked the book in the end once it got going into a lot of the clues and I got past the slow start.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
June 13, 2022
A fake relationship trope, rural village life, wartime intrigue, and little-known historical facts about carrier pigeons make this historical mystery a fun one. We return to the quaint English village of Pipley, where Olive Bright is once again conscripted to assist the wartime efforts against the Nazis. Her pigeon loft is one of the best. But when another murder disrupts things, life in Pipley gets a bit more interesting. Especially when Olive realizes that her feelings for a certain Captain Jameson Aldridge might be stronger than the ruse they’ve been maintaining.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It was such a treat. Olive Bright’s plucky character is easy to fall in love with. She’s captivating, stubborn, and strong. Not to mention, relatable! Yet again, I devoured this in two days. It wasn’t part of my June TBR but I was in a mood, and it seemed like the perfect read for that mood. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down—effectively putting all my other current reads on hold.
I don’t read murder mysteries, and yet, I adore these books. WWII is one of my favorite time periods. The historical aspects add so much. Like the last one, A Valiant Deceit was packed with so many elements. From the murder mystery, to the pigeon mission, to the fake relationship between Olive and Jamie, there were so many things going on. Plenty to hold my interest.
I have three favorite aspects of this story.
First is the pigeons. I found the historical aspect of their role in the war FASCINATING. I have already learned so much about their involvement from reading these books. I’ve come to develop my own affection for Olive’s pigeons. Fritz is still my favorite. But after reading this one, I’ve added Robin Hood and Alice to that list. Yes, these are pigeons. I don’t normally care for the birds, but now I have a new appreciation for them. Don’t you love it when an author can change your perspective?!
My second favorite aspect is (no surprise) Olive and Jamie’s relationship. I’m all about a fake relationship trope. I did find Jamie to be a little frustrating in this one. But his comment at the very end of the book, about Olive’s happiness, melted my heart and made up for his pig-headedness throughout the story. I love that they’re clearly both developing feelings for each other beyond the fake ruse.
My third favorite aspect is the historical accuracy. You can tell that the author really does her homework. Nothing felt too “stretched” or unbelievable. From the food and petrol rations, to the overall tone, evident patriotism, everyone wanting to do their part and contribute to the war efforts, all felt believable. The portrayal of the WI club of women, because it felt so realistic to the time period. I feel like I’m learning things when I read these books. Yay!!
A few other things I appreciated: I love the representation of the MS disease with Olive’s stepmother. I appreciate when authors add realism and health disparities into their writing. I also liked Olives mystery “amateur sleuthing” skills, the way she approached the murder, and the way she pushed to solve the case despite the push-back she often received. This murderer happened to be a threat to the British intelligence, which really upped the stakes of this one.
Now more than ever, I’m eagerly awaiting the third book. I can’t wait to return to my new favorite quaint English village and see what mystery rocks Pipley next. I can’t wait to see what sorts of missions Olive’s birds will get involved in. And I can’t wait to see Jamie and Olive’s feelings develop into something deeper. 𝐌𝐘 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝟒/𝟓⭐️
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It was such a treat. Olive Bright’s plucky character is easy to fall in love with. She’s captivating, stubborn, and strong. Not to mention, relatable! Yet again, I devoured this in two days. It wasn’t part of my June TBR but I was in a mood, and it seemed like the perfect read for that mood. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down—effectively putting all my other current reads on hold.
I don’t read murder mysteries, and yet, I adore these books. WWII is one of my favorite time periods. The historical aspects add so much. Like the last one, A Valiant Deceit was packed with so many elements. From the murder mystery, to the pigeon mission, to the fake relationship between Olive and Jamie, there were so many things going on. Plenty to hold my interest.
I have three favorite aspects of this story.
First is the pigeons. I found the historical aspect of their role in the war FASCINATING. I have already learned so much about their involvement from reading these books. I’ve come to develop my own affection for Olive’s pigeons. Fritz is still my favorite. But after reading this one, I’ve added Robin Hood and Alice to that list. Yes, these are pigeons. I don’t normally care for the birds, but now I have a new appreciation for them. Don’t you love it when an author can change your perspective?!
My second favorite aspect is (no surprise) Olive and Jamie’s relationship. I’m all about a fake relationship trope. I did find Jamie to be a little frustrating in this one. But his comment at the very end of the book, about Olive’s happiness, melted my heart and made up for his pig-headedness throughout the story. I love that they’re clearly both developing feelings for each other beyond the fake ruse.
My third favorite aspect is the historical accuracy. You can tell that the author really does her homework. Nothing felt too “stretched” or unbelievable. From the food and petrol rations, to the overall tone, evident patriotism, everyone wanting to do their part and contribute to the war efforts, all felt believable. The portrayal of the WI club of women, because it felt so realistic to the time period. I feel like I’m learning things when I read these books. Yay!!
A few other things I appreciated: I love the representation of the MS disease with Olive’s stepmother. I appreciate when authors add realism and health disparities into their writing. I also liked Olives mystery “amateur sleuthing” skills, the way she approached the murder, and the way she pushed to solve the case despite the push-back she often received. This murderer happened to be a threat to the British intelligence, which really upped the stakes of this one.
Now more than ever, I’m eagerly awaiting the third book. I can’t wait to return to my new favorite quaint English village and see what mystery rocks Pipley next. I can’t wait to see what sorts of missions Olive’s birds will get involved in. And I can’t wait to see Jamie and Olive’s feelings develop into something deeper. 𝐌𝐘 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝟒/𝟓⭐️
June 26, 2022
POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD
It was a nice read but it wasn't what I was expecting given it was the 2nd novel of a series.
Having just finished the 1st novel of this new series I was really excited and looking forward to what new mystery Olive would find herself involved in next.
I was glad to see more of Hen and Jonathan. They are a carbon copy of Olive and George. I love how eager they are always to help Olive solve a mystery/crime. Like the previous book, the incident at heart provided a number of suspects and clues that didn't come together and reveal the culprit till towards the end of the book. I'm not a big fan of when a mystery is solved so early on unless it leads to another or some other conflict. I loved the cover! It reminds us how Olive is now officially part of FANY and has to not only be careful with the villagers but find a way to solve mysteries without overstepping her position at Brickendonbury. I enjoyed the introduction of some of the ladies that Olive now works with as well as the connections she makes with the agents that will be leaving with her pigeons. Though brief they (like the events the community hosts) are a nice break from the darker aspect of what it was like to live during the war. I enjoy seeing how adept Olive has become in breaking Jamie out of his stuffy/tough exterior so we get to see the side of him that is not all about business. In turn, Jamie has been instrumental in helping Olive grow into a more mature woman as she has a habit of not thinking before she acts and at times being quite naive.
There are a few things that didn't work for me which contributed to this only being 3 stars. One was the relationship/interactions between Jaime and Olive. They are trying to put up a front that they are a couple and yet they still seem to struggle to convey that to everyone else even though it's fairly important they do so. The attraction is there and has been since the first book but it seems to be moving quite a bit slower than I would like. The connection they share and the things they experience (especially in this book) are integral to the series. Without it, we wouldn't have some of the more amusing little incidents with the townpeople who work at the manor. Just a bit more interactions between them would have been perfect as I definitely don't want to take away from the murder or the lovely side story that involves a rehabilitating RAF pilot and others like him trying to find their purpose/place now that they are out of the war. Last but not least the crime and clues seemed a bit too drawn out. There are some details/interactions/self-reflections that I could have done without as they read more like filler.
I just hope to see more of Olive and Jamie working through the attraction they have which conflicts with him being her superior. There are a few others I hope to see more of but I won't say who as I don't want to give too much away with this book. More pigeon time would also be appreciated because without them wouldn't have this series. I love how the pigeons have personalities and I am eager to see where they go next.
I would suggest that if you are interested in reading this book you read 1st one as it sets up the whole series. :)
It was a nice read but it wasn't what I was expecting given it was the 2nd novel of a series.
Having just finished the 1st novel of this new series I was really excited and looking forward to what new mystery Olive would find herself involved in next.
I was glad to see more of Hen and Jonathan. They are a carbon copy of Olive and George. I love how eager they are always to help Olive solve a mystery/crime. Like the previous book, the incident at heart provided a number of suspects and clues that didn't come together and reveal the culprit till towards the end of the book. I'm not a big fan of when a mystery is solved so early on unless it leads to another or some other conflict. I loved the cover! It reminds us how Olive is now officially part of FANY and has to not only be careful with the villagers but find a way to solve mysteries without overstepping her position at Brickendonbury. I enjoyed the introduction of some of the ladies that Olive now works with as well as the connections she makes with the agents that will be leaving with her pigeons. Though brief they (like the events the community hosts) are a nice break from the darker aspect of what it was like to live during the war. I enjoy seeing how adept Olive has become in breaking Jamie out of his stuffy/tough exterior so we get to see the side of him that is not all about business. In turn, Jamie has been instrumental in helping Olive grow into a more mature woman as she has a habit of not thinking before she acts and at times being quite naive.
There are a few things that didn't work for me which contributed to this only being 3 stars. One was the relationship/interactions between Jaime and Olive. They are trying to put up a front that they are a couple and yet they still seem to struggle to convey that to everyone else even though it's fairly important they do so. The attraction is there and has been since the first book but it seems to be moving quite a bit slower than I would like. The connection they share and the things they experience (especially in this book) are integral to the series. Without it, we wouldn't have some of the more amusing little incidents with the townpeople who work at the manor. Just a bit more interactions between them would have been perfect as I definitely don't want to take away from the murder or the lovely side story that involves a rehabilitating RAF pilot and others like him trying to find their purpose/place now that they are out of the war. Last but not least the crime and clues seemed a bit too drawn out. There are some details/interactions/self-reflections that I could have done without as they read more like filler.
I just hope to see more of Olive and Jamie working through the attraction they have which conflicts with him being her superior. There are a few others I hope to see more of but I won't say who as I don't want to give too much away with this book. More pigeon time would also be appreciated because without them wouldn't have this series. I love how the pigeons have personalities and I am eager to see where they go next.
I would suggest that if you are interested in reading this book you read 1st one as it sets up the whole series. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2022
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Bullets and bombs were not the only weapons in use during WW II. During war, information is extremely valuable and the distance between the British Isles and European mainland is very small in some locations.
Olive has been using and training pigeons for racing and sport. Small packets of information attached to a pigeon’s legs are usually undetectable. The birds were often dropped into enemy territory where vital troop movements and concentrations could then be sent back to England via these birds. Olive was very proud of her flock and their accomplishments.
She became very attached to her aviary friends and gave each of them a name. As they were shuttled into Belgium and France, she would look for them to return to their cages. The messages helped to win the war and protect some of the inserted spies and combatants.
Stephanie Graves added a valuable piece of war history and memorabilia to this entertaining tale. Her commanding officer is skeptical of the entire mission and continually questions her and her birds’ abilities to help in the war effort.
Grudgingly he admits to her accomplishments but keeps a close rein on her activities, as she tends to get herself into trouble with her constant delving into other people’s affairs. The story is fun and imaginative. I really enjoyed the author and her repartee between the characters. Overall, a very fun and engaging read. 5 stars - CE Williams
We received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are his honest opinions.
Bullets and bombs were not the only weapons in use during WW II. During war, information is extremely valuable and the distance between the British Isles and European mainland is very small in some locations.
Olive has been using and training pigeons for racing and sport. Small packets of information attached to a pigeon’s legs are usually undetectable. The birds were often dropped into enemy territory where vital troop movements and concentrations could then be sent back to England via these birds. Olive was very proud of her flock and their accomplishments.
She became very attached to her aviary friends and gave each of them a name. As they were shuttled into Belgium and France, she would look for them to return to their cages. The messages helped to win the war and protect some of the inserted spies and combatants.
Stephanie Graves added a valuable piece of war history and memorabilia to this entertaining tale. Her commanding officer is skeptical of the entire mission and continually questions her and her birds’ abilities to help in the war effort.
Grudgingly he admits to her accomplishments but keeps a close rein on her activities, as she tends to get herself into trouble with her constant delving into other people’s affairs. The story is fun and imaginative. I really enjoyed the author and her repartee between the characters. Overall, a very fun and engaging read. 5 stars - CE Williams
We received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are his honest opinions.
January 6, 2022
Set in rural England during WWII, this is the second in the delightful Olive Bright series. The first book was immensely enjoyable so I was eager to read A Valiant Deceit and happily anticipate the next.
Olive Bright is a young woman eager to contribute her all to the war effort. As a passionate owner/trainer of racing pigeons, her new assignment is her wheelhouse...she is tasked with selecting her top three to provide aid to the Belgium resistance; discovering secrets and plans is crucial. Meanwhile, Lt. Jeremy Beckett is discovered dead, also Olive's wheelhouse (she fancies herself as a sleuth and uses her little grey cells as her hero Hercules Poirot did). However, there is more to the story in the form of Captain Jameson Aldridge with whom she has a unique relationship, feigning a romantic relationship when in certain circles. They enjoy a great deal of exasperating bickering and bantering.
Characters including Hen and Jonathon from Olive Bright, Pigeoneer return which made my heart glad. Stephanie Graves also writes in new characters seamlessly so there is a great blend of "old" character growth and "new" story lines and antics. Though not necessary to enjoy this book, I highly recommending the first for the pure joy of it.
My favourite aspect of the story is the fascinating carrier pigeon information and their important role in the war., an element which for me elevates the story to a 5 star. The murder mystery elements are fun as well. I did prefer Olive's character a tiny bit more in the first book.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this treasure. If you seek a refreshingly clean and original Historical Fiction series, this is for you.
Olive Bright is a young woman eager to contribute her all to the war effort. As a passionate owner/trainer of racing pigeons, her new assignment is her wheelhouse...she is tasked with selecting her top three to provide aid to the Belgium resistance; discovering secrets and plans is crucial. Meanwhile, Lt. Jeremy Beckett is discovered dead, also Olive's wheelhouse (she fancies herself as a sleuth and uses her little grey cells as her hero Hercules Poirot did). However, there is more to the story in the form of Captain Jameson Aldridge with whom she has a unique relationship, feigning a romantic relationship when in certain circles. They enjoy a great deal of exasperating bickering and bantering.
Characters including Hen and Jonathon from Olive Bright, Pigeoneer return which made my heart glad. Stephanie Graves also writes in new characters seamlessly so there is a great blend of "old" character growth and "new" story lines and antics. Though not necessary to enjoy this book, I highly recommending the first for the pure joy of it.
My favourite aspect of the story is the fascinating carrier pigeon information and their important role in the war., an element which for me elevates the story to a 5 star. The murder mystery elements are fun as well. I did prefer Olive's character a tiny bit more in the first book.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this treasure. If you seek a refreshingly clean and original Historical Fiction series, this is for you.
February 27, 2023
Carrier pigeons were used extensively through WWI to relay messages around Europe as well as back to England. This series highlights the dedicated service they provided.
Olive Bright, a 22 year old young FANY has dreams of her carrier pigeons being used by the National Pigeon Service but while she is overlooked, her pigeons have been chosen instead by a secret service branch instead. Her father is unaware and thinks their birds are involved with the National Pigeon Service (NPS), she has to keep up the ruse as she has signed the Secret Services Act.
In the first book, Olive is supposed to be in a romantic relationship with her superior, Captain Jameson Aldridge but his romantic abilities leave much to be desired. She is mostly frustrated with him but he's equally frustrated with her because she seems to find a way to disregard every order he gives.
Olive loves Agatha Christie books and has always imagined herself as being the star detective just like Poirot. When one of the instructors at the manor where she is stationed is found dead, she starts investigating. The police quickly rule it an accident but Olive is convinced it's murder. She suspects one of her fellow FANY's but she considers them friends.
When 3 young Belgium officers and fellow fanciers take some of Olive's pigeons with them when they return to Belgium, she is concerned the murderer might also be involved with treason. Will she ever see her pigeons again? Will she find out who is the murderer and how safe are those 3 Belgium officers?
Good mystery and I loved learning about how valuable these pigeons were during the war.
Olive Bright, a 22 year old young FANY has dreams of her carrier pigeons being used by the National Pigeon Service but while she is overlooked, her pigeons have been chosen instead by a secret service branch instead. Her father is unaware and thinks their birds are involved with the National Pigeon Service (NPS), she has to keep up the ruse as she has signed the Secret Services Act.
In the first book, Olive is supposed to be in a romantic relationship with her superior, Captain Jameson Aldridge but his romantic abilities leave much to be desired. She is mostly frustrated with him but he's equally frustrated with her because she seems to find a way to disregard every order he gives.
Olive loves Agatha Christie books and has always imagined herself as being the star detective just like Poirot. When one of the instructors at the manor where she is stationed is found dead, she starts investigating. The police quickly rule it an accident but Olive is convinced it's murder. She suspects one of her fellow FANY's but she considers them friends.
When 3 young Belgium officers and fellow fanciers take some of Olive's pigeons with them when they return to Belgium, she is concerned the murderer might also be involved with treason. Will she ever see her pigeons again? Will she find out who is the murderer and how safe are those 3 Belgium officers?
Good mystery and I loved learning about how valuable these pigeons were during the war.
November 11, 2021
I was very excited to read this sequel to “Olive Bright, Pigeoneer,” which I enjoyed immensely and awarded 4 stars. I also gave “A Valiant Deceit” 4 stars but felt it was actually worth 3 1/2. The characterizations in particular are well-done: Olive is well-described as are her commanding officer Captain Jamie Aldridge, the Women’s Institute members as well, but my favorites are the loveable evacuee Jonathon and his good friend Hen (Henrietta). All have character quirks that are generally enjoyable and play a role in the narrative. I could imagine them all clearly.
The story revolves around solving the death of a Lieutenant Beckett, whose body is found in Balls Wood. There are many clues to be explored, some meaningful, some not. Olive takes on a very active role in investigating his death, sometimes ignoring the instructions of Captain Aldridge. She elicits information from her sister FANYs and others in ways that cause her superior to become “grumpy” in her eyes and order her to stand down. She consistently ignores or stretches his rules, i.e., is insubordinate. In my eyes, as a retiree professional from “the business,” I found Olive a “loose cannon” in the way she ignores orders and jeopardizes others, sometimes causes untoward events, and is annoyed when Jamie calls her out. In real-life, she would have been let go from her duties.
Nevertheless, the story is entertaining in the way the murderer/spy is uncovered and overall a good read.
My thanks to #Netgalley and #Kensington Books for an advance copy of this book.
The story revolves around solving the death of a Lieutenant Beckett, whose body is found in Balls Wood. There are many clues to be explored, some meaningful, some not. Olive takes on a very active role in investigating his death, sometimes ignoring the instructions of Captain Aldridge. She elicits information from her sister FANYs and others in ways that cause her superior to become “grumpy” in her eyes and order her to stand down. She consistently ignores or stretches his rules, i.e., is insubordinate. In my eyes, as a retiree professional from “the business,” I found Olive a “loose cannon” in the way she ignores orders and jeopardizes others, sometimes causes untoward events, and is annoyed when Jamie calls her out. In real-life, she would have been let go from her duties.
Nevertheless, the story is entertaining in the way the murderer/spy is uncovered and overall a good read.
My thanks to #Netgalley and #Kensington Books for an advance copy of this book.
September 12, 2021
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There’s no shortage of WWII novels, but this second in a duology is happily in the less-crowded subgenre of the women behind the scenes. It stars Olive Bright, a kind, loyal, and sometimes-brash young woman who keeps even family in the dark about her work. Pre-war, she inherited her father’s loft of racing pigeons, and now lends them to the war effort as carriers. They’re brought from England to mainland Europe by government agents, then fly home bearing maps and letters that Olive and her gruff supervisor, the dashingly named Jameson Aldridge, hope will help beat the Nazis. Olive’s avian work isn’t the only deceit here; as cover for her job at the Bletchley Park-like Brickendonbury Manor, she and Jamie pretend to be in a relationship, but she hopes for more between them (as will readers). The mystery here concerns a body found in nearby woods, but the worldbuilding, characters, and details of espionage-assisting pigeons make the tale. Graves’s afterword discusses the real Operation Columba, which saw the allies drop thousands of pigeons from Denmark to France from 1941 to ‘44. Readers can go back to the first book in the series, Olive Bright, Pigeoneer; also try Kate Quinn’s The Rose Code, which features women codebreakers at Bletchley Park.—Henrietta Verma
There’s no shortage of WWII novels, but this second in a duology is happily in the less-crowded subgenre of the women behind the scenes. It stars Olive Bright, a kind, loyal, and sometimes-brash young woman who keeps even family in the dark about her work. Pre-war, she inherited her father’s loft of racing pigeons, and now lends them to the war effort as carriers. They’re brought from England to mainland Europe by government agents, then fly home bearing maps and letters that Olive and her gruff supervisor, the dashingly named Jameson Aldridge, hope will help beat the Nazis. Olive’s avian work isn’t the only deceit here; as cover for her job at the Bletchley Park-like Brickendonbury Manor, she and Jamie pretend to be in a relationship, but she hopes for more between them (as will readers). The mystery here concerns a body found in nearby woods, but the worldbuilding, characters, and details of espionage-assisting pigeons make the tale. Graves’s afterword discusses the real Operation Columba, which saw the allies drop thousands of pigeons from Denmark to France from 1941 to ‘44. Readers can go back to the first book in the series, Olive Bright, Pigeoneer; also try Kate Quinn’s The Rose Code, which features women codebreakers at Bletchley Park.—Henrietta Verma
January 10, 2022
This is the second installment of a new historical mystery series centered around Olive, a 22-year-old woman living with her parents in the small village of Pipley during WW2. Her family’s racing pigeons have been conscripted by a nearby top-secret training base to serve in the war.
The body of a training instructor at the top-secret training base near her home (and where she serves as a FANY) is discovered in the nearby woods along with some possible clues that could indicate foul play. Olive suspects a spy at work, either the instructor or someone he found out. Could it be connected to the secret mission in place for which Belgian resistance agents (along with her pigeons) are risking their lives? And if so, is one of their own at Brickendonbury Manor (the location of the training facility) the spy/murderer?
A good follow-up to the initial book, with some good sleuthing on the part of our intrepid, tenacious pigeoneer. There are also more subtle hints of some “real” romance to come with her liaison Jamie. While I like and admire Olive, there is sometimes a fine line that she crosses in her nosiness and stubbornness that frustrates and annoys me. But I’m hoping this will happen a little less often as she becomes more involved/at ease with Jamie (and he with her).
My thanks to #NetGalley , #KensingtonBooks , and the author for providing me the free early arc of #AValiantDeceit for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
The body of a training instructor at the top-secret training base near her home (and where she serves as a FANY) is discovered in the nearby woods along with some possible clues that could indicate foul play. Olive suspects a spy at work, either the instructor or someone he found out. Could it be connected to the secret mission in place for which Belgian resistance agents (along with her pigeons) are risking their lives? And if so, is one of their own at Brickendonbury Manor (the location of the training facility) the spy/murderer?
A good follow-up to the initial book, with some good sleuthing on the part of our intrepid, tenacious pigeoneer. There are also more subtle hints of some “real” romance to come with her liaison Jamie. While I like and admire Olive, there is sometimes a fine line that she crosses in her nosiness and stubbornness that frustrates and annoys me. But I’m hoping this will happen a little less often as she becomes more involved/at ease with Jamie (and he with her).
My thanks to #NetGalley , #KensingtonBooks , and the author for providing me the free early arc of #AValiantDeceit for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
November 29, 2021
I really enjoyed the first book in the series and I liked this one even more.
Olive Bright is a FANY (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry), but also a pigeoneer, secretly training her pigeons to carry messages and intelligence to help the allies during WWII. To help maintain her cover, she’s pretending she’s engaged to Captain Jaime Aldridge, even though Olive has unrequited feelings for him.
The mystery of the book is who killed a Lieutenant, who had a coded message with him. Olive starts to investigate why he was killed, sometimes enlisting the help of her fellow FANYs. She also has to pick her first set of pigeons to carry out their mission, all while hiding it from her father.
Olive is determined, smart and brave. The only thing I really didn’t always like about Olive is her ability to act first, sometimes defying direct orders, and thinking about the consequences later. Overall, she seems to be turning into a good sleuth. I continue to enjoy the theme of training pigeons, it adds a different look to WWII historical fiction. I’m looking forward to seeing what may happen between Olive and Jaime’s possible relationship too.
I’m absolutely looking forward to the next book in the series and I recommend this book along with book one to anyone who likes historical mysteries.
Olive Bright is a FANY (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry), but also a pigeoneer, secretly training her pigeons to carry messages and intelligence to help the allies during WWII. To help maintain her cover, she’s pretending she’s engaged to Captain Jaime Aldridge, even though Olive has unrequited feelings for him.
The mystery of the book is who killed a Lieutenant, who had a coded message with him. Olive starts to investigate why he was killed, sometimes enlisting the help of her fellow FANYs. She also has to pick her first set of pigeons to carry out their mission, all while hiding it from her father.
Olive is determined, smart and brave. The only thing I really didn’t always like about Olive is her ability to act first, sometimes defying direct orders, and thinking about the consequences later. Overall, she seems to be turning into a good sleuth. I continue to enjoy the theme of training pigeons, it adds a different look to WWII historical fiction. I’m looking forward to seeing what may happen between Olive and Jaime’s possible relationship too.
I’m absolutely looking forward to the next book in the series and I recommend this book along with book one to anyone who likes historical mysteries.
January 1, 2022
I enjoyed the first book in this series when I read it a year ago and have been looking forward to the next one ever since. It did not disappoint! I got the same comfortable feeling reading this book as I did the first, but some elements were different here.
While there was still very much a home front feel, Olive had more work to do for the war, so much of her time was spent with her fellow FANYs rather than with the townspeople. The mystery here seemed to have bigger stakes than the one in the first book, and I appreciated that. I loved Harriet, Jonathon, and Hen in the first book and was happy with there part in this one. As for the new character, Max, I really hope he's a part of the next book too.
Olive's relationship with Jamie was more complicated this time, and sometimes she acted too impulsively. Still, the same kind heart and faith in others was there.
And for a second time, I was surprised to be so caught up in the fate of the pigeons. I love that aspect of this series.
Looking forward to number three!
Thank you to NetGalley and to Kensington books for the early read.
While there was still very much a home front feel, Olive had more work to do for the war, so much of her time was spent with her fellow FANYs rather than with the townspeople. The mystery here seemed to have bigger stakes than the one in the first book, and I appreciated that. I loved Harriet, Jonathon, and Hen in the first book and was happy with there part in this one. As for the new character, Max, I really hope he's a part of the next book too.
Olive's relationship with Jamie was more complicated this time, and sometimes she acted too impulsively. Still, the same kind heart and faith in others was there.
And for a second time, I was surprised to be so caught up in the fate of the pigeons. I love that aspect of this series.
Looking forward to number three!
Thank you to NetGalley and to Kensington books for the early read.
January 30, 2022
It's 1941 in Hertfordshire, England, and Olive Bright has been asked by her superior officer, Capt. Jameson Aldridge to help the war effort by using her trained pigeons as messengers into Belgium. As Olive is out walking to think and make her decision, she comes across the Girl Guides who have discovered the body of Lt. Beckett. Once again, Olive can't miss playing detective and discovering the murder even if it means her own life may be in jeopard.
This is the second book in the Olive Bright mystery series, but it reads very well as a standalone. I loved the small town feel, and there were plenty of quaint characters to keep me interested. I thought the work of the pigeons and pigeoneers was very interesting to learn about, and it was a new twist on a World War 2 plot. This was a new-to-me author, so I would like to read book 1 in this series.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
This is the second book in the Olive Bright mystery series, but it reads very well as a standalone. I loved the small town feel, and there were plenty of quaint characters to keep me interested. I thought the work of the pigeons and pigeoneers was very interesting to learn about, and it was a new twist on a World War 2 plot. This was a new-to-me author, so I would like to read book 1 in this series.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
July 18, 2022
2 1/2 stars. I think this was a well written story and a decent mystery. The main character, and amateur detective, Olive, is feisty and personable.
But, she can also be annoying. She is too trustful and talks over some things with basic strangers who could have been traitors. The information wasn't that important but still, she knows she is involved in top-secret things during WWII for own her government and signed the official secret's document so knows she shouldn't be revealing things. Olive is also careless with some things that are really just stupid and down right dangerous. Also, she does things like search for her superior's office which easily could have gotten her kicked out of the service or perhaps up on charges and it was only to look at evidence again not like she thought the man was involved in anything underhanded. It is wartime after all. She seems to be doing things that are way out of bounds, particularly during war time.
The information about the Pigeon Service was interesting.
It was a mixed bag.
But, she can also be annoying. She is too trustful and talks over some things with basic strangers who could have been traitors. The information wasn't that important but still, she knows she is involved in top-secret things during WWII for own her government and signed the official secret's document so knows she shouldn't be revealing things. Olive is also careless with some things that are really just stupid and down right dangerous. Also, she does things like search for her superior's office which easily could have gotten her kicked out of the service or perhaps up on charges and it was only to look at evidence again not like she thought the man was involved in anything underhanded. It is wartime after all. She seems to be doing things that are way out of bounds, particularly during war time.
The information about the Pigeon Service was interesting.
It was a mixed bag.
December 18, 2021
Olive Bright and her pigeons are back and they have another mystery to solve. The mystery of murder of Lieutenant Beckett. With her usual barge in attitude Olive falls headfirst into the investigation of the murder. She elicits help from some of the other FANY members, while training her pigeons for their next mission as couriers during WWII. All of this while trying to hide her blooming feelings for Captain Jamie Aldridge and trying to hide everything from her father.
Even though some of Olive's escapades are a little far-fetched I enjoyed tis second book in the Olive Bright Pigeoneer series as much, maybe more than the first and am looking forward to the third. This mystery is filled with clues, red-herrings and a sprinkle of romance, a little something for everyone. It is a fast paced cozy mystery good for a Sunday afternoon read!
Thank you to Kensington Books and Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.
Even though some of Olive's escapades are a little far-fetched I enjoyed tis second book in the Olive Bright Pigeoneer series as much, maybe more than the first and am looking forward to the third. This mystery is filled with clues, red-herrings and a sprinkle of romance, a little something for everyone. It is a fast paced cozy mystery good for a Sunday afternoon read!
Thank you to Kensington Books and Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.
January 14, 2022
Firstly, I thought the book slow to get going but once it did it just took off. Olive is a Pigeoneer stationed at Station XVII. Olive is assigned to cpt Jamie Aldridge the ruse to be that they are a couple, an idea that grows on her. Olive is assisting with dropping the birds into Belgium to help the agents there in the work with the resistance.
When she is walking through Balls wood she comes across the guides who have found a man’s body. On inspection it is Lieutenant Beckett, the police are called to the scene and decide it’s a terrible accident but Olive is not convinced and decides to probe further putting herself in danger. Olive is fearless. It’s very interesting how the clues are solved along the way.
I found the book confusing to start with. In fairness to the author this was probably due to me not having read the first book as initially I hadn’t realised that there was one. I do apologise.
When she is walking through Balls wood she comes across the guides who have found a man’s body. On inspection it is Lieutenant Beckett, the police are called to the scene and decide it’s a terrible accident but Olive is not convinced and decides to probe further putting herself in danger. Olive is fearless. It’s very interesting how the clues are solved along the way.
I found the book confusing to start with. In fairness to the author this was probably due to me not having read the first book as initially I hadn’t realised that there was one. I do apologise.
January 19, 2022
Something's afoot at Station XVII, where Olive Bright is working as a FANY but really as a pigeoneer. It's WWII and Captain Jamie Aldridge has enlisted her pigeons to receive messages from saboteurs in Belgium. But, then the Girl Guides find Lt. Beckett murdered in the woods outside the village of Pipley and Olive funds she must solve the crime. There's also been a theft from the base- is that connected? What about the odd messages coming back from Belgium? Mixed in with the mystery is life on the Homefront- the pigs project, the vegetable garden, the WI, and the recovering soldiers. Then there's Olive's stepmother Harriett, who has MS, and Jonathan, the evacuee and all around helper. I very much enjoyed the first book but don't worry if you missed it- this will be fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Fans of historical mysteries and of the WWII Homefront genre will enjoy this one for the good storytelling, unique premise, and wonderful characters.
January 11, 2022
A Valiant Deceit is set during World War 2 in rural England with quirky characters that bring the book to life.
Olive and Jamie maintain their cover as Olive continues so to send her pigeons off on dangerous missions for all involved.
When an officer is found dead in the woods , Olive once again sets out to solve the case much to the chagrin of Jamie.
I love the Agatha Christie references and I followed the clever clues but was not as smart as Olive.
Although this book 2 in the series ( I had not read Book 1) you can easily follow the story and the characters.
I am eager to read the next book in the series and will be first in line.
Take time to read the author's notes on pigeons in the War , it was fascinating.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a great read and a series I will follow for hopefully a long time to come.
Olive and Jamie maintain their cover as Olive continues so to send her pigeons off on dangerous missions for all involved.
When an officer is found dead in the woods , Olive once again sets out to solve the case much to the chagrin of Jamie.
I love the Agatha Christie references and I followed the clever clues but was not as smart as Olive.
Although this book 2 in the series ( I had not read Book 1) you can easily follow the story and the characters.
I am eager to read the next book in the series and will be first in line.
Take time to read the author's notes on pigeons in the War , it was fascinating.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a great read and a series I will follow for hopefully a long time to come.
January 11, 2022
A Valiant Deceit is set during World War 2 in rural England with quirky characters that bring the book to life.
Olive and Jamie maintain their cover as Olive continues so to send her pigeons off on dangerous missions for all involved.
When an officer is found dead in the woods , Olive once again sets out to solve the case much to the chagrin of Jamie.
I love the Agatha Christie references and I followed the clever clues but was not as smart as Olive.
Although this book 2 in the series ( I had not read Book 1) you can easily follow the story and the characters.
I am eager to read the next book in the series and will be first in line.
Take time to read the author's notes on pigeons in the War , it was fascinating.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a great read and a series I will follow for hopefully a long time to come.
Olive and Jamie maintain their cover as Olive continues so to send her pigeons off on dangerous missions for all involved.
When an officer is found dead in the woods , Olive once again sets out to solve the case much to the chagrin of Jamie.
I love the Agatha Christie references and I followed the clever clues but was not as smart as Olive.
Although this book 2 in the series ( I had not read Book 1) you can easily follow the story and the characters.
I am eager to read the next book in the series and will be first in line.
Take time to read the author's notes on pigeons in the War , it was fascinating.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a great read and a series I will follow for hopefully a long time to come.
May 24, 2022
This novel is the second in a series, following on Olive Bright, Pigeoneer. This interesting historical mystery features an intrepid, occasionally naive heroine. The author highlights the important role that pigeons played in the war effort which adds an interesting twist to the tale. Think about the next time that you are annoyed by one of these city birds.
Olive is helping/hoping to transmit information that will help the Belgians via her birds when one of her military acquaintances is killed. Was it murder? Will Olive solve the case? Will her birds help the Resistance? Will Jamie and Olive manage to get along well enough to work together? Read the story to find out. Those who fancy cozy mysteries and WWII novels will enjoy this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for this title. All opinions are my own.
Olive is helping/hoping to transmit information that will help the Belgians via her birds when one of her military acquaintances is killed. Was it murder? Will Olive solve the case? Will her birds help the Resistance? Will Jamie and Olive manage to get along well enough to work together? Read the story to find out. Those who fancy cozy mysteries and WWII novels will enjoy this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for this title. All opinions are my own.
September 22, 2024
Olive’s pigeons are needed for a project in the Belgium resistance. She selects the birds, completes their final training and then delivers them to the crew members at the airfield. The first one returns and all seems well. But with the second one, as well as with transmissions, Olive suspects the project has been compromised. The body of a RAF pilot is found by the local Girl Guides in the woods. What is initially thought to be an accident is later determined to be murder. Olive is determined to investigate each against Jamie’s better judgment. Can she find a murderer and traitor?
I enjoyed this for the history and for the characters. There are a number of references to events from the previous book and I found that bothered me as I couldn't remember much of the story line from that installment. Knocking down to 3 stars for that reason.
I enjoyed this for the history and for the characters. There are a number of references to events from the previous book and I found that bothered me as I couldn't remember much of the story line from that installment. Knocking down to 3 stars for that reason.
February 11, 2022
How completely refreshing to have a World War Two history mystery set in England where one of the emerging themes - along with pigeons, spies, murder, village gossip and rationing and who knows what is the most dangerous - is that in wartime, most young women can be looking for a good time, sex included. Possibly with deep emotions involved but when all the available men (and some of the women) might not come back from their next venture, time and love go fleeting. And who's going to take the jobs and keep the village efforts going while the men are away? The women, of course. Oh Olive Bright, what a good series you're starring in, can't wait for the sequel!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews