What do you think?
Rate this book
The Physicists’ Daughter
The Nazis are no match for the physicists' daughter.
New Orleans, 1944
Sabotage. That's the word on factory worker Justine Byrne's mind as she is repeatedly called to weld machine parts that keep failing with no clear cause. Could someone inside the secretive Carbon Division be deliberately undermining the factory's war efforts? Raised by her late parents to think logically, she also can't help wondering just what the oddly shaped carbon gadgets she assembles day after day have to do with the boats the factory builds…
When a crane inexplicably crashes to the factory floor, leaving a woman dead, Justine can no longer ignore her nagging fear that German spies are at work within the building, trying to put the factory and its workers out of commission. Unable to trust anyone—not the charming men vying for her attention, not her unpleasant boss, and not even the women who work beside her—Justine draws on the legacy of her unconventional upbringing to keep her division running and protect her coworkers, her country, and herself from a war that is suddenly very close to home.
New Orleans, 1944
Sabotage. That's the word on factory worker Justine Byrne's mind as she is repeatedly called to weld machine parts that keep failing with no clear cause. Could someone inside the secretive Carbon Division be deliberately undermining the factory's war efforts? Raised by her late parents to think logically, she also can't help wondering just what the oddly shaped carbon gadgets she assembles day after day have to do with the boats the factory builds…
When a crane inexplicably crashes to the factory floor, leaving a woman dead, Justine can no longer ignore her nagging fear that German spies are at work within the building, trying to put the factory and its workers out of commission. Unable to trust anyone—not the charming men vying for her attention, not her unpleasant boss, and not even the women who work beside her—Justine draws on the legacy of her unconventional upbringing to keep her division running and protect her coworkers, her country, and herself from a war that is suddenly very close to home.
337 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2022
170 people are currently reading
7073 people want to read
About the author
Mary Anna Evans
36 books457 followersMary Anna Evans is an award-winning author, a writing professor, and she holds degrees in physics and engineering, a background that, as it turns out, is ideal for writing her new book, The Physicists' Daughter. Set in WWII-era New Orleans, The Physicists' Daughter introduces Justine Byrne, whom Mary Anna describes as "a little bit Rosie-the-Riveter and a little bit Bletchley Park codebreaker."
When Justine, the daughter of two physicists who taught her things girls weren't expected to know in 1944, realizes that her boss isn't telling her the truth about the work she does in her factory job, she draws on the legacy of her unconventional upbringing to keep her division running and protect her coworkers, her country, and herself from a war that is suddenly very close to home.
Her crime fiction has earned recognition that includes the Oklahoma Book Award, the Will Rogers Medallion Awards Gold Medal, the Mississippi Author Award, a spot on Voice of Young America’s (VOYA) list of “Adult Mysteries with Young Adult Appeal,” a writer’s residency from The Studios of Key West, the Benjamin Franklin Award, the Florida Historical Society’s Patrick D. Smith Florida Literature Award, and three Florida Book Awards bronze medals.
In addition to writing crime fiction, she writes about crime fiction, as evidenced by the upcoming Bloomsbury Handbook to Agatha Christie, which she coedited with J.D Bernthal.
For the incurably curious, Mary Anna’s first published work, her master’s thesis, was entitled A Modeling Study of the NH3-NO-O2 Reaction Under the Operating Conditions of a Fluidized Bed Combustor. Like her mysteries, it was a factually based page-turner but, no, it’s not available online.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryAnnaEvan...
Twitter: @maryannaevans
Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/maryannaevans/
BookBub: @maryannaevans
When Justine, the daughter of two physicists who taught her things girls weren't expected to know in 1944, realizes that her boss isn't telling her the truth about the work she does in her factory job, she draws on the legacy of her unconventional upbringing to keep her division running and protect her coworkers, her country, and herself from a war that is suddenly very close to home.
Her crime fiction has earned recognition that includes the Oklahoma Book Award, the Will Rogers Medallion Awards Gold Medal, the Mississippi Author Award, a spot on Voice of Young America’s (VOYA) list of “Adult Mysteries with Young Adult Appeal,” a writer’s residency from The Studios of Key West, the Benjamin Franklin Award, the Florida Historical Society’s Patrick D. Smith Florida Literature Award, and three Florida Book Awards bronze medals.
In addition to writing crime fiction, she writes about crime fiction, as evidenced by the upcoming Bloomsbury Handbook to Agatha Christie, which she coedited with J.D Bernthal.
For the incurably curious, Mary Anna’s first published work, her master’s thesis, was entitled A Modeling Study of the NH3-NO-O2 Reaction Under the Operating Conditions of a Fluidized Bed Combustor. Like her mysteries, it was a factually based page-turner but, no, it’s not available online.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryAnnaEvan...
Twitter: @maryannaevans
Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/maryannaevans/
BookBub: @maryannaevans
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
June 22, 2023
The Physicists' Daughter by Mary Anna Evans
Narrated by Kimberly M. Wetherell
I enjoy reading historical fiction about the women finally getting to do jobs that were closed to them until WWII took the men to the front lines. Justine Byrne is the daughter of physicists and her late parents had raised her to know that she is capable of doing anything she wants to do. She learned physics at their side, German so that she could speak with German scientists, welding because it was a skill her dad enjoyed, math so that she could work things out herself, she was surrounded by brilliant men and women. Her father made sure that her mother got credit for work she did with him.
But Justine's parents are dead now and she's living in a boarding room, working in a factory doing things below her skill level. She's hoping to move up in ranks so she can do more challenging work. A piece of machinery keeps breaking and several times she is asked to use her welding skills to fix it. After there is a fatal accident at the factory and because Justine can tell the parts she is asked to fix have been sabotaged, she begins to suspect one or more people at the factory are trying to hamper the war effort. She doesn't know who she can trust anymore. Several of the men who work at the factory attract her suspicions, especially since they seem to have developed an interest in her. But many of the women at the factory have the ability to sabotage the plant, too. And Justine has never trusted her creepy boss.
At first I thought the narration overdid the accents of some of the characters and it was distracting to me. But once the story gets going and we get to know the players in this game of potential spies, I forgot about the accents and enjoyed the mystery. By the time the story was over I was enjoying the narration very much. Justine and her co-workers are in danger and knowing she is probably working with a war time spy or two has her digging deep into her knowledge of physics and just what some of the mysterious parts her factory makes could do to help the Allies in the war. The noose is tightening around Justine, someone suspects she's on their trail, and Justine wants to stop the enemy before more damage is done.
Pub Jun 7, 2022
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC.
Narrated by Kimberly M. Wetherell
I enjoy reading historical fiction about the women finally getting to do jobs that were closed to them until WWII took the men to the front lines. Justine Byrne is the daughter of physicists and her late parents had raised her to know that she is capable of doing anything she wants to do. She learned physics at their side, German so that she could speak with German scientists, welding because it was a skill her dad enjoyed, math so that she could work things out herself, she was surrounded by brilliant men and women. Her father made sure that her mother got credit for work she did with him.
But Justine's parents are dead now and she's living in a boarding room, working in a factory doing things below her skill level. She's hoping to move up in ranks so she can do more challenging work. A piece of machinery keeps breaking and several times she is asked to use her welding skills to fix it. After there is a fatal accident at the factory and because Justine can tell the parts she is asked to fix have been sabotaged, she begins to suspect one or more people at the factory are trying to hamper the war effort. She doesn't know who she can trust anymore. Several of the men who work at the factory attract her suspicions, especially since they seem to have developed an interest in her. But many of the women at the factory have the ability to sabotage the plant, too. And Justine has never trusted her creepy boss.
At first I thought the narration overdid the accents of some of the characters and it was distracting to me. But once the story gets going and we get to know the players in this game of potential spies, I forgot about the accents and enjoyed the mystery. By the time the story was over I was enjoying the narration very much. Justine and her co-workers are in danger and knowing she is probably working with a war time spy or two has her digging deep into her knowledge of physics and just what some of the mysterious parts her factory makes could do to help the Allies in the war. The noose is tightening around Justine, someone suspects she's on their trail, and Justine wants to stop the enemy before more damage is done.
Pub Jun 7, 2022
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC.
August 24, 2022
This is a Historical Suspense Fiction book that takes place during WWII in the USA. This whole book is about what is going on in a factory that is making things for the war, and it is a super secret no one working in the factory even knows what they are making. I really loved getting to know the characters in this book, and I also loved trying to figure out what was going on. This book will keep you guessing and had a ton of suspense built up throughout this book. I enjoyed the historical parts of this book, and I think the historical parts were really well done. I listened to the audiobook for this book, and I found the narrator to be ok. I was kindly provided an e-copy and e-audiobook of this book by the publisher (Poisoned Pen Press) or author (Mary Anna Evans) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
June 11, 2022
The Physicists’Daughter by Mary Anna Evans explored what was happening on the home front of the United States during World War II. As a historical fiction mystery, it portrayed brave, curious, intelligent and determined women willing and able to do their part for the war effort. Some of these women were not as complacent as some of their supervisors would have hoped they’d be with the lack of information they were granted about what they were doing to help to the war effort. Women were needed to do the work in the factories with the majority of the men off fighting the war. They were not treated well in the work place though. Women were not respected or appreciated for their abilities even when their performances were equal or superior to the men they replaced. The Physicists’ Daughter was well written and the characters were engaging and believable. I learned a whole new aspect of what was going on in the United States during World War II.
Justine Byrne was the daughter of parents that were both brilliant and well respected physicists. She was bright and curious as she grew up in that environment and understood more about science, machines and even welding than most children her age. Both her parents had always encouraged her to learn. Justine easily learned and became fluent in other languages and even learned to read and write Braille when her mother began to loose her eyesight and eventually went blind. She had aspirations to go to college, study physics and work beside her parents. That dream was shattered when her parents tragically died in a car accident. Justine was forced to sell her childhood home and seek work at Higgin’s plant located in the Michaud District of New Orleans. Higgin’s plant helped produce boats for the war. Justine began to work on an assembly line in the newly formed Carbon Division. All the workers in the Carbon Division of Higgin’s plant were sworn to secrecy. Even though the workers were not trusted with or made privy to the information about what they were helping to make, they were instructed not discuss anything that occurred in the Carbon Division with anyone from the outside. Justine imagined that they were making parts for radios used on the boats the factory produced. Then the machinery in the Carbon division began breaking more often than one would expect. Justine began to speculate that perhaps someone, perhaps a spy, was trying to sabotage their operation. She was called upon to use her welding expertise that her late father had taught her to fix the machines. Justine began to suspect that there was a spy among them that was trying to sabotage the operation. If they were making parts for radios why would the enemy want to disrupt the operations? What were they producing? Why were they sworn to secrecy? Who could Justine trust? Would she be able to discover who the spy was before it was too late?
The Physicists’ Daughter by Mary Anna Evans was told from the POV of Justine and the two men who were vying for her heart. It was a suspenseful and compelling historical fiction mystery with a touch of romance. The themes of espionage, sabotage, friendship, the way women were treated and looked upon in the 1940’s, science and traitorous acts were all explored. The way German spies entered the United States and infiltrated themselves into strategic environments was made evident throughout The Physicists’ Daughter. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Physicists’ Daughter that was performed very well by Kimberly M. Wetherell. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media LLC for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Physicists’ Daughter through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Justine Byrne was the daughter of parents that were both brilliant and well respected physicists. She was bright and curious as she grew up in that environment and understood more about science, machines and even welding than most children her age. Both her parents had always encouraged her to learn. Justine easily learned and became fluent in other languages and even learned to read and write Braille when her mother began to loose her eyesight and eventually went blind. She had aspirations to go to college, study physics and work beside her parents. That dream was shattered when her parents tragically died in a car accident. Justine was forced to sell her childhood home and seek work at Higgin’s plant located in the Michaud District of New Orleans. Higgin’s plant helped produce boats for the war. Justine began to work on an assembly line in the newly formed Carbon Division. All the workers in the Carbon Division of Higgin’s plant were sworn to secrecy. Even though the workers were not trusted with or made privy to the information about what they were helping to make, they were instructed not discuss anything that occurred in the Carbon Division with anyone from the outside. Justine imagined that they were making parts for radios used on the boats the factory produced. Then the machinery in the Carbon division began breaking more often than one would expect. Justine began to speculate that perhaps someone, perhaps a spy, was trying to sabotage their operation. She was called upon to use her welding expertise that her late father had taught her to fix the machines. Justine began to suspect that there was a spy among them that was trying to sabotage the operation. If they were making parts for radios why would the enemy want to disrupt the operations? What were they producing? Why were they sworn to secrecy? Who could Justine trust? Would she be able to discover who the spy was before it was too late?
The Physicists’ Daughter by Mary Anna Evans was told from the POV of Justine and the two men who were vying for her heart. It was a suspenseful and compelling historical fiction mystery with a touch of romance. The themes of espionage, sabotage, friendship, the way women were treated and looked upon in the 1940’s, science and traitorous acts were all explored. The way German spies entered the United States and infiltrated themselves into strategic environments was made evident throughout The Physicists’ Daughter. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Physicists’ Daughter that was performed very well by Kimberly M. Wetherell. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media LLC for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Physicists’ Daughter through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 7, 2022
4 women and science stars - now available
What happens when you put a smart and capable woman to work in a New Orleans factory during WWII? Justine Byrne is the daughter of two physicists, her parents are gone now, but she was brought up to love science and her dad even taught her to weld. Those skills could come in handy for her job. However, at the factory she just works on the assembly line, but occasionally she gets to “fix” some parts that keep failing. Justine can easily see that the parts have been tampered with and she suspects someone at the factory of sabotage.
She lives in a boarding house and is finally making a few friends and she’s asked out on a few dates. She's smarter about science than she is about men.
Justine is super curious about the top-secret parts of the factory and turns to her aunt who is also a scientist to try to puzzle through what they could be building. She has no idea who to trust with her suspicions and she is in danger herself.
I found this one to be well written and suspenseful. Plus, I love to read about smart women! There are some great themes of friendship and family and loyalty to your country in this one.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this one.
What happens when you put a smart and capable woman to work in a New Orleans factory during WWII? Justine Byrne is the daughter of two physicists, her parents are gone now, but she was brought up to love science and her dad even taught her to weld. Those skills could come in handy for her job. However, at the factory she just works on the assembly line, but occasionally she gets to “fix” some parts that keep failing. Justine can easily see that the parts have been tampered with and she suspects someone at the factory of sabotage.
She lives in a boarding house and is finally making a few friends and she’s asked out on a few dates. She's smarter about science than she is about men.
Justine is super curious about the top-secret parts of the factory and turns to her aunt who is also a scientist to try to puzzle through what they could be building. She has no idea who to trust with her suspicions and she is in danger herself.
I found this one to be well written and suspenseful. Plus, I love to read about smart women! There are some great themes of friendship and family and loyalty to your country in this one.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this one.
August 18, 2022
Justine, a physicists’ daughter who lives in New Orleans, suspects that someone at her factory is a saboteur trying to thwart the war effort. But even she doesn’t know that she is the crosshairs of a spy.
I really thought very hard about my rating for this book – I was torn between three stars and four, because while I really enjoyed the book, I also had some major quibbles with it. Justine is a strong and compelling heroine, clever but unworldly. I also really liked the secondary characters who were all strongly sketched, especially Georgette who, despite having only been educated to the eighth grade, has a real thirst to learn and is never underestimated by the author.
The plot is also a twisty and engaging one. I was pretty certain I had figured out the way the chips would fall only to be astonished by the ending, which is always fun. And I am glad Georgette got her moment in the spotlight!
However, I was very irritated with one major storyline – the spies. More specifically, the romantic fixation that the spies had on Justine. She is certainly a clever young woman, usefully placed in a top secret facility, but it just didn’t make much logical sense to me that not only did both ‘Mudcat’ and ‘Fritz’ identify her as a extremely useful asset, but that they were both attracted to her – and not just physically. It felt as though the author wrote that in more because it was what the plot demanded than because it was what fit there.
A sequel is teased for this book, and I definitely want to read it for the further adventures of Justine and Georgette. But I could do with better romantic prospects.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I really thought very hard about my rating for this book – I was torn between three stars and four, because while I really enjoyed the book, I also had some major quibbles with it. Justine is a strong and compelling heroine, clever but unworldly. I also really liked the secondary characters who were all strongly sketched, especially Georgette who, despite having only been educated to the eighth grade, has a real thirst to learn and is never underestimated by the author.
The plot is also a twisty and engaging one. I was pretty certain I had figured out the way the chips would fall only to be astonished by the ending, which is always fun. And I am glad Georgette got her moment in the spotlight!
However, I was very irritated with one major storyline – the spies. More specifically, the romantic fixation that the spies had on Justine. She is certainly a clever young woman, usefully placed in a top secret facility, but it just didn’t make much logical sense to me that not only did both ‘Mudcat’ and ‘Fritz’ identify her as a extremely useful asset, but that they were both attracted to her – and not just physically. It felt as though the author wrote that in more because it was what the plot demanded than because it was what fit there.
A sequel is teased for this book, and I definitely want to read it for the further adventures of Justine and Georgette. But I could do with better romantic prospects.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
August 8, 2022
Oh, my, so much to enjoy in this WWII mystery.
First off, our heroine works on a factory assembly line. Said factory is in New Orleans. Such a refreshing break from the more common setting of a government office in Washington, DC.
I loved Justine, who realizes that the minor equipment breakages that she is asked to repair are the result of sabotage. She is a marvelous combination of well-educated smarts and personal uncertainties.
I loved Georgette, one of Justine's co-workers, who is a great example of 'uneducated does not mean unintelligent.' Her thirst for learning is wonderful to behold.
The author does a really good job of managing the spy plot. The hints are doled out so well that the reader is barely a step ahead of Justine as she tries to discover the identity of the saboteur.
I raced through the book, turning the pages as fast as I could, resenting every Real Life interruption that took me away from the story.
This is the first in a projected series and I am eagerly awaiting the further adventures of Justine and her friends.
First off, our heroine works on a factory assembly line. Said factory is in New Orleans. Such a refreshing break from the more common setting of a government office in Washington, DC.
I loved Justine, who realizes that the minor equipment breakages that she is asked to repair are the result of sabotage. She is a marvelous combination of well-educated smarts and personal uncertainties.
I loved Georgette, one of Justine's co-workers, who is a great example of 'uneducated does not mean unintelligent.' Her thirst for learning is wonderful to behold.
The author does a really good job of managing the spy plot. The hints are doled out so well that the reader is barely a step ahead of Justine as she tries to discover the identity of the saboteur.
I raced through the book, turning the pages as fast as I could, resenting every Real Life interruption that took me away from the story.
This is the first in a projected series and I am eagerly awaiting the further adventures of Justine and her friends.
February 11, 2024
This was a tremendous book overall......insightful and educational in a way as well even though as I will admit, I didn't understand some of the physics aspect but the sciences with physics and chemistry had a bit of speed reading over them! ha. Interesting as I did gain some new knowledge however ;) It was realistic indeed I felt as if quite imaginable really. I was intrigued as to who might be sabotaging equipment for many characters weren't always who they appeared to be as was common, especially during wartime. I loved the deductions with how the secret agent's minds worked and our spunky main character Justine's worked! Quite descriptive at times but no big deal.
This was a first time author for me as she "passed my one chance" test so to speak as I will gladly read another by her! (There's only so much time left in life so I don't bother with a second by an author if I didn't enjoy the first) I am so pleased that there is a sequel and I will be reading that too hopefully!!
This was a first time author for me as she "passed my one chance" test so to speak as I will gladly read another by her! (There's only so much time left in life so I don't bother with a second by an author if I didn't enjoy the first) I am so pleased that there is a sequel and I will be reading that too hopefully!!
June 7, 2022
An intriguing WWII novel set in a New Orleans factory in 1944. I loved MC Justine, a STEM heroine and orphaned daughter of physicists, who taught her physics and welding and how to think critically.
Working in a low-level job in a factory that produces boats, plus other weird objects in the secretive Carbon Division, she takes notice when asked to weld parts that often seem to fail. And when a crane falls and kills a co-worker, she begins to think sabotage is afoot.
Is there anyone she can trust? Is there a Nazi spy in their midst, undermining the factory's efforts to support the war?
At times, slow pace hampered the story, yet I found myself cheering Justine on as she uses her STEM skills to puzzle out this mystery and protect her country and co-workers. Highly recommend for lovers of strong women in historical fiction, whose roles make a difference in the world.
Thanks to the author, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#ThePhysicistsDaughter #MaryAnnaEvans
#poisonedpenpress #NetGalley #mysterynovels #historicalmysterynovel #NewOrleansNovel #STEMheroine #WWIIMystery #bookstgramcommunity
Working in a low-level job in a factory that produces boats, plus other weird objects in the secretive Carbon Division, she takes notice when asked to weld parts that often seem to fail. And when a crane falls and kills a co-worker, she begins to think sabotage is afoot.
Is there anyone she can trust? Is there a Nazi spy in their midst, undermining the factory's efforts to support the war?
At times, slow pace hampered the story, yet I found myself cheering Justine on as she uses her STEM skills to puzzle out this mystery and protect her country and co-workers. Highly recommend for lovers of strong women in historical fiction, whose roles make a difference in the world.
Thanks to the author, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#ThePhysicistsDaughter #MaryAnnaEvans
#poisonedpenpress #NetGalley #mysterynovels #historicalmysterynovel #NewOrleansNovel #STEMheroine #WWIIMystery #bookstgramcommunity
May 16, 2022
Sabotage
A historical story of woman working in the factories during WWII. The way they were treated by the male co workers and bosses. The comradely that they felt for each other.
Justine works in the highly secret carbon division of the Higgins Industries Factory in New Orleans in 1944. She often wonders what the parts she works on are for in a ship building factory. When she is called upon by her rude and lascivious boss over and over again to weld broken parts she wonders if someone is intentionally breaking them, possibly a German spy.
Then a frame breaks killing one of the workers, and she is convinced that someone is sabotaging the plant. Who could it be? She watches and collects clues, with the help of her aunt.
She can trust no one, not the quiet spoken Charlie that she likes, nor the quick talking Martin or even kind Jerry in his wheelchair. When she starts getting notes and is sure someone is following her it becomes dangerous.
Can she find out who the spy is before someone else is injured or before major damage is done to the factory. Who can she tell if she does?
A girl in a factory in a boring job wanting to be a welder or a machinist but those are jobs for the men. Her mean rude boss will never promote her.
This is an interesting story of women with dreams and ambitions, a story of espionage, and of friends that stand up for each other.
I listened to the audio book, the narrator did a great job. It was easy to understand and pleasant to listen to.
I enjoyed this historical fiction story and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Mary Anna Evans for writing a great story, to KImberly M. Wetherell for a wonderful narration to Dreamscape Media for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me to read and review.
A historical story of woman working in the factories during WWII. The way they were treated by the male co workers and bosses. The comradely that they felt for each other.
Justine works in the highly secret carbon division of the Higgins Industries Factory in New Orleans in 1944. She often wonders what the parts she works on are for in a ship building factory. When she is called upon by her rude and lascivious boss over and over again to weld broken parts she wonders if someone is intentionally breaking them, possibly a German spy.
Then a frame breaks killing one of the workers, and she is convinced that someone is sabotaging the plant. Who could it be? She watches and collects clues, with the help of her aunt.
She can trust no one, not the quiet spoken Charlie that she likes, nor the quick talking Martin or even kind Jerry in his wheelchair. When she starts getting notes and is sure someone is following her it becomes dangerous.
Can she find out who the spy is before someone else is injured or before major damage is done to the factory. Who can she tell if she does?
A girl in a factory in a boring job wanting to be a welder or a machinist but those are jobs for the men. Her mean rude boss will never promote her.
This is an interesting story of women with dreams and ambitions, a story of espionage, and of friends that stand up for each other.
I listened to the audio book, the narrator did a great job. It was easy to understand and pleasant to listen to.
I enjoyed this historical fiction story and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Mary Anna Evans for writing a great story, to KImberly M. Wetherell for a wonderful narration to Dreamscape Media for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me to read and review.
June 8, 2022
With The Physicists’ Daughter, Mary Anna Evans has moved into historical fiction and WWII era suspense with the story of Justine Byrne, the titular character. Her parents were both physicists, as is her beloved godmother, Gloria. Justine was raised at their sides, learned so much that they knew, not a typical upbringing for a girl of her time. But then her parents died in a car accident and her dream of college died with them. Now, it’s 1944, she is 21 and working in a large factory for the war effort.
Justine is a fish out of water in, and outside of, her job. She doesn’t know how to make friends. She’s lonely. She would like a job using more of the skills she has…her father taught her welding along with the math and sciences. And then she begins to fear there might be a saboteur at the factory when small problems pop up.
As in her Faye Longchampe novels, Evans makes great use of the setting in this book, letting the ambience of New Orleans settle over the activity. The heat, humidity, storms, water settings all add to the oppressive atmosphere at times. Justine is an interesting character who develops quite a lot over the course of the novel. There is also some mystery involved in identities in the story and confusion for Justine…and the reader. Keep going!
Recommended
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Justine is a fish out of water in, and outside of, her job. She doesn’t know how to make friends. She’s lonely. She would like a job using more of the skills she has…her father taught her welding along with the math and sciences. And then she begins to fear there might be a saboteur at the factory when small problems pop up.
As in her Faye Longchampe novels, Evans makes great use of the setting in this book, letting the ambience of New Orleans settle over the activity. The heat, humidity, storms, water settings all add to the oppressive atmosphere at times. Justine is an interesting character who develops quite a lot over the course of the novel. There is also some mystery involved in identities in the story and confusion for Justine…and the reader. Keep going!
Recommended
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
January 5, 2023
The Physicists' Daughter was an interesting historical fiction mystery. The setting of the book was unique in that it is set during WWII in New Orleans at a factory making top secrets parts as well as boats and airplanes. The story includes technical writing at times which was a bit high level for me. Clearly, the author has done quite a lot of research. Our main character Justine has had an unusual upbringing as her parents trained her from childhood in things like mechanics and welding, Justine is inquisitive, smart, and friendly. I like how she took the initiative to figure out what was happening at the plant when accidents started to happen.
Fans of WWII historical fiction will enjoy this one as it is an immersive and well-plotted story.
Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced review copy.
Fans of WWII historical fiction will enjoy this one as it is an immersive and well-plotted story.
Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced review copy.
July 2, 2022
There were a number of things that drew me to this book. First is that it is set in 1944 New Orleans, an unusual setting for a WWII novel and possible espionage.
Justine, orphaned daughter of two established physicists, both of whom died in a car accident, has at least an understanding of basic physics.
While working in the Carbon Division of a factory making ships and planes for the war effort Justine becomes suspicious when machines start to break on a regular basis slowing down the line. Could it be just a disgruntled worker or something more sinister like sabotage?
It’s a great premise and an interesting plot but the writing made it a frustrating read. If you are a physics major this will be your kind of book, for me not so much. I easily skipped through the middle and only paid attention to the last couple of chapters to get to the outcome.
Justine, orphaned daughter of two established physicists, both of whom died in a car accident, has at least an understanding of basic physics.
While working in the Carbon Division of a factory making ships and planes for the war effort Justine becomes suspicious when machines start to break on a regular basis slowing down the line. Could it be just a disgruntled worker or something more sinister like sabotage?
It’s a great premise and an interesting plot but the writing made it a frustrating read. If you are a physics major this will be your kind of book, for me not so much. I easily skipped through the middle and only paid attention to the last couple of chapters to get to the outcome.
April 28, 2022
Totally believable atmospheric with very engaging characters.
Justine may be anachronistic in her time, but so were her mother and godmother. Justine's finest trait? Her willingness/compulsion to teach her interested friend with no high school education all about the arcane things about RADAR and radios. Same friend (while pointing out serious educational disparities) helps her with nuanced interpersonal skills.
When do "accidents" become sabotage and "poor workmanship" become something sinister when it keeps happening in a war manufacturing plant?
Is it really paranoia if someone is actually stalking you?
I found the story and the writing riveting and insightful. Loved it!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
Justine may be anachronistic in her time, but so were her mother and godmother. Justine's finest trait? Her willingness/compulsion to teach her interested friend with no high school education all about the arcane things about RADAR and radios. Same friend (while pointing out serious educational disparities) helps her with nuanced interpersonal skills.
When do "accidents" become sabotage and "poor workmanship" become something sinister when it keeps happening in a war manufacturing plant?
Is it really paranoia if someone is actually stalking you?
I found the story and the writing riveting and insightful. Loved it!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
June 14, 2022
📚 Hello Book Friends! THE PHYSICISTS’ DAUGHTER by Mary Anna Evans was an exciting read with all the right punches. I love the historical aspect of women working in manufactures while men are at the front. Women were underestimated and proved themselves to be as strong and clever as any men. That was the surprise of the time. The story is well constructed, and the characters were quite interesting. I loved the plot and the ending was open enough to let the reader think that it might not be the last time we will see Justine (wishful thinking on my part, anyway). This is a great mystery.
#bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #thephysicistsdaughter #maryannaevans #sourcebooks #poisonedpenpress #bookreview
April 15, 2022
I was attracted to this book when I read about the author describing her main character as “a little bit Rosie-the-Riveter and a little bit Bletchley Park codebreaker.”
This historical fiction mystery is set in the Higgins Industries factory in New Orleans in 1944, and as the book opens, the main character, Justine Byrne, suspects there’s an industrial saboteur at her work. It’s confirmed when an accident in the secretive Carbon Division kills a co-worker and injures others. The remainder of the book focuses on Justine’s aim to uncover the traitor and clarify the purpose of the oddly shaped carbon gadgets she’s assembling. Is she helping to build something that will end WW2? While reading about Justine defending America’s most unlikely military target, readers are immersed in the setting and the meticulously crafted atmosphere the author has created.
I loved the suspense and the tension created when Justine doesn’t know who to trust. It puts the reader on high alert when they know what’s at risk. Is it another government? Her boyfriend? A co-worker? A spy? Are they watching her? Is she a target? I think this novel stands out for me because of the main character’s background and the ability it gives her in finding answers. She has a unique position in that she knows more than she’s letting on and relies on the fact that women aren’t taken seriously; therefore, she can go undetected as she investigates.
I was spellbound during the ciphering section. It fascinated me. I’m also still recalling the banner in the factory and smiling; “The Guy Who Relaxes Is Helping The Axis!” The author is to be commended for bringing historical fiction lovers something new and unique!
I did struggle with the introduction of the spy code-named Mudcat and noticed that these sections did drag the prose down a bit. Regardless, I’m anticipating a sequel and loved the refreshing analytical approach to solving a wartime mystery.
I was gifted this advance copy by Mary Anna Evans, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This historical fiction mystery is set in the Higgins Industries factory in New Orleans in 1944, and as the book opens, the main character, Justine Byrne, suspects there’s an industrial saboteur at her work. It’s confirmed when an accident in the secretive Carbon Division kills a co-worker and injures others. The remainder of the book focuses on Justine’s aim to uncover the traitor and clarify the purpose of the oddly shaped carbon gadgets she’s assembling. Is she helping to build something that will end WW2? While reading about Justine defending America’s most unlikely military target, readers are immersed in the setting and the meticulously crafted atmosphere the author has created.
I loved the suspense and the tension created when Justine doesn’t know who to trust. It puts the reader on high alert when they know what’s at risk. Is it another government? Her boyfriend? A co-worker? A spy? Are they watching her? Is she a target? I think this novel stands out for me because of the main character’s background and the ability it gives her in finding answers. She has a unique position in that she knows more than she’s letting on and relies on the fact that women aren’t taken seriously; therefore, she can go undetected as she investigates.
I was spellbound during the ciphering section. It fascinated me. I’m also still recalling the banner in the factory and smiling; “The Guy Who Relaxes Is Helping The Axis!” The author is to be commended for bringing historical fiction lovers something new and unique!
I did struggle with the introduction of the spy code-named Mudcat and noticed that these sections did drag the prose down a bit. Regardless, I’m anticipating a sequel and loved the refreshing analytical approach to solving a wartime mystery.
I was gifted this advance copy by Mary Anna Evans, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
January 6, 2022
352 pages
4 stars
Justine is a factory worker at a manufacturing plant in New Orleans that makes ships and airplanes during WWII. While her line work is essentially boring, she feels satisfaction in helping to build the machinery to protect the “boys” fighting and aid them in putting an end to the horrible war.
She had an unusual childhood. Her parents were both physicists, so she was taught all kinds of “unfeminine” things, like welding, auto repair and quantum mechanics. (How wonderful this would have been!)
She notices that there are too many things going wrong at the factory. Too many accidents, too many defective parts. She vows to get to the bottom of the apparent sabotage. She fears that perhaps there are German spies at the plant.
Justine meets a new friend who teaches her how to dance and about relationships with men. She is grateful to her new friend. Justine is friendly and outgoing. She’s just a little unworldly.
A couple of interesting characters show up in this novel too. Mudcat and Fritz. Their motives and intentions seem to be a little fuzzy. The book gives little hints and vignettes to share what Mudcat and Fritz are thinking and planning. Justine is being watched. She is being followed.
This is a very well written and plotted book. It is interesting and I found the technical descriptions fascinating. I still don’t understand some of them, but I liked reading about them. Watching Justine puzzle out the cipher held my attention, too. This book is very readable. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading another of Ms. Evans’ WWII adventures, as well as her Faye Longchamp novels.
I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
4 stars
Justine is a factory worker at a manufacturing plant in New Orleans that makes ships and airplanes during WWII. While her line work is essentially boring, she feels satisfaction in helping to build the machinery to protect the “boys” fighting and aid them in putting an end to the horrible war.
She had an unusual childhood. Her parents were both physicists, so she was taught all kinds of “unfeminine” things, like welding, auto repair and quantum mechanics. (How wonderful this would have been!)
She notices that there are too many things going wrong at the factory. Too many accidents, too many defective parts. She vows to get to the bottom of the apparent sabotage. She fears that perhaps there are German spies at the plant.
Justine meets a new friend who teaches her how to dance and about relationships with men. She is grateful to her new friend. Justine is friendly and outgoing. She’s just a little unworldly.
A couple of interesting characters show up in this novel too. Mudcat and Fritz. Their motives and intentions seem to be a little fuzzy. The book gives little hints and vignettes to share what Mudcat and Fritz are thinking and planning. Justine is being watched. She is being followed.
This is a very well written and plotted book. It is interesting and I found the technical descriptions fascinating. I still don’t understand some of them, but I liked reading about them. Watching Justine puzzle out the cipher held my attention, too. This book is very readable. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading another of Ms. Evans’ WWII adventures, as well as her Faye Longchamp novels.
I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
January 20, 2022
The Physicists' Daughter by Mary Anna Evans is a great historical fiction that has mystery, suspense, and an addictive plot that kept me interested.
This book takes place in New Orleans during WWII, and our main character, Justine, works in a factory that has seen some questionable “mishaps” as of late. With this product being used directly to help the troops fighting the war, these malfunctions could place lives in danger. Justine is on the hunt to find out.
Using her unconventional childhood, education, and intelligence, she investigates to find the culprit. Is it just a series of flaws, is it sabotage, does it involve espionage and potential government threats? The deeper she looks into it, the more complicated and risky it becomes. Can she save the day?
I really enjoyed the mystery component and that the main character is not “run of the mill”. The pace, plot, and character cast were interesting and enjoyable.
I would definitely read more from this author in the future.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Poisoned Pen Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/02/22.
This book takes place in New Orleans during WWII, and our main character, Justine, works in a factory that has seen some questionable “mishaps” as of late. With this product being used directly to help the troops fighting the war, these malfunctions could place lives in danger. Justine is on the hunt to find out.
Using her unconventional childhood, education, and intelligence, she investigates to find the culprit. Is it just a series of flaws, is it sabotage, does it involve espionage and potential government threats? The deeper she looks into it, the more complicated and risky it becomes. Can she save the day?
I really enjoyed the mystery component and that the main character is not “run of the mill”. The pace, plot, and character cast were interesting and enjoyable.
I would definitely read more from this author in the future.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Poisoned Pen Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/02/22.
June 9, 2022
Fascinating, informative, and pacey!
The Physicists’ Daughter is an intriguing tale that sweeps you away to New Orleans in the final days of WWII and into the carbon division of Higgins Industries’ where strange equipment malfunctions tend to be occurring a little too often and the daughter of two physicists’, Justine Byrne, decides to investigate whether these are purely accidents of chance or whether someone is specifically trying to sabotage the factory and the weapons and machinery it’s producing.
The prose is descriptive and rich. The characters are intelligent, driven, and inquisitive. And the plot is an engaging tale about life, loss, friendship, tragedy, war, romance, loyalty, subterfuge, suspicious behaviours, and malicious intentions.
Overall, The Physicists’ Daughter is a well-written, unique, menacing tale by Evans that does a wonderful job of blending historical facts with fiction that is both enlightening and compelling.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Physicists’ Daughter is an intriguing tale that sweeps you away to New Orleans in the final days of WWII and into the carbon division of Higgins Industries’ where strange equipment malfunctions tend to be occurring a little too often and the daughter of two physicists’, Justine Byrne, decides to investigate whether these are purely accidents of chance or whether someone is specifically trying to sabotage the factory and the weapons and machinery it’s producing.
The prose is descriptive and rich. The characters are intelligent, driven, and inquisitive. And the plot is an engaging tale about life, loss, friendship, tragedy, war, romance, loyalty, subterfuge, suspicious behaviours, and malicious intentions.
Overall, The Physicists’ Daughter is a well-written, unique, menacing tale by Evans that does a wonderful job of blending historical facts with fiction that is both enlightening and compelling.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2022
Anticipated pub: 7 June 2022
I read historical fiction far less than other genres and I'm not sure why. I really enjoyed this story. I did a hybrid of audio book and ebook and was fully immersed in Justine's mission of discovery. I loved Justine and Georgette's relationship; that two women from such different backgrounds can connect, learn so much from each other and form a friendship. I think this was one of my favorite aspects of the book. I liked the other characters as well. We get alternating view points from two we know are "spies" but we don't know which character they are in the broad story. I found this well-written, quick paced, descriptive and all around a great read. There is an air of mystery which kept me turning pages in a rush.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy to read and review.
I read historical fiction far less than other genres and I'm not sure why. I really enjoyed this story. I did a hybrid of audio book and ebook and was fully immersed in Justine's mission of discovery. I loved Justine and Georgette's relationship; that two women from such different backgrounds can connect, learn so much from each other and form a friendship. I think this was one of my favorite aspects of the book. I liked the other characters as well. We get alternating view points from two we know are "spies" but we don't know which character they are in the broad story. I found this well-written, quick paced, descriptive and all around a great read. There is an air of mystery which kept me turning pages in a rush.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy to read and review.
June 9, 2022
While I love math, sometimes science was beyond me. I didn't let that stop me from picking up this book and enjoying the heck out of it! Justine is a formidable character with her intellect and past experiences. She was raised well by her physicist parents and godmother. She has a keen curiosity and doesn't stop when confronted with a puzzle. However, her parents were killed in an automobile accident and she has been on her own for a few years now. Since it is the WWII era, she is working in a factory on an assembly line but is able to do some welding when the machines break down. What she discovers is that it isn't normal wear and tear but someone is trying to sabotage the plant.
Justine has never been one to make a lot of friends, but she befriends another woman at the plant, Georgette, who happens to also live in the same rooming house. Georgette may be from the bayou and not gotten past the eighth grade, but she has a thirst for knowledge and laps up the algebra homework Justine assigns her and reads science books until she understands the basics. Georgette helps Justine with normal interactions with others which can be a bit awkward for Justine.
There is also Justine's godmother, Gloria, who is an intellect in her own respect but she sees conspiracies all around her. She won't leave her house in fear that someone will come in and bug it and spy on her. But she has a heart of gold and helps Justine however she can in her quest for what the plant is manufacturing and what it could mean for the war efforts.
There are two mysterious characters, Fitz and Mudcat. What we know about them is that they are both trying to recruit Justine to work for their governments...but what governments do they represent? Are they good or bad guys? We know that one of them is from Germany so we have to assume he is trying to recruit her for his benefit and not her own. We are even told that he has convinced someone else in her department to assist him in gaining information and knowledge about what the plant is producing. We don't know who this person is until near the end and I never would have suspected this character. As the truth unfolds it surprised me because it was not what I was suspecting and a few incidents led me down another path which was a dead end.
This was quite an enjoyable book from the math and science, social interactions, secrecy, and even perhaps a little paranoia kept the story moving forward and interesting. There are even some potential romantic situations and I loved the scenes in the dance club and could picture the club in my mind.
I am thrilled that there is going to be a follow-up book considering how it ended and can't wait to read that one when it debuts.
We give this book 5 paws up.
Justine has never been one to make a lot of friends, but she befriends another woman at the plant, Georgette, who happens to also live in the same rooming house. Georgette may be from the bayou and not gotten past the eighth grade, but she has a thirst for knowledge and laps up the algebra homework Justine assigns her and reads science books until she understands the basics. Georgette helps Justine with normal interactions with others which can be a bit awkward for Justine.
There is also Justine's godmother, Gloria, who is an intellect in her own respect but she sees conspiracies all around her. She won't leave her house in fear that someone will come in and bug it and spy on her. But she has a heart of gold and helps Justine however she can in her quest for what the plant is manufacturing and what it could mean for the war efforts.
There are two mysterious characters, Fitz and Mudcat. What we know about them is that they are both trying to recruit Justine to work for their governments...but what governments do they represent? Are they good or bad guys? We know that one of them is from Germany so we have to assume he is trying to recruit her for his benefit and not her own. We are even told that he has convinced someone else in her department to assist him in gaining information and knowledge about what the plant is producing. We don't know who this person is until near the end and I never would have suspected this character. As the truth unfolds it surprised me because it was not what I was suspecting and a few incidents led me down another path which was a dead end.
This was quite an enjoyable book from the math and science, social interactions, secrecy, and even perhaps a little paranoia kept the story moving forward and interesting. There are even some potential romantic situations and I loved the scenes in the dance club and could picture the club in my mind.
I am thrilled that there is going to be a follow-up book considering how it ended and can't wait to read that one when it debuts.
We give this book 5 paws up.
July 14, 2022
A girl who knows how to weld, can understand complex physics, speaks fluent German, and can read braille is a unique asset in World War II. The question is which side will get to her first?
This was a fascinating book. I've read so many books set in World War II, and pretty much all of them take place in Europe. I loved seeing how America was affected by the war, and getting a glimpse into the roles that women got to step into because all of the able-bodied men were overseas. Justine's story also gave us a glimpse into the history of physics and how - before the war - there was a spirit of international collaboration that went away once the war broke out.
On to the actual story, I loved that there are two spies that we see at work, and I loved the plot twist. I had no idea how it was going to end, and that's always a fun experience. Justine was an interesting protagonist, and I think she was both relatable and unique. I also really appreciated that there was a romance, but it was a fairly minor side plot instead of the driving motivator for the main plot.
My only teeny-tiny complaint is that I feel like the book could have been a bit more captivating. It felt rather evenly paced, and so even though it was enjoyable to read, I could also put it down fairly easily. With all of the mystery and intrigue in the book, this was a bit surprising.
Overall it was a lovely read, and perfect for anyone who enjoys stories set in World War II.
Content Warning: Other than some minor descriptions of injuries and mentions of some handsy men, the story was clean.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own, and I am writing a voluntary review.
This was a fascinating book. I've read so many books set in World War II, and pretty much all of them take place in Europe. I loved seeing how America was affected by the war, and getting a glimpse into the roles that women got to step into because all of the able-bodied men were overseas. Justine's story also gave us a glimpse into the history of physics and how - before the war - there was a spirit of international collaboration that went away once the war broke out.
On to the actual story, I loved that there are two spies that we see at work, and I loved the plot twist. I had no idea how it was going to end, and that's always a fun experience. Justine was an interesting protagonist, and I think she was both relatable and unique. I also really appreciated that there was a romance, but it was a fairly minor side plot instead of the driving motivator for the main plot.
My only teeny-tiny complaint is that I feel like the book could have been a bit more captivating. It felt rather evenly paced, and so even though it was enjoyable to read, I could also put it down fairly easily. With all of the mystery and intrigue in the book, this was a bit surprising.
Overall it was a lovely read, and perfect for anyone who enjoys stories set in World War II.
Content Warning: Other than some minor descriptions of injuries and mentions of some handsy men, the story was clean.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own, and I am writing a voluntary review.
June 9, 2022
I’m going to shout through the rooftops recommending this book to EVERYONE!!
Honestly, I wanted to read this book because of the NOLA setting. Since, my family was one of the first to settle in this great state…I honestly judge books more harshly when set here…especially, when actual places aren’t fictionalized by the author.
This book had everything I want in my reading. A well thought out plot, that bends and turns so much that had me guessing until the very end. A captivating cast of characters. Plus, for bonus points showing just how wise an 8th grade educated woman from the bayou could be smarter than most people assume!
This is one genre bending spy thriller/mystery/historical fiction/romance you can not miss!
Honestly, I wanted to read this book because of the NOLA setting. Since, my family was one of the first to settle in this great state…I honestly judge books more harshly when set here…especially, when actual places aren’t fictionalized by the author.
This book had everything I want in my reading. A well thought out plot, that bends and turns so much that had me guessing until the very end. A captivating cast of characters. Plus, for bonus points showing just how wise an 8th grade educated woman from the bayou could be smarter than most people assume!
This is one genre bending spy thriller/mystery/historical fiction/romance you can not miss!
May 14, 2022
Thank you Net Galley for an audio ARC of The Physicists Daughter by Mary Anne Evans. I love books that champions women and their contributions. Awesome book!
August 16, 2022
I love stories with women in STEM and this was no exception. Taking place in New Orleans, WW2 era, Justine comes from a family of scientists and uses her intelligence and deductive reasoning to determine who or what is at the cause of turbulence at her factory job.
Some of the characters were really enjoyable for me as well as the overall story. There were a few slow spots but I enjoyed the different take on this WW2 Historical Fiction novel.
Some of the characters were really enjoyable for me as well as the overall story. There were a few slow spots but I enjoyed the different take on this WW2 Historical Fiction novel.
April 8, 2023
This Historical fiction takes place In New Orleans, USA, during the World War II. It's about a sabotage in a factory which manufactures war products for the army. Among the factory workers, nobody knows what is beeing made there. Someone is trying to slow down the production. Justine, "the physicist daughter's" will try to find who is doing that.
I had difficulties to start this book and I almost put it down. The writing wasn't "easy". I liked the historical part but not Justine life and universe.
I recommend this book for the historical part regarding the manufacture of a new war material which I do not want to reveal here.
Read: March, 2023
Source: NetGalley and the Publisher - Poisoned Pen Press
I had difficulties to start this book and I almost put it down. The writing wasn't "easy". I liked the historical part but not Justine life and universe.
I recommend this book for the historical part regarding the manufacture of a new war material which I do not want to reveal here.
Read: March, 2023
Source: NetGalley and the Publisher - Poisoned Pen Press
June 26, 2022
This Rosie-the-Riveter style novel brings a different side of women’s contributions to the war effort to the forefront. Evans perfectly captures the contributions of women while also highlighting how under valued they were. This is a must read for WWII fans.
4.5 Stars
4.5 Stars
May 12, 2024
Another ww2 book, another 4 star
March 5, 2022
Really solid mystery/thriller. This should accumulate many good reviews, which should not be a surprise since the author has a very good track record. Good stuff.
Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!
Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!
May 16, 2022
A fascinating historical fiction! I loved the setting in New Orleans during WWII. A factory full of workers creating top secret parts for airplanes and boats.
Justine is interesting, inquisitive, and always asking questions, which could get her in trouble. She learned welding and mechanical things from her upbringing. Justine believes there is a saboteur at her work and as a coworker is killed and others injured in the Carbon Division, this becomes clear.
The author research was very detailed, which brought this story to life. Trying to find the saboteur has you wondering is it someone close to her! Are they targeting certain people, or trying to make the plant shut down? Riveting, and one you won’t want to miss.
Justine is interesting, inquisitive, and always asking questions, which could get her in trouble. She learned welding and mechanical things from her upbringing. Justine believes there is a saboteur at her work and as a coworker is killed and others injured in the Carbon Division, this becomes clear.
The author research was very detailed, which brought this story to life. Trying to find the saboteur has you wondering is it someone close to her! Are they targeting certain people, or trying to make the plant shut down? Riveting, and one you won’t want to miss.
February 3, 2022
I want more. This is an incredible jaw-dropping mystery thriller no one will want to put down even at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews