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The Secrets Act
Codebreaker. Friend. Spy?
Wartime.
Pearl and Ellen work at top-secret codebreaking HQ, Bletchley Park.
Pearl is the youngest. A messenger at sixteen, she’s untidy, lively, bright, and half in love with the wrong boy, Richard. Her circle of friends overlaps with his – the dashing young men on their motorcycles who courier the secrets that Bletchley deciphers.
Ellen is a codebreaker. Reserved, analytical and beautiful. She never expected to get close to a girl like Pearl – or fall for a chap like Dennis.
But when tragedy strikes, their logical world is upended, with both friends caught in a spy plot that rocks the very heart of the war effort. Who can they turn to now? Who can they trust? And above all, can they unmask the traitor in their midst before it’s too late?
Wartime.
Pearl and Ellen work at top-secret codebreaking HQ, Bletchley Park.
Pearl is the youngest. A messenger at sixteen, she’s untidy, lively, bright, and half in love with the wrong boy, Richard. Her circle of friends overlaps with his – the dashing young men on their motorcycles who courier the secrets that Bletchley deciphers.
Ellen is a codebreaker. Reserved, analytical and beautiful. She never expected to get close to a girl like Pearl – or fall for a chap like Dennis.
But when tragedy strikes, their logical world is upended, with both friends caught in a spy plot that rocks the very heart of the war effort. Who can they turn to now? Who can they trust? And above all, can they unmask the traitor in their midst before it’s too late?
355 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2022
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521 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 20, 2022
Although this book is YA it will appeal to older readers also. A twisted mystery that had me rooting for the characters. Many lovely historical touches and I learnt a lot about Bletchley Park and the amazing women there. Highly recommend.
January 31, 2022
I was sent a copy of this book from Chicken House Books in exchange for my participation in a guided readathon and my honest review, with thanks to them.
The Secrets Act follows Ellen, a Welsh new hire, as she embarks on employment at Bletchly Park, a secret facility that is crucial to the UK's war effort. During WW2, women provided key support to cracking enemy codes and delivering secret messages, and this book follows Ellen and her new friend, Pearl, as they begin to uncover some darker happenings at the park that suggest someone is not who they seem to be. When their mutual friend Richard tragically loses his life, evidence begins to point towards Pearl as being not only responsible but also a spy. Can the girls get to the end of this mystery, uncover the spy and retrieve missing valuable information while unable to trust anyone, even each other?
I really enjoyed this book. Aimed at younger readers, it's a historical fiction book that isn't too overwhelming with dark details, but it doesn't sugarcoat the tensions of war either. The story has a great flow, the character's voices are distinct enough to get their POVs easily and also distinctive enough to make you care for each individual character and their experiences at this time. I found my heart breaking for Pearl as she realised she loved Richard, that Richard would never be able to love her in the same way and then mourning his death. I felt bad for Ellen as she settled into this new environment under the pressures from home to do her bit in the war effort like her older brother. I felt bad for Ant who was dragged into this all after watching one of his closest friends die. It really is such an enjoyable read for all ages, despite being a young YA/older MG book.
I will be looking out for more from this author in the future.
The Secrets Act follows Ellen, a Welsh new hire, as she embarks on employment at Bletchly Park, a secret facility that is crucial to the UK's war effort. During WW2, women provided key support to cracking enemy codes and delivering secret messages, and this book follows Ellen and her new friend, Pearl, as they begin to uncover some darker happenings at the park that suggest someone is not who they seem to be. When their mutual friend Richard tragically loses his life, evidence begins to point towards Pearl as being not only responsible but also a spy. Can the girls get to the end of this mystery, uncover the spy and retrieve missing valuable information while unable to trust anyone, even each other?
I really enjoyed this book. Aimed at younger readers, it's a historical fiction book that isn't too overwhelming with dark details, but it doesn't sugarcoat the tensions of war either. The story has a great flow, the character's voices are distinct enough to get their POVs easily and also distinctive enough to make you care for each individual character and their experiences at this time. I found my heart breaking for Pearl as she realised she loved Richard, that Richard would never be able to love her in the same way and then mourning his death. I felt bad for Ellen as she settled into this new environment under the pressures from home to do her bit in the war effort like her older brother. I felt bad for Ant who was dragged into this all after watching one of his closest friends die. It really is such an enjoyable read for all ages, despite being a young YA/older MG book.
I will be looking out for more from this author in the future.
May 4, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this, and while it's probably technically pitched at the YA market, don't that stop any adult lover of mystery books from diving right in! Set in Bletchley Park to the backdrop of wartime Britain, this novel centres around Pearl and Ellen, two young codebreakers, who find themselves embroiled in solving the mystery of their friend's death and uncovering the spy in their midst, not least to save themselves from imprisonment (which in this era and circumstance would lead to their execution).
This is a neatly-woven and well-written story, with intertwined layers of teenage friendship, love, war, and mystery. One of the main characters displays well-portrayed neuro-divergent traits, and gentle themes of LGBT are also included. Both these themes are written naturally, sympathetically, and without drama. A must-read for mystery lovers (including cosy mystery fans), history lovers, particularly those interested in the roles of women in wartime, especially in their roles at Bletchley, but also a very engaging and easy read for pretty much anyone. I can easily see it becoming a useful classroom and school library essential. It would be easy to build curriculum activities around it too and I certainly recommend it to those teaching or studying this era or topic.
I highly recommend this book.
This is a neatly-woven and well-written story, with intertwined layers of teenage friendship, love, war, and mystery. One of the main characters displays well-portrayed neuro-divergent traits, and gentle themes of LGBT are also included. Both these themes are written naturally, sympathetically, and without drama. A must-read for mystery lovers (including cosy mystery fans), history lovers, particularly those interested in the roles of women in wartime, especially in their roles at Bletchley, but also a very engaging and easy read for pretty much anyone. I can easily see it becoming a useful classroom and school library essential. It would be easy to build curriculum activities around it too and I certainly recommend it to those teaching or studying this era or topic.
I highly recommend this book.
March 31, 2022
I am not normally a massive fan of historical fiction, especially that set in WW2. However, something about this story spoke to me and I ended up enjoying this more than I hoped.
At its heart, this is a mystery story, and we try to solve the death of one of the motorcycle couriers working out of Bletchley during the war. Ellen and Pearl know there could be more to it than they've been told, and we follow them through code-breaking trials, miserable weather, rations and clue hunting in order to find out more.
This is still not my favourite type of book, hence my rating of 3 stars, but I did enjoy it and I think if WW2 fiction is more your thing then I would definitely recommend it.
At its heart, this is a mystery story, and we try to solve the death of one of the motorcycle couriers working out of Bletchley during the war. Ellen and Pearl know there could be more to it than they've been told, and we follow them through code-breaking trials, miserable weather, rations and clue hunting in order to find out more.
This is still not my favourite type of book, hence my rating of 3 stars, but I did enjoy it and I think if WW2 fiction is more your thing then I would definitely recommend it.
May 10, 2022
I'm a big reader of fiction set in WWII and it's perhaps unfortunate that I have recently read two novels for adults set at Bletchley Park, where a wartime British staff made up mostly of women worked to decode German communications to aid the war effort; but a book for young readers might not have borne the level of detail and context of the larger war that those stories offered. The young reader will be swept up in the new independence of two teens who come to Bletchley, Pearl - a courier who is vouched for by her mother, who works in a senior capacity at Bletchley - and Ellen, a clever solver of puzzles who reads as on the autism spectrum and struggles to align emotion and logic. Both girls have misplaced love interests, work to solve a dire mystery involving a murder and spies at Bletchley, and come to lean on their friendship. The setting is well drawn and the plot moves along thrillingly. If I saw the spy long before the end, well perhaps that's me being clever - not a bad feeling for a reader to have.
Recommended for readers of The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
Recommended for readers of The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
January 21, 2022
This novel has it all: spies, secret codes, friendship, romance and a heap of mystery and intrigue that kept me guessing to the end! Teenagers Ellen and Pearl have been recruited to work at the top secret Bletchley Park during the Second World War. Their work is vital to the war effort but when tragedy strikes, the girls find themselves embroiled in a wonderfully twisty, turny spy plot. I loved how everyone falls under suspicion as the girls race to unmask the traitor. I thought it would make a great TV series.
This is a wonderfully atmospheric novel. I loved subtle weaving of historical detail into the story which brought the secretive world of Bletchley Park to life and perfectly captured the mood of the era. I also really enjoyed the fact there were two female protagonists with an unabashed love of puzzles and logic.
I wish this book had been around when I was 15!
June 13, 2022
8/10. This book is a page-turning read, interspersed with real history that makes for an unputdownable experience. I’ve never been much of a one for history, but this book really made me want to get out there and experience it. It brought back memories of visiting Churchill’s War Rooms, but linked those codes and ciphers I saw to real people and events. I wonder if I can convince my fiancé to go to Bletchley Park with me this weekend as we’re in Milton Keynes anyway… 🤔
January 10, 2022
I’ve been so looking forward to reading this since it came onto my radar, and if anything, the actual book exceeded my expectations. It’s Alison’s debut YA novel and it focuses on two girls, Pearl and Ellen, working at Bletchley Park in 1941, and what happens when a suspicious death happens and they must work out who the killer is, especially as all the evidence points to the murderer being a spy and traitor to the war effort.
I promise I’m not just saying this because Alison’s written about it in her post, but the Bletchley setting was absolutely phenomenal and I loved learning more about the work that was done there during the war. I knew the basic gist, of course, but this book brings it to life and gives much more or an idea of what it was really like than other books I’ve read about it. It also felt very authentic to the time period in terms of dialogue etc, and the atmosphere and tension kept me turning pages at a very rapid rate because I just had to know what was going on!
The other massive strength in this book for me was the characters and their relationship with one another. Ellen is not explicitly described as autistic in the text itself, until the author’s note at the end, but she definitely very much reads as neurodiverse and I loved reading about her. She is so clever and analytical and brilliant, and it was really lovely to see an autistic character in a historical setting who wasn’t treated like some sort of outcast because of it. I just loved everything about her. I also adored Pearl, who is a bit more impulsive and headstrong, but also extremely clever and steadfastly loyal to her friends. My heart genuinely just about broke for her at a couple of points in the story, because there was just a really vulnerable quality to her sometimes! There were parts of both girls that I found incredibly relatable, and the friendship between them is the most gorgeous part of the book for me, more so than any of the romantic relationships.
Now, I have to admit I did guess the identity of the murderer/their accomplice, but I think that’s just because I’ve read so many murder mysteries and also it was partly wishful thinking because I thought they would be the cleverest options. Which is a very rambly way of saying I think this is a very well plotted mystery with great twists, as well as my aforementioned obsession with both the characters and the setting.
I’d also just like to add a wee postscript here to mention that the flash forward ending made me both laugh AND cry, and if you’re a fan of the Murder Most Unladylike series who’s bereft while waiting on the Ministry of Unladylike Activity, this is the book you need. And if you know how much those books mean to me, you’ll know that’s basically the highest praise I can bestow on a book!
I promise I’m not just saying this because Alison’s written about it in her post, but the Bletchley setting was absolutely phenomenal and I loved learning more about the work that was done there during the war. I knew the basic gist, of course, but this book brings it to life and gives much more or an idea of what it was really like than other books I’ve read about it. It also felt very authentic to the time period in terms of dialogue etc, and the atmosphere and tension kept me turning pages at a very rapid rate because I just had to know what was going on!
The other massive strength in this book for me was the characters and their relationship with one another. Ellen is not explicitly described as autistic in the text itself, until the author’s note at the end, but she definitely very much reads as neurodiverse and I loved reading about her. She is so clever and analytical and brilliant, and it was really lovely to see an autistic character in a historical setting who wasn’t treated like some sort of outcast because of it. I just loved everything about her. I also adored Pearl, who is a bit more impulsive and headstrong, but also extremely clever and steadfastly loyal to her friends. My heart genuinely just about broke for her at a couple of points in the story, because there was just a really vulnerable quality to her sometimes! There were parts of both girls that I found incredibly relatable, and the friendship between them is the most gorgeous part of the book for me, more so than any of the romantic relationships.
Now, I have to admit I did guess the identity of the murderer/their accomplice, but I think that’s just because I’ve read so many murder mysteries and also it was partly wishful thinking because I thought they would be the cleverest options. Which is a very rambly way of saying I think this is a very well plotted mystery with great twists, as well as my aforementioned obsession with both the characters and the setting.
I’d also just like to add a wee postscript here to mention that the flash forward ending made me both laugh AND cry, and if you’re a fan of the Murder Most Unladylike series who’s bereft while waiting on the Ministry of Unladylike Activity, this is the book you need. And if you know how much those books mean to me, you’ll know that’s basically the highest praise I can bestow on a book!
January 18, 2022
Wartime. Pearl and Ellen work at top-secret codebreaking HQ, Bletchley Park.
Pearl is the younger. A messenger at sixteen, she’s untidy, lively, bright, and half in love with the wrong boy, Richard. Ellen is a codebreaker. Reserved, analytical, beautiful, and autistic. She never expected to get close to a girl like Pearl – or to fall for a chap like Dennis.
Naive Ellen travels to Buckinghamshire, eager to assist the war effort. A slightly abrasive and street-wise Pearl meets her at the train station. Their initial introduction is awkward but is a defining moment in their lives. When tragedy strikes, their logical world is upended, with both friends caught in a spy plot that rocks the very heart of the war effort.
Weatherby’s Young Adult debut is a stunning historical mystery, elevated above other titles by authentic insights into the time period, adding to the plot’s pace and suspense.
It’s easy to become swept up in the romance of the time but the author succeeds in making us deeply invested in the disclosure of the culprit and the endearing friendship that develops between the two young women.
A thrilling mystery with a hint of romance perfect for Young Adults as well as the more mature amongst us.
Pearl is the younger. A messenger at sixteen, she’s untidy, lively, bright, and half in love with the wrong boy, Richard. Ellen is a codebreaker. Reserved, analytical, beautiful, and autistic. She never expected to get close to a girl like Pearl – or to fall for a chap like Dennis.
Naive Ellen travels to Buckinghamshire, eager to assist the war effort. A slightly abrasive and street-wise Pearl meets her at the train station. Their initial introduction is awkward but is a defining moment in their lives. When tragedy strikes, their logical world is upended, with both friends caught in a spy plot that rocks the very heart of the war effort.
Weatherby’s Young Adult debut is a stunning historical mystery, elevated above other titles by authentic insights into the time period, adding to the plot’s pace and suspense.
It’s easy to become swept up in the romance of the time but the author succeeds in making us deeply invested in the disclosure of the culprit and the endearing friendship that develops between the two young women.
A thrilling mystery with a hint of romance perfect for Young Adults as well as the more mature amongst us.
March 8, 2022
This was a really fun and easy read. Ellen and Pearl are two young girls hired to work as code breakers during World War Two and find themselves trying to solve a mystery. This was a fun time and very readable. The pacing is so fast which is always great for YA books.
Something I really enjoyed about this is that while it is set during World War Two, that is almost secondary to the plot and it is mostly just set during that time without a focus or sensationalist view of the war. I really appreciated this and adored the setting where we get to see what the women of WW2 were doing. It felt like we were getting an insight into the unspoken history of that time. This was fab.
There is also lovely feminist tones throughout this, with autism representation too.
So why is it not 5 starts? Honestly this is maybe more of a me problem. I loved the premise of this story and I just wanted more. I easily could have read 200 extra pages if I could get more info on how codebreaking worked, what were the messages they deciphered etc (I was so curious and wanted more) this isn’t really a flaw as it doesn’t negatively impact the story it’s definitely a personal wish.
I would highly recommend this, especially to teens who love story’s about awesome women.
Something I really enjoyed about this is that while it is set during World War Two, that is almost secondary to the plot and it is mostly just set during that time without a focus or sensationalist view of the war. I really appreciated this and adored the setting where we get to see what the women of WW2 were doing. It felt like we were getting an insight into the unspoken history of that time. This was fab.
There is also lovely feminist tones throughout this, with autism representation too.
So why is it not 5 starts? Honestly this is maybe more of a me problem. I loved the premise of this story and I just wanted more. I easily could have read 200 extra pages if I could get more info on how codebreaking worked, what were the messages they deciphered etc (I was so curious and wanted more) this isn’t really a flaw as it doesn’t negatively impact the story it’s definitely a personal wish.
I would highly recommend this, especially to teens who love story’s about awesome women.
May 1, 2022
I loved this. The Secrets Act is a perfect YA historical novel. Set in Bletchley during the war, this is a pacy spy thriller that will leave you hooked. Ellen and Pearl are friends and this book is a wonderful story of female friendship. I loved both characters but I also loved how Ellen is ND and gutsy.
Inspiring female leads, a hint of romance and a well-researched historical backdrop. This book has it all and would make a fantastic film.
Inspiring female leads, a hint of romance and a well-researched historical backdrop. This book has it all and would make a fantastic film.
January 20, 2024
Trigger warnings: war, death, death of a friend, espionage, violence
3.5 stars
Okay, here's the thing: this book has been done EXTREMELY dirty by this godawful cover. It's giving sad French lady, struggling to support herself and her children while her husband is away fighting the Germans. And instead, it's about two teenage girls (16 and 17, respectively) breaking codes at Bletchley Park and becoming convinced that the death of one of their friends isn't as innocent as everyone seems to think.
The two protagonists were fantastic, and the code breaking aspect of the story worked well. The mystery element could have been ramped up a LITTLE more than it was. But I still found it pretty damned compelling.
That being said, the ending was rushed and the tacked-on couple of paragraphs at the end of the story explaining what happened to the girls after the war was wholly unnecessary, so it did lose points there for me.
3.5 stars
Okay, here's the thing: this book has been done EXTREMELY dirty by this godawful cover. It's giving sad French lady, struggling to support herself and her children while her husband is away fighting the Germans. And instead, it's about two teenage girls (16 and 17, respectively) breaking codes at Bletchley Park and becoming convinced that the death of one of their friends isn't as innocent as everyone seems to think.
The two protagonists were fantastic, and the code breaking aspect of the story worked well. The mystery element could have been ramped up a LITTLE more than it was. But I still found it pretty damned compelling.
That being said, the ending was rushed and the tacked-on couple of paragraphs at the end of the story explaining what happened to the girls after the war was wholly unnecessary, so it did lose points there for me.
November 25, 2022
Neurodivergent character in Bletchley Park. I liked this more than i thought i would
Great mystery
Great mystery
June 23, 2022
Good historical fiction.
June 30, 2023
Although I suspected the ending I never guessed how it would happen. This book is amazingly written and I read it almost non stop... This is one of the best ww2 books I have ever read and I have read quite a few. Would 100% recommend
June 5, 2022
I've read books set in Bletchley Park before. The Secrets Act brought back memories of The Rose Code. While this is a very different book, targeted at much younger readers, Weatherby's research is impressive, and she evokes the times with an expert hand: subtle, nuanced, and just the right amount of information balanced with plot events.
I loved the friendship between Ellen and Pearl, and empathized with their triumphs, struggles and heartbreak. The plot is fast moving, the romantic elements provide just the right amount of support and tension to the main narrative.
This book is for those interested in WW2 history, and a mystery and spy thriller rolled into one. It would attract young audiences, but as an adult, it kept me riveted throughout despite having guessed the identity of the killer.
The pacing and the plot are impeccable, and this would make an excellent addition to any school, or college library. Absolutely recommended!
I loved the friendship between Ellen and Pearl, and empathized with their triumphs, struggles and heartbreak. The plot is fast moving, the romantic elements provide just the right amount of support and tension to the main narrative.
This book is for those interested in WW2 history, and a mystery and spy thriller rolled into one. It would attract young audiences, but as an adult, it kept me riveted throughout despite having guessed the identity of the killer.
The pacing and the plot are impeccable, and this would make an excellent addition to any school, or college library. Absolutely recommended!
March 13, 2022
It's now over half a year ago that I had to quit the Book Box Club. I still hate that the Brexit made the parcels too expensive, but I'm still keeping up with reading every book they include. Sometimes it's a book I accidentally already bought before I even saw it was in the Book Box Club, sometimes it's a book that pushes me out of my comfort zone. I usually don't read non-fantasy World War II novels, so I never would have picked up this book without the Book Box Club.
It would have been a pity if I hadn't read this book, though. I think I might have heard about the setting somewhere before, although it's not widespread information in the Netherlands, but I quite enjoyed seeing how it all worked. Especially because the people fighting here weren't fighting with weapons and bombs and brute force. They were fighting with information, with decoding, with their intelligence and their brain.
That also means that the story is not action-packed, although the finale is quite thrilling. It also means that at some point the story starts to drag a little. By then we've gotten to know the characters, we have an inkling who the spy inside might be and we're forced to watch our girls getting in more and more trouble because they refuse to connect the pieces of the puzzle they already have. Partly because their view is slightly biased.
However, Weatherby did an amazing job capturing the time period. There are probably gonna be some historical inaccuracies here and there, but the urgency of what they're doing, the danger of a spy being in their midst and the horror of their messages being captured by someone else is there throughout the entire story. We feel the panic of the people trying to find out who's trustworthy and not and we even understand why punishments are so severe.
It would have been a pity if I hadn't read this book, though. I think I might have heard about the setting somewhere before, although it's not widespread information in the Netherlands, but I quite enjoyed seeing how it all worked. Especially because the people fighting here weren't fighting with weapons and bombs and brute force. They were fighting with information, with decoding, with their intelligence and their brain.
That also means that the story is not action-packed, although the finale is quite thrilling. It also means that at some point the story starts to drag a little. By then we've gotten to know the characters, we have an inkling who the spy inside might be and we're forced to watch our girls getting in more and more trouble because they refuse to connect the pieces of the puzzle they already have. Partly because their view is slightly biased.
However, Weatherby did an amazing job capturing the time period. There are probably gonna be some historical inaccuracies here and there, but the urgency of what they're doing, the danger of a spy being in their midst and the horror of their messages being captured by someone else is there throughout the entire story. We feel the panic of the people trying to find out who's trustworthy and not and we even understand why punishments are so severe.
May 12, 2023
I really wanted to love The Secrets Act, Second World War historical fiction helped spur my love of history growing up, and it's YA? Love it! But, whilst the book is expertly researched, it falls prey to the fault of a lot of historical fiction, the drive to be contextual that leaves the character development and plot to one side.
Bletchley Park and all the role it plays in the book comes alive in The Secrets Act, all the little details really grounded the setting. I especially liked the paranoia around what you could and couldn’t say and in a place built on codebreaking and spies, it was an interesting exploration of who you could trust but the characters were so flat.
Ellen apparently ‘falls’ for Dennis. There was no romance, basically no chemistry apart from some light flirting at the beginning and then a walk home. Ellen hardly knew him and there was nothing to suggest that she was ‘falling’ for him. She liked his attention but otherwise seemed disinterested which isn’t surprising considering they had hardly any on-page time together. Ellen herself is mildly unlikeable, judgemental of Pearl and wants to break the case of a recent tragedy with more fever than anything else including actually supporting her apparent friend. I liked Pearl and I saw the bare bones of a great character; Ellen actually comes across a lot younger than Pearl despite the idea she is older.
In fact, the book itself dips more into middle grade than YA, which doesn’t stop anyone from enjoying it, but I think it could have included more gritty realism if you’re writing for an older audience. The plot is simplistic and way too easily tied up after the climax. Instead, I was just frustrated.
Bletchley Park and all the role it plays in the book comes alive in The Secrets Act, all the little details really grounded the setting. I especially liked the paranoia around what you could and couldn’t say and in a place built on codebreaking and spies, it was an interesting exploration of who you could trust but the characters were so flat.
Ellen apparently ‘falls’ for Dennis. There was no romance, basically no chemistry apart from some light flirting at the beginning and then a walk home. Ellen hardly knew him and there was nothing to suggest that she was ‘falling’ for him. She liked his attention but otherwise seemed disinterested which isn’t surprising considering they had hardly any on-page time together. Ellen herself is mildly unlikeable, judgemental of Pearl and wants to break the case of a recent tragedy with more fever than anything else including actually supporting her apparent friend. I liked Pearl and I saw the bare bones of a great character; Ellen actually comes across a lot younger than Pearl despite the idea she is older.
In fact, the book itself dips more into middle grade than YA, which doesn’t stop anyone from enjoying it, but I think it could have included more gritty realism if you’re writing for an older audience. The plot is simplistic and way too easily tied up after the climax. Instead, I was just frustrated.
February 15, 2022
I was hooked from the first page, Ellen's voice is engaging and I wanted to know more about her story, and what a thrill ride it ended up being!
Pearl's story is equally as thrilling, as the two teens come together and form a friendship whilst working at Bletchley Park during WW2.
There's friendship, romance, codes, mysteries, murder and spies, all the perfect ingredients for a fabulous story.
Highly recommended this YA for a historical based backdrop to a gripping mystery with lots of twists and turns and characters you'll love.
Pearl's story is equally as thrilling, as the two teens come together and form a friendship whilst working at Bletchley Park during WW2.
There's friendship, romance, codes, mysteries, murder and spies, all the perfect ingredients for a fabulous story.
Highly recommended this YA for a historical based backdrop to a gripping mystery with lots of twists and turns and characters you'll love.
May 11, 2022
Two code breaking young women have to figure out who the spy is at Bletchley park is. Great story with good suspense.
March 13, 2022
I find anything to do with Bletchley Park really interesting so this book caught my eye immediately and it didn't disappoint.
I know its in the title... but there are just so many secrets going on! Who can we possibly trust? I suspected pretty much everyone at some point but could never have guessed what actually happened!
I know its in the title... but there are just so many secrets going on! Who can we possibly trust? I suspected pretty much everyone at some point but could never have guessed what actually happened!
November 18, 2021
A fun and easy read. Very clever idea for a story with good character development. Highly recommended for Young Adult and their parents.
January 6, 2022
I loved this book. A good place to start for those who would like to read more historical fiction.
July 5, 2022
I really enjoyed it.
January 31, 2022
Really enjoyed the readalong, review to come soon!
March 21, 2022
❤❤❤ Absolutely loved it!
April 4, 2022
3.5 stars
April 28, 2022
i enjoyed this, even if i did guess the villain literally a page after meeting them
October 13, 2022
Delightful read, quick and satisfying. Slightly predictable, but given the age of the protagonists, it makes sense that they would be trusting and not see the obvious. Perfect for a young adult.
October 23, 2023
When I found out that this book was set at a Bletchley Park, I instantly knew that I need to pick it up and give it a read, it’s a place that I loved to explore growing up and visiting a couple of times with my grandfather was extra special! What Lies within left me wanting more and more and I can safely say that when I reached the end, I kept turning pages expecting to find more but alas there was none, this book kept me griped right from the start.
The Secrets Act follows Ellen, a Welsh new hire, as she embarks on employment at Bletchley Park, a secret facility that is crucial to the UK's war effort. During WW2, women provided key support to cracking enemy codes and delivering secret messages, and this book follows Ellen and her new friend, Pearl, as they begin to uncover some darker happenings at the park that suggest someone is not who they seem to be. When their mutual friend Richard tragically loses his life, evidence begins to point towards Pearl as being not only responsible but also a spy. Can the girls get to the end of this mystery, uncover the spy and retrieve missing valuable information while unable to trust anyone, even each other?
Despite this book being aimed at YA it is at its heart a Historical fiction book that for me got the tone right with not being too dark but also not sugar-coating the war efforts. I got drawn into each character POVS and wanted them to succeed so much throughout the book. There were parts of both girls that I found incredibly relatable, and the friendship between them is the most gorgeous part of the book for me, more so than any of the romantic relationships.
If historical fiction is something that you enjoy then I really think that this book could be for you!
The Secrets Act follows Ellen, a Welsh new hire, as she embarks on employment at Bletchley Park, a secret facility that is crucial to the UK's war effort. During WW2, women provided key support to cracking enemy codes and delivering secret messages, and this book follows Ellen and her new friend, Pearl, as they begin to uncover some darker happenings at the park that suggest someone is not who they seem to be. When their mutual friend Richard tragically loses his life, evidence begins to point towards Pearl as being not only responsible but also a spy. Can the girls get to the end of this mystery, uncover the spy and retrieve missing valuable information while unable to trust anyone, even each other?
Despite this book being aimed at YA it is at its heart a Historical fiction book that for me got the tone right with not being too dark but also not sugar-coating the war efforts. I got drawn into each character POVS and wanted them to succeed so much throughout the book. There were parts of both girls that I found incredibly relatable, and the friendship between them is the most gorgeous part of the book for me, more so than any of the romantic relationships.
If historical fiction is something that you enjoy then I really think that this book could be for you!
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