The Codebreaker Girls

by Ellie Curzon

'Saga lovers will really enjoy this book and i look forward to more' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'What a fantastic read. This book pulled me in from the get go, so naturally was finished in one sitting' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐1944. Rosie Sinclair is full of pride to be doing her bit for the war effort as a driver at Cottisbourne Park - the secret heart of Britain's fight against Germany, where a team of brilliant and eccentric codebreakers are battling to save the country.But when she's given a new mission to drive Major-General 'Bluff' Kingsley-Flynn down to Cottisbourne, Rosie finds herself on the frontline of a new battle - to uncover a possible spy at the Park who is jeopardising their vital work, and to resist her own growing attraction to the dashing Bluff himself...As the threat to her fellow codebreaker girls grows ever stronger, Rosie realises her country needs her more than ever. Can she save the day without losing her heart?A heartwarming, funny and utterly charming World War II saga, perfect for fans of Kate Hewitt, Jenny Holmes and Annie Murray.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Historical

Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2021

About the author

Ellie Curzon is the pen name of Catherine Curzon and Helen Barrell. Catherine and Helen began writing together in the spring of 2017 and swiftly discovered a shared love of the past and a uniquely British sort of story. They drink gallons of tea, spend hours discussing the importance of good tailoring and are never at a loss for a bit of derring-do.

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author sure like exclamation points!

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading any novel about W.W. II. I am so entrenched in that time period and am amazed at the tenacity and resourcefulness of those involved in combat and behind the scenes. That being said, ¬The Codebreaker Girls¬ by Ellie Curzon is a novel highlighting the background work of the codebreakers who diligently operated behind the scenes to try to crack the Enigma code of the Germans and Magneto code of the Japanese.

From what I have researched, Cottisbourne Park as portrayed in the novel is based on Bletchley Park an English country house and estate in Bletchley, Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, the real codebreakers headquarters that became the main center of Allied codebreaking during the Second World War.

In this novel, Rosie Sinclair loves her work as a codebreaker and is good at what she does. She is given a mission to drive Major-General Kingsley-Flynn to Cottisbourne as he is to take control of the center.

He and Rosie have determined that a German spy is working at the center. They must find that person before he jeopardized their clandestine work. Her fellow codebreakers may or may not be complicit in this spying, so the Major and Rosie must keep what they know just between themselves until they can find the spy.

I love the way Ms. Cruzon writes and her descriptions of the countryside and the characters give me a true mental picture of her novel. I loved the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalleyUK.com. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

You can find this review on my blog at https://wp.me/p2pjIt-El. Reviews of other books can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.

[Dorothy Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Codebreaker Girls is less about the title of the book than the subtitle: "A totally gripping WWII historical mystery novel." The main character, Rosie Sinclair, is a thespian turned military driver and mechanic during World War II, not a codebreaker, officially at least. Of course, she sets about to solve at the murder of beloved Professor Hale, who heads Cottisbourne Park, which now houses the codebreakers in a round the clock battle to save Britain from Hitler. Hale at first was thought to have shot himself, but when the facts don't add up, Rosie and the newly arrived Major-General "Bluff" Kingsly-Flynn join forces to figure out who murdered Hale. The codebreaking we get as readers is largely Rosie's ability to reassemble codebreaking equipment, just as she has been putting together an old Citreon in the Park's barn. What we have is a romance that emerges between a young woman and a mature military officer as they work together to solve a riddle. I can find fault with some technical writing errors and the fact that the book and its cover have little to do with each other, but the story is fun, moves quickly, has charm and a bit of danger. It's wartime lite--comedy, mystery, love, and a little codebreaking on the side. Frankly, I could not put it down.

[Elizabeth Fellows · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Codebreaker Girls

WWII England
Rosie Sinclair is doing her bit for the war as a Driver at Cottisbourne Park. The majority of the folks there are plain clothes code breakers. Rosie’s job was to drive the Major of Cottisbourne round. Not being occupied all day she was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to mechanically work on an old Citroen that was left in the old barn. Much to her chagrin all sorts of misfortunes and difficulties transpired in the run. Rosie and the major became involved when the major was attacked and Rosie found him close to death. Their dilemma was to understand which codebreaker was behind the attacks and deaths.
This book catches your interest immediately at the beginning with all the action, fear, deceit, dishonesty, and duplicity. The unexpected that happens is fascinating. Interesting storyline.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially, I was disappointed as I thought this would be a book about codebreakers themselves as with other books I had read on the WW2 era. To my delight, I found the story to be a gripping historical thriller as the title states. It is about a British female military driver, Rosie, who also is a skilled mechanic and an actress. All these skills help her and the Major General, whom she drives in pursuit of a killer, intrigue of searching for a spy, who was communicating with Hitler. In the midst of all the excitment. the driver and the Major General find romance in spite of all that is going on. As a skilled mechanic, Rosie, the heroine, was able to assist in the reconstruction of a code machine that has been partially destroyed by the spy and a relative of the spy. The book is hard to put down. It is gripping and delightful. I highly recommend it.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a sweet book for young teens. It’s. very much like a Nancy Drew mystery. A little girl and a female military driver
save the the day. Mostly the 2 of them figure out who’s a spy that will give Nazis the biggest secret of WW 2…. Oh yes, there is a Major General who helps a bit. The writing is good, the plot moves along nicely and the slow burning romance between the 2 adults is nicely done. I enjoyed that aspect the most because it was heartfelt and believable. So , it’s a nice break from more serious books. I’d recommend it to anyone who just wants a sweet, clean romance with a decent mystery attached.

[Elaine Xiques · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Once again I would like to give a book 4 1/2 stars. Have read many books on the code breakers of WWll. This was a different story. The heroine was best friends to some code breakers and she is a driver for military personnel. They realized there was a traitor among the group of people working in a small village in the outskirts of London. But who is it? Intrigue, twists and good interaction between all people concerned, including a child in the village to become involved. Wonderful story that you won’t be able to put down.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

It just didn’t seem likely to put a major general with a young driver. And there were a few inconsistencies when describing the huts and who was allowed to go in which ones, made the story of the mole too far fetched. I’ve read lots of historical fiction where they actually worked at Bletchley Park, but this felt like the author didn’t do much research into what actually went on there. There was alot more secrecy in real life and too many loose-lips in this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t know if this was advertised as a YA book, but it seems like a story targeted for young girls. The story is written in a very simplistic fashion, and the romance it covers is totally unrealistic. The main character, Rosie, is depicted in a very unrealistic fashion although the underlying plot, a spy amidst a group of codebreakers, could be quite interesting. Oh yeah, it is - in The Rose Code.

[GERRY Hermans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Driver mechanic Rosie Sinclair is assigned to General "Buff" Kingsley-Flynn & are sent to the codebreaking village of Cottisbourne where a mole exists transmitting secrets to the Germans. Professor Hale is murdered, Professor Swann appears the likely suspect. Rosie, friends Sarah, Maggie, little Nancy, pursue spy Prospero who always seems one step ahead. Will Rosie & Buff survive?

[Daryl]

A Love Story and Spies

A thoroughly enjoyable story with a happy and satisfying ending. Nothing here really about code breaking or signals intelligence during World War II. But the story does compare somewhat to Bletchley Park for background. Looking forward to reading more of the Codebreaker Girls.

[Mary Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Code breaker Girls by Ellie Carson -women in WW11

I have just finished Ellie Carson' series of books about heroic women in WW11 and it is refreshing to hear these women brought to page. We have read many books about male heroes and honor them but now we have well written stories about the women. I love these books and you should give them a read.

[Glenn Tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an easy read but fails to explain, uncover or explore anything about code breaking. Furthermore, it definitely isn’t about women who are instrumental in code breaking. The book is a trite spy and love story that takes place where code breakers work. If not for the deception in its title I’d be less harsh. It’s not a bad book, but for those looking to historical fiction to learn while enjoying a good story, this book misses the mark.

[Cayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book.

I think that it started out too slow for me. But it did build up and I eventually got into the book. It's well thought out and well executed. I sometimes wanted to see more insight from other codebreaker girls. It felt so my focused on Driver Sinclair's perspective or even Bluff's point of view.

All in all, it's a good book. Give it a try!

[Jane Gammon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light wartime read

A reasonable story with some interest g red herrings. Writing is a bit twee but overall it's worth a read. Character looks are a bit too much, perfect and unreal but give it a whirl.

[Tealkitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this expecting a WW2 saga, instead it was more of a mystery. I felt that a driver ferreting out a spy was rather improbable. Additionally, I figured out who the spy was halfway through the book.

[Anne olsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me enthralled to the end!

The characters are believable. A good amount of tension and mystery. Conjures up good pictures of 2nd World War intrigue and what we owe to the people who broke the codes.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WW II spy

This is a different sort of WW II novel. Although Rosie is a driver and her friends are codebreakers, the real story is the discovery of a spy. I did guess who the spy was, but that didn't detract from the enjoyment of the story. There is also a little romance thrown in.

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it held my interest from the beginning. I really enjoy books about Bletchley and the code breakers and this didn't disappoint. The story was interesting, the characters colourful..... some very likeable, others not so much! Very good book, highly recommend.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly, This book did not resonate with me as it did with many other readers. It could be me being too distracted with life to fully become engrossed with the story. Happy reading!

[Vanessa-Ann Dowsett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book, really enjoyed the characters

[Marea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another one to add to my couldn’t finish. While it is set in time I love to read about, it just couldn’t catch my attention after a few chapters.

[Cindy P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this and didn't love the narrator. Would probably be better to read the actual book.

[Nova]

Immature

I was disappointed in the book. I just felt it was written for a lower level than what I expecting.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story

Nice read. Exciting cozy mystery - lots of twists and turns. I'm reading my way through Curzon. This is #3 for me.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Codebreaker Girls

This is a good Historical book
This is my opinion
I guessed it tried to be a romantic story
I enjoyed it more when it wasn’t being mushy

[Greta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, if predictable. A wholesome romance/mystery/spy novel.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the audiobook. Part murder mystery part love story. Fun characters. Not too much emphasis on the code breaking.

[Gail Tavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed

Murder, adventure, mystery, a little romance, that is you will find if you were to read The Codebreaker girls. I really enjoyed the book, read it in one day it was so good.

[Kathleen Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good mystery, trying to find a spy who murdered the director of the decoders. The romance part was a little cheesy.