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The Man from Section Five: A Brinley Knight Spy Thriller
Book two coming November 2022
Petken delivers a compelling story. As the outbreak of war approaches, the spectre of fascism rears its head in England. A rollercoaster story of action and intrigue, I had trouble putting this one down.
... Eoin Dempsey, Bestselling author of White Rose, Black Forest, and the Longest Echo.
Brinley Knight has a photographic memory. Bored with his mundane job, he accepts an offer from MI5 to become a full-time spy in a shadowy world of espionage. As Britain stands at the edge of war, Brin learns to his cost that ‘defending the realm’ means duty before family.
London, 1937. A sniper kills an accountant in a quiet London neighbourhood. Weeks later, the police find two dead German agents in a disused warehouse across the river.
South of France, 1938. An English diplomat is found dead at the hotel hosting the Jewish Refugee Crisis Conference. MI5 believe the Abwehr is responsible for all four deaths.
Berlin, 1938. Ursula Engel, an ambitious German actress, is out of a job after the Gestapo detain her Jewish cast members and close the theatre. On a trip to France, she meets the charming Gregg Talbot, but is he what and who he claims to be?
Hitler’s fifth columnists in Britain emerge from the darkness, as Germany’s military might eyes new territories east of the Rhine. German aristocrats, politicians, wealthy businessmen, anti-Semites, and fascist groups operate in opulent dining rooms and in the back alleys of London’s East-End. Menacing predators, they hunt for information that could aid the Führer’s ambitions and stoke fires of division between the Jews, Communists, and British fascists.
Britain is already at war, as the government tries to hold the political parties and British public together before the streets of England burn with hatred and revenge.
...Petken delivers a high-octane spy thriller. Nobody in this story is who they seem to be. The reader will be stunned by one shocking revelation after another.
Marion Kummerow... author of the USA Today bestselling series, Margarete's Journey.
“Petken delivers a knockout spy thriller. Fast-paced and filled with suspense, this book has all the ingredients to keep readers enthralled from the first page to last. Epic in scope, it’s another winner.”
…Alexa Kang, USA. Today Bestselling author of the “Rose of Anzio series.”
“Jana Petken is a master of WWII fiction. Well-researched, her books never disappoint. The Man from Section Five is a powerful and captivating suspense that grabs you from the first page and does not let go until the very end. A true page-turner.”
… Kathryn Gauci #1 Bestselling author of The Secret of the Grand Hôtel du Lac.
Petken delivers a compelling story. As the outbreak of war approaches, the spectre of fascism rears its head in England. A rollercoaster story of action and intrigue, I had trouble putting this one down.
... Eoin Dempsey, Bestselling author of White Rose, Black Forest, and the Longest Echo.
Brinley Knight has a photographic memory. Bored with his mundane job, he accepts an offer from MI5 to become a full-time spy in a shadowy world of espionage. As Britain stands at the edge of war, Brin learns to his cost that ‘defending the realm’ means duty before family.
London, 1937. A sniper kills an accountant in a quiet London neighbourhood. Weeks later, the police find two dead German agents in a disused warehouse across the river.
South of France, 1938. An English diplomat is found dead at the hotel hosting the Jewish Refugee Crisis Conference. MI5 believe the Abwehr is responsible for all four deaths.
Berlin, 1938. Ursula Engel, an ambitious German actress, is out of a job after the Gestapo detain her Jewish cast members and close the theatre. On a trip to France, she meets the charming Gregg Talbot, but is he what and who he claims to be?
Hitler’s fifth columnists in Britain emerge from the darkness, as Germany’s military might eyes new territories east of the Rhine. German aristocrats, politicians, wealthy businessmen, anti-Semites, and fascist groups operate in opulent dining rooms and in the back alleys of London’s East-End. Menacing predators, they hunt for information that could aid the Führer’s ambitions and stoke fires of division between the Jews, Communists, and British fascists.
Britain is already at war, as the government tries to hold the political parties and British public together before the streets of England burn with hatred and revenge.
...Petken delivers a high-octane spy thriller. Nobody in this story is who they seem to be. The reader will be stunned by one shocking revelation after another.
Marion Kummerow... author of the USA Today bestselling series, Margarete's Journey.
“Petken delivers a knockout spy thriller. Fast-paced and filled with suspense, this book has all the ingredients to keep readers enthralled from the first page to last. Epic in scope, it’s another winner.”
…Alexa Kang, USA. Today Bestselling author of the “Rose of Anzio series.”
“Jana Petken is a master of WWII fiction. Well-researched, her books never disappoint. The Man from Section Five is a powerful and captivating suspense that grabs you from the first page and does not let go until the very end. A true page-turner.”
… Kathryn Gauci #1 Bestselling author of The Secret of the Grand Hôtel du Lac.
569 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2022
725 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Jana Petken
25 books699 followers Jana Petken is a multi award winning historical fiction author.
She is critically acclaimed as a bestselling, gritty author who produces bold, colourful characters and riveting storylines. She is the recipient of numerous major international awards for her works of historical fiction.
Before life as an author, she served in the British Royal Navy. During her service, she studied Naval Law and history. After the Navy, she worked for British Airways and turned to writing after an accident on board an aircraft forced her to retire prematurely.
Nice to meet you all x
She is critically acclaimed as a bestselling, gritty author who produces bold, colourful characters and riveting storylines. She is the recipient of numerous major international awards for her works of historical fiction.
Before life as an author, she served in the British Royal Navy. During her service, she studied Naval Law and history. After the Navy, she worked for British Airways and turned to writing after an accident on board an aircraft forced her to retire prematurely.
Nice to meet you all x
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 17, 2022
An young man from the working class area of pre-WWII London has managed to get a decent job. Not wonderful, it has been somewhat of leg up. Europe and Britain are in a death spiral toward the start of the war. Spies are everywhere. When Brin and his mentor are attacked, and his friend killed after what should have been a routine audit, Brin's life undergoes a radical change. MI5 takes him in and life will never be the same.
January 13, 2025
Very enjoyable spy thriller set in pre war London and Berlin. Recommended.
May 2, 2022
‘The Man from Section Five’ is the latest historical thriller from the pen of multiple award-winning author Jana Petken. Without bogging the reader down in factual details from the pre-WWII period when the tale occurs, Petken does a superb job of relating the events of the time as a solid background for her fictional characters as these intermingle with real people of the mid-to-late 1930s in Britain. The story is about how a disaffected accountant is recruited by Military Intelligence, Section Five and his progress through his first few years with the Security Service. That alone is a fascinating tale, yet the author also expands the events into pre-war Germany as we follow the theatre actress daughter of a Scottish woman married to a German, who unknowingly harbors a secret that could cost her dearly should her lover, a German Intelligence officer, become aware of it.
The book is not a quick read, yet boredom is banished by Petken’s mastery of fast pace, captivating characters, and the constant sense of impending doom she creates for her main characters. One factor that stands out for me in this tale is the profoundly atmospheric presentation of both pre-war Germany and Britain. The author’s skill in conveying the era and its incidents, present from the very first page, immerse the reader deeply into the affairs of the time without needing to be a history buff.
I really enjoyed this novel, and was pleased to see that it is the first book in a new series, so, hopefully, soon we will have more of Brinley Knight’s escapades. If well researched, impressively presented and highly entertaining historical fiction is what you seek, you cannot go wrong with this novel. Very highly recommended!
The book is not a quick read, yet boredom is banished by Petken’s mastery of fast pace, captivating characters, and the constant sense of impending doom she creates for her main characters. One factor that stands out for me in this tale is the profoundly atmospheric presentation of both pre-war Germany and Britain. The author’s skill in conveying the era and its incidents, present from the very first page, immerse the reader deeply into the affairs of the time without needing to be a history buff.
I really enjoyed this novel, and was pleased to see that it is the first book in a new series, so, hopefully, soon we will have more of Brinley Knight’s escapades. If well researched, impressively presented and highly entertaining historical fiction is what you seek, you cannot go wrong with this novel. Very highly recommended!
July 13, 2025
I appreciated the historical context of the book. Two things can particularly enrich the reader’s understanding of the decade that preceded the WWII.
First, the existence of fascism in the UK about which historical books don’t talk too much probably because it ceased to exist in 1940 when Germany attacked the UK. Yet, in 1930s the British Union of Fascists (BUF) was a popular political party that claimed having 50 000 members at one point. The founder of the BUF, the English aristocrat Oswald Mosley, admired Hitler and supported his antisemitic policy. Both Sir Mosley and the BUF are in the center of the spy operation involving the protagonist of the book.
Second, the Evian Conference of July 1938 that is considered a downfall of the civilized world. The protagonist attends this conference and is shocked that out of 32 participating states only the tiny Dominican Republic agreed to accept German-Jewish refugees. The protagonist notes that Golda Meir who attended the conference as an observer representing Palestine, wasn’t even offered to hold a speech. (Later on, she will say, “Sitting in that wonderful hall listening to the representatives of 32 countries standing up one after another and explaining how terribly glad they would be to receive a larger number of refugees and how terribly sorry they were that they unfortunately could not — it was a shattering experience.”) In the book one of the mysterious murders happens during the Evian Conference.
The spy story itself is pacey and intriguing and definitely makes the reader want to open the next book and find out how a dangerous operation in the dark heart of the BUF will end.
First, the existence of fascism in the UK about which historical books don’t talk too much probably because it ceased to exist in 1940 when Germany attacked the UK. Yet, in 1930s the British Union of Fascists (BUF) was a popular political party that claimed having 50 000 members at one point. The founder of the BUF, the English aristocrat Oswald Mosley, admired Hitler and supported his antisemitic policy. Both Sir Mosley and the BUF are in the center of the spy operation involving the protagonist of the book.
Second, the Evian Conference of July 1938 that is considered a downfall of the civilized world. The protagonist attends this conference and is shocked that out of 32 participating states only the tiny Dominican Republic agreed to accept German-Jewish refugees. The protagonist notes that Golda Meir who attended the conference as an observer representing Palestine, wasn’t even offered to hold a speech. (Later on, she will say, “Sitting in that wonderful hall listening to the representatives of 32 countries standing up one after another and explaining how terribly glad they would be to receive a larger number of refugees and how terribly sorry they were that they unfortunately could not — it was a shattering experience.”) In the book one of the mysterious murders happens during the Evian Conference.
The spy story itself is pacey and intriguing and definitely makes the reader want to open the next book and find out how a dangerous operation in the dark heart of the BUF will end.
May 30, 2022
This book deserves five stars! The plot is interesting, the characters are well developed, and there is plenty of excitement. Jana Petken provides a realistic portrayal of how the intelligence community operates. There are murders, double crosses, and even two love stories all wrapped up in a prewar atmosphere. I look forward to reading the sequel. However, I was surprised that my edition of the book did not have the benefit of an editor. I am not one of those English majors who gets in a huff over a couple of typos, but this book has too many (see my highlights list for starters). Sometimes even the character's names appear to be mixed up. And how hard would it have been to generate a Table of Contents? Therefore, until an editor can be found, I subtract one star. But read the book anyway, it deserves five stars.
May 29, 2022
A very entertaining spy novel
I enjoyed the book on the whole, will be waiting for the sequel. I found two errors which I would like to point out in the text. On page 473 Mosley talks to Brin, whom he was introduced to as Greg Talbot , and says "I've heard your story 100 times Brin.
The second error is on page 560. Paul and Brin are in a discussion where the book says that Sam lean in closer to Brian. Sam is not in the room at the time.
So I stop being editor and and say once again that the book held my interest from beginning to end and I will be anxiously awaiting the follow-on sequel.
I enjoyed the book on the whole, will be waiting for the sequel. I found two errors which I would like to point out in the text. On page 473 Mosley talks to Brin, whom he was introduced to as Greg Talbot , and says "I've heard your story 100 times Brin.
The second error is on page 560. Paul and Brin are in a discussion where the book says that Sam lean in closer to Brian. Sam is not in the room at the time.
So I stop being editor and and say once again that the book held my interest from beginning to end and I will be anxiously awaiting the follow-on sequel.
January 21, 2025
This could have been a much better book, but I will give it a 3 star rating instead of a lower one because this is the first in a series.
The bones of the book are good. The theory sound. The mystery interesting. But...
The book was much to long with lots of sections having excess dialogue about things that were irrelevant to the plot. Yes, as a first book in a series, one has to build out the back story, but there was simply way too much extraneous material. So much so that it took me three or four times as long to finish it as I kept losing motivation and considered giving up on the author.
Nonetheless I will read number two in hopes that it will move along faster.
The bones of the book are good. The theory sound. The mystery interesting. But...
The book was much to long with lots of sections having excess dialogue about things that were irrelevant to the plot. Yes, as a first book in a series, one has to build out the back story, but there was simply way too much extraneous material. So much so that it took me three or four times as long to finish it as I kept losing motivation and considered giving up on the author.
Nonetheless I will read number two in hopes that it will move along faster.
February 20, 2024
I wish there were half stars because I find this a perfect example of 4.5 stars. The story is fantastic and the characters are well fleshed out. The story is engrossing, the ONLY issue I have is I found the speed in which characters were introduced throughout the first half of the book left me going back and trying desperately to figure out who the hell was who. Petken does rectify this later with little call backs here and there to help the reader, but I had serious whiplash through the first half trying to keep track of all the characters.
July 6, 2023
DNF. Sadly, the book never took off for me. The scene with his brother leaving, preferring this fashist friends over the family finally did me in - none of the characters offered any surprise perspectives or impulses, the conflict played out completely predictably and reeked of 'setting up trouble to be resolved later in the book.' And picking up a potential working class recruit with a Rolls Royce or somesuch monstrously expensive car in his home seems wildly implausible. Pass.
September 10, 2022
Suspenseful
I enjoyed this spy thriller set mostly in Great Britain in the years leading up to the second world war. Interesting how strong the fascist movement was in that country. Well written characters and some big plot surprises. It's a cliffhanger ending, but I look forward to reading the next book.
I enjoyed this spy thriller set mostly in Great Britain in the years leading up to the second world war. Interesting how strong the fascist movement was in that country. Well written characters and some big plot surprises. It's a cliffhanger ending, but I look forward to reading the next book.
September 26, 2022
Déjà vu -- Is this the late 1930's or today?
I'm a fan of historical fiction.
The narrative you crafted could easily be that of current events rather than fiction. I look at how we are once again wrestling with right-wing extremism. The rich English men and women of the late 1930's are eerily similar to their American peers today. It's Déjà vu.
I'm a fan of historical fiction.
The narrative you crafted could easily be that of current events rather than fiction. I look at how we are once again wrestling with right-wing extremism. The rich English men and women of the late 1930's are eerily similar to their American peers today. It's Déjà vu.
December 27, 2023
A good, nerdy spy novel.
This one is very different from the usual spy works. Not as thrilling as one may want it to be. Very well researched, it reads more like an absorbing investigative reporter's work than a novel. Found it very realistic and authentic. Great for WW2 and history buffs.
This one is very different from the usual spy works. Not as thrilling as one may want it to be. Very well researched, it reads more like an absorbing investigative reporter's work than a novel. Found it very realistic and authentic. Great for WW2 and history buffs.
July 15, 2024
A good read, overall. Interesting characters and plot. A little long for my taste but well written. Main characters - Brin and Ursula - a little overly dramatic with emotions. Makes them less credible as spies. That said, eminently readable. I'm looking forward the the next in the series and the evolution of the characters.
April 19, 2025
Enjoyed enormously
Great characterizations and so many. Petken does an amazing job of introducing new characters in a way that captured my interest in this new person. How does she do that? Then the interactions between them kept me turning pages eager to see what would happen to them.
Great characterizations and so many. Petken does an amazing job of introducing new characters in a way that captured my interest in this new person. How does she do that? Then the interactions between them kept me turning pages eager to see what would happen to them.
April 16, 2022
The Man from Section Five is a fascinating story about the growing threat of fascism and anti-Semitism in Britain in the two years leading up to the Second World War. Petken puts together a wonderfully entertaining and suspenseful thriller that's up there with the best.
August 15, 2022
Great book
The writing was suberb and the characters ate wonderful. The story kept me on the edge of my seat. Looking very forward to the next book. I have read Jana's other books and she is an amazing writer. Get started on her books today you won't be disappointed.
The writing was suberb and the characters ate wonderful. The story kept me on the edge of my seat. Looking very forward to the next book. I have read Jana's other books and she is an amazing writer. Get started on her books today you won't be disappointed.
April 5, 2024
The Man From Section Five Book 1
A fast paced novel about the pre World War Two Years and the Espionage that was already taking place in England and on the European Continent. It is always interesting about the Nazi sympathizers.
A fast paced novel about the pre World War Two Years and the Espionage that was already taking place in England and on the European Continent. It is always interesting about the Nazi sympathizers.
April 17, 2025
A sleeper
The story was interesting at first but eventually I had no trouble letting it sit while I did other things. After the traitor confessed I lost interest and did not read the last few chapters.
The story was interesting at first but eventually I had no trouble letting it sit while I did other things. After the traitor confessed I lost interest and did not read the last few chapters.
June 10, 2025
I loved this book and am now reading the next book in this series. I favor historical fiction and this book really keeps me reading. I have been to London several times and I love this author’s writing style.
June 11, 2025
Book 1: Ftom the beginning this book grabs you. Set in pre WW11 London it tells the story of the fascist movement and its underbelly. The MI5 investigation which takes you to Berlin, The Gestapo, undercover agents all the elements of a good spy novel. Can’t wait for the next one!
November 30, 2025
A great story. This was so hard to put down and so much full of integrin details about the Germans under Hitler. I am glad that Jane Petken is on our side when picking the enemies. Happy to see that the story goes on with book two.
March 26, 2023
Well told story
A well told story, that does a good job, capturing the mood in spirit of pre-war, Berlin and London, as well as the influence and effect of the Nazi party in London.
A well told story, that does a good job, capturing the mood in spirit of pre-war, Berlin and London, as well as the influence and effect of the Nazi party in London.
Read
July 14, 2023An okay book, it became a slog to finish it. The writing is fair.
May 20, 2024
Outsranding
Enjoyed the flow of the story. Some of the characters lived during the prewar era.suspenseful and I could continue reading further
Enjoyed the flow of the story. Some of the characters lived during the prewar era.suspenseful and I could continue reading further
October 14, 2024
Good distracting novel
Good mental distraction of a novel. Clearly a character build up for the rest of the series. Will be interesting to read the next.
Good mental distraction of a novel. Clearly a character build up for the rest of the series. Will be interesting to read the next.
March 12, 2025
Excellent
Bit of a slow start but gets going. Intricate plot with shifting location and characters. Main character starts a new life early. Good read. I
Bit of a slow start but gets going. Intricate plot with shifting location and characters. Main character starts a new life early. Good read. I
March 26, 2025
Section Five
More writing from someone who thinks profaning the names of deity is wonderful and the dropping of f-bombs is candy to the reader. It is not. There is better elsewhere.
More writing from someone who thinks profaning the names of deity is wonderful and the dropping of f-bombs is candy to the reader. It is not. There is better elsewhere.
March 29, 2025
Uniquely British. British traitors have a long history especially during the world wars.
April 19, 2025
I found this book to be quite engrossing. I have not bought the next one but am seriously considering it. I like the characters and there are a lot of plot lines started that I am curious about.
July 15, 2025
Mesmerizing
What a yarn! The characters keep evolving and assuming different roles as the story moves along. Intriguing. What an end to terrific story. Conrad Samayoa.
What a yarn! The characters keep evolving and assuming different roles as the story moves along. Intriguing. What an end to terrific story. Conrad Samayoa.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews