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Operation Blackbird
A companion to the internationally bestselling novel, The Brass Compass, Operation Blackbird takes the reader on a spy adventure from South America to Europe during a time when the yoke of Communism is tightening the reins on an unwilling people.
Her mission is a race against time to outmaneuver the KGB…or die trying.
October, 1952. The war is over, but for CIA officer Miriam Becker, memories of the horrors she witnessed remain jagged in her mind. While vacationing in Argentina, recovering from a mission that nearly killed her, she’s seeing more ghosts from the past than the sights.
When a longtime family friend and fellow operative, Jake Devlin, tracks her down, Miriam is forced to push everything to the back of her mind for the next mission: help a highly prized and heavily guarded rocket scientist defect from Russian-controlled East Berlin—right out from under the KGB’s nose.
Well aware that one wrong move could spark World War III, Miriam, Jake, and the team plan their strategy to the last detail. But when a betrayal brings everything crashing down, Jake’s quick thinking creates the diversion to get Miriam out alive—but leaves him trapped behind the Iron Curtain.
Unsure of whom she can trust, Miriam must complete the mission by relying on contacts outside of the agency, even though her heart longs to return to East Berlin to rescue the man who is the last link to her to her troubled past … before the KGB gets to him first.
Her mission is a race against time to outmaneuver the KGB…or die trying.
October, 1952. The war is over, but for CIA officer Miriam Becker, memories of the horrors she witnessed remain jagged in her mind. While vacationing in Argentina, recovering from a mission that nearly killed her, she’s seeing more ghosts from the past than the sights.
When a longtime family friend and fellow operative, Jake Devlin, tracks her down, Miriam is forced to push everything to the back of her mind for the next mission: help a highly prized and heavily guarded rocket scientist defect from Russian-controlled East Berlin—right out from under the KGB’s nose.
Well aware that one wrong move could spark World War III, Miriam, Jake, and the team plan their strategy to the last detail. But when a betrayal brings everything crashing down, Jake’s quick thinking creates the diversion to get Miriam out alive—but leaves him trapped behind the Iron Curtain.
Unsure of whom she can trust, Miriam must complete the mission by relying on contacts outside of the agency, even though her heart longs to return to East Berlin to rescue the man who is the last link to her to her troubled past … before the KGB gets to him first.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2022
21 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Butler
37 books403 followersEllen Butler is bestselling novelist writing critically acclaimed suspense and award winning romance novels. Coming in May- the first Karina Cardinal Mystery, about a intelligent D.C. lobbyist with a sharp wit, and a curiosity to rival Jessica Fletcher into. Karina’s inquisitiveness pulls her into one adventure after another occasionally putting herself or those she loves into danger. Ellen is also the author of bestselling historical suspense, The Brass Compass about a beautiful American spy whose cover is blown behind enemy lines. She flees into the night, and on her own, she must live by her wits to evade capture and make it to the safety of the Allied forces. Ellen's award winning romances are from the Love, California Style series which includes Heart of Design, Planning for Love, and Art of Affection.
Ellen holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Policy, and her history includes a long list of writing for dry, but illuminating, professional newsletters and windy papers on public policy. The leap to novel writing was simply a creative outlet for Ellen’s overactive and romantic imagination to run wild.
Ellen holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Policy, and her history includes a long list of writing for dry, but illuminating, professional newsletters and windy papers on public policy. The leap to novel writing was simply a creative outlet for Ellen’s overactive and romantic imagination to run wild.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 13, 2022
Rating: 4.5/5.0
What begins as a torch to some historical injustices soon espouses a thrilling spy operation that brings together a myriad of characters ranging from a politically-driven asylum-seeking scientist to moles within a top American Agency making the perfect recipe for a befitting spy thriller.
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
What begins as a torch to some historical injustices soon espouses a thrilling spy operation that brings together a myriad of characters ranging from a politically-driven asylum-seeking scientist to moles within a top American Agency making the perfect recipe for a befitting spy thriller.
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 6, 2022
Rating: 4.5/5.0
What begins as a torch to some historical injustices soon espouses a thrilling spy operation that brings together a myriad of characters ranging from a politically-driven asylum-seeking scientist to moles within a top American Agency making the perfect recipe for a befitting spy thriller.
Read full review in the 2022 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
What begins as a torch to some historical injustices soon espouses a thrilling spy operation that brings together a myriad of characters ranging from a politically-driven asylum-seeking scientist to moles within a top American Agency making the perfect recipe for a befitting spy thriller.
Read full review in the 2022 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 26, 2023
Historical fiction based on fact. The book takes place in Berlin in the early fifties. Miriam Becker is in the CIA and is recruited by her deceased brothers childhood friend to join the team to help a Russian scientist and his family defect from Russia. Unfortunately the mission had double agents and Miriam was left to get the family out of East Berlin. An action packed read that I could not put down.
February 13, 2023
It is October of 1952 and Miriam Becker is on vacation in Argentina. Although the war is over, it still haunts her memories. Miriam was nearly killed on one of her missions as a CIA Agent and she is finding it difficult to move past what happened to her and the horrors of war that she witnessed. When she thinks that she has spotted a war criminal from her past Miriam is uncertain if it is really him or just ghosts from her past resurfacing to torment her. She is still reeling from her discovery when someone else from her past suddenly reappears out of the blue.
Jack Devlin manages to track down his friend and fellow operative in Argentina which surprises Miriam. Although she was supposed to return from her last mission some time ago she decided to remain in an effort to recoup from the horrors of war she had witnessed. Jack has another mission for her that involves smuggling a heavily guarded rocket scientist and his family out of Soviet controlled East Berlin. A mission that could spark World War III if they make one wrong move.
When plans for their mission go astray and Jake disappears, it is up to Miriam to complete the mission on her own. Although she trusts no one she must rely on people outside of the agency to help her get the rocket scientist and his family out of the country. She must also devise a plan to rescue Jake and bring him to safety.
This book was based on real events and was a real eye opener for me about the efforts made by so many behind the scenes not just during the war, but afterwards as well. Miriam is one tough cookie who could think quickly on her feet and come up with innovative solutions to problems. Thinking outside of the box was not only smart but courageous. Miriam was determined for her mission to succeed and for everyone to be safe. This book was full of action, suspense, intrigue, and mystery. A must-read historical fiction!
Jack Devlin manages to track down his friend and fellow operative in Argentina which surprises Miriam. Although she was supposed to return from her last mission some time ago she decided to remain in an effort to recoup from the horrors of war she had witnessed. Jack has another mission for her that involves smuggling a heavily guarded rocket scientist and his family out of Soviet controlled East Berlin. A mission that could spark World War III if they make one wrong move.
When plans for their mission go astray and Jake disappears, it is up to Miriam to complete the mission on her own. Although she trusts no one she must rely on people outside of the agency to help her get the rocket scientist and his family out of the country. She must also devise a plan to rescue Jake and bring him to safety.
This book was based on real events and was a real eye opener for me about the efforts made by so many behind the scenes not just during the war, but afterwards as well. Miriam is one tough cookie who could think quickly on her feet and come up with innovative solutions to problems. Thinking outside of the box was not only smart but courageous. Miriam was determined for her mission to succeed and for everyone to be safe. This book was full of action, suspense, intrigue, and mystery. A must-read historical fiction!
January 31, 2023
Miriam Becker is in Argentina in October 1952 where she is trying to decompress after her last mission. But as she is sitting in the café, she sees someone from her past. Miriam is forced into another job when her longtime friend and fellow operative, Jake Devlin, approaches her to be a part of his team for a dangerous mission. Working with a few handpicked agents, Miriam is to help a rocket scientist and his family defect into America, but it is not an easy job and one in which she finds her life and that of Devlin is on the line. The team plans to rescue the scientist and his family but of course, not all goes to plan, and Miriam must rely on those outside of the agency to help her. She must also save the life of Devlin and leave no man behind.
Such a great book! Very well-written characters set into the historic Germany of 1952 when tensions are still high after WW11. Amazing read that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire novel. The characters just leap off the page and I couldn’t help but to feel the rush and danger as if I was Miriam getting shot at or diving into the cold water. Definitely a must read! Do they get the family put of Germany? Does Devlin get left behind or will Miriam’s determination and prowess get them all out safely?
Such a great book! Very well-written characters set into the historic Germany of 1952 when tensions are still high after WW11. Amazing read that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire novel. The characters just leap off the page and I couldn’t help but to feel the rush and danger as if I was Miriam getting shot at or diving into the cold water. Definitely a must read! Do they get the family put of Germany? Does Devlin get left behind or will Miriam’s determination and prowess get them all out safely?
November 16, 2022
Operation Blackbird is another enjoyable installment in The Brass Compass series. I liked Jake in Book one and I was glad to see him get his own book, to see what he got up to after the war, and to read his love story. I also really enjoyed reading about the strong, resourceful, independent Miriam. Operation Blackbird was an intense, nail biter of a book, and it brought to light the dangers that people involved in espionage, and spying, actually endure, and how much they actually put on the line every time they go ‘under’, though they are incredibly important to their cause they must question every move, every answer, and every everything. I did learn some things that I didn’t already know about this time period, and I was inspired to do more research on it. What happened after WWII, and the war between the Soviet Union and the U.S was new territory for me. I loved historical fiction because it keeps me interested, usually involves a bit of romance, teaches me something, and inspires me to learn more. Operation Blackbird checked all those boxes. I can recommend this book and I will definitely be picking up any other book the author adds to this series, and you should too.
February 8, 2023
Operation Blackbird is a thrilling piece of historical fiction. With a Cold War setting, this is a treat for lovers of espionage. I’ve enjoyed other books by this author and this story continued that trend! It’s a companion to The Brass Compass, set during WWII, but can be enjoyed as a standalone.
One thing I particularly loved about this book was the amount of historical detail. It was fun to see familiar brands referred to which I hadn’t realised were available in the 1950s!
This is a real page turner - once the story gets going, you’ll need to find out what happens next! Miriam has to rely on others to help her in her mission, but her world is full of double agents and people whose allegiance can easily be bought. So every new character brought in is both a relief and a source of additional tension. Keeps you on your toes!
With plenty of action and romance, I’d recommend this to all fans of spy novels! Particularly if you have an interest in the Cold War - there’s so much historical detail that it’s a real treat.
One thing I particularly loved about this book was the amount of historical detail. It was fun to see familiar brands referred to which I hadn’t realised were available in the 1950s!
This is a real page turner - once the story gets going, you’ll need to find out what happens next! Miriam has to rely on others to help her in her mission, but her world is full of double agents and people whose allegiance can easily be bought. So every new character brought in is both a relief and a source of additional tension. Keeps you on your toes!
With plenty of action and romance, I’d recommend this to all fans of spy novels! Particularly if you have an interest in the Cold War - there’s so much historical detail that it’s a real treat.
October 26, 2022
Operation Blackbird is another intense historical thriller by bestselling author Ellen Butler. It is a companion novel to The Brass Compass which is a great read both of which are steeped with historical facts. Ellen writes strong female characters in deadly and dangerous situations trying to right wrongs. This one takes place in the Cold War. A terrible time when the KGB were prevalent. A time when a lot of horrors were witnessed and a time when one does not want to find themselves caught behind the Iron Curtain.
In this book we follow we follow Mirriam who works for the CIA her task is to help a scientist defect from a communist Russia. But things go awry and to save her life another is put at risk.
I found myself totally immersed in this tale where life and death are at the whim of others. Lost in a journey that is dangerous and the tension pops of the page.
If you love fictional stories about the Cold War then this is a story that I recommend reading.
In this book we follow we follow Mirriam who works for the CIA her task is to help a scientist defect from a communist Russia. But things go awry and to save her life another is put at risk.
I found myself totally immersed in this tale where life and death are at the whim of others. Lost in a journey that is dangerous and the tension pops of the page.
If you love fictional stories about the Cold War then this is a story that I recommend reading.
October 27, 2022
Wow where to start with this story. I don't think I've ever ready a spy story that has historical references before and I was a bit worried that I wouldn't enjoy it or understand it but boy was I wrong.
I was gripped from the very first page. The author's writing and the characters created were so engaging that I kept me reading till the end. With so many twists and turns, a lot of deception and the feeling of never knowing who you can trust it definately makes this book a page turner.
The link to historical events added a sense of realism to the story which makes the book even more interesting and gripping.
I love the character writing and the fact that there are women spies that are just as dangerous and good at the job as the men.
The whole plot of saving someone and helping a family escape without bring detected or killed made this a fast paced action adventure which you just can't put down. I will definately look to read more from this author.
I was gripped from the very first page. The author's writing and the characters created were so engaging that I kept me reading till the end. With so many twists and turns, a lot of deception and the feeling of never knowing who you can trust it definately makes this book a page turner.
The link to historical events added a sense of realism to the story which makes the book even more interesting and gripping.
I love the character writing and the fact that there are women spies that are just as dangerous and good at the job as the men.
The whole plot of saving someone and helping a family escape without bring detected or killed made this a fast paced action adventure which you just can't put down. I will definately look to read more from this author.
October 31, 2022
Operation Blackbird is a thrilling adventure sequence, similar yet vastly separate to its partner story The Brass Compass. Following the intelligent Miriam who struggles with war nerves from gut wrenching memories of the war, and Jake Devlin, an old friend from her past that brings more than Miriam was expecting to the table. The pair go through their own battles of the mind as they venture through secrecy involving the KGB many years following the destruction of WWII, as well as rescuing each other from past secrets and kidnapping. The amount of historical pieces that went into this story was phenomenal, such as the detail regarding the trauma and severe reality of the effect from the Iron Curtain. I fell into the depths so quickly, it was hard to escape with them! I could not put this book down, and I'm thinking I'll have to reread it again and again. I'm really hoping Ellen Butler keeps this espionage series going, because my heart can not keep up with only two!!
November 17, 2022
Operation Blackbird is the 2nd book in the Brass Compass Series, however, it can be read as a stand alone. There are some overlapping characters but it is a solid story on its own. This book takes place in the 1940s after WW2 and during the Cold War. It is a historical fiction, based around true events, but with some of the authors imagination to fill in the gaps. This book had me so hooked from the get go. Miriam has a couple alias along the way, as a operative for the CIA. She and her team are sent to retrieve and rescue a Soviet and his family. Their mission is to get them out of Berlin and to America. They are dodging and evading agents from KGB, Stasis and even other CIA operatives. Staying alive and keeping their "package" alive proves to be harder than expected. I love the suspense of this book as well as the added relationships of Miriam and her friends. The ending was perfect. I look forward to more and recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical stories.
November 17, 2022
5/5 Stars
Operation Blackbird: A Cold War Spy Novel #2 by Ellen Butler
This isn't the first book I've read by the author. Operation Blackbird is the second book in the Cold War Series. Lily and Charlie are also in the book. It can be read as a standalone.
Jacob is back and he has bad news. He doesn't want to hurt his friend but he doesn't have a choice. When she lashes out on him it makes him question things. The quote I chose for Jacob is:“I can assure you, I asked that question often during the war. Why that corporal or this lieutenant? Why not me?”
Miriam is getting ready to lose her job. She is also friends with Lily. So when Jacob shows up things go bad. She didn't want to lose Hugh. She lashed out at her oldest friend. The quote I chose for Miriam is: “Did the company send you to retrieve me? Is this an abduction? Are we heading to a safe house where I’ll be drilled for hours?”
Highly recommended for Historical Thriller lovers.
Operation Blackbird: A Cold War Spy Novel #2 by Ellen Butler
This isn't the first book I've read by the author. Operation Blackbird is the second book in the Cold War Series. Lily and Charlie are also in the book. It can be read as a standalone.
Jacob is back and he has bad news. He doesn't want to hurt his friend but he doesn't have a choice. When she lashes out on him it makes him question things. The quote I chose for Jacob is:“I can assure you, I asked that question often during the war. Why that corporal or this lieutenant? Why not me?”
Miriam is getting ready to lose her job. She is also friends with Lily. So when Jacob shows up things go bad. She didn't want to lose Hugh. She lashed out at her oldest friend. The quote I chose for Miriam is: “Did the company send you to retrieve me? Is this an abduction? Are we heading to a safe house where I’ll be drilled for hours?”
Highly recommended for Historical Thriller lovers.
October 27, 2022
4 Stars
Operation Blackbird is the thrilling companion novel to The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler.
This time we follow Miriam, a CIA operative, working during the height of the cold war. Her assignment sees her in a race against time, with more than one life hanging in the balance, as she endeavouring to outsmart the KGB, and complete her mission successfully. What happens makes for a gripping read.
If you love well-woven, tense, and intriguing historical stories full of dramatic action, then this is definitely the book for you. This historical fiction will keep you flipping the pages as you follow all the knife-edge developments, action, adventure, danger, tension, espionage, challenges, intrigue, and much more.
Well worth your time to read!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Ellen Butler!
Operation Blackbird is the thrilling companion novel to The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler.
This time we follow Miriam, a CIA operative, working during the height of the cold war. Her assignment sees her in a race against time, with more than one life hanging in the balance, as she endeavouring to outsmart the KGB, and complete her mission successfully. What happens makes for a gripping read.
If you love well-woven, tense, and intriguing historical stories full of dramatic action, then this is definitely the book for you. This historical fiction will keep you flipping the pages as you follow all the knife-edge developments, action, adventure, danger, tension, espionage, challenges, intrigue, and much more.
Well worth your time to read!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Ellen Butler!
October 27, 2022
This book seriously held you from the start to the very end. I could not let go. The book was full of intrigue, as well being intelligently written by the author!
I love historical reads and books that are to do with women who have intelligence and are in a profession that may be given more like lit to men, such as spies. Loved how the author wrote this story and made all come to life. Miriam was a wonderful lead character. Strong minded and bad ass. I loved how she was searching for the truth and to prevent what could cause many casualties. The book gripped me, it was epic, and very much an intense read. I was blown away, literally! A great read I devoured and loved!
Fantastic read and very much a fantastic as well as, creative author as well. I could not have asked for more, it was perfect with every word and every turn of danger! Highly recommend! A must read for sure!
I love historical reads and books that are to do with women who have intelligence and are in a profession that may be given more like lit to men, such as spies. Loved how the author wrote this story and made all come to life. Miriam was a wonderful lead character. Strong minded and bad ass. I loved how she was searching for the truth and to prevent what could cause many casualties. The book gripped me, it was epic, and very much an intense read. I was blown away, literally! A great read I devoured and loved!
Fantastic read and very much a fantastic as well as, creative author as well. I could not have asked for more, it was perfect with every word and every turn of danger! Highly recommend! A must read for sure!
October 28, 2022
This is a riveting follow up to The Brass Compass in which CIA operative Miriam Becker is doing all she can to prevent WWIII. The setting is East Berlin and the KGB is crawling all over the place. It's her job to rescue a rocket scientist and get out of East Berlin without being detected. She knows that one wrong move can change the outcome of this mission and possibly history itself.
This is another great read with very historically accurate references! I enjoy this author's writing style and how she chooses strong female leads in her stories. This is a true page turner filled with a lot of action, some romance, and a story for the ages.
This is another great read with very historically accurate references! I enjoy this author's writing style and how she chooses strong female leads in her stories. This is a true page turner filled with a lot of action, some romance, and a story for the ages.
October 28, 2022
5 Stars
Operation Blackbird (Brass Compass Series Book 2) by Ellen Butler
Operation Blackbird is the second book in the Brass Compass Series and is a wonderfully written Historical Thriller that will take you on quite the adventure. Im a huge fan of this author and her style of writing and attention to detail along with fully developed characters that make the story come to life. I always feel like I’m right there with them trying to figure out what is going to happen next. This is about Miriam and she’s a CIA operative during the Cold War and the latest assignment has her in a race against time especially considering there is more than one life at stake. I don’t want to give to much away. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I promise its worth the time. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
Operation Blackbird (Brass Compass Series Book 2) by Ellen Butler
Operation Blackbird is the second book in the Brass Compass Series and is a wonderfully written Historical Thriller that will take you on quite the adventure. Im a huge fan of this author and her style of writing and attention to detail along with fully developed characters that make the story come to life. I always feel like I’m right there with them trying to figure out what is going to happen next. This is about Miriam and she’s a CIA operative during the Cold War and the latest assignment has her in a race against time especially considering there is more than one life at stake. I don’t want to give to much away. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I promise its worth the time. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
November 5, 2022
Operation Blackbird is the second book in the Brass Compass series by Ellen Butler. Set in 1952, a CIA officer has to confront her past while saving a scientist trying to defect to East Berlin without alerting the KGB. You must grab this book if you enjoy historical thrillers with a strong female lead. I had already read the first book in this series, but this could be enjoyed as a standalone. Miriam Becker is a fantastic character who has seen the best and worst of people. I enjoy reading about her adventures because she is intelligent and very human. I enjoyed how the story differed from other spy thrillers dealing with the Cold War. There are sections I felt like I was holding my breath, waiting to find out what would happen.
I always enjoy this author's books and look forward to reading more from her.
I always enjoy this author's books and look forward to reading more from her.
November 15, 2022
This is the second book in the Brass Compass series; however, you don't necessarily need to read the first in order to understand what's going on (I didn't) in this one. This is more of a companion novel, not a sequel. I am going to go back and read the first one to see how much it enriches this novel, but you can definitely read this as a standalone.
We follow Miriam Becker, a CIA operative, who has one last mission with an old friend, Jake Devlin but things don't go as planned and when Jake puts his life before hers, Miriam is forced to flee while Jake is left behind.
I really enjoyed not only Ellen Butler's character development and her strong female lead, but also the way she develops her plot and just pulls the read in from the get-go and doesn't let them go. I couldn't put this book down. I love historical fiction and this went above and beyond what I thought it would be.
We follow Miriam Becker, a CIA operative, who has one last mission with an old friend, Jake Devlin but things don't go as planned and when Jake puts his life before hers, Miriam is forced to flee while Jake is left behind.
I really enjoyed not only Ellen Butler's character development and her strong female lead, but also the way she develops her plot and just pulls the read in from the get-go and doesn't let them go. I couldn't put this book down. I love historical fiction and this went above and beyond what I thought it would be.
November 16, 2022
Operation Blackbird (Brass Compass Series Book 2) by Ellen Butler. I love this series and this book was no different. I could not put it down. Its the story of Miriam a CIA operative during the Cold War. She has seen more than any one person should see and her dreams keep her awake at night. Trying to fight the KGB and be one step ahead of them at all times is a job in itself. Her mission this time is very dangerous and if she can succeed then she will save more than one life. She is trying to help a scientist deflect from Russia and to do that she may end up in more danger herself. This book is so full of history and spy stuff that I found so very interesting. You don't know who to trust and there is danger around every corner. I can't wait til the next book in this amazing series. Do yourself a favor and read it today.
October 26, 2022
I enjoyed reading this historical adventure story. This is the second book in this series which I enjoyed just as much as the first. This is a well written story where the characters take you on an adventure of spies. An adventure where you don’t know who to trust and a determination to complete the mission. I enjoyed how the author used details to bring the story to life. The characters not only pulled you in from the start but kept me engaged to the end. The twists and turns had me turning pages fast just to see what would happen next. There is great growth of the plot which makes the story easy and entertaining to read. I really enjoyed the characters and what they brought to the story. I highly recommend this book.
November 11, 2022
After reading and enjoying the companion book to this story I was excited to read more from this author and she didn’t disappoint. The attention to detail that the author makes really does mean that the book is enjoyable to read, its historical facts are accurate and add an extra depth to the story – it really does help you imagine what is going on whilst you are reading. Whilst this book isn’t my usual genre I have really enjoyed the authors writing. She kept my attention from beginning to end and her characters are wonderful to read about. The Cold War isn’t something I’m particularly knowledgeable about but the author definitely left me feeling like I have gained some new knowledge from reading her story.
Overall a great read and one that I would highly recommend.
Overall a great read and one that I would highly recommend.
February 15, 2023
I didn’t realize this was a companion novel to The Brass Compass, but I can say that I feel it is a good standalone book. I didn’t get lost throughout the story, but I will definitely go back and read the previous one just because it was an amazing book! I felt transported to the 1950s and was in awe of the author’s ability to paint such a realistic and suspenseful picture with each page. CIA operative Miriam is attempting to recover from a nearly-fatal mission when she finds out that an old friend desperately needs her help. After Jake gets trapped behind the Iron Curtain, Miriam panics. She doesn’t know who to trust but knows she has to get Jake before the KGB does. I highly recommend picking up this book, especially if you enjoy historical adventures!
January 10, 2023
Operation Blackbird is a companion novel to The Brass Compass; however, I did not realize this before reading. I will say, that I loved this book. Ellen Butler had me hooked right away and I was taken into the Cold War,1952. Miriam goes undercover to extract a Russian scientist, his wife and daughter from East Berlin, with a team led by her colleague and childhood friend, Jacob Devlin.
When things go awry, Miriam has to trust other contacts to get the family to safety. This novel is full of dangerous situations and suspense. I loved the twists and turns throughout the book and the end surprised me. This is definitely worth the read.
When things go awry, Miriam has to trust other contacts to get the family to safety. This novel is full of dangerous situations and suspense. I loved the twists and turns throughout the book and the end surprised me. This is definitely worth the read.
February 5, 2023
This is the second book of the Brass Compass series, a historical spy thriller full of intrigue bringing the reader to Cold War era of 1952. We meet Miriam Becker, who works for the CIA, arrives in Argentina for a holiday when she happens upon a man she recognizes as one of the German SS officers that should have been captured for war crimes.
This book is thrilling and kept my attention so much that I had a hard time putting the book down. Miriam is a strong character and I could feel her concern and worry as she is trying to help a family flee Berlin and find safety. I really enjoyed this book.
This book is thrilling and kept my attention so much that I had a hard time putting the book down. Miriam is a strong character and I could feel her concern and worry as she is trying to help a family flee Berlin and find safety. I really enjoyed this book.
February 17, 2023
Being a spy during the Cold War came with all sorts of challenges. Miriam had experienced more than one of them. Her team's current assignment is to relocate a defecting scientist and his family to America. But, things can never be that simple. They must evade other spies from multiple agents all while staying alive.
This book is the second in the series though it can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed Butler's ability to weave an amazing story while keeping many things from the story true to the period and her characters having depth. I can't wait to read more by this author. I would suggest this book to others.
This book is the second in the series though it can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed Butler's ability to weave an amazing story while keeping many things from the story true to the period and her characters having depth. I can't wait to read more by this author. I would suggest this book to others.
October 28, 2022
This book is the companion book to the Brass Compass and is just as good. It is set in the Cold War and really seems to capture the feel of that era, the challenges and the extremes. I thought the characters were brilliant. They are strong and interesting, really contributing to the overall storyline.
The author has developed the story well. She takes the reader on a journey, keeping you in touch with the characters every step of the way. I really felt like I become involved in this book and I thoroughly enjoyed. I can’t wait to see if more is to come.
The author has developed the story well. She takes the reader on a journey, keeping you in touch with the characters every step of the way. I really felt like I become involved in this book and I thoroughly enjoyed. I can’t wait to see if more is to come.
November 11, 2022
What a thrilling spy mystery. Miriam is doing her best to help keep the next war from happening. She has many adventures in this story. She’s people she shouldn’t, things she shouldn’t. Who does she trust? Can she believe in anyone? This is an story that will have you intrigued and pull you in from page 1. It is the follow up to The Brass Compass. The author did a wonderful job with the historical references. The characters were well developed. Between them and the plot, this is one historical suspense that you just can’t pass up.
January 13, 2023
Operation Blackbird is the second book of the Brass Compass series by Ellen Butler. The reader is teleported straight back in time to 1952 with Mirriam as the female lead character whose mission is to help a scientist defect from communist Russia. Unfortunately, things go sideways, and she must find a way to save the family. I was fully immersed in the book from the beginning and could not put it down. I have never read a book that had me on the edge of my seat like Operation Blackbird. If you know someone who loves a thrilling spy book, this is the perfect read for them!
February 10, 2023
What can I say but WOW!!! I will admit it has been quite a while since I have tried reading an Historical spy thriller but I am so glad I choose this amazing book to jump back into this genre. I was hooked right from the very start and it had me completely immersed in this time period and all that was happening within these pages. With wonderful characters, so many twists and turns and such engaging, descriptive writing this book is not to be missed! I am definitely going to be reading much more from this extremely talented author and telling all my book friends all about it.
February 14, 2023
Operation Blackbird
By: Ellen Butler
This is the second book in the Brass Compass Series. I will say that I think that this definitely stands alone and would make sense if you had not read the first book. This is due to it being a connection to the first one rather than a follow up. I love that this book focuses on the cold war. I truly didn’t know too much about it before, but I really learned more and enjoyed that this focused on espionage. I felt as if I was transported to the 1950s and I was truly invested. I love this book and hope to read more by Ellen Butler soon!
By: Ellen Butler
This is the second book in the Brass Compass Series. I will say that I think that this definitely stands alone and would make sense if you had not read the first book. This is due to it being a connection to the first one rather than a follow up. I love that this book focuses on the cold war. I truly didn’t know too much about it before, but I really learned more and enjoyed that this focused on espionage. I felt as if I was transported to the 1950s and I was truly invested. I love this book and hope to read more by Ellen Butler soon!
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