In Farleigh Field: A Novel of WWII by Rhys Bowen: A Book Review

In Farleigh Field: A Novel of WWII 
Author: Rhys Bowen
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Release Date: March 1, 2017
Pages: 398
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Synopsis: “Instantly absorbing, suspenseful, romantic, and stylish—like binge-watching a great British drama on Masterpiece Theater.” —Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author

     World War II comes to Farleigh Place, the ancestral home of Lord Westerham and his five daughters, when a soldier with a failed parachute falls to his death on the estate. After his uniform and possessions raise suspicions, MI5 operative and family friend Ben Cresswell is covertly tasked with determining if the man is a German spy. The assignment also offers Ben the chance to be near Lord Westerham’s middle daughter, Pamela, whom he furtively loves. But Pamela has her own secret: she has taken a job at Bletchley Park, the British code-breaking facility.

      As Ben follows a trail of spies and traitors, which may include another member of Pamela’s family, he discovers that some within the realm have an appalling, history-altering agenda. Can he, with Pamela’s help, stop them before England falls?

     Inspired by the events and people of World War II, writer Rhys Bowen crafts a sweeping and riveting saga of class, family, love, and betrayal.

     My Review: Ben Craswell has been assigned to hunt down a German spy. The task leads him to Farleigh Place, Lord Westerham’s home that is now being used for WWII. Ben is joined by Lady Pamela to help him. As they investigate, they realize that there are secrets within the house. Can Ben and Pamela find the German spy before it is too late?
  
     Pamela is a fun character. She is vivacious, feisty, and strong-willed. She is also very clever. She is a compassionate woman, for she wants to contribute to the war. I also liked her interactions with Ben. They made a good team. Ben is serious. However, he is very hard-working, determined, and loyal. He was a very down to earth character. Thus, both of them suited each other very well. I found myself rooting for these characters and hoped they would end up together.

     Overall, this book is full of secrets, romance, drama, and mystery. The characters were very fleshed out, and are very lovable. I loved the setting of Farleigh Place, for it was very mysterious and atmospheric. The story itself was very slow-paced, and it is not until halfway that the story picks up. The novel also has so many characters that it is hard to keep up with them, and you have to keep looking at the character list in the front to remember who is who. Another flaw that this book has is that it mostly tells us the story rather than being shown. However, it was a light and very fun read! It kept me interested enough to find out who the German spy was! In Farleigh Field will appeal to loyal readers of The Royal Spyness mysteries and to new readers who have never read a Rhys Bowen book. I recommend this to fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Susan Ella Macneal, and Charles Todd.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars