If you're craving a historical mystery with a dash of espionage, a sprinkle of romance, and a whole lot of intrigue, An Unquiet Peace might just be your next favorite read.
"Mr. and Mrs. Smith meets Code Name Verity in this propulsive, quick-witted mystery set in late-1940s Los Angeles, as former WWII spy Evelyn Bishop and LA noir detective Nick Gallagher team up as an unconventional duo…"
It was a big promise and boy did it deliver!
Summary (Spoiler free):
Set in late-1940s Los Angeles, the novel follows Evelyn Bishop, a former World War II spy now navigating civilian life as the president of Bishop Aeronautics. Despite her significant role, she's often dismissed as merely a socialite.
Her fiancé, Nick Gallagher, also a former spy, works as a private investigator. Their past missions resurface when Evelyn's former commanding officer contacts her about a scientist they once smuggled out of Nazi Germany.
Simultaneously, Nick becomes entangled in a case involving a high-class gentleman's club run by a childhood friend, the mob, and the local police leading them both into a complex web of secrets and danger.
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. Thanks for supporting my book-loving habits!
Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars. Highly recommend!
This was my first introduction to Shaina Steinberg's work, and I was so thoroughly impressed! The narrative is rich with suspense and emotional depth, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and the lingering shadows of war. Steinberg's attention to historical detail immerses the reader in the era, making the story both engaging and informative.
Evelyn and Nick are a compelling duo—strong-willed, intelligent, and capable. Their partnership is balanced and refreshing, especially in historical fiction. I adore Evie & Nick's dynamic so much!
I particularly loved the strong female friendships depicted and hope to see more of these powerful female characters in future books!
For fans of historical mysteries with strong female leads and intricate plots, An Unquiet Peace is a must-read.
It's a testament to the resilience of those who served during the war and the complexities they faced upon returning home. I'm eager to go back and read the first book in the series!
Thank you to NetGalley & Kensington Publishers for providing ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Under the Paper Moon
by Shaina Steinberg
Before diving into An Unquiet Peace, consider starting with the first book in the Bishop & Gallagher Mystery series. Set in 1942, this novel introduces Evelyn Bishop, an heiress turned OSS spy, and Nick Gallagher, her fellow operative. Their wartime missions and complex relationship lay the groundwork for the events in the sequel. Steinberg's debut offers a rich tapestry of espionage, romance, and historical detail.
The Alice Network
by Kate Quinn
This dual-timeline novel weaves together the stories of two women: Eve Gardiner, a World War I spy, and Charlie St. Clair, an American searching for her cousin in post-World War II Europe. Their paths converge as they uncover secrets of the past. Quinn's narrative is a masterful blend of historical fiction and suspense, highlighting the bravery of female spies
Restless by William Boyd
In this espionage thriller, Ruth Gilmartin discovers her mother, Sally, has a hidden past as Eva Delectorskaya, a British spy during World War II. The story alternates between Eva's wartime missions and Ruth's 1970s revelations, unraveling a tale of deception and survival. Boyd's novel delves deep into the complexities of identity and the lingering shadows of war.
