Evelyne Redfern returns in A Dark and Deadly Journey, the next book in international bestselling author Julia Kelly’s captivating historical mystery series.
After being sidelined for a pesky gunshot wound, typist-turned-field agent Evelyne Redfern is ready for her next assignment with Britain’s secretive Special Investigations Unit. When a British Intelligence informant in Portugal mysteriously disappears just after hinting that he has vital information about German plans that could tip the balance of World War Two, Evelyne and her dashingly irksome partner, David Poole, are sent headed to Lisbon to find him.
Once they land, Evelyne and David aren't even able to leave the airport, before she discovers one of their fellow aeroplane passengers murdered and uncovers a diary with a clear link between the victim and their missing informant. With their mission in jeopardy before it can truly begin, Evelyne and David fight to keep their cover intact as they descend deeper into the shadows that surround Lisbon’s glittering collection of wealthy expats and dangerous spies. This case will test Evelyne and David’s training, charm, and wit—and their growing attraction for one another.
The series
World War II provides the backdrop for countless mysteries, but the Evelyne Redfern series approaches the era from a refreshingly personal angle. Rather than focusing solely on battlefields or intelligence agencies, these novels explore the hidden tensions of wartime Britain through the eyes of a sharp-minded young woman whose curiosity repeatedly places her at the center of dangerous investigations.
Read full series description
Set amid blackouts, rationing, military preparations, and the constant uncertainty of war, the series captures a nation trying to maintain a sense of normalcy while secrets gather in the shadows. Against this richly detailed historical setting, murders, disappearances, and suspicious events emerge, revealing that even during humanity's largest conflict, some mysteries remain deeply personal.
At the heart of the story is a heroine whose determination often leads her where convention says she should not go. As she becomes increasingly involved in solving crimes, she must navigate social expectations, evolving relationships, and the realities of a world undergoing profound change. Her growth feels as compelling as the mysteries themselves, transforming each novel into both an investigation and a character journey.
What sets these books apart is their atmosphere. The threat of war is ever-present, but it never overwhelms the story. Instead, it deepens every interaction, adding urgency to decisions and weight to secrets. Elegant country houses, bustling London streets, military installations, and quiet coastal communities all become stages for mysteries layered with intrigue, deception, and human complexity.
Drawing on the traditions of classic British detective fiction while embracing the emotional depth of modern historical mysteries, the series balances suspense with warmth and historical authenticity. The result is a reading experience that feels immersive rather than merely nostalgic, inviting readers to step into a vividly realized past where danger often hides behind polite conversation and respectable appearances.
The Evelyne Redfern novels offer a compelling blend of historical mystery, amateur sleuthing, wartime intrigue, and character-driven storytelling. Rich in period detail and filled with carefully woven secrets, the series captures both the uncertainty of an extraordinary era and the enduring appeal of an intelligent heroine determined to uncover the truth, no matter where it leads.
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