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The Enemy at Home
As World War II rages overseas, a serial killer preys on women working in Seattle’s factories in this provocative blend of vivid, richly detailed historical fiction and taut suspense.
1943, Seattle. While raging war reshapes the landscape of Europe, its impact is felt thousands of miles away too. Before the war, Nora Kinney was one of countless housewives and mothers in her comfortable Capitol Hill neighborhood. Now, with her doctor husband stationed in North Africa, Nora feels compelled to do more than tend her victory garden or help with scrap metal drives.
At the Boeing B-17 plant, Nora learns to wield a heavy riveting gun amid the deafening noise of the assembly line—a real-life counterpart to “Rosie the Riveter” in the recruitment posters. Yet while the country desperately needs their help, not everyone is happy about “all these women” taking over men’s jobs. Nora worries that she is neglecting her children, especially her withdrawn teenage son. But amid this turmoil comes a sinister tragedy: One of Nora’s coworkers is found strangled in her apartment, dressed in an apron, with a lipstick smile smeared on her face.
It’s the beginning of a terrifying pattern, as female war-plant workers like Nora are targeted throughout Seattle and murdered in the same ritualistic manner. And eclipsing Nora’s fear for her safety is her secret, growing conviction that she and the killer are connected—and that the haven that was her home has become her own personal battlefield.
1943, Seattle. While raging war reshapes the landscape of Europe, its impact is felt thousands of miles away too. Before the war, Nora Kinney was one of countless housewives and mothers in her comfortable Capitol Hill neighborhood. Now, with her doctor husband stationed in North Africa, Nora feels compelled to do more than tend her victory garden or help with scrap metal drives.
At the Boeing B-17 plant, Nora learns to wield a heavy riveting gun amid the deafening noise of the assembly line—a real-life counterpart to “Rosie the Riveter” in the recruitment posters. Yet while the country desperately needs their help, not everyone is happy about “all these women” taking over men’s jobs. Nora worries that she is neglecting her children, especially her withdrawn teenage son. But amid this turmoil comes a sinister tragedy: One of Nora’s coworkers is found strangled in her apartment, dressed in an apron, with a lipstick smile smeared on her face.
It’s the beginning of a terrifying pattern, as female war-plant workers like Nora are targeted throughout Seattle and murdered in the same ritualistic manner. And eclipsing Nora’s fear for her safety is her secret, growing conviction that she and the killer are connected—and that the haven that was her home has become her own personal battlefield.
416 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2023
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November 1, 2023
The Enemy at Home
by Kevin O’Brien is a historical fiction novel with a murder mystery set in 1943 in Seattle, Washington. The story spans about one month. Before the war, Nora Kinney was comfortable in her role as housewife, mother, and wife to her husband, Pete. Her doctor husband is now stationed in North Africa and Nora wants to do more than help with scrap metal drives and tending a garden. She starts working at the Boeing plant and learns to use a riveting gun.
Nora encounters chauvinism, racism, and people who aren’t accepting of others’ way of life. On top of this, she is concerned she’s neglecting her daughter and son. When one of Nora’s new coworkers is strangled in her apartment, it is only the beginning of a terrifying time for women supporting the war efforts. Nora becomes an amateur sleuth trying to solve the murders.
The plot is twisty and changing throughout with several potential killers. It gradually builds momentum and the period details felt authentic. However, I didn’t feel that I learned anything new from the novel and the killer was somewhat easy to discern. Despite this, the world-building was well-done, and story gave excellent insight into the main and secondary characters’ behaviors and actions towards others.
Overall, this story is thought-provoking and suspenseful.
Kensington Books provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was August 22, 2023.
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My 3.88 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Nora encounters chauvinism, racism, and people who aren’t accepting of others’ way of life. On top of this, she is concerned she’s neglecting her daughter and son. When one of Nora’s new coworkers is strangled in her apartment, it is only the beginning of a terrifying time for women supporting the war efforts. Nora becomes an amateur sleuth trying to solve the murders.
The plot is twisty and changing throughout with several potential killers. It gradually builds momentum and the period details felt authentic. However, I didn’t feel that I learned anything new from the novel and the killer was somewhat easy to discern. Despite this, the world-building was well-done, and story gave excellent insight into the main and secondary characters’ behaviors and actions towards others.
Overall, this story is thought-provoking and suspenseful.
Kensington Books provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was August 22, 2023.
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My 3.88 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
September 29, 2023
This is an entertaining, well-written, WWII historical fiction thriller. It is fast paced and action packed, with the perfect combination of mystery and suspense, and it is a wonderful tribute to the women who worked in the defense plants during WWII. This novel has murder, intrigue, secrets, family drama, a diverse group of engaging characters, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion. I listened to the audio version of this novel, and the narrator, Ms. Hillary Huber, has a captivating voice and does an excellent job depicting the characters and their personalities. I am grateful to Mr. Kevin O'Brien, Tantor Audio, and NetGalley, who kindly provided me with an advanced listener copy of this outstanding novel. This is my honest opinion.
I received this discussion guide as a member of Kensington's Between the Chapters book club:
https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/betwe...
I received this discussion guide as a member of Kensington's Between the Chapters book club:
https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/betwe...
August 12, 2023
Nora Kinney’s husband Pete joined the army, he felt it was his duty being a doctor and leaving her home with their seventeen year son Chris and twelve year old daughter Jane. Nora also feels guilty about leaving her children, Jane is OK but her son is at an awkward age, he’s not happy at high school and has trouble making friends.
Before the war, Nora was a housewife and now she’s considering getting a job. Nora starts working at Boeing B-17 plant in Seattle, part of the assembly line and she’s shown how to use a riveting gun. Nora isn’t prepared for the men’s attitudes towards women working at the plant, some of them are downright rude and condescending. When America desperately needs women to replace men who have joined up, build planes and wasn't the welcome she was expecting.
Nora doesn’t know things are about to get worse in Seattle, a man has been attacking women who work in factories, one of Nora’s friends from the Boeing B-17 plant is one of his victims, and he strangles them with a pair of pantyhose, dresses them in an apron and draws a smile on his target's face.
Nora is scared, the atmosphere in America is already tense, Japanese people have been interned and the country is worried about being attacked, everyone has to follow the blackout rules and are anxious. Nora starts looking at the people she knows differently, trying to figure out who it could possibly be and she considers? The nasty men at work, a bully in her son’s class, someone who wanted to rent her apartment and even her own son!
I received a copy of The Enemy at Home by Kevin O’Brien from Edelweiss and Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The historical aspect of the narrative is really interesting, it highlighted how women’s roles changed during the Second World War, many re-joined the workforce, juggling housework and looking after children, rationing, scrap metal drives, blackout rules, constantly worrying about getting a telegram and receiving bad news about a loved one.
The thriller side to the story certainly kept me on the edge of my seat, with a serial killer on the lose, it was full of nail biting suspense and lots of twist and turns. I didn't guess who the maniac was, fours stars from me and I'm keen to read other books by Mr. O'Brien.
Before the war, Nora was a housewife and now she’s considering getting a job. Nora starts working at Boeing B-17 plant in Seattle, part of the assembly line and she’s shown how to use a riveting gun. Nora isn’t prepared for the men’s attitudes towards women working at the plant, some of them are downright rude and condescending. When America desperately needs women to replace men who have joined up, build planes and wasn't the welcome she was expecting.
Nora doesn’t know things are about to get worse in Seattle, a man has been attacking women who work in factories, one of Nora’s friends from the Boeing B-17 plant is one of his victims, and he strangles them with a pair of pantyhose, dresses them in an apron and draws a smile on his target's face.
Nora is scared, the atmosphere in America is already tense, Japanese people have been interned and the country is worried about being attacked, everyone has to follow the blackout rules and are anxious. Nora starts looking at the people she knows differently, trying to figure out who it could possibly be and she considers? The nasty men at work, a bully in her son’s class, someone who wanted to rent her apartment and even her own son!
I received a copy of The Enemy at Home by Kevin O’Brien from Edelweiss and Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The historical aspect of the narrative is really interesting, it highlighted how women’s roles changed during the Second World War, many re-joined the workforce, juggling housework and looking after children, rationing, scrap metal drives, blackout rules, constantly worrying about getting a telegram and receiving bad news about a loved one.
The thriller side to the story certainly kept me on the edge of my seat, with a serial killer on the lose, it was full of nail biting suspense and lots of twist and turns. I didn't guess who the maniac was, fours stars from me and I'm keen to read other books by Mr. O'Brien.
January 19, 2024
The Enemy at Home by Kevin O’Brien was a captivating and suspenseful historical fiction murder mystery thriller. It took place in Seattle, Washington during the Second World War. It was well written and fast paced. There were several twists and turns throughout the book that left me guessing up until the end. This was the first book that I have had the pleasure of reading by Kevin O’Brien. It was well plotted and kept me engaged throughout.
Life in the United States changed somewhat when the United States joined forces with the Allies and entered into World War II. Many jobs were left vacant by the men that were called up to serve their country or enlisted. Many women who had been stay at home mothers and housewives before the war were called upon to fill those positions. Lots of women wanted to do their part in the war effort so they applied for those jobs vacated by the men who were serving their country aboard. Nora Kinney was one of those women. She secured a job at the Boeing B-17 plant on the assembly line using a Riveting gun.
Before the United States entered the war, Nora and her surgeon husband, Pete, had led a very comfortable life. Pete had decided to enlist and was currently posted in North Africa. Nora worried for his safety but she knew that Pete would never be put in direct combat. He was serving as a medical doctor in the military. Nora missed Pete very much but was also very proud of him. They had two children, Chris who was seventeen years old and Jane who was twelve years old.
Although women were often called upon to fill the positions vacated by the men who were serving in the war, the men who had been denied the chance to serve their country due to one reason or another, were often placed in positions that oversaw the job performances of those women. The men bosses were known to torment the women and they more than often found fault with their work. They were over critical of these women and how they performed their jobs. Nora caught on quickly and easily and was able to perform her job well. She made friends with some of the women she worked with. Nora tried to do her best to ignore the negative comments she heard from the men in charge.
Then it was discovered, that over the next several weeks, some of the women who Nora worked with had been murdered in their own homes. The way the women were murdered was eerily the same for each victim that was discovered. Each woman was strangled with a pair of nylon stockings, an apron was put on each victim, a smile was painted on their face with red lipstick and their work clothes were left hanging in plain sight. When one of Nora’s friends became one of the victims, Nora was devastated. Worse still, that woman’s boyfriend was found at the scene of the crime and was shot by one of the police officers. The police thought that they had caught the murderer but Nora was sure that they were wrong. Nora began collecting facts about the women that had been murdered and tried to figure out who was so sinister to commit all these murders. Will Nora be able to figure out who the murderer is before he kills again or will the police be able to find the killer?
The Enemy at Home by Kevin O’Brien touched upon many aspects of life that were prevalent during the years of World War II in the United States. Families had to use ration books to buy the things they needed, blackout curtains were enforced, the planting of Victory Gardens were encouraged, Japanese Americans were sent to internment camps and women became part of the work force. The Enemy at Home was about serial murders, secrets, family, bullying, racism, anti-gay hatred, mental health issues and trust. The characters were deeply drawn and flawed in their own ways. The Enemy at Home was fast paced and well plotted. It drew me in immediately and held me captive until the last page. I went back and forth between the audiobook and print version of The Enemy at Home. The audiobook was very well narrated by Hilary Huber. I really enjoyed The Enemy at Home by Kevin O’Brien and recommend it very highly.
Life in the United States changed somewhat when the United States joined forces with the Allies and entered into World War II. Many jobs were left vacant by the men that were called up to serve their country or enlisted. Many women who had been stay at home mothers and housewives before the war were called upon to fill those positions. Lots of women wanted to do their part in the war effort so they applied for those jobs vacated by the men who were serving their country aboard. Nora Kinney was one of those women. She secured a job at the Boeing B-17 plant on the assembly line using a Riveting gun.
Before the United States entered the war, Nora and her surgeon husband, Pete, had led a very comfortable life. Pete had decided to enlist and was currently posted in North Africa. Nora worried for his safety but she knew that Pete would never be put in direct combat. He was serving as a medical doctor in the military. Nora missed Pete very much but was also very proud of him. They had two children, Chris who was seventeen years old and Jane who was twelve years old.
Although women were often called upon to fill the positions vacated by the men who were serving in the war, the men who had been denied the chance to serve their country due to one reason or another, were often placed in positions that oversaw the job performances of those women. The men bosses were known to torment the women and they more than often found fault with their work. They were over critical of these women and how they performed their jobs. Nora caught on quickly and easily and was able to perform her job well. She made friends with some of the women she worked with. Nora tried to do her best to ignore the negative comments she heard from the men in charge.
Then it was discovered, that over the next several weeks, some of the women who Nora worked with had been murdered in their own homes. The way the women were murdered was eerily the same for each victim that was discovered. Each woman was strangled with a pair of nylon stockings, an apron was put on each victim, a smile was painted on their face with red lipstick and their work clothes were left hanging in plain sight. When one of Nora’s friends became one of the victims, Nora was devastated. Worse still, that woman’s boyfriend was found at the scene of the crime and was shot by one of the police officers. The police thought that they had caught the murderer but Nora was sure that they were wrong. Nora began collecting facts about the women that had been murdered and tried to figure out who was so sinister to commit all these murders. Will Nora be able to figure out who the murderer is before he kills again or will the police be able to find the killer?
The Enemy at Home by Kevin O’Brien touched upon many aspects of life that were prevalent during the years of World War II in the United States. Families had to use ration books to buy the things they needed, blackout curtains were enforced, the planting of Victory Gardens were encouraged, Japanese Americans were sent to internment camps and women became part of the work force. The Enemy at Home was about serial murders, secrets, family, bullying, racism, anti-gay hatred, mental health issues and trust. The characters were deeply drawn and flawed in their own ways. The Enemy at Home was fast paced and well plotted. It drew me in immediately and held me captive until the last page. I went back and forth between the audiobook and print version of The Enemy at Home. The audiobook was very well narrated by Hilary Huber. I really enjoyed The Enemy at Home by Kevin O’Brien and recommend it very highly.
February 23, 2024
I give this one by Kevin O'Brien 5/5 stars--because it's a great suspense story, which was perfect to read on a lazy summer afternoon, but, even more so, for the book's setting during World War II. Since I was a kid, I've read A LOT about WWII but very little of that reading has been about the home front during the war years.
The story focused on a "Rosie the Riveter," Nora, who is working at a Boeing plant in Seattle. It was fascinating to read about the life of a woman during that time. Nora was working to take care of her family while her husband was away at the front, and, of course, there's the constant fear of that visit by a military officer and priest to tell her that her husband was killed. And, no surprise, there's the resentment of and prejudice against Nora and the other women by the men who have to work alongside them in the plant. I should add that it was no surprise but still disturbing to read about and it certainly gave me greater sympathy for the women helping to win the war!
We have quite a good mystery story as a serial killer known as the "Rosie Ripper" is killing the women working in the factories for the war effort. I believe this was an entirely fictional aspect of the story. Actually, I hope it was...Like any whodunit, I tried to guess who was the murderer and, as usual, was wrong!
Excellent historical fiction and a great suspense story ( as the suspense built up, I could not put the book down and so read the last fifty pages or so in one sitting). 5 stars.
Thanks to Kensington Books for the Advanced Reading Copy!
The story focused on a "Rosie the Riveter," Nora, who is working at a Boeing plant in Seattle. It was fascinating to read about the life of a woman during that time. Nora was working to take care of her family while her husband was away at the front, and, of course, there's the constant fear of that visit by a military officer and priest to tell her that her husband was killed. And, no surprise, there's the resentment of and prejudice against Nora and the other women by the men who have to work alongside them in the plant. I should add that it was no surprise but still disturbing to read about and it certainly gave me greater sympathy for the women helping to win the war!
We have quite a good mystery story as a serial killer known as the "Rosie Ripper" is killing the women working in the factories for the war effort. I believe this was an entirely fictional aspect of the story. Actually, I hope it was...Like any whodunit, I tried to guess who was the murderer and, as usual, was wrong!
Excellent historical fiction and a great suspense story ( as the suspense built up, I could not put the book down and so read the last fifty pages or so in one sitting). 5 stars.
Thanks to Kensington Books for the Advanced Reading Copy!
August 31, 2023
Combining two of my favourite genres, mystery and historical fiction, author Kevin O'Brien has a winner with The Enemy At Home.
Set in 1943 Seattle during WWII Nora Kinney's husband is stationed in North Africa. In order to contribute to the cause Nora finds a job at the Boeing B-17 plant. She worries she is neglecting her teenage children by being away from home when tragedy occurs. One of Nora's co-workers is found murdered. That is just the beginning to a horrifying series of events involving women being murdered in the exact same manner.
Nora feels a connection to the killer and fears for the safety of herself and her family.
The scenes of suspense had my heart racing and the chilling atmosphere was the perfect setting.
A page-turning, captivating read!
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Set in 1943 Seattle during WWII Nora Kinney's husband is stationed in North Africa. In order to contribute to the cause Nora finds a job at the Boeing B-17 plant. She worries she is neglecting her teenage children by being away from home when tragedy occurs. One of Nora's co-workers is found murdered. That is just the beginning to a horrifying series of events involving women being murdered in the exact same manner.
Nora feels a connection to the killer and fears for the safety of herself and her family.
The scenes of suspense had my heart racing and the chilling atmosphere was the perfect setting.
A page-turning, captivating read!
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
August 27, 2023
The Enemy at Home combines historical fiction and suspense to create an eye-opening yet chilling examination of WWII era "Rosie the Riveter" female workers who fill in at factories while the men are overseas fighting. When a serial killer begins hunting the women, fear takes over the women of Seattle. Riveter and mother Nora Kinney must grapple with working full-time among resentful men and maintaining a household with her two children while her doctor husband serves in Africa. As more women are killed, Nora also takes on the task of investigating the murders and she finds herself in over her head, putting both herself and her loved ones in danger. This emotional and suspenseful read is a page-turner and perfect for fans of Kristin Harmel and Fiona Davis.
Many thanks to Kensington Books for my complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Kensington Books for my complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 20, 2023
This historical/suspense/mystery story was riveting (yup, I meant that pun). I literally couldn’t put this one down. The writing was excellent and I liked the characters quite a bit. I did think that the red herring story line was a bit too obvious but I still enjoyed the mystery. The twist, while I did figure it out, was fun and well written. Nora’s husband is in the military doing his part for the war and Nora is about to start work at a riveter to do her part. But a man has been hunting the “Rosies” and murdering them in their homes. A wonderful book and I love how it calls out the atrocious way Japanese and gay people were treated in this timeframe.
November 9, 2023
Kevin O’Brien is another author who seems to believe that we, as readers, will not comprehend what he has illustrated. I mean, he did a fine job showing us misogyny, racism, and other prejudices, but then he kept feeling the need to explain what was happening, as if we could not recognize it for what it was on our own. I cannot stand when writers insult the intelligence of the reader, so this was incredibly off putting, but there were other elements I enjoyed.
I was immersed in the historical detail of The Enemy at Home, and I did encounter moments when the story evoked emotion, truly capturing the horror of war from the side of those not directly fighting in it. The author did shine a light on a number of issues from that time period - many issues that, sadly, remain prevalent in modern society.
The novel was definitely longer than it needed to be. While the author commendably tackles a lot, I found the writing to be overly detailed and, at times, repetitive.
Nora, as the protagonist of the novel, was deeply frustrating. I thought she seemed rather ignorant about many things. I was incredibly unimpressed with many of her words and choices, especially within the second half of the book.
The story, among other things, included a serial killer who was strangling female riveters in Seattle, Washington in 1943. I was suspicious of a certain character early on and around the 200 page mark, I felt quite certain that I was correct. (I was!) It, in fact, seemed glaringly obvious to me.The author did toss out some red herrings, but I found the attempt to distract from the true culprit ineffective. Those red herrings, however, did create a sense of intrigue regarding the characters they focused on, and there were some surprises surrounding those micro mysteries.
As a thriller, this was not terribly riveting (wink, wink), and slimming it down a bit could have made it more exciting. I had, for the most part, believed it to be a decent and informative historical fiction read. The truly unfortunate thing is that anything positive I saw in this book was eradicated within the last several cringeworthy chapters. I found that once we started to see inside the killer’s head, everything was just ridiculous. His thought process and approach to things were cartoonish, and the decisions made by other characters made me lose any modicum of respect I may have possessed for them. I had expected to give this 3 stars throughout most of the novel, and I remain stunned by how awful that ending was.
I am immensely grateful to Bibliolofestyle and Kensington Books for my copy. All opinions are my own.
I was immersed in the historical detail of The Enemy at Home, and I did encounter moments when the story evoked emotion, truly capturing the horror of war from the side of those not directly fighting in it. The author did shine a light on a number of issues from that time period - many issues that, sadly, remain prevalent in modern society.
The novel was definitely longer than it needed to be. While the author commendably tackles a lot, I found the writing to be overly detailed and, at times, repetitive.
Nora, as the protagonist of the novel, was deeply frustrating. I thought she seemed rather ignorant about many things. I was incredibly unimpressed with many of her words and choices, especially within the second half of the book.
The story, among other things, included a serial killer who was strangling female riveters in Seattle, Washington in 1943. I was suspicious of a certain character early on and around the 200 page mark, I felt quite certain that I was correct. (I was!) It, in fact, seemed glaringly obvious to me.The author did toss out some red herrings, but I found the attempt to distract from the true culprit ineffective. Those red herrings, however, did create a sense of intrigue regarding the characters they focused on, and there were some surprises surrounding those micro mysteries.
As a thriller, this was not terribly riveting (wink, wink), and slimming it down a bit could have made it more exciting. I had, for the most part, believed it to be a decent and informative historical fiction read. The truly unfortunate thing is that anything positive I saw in this book was eradicated within the last several cringeworthy chapters. I found that once we started to see inside the killer’s head, everything was just ridiculous. His thought process and approach to things were cartoonish, and the decisions made by other characters made me lose any modicum of respect I may have possessed for them. I had expected to give this 3 stars throughout most of the novel, and I remain stunned by how awful that ending was.
I am immensely grateful to Bibliolofestyle and Kensington Books for my copy. All opinions are my own.
September 6, 2023
We are all familiar with what war times entail. But thankfully this book wasn't so cliche when it comes to the role of women in it. When the ongoing war has taken Nora's husband offshore to a different continent, she is left behind with 2 kids to take care of. But the role of women isn't limited to taking care of their loved ones, they are now being given the chance to do their bit by working in a War plant. But not all the men are happy about women taking up jobs and a secret killer is now targeting all these women and they do know not how to stay safe anymore. Homes, offices, gardens nowhere seem to be safe.
The book explores the story from a woman's PoV and gives you glimpses of the struggles of raising children on their own, working in a racist environment and still feeling like an outsider. An added psycho touch did elevate the plotline for sure, particularly the way the antagonist's behaviour is explained was so good. The book also makes a point to address a few community issues( #lgbt ) amidst the ongoing storyline, which did add another layer to my reading experience.
Thankyou @netgalley @tantoraudio for the digital ARC
Genre: #historicalfiction #mysterythiller
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
The book explores the story from a woman's PoV and gives you glimpses of the struggles of raising children on their own, working in a racist environment and still feeling like an outsider. An added psycho touch did elevate the plotline for sure, particularly the way the antagonist's behaviour is explained was so good. The book also makes a point to address a few community issues( #lgbt ) amidst the ongoing storyline, which did add another layer to my reading experience.
Thankyou @netgalley @tantoraudio for the digital ARC
Genre: #historicalfiction #mysterythiller
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
August 16, 2023
This book is a great combination of historical fiction and mystery/thriller. The main character, Nora Kinney, is a wife and mother in Seattle in 1943. Her husband, Pete, is a doctor and joins the military. Nora wants to do something to help the war effort, so she goes to work as a riveter at the local Boeing plant.
The book does a wonderful job of establishing the setting and time period with references to the clothing of the times, food and fuel rationing, and the prejudice many women and minorities faced on the job. Nora has to learn to adjust to the new reality of her life, working and raising her two children while her husband is overseas. Her teenage son was difficult even when his dad was home, and things become worse when Pete is away.
Adding stress to an already difficult situation, there seems to be a serial killer on the loose who is targeting women working in the factories of Seattle. Nora and some of her friends fit the profile of the victims. That, as well as some other elements of murders, makes the crimes hit close to home for Nora. Nora doesn't sit back and wait for the killer to strike again. She starts asking questions, putting herself and her family in danger. There are plenty of believable suspects and I kept changing my mind about who I thought the killer was. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a different kind of thriller and/or historical novel. I would rate it 4.5 stars.
Thank you to BTC Books and Kensington Books for the advance copy of this book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
The book does a wonderful job of establishing the setting and time period with references to the clothing of the times, food and fuel rationing, and the prejudice many women and minorities faced on the job. Nora has to learn to adjust to the new reality of her life, working and raising her two children while her husband is overseas. Her teenage son was difficult even when his dad was home, and things become worse when Pete is away.
Adding stress to an already difficult situation, there seems to be a serial killer on the loose who is targeting women working in the factories of Seattle. Nora and some of her friends fit the profile of the victims. That, as well as some other elements of murders, makes the crimes hit close to home for Nora. Nora doesn't sit back and wait for the killer to strike again. She starts asking questions, putting herself and her family in danger. There are plenty of believable suspects and I kept changing my mind about who I thought the killer was. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a different kind of thriller and/or historical novel. I would rate it 4.5 stars.
Thank you to BTC Books and Kensington Books for the advance copy of this book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
August 24, 2023
I’ve never been a fan of books about serial killers, but since one of my favorite genre’s is WWII, I decided that I wanted to read this book anyway. So glad I did!
I love books that give you multiple possible perpetrators in a murder mystery. It adds to the suspense so much and this one just drove me crazy with switching from one possibility to the next throughout the read. I kept cringing every time someone was about to be killed because the pattern was really very creepy and getting creepier each time. So, the storyline was really great and very interesting even thought it was about a serial killer which still makes me mentally and physically cringe.
The time period and place were so interesting because not only was it about WWII but it all took place on the West Coast of the United States and was about the women who were working jobs at Douglas Aircraft in Oregon for the war effort. Well, I took a personal interest because my Mother’s younger sister had worked at McDonald Aircraft in San Diego, California during the war. This story included what life was like for the women who were left behind to wait for the the men, their men, to return from the war and just how independent they had to learn to become after mostly being relegated to being housewives and or mothers prior to the war.
I enjoyed this read so much even though parts were a bit scary.
I received this book from Kensington Publishing Corp.
I love books that give you multiple possible perpetrators in a murder mystery. It adds to the suspense so much and this one just drove me crazy with switching from one possibility to the next throughout the read. I kept cringing every time someone was about to be killed because the pattern was really very creepy and getting creepier each time. So, the storyline was really great and very interesting even thought it was about a serial killer which still makes me mentally and physically cringe.
The time period and place were so interesting because not only was it about WWII but it all took place on the West Coast of the United States and was about the women who were working jobs at Douglas Aircraft in Oregon for the war effort. Well, I took a personal interest because my Mother’s younger sister had worked at McDonald Aircraft in San Diego, California during the war. This story included what life was like for the women who were left behind to wait for the the men, their men, to return from the war and just how independent they had to learn to become after mostly being relegated to being housewives and or mothers prior to the war.
I enjoyed this read so much even though parts were a bit scary.
I received this book from Kensington Publishing Corp.
September 16, 2023
Set against the backdrop if ww2 notmais at home with her teenage kids chris and Jane while husband pete is a medic in the war. Norma stars a job at a factory gir the war effort and then a serial killer dtarts murdering women from the factory.
I love the narrator i felt the story through the voices and the emotion is there.. Thecstory hs gull of twists and turns and deals with deeper issues of tge time such as homosexuality abandonment racisim the holocaust. All the characters are well written and the story us well oaced. I was hooked listening. The big reveal took a whike to come and i wanted the rpilogue ho go on a bit longer.
Thank you netgallery publisher and author and narrator for a 5 star lusten.
This woulx appeal to anyine who likes a good mystery set in historic tines.
I love the narrator i felt the story through the voices and the emotion is there.. Thecstory hs gull of twists and turns and deals with deeper issues of tge time such as homosexuality abandonment racisim the holocaust. All the characters are well written and the story us well oaced. I was hooked listening. The big reveal took a whike to come and i wanted the rpilogue ho go on a bit longer.
Thank you netgallery publisher and author and narrator for a 5 star lusten.
This woulx appeal to anyine who likes a good mystery set in historic tines.
June 22, 2024
As war rages across Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific, a married woman with her husband overseas tries to keep the home fires burning for herself and her children all while a serial killer is taking out the women Rosies working the factories of Seattle. Kevin O’Brien is a known mystery writer to me for his contemporaries so I was thrilled to win a historical mystery he wrote set against the backdrop of WWII on the homefront.
The Enemy at Home is not just laying out a cunning murder mystery, but leans hard on the historical setting for a personal drama story about housewife, Nora, doing what she can to take care of her family after her husband, who is a doctor, volunteered and now is serving in North Africa. With rationing and her husband only drawing army pay now, Nora must get into the workforce and finds a solid though tough job working in a factory. This is where she learns of other women factory workers going missing and the serial killer becomes a threat to more.
I enjoy historical mysteries best of all that deliver both a clever mystery and a human interest story in a well-researched and well-written historical setting. The Enemy at Home is just such a book and I knew it from the start when Nora is being terrified in her suburban home by prowlers who are picking on her house because she used to rent out her garage apartment to Japanese Americans who have since been interned at a camp. A sad part of history both the internments and the prejudice and fear going on while the world was at war. Nora’s vulnerability, doubts in her ability to hold down the household, and even how it all affects the kids comes out so I felt I was there back in the past. The setting of the factories and even the policing and the mystery solving in that era all worked to make a good story. Now, there are little bits that seemed to come up and then not really get fully addressed, but overall, and particularly that finish had me well satisfied with The Enemy at Home.
And so, a solid mystery in a less than usual historical setting that I can recommend to other historical mystery fans.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 6.12.24.
#ThriftyThursdayChallenge
The Enemy at Home is not just laying out a cunning murder mystery, but leans hard on the historical setting for a personal drama story about housewife, Nora, doing what she can to take care of her family after her husband, who is a doctor, volunteered and now is serving in North Africa. With rationing and her husband only drawing army pay now, Nora must get into the workforce and finds a solid though tough job working in a factory. This is where she learns of other women factory workers going missing and the serial killer becomes a threat to more.
I enjoy historical mysteries best of all that deliver both a clever mystery and a human interest story in a well-researched and well-written historical setting. The Enemy at Home is just such a book and I knew it from the start when Nora is being terrified in her suburban home by prowlers who are picking on her house because she used to rent out her garage apartment to Japanese Americans who have since been interned at a camp. A sad part of history both the internments and the prejudice and fear going on while the world was at war. Nora’s vulnerability, doubts in her ability to hold down the household, and even how it all affects the kids comes out so I felt I was there back in the past. The setting of the factories and even the policing and the mystery solving in that era all worked to make a good story. Now, there are little bits that seemed to come up and then not really get fully addressed, but overall, and particularly that finish had me well satisfied with The Enemy at Home.
And so, a solid mystery in a less than usual historical setting that I can recommend to other historical mystery fans.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 6.12.24.
#ThriftyThursdayChallenge
July 30, 2023
A different take on WWII novels, with a gripping story that unfolds in 1943, Seattle, as a serial killer targets women working in war-related plants across the city. I couldn't put this one down, then couldn't sleep afterward. Thrilling!
April 10, 2023
4.5 stars that I am rounding up to 5 simply because this was so action packed and clever that I'm still trying to catch my breath. Granted, I figured out the who pretty easily and pretty early, but I had no idea of the how or the why. What an amazing bit of storytelling this was. I highly recommend it.
May 7, 2023
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Nora recently got a job while her husband is fighting a war. When a co worker is found murdered, Nora is scared. When more women are murdered, Nora is unsure of who she can trust. This book grabbed my attention from the start.
July 11, 2023
Thank you Between the Chapters, Goodreads & Kensington for the advance copy of The Enemy at Home. I appreciate the free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The beginning started off slow and jam packed with information. I did learn quite a few things about what was going on during the time of the book. That's one thing that I love about historical fiction is the tidbits of info you get.
I have to mention that I am a librarian, and when there is no mention in the book description that quite a large part of the book deals with LGBTQ+ situations it is misleading. I have no issues with the topic, but there are quite a few patrons that would be put off by this book. I think having the knowledge beforehand helps readers decide if this book would be for them.
I did enjoy guessing who the killer was in this book. There are lots of twists and turns and I will admit I did not correctly guess the killer so that was fun. I am impressed with the women during that time, trying to do what they could to help during wartimes and having to go through the verbal abuse of men who didn't want them working right alongside them. It opened my eyes to a lot of prejudices during that time.
A few of my favorite lines:
"On the West Coast, they’d started implementing citywide blackout drills months before Pearl Harbor. Cities would go completely dark by eleven at night, making it difficult for potential enemies to target major population centers."
"Unaccompanied women in bars could be hauled into the police station and held overnight—just because they might be hookers or Allotment Annies."
“Maybe you should go back to your kitchen and start wearing a skirt again, honey—along with an apron. Stick to your cooking and knitting.”
"The war had caused an epidemic of juvenile delinquency—especially among boys approaching draft age."
“If you have to try to be attracted to somebody, then the whole relationship is in trouble.”
“Hello, Nancy Drew,” Richard said."
“He’s been watching our house, Chris,” she said. “I’m sure of it.”
"There were a lot of advantages to being dead."
#betweenthechapters #theenemyathomenovel
The beginning started off slow and jam packed with information. I did learn quite a few things about what was going on during the time of the book. That's one thing that I love about historical fiction is the tidbits of info you get.
I have to mention that I am a librarian, and when there is no mention in the book description that quite a large part of the book deals with LGBTQ+ situations it is misleading. I have no issues with the topic, but there are quite a few patrons that would be put off by this book. I think having the knowledge beforehand helps readers decide if this book would be for them.
I did enjoy guessing who the killer was in this book. There are lots of twists and turns and I will admit I did not correctly guess the killer so that was fun. I am impressed with the women during that time, trying to do what they could to help during wartimes and having to go through the verbal abuse of men who didn't want them working right alongside them. It opened my eyes to a lot of prejudices during that time.
A few of my favorite lines:
"On the West Coast, they’d started implementing citywide blackout drills months before Pearl Harbor. Cities would go completely dark by eleven at night, making it difficult for potential enemies to target major population centers."
"Unaccompanied women in bars could be hauled into the police station and held overnight—just because they might be hookers or Allotment Annies."
“Maybe you should go back to your kitchen and start wearing a skirt again, honey—along with an apron. Stick to your cooking and knitting.”
"The war had caused an epidemic of juvenile delinquency—especially among boys approaching draft age."
“If you have to try to be attracted to somebody, then the whole relationship is in trouble.”
“Hello, Nancy Drew,” Richard said."
“He’s been watching our house, Chris,” she said. “I’m sure of it.”
"There were a lot of advantages to being dead."
#betweenthechapters #theenemyathomenovel
September 3, 2023
*Thanks to Kensington Books for this giveaway win! So exciting!
4.5
Grudge, apron, lipstick…
37 yo housewife and mother of two, Nora has just been hired as a B-17 riveter at Boeing, while her husband is stationed in North Africa.
During the wartime years, a serial killer is targeting the female factory workers in Seattle. He is dubbed the “Rosie killer”, by the press and public, referring to the likeness of Rosie the Riveter.
Not everyone loves the Rosies . A prevalent attitude among many is to “want the woman to stay home in the kitchen where she belongs. A woman should not be taking a man’s job.”
Could this be why the killer is strangling his victims with nylons, dressing them in an apron, and painting a lipstick smile on their faces?
Tensions will mount! Suspicions will arise! There seems to be a link to Nora! And Nora is the “keeper of secrets.” What is she hiding?
*That was one wild ending!
*Lots of possible suspects . Multiple suspects, each with a plausible argument for being the killer.
* When I first read the book summary, I immediately thought of The Devil in the White City (Larson). Both are good reads!
*I was aware of submarine attacks in the Aleutian Islands & Oregon but did not know about the attack near Santa Barbara, CA. Much info online.
* Presented the widespread attitudes about women in the workplace. Seemed to hit the mark with the descriptions.
*Rosie the Riveter has a Pittsburgh & Westinghouse Electric connection! Check it out! Lots of info online!
*First time reader of this author. I would read previous books!
*I appreciated little details like Scarlet Kiss lipstick and Royal purple brand of nylons from Sears!
*Lots of twists and turns until the final unmasking! I recommend!
#TheEnemyAtHomeNovel
4.5
Grudge, apron, lipstick…
37 yo housewife and mother of two, Nora has just been hired as a B-17 riveter at Boeing, while her husband is stationed in North Africa.
During the wartime years, a serial killer is targeting the female factory workers in Seattle. He is dubbed the “Rosie killer”, by the press and public, referring to the likeness of Rosie the Riveter.
Not everyone loves the Rosies . A prevalent attitude among many is to “want the woman to stay home in the kitchen where she belongs. A woman should not be taking a man’s job.”
Could this be why the killer is strangling his victims with nylons, dressing them in an apron, and painting a lipstick smile on their faces?
Tensions will mount! Suspicions will arise! There seems to be a link to Nora! And Nora is the “keeper of secrets.” What is she hiding?
*That was one wild ending!
*Lots of possible suspects . Multiple suspects, each with a plausible argument for being the killer.
* When I first read the book summary, I immediately thought of The Devil in the White City (Larson). Both are good reads!
*I was aware of submarine attacks in the Aleutian Islands & Oregon but did not know about the attack near Santa Barbara, CA. Much info online.
* Presented the widespread attitudes about women in the workplace. Seemed to hit the mark with the descriptions.
*Rosie the Riveter has a Pittsburgh & Westinghouse Electric connection! Check it out! Lots of info online!
*First time reader of this author. I would read previous books!
*I appreciated little details like Scarlet Kiss lipstick and Royal purple brand of nylons from Sears!
*Lots of twists and turns until the final unmasking! I recommend!
#TheEnemyAtHomeNovel
August 18, 2023
I'm not a big thriller reader but I won this from the publisher so of course I'm going to read it. This one is a different take on the WWII novels. This one takes place in America with things going on while the men are in the war. First of all, people would have a blue star displayed on their house if someone in the family was away at war. Big flag to criminals. Also, the blackouts. No one could have any lights showing after 11:00 so everything was very dark outside. Another great thing for criminals. You have women home alone without their men. Women are joining the workforce and many men are not happy about it. Someone is killing women who work in the factories. Nora's husband is away fighting the war and she has two kids at home. She too has joined the workforce to make some extra money. She knows about the murders and her 17 year old son is acting very strange, but is he a killer? Nora is trying to piece things together but the police are not going to listen to a woman. I liked that there were multiple suspects so I wasn't sure who did it. I enjoyed it and I enjoyed how it all ended. The thing about thrillers is that you do not want to put them down and this one was no exception. I had to know how it will all play out.
-The jukebox was playing Glenn Miller's "Chattanooga Choo Choo."
-The jukebox was playing Glenn Miller's "Chattanooga Choo Choo."
September 4, 2023
I won this book in a Good Reads giveaway. I enjoyed the different historical aspects set in the United States. At times, it was predictable, but overall, it was a very enjoyable book. I would recommend this book to people who like historical fiction. I plan to read other books by Kevin O'Brian.
November 7, 2023
This story definitely brought the fact that there are dangers beyond the battlefield when there is a war going on. I like the family and social dynamics that are explored in the book. It's a long story, but has you engrossed all throughout.
July 25, 2023
4.5 which I gladly round up to 5 because when I wasn't turning the pages of The Enemy at Home I was wishing I was.
Kevin O'Brien has combined two of my favourite catergories: historical fiction and suspense and as always he tells a great story that has those lights on long after they should be turned out.
Nora on the home front during WW2 joins the war effort while her husband is away serving his country. She becomes a riveter.
Someone is not happy that the women are taking over the men's jobs and doing it well.
A fellow riveter is found dead in her home and then another one is murdered just as brutally.
Someone is not happy that the women are taking over the men's jobs and doing it well.
The suspense builds with every page as Nora feels that the murderer is someone she knows.
Everyone is on edge.
Highly recommend you get your copy of The Enemy at Home and put it to the top of your TBR pile.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books, Kensington for a captivating read.
Kevin O'Brien has combined two of my favourite catergories: historical fiction and suspense and as always he tells a great story that has those lights on long after they should be turned out.
Nora on the home front during WW2 joins the war effort while her husband is away serving his country. She becomes a riveter.
Someone is not happy that the women are taking over the men's jobs and doing it well.
A fellow riveter is found dead in her home and then another one is murdered just as brutally.
Someone is not happy that the women are taking over the men's jobs and doing it well.
The suspense builds with every page as Nora feels that the murderer is someone she knows.
Everyone is on edge.
Highly recommend you get your copy of The Enemy at Home and put it to the top of your TBR pile.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books, Kensington for a captivating read.
August 31, 2023
The Enemy at Home is a WWII book that takes place on the home front. Someone is killing women working as riveters in airplane factories in Seattle. Nora, whose husband is a doctor in the military, begins work at the factory and struggles to balance work and her two children. A couple other characters enter her life and complicate it even more. The book was suspenseful and I was engrossed throughout most of it. I loved all the details of life at home during the war and the sacrifices made by all families to support the war effort. Thanks to Kensington Books for an ARC of this book won through a Goodreads giveaway.
August 12, 2023
I found this to be a refreshing take on a novel set during WWII. Instead of focusing on where the battles were taking place, the setting is Seattle. It gives a glimpse of what life was like as the war raged, and it shows us that other threats existed.
The main character, Nora, is left to continue raising their two children when her doctor husband leaves for war. Chris, the seventeen year old son, has secrets and sneaks out at night. When confronted as to where he goes, Nora knows he is lying. Jane, the twelve year old daughter, is still young enough to be much easier for Nora to handle on her own. Into the mix, comes Nora's younger brother, Ray, who is irresponsible and tends to leave chaos in his wake whenever he visits.
At the beginning of the book, Nora has just started a job as a riveter for Boeing. Soon, a few of the women who also work wartime jobs there are strangled in their homes. Nora starts to fear that these murders have a connection that hits close to home.
I liked the way the author combined the WWII setting with the suspenseful serial killer story. The book was interesting all the way through, and there were a number of intriguing characters. This was a book that kept me wondering what would happen next.
The main character, Nora, is left to continue raising their two children when her doctor husband leaves for war. Chris, the seventeen year old son, has secrets and sneaks out at night. When confronted as to where he goes, Nora knows he is lying. Jane, the twelve year old daughter, is still young enough to be much easier for Nora to handle on her own. Into the mix, comes Nora's younger brother, Ray, who is irresponsible and tends to leave chaos in his wake whenever he visits.
At the beginning of the book, Nora has just started a job as a riveter for Boeing. Soon, a few of the women who also work wartime jobs there are strangled in their homes. Nora starts to fear that these murders have a connection that hits close to home.
I liked the way the author combined the WWII setting with the suspenseful serial killer story. The book was interesting all the way through, and there were a number of intriguing characters. This was a book that kept me wondering what would happen next.
July 3, 2023
The story was good, but it was somewhat repetitive and boring, I skimmed lots of this book. I was sure of who did it early on and I wasn't wrong. I thought it was mostly grueling to pick it up to read, but I finished it! I would not recommend this to anyone who likes fast pasted thrillers, but maybe it might appeal to cozy readers, because it certainly was that. Not my favorite.
Want to read
September 4, 2023The Enemy at Home
Written by Kevin O’Brien
Publisher Kensington Books
Release Date August 22, 2023
Characters:
Plot:
Pace:
Suspense:
Overall Enjoyment:
Set in 1943 In Seattle we meet wife and mother Nora Kinney, her husband and Dr. Pete, and their children Chris and Jane. This takes place during WW2 where at one time the family lived in the Capital Hill neighborhood until the war changed their lives. Pete joins the military and is swept away to Africa and so Nora wields a riveting gun working at a Boeing plant. Soon after her start, men were unhappy that the women were procuring what they perceived as their jobs. Misogyny and racism were running rampant throughout the plants. As time went on things started becoming missing. Things that obviously belonged to women. Soon, women working in the plants started turning up dead. Obviously due to the fact that men thought women belonged in the kitchen and not performing men’s work. Unfortunately during this time, Nora is dealing with an unruly son at the same time but when one of the victim’s turns out to be her friend, the situation changes drastically. Nora fits the profile of the killers victims.
The killer leaves his calling card by using pantyhose to strangle his victims, placing an apron on them and taking lipstick and drawing a smile on their face. When he is done he hangs a pair of pants outside to show that he has been there. Nora has started asking questions. She does not seem to be worried that she is placing her family in jeopardy. That is until she realizes that the last few victims were guests in her home AND that she has all of the items that the killer is using missing from her home. There are a few clues that seem to be right in front of her. Is Nora able to find the killer before he kills again? Is the killer someone that she knows?
She places a tenant, Joe, in a room above the garage and it seems like he is a hit with everyone. Yet there is still suspicions in regards to whom the killer is as they could be several people. As the ending draws near there are several suspects that have caught Nora’s attention but only one does she feel a strong connection to.. Is the killer who she thinks it is?
I love how the author ties everything together by weaving the story lines together. The characters are so well developed, flawed and adroit that it took me by surprise and I just could not put the book down. The suspenseful drama that explodes when you turn each page opens you to another twist on what feels like a roller coaster ride. There were a couple of chapters that were filled with a ton of information about Nora and her family that may not have necessarily been important and caused the story to drag on a bit but overall, I enjoyed ever about it.
5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest
Written by Kevin O’Brien
Publisher Kensington Books
Release Date August 22, 2023
Characters:
Plot:
Pace:
Suspense:
Overall Enjoyment:
Set in 1943 In Seattle we meet wife and mother Nora Kinney, her husband and Dr. Pete, and their children Chris and Jane. This takes place during WW2 where at one time the family lived in the Capital Hill neighborhood until the war changed their lives. Pete joins the military and is swept away to Africa and so Nora wields a riveting gun working at a Boeing plant. Soon after her start, men were unhappy that the women were procuring what they perceived as their jobs. Misogyny and racism were running rampant throughout the plants. As time went on things started becoming missing. Things that obviously belonged to women. Soon, women working in the plants started turning up dead. Obviously due to the fact that men thought women belonged in the kitchen and not performing men’s work. Unfortunately during this time, Nora is dealing with an unruly son at the same time but when one of the victim’s turns out to be her friend, the situation changes drastically. Nora fits the profile of the killers victims.
The killer leaves his calling card by using pantyhose to strangle his victims, placing an apron on them and taking lipstick and drawing a smile on their face. When he is done he hangs a pair of pants outside to show that he has been there. Nora has started asking questions. She does not seem to be worried that she is placing her family in jeopardy. That is until she realizes that the last few victims were guests in her home AND that she has all of the items that the killer is using missing from her home. There are a few clues that seem to be right in front of her. Is Nora able to find the killer before he kills again? Is the killer someone that she knows?
She places a tenant, Joe, in a room above the garage and it seems like he is a hit with everyone. Yet there is still suspicions in regards to whom the killer is as they could be several people. As the ending draws near there are several suspects that have caught Nora’s attention but only one does she feel a strong connection to.. Is the killer who she thinks it is?
I love how the author ties everything together by weaving the story lines together. The characters are so well developed, flawed and adroit that it took me by surprise and I just could not put the book down. The suspenseful drama that explodes when you turn each page opens you to another twist on what feels like a roller coaster ride. There were a couple of chapters that were filled with a ton of information about Nora and her family that may not have necessarily been important and caused the story to drag on a bit but overall, I enjoyed ever about it.
5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest
August 25, 2023
Set in Seattle during WW II, The Enemy At Home by Kevin O'Brien is a spellbinding story about love, loss, women's role shifts during war, perseverance and hope.
Nora's doctor husband Pete is away serving in North Africa. Though financially comfortable, Nora contributes to the war effort by becoming a riveter in a Boeing factory. Some don't appreciate that women including herself are "stealing" jobs from men and her life isn't easy. She proves her mettle but has other struggles as well. Suspense and murder enter the scene adding yet more fear into already precarious circumstances. Anti-Japanese sentiments are rife and there is family drama in Nora's home.
Though the story is gripping my favourite aspect is the writing itself which is gorgeous, thoughtful and evocative. I really like the insight into human nature and slices of life during one of the most horrendous times in world history. Not only did people endure ostracization, humiliation, blackouts, food rations and extreme poverty but also constant anxiety about survival.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this riveting novel.
Nora's doctor husband Pete is away serving in North Africa. Though financially comfortable, Nora contributes to the war effort by becoming a riveter in a Boeing factory. Some don't appreciate that women including herself are "stealing" jobs from men and her life isn't easy. She proves her mettle but has other struggles as well. Suspense and murder enter the scene adding yet more fear into already precarious circumstances. Anti-Japanese sentiments are rife and there is family drama in Nora's home.
Though the story is gripping my favourite aspect is the writing itself which is gorgeous, thoughtful and evocative. I really like the insight into human nature and slices of life during one of the most horrendous times in world history. Not only did people endure ostracization, humiliation, blackouts, food rations and extreme poverty but also constant anxiety about survival.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this riveting novel.
November 4, 2023
I received this novel free via a Goodreads giveaway. It took me a while to get through it, but I did quite enjoy it. Thank you to the author and the publishing company for the free, pristine print copy. It even came with a nice bookmark.
The story is very well told. The characters are realistic and believable. As I read, I found it easy to imagine the scenes and people in my head. The author did a great job of bringing the characters to life. The story flowed well and made sense. I also appreciated learning a bit about that time in history.
I can imagine this novel being made into a movie. It has the right elements and enough suspense. The protagonist is a strong woman who is raising two children on her own while her husband is away at war. She fights her own battles at home while working as a riveter, as a serial killer stalks women in Seattle where she lives. There are some unexpected twists and turns in the story, enough to keep the reader guessing. I feel that it deserves 5 stars because the quality of the writing is outstanding and didn't leave me hanging at the end.
The story is very well told. The characters are realistic and believable. As I read, I found it easy to imagine the scenes and people in my head. The author did a great job of bringing the characters to life. The story flowed well and made sense. I also appreciated learning a bit about that time in history.
I can imagine this novel being made into a movie. It has the right elements and enough suspense. The protagonist is a strong woman who is raising two children on her own while her husband is away at war. She fights her own battles at home while working as a riveter, as a serial killer stalks women in Seattle where she lives. There are some unexpected twists and turns in the story, enough to keep the reader guessing. I feel that it deserves 5 stars because the quality of the writing is outstanding and didn't leave me hanging at the end.
April 1, 2024
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Kensington Publishing for picking me to win this FREE ARC Copy in a giveaway on their website last fall.
This was my first time reading a Historical Fiction Novel by Kevin so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i really enjoyed this one from Page 1.
The Characters were so fun and enjoyable to read about. Nora was definately my favorite as i really felt for her with everything she was dealing with from her husband over in Africa to dealing with a Son who was acting out as well as trying to bring income in. That's alot for a Military Wife to deal with.
The Setting was so beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in 1943 Seattle Washington especially when the scenery was described.
I especially loved how accurate Kevin was with the WW2 Time Line which i think made this Novel that much more enjoyable.
Overall a Wonderfully Written Historical Fiction!! Can't wait to read more by Kevin in the future!!
Review:
Thank you to Kensington Publishing for picking me to win this FREE ARC Copy in a giveaway on their website last fall.
This was my first time reading a Historical Fiction Novel by Kevin so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i really enjoyed this one from Page 1.
The Characters were so fun and enjoyable to read about. Nora was definately my favorite as i really felt for her with everything she was dealing with from her husband over in Africa to dealing with a Son who was acting out as well as trying to bring income in. That's alot for a Military Wife to deal with.
The Setting was so beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in 1943 Seattle Washington especially when the scenery was described.
I especially loved how accurate Kevin was with the WW2 Time Line which i think made this Novel that much more enjoyable.
Overall a Wonderfully Written Historical Fiction!! Can't wait to read more by Kevin in the future!!
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