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on June 3, 2017
Amazingly, I liked this book. I say amazingly because I've read Rhys Bowen before and not been that impressed by his writings. This WWII/spies story line always interests me and so I delved right into it. It was a little slow getting to the point and I must admit that I found the premise of actually killing the Prime Minister at a garden party a little trite and unbelievable, but I continued reading hoping that I would become completely lost in trying to figure it out. Alas, I never reached that point. Easy to figure it out and the ending was somewhat dull after that.
on February 19, 2017
Farleigh Field is the home of Roderick Sutton, Lord Westerham, his wife Esme and their five daughters. It is a small estate near Elmsleigh, Kent. Their nearest neighbors are Reverend Cresswell and his son Ben, Sir William and Lady Prescott and their son Jeremy, and Colonel and Mrs. Huntley. The middle Sutton daughter, Lady Pamela (Pamma) is the same age as and has grown up with Ben Cresswell and Jeremy Prescott. The Prescott's are a wealthy family, and as the book starts in 1939, Jeremy has just passed his flying lessons and is taking his friend, Ben, up for a ride in his newly purchased airplane. He flies too close to a garden party at Farleigh Field and crashes the plane, injuring Ben, who walks with a limp afterward.
The book then fast-forwards to 1941, where we find that Pamma is working at Bletchley Park, translating German messages. Jeremy is an RAF ace but was shot down and captured, and there has been no word from him, but suddenly he appears after having escaped from a German Prison Camp. Pamma believes that there is an unspoken agreement between her and Jeremy for after the war, however, it appears that Ben has feelings for Pamma, as well. As Ben is not fit to fly or fight, he works for MI5, tracking down spies in England. One day, a London evacuee living with the Gatekeeper at Farleigh Field finds the body of a parachutist in a field. The body is dressed in the uniform of the Royal West Kent Regiment, who have taken over half of Farleigh Field. There is no one missing from the Regiment, and the uniform on the body is not quite correct, so Ben is sent down to investigate. Ben feels that the parachutist must have been going to meet someone in the area and he must determine who the contact was to be and whether they were a German spy. Meanwhile, Lady Margo, Pamma's older sister, has stayed in Paris with her boyfriend, whom she realizes is working for the Resistance, after she is taken to Gestappo headquarters. The Gestapo has said that they will release her friend if she goes back to England to spy for them.
Farleigh Field is a stand-alone novel by Rhys Bowen, who writes the Molly Murphy and Her Royal Spyness series, as well as the Constable Evan Evans series. I have enjoyed her writing for many years and was looking forward to this book, both because of the author and the World War II period. I was pleased to receive this book for no cost from Kindle First due to my Amazon Prime membership.
I was immediately drawn into this novel. The author's writing is so fluid that I feel that I am actually transported to Farleigh Field instead of reading the pages. The reading is so effortless to me, which is why I enjoy her books. She has a grasp of period novels and must have thoroughly researched this period. The main characters are well-developed, as are several of the secondary characters, so you can imagine how they are feeling and why they make the choices they do. In Farleigh Field is a mystery, and I was able to determine the identity of the German spy, although it was not obvious. Although everything important was wrapped up at the end, it seems that there was enough of an opening that perhaps a sequel is planned.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, especially if they like reading about World War II.
The book then fast-forwards to 1941, where we find that Pamma is working at Bletchley Park, translating German messages. Jeremy is an RAF ace but was shot down and captured, and there has been no word from him, but suddenly he appears after having escaped from a German Prison Camp. Pamma believes that there is an unspoken agreement between her and Jeremy for after the war, however, it appears that Ben has feelings for Pamma, as well. As Ben is not fit to fly or fight, he works for MI5, tracking down spies in England. One day, a London evacuee living with the Gatekeeper at Farleigh Field finds the body of a parachutist in a field. The body is dressed in the uniform of the Royal West Kent Regiment, who have taken over half of Farleigh Field. There is no one missing from the Regiment, and the uniform on the body is not quite correct, so Ben is sent down to investigate. Ben feels that the parachutist must have been going to meet someone in the area and he must determine who the contact was to be and whether they were a German spy. Meanwhile, Lady Margo, Pamma's older sister, has stayed in Paris with her boyfriend, whom she realizes is working for the Resistance, after she is taken to Gestappo headquarters. The Gestapo has said that they will release her friend if she goes back to England to spy for them.
Farleigh Field is a stand-alone novel by Rhys Bowen, who writes the Molly Murphy and Her Royal Spyness series, as well as the Constable Evan Evans series. I have enjoyed her writing for many years and was looking forward to this book, both because of the author and the World War II period. I was pleased to receive this book for no cost from Kindle First due to my Amazon Prime membership.
I was immediately drawn into this novel. The author's writing is so fluid that I feel that I am actually transported to Farleigh Field instead of reading the pages. The reading is so effortless to me, which is why I enjoy her books. She has a grasp of period novels and must have thoroughly researched this period. The main characters are well-developed, as are several of the secondary characters, so you can imagine how they are feeling and why they make the choices they do. In Farleigh Field is a mystery, and I was able to determine the identity of the German spy, although it was not obvious. Although everything important was wrapped up at the end, it seems that there was enough of an opening that perhaps a sequel is planned.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, especially if they like reading about World War II.
on April 8, 2017
In Farleigh Field was a delightful WWII suspense mystery written with a style focused on character development, along with a heavy dose of drama that was felt by many in 1939 Britain, both in city and rural settings. The Westerham family with 5 daughters, three of whom were grown, one who thought she was and 12-year old Phoebe, my favorite. Phoebe along with her new friend Alfie were determined to solve the mystery of the supposedly German paratrooper in the British uniform whose parachute failed to open and fell to his death on the Farleigh estate. Phoebe knew her responsibility as "Lady Phoebe" was to remain calm and in control but her youthful curiosity usually got the best of her.
There were several suspects, and a bit of a surprise at the end. Romance and intrigue throughout with one of the daughters in France being interrogated by the gestapo, another working at "one of the ministries" and several times during the story, I wasn't sure whether the good guys really were good, or needed to be added to the suspect list. The book kept me interested from beginning to end. Easy reading, and a lot of fun.
There were several suspects, and a bit of a surprise at the end. Romance and intrigue throughout with one of the daughters in France being interrogated by the gestapo, another working at "one of the ministries" and several times during the story, I wasn't sure whether the good guys really were good, or needed to be added to the suspect list. The book kept me interested from beginning to end. Easy reading, and a lot of fun.
VINE VOICEon March 25, 2017
Very good readable history with terrific characters. The characters make the book, although it is a bit of "Downton Abbey" lives through WWII - which is not a criticism, just an observation. From the outset, two of the lead characters, Ben and Pamela, are people you want to root for. Ben is out of the war because of an accident in his youth. Pamela is thought to be "filing", but the reader knows she is at Betchley with the code breakers.
The story flows very well. The mystery is a good one in a historical setting as confirmed by the author's note at the end. Not only does the story flow well, it grips the reader, There are enough puzzles to keep the mystery reader rapt and a few twists to bring a bit of thrill into the mix.
Good characters, a good plot, good history. You don't need much more in a novel, do you? Highly recommended.
The story flows very well. The mystery is a good one in a historical setting as confirmed by the author's note at the end. Not only does the story flow well, it grips the reader, There are enough puzzles to keep the mystery reader rapt and a few twists to bring a bit of thrill into the mix.
Good characters, a good plot, good history. You don't need much more in a novel, do you? Highly recommended.
on May 15, 2017
I got this as a Kindle First and actually just let it sit there for several months before getting to it. When I chose it, it was simply the least bad of the batch sent that month. It's not the kind of book I would usually read.
I was pleasantly surprised by it. It's actually quite good. The characters are all very well-developed. The storyline keeps moving along without stalling out. The whodunit at the end is genuinely surprising. I usually figure out the bad guy pretty early on, but was hit upside the head when the bad guy was revealed at the end of the book. Didn't see that coming.
I'm no historian, but the entire setting of the book seemed accurate to me: the blackout curtains, the curfews, the rations, the kids being sent to the countryside, air raids, etc. The author did a wonderful job of creating an atmosphere that drew you in and kept you reading.
I was pleasantly surprised by it. It's actually quite good. The characters are all very well-developed. The storyline keeps moving along without stalling out. The whodunit at the end is genuinely surprising. I usually figure out the bad guy pretty early on, but was hit upside the head when the bad guy was revealed at the end of the book. Didn't see that coming.
I'm no historian, but the entire setting of the book seemed accurate to me: the blackout curtains, the curfews, the rations, the kids being sent to the countryside, air raids, etc. The author did a wonderful job of creating an atmosphere that drew you in and kept you reading.
on April 5, 2017
This was my Kindle First selection a couple months ago. I almost didn't choose it, but now that I've read it, I'm sure glad I did. If you're a fan of Downton Abbey, you'll probably enjoy this novel due to several main characters being members of upper class families. It's interesting to see how the people in England worked behind the scenes to support the war effort. This book is set mostly in 1941 before the U.S. entered the war. You get a look at the sacrifices most of the population of England made. I figured out the spies fairly early on, but that didn't stop my enjoyment of the book. For those who like intrigue, mystery, and a little romance but with no explicit sex, had language, and just a bit of mild violence, along with a nice dose of WW II history in a well written novel, this book is for you. Another plus: it's a fast read.
on May 10, 2017
For anyone accustomed to the light-hearted mysteries of Rhys Bowen, this is quite a change.
There are some stock characters here: the golden boy, for whom life is always bright and successful; the poor but bright vicar's son who lives in the shadow of his golden friend. The local lord has four daughters: one married and matronly, the second the golden girl to match golden boy; a discontented adolescent, and a bright youngest daughter who is curious and eager. Mix these in with World War II, Bletchley, military intelligence, and a plot to assassinate Churchill; try to identify the spy in the soup.
Although it sounds as light as Her Royal Spyness, this is a serious and suspenseful book. The outcome is a total surprise and you will cheer the victors. A thoroughly enjoyable read for anyone who loves war novels.
There are some stock characters here: the golden boy, for whom life is always bright and successful; the poor but bright vicar's son who lives in the shadow of his golden friend. The local lord has four daughters: one married and matronly, the second the golden girl to match golden boy; a discontented adolescent, and a bright youngest daughter who is curious and eager. Mix these in with World War II, Bletchley, military intelligence, and a plot to assassinate Churchill; try to identify the spy in the soup.
Although it sounds as light as Her Royal Spyness, this is a serious and suspenseful book. The outcome is a total surprise and you will cheer the victors. A thoroughly enjoyable read for anyone who loves war novels.
on May 12, 2017
With Rhys Bowen, I may have filled a void.
I'm sure I've read at least a dozen Dick Francis mysteries over the years. This author reminds me of Francis, though without the horse-racing aspect.
I'm also fond of the World War II British television series Foyle's War.
In Farleigh Field splits the difference, with just a vague echo of Graham Greene.
This tale, rife with disloyalty and espionage, is well constructed. I was able to make correct assumptions a bit early for the author's taste, I expect. Knowing that certain characters undoubtedly had a reason for being there, I was able to discern their motives or, at least, cultivate a suspicion about them.
This only mildly discourages the willingness to push on. The writing is lovely in its simplicity, admirable in its restraint, and carefully considered.
I'm sure I've read at least a dozen Dick Francis mysteries over the years. This author reminds me of Francis, though without the horse-racing aspect.
I'm also fond of the World War II British television series Foyle's War.
In Farleigh Field splits the difference, with just a vague echo of Graham Greene.
This tale, rife with disloyalty and espionage, is well constructed. I was able to make correct assumptions a bit early for the author's taste, I expect. Knowing that certain characters undoubtedly had a reason for being there, I was able to discern their motives or, at least, cultivate a suspicion about them.
This only mildly discourages the willingness to push on. The writing is lovely in its simplicity, admirable in its restraint, and carefully considered.
on May 21, 2017
I found IN FARLEIGH FIELD very enjoyable thanks in large part to the strong resemblance it bore to Downton Abbey, one of my favorite shows. Like Downton, it was set in a large country estate and followed the exploits of an upper class family during wartime.
The book follows multiple points of view as the Westerhams and the people in the nearby village wait for the surely inevitable German invasion. While some of the characters grated on me – Dido, the second-youngest daughter, particularly – I really enjoyed reading the chapters from Pamela, Ben, and Margot’s points of view (which was, fortunately, most of them). Phoebe, the youngest daughter, was also a delight and I would’ve loved more chapters from her point of view.
Central to the story’s plot is a mystery – who is the soldier who parachuted into the field at Farleigh, and who was he trying to contact? I figured it out pretty early on, but I cared about the characters enough that I didn’t really mind too much. I also loved the world Bowen crafted, both the upper class dinner parties and the intelligence bureaus Pamela and Ben worked for.
The book follows multiple points of view as the Westerhams and the people in the nearby village wait for the surely inevitable German invasion. While some of the characters grated on me – Dido, the second-youngest daughter, particularly – I really enjoyed reading the chapters from Pamela, Ben, and Margot’s points of view (which was, fortunately, most of them). Phoebe, the youngest daughter, was also a delight and I would’ve loved more chapters from her point of view.
Central to the story’s plot is a mystery – who is the soldier who parachuted into the field at Farleigh, and who was he trying to contact? I figured it out pretty early on, but I cared about the characters enough that I didn’t really mind too much. I also loved the world Bowen crafted, both the upper class dinner parties and the intelligence bureaus Pamela and Ben worked for.
