Rosie Meddon's Her Patriotic Duty is good, but uneven. It's certainly better than the cover would lead one to believe. It tells the story of a woman recruited by the SOE to weed out unreliable agents before they are sent to France. This middle part is the strongest part of the novel. I remain unclear whether this was an actual SOE operation. It is compelling either way and I found myself racing through as Esme Colbourne/Ward met each new agent. Where the book is weakest is when it deals with her real life, including her class-motivated decision to run away from home and a tepid romance with a member of the Admiralty. It's difficulty to put a finger on quite why I liked this book, but I found it better than my review may indicate. Overall, recommended as a solid read for someone who has read nearly everything in the genre.

This book gives an interesting, if slightly unbelievable, insight in to some of the methods used by SOE during WW2.I didn't find the characters very empathetic but the tale is generally well-written.

An exciting book to read. There was a good storyline and interesting characters especially Esme who took on various names as part of her job. There was enough description about her role in the war. It did have a happy ending. I do recommend that you read this book.

With thanks to netgalley and canelo for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Firstly can I say this is just a totally mesmerising journey I have loved every page and beautifully written amazing characters that you just love this is one very special book.

This was such a great plot and I commend the author for even thinking of this. I thought it was creative and I really enjoyed it. It's exactly what I needed to pull me out of a book slump!