Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Since childhood I have been fascinated by the second world war, the French resistance and the role of the secret intelligence services. This book is too slight to convey the complex, multiple stories of those involved. It is more of an overview but it does pay tribute to the military and civilians who helped the Allies win the war.

Aside from the released files I felt there was little more to it? Unless I was missing the point. Overall I was disappointed and not what I was expecting.

A history of the intelligence section for escape and evasion, MI9 is the standalone book that this section has needed for quite some time. A thorough analysis of the section itself, and placed in context throughout, this is a valuable addition to any history of the Second World War.

Helen Fry writes that 'it is only when one has lost freedom that one realises it is the most precious thing'. This book certainly shows just what heavy sacrifices brave Resistance fighters and veterans made so that we could have these freedoms, and how we shouldn't easily give them away without extremely good and justified reasons.

MI9 was set up to facilitate the escape of British POW's from enemy territory and the return of those who evaded capture behind enemy lines. This book is a comprehensive look at its history and the important role which it played in World War Two. Although it is a factual and detailed account, there are many exciting stories here, such as the story of many people who worked on the Comet line of the French Resistance and the tale of the beautiful and shy Renata della Torre who helped British troops who had been captured by Italian Fascists and escaped. There is also a lot about the famous American Varian Fry and his Resistance network.

This is well-worth reading for anyone interested in World War Two and the Resistance. I am definitely interested in reading more books by Helen Fry.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Such a fascinating subject matter. MI9, the lesser known sibling to MI6, has its doors opened up in this book, giving insights into the missions and operations during world war two.
With such a history, books written about MI9 are better suited to be either overviews or in-depth reviews, this book is neither, it tries to do a bit of both but fails on both counts.
Whilst the history is fascinating I found this book a little boring at times, reading more like a school text book, lacking real depth in parts and certainly lacking the human element. Its great if you want to know the names, dates, facts of things but it does make it dull to read in places.
I think the history of MI9 could only be done by a multi-volume series as the there are a lot of details available. Where this book dedicates a chapter to a certain topic, this would be better as a detailed entire book.

This has been something of a mammoth read, taking me over 6 weeks (albeit interspersed with a couple of lighter reads in between).

There is a wealth of detailed information in this tome, and I have certainly learned a lot from reading it. The flow of the book could be improved however, as it does tend to jump around somewhat, so that bits of the information are repeated (necessarily due to the order of the writing). A good copy editor could soon sort that out.

Notwithstanding the above mentioned niggle, I thoroughly enjoyed this, and would still recommend it to anyone with an interest in the rather less known details of WWII. I am no expert on WWII, but learned a lot from reading this.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

We are all familiar with MI5 & MI6 but MI9 is less well known, the most secretive of all the intelligence sections, yet was absolutely key in the successful escape/return home of many POWs & crashed airmen during WW2. MI9 & the SOE were responsible for getting escape materials into POW camps to aid escape and for training officers on what to do if trapped behind enemy lines.
The book is an historical account of MI9’s formation, its evolution, its operations and its people. It also includes the work it did after the war was over to repatriate POWs and to trace those who helped in order to thank them & recompense them as needed.
This is an absolutely fascinating book that doesn’t sensationalise the stories, it focusses on the people & techniques used and includes quite a lot of new material not previously seen.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free from the publisher via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author/publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#MI9 #NetGalley

Fascinating insight. I'm still never sure whether we end up with the truth or not but for anyone interested in the subject this would be a must read

This academic text reads like a gripping spy adventure. It's well-trodden earth, but I felt it was completely new - lots of insights, vivid writing that made me feel I was living through this fascinating period, and all of the impartiality of a true professional.

Everyone knows about SOE, MI5 and MI6 but not MI9 the most secret of them all until now. It was established before war was declared based on the experience of escaped officers during WW1. The book is an historical account of its formation, evolution, and work. Agents were trained to be inserted in occupied countries to organise escape routes with the help of locals to enable service men that had escaped or were trapped in enemy territory to return home. Materials to aid escape was smuggled into POW camps. Training was provided on how to avoid capture; to RAF air crew if shot down, and other service personnel trapped behind enemy lines. The work encompassed all areas of operation from Europe to the far east and extended beyond the end of the war to include the repatriation of POWs and the honouring and paying compensation to officers, agents, and helpers as appropriate. The names of the leading agents and helpers are given of those betrayed, who manage to escape. Others who were arrested. tortured. and executed. A story of incredible courage, self-sacrifice, and devotion to duty in the face of betrayal and the ruthless pursuit of the German Gestapo in the destruction of all escape routes and it’s organisation. For those interested, a story of the experiences of a betrayed SOE agent escaping down an escape route to safety is given in a book; City of Spies by Mara Timon.

I have to say that I struggled a little with this book and finished it a bit disappointed. I found the book read more like a detailed report or University dissertation with the author dropping into the first person to give her own thoughts or views. I also found the claims made of new revelations could hardly be proved when the author herself noted that the 'sheer volume of material' now available was almost impossible to research.
Of course, an interesting subject but unfortunately it just didn't read well with me.
My thanks to NetGalley and Yale University Press for this opportunity to write a free and impartial review.

A fascinating book that takes you behind that takes you behind the veil of secrecy that existed during WWII. Definitely recommended to those readers who are interested in this type of book.

This is quite interesting but not one I would read cover to cover. Have read a couple of chapters and will probably dip into it again at a later date.