"An Unquiet Peace" is the first book I've read by this author and it won't be my last. I was intrigued by both main characters: Evelyn Bishop, a former spy and now president of Bishop Aeronautics (I kept wondering if Evelyn had been inspired by Hedy Lamarr) and Nick Gallagher.

Evelyn and Nick are living together, and each is occupied with their professional concerns (Nick's a PI), but they're also considering formalizing their personal relationship through marriage.

The story opens with an wartime assignment Evelyn was on that now needs resolution. Evelyn had brought a German scientist, Kurt Vogel, out of Germany during the war, and the government had promised to extract his wife and daughter, which had not happened. Now, there is a possibility that these two may have survived. So Evelyn travels to battered post-war Germany to determine the truth and reunite the family, if possible. There are also attempts made on Evelyn's life as she traces elusive facts and rumours about Vogel's family.

Meanwhile, a former childhood friend of Nick's, Helen, who is also a brothel owner, comes to him for help. One of her girls, Julie, a bartender, is missing, and she needs someone reliable, and trustworthy, to help her find the young woman. Julie was going to university on the side, had loving parents and was known to have a good head on her shoulders. The LAPD had not been interested in searching, because brothel, and when Nick tried to engage, he encountered resistance and apathy.

I totally enjoyed this compelling story. Both leads are interesting, and I found their relationship fascinating as they support each other. It's a surprisingly equitable relationship, and I loved it.

I also liked the many twists and turns of both cases; they kept me engaged and entertained from start to finish, and I am anxious to read more about these two characters.

I went back and forth between the prose and audio for this book, and enjoyed voice actor Carrie Coello 's take on the characters. I liked the confidence and warmth she brought to Evelyn, and the toughness and underlying sensitivity of her Nick.

Thank you to Netgalley, Kensington Publishing and to Highbridge Audio for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Thank u for the advance audio book.

An Unquiet Peace is a well-paced and engaging historical mystery set in post-WWII Los Angeles. I didn’t realize it was the second book in a series, but it was still easy to follow. The author gives enough background to understand the characters and their relationships without feeling lost.

Evelyn and Nick are smart, compelling leads with great chemistry. The mix of espionage, murder, and slow-burn romance worked really well, and the 1940s setting added a cool, noir-like vibe.

I really appreciated the blend of historical context with thrilling mystery elements.
A few parts felt a little slow, and some side characters could’ve been more developed, but overall, it was a solid and enjoyable read. I’ll definitely check out the first book now!

I usually avoid World War II novels, as the topic often feels overdone in fiction. However, An Unquiet Peace was a refreshing surprise. While set during that time period, the story doesn’t dwell on the war itself—it focuses instead on what comes after, exploring healing, resilience, and human connection in a way that feels both authentic and engaging.

I especially appreciated the strong, well-developed female characters, who drive much of the narrative, as well as the supportive and nuanced male characters who complement them. The plot held my interest throughout, and I found the resolution both satisfying and emotionally resonant.

If you're looking for a WWII-era novel that offers a different perspective—one that highlights personal growth and hope rather than just conflict—An Unquiet Peace is well worth your time.

Historical fiction is not my favorite genre, yet I really enjoyed this story, I was sad when it was over. I enjoyed following the couple through daily life, and seeing historical feminism at its best. I'll be back for more from Shaina.

This is an engaging mystery set at the beginning of the Cold War era after WW2. It is a rich historical novel, with elements of espionage, mystery and romance, and good character development. 

It wasn't until I had finished the book that I realised it is the second one in a series which features the two main protagonists, so I can say that it is not necessary to read the first book in order to enjoy this one. Although I shall not now read the first, I shall be on the lookout for the next in this well-written series.

The audiobook, narrated by Carriue Coello, is very pleasant listening.

I gave An Unquiet Peace 3 stars, as it wasn’t quite for me. This wasn’t a typical read for me and I found myself having to push through to finish. The premise had promise, but I struggled to connect with the characters, as they felt a bit flat to me. I later realized this is the second book featuring these characters, which likely contributed to some of my difficulty connecting as I was clearly missing key backstory and emotional context.

That said, I think fans of the first book will appreciate the continuation, and the narration of the audiobook was well done.

Thank you NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for providing access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

So, as I'm coming here to write my review, I realize that this is book #2 in the series. I did not even realize that, so if you have picked this one up as a standalone, you will be fine.

But I will say that the book seemed familiar, as well as the characters, and now I know why!

That being said, Evelyn (Evie) is back...now running her family's Aeronautics business, Bishop Aeronautics.
BUT, she still feels like people don't think she is able to do this, as she is a woman.
Never mind that she was present in a big way during wartimes...running behind enemy lines and trying to help people get out.

And that is exactly where she met her fiance, Nick. He had helped her on an assignment, and they were drawn to each other... but the war got in the way...

Now, several years past the war, in the late 1940's, they are together again. Nick is now working as a PI. He has reunited with an old friend of his, who now runs a high-class brothel, who happens to be an incredible woman herself! But as Nick investigates the beating of a few women, and then the complete disappearance of another, he finds himself back at the brothel and talking at length to his old friend.

The Police, The Mob, The Neighborhood, and Evie are all somehow getting involved in the disappearance... which is only making it that much harder for Nick!

Terrific storyline with lots of twists and turns. This one was a terrific idea all around!!

#AnUnquietPeace by #ShainaSteinberg and narrated nicely by #CarrieCoello (Although I have to say that some of the voices totally irked me and got completely under my skin! So, I guess she did her job well!)

4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 5!

**** This has NOT YET BEEN RELEASED!! LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON SHELVES TOMORROW, 4/29/25!! ****

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and & #HighBridgeAudio for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.

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This was fantastic. It grabbed me from start to finish. I hadn’t realized it was part of a series but that was okay!

I swear I can always count on a good historical fiction mystery to pull me out of a reading slump. I loved this book! It was packed full of amazing characters, intriguing mystery, and all the allure of the late 1940’s. I just adored the duo of MC’s Nick and Evelyn, and how they were both simultaneously investigating different mysteries as their past lives collided with their new one. When requesting this book I didn’t realize it was the second book in a duo. And although I don’t feel it is necessary to have read the first book, I immediately ordered Under the Paper Moon upon finishing this one.

If you are a fan of historical fiction mysteries, stories from the post WWII era, and strong female MCs you have to check this one out!

I really enjoyed this storyline! The writing was well done and the mystery kept me until the end. I have not read this author before, and thus hadn't read the first book in this series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. There were references I definitely think reading the first book would've helped with, but I enjoyed the story even without those.

My first book from this author! I loved that this was a mix between Historical Fiction and mystery! While this is a stand a lone, I wish I would have read the first book first going into this.

The follow-up to Under the Paper Moon, An Unquiet Peace continues the story of Evelyn Bishop and Nick Gallagher. After the surprising ending of the first novel in the series, Evelyn finds herself in charge of Bishop Aeronautics and asked to help on a follow-up to one of her old OSS missions involving the scientist Kurt Vogel. That follow-up allows her to witness the Berlin Airlift first-hand while seeking missing people. Meanwhile, an old colleague of Nick’s has asked for his assistance because several of her gentlemen’s club employees have been injured and one went missing. And all this is happening alongside a visit from Evelyn’s Aunt Taffy and planning their wedding.

Just as fast-paced and action-filled as the first novel, An Unquiet Peace moves between Evelyn’s and Nick’s two cases, integrating their lives within both storylines. The banter in their relationship rings true, as does Evelyn’s relationship with her aunt, who is trying to fill in for her late mother and will likely become a continuing supporting character in future books. Also well-depicted is Evelyn settling into her new role as president of Bishop Aeronautics, including having to prove that a woman can run a company and finding a new assistant as hers is retiring, and Nick’s worry he is not good enough for Evelyn due to their different backgrounds. But when things take a turn for the worst, how will they react? How will those around them react? How will the two storylines converge?

Speaking to the narration, the narrator was the same as the first book, which is good for series consistency. The narrator also does a good job invoking the various emotions.

This book was such a great listen. It walks through a social light trying to get her bearings after being put in charge of her dad’s company after getting back from war and her fiancé who is a private detective. At times it made you laugh out loud. I had not read nook 1 but never felt lost. It could be read without reading book 1

An Unquiet Peace was an absolute treat, especially since it’s set during my favorite historical period—right after the end of World War II. The story cleverly weaves together two mysteries, both investigated by a dynamic couple, Nick and Evelyn, whose chemistry and deep mutual support really drive the narrative. I especially loved seeing the quiet strength of their relationship as they planned their wedding while navigating the challenges of post-war life. Their partnership felt genuine and grounded, adding emotional depth to the suspense. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job keeping me engaged, bringing both the characters and the richly detailed setting to life. The mystery kept me on my toes—twisty, well-paced, and full of surprises. A must-listen for fans of intelligent, immersive historical mysteries with heart.

This one hit that sweet spot between historical fiction and mystery, with a layered, emotional story that slowly pulled me in. The writing is beautiful—elegant but accessible—and it’s clear Shaina Steinberg put serious care into the research and detail. I loved how the past and present wove together, revealing family secrets and personal reckonings in such a thoughtful way. It wasn’t a fast-paced page-turner, but it was quietly gripping, and I found myself thinking about it long after.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars for this rich, reflective read—PG-13 for mature themes and wartime content.

I was hooked to the story from the beginning. It was a nice easy read which was easy to follow. The relationship between Evelyn and Nick was beautiful, both supporting each other in everything they do and loving each other unconditionally. I love the lack of judgement in Evelyn with the people around her she meets.

I didn't realised this book is apart of a series however it read well as a standalone. I didn't feel like I missed anything.

This book grabbed me from start to finish. There are a lot of moving parts to this novel but Shaina Steinberg does a good job of laying it all out and keeping it moving. Can't wait for the next novel.

As an undercover operative for the Office of Strategic Services during World War II, Evelyn Bishop routinely embarked on deadly missions. By contrast, civilian life should be simple. Yet Evelyn, now back in Los Angeles, struggles with the responsibility of being the new president of Bishop Aeronautics, when people see her as nothing more than a beautiful socialite.

With Nick Gallagher, at least, Evelyn can be entirely herself. Once a fellow spy, now her fiancé, Nick works as a private investigator. But the mission that first brought them together is not entirely over. Evelyn receives a call from her former commanding officer, who is overseeing the Berlin Airlift. He is concerned that the Soviets are trying to recruit Kurt Vogel, a scientist Evelyn and Nick smuggled out of Nazi Germany. After six long years, there’s word his wife and daughter may have survived the war. Is this a chance for a long-promised reunion, or a Russian ploy to lure Vogel to their side?

This was a highly captivating book. I'm thankful to the publisher to allow me to read an advanced copy to review.

I love WW2 books and this was so interesting as it was set in the aftermath of it but still dealt with it. Normally WW2 books end as the war ends but this gave an interesting perspective into life afterwards.

I felt this was a very sleek and hip book and it captured the tone of the time period.

I really loved the story except for the profanity. I deducted one star for this. This book captivated me from start to finish. I love history and I learned quite a bit. Well researched. The author makes it easy to “feel” the emotions in the story. This was the second in the series, but can be enjoyed as a stand alone. Great narration. If profanity doesn’t disturb you, I highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC, and my opinions are my own.

Historical fiction meets mystery thriller? Yes. Please. An Unquiet Peace was the perfect combination of my 2 of my favorite genres. Add in a little romance and you have the perfect story of strong female main character Evie. This book was a fun, easy, engaging audio listen that I finished in a day.