Friends and Traitors

What a great book! Bound to capture and delight all younger audiences (and older audiences too. I am well into adulthood and I was hanging off every word!). It was such an exciting story and one filled with daring, adventure, secrets, espionage and treason.

At a time when the world was at war, schools were displaced and a different kind of life endured as bombs reigned overhead and Hitler fought a battle to control the world. St Olave’s school is moved to the home of Lord Oversham, and Sidney meets Nancy, the flame haired maid who will never let injustice get her down. When their pair catch wind of a plot that could unravel the British forces protecting the country, they must engineer a daring scheme to save the course of the war…

It was so entertaining and I raced through needing to know what was going to happen. It was written so well and with such a core topic of the Second World War handled expertly as well. It really was a great book and one I really enjoyed from start to finish.

This is the third book from #Netgalley that has literally blown me away. I was hooked right from the first page and by the time I got to the second page, I was already sure that this will be the core text in one of my courses sooner or later. It is just incredibly well-written and it intrigues the readers right from the beginning. I am already thinking about how to get hold of an author visit for my students.

It really is THAT good!

Friends and Traitors by Helen Peters is an absolute gem, perfect for young readers who have enjoyed the thrilling adventures of the Murder Most Unladylike Series. Set against the backdrop of the Blitz, when children were evacuated to the English countryside for safety, this story is a gripping and exhilarating page-turner from start to finish.

Peters skillfully immerses readers in the tense atmosphere of wartime England, where danger lurks around every corner. The plot is rife with intrigue, as Sidney and Nancy stumble upon a plot that could potentially unravel the very fabric of British forces protecting the country. One of the highlights of Friends and Traitors is the strong focus on the bond between Sidney and Nancy. Their friendship blossoms against all odds, and their contrasting personalities complement each other perfectly. Nancy's unwavering determination and Sidney's resourcefulness make for a dynamic duo.

Peters' storytelling is both vivid and engaging, transporting readers back in time to a perilous era. Young readers will be enthralled by the historical context, learning about the bravery and resilience displayed by children during the Blitz. The themes of courage, loyalty, and the fight against injustice resonate strongly throughout the narrative, making it an empowering read for young minds.

Nosy crow comes with some brilliant authors and book. Helen Peters Friends and Traitors is definately up there with the best books we have read this year. The children all found something of interest in the story and followed it up with many questions and internet searches to find out more. I thoroughly enjoyed it and suspect that my grumpy husband did too, although he was allegedly reading the paper (without turning the pages). The only sour note was when my youngest grandchild asked me what it was like during the war !