The Prime Minister's Secret Agent by Susan Elia MacNeal

The Maggie Hope series by Susan Elia MacNeal is getting better and better! The audacious heroine, exciting story, stunning scenery, thorough research and luminous writing makes The Prime Minister's Secret Agent a joy to read.  I also liked the touches of culture and the description of the language of flowers. MacNeal also has a bibliography for those interested in learning more about the historical background to her tale.

In this book, Maggie, now an instructor at the S.O.E. school at remote Arisaig in Scotland, suffers from the Black Dog and loneliness.  Even taking in a stray cat doesn't cure her.  When she becomes involved in a mystery involving her good friend whose life is in danger, however, she soon returns to her old self. Maggie has to work out why she saw sheep with strange markings on the island and why her friend is ill.

The second story in the book involves the lead-up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, whether Churchill knew and the failure of American intelligence.  This is just as well-written and interesting, although somewhat sympathetic to the Japanese.

If you are interested in riveting Second World War mysteries, this is a must-read.  I can't wait for the next one!