A Traitor in Whitehall

A Mystery

By: Julia Kelly

Narrated by: Marisa Calin

"Calin's versatile characterizations, subtle accents, and comfortable pacing capture this privileged world wherein modern ideas clash with traditional values"—AudioFile on The Last Dance of the Debutante

From Julia Kelly, internationally bestselling author of The Last Dance of the Debutante, comes the first in the mysterious and immersive Evelyne Redfern series, A Traitor in Whitehall.

"Kelly spins an Agatha Christie-esque mystery . . . thoroughly delightful and well-researched."—Susan Elia MacNeal

1940, England: Evelyne Redfern, known as “The Parisian Orphan” as a child, is working on the line at a munitions factory in wartime London. When Mr. Fletcher, one of her father’s old friends, spots Evelyne on a night out, Evelyne finds herself plunged into the world of Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s cabinet war rooms.

However, shortly after she settles into her new role as a secretary, one of the girls at work is murdered, and Evelyne must use all of her amateur sleuthing expertise to find the killer. But doing so puts her right in the path of David Poole, a cagey minister’s aide who seems determined to thwart her investigations. That is, until Evelyne finds out David’s real mission is to root out a mole selling government secrets to Britain’s enemies, and the pair begrudgingly team up.

With her quick wit, sharp eyes, and determination, will Evelyne be able to find out who’s been selling England’s secrets and catch a killer, all while battling her growing attraction to David?

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.

©2023 Julia Kelly (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"In Winston Churchill’s London underground bunker, Kelly spins an Agatha Christie-esque mystery featuring—who else?—one of Mr. Churchill’s whip-smart secretaries, of course! A thoroughly delightful and well-researched novel of London during the Blitz."—Susan Elia MacNeal, New York Times bestselling author of the Edgar-nominated Mr. Churchill’s Secretary, the Maggie Hope series, and Mother Daughter Traitor Spy

"Julia Kelly masterfully weaves history into gripping intrigue in this riveting WWII murder mystery. Evelyne Redfern is exactly the kind of intrepid, plucky heroine I love to root for and the details of Churchill’s cabinet war rooms were spot on and fascinating. A Traitor in Whitehall will keep you guessing as to who the killer might be as the pages fly by."—Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Librarian Spy

"Call the Midwife meets Mr. Churchill's Secretary in this riveting and atmospheric mystery set in wartime London. Readers will love the quick witted "Parisian Orphan" Evelyne Redfern who discovers the body of a deeply disliked colleague and decides to track down her killer. As she investigates, she uncovers the dark secrets of the people keeping the secrets in Whitehall. Sharp, charming, and fast-paced, A Traitor in Whitehall marks a stellar debut for a winning and original heroine."—Mariah Fredericks, author of The Lindbergh Nanny

Magnificent story in book and audio form.

I can not express how happy I was when I opened this page and saw that A Traitor in Whitehall is book one in a series. A. Series. OMG!! OMG!!! There is more to come. Happy Dance!!! I can't wait to see what Evelyn Redfern, the Parisian Orphan, gets up to next. I was excited to read this book because it was WW2 historical fiction. I soon found out it was that, but it is sooooooo much more.

There is something going on underground in Churchill's domain. Information is being leaked. Secrets are landing in the hands of the enemy. Details are being aired over the radio. Who does such a horrid thing? That is what is going through Evelyn's mind when she is recruited by Mr. Fowler.

She is to take a job as a pool typist in the Churchill's war rooms. She is to observe and report. She is to listen and report. She is to remain behind the scenes as she helps to uncover a traitor.

What wasn't expected was to stumble on a murder. What wasn't in the job description was to be locked in a room with a dead body. The story gets very interesting as she attempts to unravel the many comings and goings deep underground.

She soon finds herself working side by side with David Poole. He isn't who he pretends to be either. His secret won't be hidden for much longer. Truths are soon exposed. The dynamic between the two of them added a lot to the story. There was a lot of back and forth and opinions are strong. It was a great reminder of how different things were during that time period. We should not compare today's values to those during WW2.

It was such a rush to ride along as Evelyn and David discover what has been going on. How in the world did so much go in such a secure area? MIND BLOWING!!! I thought I had it figured out. They thought they had it figured out. We were all so wrong. What a rush. I was shocked into silence. Excitement grew.

The story was thrill after another. Details of what was happening all over England made the crimes even more hideous. I couldn't wait for them discover the mastermind. I refused to stop reading until I knew. I was almost as dedicated as they were as they left no stone unturned.

I am in a conundrum. I just finished the Audiobook. Freaking fantastic. I can't decide which I love more.

pretty good mystery

it took a while to get started. I don't like backtracking, it was confusing. once things proceeded with the investigation it was a great story that kept me guessing. it always helps when the murder victim is thoroughly unlikeable, so many more possibilities.

The main characters challenges

The story was well written and executed. Excellent and well portrayed. Great listen, highly recommend.

A great new series

I loved this book and I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.

Wonderful, Clean WW2 Murder/Spy Mystery

I loved everything; the narration, the main character, mystery, and hint of romance. It’s hard to find adult novels without sex scenes or swearing that are well written and well narrated. I can’t wait for the next one.

Excellent Start to New Series

I am a huge fan of historical mysteries in a variety of time periods, and this is destined to become a favorite. Set in the early days of WWII England, at the beginning of the Blitzkrieg, Churchill is building his arsenal to defend against and successfully defeat the Nazi war machine. Not all battles will be fought on the battlefield, and Evelyn Redfern just may have the skillset needed in the war of and on information. These characters are intelligent and dedicated, and even though Evelyn is headstrong, she isn't given to histrionics or TSTL moments. I cannot wait to see what adventures await Evelyn and David.

Great story telling!

Loved the story. Kept me intrigued and I loved how the historical aspect came into play. Julia does a great job of immersing the reader in another time period—as evidenced by her other novels as well. Glad she’s cranked out a mystery—looking forward to more of Evelyn Redfern!

Lovely Little Mystery

I enjoyed this lovely, little British mystery and look forward to the series. The narrator was fantastic!

An engrossing page turner

How do you describe an audiobook rendition of a page turner mystery novel, but engrossing? I thoroughly enjoyed Julia Kelly's number one in a new series of historical-based mystery novels. I love the main characters she has introduced. I'm very much hooked and look forward to the next in the series. Narrator Marisa Carlin is the perfect voice for the characters and did a wonderful presentation.

Outstanding on every level

Fantastic storyline, well paced and the character development was perfect. Can't wait for the next installment.