Blitz

A Novel

By: Daniel O'Malley

Narrated by: Moira Quirk

In this historical fantasy, a new recruit to the most powerful supernatural intelligence agency on Earth is accused of going rogue—and must go on the run to clear her name.

September, 1940. Three women of the Checquy, the secret organization tasked with protecting Britain from supernatural threats, stand in the sky above London and see German aircraft approach. Forbidden by law to interfere, all they can do is watch as their city is bombed. Until Pamela, the most sensible of them, breaks all the rules and brings down a Nazi bomber with her bare hands. The three resolve to tell no one about it, but they soon learn that a crew member is missing from the downed bomber. Charred corpses are discovered in nearby houses and it becomes apparent that the women have unwittingly unleashed a monster.

Through a city torn by the Blitz, the friends must hunt the enemy before he kills again. Their task will take them from the tunnels of the Underground to the halls of power, where they will discover the secrets that a secret organization must keep even from itself.

Today. Lynette Binns, a librarian with a husband and child, is a late recruit to the Checquy, having discovered only as an adult her ability to electrify everyday objects with her touch. After completing her training, she is assigned to examine a string of brutal murders and quickly realizes that all bear the unmistakable hallmark of her own unique power. Unable to provide an alibi and determined to prove her innocence, she flees, venturing into the London underworld to find answers. But now she is prey, being tracked by her own frighteningly capable comrades.

As Lyn fights off powered thugs and her own vengeful colleagues, she will find that the solution to the murders and to the mystery of her own past lies in the events of World War II, and the covert actions of three young women during the Blitz.

©2022 Daniel O'Malley (P)2022 Little, Brown & Company

Critic reviews

“With a relaxed style and array of fun characters, including an agent who makes people who look at him see their mother and a baby goat that turns into a little boy, O’Malley's latest will appeal to his many followers.”—Kirkus Reviews

Wonderful story

This was a wonderfully woven tale of then and now with all kinds of paranormal mixed in. The narration is just wonderful. I was totally vested in all the characters. Couldn’t possibly recommend this story more.

Got a recommendation for Daniel’s from a friend

I’ll be grateful for that recommendation for awhile to come hopefully. Unique and compelling plots in all three books so far

So excited to return to this story

I have lived every book in this series. This book is no exception. The only complaint I have is that I had to wait so long! Fun and engaging, this is a great mystery across 2 timelines.

Maybe the best of the series!

Wonderful story that was captivating from beginning to end. Hope another book in the series is in the works!

Witty and creative

The third book in this series is excellent as well. The narrator and author really complement each other

Not really a sequel, but great all thr same

New characters, and new struggles. This is not a continuation of the story of Rook Thomas. This is a refreshing look at the supernatural world through new eyes, and durring a different time period, that confronts differnt implications of how the Cheque fits in with the rest of the world. Same brutally dry wit, however.

Two-for-One! Great to hear more

Ever since the first in this series, I have loved these books. This one does not disappoint. Quirk is an amazing narrator - she won't let you down! I missed Rook Thomas as she only makes a small appearance in this book, but it's a very strong showing. Great work, Mr. O'Malley!

Absolutely fabulous!

Live read, and listened to all 3 books in this this series. Fell in love with Rook, re-read several times. Got the audio book (narration was just ok) but the narrator for Stiletto and now Blitz is amazing! The story itself for Blitz is my favorite so far. Love love Bridgette! Also has some of the most compelling descriptions of the bombing of London I’ve ever read. All 3 books have characters that are fully fleshed out, the stories are all entertaining and at least for me, grabbed my full attention with the first page. I hope the author continues this series. Side note: Starz had a series based on Rook on TV but it was so far and away NOT the story I had read. I could only watch the first episode and just a few minutes of the second. Myfanwy was made into some neurotic self-harming emo girl, the Lady was unrecognizable as well and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. What really disappointed me about the show was that all the humor, all the charm, all the warmth O’Malley’s characters possess were completely stripped away-especially from Myfanwy who is really very funny in her way.

Another excellent book in this series

Another excellent book in this series. Nice character development, pacing, and humor. Moira Quirk is an excellent narrator, just as in the previous book in this series.

Really, my only complaint is that it takes so long between book releases in the series, but, considering that the quality is so good, I guess that I can live with that.

could have been 2 books

I really came to love this book but I took a long break in the middle because I just got bored with it.