Death in Focus

Elena Standish, Book 1

By: Anne Perry

Narrated by: Susan Lyons

In the start of an all-new mystery series set in pre-World War II Europe, an intrepid young photographer carries her imperiled lover's final, urgent message into the heart of Berlin as Hitler ascends to power.

On vacation from London on the beautiful Italian coast, 28-year-old Elena Standish and her older sister Margot have finally been able to forget some of the lasting trauma of the Great War. Touring with her camera in hand, Elena has found new inspiration in the striking Italian landscape, and she's met an equally striking man named Ian. Not ready to part from one another, she and Ian share a train trip home to England. But a shocking murder disrupts their agenda, forcing Elena to personally deliver a message to Berlin that could change the fate of Europe.

Back home, Elena's diplomat father and secretive grandfather - the former head of MI6, unbeknownst to his family - are involved in their own international machinations. Working behind the scenes as Elena tries to complete her mission on the ground, they interfere with a crucial political rally for one of Germany's most outspoken fascists. With Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich on the rise, and Elena caught in the middle of an international incident, anyone she encounters might be part of a deadly plot.

In the first novel of a riveting new series by best-selling author Anne Perry, family secrets merge with suspense on the world stage, and Elena learns that, in these complicated times, no one can be trusted, and she must learn to rely only on herself.

©2019 Anne Perry (P)2019 Recorded Books

Promising Beginning of a New Series From a Master

Gradual start until the murders start. Twists and turns in plot. Spine tingling to the very end.

Another excellent Anne Perry series

Very good story. II look forward to more. I found the reader to be rather dreary, though.

Wow I want to hear more!

I am a huge fan of Anne Perry’s although some of her books are not as satisfying as others. This one did not disappoint. It was exciting until the very end with twists and turns I did not foresee. I can’t wait for the next installment of Elena Standish’s story in the lead up to World War II.

Fantastic book!

The story was fantastic! I loved every minute of it and hope there will soon be another in this series!

Wow keeps you on the edge of your seat!

I wasn't sure I would like this book but I was wrong .Should have known I would like Anne Perry.

Wow! Spies, Brown Shirts, Gestapo, Brave English Girl!

I didn’t expect such an exciting pre WWII story with so much danger and excitement. I never listened to an Audible book so fast. It was wonderful but horrific, too. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to listening to the next book in the series but … I need to a little Jane Austen to calm myself down.

The beginning of WWII

So many secrets of intrigue and suspense but yet the main character remains naive. Very exciting and descriptive. I thoroughly enjoyed the intertwined plot with twists and turns and the major revelation at the very end. Standing ovation.

Surprise Ending

I was surprised by the ending. I didn't see that coming. Good read. Eleanor was a likable character.

First listen of this series

Very entertaining. Weaving actual events with the fictional characters that build into a suspense ending

Anne Perry Channels Alfred Hitchcock

I was eager to listen to the first book of Anne Perry's brand new series, having listened to most of her other series. This new book with its female protagonist reminded me of an Alfred Hitchcock film, think Alex Hannay in the 39 Steps, where an innocent person is unwittingly sucked into a drama they have no knowledge of and has to wend their way through despite what happens to them.
Having read Pitt and Monk and the World War I books, I was pleasantly surprised by this book - Elena is a refreshing character, an innocent, unlike Hester who nursed in the Crimea and Charlotte who "married beneath her station". I love that Perry is creating new characters and new series in a different time, and I'm ready for the next Elena Standish book.