Fen's story from being a poor daughter in a mining community to her experiences during World War II is engaging from start to finish! A well earned 5 stars!

I have no idea where to start with my thoughts about this mesmerizing book, which held me under its spell for every deep emotion, every heart pounding scene, every line of superbly-crafted prose. It’s apt to use a magical term to describe a book that features an illusionist, an escape artist, a woman who uses her cunning and intellect to escape her hardscrabble life, and to help the Allies during WWII. Fenna Vos is one of the most extraordinary characters ever to inhabit any novel. Her life is shaped by hardships and trauma that left deep psychological scars, but also left her with a profound instinct for bravery and survival. Completely enraptured, I was swept up by Fen’s journey from 1928 Michigan when Fenna is an 11-year-old living with her widowed father; to her teenage years when she first discovers the magic of Houdini and also her first love; to 1942 when she is first the mastermind of a magic act, until she is recruited by British intelligence to use her skills to design gadgets and escape aids to help defeat the Nazis. I was completely invested in every aspect of Fenna’s life, always on the edge of my seat, as she faced memories and regret that haunted her, at the same time facing treachery and danger during wartime. I cried for her and with her, I celebrated her victories, I was fraught with worry, I was amazed by her cleverness, and I was in awe of her courage.

There’s something about Kristina McMorris’s books that I so want to enjoy. Her latest offering “The Ways We Hide” checks a lot of my historical fiction boxes. Parts about a love for Harry Houdini were a bonus, as my child is a huge fan of Houdini’s style of escapism magic. I liked the overall idea of this book - working for the war effort - but for the UK folks, not American; a woman using her knowledge of escapism to help try to win the war - sign me up. I enjoyed the story between Feena and Arie (best friends under difficult circumstances), but something was just “off” for me about this book. I will be in the minority, I’m sure, as Ms. McMorris’s books are well received. So, if this book interests you, I’d say give it a try. It didn’t quite work for me - and articulating why is frustrating since it checked so many boxes for me. I may give this book another try at a later date. If/When I do, I’ll revise my review. Overall, 3.5 stars.