This book had that element that I was hoping for from a historical element that I was looking for. It was everything that I wanted from this type of book. It uses the spies element perfectly and thought this worked in the time-period. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and thought they worked in this universe. Cecily Blench wrote this perfectly and am excited for more in this series.

Cecily Blench’s Secrets of Malta is a mesmerizing journey into the shadows of war, where espionage meets archaeology against the sun-soaked backdrop of 1943 Malta. At the heart of this gripping tale is Margarita, a nightclub singer whose vibrant life in Valletta takes a sharp turn when she becomes entangled in the dangerous pursuit of a notorious Nazi spy known only as Nero. Just when the stakes couldn’t get higher, Vera—an enigmatic archaeologist and the wife of Margarita’s missing former lover—steps onto the scene, setting off a thrilling chain reaction of secrets, deception, and unexpected alliances.

What makes Secrets of Malta truly stand out is how Blench weaves together two rich timelines—the gritty wartime present and a haunting past in 1926 Syria—painting a vivid picture of history’s tangled web. The vivid descriptions bring Malta to life: its sun-drenched streets, hidden wartime shelters, and the palpable tension simmering beneath everyday life. But it’s the dynamic between Margarita and Vera that really anchors the story. Both women are wonderfully flawed, fiercely resilient, and their uneasy partnership sparks an emotional core that propels the novel forward.

The pace may start out gently as the story carefully builds its world and relationships, but trust me, every thread leads to a payoff filled with surprising twists and a climax that keeps you on the edge of your seat. For fans of atmospheric historical fiction with strong, complex female leads—think Kate Quinn or Pam Jenoff—Secrets of Malta promises a richly immersive reading experience that will leave you eager to explore more hidden histories and untold stories.

Dive in and get ready for a compelling tale of courage, betrayal, and the secrets that bind us—because Secrets of Malta is more than a story; it’s an invitation to see the past in a whole new light.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Picked it up because it was historical fiction and i went to Malta a few months ago and ended up being surprised to read a semi spy novel that takes place in WW2 :D

really enjoyed the setting, characters and tension build up.

the ending got muddled and confusing a bit ( but i did finish it 5 in the morning so may that was to blame :D )

overall an enjoyable book to pass the time

Thank you netgalley for providing and arc in exchange for an honest review

*Secrets of Malta* was an unexpected gem, equal parts atmospheric, suspenseful, and emotionally rich. Set in 1943, just as Malta is catching its breath from the devastation of war, this novel weaves together espionage, love, and resilience in a story that kept me turning pages late into the night.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Margarita and Vera, two women drawn together by the mystery of a missing man and pulled into a much larger and more dangerous web than they expected. The setting is vivid, and the historical details are layered without being overwhelming.

This is perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery and strong female leads. Definitely one to add to your list if you’re craving something atmospheric and full of intrigue.

Cecily Blench’s Secrets of Malta is an immersive historical novel that skillfully blends espionage, archaeology, and the complex dynamics of human relationships. Set primarily in war-torn Malta in 1943, with a secondary timeline in Syria in 1926, the book offers a richly detailed backdrop that immediately draws the reader in.

The protagonist, Margarita, is a nightclub singer in Valletta, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she is drawn into a dangerous game of wartime espionage. Her connection with Vera, an archaeologist and the wife of her former lover, Henry Dunn, forms the emotional core of the story. As they unravel the mystery of Henry’s disappearance and the identity of the infamous spy "Nero," their uneasy alliance evolves into a compelling dynamic.

What stands out most in Secrets of Malta is Blench’s evocative portrayal of place. The descriptions of Malta—its streets, underground shelters, and the ever-present tension of war—are beautifully done. The historical details feel well-researched, adding depth without overwhelming the story. The Syria sections, though not as prominent, provide an intriguing contrast and further develop the backstory of key characters.

Characterization is another strength. Margarita and Vera are complex, flawed, and engaging women, and their reluctant partnership is one of the highlights of the novel. The pacing, however, may not be for everyone. The first half takes its time building the world and relationships, which some readers might find slow. But for those who enjoy a gradual unfolding of intrigue, the latter half is a satisfying payoff.

Overall, Secrets of Malta is a rewarding read for fans of historical fiction, particularly those who appreciate strong female leads, atmospheric settings, and a blend of romance and espionage. If you enjoy Kate Quinn or Pam Jenoff, this novel will likely resonate with you.

Thank you to Netgalley for this e- copy of Secrets of Malta in exchange for a honest review. This is a well - written piece of historical fiction told in 2 different time frames . In 1926 Vera is an archaeologist working at a dig in Syria when her professor is killed in a tomb collapse . Years later the code name Nero that was associated with him re-emerges in Malta . He is accused of murder and espionage . How can this be when he has been dead for many years ? Or is it really him or someone else? This book keeps you guessing until the end.Lots of drama and intrigue..

I ended up having a fantastic time reading this book. Secrets Of Malta ended up being so much more than just another WWII story, with a dual timeline that takes you on a journey across multiple countries as well as time itself.

The blurb of Secrets Of Malta is actually just part of the plot, as this book actually has a dual timeline structure and switches between 1943 and 1926. I admit that this structure doesn't always work well for me, but in this case I loved both timelines equally. I think the fact that one of the main characters Vera is so present in both timelines really helps connecting the two and it makes the story flow more naturally. I loved the 1926 timeline with the focus on archeology, but the 1943 timeline with the espionage angle was excellent as well.

Secrets Of Malta uses a multiple POV structure, but it's quite easy to keep the different characters apart. I admit that you had to pay attention whenever Vera was in play, since she appears in both timelines, but it personally never slowed me down too much. Vera and Margarita are probably the two most interesting characters, although I really enjoyed the whole investigation into the mysterious spy Nero that Pratchett's POV offered.

One of the things I loved most about Secrets Of Malta was the amount of armchair travel it provided along the way, taking us to multiple countries as we follow the different characters on their journey. The 1926 Syrian setting was a highlight with its archeology focus, although I enjoyed the bookish travel in general. And while I admit that there were parts of the plot where the story slowed down a bit too much, I personally wasn't too bothered by it and I still enjoyed the journey. There were a couple twists I definitely didn't see coming, so that's always a bonus! I love it when a story manages to surprise me along the way.

As a whole, Secrets Of Malta turned out to be a well written and engaging piece of historical fiction that combines an international setting with an espionage angle and plenty of intrigue. I'm definitely looking forward to read more of this author in the future!

I absolutely loved everything about this book. It was a very great storyline and easy to follow. Very hard to put down once I started. Can’t wait to read more from this Author!

Marla, 1943 - WWII. A love affair with a married man. When he disappears, she befriends his wife. It has strange twists and turns.

As someone who has family in Malta, I absolutely loved the detailed accuracy of this book! Also, loved the pace of the story and the effort to make this book non-generic.

A dual time line story across 1926 in Syria and 1943 in Malta and Italy.
The war may be over but it still rages on in Europe.
Intelligence agencies discover there may be an intelligence leak in Malta and a German spy called Nero is still at large who could threaten stability in Europe. It is imperative he is captured and a host of characters are introduced in the hunt for Nero.
This is a cat and mouse intriguing spy thriller.
It did take me a few chapters to become captivated by the chase but once hooked the book was a page turner.
I have visited Malta and Italy many times and I loved the author’s descriptive passages of the countries.
A truly great historical fiction read.