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Publish Date:
6 Nov 25

The Blitz Secret
(Book 3)
By
Stephen Ronson

♥️Thank you @stephenronsonauthor for the opportunity to read the ARC of The Blitz Secret. This is my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

My thoughts:
John Cook reminds one of Jack Reacher….a Jack Reacher in 1940 Britain.
I have to say author Stephen Ronson gives a wonderful historical research of 1940 Britain. I found myself fully immersed in the history aspect.
But…..I have to say something about the pacing of the story. I am not sure who proofread the story….but, I found myself very surprised in the “disjointness” of the story. Please know, in no way did this take away from me liking the book nor, reading on and on. I just felt a bit confused with the way the chapters DID NOT flow consistently. Maybe its just me 🤷🏼‍♀️
I have read the previous books in the series and feel the flow of those books were more relatable.
Overall, I enjoyed reading The Blitz Secret….the characters, the historical research and plot were quite intriguing. For me, my only critique, the pacing seemed off and confusing at times.

Another clearly well researched novel that is totally immersive. Loved the London setting, and I could picture the areas the characters were making their travels. The world created beamed off the pages into a London Blitz setting. This series just gets stronger with every book as the Cook stories develop.

Another absolute hit. This author knows how to deliver.

John Cook returns for the third installment in this WWII historical adventure series. Cook decides to take Frankie, his ward/evacuee from London, into London to see his family for his birthday. Bombing raids are occurring sporadically at night in London so he plans to make it a quick trip and return to the relative obscurity of the countryside. While there, Cook becomes aware of a missing young woman named Ruby. Ultimately, he decides to try to find Ruby and determine whether she is alive or dead. His investigations in London among spies, gang thugs and prostitutes expose him to deadly danger.

From the quiet and darkness of the Sussex countryside to the spy-ridden menace of wartime London, this third novel in the series brings all the usual vivid depictions and meticulous research of Ronson’s two prior novels. Bombing raids are reducing swathes of the city to rubble, anyone could be a spy and therefore untrustworthy, and the ARP (Air Raid Precautions) are protecting the homefront with varying degrees of success. Against this adrenaline-filled backdrop, John Cook launches his own investigation into a missing girl case. To anyone familiar with Ronson’s first two novels, it is not surprising that the novel is well-written and filled with careful details. It is action-packed and full of adventure, although I must admit to being somewhat confused at times, with the abundance of characters and secret agendas. That isn’t a fatal flaw however and the confusion could just be mine. A solid addition to an exciting series.

I had read about 20% of this book before I checked and can see it is the third in a series. This wasn’t obvious when I requested the book. I kept thinking I was missing something, which was frustrating and confusing me.
I would really like to read the other books before finishing The Blitz Secret - as I believe I would very much enjoy them. I am going to go away and do that and will update this review after reading all three books. I am giving four stars as a holding rating for the first 20%. See you soon!

I really enjoyed this as a World War 2 historical thriller novel, it had that element that I was looking for and was engaged with what was happening. The concept was suspenseful and worked in the world that was set. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their journey during this story. Stephen Ronson wrote this perfectly and was glad I was able to read this.

The third book in the John Cook series. Usually set in the Sussex countryside this time Cook finds himself in London with evacuee Frankie. It is the beginning of the Blitz and Cook is looking for Frankie’s older sister Ruby who has disappeared.

Briefly, Ruby was thought to have been blown up when a bus received a direct hit. However, her body hasn’t been found so Cook starts digging into the murkier side of London and in particular East London Docklands which is a scene of utter carnage as the bombing raids wreak havoc and destruction. In the meantime his old flame and spy Lady Margaret, last seen rowing out to sea to meet a U- Boat, returns to the scene but with a different mission.

This is a story which doesn’t try and disguise the horror of the destruction in all its graphic detail but also shines a light on the bravery and heroism of those forced to endure it. I’m enjoying the Margaret character a lot and we are still waiting to find out the truth about her. A another very enjoyable read in this historical/thriller series.

Set in WWII, another great read in the John Cook series. A fast paced action book with lots of twists and turns. Set mostly in London Cook is looking to find a missing girl. Does he find her alive, that you will have to find out yourself when you read it.

Book 3 in the John Cook and Lady Margaret series but I think it can be read as a standalone as it makes sense but better read in order, Cook and Margaret have been through a lot together and you can tell via each book.

This one is set during the Blitz and you can tell how much research has gone into the setting, characters and storyline. Cook is on the hunt for a missing woman named Ruby. A real wild goose chase, looking for clues and people that may know her or seen her.

I really like how Stephen creates likeable characters, ones you care about and want to look out for. The Blitz must have been a scary time, as was other times in the war but never knowing if you'd get home safe, Anderson shelters popping up here, there and everywhere in gardens but quick builds aren't up to standard.

Looking forward to book 4 and seeing where it takes us! From Sussex in the previous books to London in this one, where to next?

Although the book is set during the blitz. it could be set during any time. The characters and story are gripping and interesting. I definitely want to read more books featuring the lead character. A different type of kidnapping/spy/ hostage thriller.

Did I miss something? This was one of a number of books in a series, which without reading, makes little sense of the backstory for the main characters; sadly this lack of knowledge clouded the story for me. Cook seemed out of place amongst the inhabitants of London, with his worldly experience whilst he hunted down Ruby in a corrupt and dangerous setting. London was under constant threat from German bombs at the same time evil lurked on the streets. Espionage is rife as too are the gangs and murderers. The author has made good use of his research of the subject, making it an interesting read from a historical perspective.

A disappointing read which didn’t really meet my expectations or the positive reviews of others.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC for review.

The Blitz Secret is the latest in the John Cook series from Stephen Ronson and yet another gripping tale. This one is set mainly in the East End Dockland of London at the start of the Blitz. The storyline centres on a young evacuee from those parts, Frankie, who ends up on Cooks farm and in his care. When Cook takes him back to London on his birthday and his mother fails to show up following a bombing raid the story turns dark and Cook sets out to find what happens. The descriptions of life in the docklands during these early days of the blitz bombing are very graphic and realistic. Ronson has clearly researched this in depth and you get a real insight into how people lived and survived this phase of the war.
Lady Margaret, the aristocratic spy who appeared in Ronson's last novel, turns up again with her own storyline and of course the two become intertwined. The intrigue around their relationship continues as does the questions about her loyalty so this will no doubt continue in the next book.
This is a great novel for those who like mystery and adventure and are interested in WW2 history. The writing is graphic, most of the historical references seem realistic and the "whodunnit" element sustains the excitement.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for providing prepublication access

This is the third book in a series, all concerning the main character, John Cook. I have to say that I really enjoyed the first two books but found this third one hard to get into and not as riveting as the others. To be honest I was a little disappointed and if I had read this first I would not have bothered with the previous installments.

4.5 stars, only rounded down for a few scenes I found slightly implausible (Cook on the boat, for example). However, this is an excellent book - clear historical research, good characters, great plot and pacing. I whipped through it in two days, as it really kept my attention and interest. Would definitely recommend for anyone who likes pacy historical crime.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

Very much like the author's book 'The Berlin Agent' I found 'The Blitz Secret' mostly unbelievable and incredulous. A farmer from Sussex who almost single handed defies death, bombs, execution and espionage In London (never at his home on his wartime farm) is just too much for me. This read like Superman stuff.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

This was a very interesting read. Although I wish I had read the other books in this series so I could have understood more of the elements.

This book is the third in the series and it was so easy to jump straight back into Cook’s world.

Set in WWII this book’s storyline was mostly based in London during the mass bombings. Cook is once again looking to save someone but this time he’s taken away from his farm to visit, Frankie, the evacuee he’s taken in’s family. Of course nothing goes quite to plan and London is struck by bombs causing all kinds of chaos.

I do enjoy reading these books, I’m not always a fan of books set during the war but the mysteries within them always keep me guessing and hooked. Another great read.

A great surprise! I didn't know what to expect, and this was really good! I realised this novel is part of a series but one can read it as a standalone without any problems. I loved the plot enjoying the fact that I couldn't guess anything. A good writing style has enabled me to smell, see and experience London during the blitz. I loved Cook and his calm, Margaret and her courage as well as the people of Wapping, the island. The conclusion was brilliant, intriguing and now I can't wait for the next book! Highly recommended!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

I was completely captivated by The Blitz Secret.
Catching up with John Cook as he takes his young evacuee Frankie back to London to see his family for his birthday and the action doesn't stop. When Ruby goes missing John is drawn into the underworld of London to find her, With bombs raining down and danger all around Stephen Ronson has delivered an epic 3rd installment that is so atmospheric with clever intertwining story lines.
I felt like I could smell the smoke and was holding my breath. Pacey and full of action with unpredictable twists the pages were turning non stop to keep up.
Whilst John is like a cat with 9 lives and a man who does not give up Lady Margaret is busy with her own mission. Their paths do cross but how long for?
No spoilers from me you will need to read to find out. I loved this 3rd installment and will be grabbing a copy to add to my collection. I can't wait for the 4th one! A fabulous series with great characters where you feel you are right along side them through out.
Highly recommend