Wink, Murder: a Bletchley Park Mystery

By Author / Illustrator

Rhian Tracey

Genre

Mystery & Detective

Age range(s)

Publisher

Templar Books

ISBN

9781800789593

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

13-02-2025

Synopsis

A gripping new Bletchley Park Mystery novel, from Rhian Tracey, author of I, Spy and Hide and Seek..

Mary has a gift for languages and codes that has brought her to the attention of the adults working at Bletchley Park. She finds herself drawn into their undercover operations, learning Japanese in order to decode enemy messages - but the operation she's a part of remains cloaked in mystery.

As tensions on the Home Front escalate, Mary is forced to face the realities of warfare - the enemy is operating amongst them. Posing as a waitress amidst the glamour and bustle of the Ritz Hotel, Mary uncovers secrets and lies amongst the people she's working mostly closely with. Can Mary steer clear of danger and thwart the devious mission unfolding around her? There is just one thing she knows for sure: trust no one.

A nail-biting wartime story, perfect for readers aged 9 and up, and fans of Phil Earle, Robin Stevens, Lesley Parr and Hilary McKay.

Bletchley Park Mysteries series: I, Spy (book 1) Hide and Seek (book 2) Wink, Murder (book 3)

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Reviews

Sue

Mary is reluctantly leaving Bletchley Park, following orders which take her to Bedford and top-secret lessons in Japanese. The only girl in the group, she finds herself befriended by her American study partner, Spencer. Suddenly summoned back to Bletchley, Mary finds herself heading off on assignment to London where she is to pose as a waitress and listen in on the conversations of prisoners dining at the Ritz Hotel. To her surprise, Spencer has also been posted on this assignment and the two work together on the case. But odd things constantly remind Mary that she should 'Trust no one', making her question everyone…

Wink, Murder is the third 'Bletchley Park Mystery' which features friends, Robyn, Ned and Mary and their experiences whilst based at Bletchley Park during WWII. They are cracking stories, full of excitement and adventure and historical detail.

This book focuses on Mary, a mixed-race girl from Liverpool and is just as excellent as the first two. There are so many elements to this book, all skilfully combined to create a really fascinating story. Not only does it offer a look at the world of espionage, its technology and agents, during the second world war, but it is very rich in background information about life at this time. Mary is caught on a bus during a bomb raid and she helps out with the WVS (The Women's Voluntary Service), allowing the reader to learn more about these things. The book also does not shy away from the racism and sexism she experiences, nor from the way immigrants were treated.

Wink, Murder would make an excellent class text, either for a thoroughly enjoyable class read or an equally enjoyable focus book to use to support learning about WWII. Additional notes at the end of the book support understanding of some of the elements in the story with plenty of links to enable those interested to explore further. Readers are sure to be inspired to visit Bletchley Park which is truly fascinating. I really hope there are more Bletchley Park Mystery books still to come as each one is even better than the last!

288 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher