Elena Standish, a talented young photographer, travels to Mussolini’s Italy to rescue the lover who betrayed her and may be a double spy. To much back and forth with subplots. ( )

Elena, now an official member of MI6, is sent to Trieste to rescued a long embedded agent, her former lover. Lots of problems in the pre-WW2 world as Hitler starts his world domination process close at home, with Austria. Who are the good guys, at home and overseas, is and will remain a continuing problem for Britain's gatherers of intelligence, less formally known as spies? Anne Perry continues this series nicely in this new era of history for her. ( )

Strap in and get ready for a wild ride that will keep you engrossed and guessing until the end of this potboiler! Plan on a few sleepless nights too. I have loved Anne Perry's books from the very beginning, and have read everything she's written. I unabashedly say that she is my favourite author. This book, which is the second in the Elena Standish series, is one of her best . If you haven't already met Elena, I suggest that you read book one in the series - Death in Focus - to get to know Elena and some of her backstory that you may need for this one. The time is set approximately six months after Death in Focus. It's pre- World War II and approximately the fall of 1934. After proving herself in Berlin, Elena is sent by MI6 to Trieste, Italy, to try to make contact with a mole that has been in Trieste for years. MI6 hadn't heard from the agent's handler in weeks. Much to her chagrin, Elena finds out that she has to rescue her former lover who jilted her years ago. The pace is non-stop while Elena tries to complete her mission, and the hardest part is not knowing who she can trust. Nothing is as it seems, and Helena risks her life to try to get Aiden and her out of Trieste. As always, she is quick on her feet, and a surprisingly good judge of character for one so young. I love Elena, and I think that she is one of the best characters that Anne Perry has created. I love the era, and I love spy angle. Bring it on! ( )

I didn't think that the Elena Standish series could get any better after the first book in the series, Death in Focus, but happily, I was wrong. This is a simply outstanding 1930's era spy novel with action skillfully weaving between England, Germany, and Italy. Once again, photographer Elena Standish is sent on a secret mission by M16 but other story lines involve a possible home front murder involving M16 and a trip to Berlin made by Elena's sister to attend the wedding of an old friend.

Bravo, Ms. Perry, this was another outstanding installment in what I hope is a long-running series.

Highly recommended!!

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.) ( )