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eabrevaya's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
lisaarnsdorf's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What a fun story! I really like this unique and historically accurate WWII story. Pigeons are such amazing animals! Olive is a delight and Jamie is a great partner. The village life that abuts the war machine is perfect for murders and mysteries. I can’t wait to read the next story. (Though I do wish there were a list of characters because there are a lot!)
bookwoman1967's review against another edition
3.0
Despite some of the negative reviews here, I actually liked this one. Although some of the reviewers dislike Olive, for me the jury is still out on the male lead, Jamie. Otherwise, I found the World War II village setting appealing, the pigeon aspect interesting, and the mystery quite competently written.
hollandvk's review against another edition
4.0
This was a Goodreads giveaway.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I was expecting a fairly fluffy read, but was pleasantly surprised at how well researched it was and the references to children's literature. 4.5/5
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I was expecting a fairly fluffy read, but was pleasantly surprised at how well researched it was and the references to children's literature. 4.5/5
trudyd's review against another edition
3.0
I have read these stories out of order and I am glad that I did. I found myself lost in this book. I had a hard time grasping the story.
sharonsueg's review against another edition
3.0
Title is a bit misleading. I expected more about the pigeons and their benefits to the war efforts. The last half of the book turned into an Agatha Christie mystery.
jen_the_librarian's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the storyline and enjoyed learning about the pigeons serving in WWII. Looking forward to reading more about Olive and Jameson’s adventures.
bkdrgn303's review against another edition
3.0
First in a series with great potential. WWII, pigeons, amateur sleuth. 3.5 stars.
campychick001's review against another edition
4.0
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Kensington Books, and Bibliolifestyle**
This was a surprisingly delightful read. Historical fiction is most definitely NOT my favorite genre but this one definitely kept me engaged and interested. Olive is such a great character that it was nearly impossible to put this book down; I was completely invested in her antics and the "murder mystery." I can definitely see how the author has set this up as precursor to a series, but I think this book works great as a standalone.
This was a surprisingly delightful read. Historical fiction is most definitely NOT my favorite genre but this one definitely kept me engaged and interested. Olive is such a great character that it was nearly impossible to put this book down; I was completely invested in her antics and the "murder mystery." I can definitely see how the author has set this up as precursor to a series, but I think this book works great as a standalone.
alliepeduto's review against another edition
4.0
If you asked me what my favorite types of novels were, I would say murder mysteries, WWII historical fiction stories, and fake dating romances, in that order. This book managed to be all three of these things, and I loved every minute of it!
Olive Bright, the definition of a plucky young heroine, is a pigeoneer living through the dark days of WWII, but has dreams of repeating the heroic escapades her mother had while driving an ambulance in the Great War. These desires are furthered by the fact her best friend George has left her behind in their typical English village to join the RAF, and Olive wants nothing more than to leave as well. Imagine her surprise then when the very day she bids farewell to George, she is approached by a handsome stranger who works for a mysterious organization known only as Baker Street, and he requests use of her pigeons on clandestine missions. And of course, there’s the whole murder business.
The story that ensues is part cozy village mystery, and part subterfuge and scheming. I particularly enjoyed the amateur sleuthing that Olive employed to investigate the murder of the village gossip, as well as the on-the-fly cover stories (such as a romance to her “boss”) to conceal her assistance to Baker Street. It was fun but with the undercurrent of unavoidable tragedy that comes from war. The story didn’t try to sugarcoat the horrors, but it did focus on the village and the “keep calm and carry on” attitude of its residents.
With charming asides such as a town-wide Pride and Prejudice reproduction and pigeons named after children’s book characters, I fell in love with the story and it’s ultimately satisfying mystery. It was the perfect distraction in a year that has had its own share of horrors, and it serves as a reminder that we can all get by with a little help from our friends. And pigeons, naturally.
Olive Bright, the definition of a plucky young heroine, is a pigeoneer living through the dark days of WWII, but has dreams of repeating the heroic escapades her mother had while driving an ambulance in the Great War. These desires are furthered by the fact her best friend George has left her behind in their typical English village to join the RAF, and Olive wants nothing more than to leave as well. Imagine her surprise then when the very day she bids farewell to George, she is approached by a handsome stranger who works for a mysterious organization known only as Baker Street, and he requests use of her pigeons on clandestine missions. And of course, there’s the whole murder business.
The story that ensues is part cozy village mystery, and part subterfuge and scheming. I particularly enjoyed the amateur sleuthing that Olive employed to investigate the murder of the village gossip, as well as the on-the-fly cover stories (such as a romance to her “boss”) to conceal her assistance to Baker Street. It was fun but with the undercurrent of unavoidable tragedy that comes from war. The story didn’t try to sugarcoat the horrors, but it did focus on the village and the “keep calm and carry on” attitude of its residents.
With charming asides such as a town-wide Pride and Prejudice reproduction and pigeons named after children’s book characters, I fell in love with the story and it’s ultimately satisfying mystery. It was the perfect distraction in a year that has had its own share of horrors, and it serves as a reminder that we can all get by with a little help from our friends. And pigeons, naturally.