Susan Elia MacNeal

This new to me series set amid the backdrop of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill's visit to the United States. While this is a fictional book, many of the details are very researched and this reminds those living in the US at the time, that our experience before deciding to enter the War and assist Europe, was so very different than what those countries were facing.

The setting is Decemer 1941 soon after the attack on Unisted States Pearl Harbour. Using a fictious character named Maggie Hope, who is an ace investigator/private detectice who travels to the White House with Churchill's assistants who are helping negotiane the United States entry into World War II.

Previously an isolationist, when Pearl Harbor is bombed, killing so many unspecting innocents, it is obvious that the United States can no longer stick it's head in the sand and must rally round Churchill. Both eloquent speakers and hard-working, intelligent leaders, when the two come together, a strong bond results. It is obvious the author did a lot of research, and notes that she watched the Ken Burns series of United States history as a springboard.

When Maggie Hope learns that there is a plot to defame Eleanor Roosevelt after her secretary is murdered, she chooses to bring this to light with Mrs. Roosevelt. While the sitaution did not occur, the author uses this character so allow the reader access to the life and intelligence of Eleanor is portrayed lovingly and quite accurately.

The portrayal of Winston Churchill was fascinating and the details of Hitler's sweep through the European countries, leaving death and destruction in his path, confirms that those previously reluctant to enter the war, are now convinced of the enevitability of necessity.

The backdrop of Christmas at the White House and Churchill and Roosevelt stratigized hoe to defeat Hitler was a delighted addition.

I liked this book so much that I purchased most of the series.

Highly Recommended!!… (lisätietoja)

Such a spectacular final story for a much loved and thrilling series. Ms. MacNeal has pulled out all the stops to deliver a fast-paced, well crafted, well-researched high octane spy thriller. This may well be the best one yet!

The setting is July, 1943. Our illustrious Major Maggie Hope has been tasked with her most difficult assignment yet. Under the pretense of serving as a courier, chosen specifically by Nazi-sympathizer Coco Chanel, the renowned fashion designer, Maggie is to retrieve in Spain a pair of letters destined for Churchill's consideration. While also in Spain, she's to assassinate the lead German scientist on their atomic munitions program. So much is at stake, not the least of which, is the future of the entire world. There certainly were a few close calls and some riveting nail-biter moments. Yet when all is said and done, can Maggie achieve the objectives and make it home safely?

This is been a wonderful series which I have personally enjoyed from the very beginning until now. It has been a great ride these last twelve years and I am rather eager to see what new projects Ms. MacNeal has in mind for her faithful readers. Excelsior!

I am grateful to Bantam Books for having provided a complimentary uncorrected proof of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher:‎ Bantam
Publication Date: May 21, 2024
No. of pages:‎ 304
ISBN-13:‎ 978-0593156988… (lisätietoja)

Review of Uncorrected eBook File

As the war rages on, Maggie is off to Spain to meet with Coco Chanel and pick up a letter to be delivered to Winston Churchill. But there is more to her assignment . . . the assassination of Werner Heisenberg, a physicist who may be close to finalizing the creation of the first fission bomb.

As Maggie finds herself surrounded by diplomats, spies, and double agents, there is danger around every corner. Can she find the ones she can truly trust?

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“The Last Hope,” eleventh in the Maggie Hope Mystery series, brings the Maggie Hope stories to a close. As with the earlier stories in the series, the research is impeccable, detailed and part of a meticulous plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Over the course of the series, Maggie has grown and matured as she became an inspiration for those around her. At the same time, the author deftly conveys the toll the war . . . and her espionage activities . . . take on Maggie. The war-time events, well-defined characters, and a strong sense of place all work together to bring readers stories that are unputdownable, intriguing, and inspiring.

“The Last Hope,” filled with unexpected plot twists and surprises, offers readers suspense and intrigue in a complex, well-told tale of wartime, courage, and drama. Fans of the series and readers of historical fiction are sure to appreciate this exceptional story.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Bantam and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#TheLastHope #NetGalley… (lisätietoja)