A review by ianb
The Secrets Act by Alison Weatherby

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

When I found out that this book was set at a Bletchley Park, I instantly knew that I need to pick it up and give it a read, it’s a place that I loved to explore growing up and visiting a couple of times with my grandfather was extra special! What Lies within left me wanting more and more and I can safely say that when I reached the end, I kept turning pages expecting to find more but alas there was none, this book kept me griped right from the start. 

 

The Secrets Act follows Ellen, a Welsh new hire, as she embarks on employment at Bletchley Park, a secret facility that is crucial to the UK's war effort. During WW2, women provided key support to cracking enemy codes and delivering secret messages, and this book follows Ellen and her new friend, Pearl, as they begin to uncover some darker happenings at the park that suggest someone is not who they seem to be. When their mutual friend Richard tragically loses his life, evidence begins to point towards Pearl as being not only responsible but also a spy. Can the girls get to the end of this mystery, uncover the spy and retrieve missing valuable information while unable to trust anyone, even each other? 

 

Despite this book being aimed at YA it is at its heart a Historical fiction book that for me got the tone right with not being too dark but also not sugar-coating the war efforts. I got drawn into each character POVS and wanted them to succeed so much throughout the book. There were parts of both girls that I found incredibly relatable, and the friendship between them is the most gorgeous part of the book for me, more so than any of the romantic relationships. 

 

If historical fiction is something that you enjoy then I really think that this book could be for you!