Alex Gerlis – Ring Of Spies

‘Ring Of Spies’ by Alex Gerlis is the first book I have read by this author. It is the third book in the Richard Prince series and I so enjoyed it!

This book picks up the story during the latter half of the Second World War and it wastes no time in getting the reader immersed. We see the Allies attempting to take Arnhem but discovering that the German defence is stronger than anticipated. Knowing this is an important stage that has the possibility of cutting short the war, the Allies are left wondering was the strong defence just coincidental or is there a mole in their midst?
I was really surprised at how well I connected to the characters, I enjoyed getting to know Richard Prince, who has previously been a spy and worked behind enemy lines but is now a detective in Lincolnshire enjoying the quiet life. That relaxed, quiet life doesn’t last as long as he hoped when he is requested to go undercover to try to out the German mole in their midst.

The story is told from multiple points of view, so we get the broader picture on both sides of the lines drawn due to war. I liked this as we get every side of the situation and we can understand more how important every move made is to the outcome of the war for both countries. I was impressed at the historical facts that Alex Gerlis has weaved into this fiction story. It has clearly been excellently researched and adds more flavour to the book for me.
As I would expect in this situation (fictional or not), this is no cut and dried story, Prince has a difficult investigation, he is sent up every blind alley possible.

For anyone who is at all interested in historical fiction set during the Second World War this has to be a must-read. A thrilling book that has plenty of twists and turns that keep the story flowing fast and well.

Thank you to Damp Pebbles Blog Tours and Alex Gerlis for giving me a copy of the book to write this review today.