The Spies of Shilling Lane by Jennifer Ryan

THE SPIES OF SHILLING LANE by Jennifer Ryan (The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir) is a work of historical fiction (World War II era) with a strong element of mystery.  The cast of distinctive (if somewhat stereotyped) characters is anchored by Mrs. Braithwaite, a well-meaning, but rule bound matron (I kept thinking of Hyacinth Bucket from the British sit-com Keeping Up Appearances). Ousted from local village leadership of the Women's Voluntary Services (WVS), she travels to London to commiserate with her adult daughter, Betty. Upon arriving, she learns from the landlord, Mr. Norris, that Betty is missing and then the adventures really begin. Kidnapping, government secrets, breaking and entering, black market goods, fascist activity, treason and espionage are all involved. 

With a fairly high number of convenient coincidences, THE SPIES OF SHILLING LANE is an entertaining, although sometimes almost farcical, lark. Given the wartime setting, there are also reflective moments: “Sometimes you have to feel grateful for what you have, see the good and only the good. We only have one life.  One chance for happiness. And sometimes we forget that we can actually choose whether we want joy or cynicism.  Let’s pick joy.” THE SPIES OF SHILLING LANE received a starred review from Library Journal and Ryan has left open the possibility of a sequel which could also be fun for anyone looking for a “cozy” mystery.