Spies and traitors!

No Precious Truth (Cathy Marsden Thriller #1) by Chris Nickson      

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Leeds during World War II, police sergeant Cathy Marsden has been seconded to Special Investigations Branch seeking criminal gangs and deserters. Now espionage is added—a whole new game.

They’ve been joined by an MI5 operative desperately seeking an escaped German agent who’s been passing himself off as a Dutchman. A man the MI5 committee, the Twenty or XX, had hoped to turn. The MI5 agent is Cathy’s brother Daniel.

The only woman amongst a few men, most accept her, except for one recalcitrant colleague. Cathy has proved herself time and again, able to question people, including women, who have little time for the authorities. Many know her from her time on the beat, and take heed.

The group comes close to catching the agent Jan Minuit.  He’s joined forces with the head of a criminal gang. The criminal’s motive is straight up money, now he’s a traitor.

Cathy has a close encounter with Minuit, and an even closer one that had me on the edge of my seat.

Leeds during the bliz was not a great place to be. The population is at the beginning of the war, on the edge of rationing. Large scale black market racketeering, liquor production and stolen goods is rife.

This latest story from Nickson gives us glimpses into the strength of character, even the criminals, of the people of the author’s beloved city.

A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.