Preview copy from Netgalley. Published on 8th Oct 2024
I look forward to reviewing books by Graham Hurley. The latest is Dead Ground set primarily in Franco’s Spain. “Dead Ground” is a thrilling addition to the Spoils of War Collection.
Dead Ground” is a historical thriller set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and World War II, featuring the character Annie Wrenne. The plot unfolds as Annie, an Anglo-Breton translator, finds herself in Madrid when the Spanish Civil War erupts in 1936. She becomes a nurse on the front lines and, after falling in love with a patient, ends up pregnant and abandoned by a man she believed she knew.
As the war progresses, Annie’s only solace is her relationship with Carlos Ortega, a mysterious Republican fighter. This connection leads her into a world of espionage and intrigue, culminating in her recruitment into MI5. For her first mission, Annie is tasked with posing as Ortega’s wife and traveling to Algeciras to thwart Hitler’s Operation Felix, a strategic plan aimed at controlling the Mediterranean and forcing Churchill to negotiate.
The stakes are high as the mission is critical to preventing the Nazis from taking Gibraltar. However, Annie faces a significant dilemma: Ortega has been secretly working for the Nationalists as part of Madrid’s Fifth Column. With Ortega’s loyalties in question, Annie must navigate a web of deception and determine whether she can trust a man who has repeatedly switched allegiances.
“Dead Ground” is a story of love, betrayal, and the complexities of wartime loyalties, offering readers a suspenseful journey through one of history’s most tumultuous periods
The novel is set in a richly detailed world that captivates the imagination and keeps the pages turning. Hurley’s skillful storytelling is evident as he weaves a complex narrative that is both gripping and thought-provoking.
Overall, “Dead Ground” is a must-read for fans of the genre and a testament to Graham Hurley’s talent as a writer. It’s a book that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impression, making it a worthy addition to any thriller enthusiast’s collection
