I’m delighted today to be joining the blog tour and sharing my review of In the Mood by MW Arnold, the fourth book in his Broken Wings series: published by Wild Rose Press on 26th September, it’s now available for kindle and in paperback via Amazon in the UK and US, with the ebook also available via iBooks and for Nook. My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the author and publisher for my reading copy.
As soon as I read the first book in this lovely series, A Wing and a Prayer, I knew I’d found something rather special – a World War 2 saga, a cozy mystery, all set around the day-to-day operations of the Air Transport Auxiliary at Hamble. Sagas aren’t really my usual thing at all (and neither are cozy mysteries…), but I loved the authenticity of the wartime setting, the wonderful characters, and the investigation that drove the story – all delivered with humour and a real lightness of touch (you’ll find my review here). I was delighted to return for a second, and Wild Blue Yonder was every bit as delightful – you’ll find my review here. I was so sorry to miss out on the third book, I’ll Be Home for Christmas – a combination of attending a book festival and the usual tsunami of Christmas books – but I’m so glad I’ve been able to return for the fourth in the series…
In February 1944, the girls of the Air Transport Auxiliary Mystery Club face the devastating personal loss of one of their own in a tragic crash. At the same time, another member is blackmailed, whilst honeymoon plans of a third are threatened by a puzzling mystery.
As they share each other’s joys and troubles, the friends find the comfort and strength to go on with their vital work and dangerous investigations in wartime England, even when few situations are what they seem to be.
Can a marriage broken by harsh words be saved, and will injuries suffered in the line of duty heal? These courageous women do battle on multiple fronts whilst maintaining dignity and friendship.
When I picked up this book, I felt like I was reunited with old friends, every one of them the best of company. If you haven’t read the rest of the series, I really recommend you do – although there’s a degree of catching up with earlier storylines, nicely done, you’ll feel far more invested in the story if you’re already familiar with the characters and their relationships, and with the flight operations that put their lives in danger with every sortie.
This book starts particularly sadly – one of their number loses her life, and the focus at first is on the grief and guilt of those left behind, a salutary reminder of the fragility of their lives and the bravery called for on a daily basis. But life moves on, and a number of storylines develop, every one of them immensely engaging and with the warmth and humour that always distinguishes the author’s lovely writing. You’ll be delighted to hear that Bobby the dog has another moment of stardom (although Penny still hasn’t discovered the whereabouts of her lucky bra), and that Doris manages to uncover a source of the coffee she desperately needs (and that she still struggles to make a good cup of tea – but then so does Mavis who runs the base’s mess).
There’s an intriguing story involving blackmail, with a distinct edge of danger – Betty and her sister were involved in the criminal underworld, and it’s difficult to escape – but Lawrence is very much on the case (although it does have an unfortunate impact on the availability of their regular supply of fish and chips). Doris’ wedding to Walter is drawing ever closer, although he’s really struggling to come up with any ideas for the honeymoon – until Mary unexpectedly offers up her family’s Scottish manor house (she’s always been rather secretive about her background), and that opens up another storyline when a visit uncovers a few unexpected secrets. And then there’s the other daily danger they all experience – having to pass the aggressive Duck on the towpath that only Doris has the power to control and subdue.
This book was just so wonderful – I read it from cover to cover in no time at all, loving every moment of mystery and intrigue, the touches of real drama, the romances and the strong friendships. The story-telling is excellent, every character so well drawn (even the minor and incidental ones) – I particularly love Doris with her mixture of brashness and vulnerability, but several of the others also have a place in my heart – and the whole book is infused with a real warmth that can’t fail to make you smile. I’m totally hooked, and already looking forward to the next in the series – a lovely read, and highly recommended.
About the author
Mick is a hopeless romantic who was born in England and spent fifteen years roaming around the world in the pay of HM Queen Elizabeth II in the Royal Air Force before putting down roots and realizing how much he missed the travel. He’s replaced it somewhat with his writing, including reviewing books and supporting fellow saga and romance authors in promoting their novels.
He’s the proud keeper of two Romanian were-cats bent on world domination, is mad on the music of the Beach Boys, and enjoys the theatre and humouring his Manchester United-supporting wife. Finally, and most importantly, Mick is a full member of the Romantic Novelists Association. In the Mood is the fourth novel in his Broken Wings series and he is very proud to be a part of the Vintage Rose Garden at The Wild Rose Press.
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