NEWS

The book I spoke about was MISS DEACON INVESTIGATES, which Sue Williams then very kindly read. Here’s her review:

Spanning both World War One and the Boer War, it tells the story of Lily Deacon who is sent to the Western Front to investigate stories that members of the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps were indulging in immoral behaviour. Through this she hears about a young nurse who disappeared during the chaos of the Boer War, and resolves to find out what happens to her.

The cover describes this as a medical romance and although I know these are very popular, normally this would put me off. I have worked in hospitals and have never understood the attraction of blood and snot. However, I wanted to read this particular book as I know that Sue always undertakes detailed research before she writes her novels, which gives them depth and authenticity. Miss Deacon does not disappoint. The main character is based on a real woman who headed up a committee to investigate the behaviour of the women who were supporting the troops just behind the front line. It sheds an interesting light on the war where amongst all the carnage and destruction, the government were concerned that the unmarried women might have been having sex, whereas they didn’t seem to be too concerned about the behaviour of the men.

Beautifully and sensitively written, I loved this book and was genuinely sorry when it finished. Highly recommended