Faith and Beauty (UK) / The Pursuit of Pearls (US) : Clara Vine #4
Berlin, on the eve of war…
As soldiers muster on the streets, spies circle in the shadows and Lotti Franke, a young woman from the Faith and Beauty Society - the elite finishing school for Nazi girls - is found in a shallow grave.
Clara Vine, Anglo-German actress and spy, has been offered the most ambitious part she has ever played. And in her more secret life, British Intelligence has recalled her to London to probe reports that the Nazis and the Soviet Union are planning to make a pact.
Then Clara hears of Lotti's death, and is determined to discover what happened to her. But what she uncovers is something of infinite value to the Nazi regime - the object that led to Lotti's murder - and now she herself is in danger.
This novel is published in the US under the title The Pursuit of Pearls
In a drama which traverses Berlin, Paris, Vienna and London, Clara Vine tries to keep her friends close, but finds her enemies are even closer.
As soldiers muster on the streets, spies circle in the shadows and Lotti Franke, a young woman from the Faith and Beauty Society - the elite finishing school for Nazi girls - is found in a shallow grave.
Clara Vine, Anglo-German actress and spy, has been offered the most ambitious part she has ever played. And in her more secret life, British Intelligence has recalled her to London to probe reports that the Nazis and the Soviet Union are planning to make a pact.
Then Clara hears of Lotti's death, and is determined to discover what happened to her. But what she uncovers is something of infinite value to the Nazi regime - the object that led to Lotti's murder - and now she herself is in danger.
This novel is published in the US under the title The Pursuit of Pearls
In a drama which traverses Berlin, Paris, Vienna and London, Clara Vine tries to keep her friends close, but finds her enemies are even closer.
Reviews
Darkly brooding horror hangs over Germany; an irresistible page-turner packed with historical detail and told from a most unusual perspective.
Kirkus Reviews
With a clutch of romantic complications thickening the plot, the pace is sprightly throughout. Thynne’s extensive research is breezily deployed, and enjoyable digressions cover everything from the etymology of glamour to the origins of Prussian blue. Add in numerous, radiantly detailed mise-en-scenes and the result is an absorbing yarn that’s a pleasure to wolf down.
Stephanie Cross, Daily Mail
“The fast pace, intrigue and intelligent prose compel readers forward at rocket speed. This is certainly one of the finest WWII spy series…”
Romantic Times
Absorbing fiction, the sort you might happily read on a beach . . .it's pacey, well put-together reading...Those who like a good serving of history with their novels will be deeply satisfied. Thynne has a journalist's magpie eye for interesting asides and the fruits of her research pack each page. Evocative period detail.
Melissa van der Klugt, The Times
The historical accuracy within this novel is absolutely outstanding. I have read lots of WW2 fiction throughout my life and this has to be one of the finest and neatest, I have ever read. The author manages to describe Berlin with such vivid paragraphs that you almost feel as though you are there and watching the history take place around you...Clara meets with an engages with a wide-variety of people, which adds so much depth to her story and characterisation. I can see her being many readers' favourite WW2 book character.
Anne Bonny Book Reviews
