The Secret Messenger

The highly awaited new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The German Midwife. Venice,1943 The world is at warand Stella Jilani is leading a double life. By day she works in the lion’s den as a typist for the Reich; by nightshe risks her life as a messenger for the Italian resistance. Against all oddsStella must impart Nazi secretssmuggle essential supplies and produce an underground newspaper on her beloved typewriter. But when German commander General Breugal becomes suspiciousit seems he will stop at nothing to find the moleand Stella knows her future could be in jeopardy. London2017 Years laterLuisa Belmont finds a mysterious old typewriter in her attic. Determined to find out who it belonged toLuisa delves into the past and uncovers a story of fierce loveunimaginable sacrifice andultimatelythe worst kind of betrayal… Set between German-occupied 1940s Venice and modern-day Londonthis is a fascinating tale of the bravery of everyday women in the darkest corners of WWIIfor readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris and The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff. Praise for The Secret Messenger: ‘Intriguingpacy and fascinating.’ Suzanne Goldringauthor of My Name is Eva ‘Uniqueemotional and life-affirming.’ Melanie Hudsonauthor of The Last Letter from Juliet ‘Another fantastic page-turner.’ LP Fergussonauthor of A Dangerous Act of Kindness ‘I felt I was walking alongside Stella over bridges and along canals at every heartstopping moment… Wonderful.’ Molly Greenauthor of An Orphan’s Wish ‘One of the stronger novels that pays homage to the women involved in the movements of resistance.’ Reader review ‘Refreshingly different. Even if you think you have read enough war books this year I strongly recommend you read this one.’ Reader review ‘If you like WWII storiesthis is a must read.’ Reader review ‘Marvellous and highly recommended story on a little known aspect of WWII.’ Reader review