The government’s efforts to protect the nation’s art collection from destruction during the second World War is the backdrop to Rhian Tracey’s latest spy story.
Ned has accompanied his mother to the village of Manod in Wales, both engaged in the care of hundreds of priceless masterpieces transported there from the nation’s galleries. To keep the artworks safe, they’ll need to win the hearts and minds of locals, while simultaneously keeping word from spreading out beyond the village, especially when it seems there’s a spy in their midst.
Tracey skilfully creates a sense of fear and suspicion as Ned is left to carry out their war work without his mum and, with old friends and new at his side, there’s a real sense of excitement and adventure. Other aspects of 1940s life are touched on too, from the plight of refugees to the agony of having family members missing in action. It all reaches a thrilling climax on a desperate journey to London with no-one sure who to trust.
This is book two in the Bletchley Park series and another intriguing and satisfying bit of historical fiction.
Find out more about this fabulous book in our exclusive interview with author Rhian Tracey.
Before the war starts, Ned is resigned to a future working in the family funeral parlour. Then the covert operations at Bletchley Park begin and his life is transformed.
Ned and his mother leave Bletchley Park on a vital wartime mission into the remote Welsh countryside. Their task: to protect the priceless artwork that is being stored in a slate mine in the village of Manod. As long as its whereabouts are secret, they'll keep the national treasures out of the hands of the enemy.
But when it appears that someone in the village is trying to expose the truth, suspicion turns to the newcomers - Ned, his mother, and a young Jewish refugee, Anni. Can Ned, Anni and their friend Harri prove their loyalty to the mission and keep the secret safe?
A gripping wartime story, perfect for fans of Phil Earle, Robin Stevens, Lesley Parr and Hilary McKay.
Inspired by true events! During the war, priceless artwork was transported from London to Welsh caves to prevent it falling into Nazi hands, and select pieces were sent back to the capital for the National Gallery's Picture of the Month programme to boost morale.
'I, Spy is a superb addition to the WW2 canon. It's a highly original, gripping, thought-provoking read in which a vivid cast of brave children - and pigeons - save the day. I absolutely loved it!' - Emma Carroll
'A fabulous read. I loved everything about it. Fascinating setting, characters to root for, and a thrilling mystery. An absolute cracker of a story, told superbly.' - Eloise Williams, author of Honesty and Lies
'Heartwarming, exciting, and a story of friendship and comradeship overcoming adversity in war, I, Spy will have you cheering the heroes on right to the last page.' - Sinéad O'Hart, author of The Eye of the North
'I loved this spy mystery about Robyn and her friends as they try to uncover the enemy in their midst. Rhian's wonderful descriptions of Bletchley Park made me feel I was there in one of the most famous settings in WWII Britain. Readers will be hooked till the end.' - Sufiya Ahmed, author of Rosie Raja: Churchill's Spy
Author
About Rhian Tracey
Rhian Tracey was born in Swansea and grew up on the Welsh borders. I, Spy and Hide and Seek draw on her own Welsh heritage and interviews and research about the movement of priceless artwork during WWII.
As Rhian Ivory, the author has previously published The Boy Who Drew the Future and Hope. She got her first publishing deal at 26.
Rhian teaches several days a week in a SEN department, working with students who have dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, ADD and other additional learning needs. She also volunteers with Medical Detection Dogs, helping to train puppies who will go on to be assistance dogs. Rhian lives in Northamptonshire with her children and dog.
