Publisher's Synopsis
The Hope Stapleford series begins on the eve of WWII and sees Hope Stapleford, reluctant debutant, thrust into a web of political intrigue when a fellow debutant is murdered, and Hope picks up the clues to find out why. With the world on the brink of a new conflict, can Hope get justice for 'the innocents' while also playing her part in fooling the enemy? Oswald Mosley has awoken nazi sympathy among Britain's aristocratic society. There is a sense that the world is teetering on the brink. Enter Hope Stapleford, an Oxford graduate, with a love of books, an intensely observant nature and a distinct lack of interest in the `bright young things of the day'. When her rebellious socialite friend, Bernadette, tries to persuade to be a debutante in the Season of 1939, Hope is prepared to turn her down, but Hope's mysterious Godfather - whose employment she has never quite fathomed - encourages her to accept, saying this is going to be the last hoorah before war changes the country forever. Hope reluctantly agrees, expecting no more than a round of dull parties (hopefully in houses with decent libraries) and perhaps a few introductions to interesting people. But when a fellow debutante is murdered, Hope, Bernie, and their newly acquired associate, the amiable conman Harvey, find themselves thrust into a web of political intrigue that may affect the very heart of their nation.
