This mystery kept me glued to the pages from beginning to end. I love how Butler continues to draw me in to this series. The characters are thoughtfully developed and I like watching the progression of our main character through each book. Overall I found this suspense to be another worthwhile tale and should be added to every mystery lover’s library.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2019-10-07 22:37:592019-10-07 22:37:59Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler – Review by Heather Lovelace
This is the third book in this series, I enjoyed it just as much as the previous two. One of the things I enjoy most about this author is her ability to pull me into her story and keep me engaged until the end. This is a mystery and suspense that kept me guessing what would happen next. Karina and her sister Jilly team up to help find out who set up a friend. When they dig to deep and Karina is forced to call Mike, will he be there? I highly recommend finding out what happens in this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2019-10-07 17:11:112019-10-07 17:11:11Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler – Review by Bobbi Wagner
International bestselling and award-winning author Ellen Butler presents book three in the Karina Cardinal mystery series! Fans of Melinda Leigh and J.D. Robb, who love the humor of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum will adore this gripping mystery adventure.
The rainbows-and-unicorns period of her friends-to-lovers relationship with Mike Finnegan officially over, Karina Cardinal is taking a tactical retreat. No way is she calling him for rescue from one of her infamous “scrapes.”
Too bad trouble, if not her middle name, is a close relative.
Sadira Manon, friend and colleague of Karina’s sister Jillian, has been dropping way too much cash on designer labels for a middle school teacher. Even one who moonlights as a jewelry store clerk. But when she’s accused of theft, the loose diamond falling out of her purse is enough for the police to sing the song of their people—”Miranda Rights.”
Karina, Jilly, and Silverthorne Security join forces to investigate who’s setting Sadira up to take a fall, and why. They dig up a shady tangle of Russian mob ties and gambling debts. By the time Karina realizes they’ve dug too deep—and maybe a little too far outside the law—Jillian’s in trouble, and the only way out of this particular pot of hot water is to make that phone call…and hope Mike doesn’t let it go to voice mail.
Ellen Butler is a bestselling author writing critically acclaimed suspense and award-winning historical fiction. Her experiences working at a medical association in Washington, D.C. inspired the Karina Cardinal series. She is a member of Sister’s in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Office of Strategic Services Society.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/D_D-digital-cover.jpg1200927itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2019-10-07 00:01:102020-05-28 17:32:47Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler
The Brass Compass was exciting, action packed, and invigorating. I loved that the author, Ellen Butler, pulls you in with such gripping excitement at the star with her female spy. Lily, who is the main character, is recruited following the death of her mother and attack on Pearl Harbor. Thanks to her exquisite knowledge and skill in different languages she makes the perfect selection. I loved following her story and seeing her character develop. I also loved the vivid scenery and different phrases of German and what not. I was very impressed with how much I enjoyed this book. It is definitely one I see myself reading again and again. I highly recommend this novel!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Madison Degraffenreidhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMadison Degraffenreid2019-07-02 21:23:302019-07-02 21:36:37The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Madison Degraffenreid
The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler was a spy like historical fiction romance, that kept me reading.
Not my first read by this author, so I knew going in I was in for something not only well written, but well researched. I was not disappointed, this book was that and more. Now I will say that there was a little too much info and filler at some points, pulling me out of the story, but it wasn’t enough to detour me, or bring my reading mojo down.
I fell into this story right away, and as I read on the more I get pulled in. The suspense, mystery and the spy games made it gripping and fun. I love the strong female MC, for the this book is set in, she was beyond her time and I fully enjoyed her character. I loved the romance as well, it was a nice touch and again, fun. This book was just one of those books, that was just a joy to read. It was strangely soothing to me, and I think that has to do with the steady plot flow and smooth tones, with a haze of darkness.
Overall this book is a must read, it was a good mix of history, romance, action and spy mystery; and it gets my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily-Ann Walshhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily-Ann Walsh2019-07-02 20:34:522019-07-02 21:33:16The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Emily Walsh
The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler is an historical fiction story. The story is told in both the past and present which gives it a certain mysterious quality. It is also a spy thriller and holds a lot of history. Our female lead is strong and is on a journey that is dangerous and I found myself getting lost in the storyline.
Lily Saint James is an agent and secretly gathers information for the Allies. She is a very smart lady who is very stubborn and is fierce determined. Even when things go wrong and she has to flee she is determined to see it through, a race to save herself and get the information through.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2019-07-02 17:02:382019-07-02 17:36:48The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Jenni Bishop
The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler. WOW! I usually don’t even take a second glance at Historical books but I’m so glad I did this one. Its one of the best books I’ve read this year. Its the story of Lily Saint James, a american, who grew up traveling Europe, learning languages every where she went. She has been recruited to join the Civilian OSS (Office of Strategic Services) as a spy during World War II in Germany. Its like she was made for this job. After her training she is offered the job of Nanny in a high German Official’s home where she hears all kinds of information. She relay’s this information to her contact in Berlin as he is getting arrested. Knowing she is in danger she runs. Will she make it to the right people with the information she has or will she be captured? This book was amazing and it will suck you in.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2019-07-02 08:46:532019-07-02 10:44:06The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Tausha Treadway
This is not my first read by this author, she is actually a favorite of mine even though I went back and forth on this one before I decided to give it a shot. I am not normally drawn to these type of stories but I am drawn to this author.
I did enjoy it although it still did not sell me on the genre itself, there’s no way to deny how well it was all written. This book was full of suspense and danger and constant action. Following Lily in this book had me feeling like I was fleeing with her and I was on the edge of my seat through most of it.
It had just enough romance mixed in and I highly recommend anyone that reads historical fiction especially around the WW2 time period go one click this book right now.
This author is a master storyteller and I can not wait to get my hands on anything else she writes.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Debi Kircherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDebi Kircher2019-07-01 15:44:322019-07-01 15:44:32The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Debi Kircher
I really enjoyed this book, I like historical reads but not usually in this time period however I thought it was a really good read. The author’s writing was very detailed, sometimes this did make affect the pace of the story but I did appreciate the level of detail that she included. I liked how she took a real life time period but made it into a fiction story! The characters were well thought out and had a realistic feel to them. Lily was a great female lead, strong and independent. There was some great action in the story and certainly some nail biting moments as I waited to see what was going to happen and how the story would unfold. The Brass Compass was a fantastic read and one that I highly recommend! I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from Ms Butler again in the future!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Matthewshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Matthews2019-07-01 03:18:502019-07-01 07:14:34The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Katie Matthews
The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler a four-star read that will help you find true north. I am not usually a fan of historical stories, but this one intrigued me. Lily Saint James is such a complex character, she makes the novel for me, if she wasn’t so well written then this wouldn’t be such a good story. Lily has a great flow, you watch as she goes from bored young woman to a major undercover player, the spying interspersed with a love story just adds a much needed lightness to the story, if there wasn’t the love story it could be too dark otherwise.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sara Oxtonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSara Oxton2019-06-30 06:06:502019-06-30 09:11:05The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Sara Oxton
The Brass Compass is a wonderfully written historical fiction with a little romance. I absolutely love historical fiction and this book is definitely now on my favorites list.I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading. I found myself lost in the pages and I felt as if I was there .Lily Saint James is a smart intelligent woman who finds herself in a situation where her position is compromised and must escape. Get ready to be taken on one heck of a journey where you will find yourself on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what happens. I highly recommend reading this book. I can’t wait to read what she brings us next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2019-06-23 22:44:032019-06-24 08:53:24The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
The Brass Compass is a gripping historical novel by Ellen Butler. The heroine, Lily, is an intelligent young American woman whose youth has been spent living all around Europe. Her fluency in a number of languages and her determination to support the Allied Forces mean she is well suited to work as an OSS agent. When she fears her cover may have been blown, however, she must go on the run and fight to survive the winter as she makes her way to France, where she hopes to be safe. The story is set in 1945, but Lily’s dreams give the reader flashbacks to her past and some of the major events in WWII. Since we have recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of D Day, I was particularly interested in hearing about Lily’s involvement in that, and another character’s description of parachuting onto the beach. The Brass Compass is clearly well-researched and is very informative, whilst also being an immersive story. Butler goes into plenty of detail both in describing large, significant events and in Lily’s day-to-day life on the run. We pretty much know everything she has to eat from the start of the story and how she gets it. This is both an interesting insight into rationing and a way for us to get into her head. This book gets five stars from me. It’s a well-written, entertaining book that transports the reader back in time and sheds some light on an often-overlooked part of the history of WWII. I’d recommend it to fans of spies, survival adventures and WWII.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2019-06-23 14:46:522019-06-23 15:07:39The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler is a brilliant example to historical fiction that will draw you in right from the start. Ellen Butler is an author is have become recently familiar with so I was looking forward to seeing what would come from this book. Full of intrigue and espionage this book absolutely captured my attention immediately. From reading the blurb I wasn’t sure if this was a book I would enjoy but I really don’t know why. Lily St. James is such a good heroine. She is everything you want the main character to be – interesting, relatable. I though the author did a great job of building the story up and taking you on a journey. I always enjoy WW11 things and this was done very well. I would definitely recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2019-06-23 12:06:472019-06-23 12:48:47The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Kerry Baker
The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler is a historical novel entering back during the time of World War II. The spin on this novel is the approach the author took with the novel focused on the heroine: Lily St. James. Ellen Butler was very detailed oriented in this story adding the historical elements into the story line that give the story additional depth along with the strong character development. These parts made the story feel so realistic and truly captivating in reading. The suspense and drama were the epitome of what I was looking for in this novel and the author knocked it out effortlessly. Beautifully written, enjoyed this read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Bahmhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Bahm2019-06-23 11:39:142019-06-23 12:47:14The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Heather Bahm
I give The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler, 5 stars.
Lily is a young American woman who was lucky enough to be able to travel and study abroad when she was younger. This has taught her many things about Europe, including learning multiple languages. After the unexpected death of her mother and the start or World War II, she is too restless to just stay home. She has the deep need to do more. So she becomes a spy and takes a very dangerous mission. When her contact is compromised, she must run for her life. This involves many things she has never prepared for, but she will do anything to survive and pass on the vital information she has. Not knowing who to trust, she must take risks. Will be able to keep her cover and her wits about her?
This is an incredible historical fiction book set mostly during World War II. There are flashbacks from when Lily was younger, but the present day is during the war. The story is not for the weak of heart, there are some things that happen that may upset some readers. Please keep in mind that the main character is in the heart of this tragic war. That being said, I found this book amazing. I really felt like I was there with her. Lily herself is wonderful too. She grows throughout the story and has a heart of gold. You will experience pretty much every emotion while reading. At the same time, you cannot put it down — you want to see what will happen next and how it will all turn out for Lily. I did not know what to expect when I picked this book up, but I was blown away by how good and descriptive it was.
If you are a fan of historical fiction and strong female characters, this book is for you.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erin Wolfhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErin Wolf2019-06-23 08:49:462019-06-23 09:14:02The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Erin Wolf
The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler was AMAZING! It is a historical fiction book inspired by real characters and events, but adapted into a fictional story. By the end I was fully invested in the characters and their futures. The imagery used to describe the horrific events and scenes of WWII Germany were wonderfully written. I could envision the scenes unfolding before me as I continued through the chapters. The book follows Lily St. James, an American spy from her teens into her early twenties. Shortly after leaving Finishing School, she wants to do her part to help the war effort. She finds herself joining the OSS, to become a spy. She is sent to Germany to infiltrate a ranking officer’s house and collect Intel. After things go badly, and her cover may be compromised, she must go on the run. We follow her throughout Germany and Switzerland as she try to escape the Nazi and SS troops, in order to get her vital information to the Allies. She makes friends along the way, and they continue to resurface as the story continues and she is sent on more missions. Will she make it back home to America safely, to reunite with her father? Read and find out. Highly recommend this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2019-06-22 14:30:172019-06-22 16:03:11The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
A great read about espionage. Lily St James is a World War Two spy passing information about German colonels to members in the Resistance. But when her informant is taken hostage by he SS, she is forced to go on the run. With the SS at her heels, she keeps going across Germany. Whilst on the run, she does her bit for the war effort and discovers friends and foes alike on the way. Can she survive long enough to make a difference? A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns.. Well developed characters like Lily doing what she feels is right but vulnerable underneath. Great cast of supporting characters like te sweet Magda or I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like with the moon on the forest with its trees in the snow, magical and a safe space for Lily. Or Fraudenstadt with its sense of a small town with its cobbled streets and small shops with the townhouse and everyone knows each other, for a sense of comfort and danger wonderfully written. The use of the first person worked well to display Lilys journey and siaply her thoughts and feelings. The use of dates and locations was a great addition to give the reader a clear sense of the time period and geography. The glossary was a nice touch, helping the reader understand terms but may have been more useful at the start of the book. I also liked the use of languages in the novel giving it a sense of culture The use of memories also helped to display how times had changed for Lily and the simplesafety of life in the past contrasting with the danger of the present, wonderfully written. However, it sometimes had abrupt switches from the past and present and hard to follow. The only issue I would raise is that there were a lot of long sentences that were hard to read and could have been resolved with a variety of sentence lengths to captivate the reader into the action. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sarah Oakeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSarah Oakes2019-06-22 08:48:322019-06-22 13:30:32The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Sarah Oakes
The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler is a historical fiction story taking place in World War II. Lily Saint James, an American spy, is sent to work for a family in Germany. This story is great. There is a lot to this story and I did not want to put it down and wanted to read all the way through. Lily was a fascinating character and I felt like I was right there by her. I really enjoy stories based on historical facts and put into a fiction story. I hope to see more of these books in the future by Ellen Butler.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sheri Schraderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSheri Schrader2019-06-16 21:18:342019-06-16 21:33:51The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Sheri Schrader
Well written and intriguing, this historical fiction was engaging from the very beginning. It had a wonderful balance between its characters, their development and the rich backdrop of history it was set against. I couldn’t put it down and truly cannot wait to go back and read it again. Just extremely well written. Loved it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2019-06-02 22:45:452019-06-02 22:45:45The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Heather Lovelace
I am typically not a fan of historical fiction. I became a fan of this author’s writing when I read her book about a museum heist so knew I was in for a ride with this book.
THE BRASS COMPASS features a strong female protagonist who goes through many things in her quest. There are a lot of layers in this interesting story. It is a history lesson, a lesson in humanity, a travel journal and a spy thriller. If the dates and locations changed, it could also be a look into our future.
This book has a slower pace, told in past and present time frame, and has enough information withheld to make it a decent mystery about certain things. It certainly held my interest as I was turning the pages.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Maura Harperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMaura Harper2019-06-02 20:14:282019-06-02 21:38:43The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Maura Harper
The first time I really got a chance to get to know Ellen Butler’s writing was with her fabulous Karina Cardinal mysteries. I love each of them and was super excited to see a historical fiction from her especially when I found out it was centered around WWII, an absolute favorite time period of history for myself. One thing I adore about Butler is the strong and evident way you can tell she pours herself into whatever she is writing about. You can definitely see the amount of time spent pouring over each detail. It makes the story rich and immersive.
The Brass Compass takes us on numerous dangerous and white-knuckled situations with Lily St. James, an American who was recruited to the civilian OSS as a spy during WWII. As you can imagine this was a very scary time and there were lots of situations that people found themselves in that they never would have imagined themselves facing. I loved how this was written as a fiction with fictional characters, but Lily St. James is ever as real as anyone that would have a real story. I can’t wait to see what else Ms. Butler will churn out. I know it will be fantastic and on my TBR list before I even glance at what it is about.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Liz Vrchotahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLiz Vrchota2019-06-02 13:25:142019-06-02 13:30:57The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Liz Vrchota
The Brass Compass: A Novel By: Ellen Butler 5 out of 5 stars
The story The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler is an amazing and wonderful book to read. It hooks you in from the very beginning and I found myself lost in the storyline. I loved reading about the character of Lily Saint James. She is an agent for the Office of Strategic Services. She gathers information for the Allies. Lily is smart, strong, and stubborn. She always looks at ways to overcome obstacles and has a fierce determination when on a mission. Things have gone wrong and now Lily need to flee and get to Allied controlled France. The journey is perilous. Will she make it? Read this book to find out. This story at times had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I grew to care about Lily with each chapter that I read. There are other characters that I enjoyed reading about and their interactions with Lily. This book takes you on a journey that is unforgettable. It is a story that you will not want to put down until you have read the final page. I found myself thinking about the book even after I had finished it. This is a story I would highly recommend reading.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laura Furutahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLaura Furuta2019-06-02 11:11:432019-06-02 11:27:06The Brass Compass: A Novel By Ellen Butler – Review by Laura Furuta
I enjoyed this historical story that takes place in 1938. It is a well written story that has creative details that made me feel as if I was right there in the Black Forest. The story is full of emotion, pain, anger, sadness, betrayal that bring the story to life. Lily is a great character who is intelligent, smart and finds her position compromised and now she must escape. She took me on a journey that left me on the edge of my seat and turning pages just waiting to see what will happen next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2019-06-02 10:20:002019-06-02 10:20:00The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Bobbi Wagner
A beautiful American spy flees into the night. On her own, she must live by her wits to evade capture and make it to the safety of the Allied forces.
Lily Saint James grew up traveling the European continent, learning languages as she went. In 1938, her mother’s abrupt death brings her back home to Washington, D.C., and after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Lily comes to the attention of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Her knowledge of German, French, and Italian makes her the perfect OSS Agent, and her quick thinking places her as a nanny in the household of an important German Army Colonel, where she is able to gather intelligence for the Allies. After her marketplace contact goes missing, she makes a late-night trip to her secondary contact only to find him under interrogation by the SS. When he commits suicide, she flees into the frigid winter night carrying false identification papers that are now dangerous and a mini film cartridge with vital strategic information. In order to survive, Lily must make it out of Germany, into the hands of Allied-controlled France, through a path fraught with peril.
This award-winning novel reveals the extreme dangers WWII agents faced when Lily St. James, the heroine of The Brass Compass, parachutes behind enemy lines, destroys rail lines, and infiltrates a high-ranking Nazi household. The Brass Compass is the latest story to celebrate the uncompromising intelligence and composure displayed by real operatives. From Greta Garbo in the film “Mata Hari” to Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, audiences will be riveted by the tough-and-tender ways women approach espionage and how these fictions reflect reality.
Ellen Butler is an international bestselling novelist writing critically acclaimed suspense thrillers, and award-winning historical fiction. The Brass Compass was inspired by the brave women who served in the OSS, British Special Operations Executive and French Resistance. Ellen is a member of The OSS Society and her fascination with WWII history originally piqued when her grandfather revealed his role as a cryptographer during the war. The Brass Compass is her debut into the historical fiction genre. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Policy, and her history includes a long list of writing for dry, but illuminating, professional newsletters and windy papers on public policy. She lives in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. with her husband and two children.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/TBC-Cover-Final-1.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2019-06-02 00:02:292020-04-06 08:38:32The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler
Fatal Legislation (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2) by Ellen Butler
5-stars
Wow! I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting. I was instantly captivated by this intriguing storyline that I couldn’t bring myself to stop reading. This was my first book by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last. I can honestly say that I was easily able to follow along with this book having not read the first one. Ellen writes with so much detail that made it easy for me to be swept up in the storyline and completely forgetting about the outside world. Karina leads a truly one of a kind life that makes for a highly entertaining read.
I can’t wait to dive in to the first book of this series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kaitlynn Taylorhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaitlynn Taylor2019-01-03 08:19:362019-01-03 08:32:57Fatal Legislation (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2) by Ellen Butler – Review by Kaitlynn Taylor
Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 is written by Ellen Butler. Karina is a lobbyist in Washington D.C. who has a Senator drop dead at her feet. Nothing is ever simple for Karina and she becomes a “person of interest” in the death. Luckily Karina is smart and inquisitive so she starts her own investigation before she can be blindsided by the FBI. This is well written with great thought to the story and dialogue. I was drawn into the story as I had been with the first book in the series. This could be read as a standalone but I think it would be sad to lose what was built in the first novel with the characters. I like that Karina is smart and curious. Sometimes this gets her in some bad situations but helps her also in her quests of solving the mystery. I look forward to where this series takes Karina next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sheri Schraderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSheri Schrader2019-01-01 20:47:222019-01-02 04:58:25Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler – Review by Sheri Schrader
This is the second book in the “Karina Cardinal” series and while it can be read as a stand-alone, there are a few threads carried from the first book so it might be better to read in order. They are both fantastic, so you won’t be missing out. I developed a girl crush on Karina Cardinal when she was introduced in the first of the series called “Isabella’s Painting”. I was super excited to read her again in FATAL LEGISLATION.
Wait, do I have a crush on the character or the author? Well either way, FATAL LEGISLATION was a fast moving mystery that held my interest from beginning to end. The story has an ebb and flow to it that it is more like watching a good movie or tv show, than reading a book. The interaction between characters, the nicknames KC gives to people, the tension and pull through the whole story. Often times, it’s easy in this type of book to assume you know who “dunit”. The way the author writes keeps it a mystery until it’s time to actually know.
I am fully invested in this series and look forward to getting to know more about the other characters as the series continues.
I absolutely recommend this book, this series and this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Maura Harperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMaura Harper2019-01-01 16:16:562019-01-01 17:50:53Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler – Review by Maura Harper
Fatal Legislation is the second novel in the Katrina Cardinal mystery series by Ellen Butler. This is my second novel by this author.
While having a heated discussion with Senator Harper, Katrina is shocked and surprised when he falls at her feet dead. What makes matters worse is when she becomes a “person of interest” and find out that someone hacked into his pacemaker.
Katrina starts her own investigation to discover who would want the senator dead and why.
With this being my first political mystery, I highly enjoyed it. I love Katrina and how she handles situations.
The novel was well paced and kept me hooked. I may start to read more in this genre.
I hope there is more to this series.
I’m happy with this novel being my final read of the year and highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a quick mystery to read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Moriah Venablehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMoriah Venable2018-12-30 23:44:482018-12-31 07:51:31Fatal Legislation by Ellen Butler – Review by Moriah Venable
5 Star Fatal Legislation:A Novel :Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler is a wonderfully written book that had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next. Karina is a Capitol Hill Lobbyist who has gotten herself into something when the Senator drops dead at her feet. What happens when she becomes a person of interest ? Will Karina find out the truth on who killed the Senator?I love the mystery and suspense aspect of this book as it had me biting my nails. Find out what happens next in this installment of The Karina Cardinal Series. I can’t wait to read more from this Author. I highly recommend reading not only this Book but the first Book as well.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2018-12-30 22:56:592018-12-31 07:49:30Fatal Legislation:A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler-Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Fatal Legislation: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler 4 out of 5 stars
This book stars with a bang. I love a really good mystery and this book delivers. This second installment in the Karina Cardinal series is just as good as the second. We see characters from the first novel and we are introduced to characters who are specific to this novel. When Karina becomes the main suspect in the murder of a senator, she launches into her own Nancy Drew style of investigation to figure out who could be behind the murder of a Washington Senator and why they are trying to frame her. I won’t go into to many more details as I feel it will give away too much of the book, but if you are fans of John Grisham, and Nancy Drew/Hardy Brothers investigation, you will love this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Krystal Gregoryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKrystal Gregory2018-12-30 12:20:062018-12-30 15:35:40Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler – Review by Krystal Gregory
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