When Germany invades Belgium during World War I, an underground resistance network called La Dame Blanche (The White Lady) is formed to spy on and sabotage German troops. Eleven-year-old Elinor and her 14-year-old sister Cecily are recruited into La Dame Blanche because schoolgirls are thought to be above suspicion.
Elinor and Cecily record train movements, and - after a while - the girls are taught to sabotage train tracks to derail German shipments of soldiers and weapons.
One evening the girls are discovered by two German soldiers, and when the men try to rape Cecily, Elinor shoots them dead.
After World War I, Elinor - who can speak several languages - teaches at a girl's school in England. Then....when World War II breaks out, Elinor is recruited to do espionage service in Belgium once again. A tragic incident during a spy operation deeply affects Elinor, who continues to be haunted by the event.
Skip to 1947, and - in the aftermath of the war - Elinor is living a quiet life in an English village.
Elinor's interaction with her neighbors is usually limited to a nod hello, except for a young family: Jim Mackie, his wife Rose, and their small daughter Susie. Elinor takes a shine to little Susie, and gives the child small gifts and such.
With Elinor's history in spy networks she has a habit of learning about everyone in her vicinity. (Elinor REALLY could have used the internet. 🙂) Thus Elinor discovers that Jim Mackie belongs to London's notorious Mackie crime family, and that Jim moved away to 'go straight.' However, NO ONE is allowed to leave the Mackie criminal network, and Elinor sees Jim and his wife being threatened and assaulted by Jim's brothers.
Elinor springs into action, and disregarding the strict petrol-use laws, Elinor hightails it to London to consult with Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Warren of Scotland Yard, who happens to be a personal acquaintance.
Elinor wants DI Warren to crack down on the Mackies, who have a history of robbery, assault, extortion, etc. Warren isn't too receptive, though, saying he has bigger problems than the Mackies. Warren suggests that Elinor drop the matter, and go back to her quiet village life.
Faced with Warren's reluctance to arrest members of the Mackie clan, Elinor takes matters into her own hands. Elinor is determined to keep Jim, Rose, and Susie safe, no matter the consequences.
A large part of the story relates to Elinor's espionage work during the two World Wars, and these scenes are edge-of-the seat compelling. Elinor is exceptionally skilled with knives and guns, and one has to admire her pluck.
I enjoyed this historical thriller, which is a fine depiction of women's contributions during both World Wars.
Rating: 3.5 stars
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