https://girllostinabook.com/2023/09/25/review-a-truth-to-lie-for-by-anne-perry/ ( )

In this latest installment of the Elena Standish mysteries, the protagonist, with a new identity as Ellen Stewart, is being sent back into Germany to find and extricate one of Hitler’s scientists who is developing Germany’s germ warfare program. The story is set in 1934 as Hitler is on the ascendant and surrounded by his goons, Rohm, Goring, Goebbels, Himmler, and others who are all jockeying for power. There is a secondary story involving a young German Lieutenant, Hans Beckendorff, working under General Paulus who is looking to settle a long simmering embarrassment against Elena’s Grandfather, Lucas Standish, the former head of of Britain’s M16. Lots of players, lots of action, intrigue, soul searching and nail biting tension. Amidst the horrors of Hitler’s fanaticism, there are also people stepping up, making hard decisions, risking their lives to save others.

One of the aspects of Perry’s stories is that her characters are fallible and things don’t always go to plan. Mistakes are made and segues become the norm. If you are looking for a plan that goes off without a hitch, not happening. If you are expecting things to move in a linear direction with a perfect ending well we don’t always get what we want. As is so often the case, the ending is abrupt but leaving no doubt that we will see more of Elena Standish.

Thank you Ballantine Books and NetGalley for a copy. ( )

Elena is called on to return to Germany to extricate a scientist working on germ warfare. There is much turmoil there as the Brownshirts under Ernst Rohm have become powerful and threatening to Hitler. This conflict erupts into the "Night of the Long Knives" during which Hitler and the SS attack and wipe out Rohn and his leadership group.
Her first attempt ends in failure and she is sent back to assist with the second scientist's escape. ( )

A new series by a great author. This is the first Elena Standish novel I have read, and the book presents multiple sides of Hitler’s rise to power. Hans Beckendorff shows a side of Hitler’s chosen that exposes the mixed moral code of many Germans. The story also portrays the ruthlessness of the Brownshirts and many Gestapo leaders. And Hitler’s quest to control the world with the aid of science and power. Elena, a M16 agent must return to Berlin and help a German scientist escape Berlin. The mission holds many dangers for both Elena and Heinrich Hartwig, the scientist. Will Elena be successful? A well written account of pre WWII Germany. ( )

Who can you trust?

Despite her troubles with her last assignment Elena is once again called on by MI6 to take part in an operation. This time it’s back in Berlin (a place Elena escaped by the skin of her teeth) to escort a German chemist out from under the Reich’s nose. He’s part of the German chemical warfare program. The head of the division is a sworn enemy of Marcus Standish, Elena’s grandfather and previous head of M16. If he identifies and captures Elena, Marcus is in no doubt of the outcome.
Of course problems arise. Things don’t go to plan. Elena is forced to contact a previous source for help. She ends up driving across Germany in her efforts to fulfil her mission.
Does Elena’s character develop? Not really. She’s on some sort of plateau. She still has ground to makeup. It will take time for MI6 to forget her past challenges. But then they’re all members of the same old boys’ network.
This German intervention was harrowing for Elena, and as equally ghastly for us. She did show courage and agility of thought. Maybe she’s come further than I’ve given her credit for.

A Random House - Ballantine ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher. ( )