I, Spy: A Bletchley Park Mystery by Rhian Tracey

It’s September 1939 and war has been declared with Germany. Robyn lives at Bletchley Park where her father is a chaffeur and looks after the garages. When war starts, everything changes. The grown-ups have so many secrets and with the arrival of the armed forces, it’s more like a prison than a home. Robyn’s freedom is disappearing – but not without a fight!

She has always loved nature – birds, trees, and her island in the middle of the lake. Nature doesn’t seem to notice all the changes. With her friends, Mary and Ned, Robyn finds joy in being outside and sharing everything they discover on-site – despite having signed the Official Secrets Act!

Something sinister is definitely going on at Bletchely Park. Amidst all the secrets, sealed messages and important meetings at the mansion, Robyn can sense someone is a spy – a turncoat or maybe even a double agent! She’s determined to discover what’s going on and put a stop to it.

Robyn loves her new role in the war effort – helping to look after the carrier pigeons in the loft of Bletchley Park. Not only is she able to spend time with these wonderful creatures, but she’s able to do some spying of her own.

There is so much to this captivating mystery. It’s a gentle introduction to the real dangers of war in a way children can understand. Famous characters such as Dilly Knox, Alan Turing and Agatha Christie make an appearance, bringing authenticity to the story and historical challenge to readers. The role of women in the war effort is explored with questions about equal pay for equal work, the benefit of wearing trousers and a celebration of clever girls. The strength of friendship between Robyn, Mary and Ned shows the importance of trust, forgiveness and sacrifice. They listen, cheer each other on and understand when life has become too much and kindness is all that’s needed.

Robyn is a brilliant character – feisty, intelligent and forthright. She has little regard for rules which is tricky in a place that is so regulated. Robyn has a real knack for getting in trouble but only with the most well-meaning of attitudes. She is bold and will not hesitate to takes risks if she knows it will help someone. Her bravery makes her a true heroine. She is proof that neither age nor gender matters when it comes to saving the day!

Having visited Bletchley Park in 2019, being able to picture the mansion, cabins and garages took me deeper into the story. My children enjoyed the code-breaking activities during our visit and imagining what it would be like to live at Bletchley Park during the war. I’m sure they will love I, Spy: A Bletchley Park Mystery, trying to solve the mystery right along with Robyn.

Thank you to Piccadilly Press & Antonia Wilkinson for an early copy of this outstanding book!