The Great Deception - Syd Moore

 

 

Did you know that the British invaded Iceland during World War II? No, I didn’t. And I still wouldn’t if it hadn’t been for Syd Moore’s latest book, The Grand Deception. I think we owe a huge debt to authors like Syd who bring to our wider consciousness events that we know little or nothing about yet have some significant impact on the passage of history.

 

The Grand Deception is the second part of a trilogy, Section W, which looks at how British Intelligence attempted to thwart the course of the war by exploiting the Third Reich’s obsession with the occult. 

 

Syd Moore doesn’t just do research, she lives it, breathes it and experiences it and as such allows her readers an enriching experience that is the essence of good historical fiction. She’s also happy to share the fruits of her labours with her readers. If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of her talks, then I urge you to do so. Because you learn so much, in an entertaining way, and it does so much to enhance your reading of her books.

 

The Grand Deception is set in Iceland where Daphne Devine has the task of locating a clairvoyant who is suspected of collaborating with the Nazis. The essence and magic of Iceland is palpably created, and the sense of magic, superstition and folklore imbibe their way fully into the narrative so that the country becomes another character almost.

But as well as being a work of historical fiction, it’s also a thriller. Syd Moore skilfully creates a seamless fusion between the historical facts and the creativity of fiction. Daphne and those who associate with her find themselves in some perilous situations. There are secrets to be uncovered if Daphne can overcome the threats from those who seek to outwit and outrun her. All her efforts are hampered by the need to survive in an, often, hostile environment. There are some twists, the impact of one will depend on you having read the first book in the series The Grand Illusion for full effect. There is some sadness and there are some breath holding moments. But I’ve never been Queen of the Spoilers and I’m not about to start yet! And the closing pages of the book make it clear that the story is far from over. 

 

Daphne is an interesting character. Having read the previous book, I was curious to see how she developed. There’s something harder, more ruthless, slightly less compassionate about her in this story. Which I guess would happen to somebody who’s been thrust into life as an undercover operative in the middle of WWII! She remains feisty and self-analytical. I am keen to see what happens to her next. There are a couple of other recurring characters, but they don’t play such a big part. We see the Icelandic characters through Daphne’s eyes, that element of incomprehensibility when two cultures collide and both sides are making the effort to understand the other. I particularly liked the character of Anna; there was something enigmatic about her. 

 

So, if you’re a fan of historical fiction, if you enjoy a good thriller, if you like war stories, if you’re into spiritualism and the occult, if you like your female characters strong then this is the book for you. Bring on Book Three!