Friends and Traitors - Helen Peters

Nancy is starting a new job as a housemaid at Stanbrook stately home on the same day that Sidney's girls school arrives from Essex, having been evacuated there due to the war.  As both girls try to settle into their new lives, it becomes apparent that there are secrets being kept and meetings being held in the middle of the night which lead both Nancy and Sidney to believe that something sinister is going on.  But what exactly is happening and can they get to the bottom of things before it's too late?

I have a weakness for books set during World War II so I was thrilled when a proof copy of Friends and Traitors arrived for me.  

The book is a perfect mix of mystery and adventure, whilst also showing how difficult it was for those who had family members on the front-line.  For Sidney, it's her brother who is away, flying in the RAF.  She is clearly incredibly proud of him but when his letters stop arriving, she becomes worried.  It must have been such a difficult time for everyone and difficult for children today to understand, after all, we live in an age when messages take seconds to send to anybody, no matter where in the world they are.  

Sidney, clearly isn't happy with her room mates and friendships are difficult for her since the school's arrival at Stanbrook.  Whilst Nancy seems to be settling nicely into her new job, the girls from the school are definitely looking down on her, especially when she is able to answer school questions they can't.  The book will open readers' eyes to the idea of class which was much more evident in 1940s England than it is today.  Nancy has had to leave home to work so that she can support her family; whilst Sidney and her friends are living a much more relaxed, luxurious life in their boarding school.  For Sidney, investigating their suspicions takes her mind off her brother; however, for Nancy, there is much more at stake, for if she is caught, she will lose her job and the only income her family have.  However, I feel it is Lucinda who highlights things the most with her treatment of Nancy.

Publishing on the 6th July, Friends and Traitors is a brilliant mix of adventure and friendship that will entice readers from Year 4 upwards and will make a great accompaniment to a WWII topic.