Murder on the Home Front

Billie Harkness, Book 2

By: Jessica Ellicott

Narrated by: Elizabeth Sastre

Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Disrespect, disdain—and dead bodies! It's all in a day's work for WPC Billie Harkness, a pioneering female police officer protecting the home front in this gripping WWII British historical mystery.

A fresh and different take on WWII stories with an appealing young heroine New York Times bestselling author Rhys Bowen on Death in a Blackout

1940. It's been a month since rector's daughter Billie Harkness left her rural village to make a fresh start in the northern city of Hull. Now she has a new home and an exciting new job as one of only two female police constables in the whole city. But Hull still feels like a foreign country, and some people are less than impressed by the idea of a woman doing a "man's job".

Facing disrespect from her colleagues and suspicion from the public, Billie throws herself into her work. The tasks she's assigned might be menial, but she's determined to do her bit for the war effort. The chance to prove her worth comes during a search for a missing air raid shelter inspector, when Billie makes a shocking discovery: his dead body, in a shelter that's been stripped of all its valuables.

The officers summoned to investigate the scene believe it's an open and shut case, but Billie's not so sure. Asking questions means making enemies though—and little does she know that vile rumors about her are spreading, with the power to erase everything she's tried so hard to achieve . . .

Murder on the Home Front is the second stunning mystery in the new WPC Billie Harkness series. It's a great choice for listeners of Jacqueline Winspear, Rhys Bowen and Susan Elia MacNeal.

©2023 Jessica Ellicott (P)2023 Recorded Books

Great series

I really like this new series! Interesting characters and the narrator does a great job! Can’t wait to hear the next one!

Great Book

I love mysteries in a historical setting. This series is particularly interesting because it involves a young woman breaking ground as a police constable during World II. This was not an easy path. Some mysteries don’t ever allow you to figure out the culprit. They make sure there’s no way to connect the dots. With Jessica’s books, there are just enough clues left for you to say “hmmm maybe this person did it” or “I wonder if this is true”… you become engaged in the storyline and part of it. I love the narrator in this series in particular because her voice fits the actual character — she brings to life the proper young wpc encountering life in big city for the first time who is proving herself to be a very perceptive and valuable part of the constabulary. I always say the best book is the one whose only flaw is that is that I’ve finished it and now have to wait for the next one. This series hits that mark!

It’s slower than the other series

Seems almost more geared toward younger readers. Lack the wit and sophistication of the Beryl and Edwina series. Still an interesting historical murder mystery. And the lead characters are good folks.

What a nice story

Such a nice story, it takes you to that time in history in a way that you feel right there with each character

Interesting series

Elliott has a very nice touch with this new series. Lots of details from those early war years in Britain. One caveat to this story: her portrayal of the main character’s response to a groping incident seemed too contrived for such a supposedly intelligent young woman. A later conversation with her cousin about a long list of unwanted attention from men - and her passive response - also seemed out of character. However, these books are well worth listening to and I’ll look forward to the next installment.

Really great mystery series

I really love the main characters and the trials and tribulations Billie goes through are relatable

Fantastic Series

This is a fantastic cozy mystery series. Narration is great. Holds your attention from the beginning. Highly recommend this series. Check out Jessica Ellicott's other mysteries as well. They are all highly enjoyable.

Even better than the first book!

Book 2 -Death in the Black Out was a departure from Jessica Ellicott’s first wonderful series, ( but equally painted with exquisite detail.)
I will read anything this author produces!

Enjoyable second installment.

I really enjoy the second installment of the series and I'm glad that it appears that the author is not pushing the romance and focusing more on the mystery and what it's like to be on the homefront during the war.

Interesting perspective on WWII

I hope there will be many more in this series. More friendship less romance between Billie and Peter.