The Enemy at Home

By: Kevin O'Brien

Narrated by: Hillary Huber

1943, Seattle. While raging war reshapes the landscape of Europe, its impact is felt thousands of miles away too. Before the war, Nora Kinney was one of countless housewives and mothers in her comfortable Capitol Hill neighborhood. Now, with her doctor husband stationed in North Africa, Nora feels compelled to do more than tend her victory garden or help with scrap metal drives . . .

At the Boeing B-17 plant, Nora learns to wield a heavy riveting gun amid the deafening noise of the assembly line—a real-life counterpart to "Rosie the Riveter" in the recruitment posters. Yet while the country desperately needs their help, not everyone is happy about "all these women" taking over men's jobs. Nora worries that she is neglecting her children, especially her withdrawn teenage son. But amid this turmoil, a sinister tragedy occurs: One of Nora's coworkers is found strangled in her apartment, dressed in an apron, with a lipstick smile smeared on her face.

It's the beginning of a terrifying pattern, as women war-plant workers like Nora are targeted throughout Seattle and murdered in the same ritualistic manner. And eclipsing Nora's fear for her safety is her secret, growing conviction that she and the killer are connected—and that the haven that was her home has become her own personal battlefield . . .

©2023 Kevin O'Brien (P)2023 Tantor

A great mystery set in A time I love

Likable characters, good narration. An unpredictable ending to an absorbing mystery set during WWII. What more could a reader want?

Loved this book!

I truly enjoy books set in this timeframe. It stayed on track with the times and yet was a great mystery. Suspense story. Highly recommend it!  worth the listen!

Very good story line

could have really done without the racism and bigotry but a very good read still

The Suspense

I liked hearing all the Seattle neighbourhood names, as well as not not knowing who the next suspect was going to be.

Enjoyable

It was easy to figure out who the killer was almost from the start. Not as good as the several other Kevin O’Brien books but still a decent one.

My favorite author and narrator together

Perfection! Intriguing story and likable characters created by Kevin O’Brien and brought to life by Hillary Huber. I loved the history combined with mystery.

My favorite

I’ve listened to all, but one of the authors books in this by far as my favorite. I love historical fiction and the time period is another favorite of mine. The narrator was perfect and I’m gonna have to look for more books that she does. Hopefully these two will collaborate again soon.

Loved the detail of the well rounded story and back story of the characters

Lots of side stories that all converge ultimately. Description of the time in history still felt fresh and current.

Narrator and the story line kept me engaged the whole time.

The characters came to life with the narrator. She was amazing. All the voice changes were spot on.

Great mystery and story of time forgotten

I really like this author and this book was the last that I’ve listened to this year. I love how the author brings in local PNW history into his stories. This book held my interest as being a former Boeing employee!