In 1947, Elinor White lives alone in a house gifted to her by the monarchy. Not for the first time in her life, she's drawn into intrigue when she learns that her neighbors, the Mackies, are attempting to escape the clutches of their criminal family. Interspersed with the post-war narrative are flashbacks depicting Elinor's life in the First World War—when, as a young girl, she assisted in derailing German trains— and the Second, when she returned to her native Belgium to help lead the resistance against Hitler. The mystery at the heart of this book is why Elinor feels such urgency to save a young family, and the truth, when it comes, is devastating. Winspear's great strength is characterization, and her portrayal of Elinor is ferociously, utterly compelling. (BH)