The King's Justice

A Maggie Hope Mystery

By: Susan Elia MacNeal

Narrated by: Susan Duerden

Can a stolen violin lead secret agent and spy Maggie Hope to a serial killer terrorizing London? Find out as the acclaimed World War II mystery series from New York Times best-selling author Susan Elia MacNeal continues.

“A wartime mystery to sink your teeth into.” (Kate Quinn, New York Times best-selling author of The Huntress)

Maggie Hope started out as Winston Churchill’s secretary, but now she’s a secret agent - and the only one who can figure out how the missing violin ties into a series of horrifying murders.

London, December 1943. As the Russian army repels German forces from Stalingrad, Maggie Hope takes a much-needed break from spying to defuse bombs in London. But Maggie herself is an explosion waiting to happen. Traumatized by her past, she finds herself living dangerously - taking huge risks, smoking, drinking, and speeding through the city streets on a motorbike. The last thing she wants is to get entangled in another crime.

But when she’s called upon to look into the theft of a Stradivarius, one of the finest violins ever made, Maggie can’t resist. Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer on the loose in London, targeting conscientious objectors. Little does Maggie know that investigating this dangerous predator will pit her against a new evil - and old enemies. Only Maggie can uncover the connection between the robbery, the murders, and a link to her own past.

©2020 Susan Elia MacNeal (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“How far can a multitalented woman be pushed before she breaks? British-born, American-raised Maggie Hope has held an amazing series of jobs since moving to war-torn London. She's worked for Winston Churchill, traveled as a spy to Berlin and Paris, and escaped from a Scottish island where someone has been killing exiled Special Operations Executive agents. . . . And she's [now] faced with a new serial murder case when suitcases filled with bones turn up in the Thames. . . . A bit of code-breaking and some deeper insight into Reitter break open the case but put Maggie in the killer's crosshairs. Action-packed, intertwined mysteries featuring an introspective heroine and packed with little-known historical details.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Vivid descriptions of devastated London and distinctive, emotionally flawed characters enhance a plot that builds to a wicked twist. This enjoyable effort will inspire those new to MacNeal to seek out earlier entries.” (Publishers Weekly)

“I have read and loved every single one of the Maggie Hope mysteries. In her ninth, The King’s Justice, Susan Elia MacNeal raises the bar. Maggie faces old enemies, new killers, and her personal demons - not to mention unexploded ordinance - with an extra helping of her own special brand of derring-do. Longtime readers will be richly rewarded and first-timers will be made instant fans by this taut, breathtaking, and authentic read.” (Pam Jenoff, New York Times best-selling author of The Lost Girls of Paris)

Slow start

This story improved halfway through. There was very little action early on and seemed to have little direction so I found it hard to keep wading through to get the good stuff. Glad the story redeemed itself and the second half moved fast.

Good news. Bad news

WWII period detail very interesting. Some serious editing needed for long run speeches or scenes. Main character’s recovery from previous trauma solved by “a good cry” hard to credit. Not a wasted credit but not full value either.

story v preaching

I love the series for its historical and mystery content. please stop lacing it with these moral causes...I read to escape not be lectured on your values.

Great

Another physiological story. Maggie is out of control. Too much horror lived through with memories she cannot get rid of. Then the killings start and as much as she tries to stay out of it. But of course she is drawn in

Another good read by Susan Elia Mcneil

Fast paced, rich characters with solid environmental picture of the world in which the story occurs. I like her writing. She doesn’t skimp on violence and she gives her characters depth with which the reader can connect.

Fantastic Series

Well written and narrated! You must begin with Mr. Churchill’s Secretary! Historical Fiction and mystery thriller all combined perfectly! I am looking forward to the next in this series!

Another great Maggie Hope mystery

Maggie Hope solves another mystery during World War II. The characters were well developed and believable. Maggie is passionate about murder and about the people she cares about.

Perfect for the self-isolating covid crisis

For anyone who feels cooped up or angry about having to physically distance from other people, maybe lost your job and feel uneasy about the future this book really helped me put things in perspective.
The English were weary in 1943. There had already been so much loss and privation. With that as the backdrop the grimmest of all the Maggie Hope stories unfolds. Grim because Maggie’s own state is a reflection of the story’s backdrop.
I enjoyed it thoroughly and cried a little when it was done. Also hopeful for the next installment.
Truly, friends, perspective really helps. Stay strong. Dream, imagine, read. We will get through this. ♥️

Good story of broken pieces coming together

I really enjoy this series and almost hesitated getting this novel because of the negative reviews. I’m glad that I didn’t listen to the negative reviews because I really enjoyed the story. Well done Susan Ella MacNeal!

Good, but…

Good storyline, as always enjoyed the story. However, I tired quickly of all the poetry renditions especially the dark poetry. Was just too much in that vein.