In the dead of night on June 12, 1942, four sailors climb from their German U-boat and make their way toward the coast of Long Island, NY. From there, they board the Long Island Railroad heading into Manhattan. One of the men, Cal Miller, is a US citizen, making him the perfect candidate for a special mission to infiltrate the States and gain access to key economic targets he can destroy.
Three seats ahead, Lexie Smithfield ponders her future as a nurse at Bellevue Hospital and wife to her fiancé Russell Thompson. A brief encounter with Cal Miller on the train leads to an unlikely friendship, and ultimately to the fearsome discovery that this handsome, kindly man is not who he appears to be.
When Russell is given an opportunity to work overseas, Lexie reluctantly encourages him to go. But his absence leaves Lexie alone in a strange city where her path becomes increasingly darkened by her unwitting connection to the German saboteurs. As the spies lay plans to destroy American factories and bridges, it becomes clear that only two people can stop them. One is a catatonic patient at Bellevue who must be strapped to his bed and sedated. The other is Lexie herself, a young woman who longs only for the security of marriage while ministering to the war’s physically and emotionally wounded.
Can Lexie’s unintended friendship with a Nazi spy thwart a terrorist attack? Or will her hopes and dreams — peace on the American homefront — become another casualty of war?
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Sexual Content - 1/5
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Violence - 1/5
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Language - 0/5
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Drugs and Alcohol - 0/5
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Summary
Shadowed by a Spy by Marilyn Turk is a captivating story during WWII. Marilyn adds those little details that make a story extra special. For example, some of the medical procedures they were testing and the pastor they went to visit his church were valuable additions to the story.
You cannot help but admire Russell for his desire to serve his country in any way he can since he cannot go to war as a result of his foot injury. We also see how Robert is different than the other band members because of his morals and Christian beliefs.
It was fascinating to think about everything Lexie was learning as she trained to be a nurse during this time frame. Lexie’s specialty was working in the mental health floor. It was sad and fascinating to see what happened to the patients.
Lexie and Russell had a relationship similar to relationships of today where there were missed dates and lunches because of their jobs. I don’t think of that happening in historical fiction. I assume their life was much slower and easier.
The story around the four gentlemen on the train was intriguing but I enjoyed the scenes with Robert and Lexie more. Also the scenes with Lexie working in the mental floor at the hospital were captivating.
I loved the history in this book. You can tell the author did a lot of research and it adds such depth to the story.
Sexual content - no physical scenes, one of the singers likes to flirt and try to be alluring
Violence - some of the medical procedures from that time frame may feel like violence, there is a hint of violence from the four strangers on the train, it is war time and there are war injuries
No profanity or drugs/alcohol