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The SIlk Code

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( 1,468 ratings, 85 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Silk Code by Deborah Swift is a rich historical fiction novel set in the 17th century, weaving the tale of espionage and intrigue across Europe. The plot follows a young lacemaker who finds herself entangled in a dangerous world of secrets and political unrest. As she navigates the treacherous political landscape, themes of loyalty, love, and survival intertwine with the art of her trade.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you're fascinated by stories that weave intrigue, history, and the tapestry of Renaissance fashion, this historical fiction will captivate you with its rich detail and compelling narrative. You'll enjoy delving into a world where secrets are hidden in the silken threads of the past, offering both drama and mystery.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Silk Code had me absolutely hooked… A great storyline full of bravery, trust, love, survival, betrayal and determination. – NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Based on the true story of ‘Englandspiel’, one woman must race against the clock to uncover a traitor, even if it means losing the man she loves.

England, 1943:

Deciding to throw herself into war work, Nancy Callaghan joins the Special Operations Executive in Baker Street. There, she begins solving ‘indecipherables’ – scrambled messages from agents in the field.

Then Nancy meets Tom Lockwood, a quiet genius when it comes to coding. Together they come up with the idea of printing codes on silk, so agents can hide them in their clothing to avoid detection by the enemy. Nancy and Tom grow close, and soon she is hopelessly in love.

But there is a traitor in Baker Street, and suspicions turn towards Tom. When Nancy is asked to spy on Tom, she must make the ultimate sacrifice and complete a near-impossible mission. Could the man she loves be the enemy?

An utterly gripping and unputdownable WW2 historical fiction novel, perfect for fans of Ella Carey and Ellie Midwood!

Readers LOVE The Silk Code!

‘Characters that you could get into and a storyline that kept you hooked wanting to read on to find out what happened next – my sign of a good book!’ – NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A brilliant book, one of Swift’s best. I can’t wait for the next one.’ – NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved the characters that Deborah Swift crafted… well written and a good mix of historical fiction and mystery.’ – NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Really enjoyed this book… [a] fantastic read.’ – NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The depth of research this author does is obvious but she makes it so easily absorbable with characters you either hate or love and a plot that just keeps the pages turning.’ – NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An excellent book on World War 2 history.’ – NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Series: WW2 Secret Agent Series

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  • The Shadow Network
    ‘A superbly plotted historical drama… highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf One woman must sacrifice everything to uncover the truth in this enthralling historical novel, inspired by the true World War Two campaign Radio Aspidistra… England, 1942: Having fled Germany after her father was captured by the Nazis, Lilli Bergen is desperate to do something proactive for the Allies. So when...
    Paperback
    $2300
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  • Operation Tulip
    'This impeccably researched wartime thriller had me gripped from the opening pages – I loved it.' Eliza Graham 'A nail-biting read from start to finish … a must for WW2 fiction fans' Tessa Harris Holland, 1944: Undercover British agent Nancy Callaghan has been given her toughest case yet. A key member of the Dutch resistance has been captured, and Nancy...
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  • The SIlk Code
    The Silk Code had me absolutely hooked… A great storyline full of bravery, trust, love, survival, betrayal and determination. – NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Based on the true story of ‘Englandspiel’, one woman must race against the clock to uncover a traitor, even if it means losing the man she loves. England, 1943: Deciding to throw herself into war work, Nancy...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Silk Code by Deborah Swift is praised for its meticulous historical detail and vivid portrayal of 17th-century life. Reviewers often commend the captivating plot and rich character development, immersing readers in a tale of intrigue and espionage. The narrative is highlighted for balancing historical accuracy with engaging storytelling, offering a satisfying blend of drama and historical insights.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008586829

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 July 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: HQ Digital

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 240g

Pages: 352

About the Author

I write historical fiction, a genre I love, though I'm a bookaholic and I read widely - contemporary and classic fiction as well as historicals. In the past I used to work as a set and costume designer for theatre and TV, so I enjoy the research aspect of creating historical fiction, something I loved doing as a scenographer. Each book takes about six months of research before I am ready to begin writing. More details of my research and writing process can be found on my website. I like to write about extraordinary characters set against the background of real historical events.

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  • Last Train to Freedom
    'A thrilling, immersive and beautifully written historical novel that will resonate long after the last page is turned. Highly recommended' MARIUS GABRIEL'Taut, compelling and beautifully written – I loved it!’ DAISY WOOD The Enemy's Wife, Book 2 in the series, is available to order now!'I seldom give books of this type five stars, but this one fully deserves it for...
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  • Operation Tulip
    'This impeccably researched wartime thriller had me gripped from the opening pages – I loved it.' Eliza Graham 'A nail-biting read from start to finish … a must for WW2 fiction fans' Tessa Harris Holland, 1944: Undercover British agent Nancy Callaghan has been given her toughest case yet. A key member of the Dutch resistance has been captured, and Nancy...
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    A fast-paced, beautifully written, and moving story. Refreshing to read a book set in a different theatre of war. Wartime Shanghai jumped off the page. CLARE FLYNN Wow what a stunning read this was … All the moments in this book held me. Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Unputdownable read. Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1941. When Zofia’s beloved husband Haru is conscripted into...
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