What do you think?
Rate this book
Spy Island
When the world is at war, even an island is not safe. Abigail Maduro arrives in the Danish West Indies in 1916 to live with her Aunt Esther, a bad tempered spinster, and her houseful of eccentric servants. Despite the island's veneer of tranquility, St. Thomas is a hotbed of German spies and saboteurs who use their Hamburg-America Line steamers to aid the Kaiser's war effort.
When a mysterious stranger suddenly appears in town, Abigail is drawn into the conflict. In the handsome, scholarly Erich Seibold, she finds the friendship and love she has been craving, even when she learns that Erich is really a deserter from a German U-boat. Their idyllic interlude comes to a crashing halt when the island's German consul also discovers Erich's identity and blackmails him into committing sabotage, forcing Abigail to risk her life to save him. Action and adventure abound in this colorful historical novel that brings to life a fading West Indian sugar colony in the last days of Danish rule.
When a mysterious stranger suddenly appears in town, Abigail is drawn into the conflict. In the handsome, scholarly Erich Seibold, she finds the friendship and love she has been craving, even when she learns that Erich is really a deserter from a German U-boat. Their idyllic interlude comes to a crashing halt when the island's German consul also discovers Erich's identity and blackmails him into committing sabotage, forcing Abigail to risk her life to save him. Action and adventure abound in this colorful historical novel that brings to life a fading West Indian sugar colony in the last days of Danish rule.
327 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2012
7 people are currently reading
649 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Schiller
17 books132 followersSophie Schiller was born in New Jersey and grew up in the West Indies. She is a novelist and a poet. She loves stories that carry the reader back in time to exotic and far-flung locations. Kirkus Reviews has called her "an accomplished thriller and historical adventure writer." Publishers Weekly called her novel, ISLAND ON FIRE, "a memorable romantic thriller", her novel RACE TO TIBET, “a thrilling yarn,” and her TRANSFER DAY, “a page-turner with emotional resonance.” Her latest novel, THE LOST DIARY OF ALEXANDER HAMILTON, was called "an engaging coming-of-age story of heartbreak, bravery, honor, and triumph" by Kirkus Reviews. Her latest novel, THE UNLIKELY SPY, is now out. She graduated from American University, Washington, DC and lives in New York.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 13, 2013
See more reviews on Short & Sweet Reviews!
Spy Island tells the story of Abby Maduro, a young girl sent to live with her bitter spinster Aunt Ester on the island of St. Thomas. World War I is going on at the time, and German spies are everywhere. Abby has an active imagination, which is stoked by a young sailor named Ian who she meets on her trip to St. Thomas, so of course she sees spies and conspiracies everywhere.
The good:
* This was a very well researched book. The author really did her homework when it came to major political and social events in St. Thomas and in the world at the time the story was taking place, as well as details about the German army, World War I, sailing, etc. She definitely has a ton of knowledge about the time and place, which she puts to good use in all the details in this story. I'm a sucker for historical fiction, and for spies and war stories and women doing awesome things. I don't feel like I've read many books that take place during WWI, and those that I have focus more on life in Europe or America during that time, not the Caribbean.
* The setting. I've never been to St. Thomas, or really, any of the Caribbean islands, so I liked reading all the lush descriptions of the island. The author lived in the West Indies and you can tell that she clearly loves and knows the area -- the people and places really come to life with the great detail she provides. I definitely had a great sense of what the island and its peoples looked like by the time the book was over.
* The friendship between Erich and Abby is very sweet. He is always very kind to her, very aware of how much danger she could be in if anyone discovers that Abby is giving him a place to stay. I like that they shared stories of their pasts and that even though he himself was in danger of discovery, that he kept trying to look out for Abby and protect her from her Aunt, who could be quite cruel to Abby. There's a bit of a supblot of a romance between them, but for the most part, it's in the form of Abby's crush on the good-looking sailor.
The not-so-good:
* This book feels way too long. I say this as someone who has devoured thousand-page-plus books without complaint. A 300-some page book usually wouldn't be a problem, but on this case, I just wasn't kept engaged. Around the 40% mark of this book, I started skimming because things were getting repetitive. The action does pick up around the 80% mark but it took a lot of will-power for me to get there.
* All of the natives (read, people of color) to St. Thomas have their accents written out in very exaggerated ways. For example: "Lots of sailors pass by dese islands every day and dat don't make dem no German spies." I understand that writing it like this helps you get a flavor for how the person sounds when they speak, and that not everyone speaks in what would be considered a grammatically correct way, but I dislike seeing so much dialogue written out like that. It's a pet peeve of mine in general, but one that especially annoyed me, especially when none of the native Dutch residents, who would surely have accents of their own, have their accents written out. (The only other person who consistently had a written accent was Ian, who was Irish.)
* Also, often times the dialogue just didn't feel realistic. As a writer, I'm a big fan of reading dialogue out loud to myself, or occasionally using a speech reading program to read my story back to me. If it sounds unnatural to my ears, then it's time to go back and refine it into something that sounds better. Yes, speech patterns were different in the early 1900s, but that only accounts for some but not all of the weirdness that I heard.
* There are just too many details. This isn't a complaint I make often, but in this case, everything was just too wordy. The book is told from Abby's perspective, but any time Erich, or anyone else, has a story to tell, the story is recounted from that person's perspective in extreme detail, filled with a practically minute-to-minute timeline of whatever happened. And then some details get recounted both in the narration as well as in someone else's dialogue, or stories get repeated when someone tells Abby a story, and then it's emphasized in the narration, and then Abby tells the story again to someone else - sometimes it can just be overkill.
* Also, the villain literally twirls his mustache. In case you needed any more hints that he's the bad guy, there's a big one.
Overall, this was an interesting spy story with lots of moving parts which could have been made a lot better by some tighter editing. I liked the idea of the story -- a teenage girl hunting down spies! espionage and treason! blackmail! -- but I felt that it wasn't always successful in its execution. Other readers have really enjoyed the story, so please do check it out if it sounds like something you'd be interested in!
Spy Island tells the story of Abby Maduro, a young girl sent to live with her bitter spinster Aunt Ester on the island of St. Thomas. World War I is going on at the time, and German spies are everywhere. Abby has an active imagination, which is stoked by a young sailor named Ian who she meets on her trip to St. Thomas, so of course she sees spies and conspiracies everywhere.
The good:
* This was a very well researched book. The author really did her homework when it came to major political and social events in St. Thomas and in the world at the time the story was taking place, as well as details about the German army, World War I, sailing, etc. She definitely has a ton of knowledge about the time and place, which she puts to good use in all the details in this story. I'm a sucker for historical fiction, and for spies and war stories and women doing awesome things. I don't feel like I've read many books that take place during WWI, and those that I have focus more on life in Europe or America during that time, not the Caribbean.
* The setting. I've never been to St. Thomas, or really, any of the Caribbean islands, so I liked reading all the lush descriptions of the island. The author lived in the West Indies and you can tell that she clearly loves and knows the area -- the people and places really come to life with the great detail she provides. I definitely had a great sense of what the island and its peoples looked like by the time the book was over.
* The friendship between Erich and Abby is very sweet. He is always very kind to her, very aware of how much danger she could be in if anyone discovers that Abby is giving him a place to stay. I like that they shared stories of their pasts and that even though he himself was in danger of discovery, that he kept trying to look out for Abby and protect her from her Aunt, who could be quite cruel to Abby. There's a bit of a supblot of a romance between them, but for the most part, it's in the form of Abby's crush on the good-looking sailor.
The not-so-good:
* This book feels way too long. I say this as someone who has devoured thousand-page-plus books without complaint. A 300-some page book usually wouldn't be a problem, but on this case, I just wasn't kept engaged. Around the 40% mark of this book, I started skimming because things were getting repetitive. The action does pick up around the 80% mark but it took a lot of will-power for me to get there.
* All of the natives (read, people of color) to St. Thomas have their accents written out in very exaggerated ways. For example: "Lots of sailors pass by dese islands every day and dat don't make dem no German spies." I understand that writing it like this helps you get a flavor for how the person sounds when they speak, and that not everyone speaks in what would be considered a grammatically correct way, but I dislike seeing so much dialogue written out like that. It's a pet peeve of mine in general, but one that especially annoyed me, especially when none of the native Dutch residents, who would surely have accents of their own, have their accents written out. (The only other person who consistently had a written accent was Ian, who was Irish.)
* Also, often times the dialogue just didn't feel realistic. As a writer, I'm a big fan of reading dialogue out loud to myself, or occasionally using a speech reading program to read my story back to me. If it sounds unnatural to my ears, then it's time to go back and refine it into something that sounds better. Yes, speech patterns were different in the early 1900s, but that only accounts for some but not all of the weirdness that I heard.
* There are just too many details. This isn't a complaint I make often, but in this case, everything was just too wordy. The book is told from Abby's perspective, but any time Erich, or anyone else, has a story to tell, the story is recounted from that person's perspective in extreme detail, filled with a practically minute-to-minute timeline of whatever happened. And then some details get recounted both in the narration as well as in someone else's dialogue, or stories get repeated when someone tells Abby a story, and then it's emphasized in the narration, and then Abby tells the story again to someone else - sometimes it can just be overkill.
* Also, the villain literally twirls his mustache. In case you needed any more hints that he's the bad guy, there's a big one.
Overall, this was an interesting spy story with lots of moving parts which could have been made a lot better by some tighter editing. I liked the idea of the story -- a teenage girl hunting down spies! espionage and treason! blackmail! -- but I felt that it wasn't always successful in its execution. Other readers have really enjoyed the story, so please do check it out if it sounds like something you'd be interested in!
March 11, 2013
*Enter my giveaway for a paperback copy HERE.*
As soon as I read the summary for Spy Island, I knew it was the book for me. I always love historical fiction novels, especially when they have to do with exciting things such as German spies and exotic locations. Luckily, Spy Island managed to be everything I had hoped it would and much, much more!
Spy Island begins the story of Abby Maduro, an everyday girl living in Panama during the early 1900s. She loves her parents and friends, and she hopes to one day become a school teacher. However, everything changes for Abby when her parents die in a tragic accident. Suddenly, Abby's alone, and thanks to one of parents most "trusted" advisers, she now has no money to her name and is being sent to live with her crabby Aunt Esther in the Dutch West Indies. Abby isn't enthused. However, what she's about to find in the Dutch West Indies might change her life forever, but in what kind of way exactly? Only time and more pages can tell!
Spy Island had a lot of good things going for it, and one of those aspects would have had to be the characters. Sophie introduced such a lively and likeable group of people within this one, and even the characters that weren't as likable were still a ton of fun to read about it. One of my favorites, though, would have had to be Abby. At first, I was worried Abby would end up being the typical spoiled rich girl, always looking for a new hobby to keep her interest. However, Abby ended up being dauntless, especially when it came to helping her new friends out as well as tracking German spies. I loved seeing Abby interact with the wide variety of island natives such as her aunt's housekeepers as well as her two new found friends, Erich and Ian. Abby's interactions with each and every character added a lot to the book as well as her character to say the least.
The plot and writing in this was also truly fascinating. As mentioned before, I always love a good historical read, and Spy Island managed to be just that. From the first page, I was instantly thrown into Abby's world and truly taken aback by the lovely descriptions ranging from those of Panama to those of life at sea to those of the Dutch West Indies. Sophie really managed to make me feel like I was right there with the characters in this one and it added a lot to my enjoyment of the book. Plus it's made me feel as if I need to travel to these places. I also loved the focus on German spies and the war efforts going on. It added a lot of tension and plot turns and twists to the book, and I love how I ended up learning a lot about this time period by the end.
In all, Spy Island is a thrilling and fast paced novel perfect for fans of historical fiction and mystery. However, be warned, this is a read in one sitting kind of book.
Grade: B+
As soon as I read the summary for Spy Island, I knew it was the book for me. I always love historical fiction novels, especially when they have to do with exciting things such as German spies and exotic locations. Luckily, Spy Island managed to be everything I had hoped it would and much, much more!
Spy Island begins the story of Abby Maduro, an everyday girl living in Panama during the early 1900s. She loves her parents and friends, and she hopes to one day become a school teacher. However, everything changes for Abby when her parents die in a tragic accident. Suddenly, Abby's alone, and thanks to one of parents most "trusted" advisers, she now has no money to her name and is being sent to live with her crabby Aunt Esther in the Dutch West Indies. Abby isn't enthused. However, what she's about to find in the Dutch West Indies might change her life forever, but in what kind of way exactly? Only time and more pages can tell!
Spy Island had a lot of good things going for it, and one of those aspects would have had to be the characters. Sophie introduced such a lively and likeable group of people within this one, and even the characters that weren't as likable were still a ton of fun to read about it. One of my favorites, though, would have had to be Abby. At first, I was worried Abby would end up being the typical spoiled rich girl, always looking for a new hobby to keep her interest. However, Abby ended up being dauntless, especially when it came to helping her new friends out as well as tracking German spies. I loved seeing Abby interact with the wide variety of island natives such as her aunt's housekeepers as well as her two new found friends, Erich and Ian. Abby's interactions with each and every character added a lot to the book as well as her character to say the least.
The plot and writing in this was also truly fascinating. As mentioned before, I always love a good historical read, and Spy Island managed to be just that. From the first page, I was instantly thrown into Abby's world and truly taken aback by the lovely descriptions ranging from those of Panama to those of life at sea to those of the Dutch West Indies. Sophie really managed to make me feel like I was right there with the characters in this one and it added a lot to my enjoyment of the book. Plus it's made me feel as if I need to travel to these places. I also loved the focus on German spies and the war efforts going on. It added a lot of tension and plot turns and twists to the book, and I love how I ended up learning a lot about this time period by the end.
In all, Spy Island is a thrilling and fast paced novel perfect for fans of historical fiction and mystery. However, be warned, this is a read in one sitting kind of book.
Grade: B+
May 5, 2013
This is an excellent story of how adversity can bring out the very best in people. Abigail Maduro is a young lady with many privileges but has been brought up to care about others. When her parents die and their estate mysteriously dwindles to nothing, she is forced into a world which is very different to the one she has grown up in. A main thread throughout the story is her transformation from a naïve and fanciful 16 year old to a resourceful and compassionate young lady. She does not lose sight of her dreams but is forced to face up to the realities of life during a world war which is closer to her than she could ever have imagined.
There were moments in this story where I wanted to shake Abby, some where I wanted to reach out and help her and others where I felt helpless. When Abby's main ally in St Thomas died, I fought back the tears. I believe this is an indication of very good character development - when the reader feels the emotions of the characters.
I would recommend this book to people who like a 'growing up quickly to rise to the challenge' type story as well as those who enjoy wartime spy stories. Either way, a very enjoyable read.
There were moments in this story where I wanted to shake Abby, some where I wanted to reach out and help her and others where I felt helpless. When Abby's main ally in St Thomas died, I fought back the tears. I believe this is an indication of very good character development - when the reader feels the emotions of the characters.
I would recommend this book to people who like a 'growing up quickly to rise to the challenge' type story as well as those who enjoy wartime spy stories. Either way, a very enjoyable read.
December 6, 2013
Spy Island hits that rare spot for me in historical fiction. Not only is it an entertaining story with lots of movement, but the authentic island feel and early 20th century world surround you. The portrayal of the German soldier as a sympathetic character was refreshing. I learned quite a bit about this forgotten part of the world and its strategic part in the ramp up to WWI. Everything was so cleverly woven together. The secondary characters are richly drawn and come off the page. A great read!
May 13, 2014
Another good book in a row! Can I pick them or what? Abby is a young girl in the West Indies in 1916. She meets a young German U-boat officer who has deserted. Abby is a great adventuress and gets caught up in spying and mad escapades involving the people Erich is trying to hide from. Ultimately they become friends and save each other's lives. Told in diary form, Abby is more than adorable. Lots of historical fun!
November 29, 2016
I read this book several months ago but needed some time before I could write a review. The genre is not one I usually read, nor one that particularly speaks to me. So I wanted to let my reactions sit for a while so I could attempt to evaluate it on its own terms rather than compare to my usual choice of books.
I have read that the author loves old-style adventure stories like Tarzan and King Solomon's Mines. In attempting to bring that genre back to life, she succeeds. The story has lots of intrigue and danger, along with a spunky young heroine. Because of the age of the main character, I think the story might appeal especially to teenage readers, although adult readers who are looking for a rollicking, fast-paced adventure would enjoy it too.
My favorite part was the portrayal of time and place. I know next to nothing of the history of the Virgin Islands, so it was a treat to learn about that. The setting and characters are colorfully portrayed and helped me envision myself in the story.
For me, one of the biggest disappointments was that the author sometimes relied on cliches where I would have preferred a fresher use of language. She may have been trying to recreate the writing style of the books she admires, but I found it a bit distracting.
I have read that the author loves old-style adventure stories like Tarzan and King Solomon's Mines. In attempting to bring that genre back to life, she succeeds. The story has lots of intrigue and danger, along with a spunky young heroine. Because of the age of the main character, I think the story might appeal especially to teenage readers, although adult readers who are looking for a rollicking, fast-paced adventure would enjoy it too.
My favorite part was the portrayal of time and place. I know next to nothing of the history of the Virgin Islands, so it was a treat to learn about that. The setting and characters are colorfully portrayed and helped me envision myself in the story.
For me, one of the biggest disappointments was that the author sometimes relied on cliches where I would have preferred a fresher use of language. She may have been trying to recreate the writing style of the books she admires, but I found it a bit distracting.
Read
December 12, 2012It took me a bit to get into this novel but I thoroughly enjoyed this history lesson. Once I got into it I couldn't put it down. The characters came alive and the events of the story were vivid and gave me an appreciation of the Virgin Islands in the early 1900's.
September 8, 2018
I was very curious in a period of history that I didn’t know much about, the transfer–sale–of the Danish West Indies, St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, to the United States in 1916, while WWI was raging. German claws and expansionist dreams extended all the way to the Caribbean. The flavor, rhythm and folklore of Charlotte Amalie is brought to life through the adventures of the heroine, Abigail Maduro. A bit of a Nancy Drew character, she schemes successfully to con her elderly aunt, chase German spies and fall in love. She’s delicious. Author Sophie Schiller masterfully weaves well-researched history with good, solid writing in this Caribbean-flavored thriller.
July 10, 2012
It seemed as though "Transfer" by Sophie Schiller, came along at the right time: I had just returned from a holiday in the area the story takes place and I like historical fiction, be that a mystery or a good romance story. This book has both.
It begins in 2001 with Soren Jensen, thirty-something journalist, in a plane ride. He is traveling to the Danish West Indies to write a story about a woman who recently has died and on her deathbed revealed an intriguing story.
Soren is a widower of one year and in need of a life change, something to help him with his grief, besides the bottle. The interest of his journalism is Abigail Maduro who died at 100 years. Her great-granddaughter will meet Soren when he arrives in St. Thomas and take him to Charlotte Amalie, the town Abigail was from. She has documents to back up Maduro's story about spies and love.
After their meeting we go back in time to the story of sixteen year-old Abby (Abigail). We meet her in Panama - 1916 and learn she has been left orphaned and in shock. Her parents were killed in a car crash and she is almost penniless because of a corrupt family friend. The man demands she be sent to live with her only surviving relative, Aunt Esther, her father's oldest sister who lives in the family's old home in St. Thomas. While on board a ship to her new home she meets an Irish man and they soon discover a German spy is on board. From there the reader become enmeshed in the thrill of the hunt. The story takes place during the Great War - WWII which was with Germany and most of the world, 1914 to 1918.
When Abby arrives in St. Thomas, Aunt Ester is as unhappy with the arrangement as she. It's going to be a hard life for the young, once very well loved, girl. Luckily the housekeeper, Nana Jane, is understanding and has a little control over the aunt, who is mentally unbalanced and embittered over life's losses.
Aunt Ester demands Abby give up her dream to be a teacher and earn her living sewing. Abby is very unhappy but manages to make some friends of interest. One day she stumbles upon a handsome young German sailor, Erich, who is hiding out at the local synagogue. From there the plot thickens. A flurry of secrets plots as well as budding love with hopes and fears arise. The story keeps a good pace and each time I thought I wasn't that interested, a line, a character, a new part of the plot popped up. I did want to know more about Abby as much as Soren did.
When Abby was on the ship the writing style changed and at first I wasn't impress with the change. Then I realized, this is a young woman writing in her journal. It felt authentic. Sixteen in 1916 was very different from that age nowadays. I settled in and appreciated Abby's private thoughts and views. Soon it changed back when Abby arrived on the island and flowed.
The parts I found a bit laborious were the history telling. The narratives of the characters telling how the island came under the rule of the Danes were too long for me. I thought I was in a history class rather than reading and enjoying a fictional story. And then again, I do love history and very much appreciated learning about the tug and pull, political gains and money power that went on to hold this island. And, there is a local political and mystical black queen who the whites think crazy, but holds power of the people and the story. She's a colorful character.
Also, I was interested in learning about the African social, economic and culture in that region. When on my recent holiday in St. Lucia, I learned from the local African-St. Lucians about their history and present situation. "Transfer Day" includes that kind of history as well and keeps the African-St. Thomas characters real with the spelling of their own way of speech. It gives the reader a true sense of how the everyday want-to-feed the family people suffer under the ruling class who clash over power.
"Transfer" is a good story and certainly a good historical one. It is also recommended for YA.
It begins in 2001 with Soren Jensen, thirty-something journalist, in a plane ride. He is traveling to the Danish West Indies to write a story about a woman who recently has died and on her deathbed revealed an intriguing story.
Soren is a widower of one year and in need of a life change, something to help him with his grief, besides the bottle. The interest of his journalism is Abigail Maduro who died at 100 years. Her great-granddaughter will meet Soren when he arrives in St. Thomas and take him to Charlotte Amalie, the town Abigail was from. She has documents to back up Maduro's story about spies and love.
After their meeting we go back in time to the story of sixteen year-old Abby (Abigail). We meet her in Panama - 1916 and learn she has been left orphaned and in shock. Her parents were killed in a car crash and she is almost penniless because of a corrupt family friend. The man demands she be sent to live with her only surviving relative, Aunt Esther, her father's oldest sister who lives in the family's old home in St. Thomas. While on board a ship to her new home she meets an Irish man and they soon discover a German spy is on board. From there the reader become enmeshed in the thrill of the hunt. The story takes place during the Great War - WWII which was with Germany and most of the world, 1914 to 1918.
When Abby arrives in St. Thomas, Aunt Ester is as unhappy with the arrangement as she. It's going to be a hard life for the young, once very well loved, girl. Luckily the housekeeper, Nana Jane, is understanding and has a little control over the aunt, who is mentally unbalanced and embittered over life's losses.
Aunt Ester demands Abby give up her dream to be a teacher and earn her living sewing. Abby is very unhappy but manages to make some friends of interest. One day she stumbles upon a handsome young German sailor, Erich, who is hiding out at the local synagogue. From there the plot thickens. A flurry of secrets plots as well as budding love with hopes and fears arise. The story keeps a good pace and each time I thought I wasn't that interested, a line, a character, a new part of the plot popped up. I did want to know more about Abby as much as Soren did.
When Abby was on the ship the writing style changed and at first I wasn't impress with the change. Then I realized, this is a young woman writing in her journal. It felt authentic. Sixteen in 1916 was very different from that age nowadays. I settled in and appreciated Abby's private thoughts and views. Soon it changed back when Abby arrived on the island and flowed.
The parts I found a bit laborious were the history telling. The narratives of the characters telling how the island came under the rule of the Danes were too long for me. I thought I was in a history class rather than reading and enjoying a fictional story. And then again, I do love history and very much appreciated learning about the tug and pull, political gains and money power that went on to hold this island. And, there is a local political and mystical black queen who the whites think crazy, but holds power of the people and the story. She's a colorful character.
Also, I was interested in learning about the African social, economic and culture in that region. When on my recent holiday in St. Lucia, I learned from the local African-St. Lucians about their history and present situation. "Transfer Day" includes that kind of history as well and keeps the African-St. Thomas characters real with the spelling of their own way of speech. It gives the reader a true sense of how the everyday want-to-feed the family people suffer under the ruling class who clash over power.
"Transfer" is a good story and certainly a good historical one. It is also recommended for YA.
August 24, 2015
“Transfer Day” tells a bit about a historical event I had no knowledge of prior to reading this book. In 1917 the government of the Danish West Indies was transferred from Denmark to the US which is when they became the US Virgin Islands. But Germany was keen on taking possession as they were strategically-located and had deepwater ports. They were also located close to the US. Thus, there were German spies, saboteurs, and soldiers in the Indies.
The book opens in March 2001 with the Danish journalist Soren Jensen. He wants to reconnect with his past and learn more about his family’s history. His life has been in a downward spiral since his wife’s death a year previously. He is assigned a human interest story about the recently deceased 101-year-old Abigail Maduro who supposedly helped prevent the Germans from laying claim to the Indies. His contact in the Indies is Claire Lehman, Abigail’s granddaughter, who is in possession of Abigail’s diary.
So begins the tale of 16-year-old Abigail and her adventures. She is living in Panama when her parents die. Now she must go to the Danish West Indies to live with her Aunt Esther. But in the process of sailing to her new home she encounters spies and other adventures on board her ship. When she arrives at her Aunt Esther’s home, she finds her aunt to be bitter over the loss of her fiancé many years ago. Fortunately Nana Jane, the elderly caretaker, shows her love and affection. Several interesting characters enter Abigail’s life. There’s Queen Coziah, an old voodoo lady; Judge Neergaard, a Danish judge at the local police court; Cooky Betty, the family cook; and German Consul Lothar Langsdorff. The catalyst for most of the action is Erich Seibold, a German U-boat deserter. Abigail befriends him and hides him in her aunt’s basement. However, his presence is revealed and his integrity is tested.
This book is in need of some serious editing and corrections. On one page alone the character “Cooky Betty” is then spelled “Cookie Bettie”. This is just a minor example of careless mistakes that run throughout the book.
There were rare moments of beautiful writing: “…Nana Jane used to say that although everyone was poor under Danish rule, they were happy. Life followed an old, established pattern. Their food came from the sea, their water from the sky. The sugar cane brought the gift of rum and gladness, the chance to forget the past. The quadrille dance brought merriment and celebration.”
The book opens in March 2001 with the Danish journalist Soren Jensen. He wants to reconnect with his past and learn more about his family’s history. His life has been in a downward spiral since his wife’s death a year previously. He is assigned a human interest story about the recently deceased 101-year-old Abigail Maduro who supposedly helped prevent the Germans from laying claim to the Indies. His contact in the Indies is Claire Lehman, Abigail’s granddaughter, who is in possession of Abigail’s diary.
So begins the tale of 16-year-old Abigail and her adventures. She is living in Panama when her parents die. Now she must go to the Danish West Indies to live with her Aunt Esther. But in the process of sailing to her new home she encounters spies and other adventures on board her ship. When she arrives at her Aunt Esther’s home, she finds her aunt to be bitter over the loss of her fiancé many years ago. Fortunately Nana Jane, the elderly caretaker, shows her love and affection. Several interesting characters enter Abigail’s life. There’s Queen Coziah, an old voodoo lady; Judge Neergaard, a Danish judge at the local police court; Cooky Betty, the family cook; and German Consul Lothar Langsdorff. The catalyst for most of the action is Erich Seibold, a German U-boat deserter. Abigail befriends him and hides him in her aunt’s basement. However, his presence is revealed and his integrity is tested.
This book is in need of some serious editing and corrections. On one page alone the character “Cooky Betty” is then spelled “Cookie Bettie”. This is just a minor example of careless mistakes that run throughout the book.
There were rare moments of beautiful writing: “…Nana Jane used to say that although everyone was poor under Danish rule, they were happy. Life followed an old, established pattern. Their food came from the sea, their water from the sky. The sugar cane brought the gift of rum and gladness, the chance to forget the past. The quadrille dance brought merriment and celebration.”
August 24, 2014
Spy Island
It is Panama in 1916 when Abigail Maduro, a sheltered 16 year old, is unexpectedly orphaned, and overnight she loses not only her parents but her home. Impoverished, she is forced to take refuge in St. Thomas in the Danish West Indies, with her Aunt Esther, a bitter old maid and recluse, who is slowly drifting into dementia.
World War I dominates the world and as she travels by ship to her new home, a headstrong Abigail tries to escape. A steward charged with her safety, tries to frighten her into behaving with warnings of dangerous German spies and possible saboteurs on board. Cast away from everything she has ever known, she still find purpose in her life and makes an emotional commitment to do her part for the war effort .Spies abound when Abigail starts looking around the ship and decides to develop her own spying skills.
It is a pivotal time. St. Thomas is a fading colonial outpost of Denmark, and the Danes have indebted their country to keep the colony from falling into German hands. There is a complex battle between the Danes, the Germans, and the United States, as each seeks to maintain or gain a foothold in the West Indies.
Abigail shows strength and courage as she learns to live with her difficult Aunt Esther and finds friendship with the few servants who keep the household running.
One day she finds Erich, apparently a homeless man, searching for food and she impulsively offers him shelter in an unused room in the basement of Aunt Esther’s house. .Blond, handsome, and well educated, he is secretive about his origins until one day Abigail discovers he is a deserter from a German U-boat. Her growing affection for him is tested as he is blackmailed into becoming involved in a plot by the German counsel to use Erich to commit sabotage, but a resourceful Abigail finds an unexpected way to save him from being condemned as a deserter.
Spy Island is beautifully written with well drawn descriptions of an exotic and colorful Caribbean island country. Extremely well researched, the complex political forces are easy to understand and the growing love between Abigail and Erich is tender and believable. I liked this book very much and look forward to reading other novels by this author.
It is Panama in 1916 when Abigail Maduro, a sheltered 16 year old, is unexpectedly orphaned, and overnight she loses not only her parents but her home. Impoverished, she is forced to take refuge in St. Thomas in the Danish West Indies, with her Aunt Esther, a bitter old maid and recluse, who is slowly drifting into dementia.
World War I dominates the world and as she travels by ship to her new home, a headstrong Abigail tries to escape. A steward charged with her safety, tries to frighten her into behaving with warnings of dangerous German spies and possible saboteurs on board. Cast away from everything she has ever known, she still find purpose in her life and makes an emotional commitment to do her part for the war effort .Spies abound when Abigail starts looking around the ship and decides to develop her own spying skills.
It is a pivotal time. St. Thomas is a fading colonial outpost of Denmark, and the Danes have indebted their country to keep the colony from falling into German hands. There is a complex battle between the Danes, the Germans, and the United States, as each seeks to maintain or gain a foothold in the West Indies.
Abigail shows strength and courage as she learns to live with her difficult Aunt Esther and finds friendship with the few servants who keep the household running.
One day she finds Erich, apparently a homeless man, searching for food and she impulsively offers him shelter in an unused room in the basement of Aunt Esther’s house. .Blond, handsome, and well educated, he is secretive about his origins until one day Abigail discovers he is a deserter from a German U-boat. Her growing affection for him is tested as he is blackmailed into becoming involved in a plot by the German counsel to use Erich to commit sabotage, but a resourceful Abigail finds an unexpected way to save him from being condemned as a deserter.
Spy Island is beautifully written with well drawn descriptions of an exotic and colorful Caribbean island country. Extremely well researched, the complex political forces are easy to understand and the growing love between Abigail and Erich is tender and believable. I liked this book very much and look forward to reading other novels by this author.
September 29, 2014
In my own words
This is a novel set in 1916 during the First World War, in the Island of Saint Thomas in the Caribbean.
The main character of this novel is Abigail Maduro. She just lost her parents in a train accident in Colón, Panamá.She is send to ST. Thomas to live with her only relative, Aunt Esther, she live in an big old house with two servants. But what Abigail do not know, is that this aunt is very grouchy.
In 1916 Saint Thomas was part of Denmark, but because was in war time, a lot of Germans spy's station in this island camouflages with different names. U-Boats navigate the caribbean, lurking around for the enemy boats or more U- Boats to destroy.
Abigail was a teen ager always reading and wanting to became a spy.
One day Abigail is sent to church to deliver something that her aunt ask her too. When she get inside, she had an encounter with a man that was hiding inside the church. She was scared, she ask the man why he was hiding inside the church, he start telling her his story, he told her, he did not have a place to stay, in that moment she remember, in her aunt house the attic is empty, she offer him the attic, he accept.
His name is Erich Seibold. Erich told Abigail part of his secret, why he was hiding , he was a German deserter from a U-Boat from the German Army.
Well this is when Abigail Maduro adventure start, because in the island was a person that want to catch Erich.
What will happen to Erich? Because Saint Thomas is the cradle of german spy's.
Did the germans find out about Erich?
What will happen to Abigail, because she is helping a deserter,
I will invite you to read this great novel to find out, what happen to Abigail and Erich
I enjoy reading this novel, I am from Panamá and I study history of Panamá, all about the construction of the Canal.
The funny part is , when I was in school, elementary and in high school , I had a very good friend with the last name Maduro, I reserved her name.
Bravo !!!! Sophie !!!!
This is a novel set in 1916 during the First World War, in the Island of Saint Thomas in the Caribbean.
The main character of this novel is Abigail Maduro. She just lost her parents in a train accident in Colón, Panamá.She is send to ST. Thomas to live with her only relative, Aunt Esther, she live in an big old house with two servants. But what Abigail do not know, is that this aunt is very grouchy.
In 1916 Saint Thomas was part of Denmark, but because was in war time, a lot of Germans spy's station in this island camouflages with different names. U-Boats navigate the caribbean, lurking around for the enemy boats or more U- Boats to destroy.
Abigail was a teen ager always reading and wanting to became a spy.
One day Abigail is sent to church to deliver something that her aunt ask her too. When she get inside, she had an encounter with a man that was hiding inside the church. She was scared, she ask the man why he was hiding inside the church, he start telling her his story, he told her, he did not have a place to stay, in that moment she remember, in her aunt house the attic is empty, she offer him the attic, he accept.
His name is Erich Seibold. Erich told Abigail part of his secret, why he was hiding , he was a German deserter from a U-Boat from the German Army.
Well this is when Abigail Maduro adventure start, because in the island was a person that want to catch Erich.
What will happen to Erich? Because Saint Thomas is the cradle of german spy's.
Did the germans find out about Erich?
What will happen to Abigail, because she is helping a deserter,
I will invite you to read this great novel to find out, what happen to Abigail and Erich
I enjoy reading this novel, I am from Panamá and I study history of Panamá, all about the construction of the Canal.
The funny part is , when I was in school, elementary and in high school , I had a very good friend with the last name Maduro, I reserved her name.
Bravo !!!! Sophie !!!!
December 9, 2016
I wrote Transfer Day as a way to honor the people of the Virgin Islands and to honor the upcoming Centennial celebration in 2017. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed writing it and I'd love to hear your thoughts when you've finished, so don't hesitate to drop me a line and let me know your impressions.
Merged review:
Readers Favorite Review by Kayti Nika Raet:
Review Rating:
4 stars.
Reviewed By Kayti Nika Raet for Readers’ Favorite
Transfer Day by Sophie Schiller is an historical novel set on the Virgin Islands during World War I. Abigail Maduro is a young sixteen-year-old girl who moves from Panama to St. Thomas, one of the islands in the Danish West Indies, after the death of her parents. Forced to move in with an aunt of sour disposition, Abigail tries to make the most out of her new life, befriending Nana Jane, the family's long time nanny, who helps her learn about the history and ways of the island. St. Thomas is gorgeous, but lurking behind the tranquil island ways is a nation teetering on the brink of war. A strategic spot for both the Germans and the Americans, St. Thomas's position strains Denmark's quest for neutrality. In a hot-bed of German spies, Abigail soon finds herself embroiled in an attempted assassination when she finds a bedraggled sailor hiding on the beach. Now Abigail must choose between her safety and doing what is right.
Transfer Day by Sophie Schiller is definitely one of the more unique historical novels that I've read. Until reading Transfer Day, I always thought of the Virgin Islands as American islands and was really intrigued to learn about the rich history the islands possess. Abigail's part was book-ended by chapters set in the modern era, which I really felt the book could do without, but once reading about Abigail and her feisty personality, I quickly forgot about the preceding chapters without her. Transfer Day is primarily an historical novel, but it also has tones of an action adventure spy thriller and is sure to grab fans of the genre. An enjoyable read all round.
Merged review:
Readers Favorite Review by Kayti Nika Raet:
Review Rating:
4 stars.
Reviewed By Kayti Nika Raet for Readers’ Favorite
Transfer Day by Sophie Schiller is an historical novel set on the Virgin Islands during World War I. Abigail Maduro is a young sixteen-year-old girl who moves from Panama to St. Thomas, one of the islands in the Danish West Indies, after the death of her parents. Forced to move in with an aunt of sour disposition, Abigail tries to make the most out of her new life, befriending Nana Jane, the family's long time nanny, who helps her learn about the history and ways of the island. St. Thomas is gorgeous, but lurking behind the tranquil island ways is a nation teetering on the brink of war. A strategic spot for both the Germans and the Americans, St. Thomas's position strains Denmark's quest for neutrality. In a hot-bed of German spies, Abigail soon finds herself embroiled in an attempted assassination when she finds a bedraggled sailor hiding on the beach. Now Abigail must choose between her safety and doing what is right.
Transfer Day by Sophie Schiller is definitely one of the more unique historical novels that I've read. Until reading Transfer Day, I always thought of the Virgin Islands as American islands and was really intrigued to learn about the rich history the islands possess. Abigail's part was book-ended by chapters set in the modern era, which I really felt the book could do without, but once reading about Abigail and her feisty personality, I quickly forgot about the preceding chapters without her. Transfer Day is primarily an historical novel, but it also has tones of an action adventure spy thriller and is sure to grab fans of the genre. An enjoyable read all round.
September 22, 2014
Abigail Maduro lives a carefree life in Panama in 1916, she is the 16 year-old daughter of a wealthy merchant. That is, until her parents die in a tragic accident and her family lawyer leaves her with nothing to her name. Abigail is shipped off to St. Thomas, where her Aunt Esther has reluctantly agreed to take her in. Abigail immediately finds trouble upon the boat to St. Thomas and begins to search for German spies aboard. The trouble follows Abigail when she gets to St. Thomas. Not only is her Aunt Esther spiteful and abusive, but Abigail finds a German U-boat deserter to hide in her basement. Luckily, Abigail has the help of Aunt Esther's staff, Nana Jane.
Filled with spy intrigue from the beginning , the plot of Spy Island kept me interested throughout. Abigail's character was a little hard for me to attach to and in the beginning of the book she seems much younger than her sixteen years. However, this is also a coming-of-age story and Abigail does grow throughout. This quote describes Abigail's character perfectly: " The truth is, when adventure calls, I race out and greet her. Can I help it if I always forget to bring along my parasol?" I was glad that Abigail found Erich, even though her decisions seemed ignorant at the time, Erich's character and backstory shone through and provided for scheming and conspiracy. I enjoyed learning about Danish West Indies during this time period, before they were part of the USA. The history and setting was well researched and brought to life. One thing that I wish was better in this one was the dialogue, something just did not seem natural about it, and at more than 300 pages this can become something difficult to overlook.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Filled with spy intrigue from the beginning , the plot of Spy Island kept me interested throughout. Abigail's character was a little hard for me to attach to and in the beginning of the book she seems much younger than her sixteen years. However, this is also a coming-of-age story and Abigail does grow throughout. This quote describes Abigail's character perfectly: " The truth is, when adventure calls, I race out and greet her. Can I help it if I always forget to bring along my parasol?" I was glad that Abigail found Erich, even though her decisions seemed ignorant at the time, Erich's character and backstory shone through and provided for scheming and conspiracy. I enjoyed learning about Danish West Indies during this time period, before they were part of the USA. The history and setting was well researched and brought to life. One thing that I wish was better in this one was the dialogue, something just did not seem natural about it, and at more than 300 pages this can become something difficult to overlook.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
May 2, 2017
I'm so happy when a work of fiction comes along that combines a good story and well-drawn characters with true history about a part of the world about which I know little. TRANSFER DAY was such a read.
Abigail Maduro has been sent to live with her eccentric and unfriendly aunt in the Danish West Indies during WWI (The Great War) and its waning economic health as a sugar colony. The war seems rather remote, but their island paradise has been identified as a strategic location by both Germany and the United States, primarily because of its deep harbor and its proximity to the U.S..
Abigail befriends a handsome German U-boat deserter, Erich Seibold and decides to hide him in her aunt's basement. She becomes embroiled in the conflict when his presence is discovered by the island's German Consul Lothar Langsdorff. Langsdorff is an undercover German spy who blackmails Erich into joining his spy ring. Abigail's affections and loyalties are sorely tested.
Struggling financially and unable to support the colonial structure on the island, Denmark sells it to the United States. The story becomes increasingly dramatic and poignant as Transfer Day (March 31, 1917) approaches...the day when ownership changes from Denmark to the U.S.
In writing this book, I believe the author honored a great many people of Danish heritage on St. Thomas (Virgin Islands), because she turned a spotlight on a slice of U.S. history that most of us either never knew or forgot. I thought it beautifully conveyed the emotional impact of that historic change from Denmark to the U.S.
Abigail Maduro has been sent to live with her eccentric and unfriendly aunt in the Danish West Indies during WWI (The Great War) and its waning economic health as a sugar colony. The war seems rather remote, but their island paradise has been identified as a strategic location by both Germany and the United States, primarily because of its deep harbor and its proximity to the U.S..
Abigail befriends a handsome German U-boat deserter, Erich Seibold and decides to hide him in her aunt's basement. She becomes embroiled in the conflict when his presence is discovered by the island's German Consul Lothar Langsdorff. Langsdorff is an undercover German spy who blackmails Erich into joining his spy ring. Abigail's affections and loyalties are sorely tested.
Struggling financially and unable to support the colonial structure on the island, Denmark sells it to the United States. The story becomes increasingly dramatic and poignant as Transfer Day (March 31, 1917) approaches...the day when ownership changes from Denmark to the U.S.
In writing this book, I believe the author honored a great many people of Danish heritage on St. Thomas (Virgin Islands), because she turned a spotlight on a slice of U.S. history that most of us either never knew or forgot. I thought it beautifully conveyed the emotional impact of that historic change from Denmark to the U.S.
July 26, 2016
This is an excellent story of how adversity can bring out the very best in people. Abigail Maduro is a young lady with many privileges but has been brought up to care about others. When her parents die and their estate mysteriously dwindles to nothing, she is forced into a world which is very different to the one she has grown up in. A main thread throughout the story is her transformation from a naïve and fanciful 16 year old to a resourceful and compassionate young lady. She does not lose sight of her dreams but is forced to face up to the realities of life during a world war which is closer to her than she could ever have imagined.
There were moments in this story where I wanted to shake Abby, some where I wanted to reach out and help her and others where I felt helpless. When Abby's main ally in St Thomas died, I fought back the tears. I believe this is an indication of very good character development - when the reader feels the emotions of the characters.
I would recommend this book to people who like a 'growing up quickly to rise to the challenge' type story as well as those who enjoy wartime spy stories. Either way, a very enjoyable read.
There were moments in this story where I wanted to shake Abby, some where I wanted to reach out and help her and others where I felt helpless. When Abby's main ally in St Thomas died, I fought back the tears. I believe this is an indication of very good character development - when the reader feels the emotions of the characters.
I would recommend this book to people who like a 'growing up quickly to rise to the challenge' type story as well as those who enjoy wartime spy stories. Either way, a very enjoyable read.
March 27, 2013
There are good things about this book and there bad things. That happens with a lot of books. This book was well researched, which is good. The description of the Caribbean Islands was well done. The characterization was well done. The topic of the book was a great idea. All-in-all, it was a well executed book.
Now, you must be thinking, if all that was good, what’s the bad? The bad was that it felt too long for me. Even though it was only a 300 something page book, which I’d usually be just fine with reading. It just felt like it dragged a bit, for me, at least. Just because it wasn’t the best book for me, doesn’t mean it won’t be for you. There have been quite a few people who love this book. And don’t get me wrong, I liked the book and the topic, it just didn’t keep my interest for long. The middle portion of the book, I practically skimmed because the action didn’t really come in until about 70-80% into the book.
Overall, it was okay, FOR ME. If you like historical fiction and mystery, you might want to check it out and give your own opinion about it. :]
[originally posted on my personal book blog]
Now, you must be thinking, if all that was good, what’s the bad? The bad was that it felt too long for me. Even though it was only a 300 something page book, which I’d usually be just fine with reading. It just felt like it dragged a bit, for me, at least. Just because it wasn’t the best book for me, doesn’t mean it won’t be for you. There have been quite a few people who love this book. And don’t get me wrong, I liked the book and the topic, it just didn’t keep my interest for long. The middle portion of the book, I practically skimmed because the action didn’t really come in until about 70-80% into the book.
Overall, it was okay, FOR ME. If you like historical fiction and mystery, you might want to check it out and give your own opinion about it. :]
[originally posted on my personal book blog]
September 18, 2014
Spy Island by Sophie Schiller, is a historical fiction novel set in 1916 on the Caribbean Island of St.Thomas. Abigail Maduro, who is the main character, is sent by her parent's lawyer, after their deaths, to live with her Aunt Esther in the Dutch West Indies. This of course was after the lawyer, shyster that he was, sells everything to pay for Abigail's parents supposed debts. Aunt Esther is not a very likable character by any means. She does have her own sad story though so that might account for her crotchety ways. Once Abigail is on St.Thomas she spends her days exploring the island and soon comes in contact with Erich Seibold, a German Uboat officer and deserter. She secretly houses and feeds Erich while getting to know him becomes embroiled in a plot to spy on the Germans that are also on the island. I enjoyed the story, learned more about the Caribbean culture during WWI. There is just enough suspense and history to keep the reader enjoying the story. A well researched novel, that I am sure the historical fiction fan will enjoy.
September 23, 2014
The setting of Spy Island is what drew me to read this book. St. Thomas, that tropical island in the Caribbean, I never realized World War I reached all the way over there. Or that at one time it was under Danish rule. That's one of the things I love about reading historical fiction, learning at the same time as being entertained.
It's 1916, Abigail's world has been turned upside down and she is now forced to moved to this island to live with her cranky old aunt. It didn't take long to realize that this 16 year old likes adventure, intrigue and generally snooping around. The author knows her island and brought the life style to life. Abigail finds friendship with Erich and from there the story really evolves. I didn't connect to well with Abigail, I found some of her behaviors out of place, which could very well have been because of her age, but by the end of the book she did mature somewhat.
A unique story with lush setting that will appeal to those that like books off the beaten path and anything to do with World War I.
It's 1916, Abigail's world has been turned upside down and she is now forced to moved to this island to live with her cranky old aunt. It didn't take long to realize that this 16 year old likes adventure, intrigue and generally snooping around. The author knows her island and brought the life style to life. Abigail finds friendship with Erich and from there the story really evolves. I didn't connect to well with Abigail, I found some of her behaviors out of place, which could very well have been because of her age, but by the end of the book she did mature somewhat.
A unique story with lush setting that will appeal to those that like books off the beaten path and anything to do with World War I.
March 12, 2015
Really, really riveting novels—the kind that I can’t put down even though it’s the middle of the night or my family is begging for dinner—are difficult to come by these days. Thus it was a great treat to read Ms. Schiller’s Spy Island.
Fortunately for both my starving family and my poor, sleep-deprived body, I was stuck at the car repair shop for the better part of a day last week. This gave me ample time to indulge in Spy Island without neglecting any of my other responsibilities.
I loved the book’s main character, Abigail Maduro, who was such a spunky, intrepid heroine. She reminded me of Anne Beddingfeld in Agatha Christie’s The Man In the Brown Suit, which is probably my very favorite Christie novel.
I loved the dialog between Abigail, her Nana Jane and Cooky Betty. Even The Man In the Brown Suit didn’t have such fun dialog. And I loved the action. There was an adventure at every turn.
Highly recommended.
Fortunately for both my starving family and my poor, sleep-deprived body, I was stuck at the car repair shop for the better part of a day last week. This gave me ample time to indulge in Spy Island without neglecting any of my other responsibilities.
I loved the book’s main character, Abigail Maduro, who was such a spunky, intrepid heroine. She reminded me of Anne Beddingfeld in Agatha Christie’s The Man In the Brown Suit, which is probably my very favorite Christie novel.
I loved the dialog between Abigail, her Nana Jane and Cooky Betty. Even The Man In the Brown Suit didn’t have such fun dialog. And I loved the action. There was an adventure at every turn.
Highly recommended.
October 2, 2014
Sophie Schiller wrote a great book here. With a few differences, it is the same book as Transfer Day. I strongly recommend this book for those who like war, romance, history, politics, intrigue, and much more. The main character in the book, Abigail Munro, is a very sympathetic character, as is the person she finds love with, Erich Seibold. I won't spoil it for you here, just read and enjoy Sophie's book. I like it so much that I've started reading it again. When I first read it, I just couldn't put it down.
November 26, 2014
A unique setting and storyline
Set in the former Danish West Indies during WWI, this is a unique novel of a young orphaned girl sent to live with her cantankerous spinster aunt. She is convinced a German spy is operating from the island and that he murdered her friend. Then a German deserter enters her life... I truly enjoyed this novel and would like to give it four stars, but the numerous editing errors were a distraction.
Set in the former Danish West Indies during WWI, this is a unique novel of a young orphaned girl sent to live with her cantankerous spinster aunt. She is convinced a German spy is operating from the island and that he murdered her friend. Then a German deserter enters her life... I truly enjoyed this novel and would like to give it four stars, but the numerous editing errors were a distraction.
Read
October 14, 2012This book surprised me. I did not expect it to turn out like it did. Catholics beware! The Pope may not be who you think he is.
March 19, 2013
Really liked this one. The characters were so interesting, there was plenty of mystery, and it was definitely a page turner. It was like a fun to read history lesson. Blog tour stop up on blog.
October 1, 2014
Enjoying the read so far and am eager to return to the story.
Read
November 9, 2017A particularly enjoyable story from Sophie Schiller, set in St Thomas in the West Indies, during the first world war.
I am a lover of spy stories and found the tale quite absorbing, with the romance and blackmail mixed in.
I can recommend this book to man or woman, even though told from the perspective of a young girl.
Although not overly familiar with WW1, I had no reason to doubt the facts of the story. It is fiction, after all.
I am a lover of spy stories and found the tale quite absorbing, with the romance and blackmail mixed in.
I can recommend this book to man or woman, even though told from the perspective of a young girl.
Although not overly familiar with WW1, I had no reason to doubt the facts of the story. It is fiction, after all.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews