In this historical fiction set in both London during the World War II Blitz and in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, Robotham introduces us to two strong female protagonists: pianists who operate or control radio transmitters, tapping out messages in Morse code as quickly as if playing a concerto on a piano. It’s riveting and well-plotted, with genuine characters that will draw readers in from the start.

It’s July 1940, and Corrie Bakker, in Amsterdam under Nazi occupation, works for the Dutch Resistance. Danger approaches on all sides. Robotham’s writing is vivid. The readers can hear the boots of the soldiers coming as Corrie desperately tries to protect her family from the encroaching threats. In London, Marnie Fern, who works at the British Broadcasting Corporation, or BBC, picks her way through the burning debris to the safety of one of the underground shelters. Again, Robotham’s writing pulls the reader into the scene; you can smell the cordite in the air, taste the fear, and see the rubble left behind by the bombers. Once the raid ends, she makes her way to her beloved grandad’s house only to discover a bomb destroyed his shop and home and killed him in the attack. Grief so powerful overtakes her, and she’s further shocked by the discovery that he’s been working as a pianist connecting to Corrie. Marnie must continue his work to honor him.

Robotham beautifully portrays the connection between parallel lives in times of desperation. The story has many twists and turns, and the pace is tense, as it should be, to keep the terrifying manipulations, cruelty, and danger lurking around every corner real for the readers, making it more personal. It’s a story of bravery, betrayal, and, most of all, survival and bonds of friendship forged in fire.

Although the ending ties everything together and brings readers up to date, it is rushed compared to the rest of the book’s pacing and could have been more impactful, thus making this a 4-star read.