A Question of Betrayal

Written by Anne Perry

Narrated by Susan Lyons

On her first mission for MI6, the daring young photographer at the heart of this thrilling new mystery series
by bestselling author Anne Perry travels to Mussolini’s Italy to rescue the lover who betrayed her.

Britain’s secret intelligence service, MI6, has lost contact with its informant in northern Italy, just as important
information about the future plans of Austria and Nazi Germany is coming to light. And young Elena Standish, to her
surprise, is the only person who can recognize MI6’s man—because he is her former lover. Aiden Strother betrayed
Elena six years ago, throwing shame on her entire family. Now, with so much to prove, Elena heads to Trieste to track
down Aiden and find out what happened to his handler, who has mysteriously cut off contact with Britain.

As Elena gets word of a secret group working to put Austria in the hands of Germany, her older sister, Margot,
is in Berlin to watch a childhood friend get married—to a member of the Gestapo. Margot and Elena’s grandfather,
the former head of MI6, is none too happy about the sisters’ travels at this tumultuous time, especially when a
violent event at home reminds him that even Britain is growing dangerous. As his own investigation collides with his
granddaughter’s, what’s at stake on the continent becomes increasingly frightening—and personal.

Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Europe, New York Times bestselling author Anne Perry crafts a novel
full of suspense, political intrigue, and the struggle between love and loyalty to country.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781980054641

Anne Perry

With twenty million books in print, ANNE PERRY's was selected by The Times as one of the twentieth century's '100 Masters of Crime', for more information about Anne and her books, visit: www.anneperry.co.uk

Reviews for A Question of Betrayal

[pennykaplan · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Elena Standish, a talented young photographer, travels to Mussolini’s Italy to rescue the lover who betrayed her and may be a double spy. To much back and forth with subplots.

[jamespurcell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Elena, now an official member of MI6, is sent to Trieste to rescued a long embedded agent, her former lover. Lots of problems in the pre-WW2 world as Hitler starts his world domination process close at home, with Austria. Who are the good guys, at home and overseas, is and will remain a continuing problem for Britain's gatherers of intelligence, less formally known as spies? Anne Perry continues her new series nicely in this new era of history for her.

[romonko · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Strap in and get ready for a wild ride that will keep you engrossed and guessing until the end of this potboiler! Plan on a few sleepless nights too. I have loved Anne Perry's books from the very beginning, and have read everything she's written. I unabashedly say that she is my favourite author. This book, which is the second in the Elena Standish series, is one of her best . If you haven't already met Elena, I suggest that you read book one in the series - Death in Focus - to get to know Elena and some of her backstory that you may need for this one. The time is set approximately six months after Death in Focus. It's pre- World War II and approximately the fall of 1934. After proving herself in Berlin, Elena is sent by MI6 to Trieste, Italy, to try to make contact with a mole that has been in Trieste for years. MI6 hadn't heard from the agent's handler in weeks. Much to her chagrin, Elena finds out that she has to rescue her former lover who jilted her years ago. The pace is non-stop while Elena tries to complete her mission, and the hardest part is not knowing who she can trust. Nothing is as it seems, and Helena risks her life to try to get Aiden and her out of Trieste. As always, she is quick on her feet, and a surprisingly good judge of character for one so young. I love Elena, and I think that she is one of the best characters that Anne Perry has created. I love the era, and I love spy angle. Bring it on!

[lindapanzo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I didn't think that the Elena Standish series could get any better after the first book in the series, Death in Focus, but happily, I was wrong. This is a simply outstanding 1930's era spy novel with action skillfully weaving between England, Germany, and Italy. Once again, photographer Elena Standish is sent on a secret mission by M16 but other story lines involve a possible home front murder involving M16 and a trip to Berlin made by Elena's sister to attend the wedding of an old friend.Bravo, Ms. Perry, this was another outstanding installment in what I hope is a long-running series.Highly recommended!!(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

[kimkimkim-7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“1933, a new, brash, desperate age”. Hitler is on his ascent, the brownshirts are taking control, there are splinter factions within the larger whole and each is trying to regain the glory of what was Germany before the First World War. The British are watching, waiting, inserting a few players trying to keep abreast of what is happening, what is to be feared. This book was so edgy. I was waiting for the knife in the back, the floater in the canal, the silhouetted man in the alley. I could feel hearts beating so loudly they blocked out conversation, silent whispers shrieked in the night. Is it possible for an inexperienced young woman to master her emotions and overcome a messy betrayal? Can she save her former lover? Will she succeed? Will she survive?There are great issues raised within this superb spy story. What constitutes real courage? Does living mean hurt is unavoidable? Are our leaders bound to make the same mistakes over and over? Do the realities of war ever take into account the devastation of the victims? I have read several of Anne Perry’s books and enjoyed them all but this was a stand-out for me. Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for a copy

[eyes92c · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Bravo Perry!Unknown to each of them members of the Standish family is flung into situations that come together in unexpected and sometimes dangerous ways. Perry has once again given us some amazing new characters to come close to in an age that is pregnant with malice and a taste of things to come.It's the Interbellum period in Europe between World War I and II. Germany is still stinging from its defeat and looking for a better way. Hitler is on the rise and Austria is wavering. Italy is governed by Mussolini. Churchill is out the way and many powerful Brits want peace at all costs. A German organization xx is becoming more powerful and appears to be a vanguard for a new push.Elena is asked by MI6 operative Peter to go to Trieste to check on an agent under deep cover who might be in danger.Margo has gone to Berlin to attend her best friend's wedding to a high ranking German Officer and is alarmed by what she hears and sees. It's a pleasure to find out more about Margo.Lucas has a visit from an old friend who subsequently takes a fall down steps and dies.From the dangerous to innocent situations, the plot morphs into something more.I'm loving the Standish family and the satellite characters that form part of their challenging and secretive bubble.A Random House - Ballantine ARC via NetGalley

[jetangen4571 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

historical-research, historical-places-events, historical-fiction, espionage, double-agent, 1930s, british, family-dynamics, friendship*****She thought he was a traitor who turned his back on her and on England. Now she is being asked to face him again under even more difficult circumstances in the backdrop of a pending world war. In another well researched historical mystery with entanglements in family and more, the author has provided us with another devious mystery and possibly a cautionary tale. The story is as convoluted as the politics of the era and the characters are only too believable. It held my attention even after I finished it!I requested and received a free ebook copy from Random House Publishing /Ballantine Books via NetGalley. Thank you!