Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers

A Woman of World War II, Book Two

You’ll love this character so much you’ll want her as your best friend. I know I do! I can’t wait for the next Woman of WWII Mystery! ” —Alyssa Maxwell, author of the Gilded Newport mysteries and a Lady and Lady’s Maid mysteries

Poppy Redfern is back on the case when two female pilots take a fatal dive in an all-new Woman of World War II Mystery by Tessa Arlen

It is the late autumn of 1942. Our indomitable heroine Poppy Redfern is thoroughly immersed in her new job as a scriptwriter at the London Crown Film Unit, which produces short films featuring British civilians who perform acts of valor and heroism in wartime. After weeks of typing copy and sharpening pencils, Poppy is thrilled to receive her first solo script project: a ten-minute film about The Air Transport Auxiliary, known as the Attagirls, a group of female civilians who have been trained to pilot planes from factories to military airfields all over Britain.

Poppy couldn’t be more excited to spend time with these amazing ladies. But she never expects to see one of the best pilots die in what is being labeled as an accident. And when another Attagirl meets a similar fate, Poppy and her American fighter pilot boyfriend Griff believe foul play may be at work. They soon realize that a murderer with a desire for revenge is dead set on grounding the Attagirls for good…

Advance Praise for POPPY REDFERN AND THE FATAL FLYERS

“Full of historical detail and red herrings, with a plucky heroine and plenty of witty asides, Arlen’s latest is catnip for Anglophile mystery lovers.” Shelf Awareness full review here.

Kirkus Reviews. See full review here (but beware of spoilers!)

“Arlen’s enticing second Poppy Redfern Mystery is a fascinating nod to a little-known aspect of WWII history. Cozy fans will enjoy spending time with good-hearted, very English Poppy and friends, including her charming corgi.” – Publishers Weekly see full review here

“Arlen conveys so strong a sense of time and place that the reader will feel as though they have stepped into an episode of Foyle’s War. A must-read for fans of an era that still holds us in its thrall, a desperate time met head-on with dignity and courage.” Booklist (full review available for Booklist subscribers only here

Releases December 1, 2020 and available for pre-order from

Praise for Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders

“The author presents an English village peopled with strongly individual characters given to gossip, intolerance, warmth and mutual support.. . It’s as if the author is addressing the reader individually, inviting each of us to share moments of humor with her, including us in the poignancy of certain moments and sensing we will understand how annoying some people can be.. . This personal touch and warm understanding were an unexpected pleasure. Highly recommended.” – Editor’s pick, Historical Novel Society. Full review available here.

“This is one of those mysteries where I just fell in love with the main character early on and very much enjoyed watching her navigate her world while trying to solve a mystery…[Poppy] is a rational, curious, kind, and compassionate—with a little dog as a sidekick.” Book Riot’ Must Read Mysteries and Thrillers. Read full review here.

“Arlen deserves several thumbs up for this one. . . along with capturing the ambiance of the era, Arlen also has the
gift of keeping the reader guessing. Just as one likely suspect steps to the fore, another pushes him or her
out of the way. A fine start to a new series. ” Ilene Cooper — Booklist.

“Vivid settings and high emotions keep the suspense at fever pitch, but it’s the characters that make Arlen’s series kickoff such a stunner.” – Heather Seggel, BookPage

“History, suspense, and an appealing heroine combine in a series debut that should attract war buffs and many others.” – Kirkus Review. Read full review here

“This is one of those mysteries where I just fell in love with the main character early on and very much enjoyed watching her navigate her world while trying to solve a mystery…[Poppy] is a rational, curious, kind, and compassionate—with a little dog as a sidekick.” Book Riot’ Must Read Mysteries and Thrillers. Read full review here.

“Absolutely smashing! Arlen pens a dynamite beginning to a new series, filled with wartime suspense, skillfully wrought emotions, and a liberal dash of romance. Readers will fall in love with clever and quirky Poppy Redfern and the colorful villagers of Little Buffenden, as well as their dashing new neighbors—the American Airmen.” – Anna Lee Huber, bestselling author of the Lady Darby Mysteries

Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders

A Woman of World War II, Book One

Charming and independent Poppy Redfern stumbles into murder in this exciting new World War II historical mystery series from critically acclaimed author Tessa Arlen.

Summer 1942. The world has been at war for three long and desperate years. In the remote English village of Little Buffenden, Poppy Redfern’s family house and farmland has been requisitioned by the War Office as a new airfield for the American Air Force. As the village’s Air Raid Warden, Poppy spends her nights patrolling the village as she tries to ease her neighbors’ fears about the “Friendly Invasion” and what it means to their quiet way of life.
When two young, popular women who were dating American servicemen are found strangled, Poppy quickly realizes that her little town has been divided by murder. The mistrust and suspicion of their new American partners in war threatens to tear Little Buffenden apart. Poppy decides to start her own investigation with the help of a charismatic American pilot and she soon unearths some chilling secrets and long-held grudges. Poppy will have no choice but to lay a trap for a killer so perilously close to home, she might very well become the next victim….

Advance Praise for Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders:

“The author presents an English village peopled with strongly individual characters given to gossip, intolerance, warmth and mutual support.. . It’s as if the author is addressing the reader individually, inviting each of us to share moments of humor with her, including us in the poignancy of certain moments and sensing we will understand how annoying some people can be.. . This personal touch and warm understanding were an unexpected pleasure. Highly recommended.” – Editor’s pick, Historical Novel Society. Full review available here.

“This is one of those mysteries where I just fell in love with the main character early on and very much enjoyed watching her navigate her world while trying to solve a mystery…[Poppy] is a rational, curious, kind, and compassionate—with a little dog as a sidekick.” Book Riot’ Must Read Mysteries and Thrillers. Read full review here.

“Arlen deserves several thumbs up for this one. . . along with capturing the ambiance of the era, Arlen also has the
gift of keeping the reader guessing. Just as one likely suspect steps to the fore, another pushes him or her
out of the way. A fine start to a new series. ” Ilene Cooper — Booklist.

“Vivid settings and high emotions keep the suspense at fever pitch, but it’s the characters that make Arlen’s series kickoff such a stunner.” – Heather Seggel, BookPage

“History, suspense, and an appealing heroine combine in a series debut that should attract war buffs and many others.” – Kirkus Review. Read full review here

“Absolutely smashing! Arlen pens a dynamite beginning to a new series, filled with wartime suspense, skillfully wrought emotions, and a liberal dash of romance. Readers will fall in love with clever and quirky Poppy Redfern and the colorful villagers of Little Buffenden, as well as their dashing new neighbors—the American Airmen.” – Anna Lee Huber, bestselling author of the Lady Darby Mysteries

‘This engaging mystery introduces an intrepid new sleuth in Poppy Redfern and draws us into the lives of a small English village, upturned by war and the unexplained murders of two young women. I was enamored by the story and the residents of Little Buffenden from first page to last. Three cheers for Poppy! Shelley Noble, New York Times bestselling author of Ask Me No Questions, A Lady Dunbridge mystery.

“The enemy doesn’t stand a chance with courageous Poppy on patrol. You’ll love this character so much you’ll want her as your best friend. I know I do! I can’t wait for the next Woman of WWII Mystery! ” —Alyssa Maxwell, author of the Gilded Newport mysteries and a Lady and Lady’s Maid mysteries

“Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders is a WWII gem of a novel with such a strong sense of time and place, you feel like you’re there. Filled with characters you’ll want to meet again, it’s a compelling mystery that grabs the reader from the very beginning! A must-read for fans of historical fiction.” Emily Brightwell author of the Mrs. Jeffries mysteries

Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers releases December 1, 2020.

A Woman of WWII mystery series