Brighton Belle

Mirabelle Bevan, the heroine of this entertaining series launch set in London and Brighton in 1951 from British author Sheridan (Secret of the Sands), worked in an intelligence unit during WWII and was deeply in love with her colleague Jack. The war ended, Jack died unexpectedly, and Mirabelle finds herself the only employee of a Brighton collection agency. Her life is one of routine and a certain numbing sadness. When her boss leaves her in charge of the office for a few days, life suddenly changes for plucky, resourceful Mirabelle. Soon she's off on an adventure that calls on all of her considerable skills as a linguist, arms specialist, and connoisseur of fashion. This is a wonderful book for those who like to take a peek at life in the 1950s, including the mores, manners, and clothes. For example, before going undercover at a race course, Mirabelle has to put on a snappy hat because no lady would go to the track without a hat, and Mirabelle is indeed a lady, even when she's climbing over back fences and knocking back whiskey. (Apr.)