The excitements: a novel

Josephine and Penny Williamson were born to a wealthy British family in the 1920s but found the privileges of wealth tedious and stifling. When the girls were in their late teens, WWII broke out, and they joined in the effort to defeat the Nazis; both were awarded medals for bravery and service. Now in their nineties and living in London but still whip-smart and full of life, the women depend on their grandnephew, Archie, to plan "excitements" for them--plays, concerts, fancy dinners, museums--and he's delighted to do so, since he loves his great-aunts dearly. But both women have secrets in their pasts, some dark and dangerous, some tragic, some comical, and it's on a trip to Paris to receive the Légion d'honneur medal that these secrets begin to emerge. Switching between the 1940s and 2022, this book is utterly charming, with its lead characters a feisty mix of Madame Arcati, Miss Marple, Mata Hari, and Danny Ocean. It's gently humorous and full of twists, but it's the liveliness, verve, and charisma of Penny and Josephine, who are determined not to let old age slow them down one bit, that makes this such a satisfying read.

In this irresistible caper from Wray (a pseudonym for Proper Family series author Chrissie Manby), the past comes to bear on nonagenarian British WWII veteran sisters, Penny and Josephine Williamson. As the women prepare to receive yet another award for their service (this time for their help liberating France), their doting great-nephew, Archie, whisks them off to Paris, where his former lover happens to be auctioning off a spectacular jewelry collection belonging to the family of Josephine and Penny's childhood neighbors. Old vendettas emerge, and the sisters prepare to pull off a heist to settle some outstanding debts. As that adventure unfolds, Wray fills in the past 90-plus years of Penny and Josephine's lives, making readers privy to secrets that neither sister has dared to share with the other, particularly when it comes to their extracurricular activities during wartime. Keeping track of the shifting time periods can require close concentration, but the extra focus is worth it: Wray makes the Williamson sisters and their rich backstories leap off the page, successfully convincing readers that their joie de vivre has been a lifelong condition that shows no signs of letting up. Filled with surprise, poignancy, and excitement, this is a surefire winner. (Jan.)

*Starred Review* Josephine and Penny Williamson were born to a wealthy British family in the 1920s but found the privileges of wealth tedious and stifling. When the girls were in their late teens, WWII broke out, and they joined in the effort to defeat the Nazis; both were awarded medals for bravery and service. Now in their nineties and living in London but still whip-smart and full of life, the women depend on their grandnephew, Archie, to plan "excitements" for them—plays, concerts, fancy dinners, museums—and he's delighted to do so, since he loves his great-aunts dearly. But both women have secrets in their pasts, some dark and dangerous, some tragic, some comical, and it's on a trip to Paris to receive the Légion d'honneur medal that these secrets begin to emerge. Switching between the 1940s and 2022, this book is utterly charming, with its lead characters a feisty mix of Madame Arcati, Miss Marple, Mata Hari, and Danny Ocean. It's gently humorous and full of twists, but it's the liveliness, verve, and charisma of Penny and Josephine, who are determined not to let old age slow them down one bit, that makes this such a satisfying read. Copyright 2024 Booklist Reviews.

British sisters Josephine and Penny Williamson are World War II veterans in their late nineties, lionized at home and heading to France to receive the Légion d'honneur for helping to liberate France. Ostensibly, they worked for the Royal Navy and the nursing corps, but actually Josephine was an intelligence operative and Penny a spy skilled in hand-to-hand combat, and while abroad they're taking time out to settle a few scores and pull off a heist. Prepub Alert. Copyright 2023 Library Journal

Wray (a pen name for the prolific romance novelist Christine Manby) writes a hilarious and touching novel that spans time and crimes. Josephine and Penny Williamson are sisters and nonagenarian World War II veterans living in England. When they are invited to receive the Légion d'honneur in Paris, they travel there with their nephew Archie. The trip is more than it seems. Returning to Paris resurfaces old memories for both sisters, who have some secrets of their own from their time serving in the war. Will one last heist be their downfall? Or will they finally get revenge on those who have wronged them in the past? This novel offers a fascinating look into the lives of women who served in Britain's Women's Royal Navy and the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry during World War II. The snappy dialogue, both spoken and in Morse code, and the hijinks of Penny especially, will delight readers. However, the novel also touches on more serious topics, like lost love and familial relationships, with compassion. Penny and Josephine shine through as tough and capable in spite of, or perhaps because of, their age and experience. VERDICT An unconventional mystery with heart and wit, perfect for readers who love historical fiction, heists, and cunning elderly protagonists.—Tristan Draper

In this irresistible caper from Wray (a pseudonym for Proper Family series author Chrissie Manby), the past comes to bear on nonagenarian British WWII veteran sisters, Penny and Josephine Williamson. As the women prepare to receive yet another award for their service (this time for their help liberating France), their doting great-nephew, Archie, whisks them off to Paris, where his former lover happens to be auctioning off a spectacular jewelry collection belonging to the family of Josephine and Penny's childhood neighbors. Old vendettas emerge, and the sisters prepare to pull off a heist to settle some outstanding debts. As that adventure unfolds, Wray fills in the past 90-plus years of Penny and Josephine's lives, making readers privy to secrets that neither sister has dared to share with the other, particularly when it comes to their extracurricular activities during wartime. Keeping track of the shifting time periods can require close concentration, but the extra focus is worth it: Wray makes the Williamson sisters and their rich backstories leap off the page, successfully convincing readers that their joie de vivre has been a lifelong condition that shows no signs of letting up. Filled with surprise, poignancy, and excitement, this is a surefire winner. (Jan.)