The fourth in the Clement Wisdom Series
In late 1941, the Pacific is a very different place from only one year earlier. Japan threatens and vast numbers of Imperial Army spies have infiltrated throughout the Pacific Islands in readiness for conflict.
Just as he is preparing to leave Australia and return to Britain, Major Clement Wisdom is seconded to lead a small guerrilla force. Their mission: to secure a vitally important person in Singapore and take him, and the secret he carries, back to Australia.
While enroute to the island bastion of the British Far East Fleet, Clement learns that Malaya, Singapore, and Pearl Harbour have all been bombed and war is declared.
With no up-to-date intelligence on the volatile region, and leading a group of men he barely knows, much less trusts, Clement’s orders leave him with no option but to proceed. His fears are compounded when one of his men dies in an apparent suicide and it seems likely that there is an enemy spy on board; one who will kill to evade discovery and who is motivated by that oldest of reasons; revenge.
Plot/Idea: 8 out of 10
Originality: 8 out of 10
Prose: 8 out of 10
Character/Execution: 9 out of 10
Overall: 8.25 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot: West Wind Clear is the fourth title in the Clement Wisdom series, which centers on the titular character, who was once a married vicar in East Sussex before being recruited as an intelligence operative. Knox brilliantly blends history with espionage and compassionate characterization.
Prose: Knox's prose offers winning blend of voice-driven warmth and historical detail.
Originality: While subtle in its execution, Knox brings a quiet and unique power to the page.
Character/Execution: Readers will benefit from having read the previous titles in the series, but Clement will nevertheless leave an impact on first-time readers as, in this installment, Knox whisks her protagonist away to far-flung war-time regions.
Date Submitted: August 27, 2022
Reviews
Amazon
A gripping plot with many twists and turns plus plenty of action and fascinating local detail. Well done indeed.