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The Heroines of SOE #1
Operation Zigzag: Eve’s War
Eve’s War is a series of 12 novellas. Each book contains approximately 20,000 words and a complete story. Kindly note that Eve’s story arc will be concluded at the end of the series.
Marseille, December 1942
“We’re in a fix,” Vincent said. “The Gestapo have captured a British agent, code name Zigzag. They picked him up through his false identity papers, only the thing is they haven’t discovered his true identity, yet. But they will. And he will talk. They all do in the end. And when he talks he will reveal secrets that will destroy the local resistance networks, including our own. But there’s a way out, through a guard. He’s open to bribes. We’d like you to meet the guard, bribe him, spring Zigzag from the Gestapo prison, then escort him over the mountain pass into Spain.”
“Why me?” I asked.
“Because you helped to establish the escape network. And you know the mountain trails like the back of your hand. Furthermore, as the wife of respected industrialist Michel Beringar, you are above suspicion.”
I glanced at Michel. From the stern look on his face, I could tell that he wasn’t pleased. Was this one risk too many? And as for me being above suspicion...the Gestapo were following me and they were tapping my phone.
As a child, I’d run away from home. As a teenager, I’d travelled the world, living on my wits. As a journalist, I’d witnessed atrocities inflicted in the name of fascism. As a member of the Resistance, I’d eyeballed fear and stared it down. For the past 30 years, I’d lived a full life. I could do this. However, even as I voiced my agreement I knew that my life in Marseille, my life with Michel, would never be the same.
The books in series
Operation Zigzag Operation Locksmith Operation Broadsword Operation Treasure Operation Sherlock Operation Cameo Operation Rose Operation Watchmaker Operation Overlord Operation Jedburgh Operation Butterfly Operation Liberty
Marseille, December 1942
“We’re in a fix,” Vincent said. “The Gestapo have captured a British agent, code name Zigzag. They picked him up through his false identity papers, only the thing is they haven’t discovered his true identity, yet. But they will. And he will talk. They all do in the end. And when he talks he will reveal secrets that will destroy the local resistance networks, including our own. But there’s a way out, through a guard. He’s open to bribes. We’d like you to meet the guard, bribe him, spring Zigzag from the Gestapo prison, then escort him over the mountain pass into Spain.”
“Why me?” I asked.
“Because you helped to establish the escape network. And you know the mountain trails like the back of your hand. Furthermore, as the wife of respected industrialist Michel Beringar, you are above suspicion.”
I glanced at Michel. From the stern look on his face, I could tell that he wasn’t pleased. Was this one risk too many? And as for me being above suspicion...the Gestapo were following me and they were tapping my phone.
As a child, I’d run away from home. As a teenager, I’d travelled the world, living on my wits. As a journalist, I’d witnessed atrocities inflicted in the name of fascism. As a member of the Resistance, I’d eyeballed fear and stared it down. For the past 30 years, I’d lived a full life. I could do this. However, even as I voiced my agreement I knew that my life in Marseille, my life with Michel, would never be the same.
The books in series
Operation Zigzag Operation Locksmith Operation Broadsword Operation Treasure Operation Sherlock Operation Cameo Operation Rose Operation Watchmaker Operation Overlord Operation Jedburgh Operation Butterfly Operation Liberty
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Published August 13, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 12, 2022
4 stars - English Ebook
Quote:
Marseille, December 1942
Quote : “We’re in a fix,” Vincent said. “The Gestapo have captured a British agent, code name Zigzag. They picked him up through his false identity papers, only the thing is they haven’t discovered his true identity, yet. But they will. And he will talk. They all do in the end. And when he talks he will reveal secrets that will destroy the local resistance networks, including our own. But there’s a way out, through a guard. He’s open to bribes. We’d like you to meet the guard, bribe him, spring Zigzag from the Gestapo prison then escort him over the mountain pass into Spain.”
“Why me?” I asked.
“Because you helped to establish the escape network. And you know the mountain trails like the back of your hand. Furthermore, as the wife of respected industrialist Michel Beringar you are above suspicion.”
I glanced at Michel. From the stern look on his face, I could tell that he wasn’t pleased. Was this one risk too many? And as for me being above suspicion...the Gestapo were following me and they were tapping my phone.
As a child, I’d run away from home. As a teenager, I’d travelled the world, living on my wits. As a journalist, I’d witnessed atrocities inflicted in the name of fascism. As a member of the Resistance, I’d eyeballed fear and stared it down. For the past thirty years I’d lived a full life. I could do this. However, even as I voiced my agreement I knew that my life in Marseille, my life with Michel, would never be the same. -
With the war looming Eve marries Michel, becoming Madame Beringar. After a honeymoon in the Alps, they return to Marseille, living a decadent, lavish life of luxury. Nazis invades France in May 1940. By November 1942 Nazis occupation has extended to the south of France.
The Resistance forms, and Vincent, the best man at her wedding, asks Eve to help while Michel funds the local Resistance. Then the Nazis loses the battle at Stalingrad, a turning point in the war.
A knock on the door turns out to be Vincent who comes to ask for help. A British agent, codename Zigzag, has been captured.-
This is a novella about a young woman, who has grown up poor, run away, worked as a nurse, gone over to America, come back to England to become a journalist.
She goes on to France, sent to Spain, sees what hate and fascisme does. She meets a rich man and married him. And started work for the Resistance.
She walks into a lot of truble and has to ask herself who she realy can trust.
It ends with a cliffhanger. Something I do not like. That makes it not a five star read for me.
Do I like Eve a lot. She finds light where theres only darkness. She is a power house who can take care of herself.
Quote:
Marseille, December 1942
Quote : “We’re in a fix,” Vincent said. “The Gestapo have captured a British agent, code name Zigzag. They picked him up through his false identity papers, only the thing is they haven’t discovered his true identity, yet. But they will. And he will talk. They all do in the end. And when he talks he will reveal secrets that will destroy the local resistance networks, including our own. But there’s a way out, through a guard. He’s open to bribes. We’d like you to meet the guard, bribe him, spring Zigzag from the Gestapo prison then escort him over the mountain pass into Spain.”
“Why me?” I asked.
“Because you helped to establish the escape network. And you know the mountain trails like the back of your hand. Furthermore, as the wife of respected industrialist Michel Beringar you are above suspicion.”
I glanced at Michel. From the stern look on his face, I could tell that he wasn’t pleased. Was this one risk too many? And as for me being above suspicion...the Gestapo were following me and they were tapping my phone.
As a child, I’d run away from home. As a teenager, I’d travelled the world, living on my wits. As a journalist, I’d witnessed atrocities inflicted in the name of fascism. As a member of the Resistance, I’d eyeballed fear and stared it down. For the past thirty years I’d lived a full life. I could do this. However, even as I voiced my agreement I knew that my life in Marseille, my life with Michel, would never be the same. -
With the war looming Eve marries Michel, becoming Madame Beringar. After a honeymoon in the Alps, they return to Marseille, living a decadent, lavish life of luxury. Nazis invades France in May 1940. By November 1942 Nazis occupation has extended to the south of France.
The Resistance forms, and Vincent, the best man at her wedding, asks Eve to help while Michel funds the local Resistance. Then the Nazis loses the battle at Stalingrad, a turning point in the war.
A knock on the door turns out to be Vincent who comes to ask for help. A British agent, codename Zigzag, has been captured.-
This is a novella about a young woman, who has grown up poor, run away, worked as a nurse, gone over to America, come back to England to become a journalist.
She goes on to France, sent to Spain, sees what hate and fascisme does. She meets a rich man and married him. And started work for the Resistance.
She walks into a lot of truble and has to ask herself who she realy can trust.
It ends with a cliffhanger. Something I do not like. That makes it not a five star read for me.
Do I like Eve a lot. She finds light where theres only darkness. She is a power house who can take care of herself.
October 15, 2020
If you’re a fan of author Hannah Howe and like fast-paced WWII novellas, this might just be your cup of tea. Told in the first person by a self-described “sultry” protagonist with “sensuous curves,” it’s the story of a British woman who works for the French Resistance. It helps that she’s married to a rich Frenchman. This is book #1 in a 12-part series about Eve Beringar, who, in this first installment, is given the dangerous mission of shepherding a double agent codenamed Zigzag out of France.
The Nazis and the Gestapo are suitably evil and the characters’ true motives are suitably suspicious. Eve, herself, represents the admirable women (and men) who risked their lives to battle Nazi Germany by covert means.
The Nazis and the Gestapo are suitably evil and the characters’ true motives are suitably suspicious. Eve, herself, represents the admirable women (and men) who risked their lives to battle Nazi Germany by covert means.
March 11, 2022
DNF at 34%
As a rule I strive to see a book to its end. Especially a rather short one like this, under 100 pages and historical fiction to boot. I wanted to push myself to finish it but I just have no interest in this story or the characters. I was going to DNF it earlier, decided to read a bit more in hopes of gaining intrest, then finally gave up. Not to mention there was a bit of passion that made me uncomfortable. Plus some language. The only other book I've read from this author is Betrayal and I enjoyed it more.
Overall, not my cup of tea but I'm sure someone out there will love this. 1.5 rating.
As a rule I strive to see a book to its end. Especially a rather short one like this, under 100 pages and historical fiction to boot. I wanted to push myself to finish it but I just have no interest in this story or the characters. I was going to DNF it earlier, decided to read a bit more in hopes of gaining intrest, then finally gave up. Not to mention there was a bit of passion that made me uncomfortable. Plus some language. The only other book I've read from this author is Betrayal and I enjoyed it more.
Overall, not my cup of tea but I'm sure someone out there will love this. 1.5 rating.
December 29, 2020
A quickly paced, highly suspenseful chronicle
Operation Zigzag is an invitation into Eve’s dangerous adventure as a member of French Resistance in the country occupied by Germans. Although a familiar subject, this first in the series novella had an intriguing twist. Epilogue—however extended—has sense which ensures transporting the reader right into an action. Grabbed me at once.
I applaud the author’s mission to glorify the SOE heroines, their bravery, commitment, and readiness to risk their lives for the liberation of Europe from the Hitlerism.
I’m captivated by Eve’s story and am hungry for more. Highly recommended.
Operation Zigzag is an invitation into Eve’s dangerous adventure as a member of French Resistance in the country occupied by Germans. Although a familiar subject, this first in the series novella had an intriguing twist. Epilogue—however extended—has sense which ensures transporting the reader right into an action. Grabbed me at once.
I applaud the author’s mission to glorify the SOE heroines, their bravery, commitment, and readiness to risk their lives for the liberation of Europe from the Hitlerism.
I’m captivated by Eve’s story and am hungry for more. Highly recommended.
July 13, 2020
Purchase Verified Format: Kindle Version
There will always be sacrifices in times of war. But when I think back to the selfless courage shown by woman in the last conflict, my mind instinctively recalls the bravery displayed by members of the SOE in occupied France. One such member was Eve Morgan, brought to life by the author Hannah Howe.
Born in Wales and escaping from a poor mining community, Eve fights her way up through journalism to a better life, securing a job in Paris as a European correspondent and eventually meets a wealthy playboy called Michel. Succumbing to his charm, they marry and return to her husband’s home city, Marseille. When the Nazis overrun the south, their best man at the wedding, Vincent Lefebvre, a member of the Marseille Resistance, persuades Eve to help and before long she becomes fully involved in escorting refugees to safety over the mountain trails into Spain and safety.
It is December 1942. The Nazis are in retreat from Stalingrad and their friend Vincent calls and breaks the news that the Gestapo have captured a British agent, code name Zigzag with false identity papers who if tortured will be forced to reveal the identity of all the local resistance networks. Her task is to bribe the guard and escort the agent over the mountain pass to safety. From that point on I was plunged into a dizzy and dramatic account of how the rescue was organised and carried out that had me glued to my seat, anxious and fearful of the outcome. I can only say with certainty that it is the most exciting account of wartime spying I have come across and without divulging any more would thoroughly recommend it without hesitation.
There will always be sacrifices in times of war. But when I think back to the selfless courage shown by woman in the last conflict, my mind instinctively recalls the bravery displayed by members of the SOE in occupied France. One such member was Eve Morgan, brought to life by the author Hannah Howe.
Born in Wales and escaping from a poor mining community, Eve fights her way up through journalism to a better life, securing a job in Paris as a European correspondent and eventually meets a wealthy playboy called Michel. Succumbing to his charm, they marry and return to her husband’s home city, Marseille. When the Nazis overrun the south, their best man at the wedding, Vincent Lefebvre, a member of the Marseille Resistance, persuades Eve to help and before long she becomes fully involved in escorting refugees to safety over the mountain trails into Spain and safety.
It is December 1942. The Nazis are in retreat from Stalingrad and their friend Vincent calls and breaks the news that the Gestapo have captured a British agent, code name Zigzag with false identity papers who if tortured will be forced to reveal the identity of all the local resistance networks. Her task is to bribe the guard and escort the agent over the mountain pass to safety. From that point on I was plunged into a dizzy and dramatic account of how the rescue was organised and carried out that had me glued to my seat, anxious and fearful of the outcome. I can only say with certainty that it is the most exciting account of wartime spying I have come across and without divulging any more would thoroughly recommend it without hesitation.
October 22, 2024
A good story about one brave woman's work in the Resistance. It is a story to make you think.
Marseille, December 1942
“We’re in a fix,” Vincent said. “The Gestapo have captured a British agent, code name Zigzag. They picked him up through his false identity papers, only the thing is they haven’t discovered his true identity, yet. But they will. And he will talk. They all do in the end. And when he talks he will reveal secrets that will destroy the local resistance networks, including our own. But there’s a way out, through a guard. He’s open to bribes. We’d like you to meet the guard, bribe him, spring Zigzag from the Gestapo prison then escort him over the mountain pass into Spain.”
“Why me?” I asked.
“Because you helped to establish the escape network. And you know the mountain trails like the back of your hand. Furthermore, as the wife of respected industrialist Michel Beringar you are above suspicion.”
I glanced at Michel. From the stern look on his face, I could tell that he wasn’t pleased. Was this one risk too many? And as for me being above suspicion...the Gestapo were following me and they were tapping my phone.
As a child, I’d run away from home. As a teenager, I’d travelled the world, living on my wits. As a journalist, I’d witnessed atrocities inflicted in the name of fascism. As a member of the Resistance, I’d eyeballed fear and stared it down. For the past thirty years I’d lived a full life. I could do this. However, even as I voiced my agreement I knew that my life in Marseille, my life with Michel, would never be the same.
Marseille, December 1942
“We’re in a fix,” Vincent said. “The Gestapo have captured a British agent, code name Zigzag. They picked him up through his false identity papers, only the thing is they haven’t discovered his true identity, yet. But they will. And he will talk. They all do in the end. And when he talks he will reveal secrets that will destroy the local resistance networks, including our own. But there’s a way out, through a guard. He’s open to bribes. We’d like you to meet the guard, bribe him, spring Zigzag from the Gestapo prison then escort him over the mountain pass into Spain.”
“Why me?” I asked.
“Because you helped to establish the escape network. And you know the mountain trails like the back of your hand. Furthermore, as the wife of respected industrialist Michel Beringar you are above suspicion.”
I glanced at Michel. From the stern look on his face, I could tell that he wasn’t pleased. Was this one risk too many? And as for me being above suspicion...the Gestapo were following me and they were tapping my phone.
As a child, I’d run away from home. As a teenager, I’d travelled the world, living on my wits. As a journalist, I’d witnessed atrocities inflicted in the name of fascism. As a member of the Resistance, I’d eyeballed fear and stared it down. For the past thirty years I’d lived a full life. I could do this. However, even as I voiced my agreement I knew that my life in Marseille, my life with Michel, would never be the same.
February 23, 2021
There was a long background intro in the beginning. Then the book took off. The story weaves in historical points into the scenes and blends it very well with the characters. I had the sense of being right there and could visualize the story like a big box movie playing out in my head.
It was a fast pace read but not rushed as it allowed me to soak in the scenes and think about the story, wondering what happens next. I definitely felt the sense of danger that loomed over Eve throughout the story. Each step of the way not knowing if she would be caught and the suspenseful thoughts building of who to trust and not.
It was a hard book to put down and I could have easily read it in one swoop if not for my busy schedule. I am very much looking forward to the next book and I highly recommend this one.
It was a fast pace read but not rushed as it allowed me to soak in the scenes and think about the story, wondering what happens next. I definitely felt the sense of danger that loomed over Eve throughout the story. Each step of the way not knowing if she would be caught and the suspenseful thoughts building of who to trust and not.
It was a hard book to put down and I could have easily read it in one swoop if not for my busy schedule. I am very much looking forward to the next book and I highly recommend this one.
September 25, 2021
I don't do book reviews.......
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.
August 28, 2020
An exciting and daring adventure
This book is the first in a series of twelve novellas containing a standalone story. It is set in
Marseille, December 1942. I've read a few books by this author, so I was sure the characters and the story would grab my attention, and I wasn't disappointed. It's a suspense-loaded and intriguing story about undercover agents and the French Resistance. The historical context feels correct so the author has captured the time and the typical events very well. The characters fit comfortably into their roles in the story. As you would expect with a novella, it is fast-paced and page turning. The story is a satisfying complete episode, and I will certainly read more about Eve's daring escapades. Highly recommended.
This book is the first in a series of twelve novellas containing a standalone story. It is set in
Marseille, December 1942. I've read a few books by this author, so I was sure the characters and the story would grab my attention, and I wasn't disappointed. It's a suspense-loaded and intriguing story about undercover agents and the French Resistance. The historical context feels correct so the author has captured the time and the typical events very well. The characters fit comfortably into their roles in the story. As you would expect with a novella, it is fast-paced and page turning. The story is a satisfying complete episode, and I will certainly read more about Eve's daring escapades. Highly recommended.
April 20, 2022
As the first in the series, this book provides the background to Eve's life, from the Welsh mining town to her marriage to Michel and a privileged life in France. It's well-paced and hones in on what Eve is all about, and how her desire to beat the fascists drives her on.
There's a very real sense of danger when she falls into the hands of the Gestapo, but her strength and resilience never waver. By the end, however, she is presented with a very real dilemma and has to trust her own instincts to survive.
I've already started book 2 and can see myself motoring through these in no time at all.
Highly recommended for fans of wartime heroines and strong females who "takes no prisoners"!
There's a very real sense of danger when she falls into the hands of the Gestapo, but her strength and resilience never waver. By the end, however, she is presented with a very real dilemma and has to trust her own instincts to survive.
I've already started book 2 and can see myself motoring through these in no time at all.
Highly recommended for fans of wartime heroines and strong females who "takes no prisoners"!
June 23, 2020
Eve, a woman involved in the French Resistance, finds herself in a suspenseful situation. Who is this man she's supposed to help escape into Spain. Can she trust him or the Nazi guard accompanying them? Everyone seems to have their secrets, and Eve has to determine who to believe and who's a fraud. Plenty of suspense in this novella to keep you guessing. Although the story continues, this episode is wrapped up nicely, but leaves you eager to join Eve on her next adventure.
September 29, 2020
I do enjoy this author's stories, and Operation Zigzag is no exception.
Set in France during WW2, Eve lives a duplicitous life while trying to smuggle out soldiers from the Nazis.
It's well-written and fast-paced and Eve is a great character. Such bravery in the face of evil can only be admired.
Highly recommended.
Set in France during WW2, Eve lives a duplicitous life while trying to smuggle out soldiers from the Nazis.
It's well-written and fast-paced and Eve is a great character. Such bravery in the face of evil can only be admired.
Highly recommended.
March 18, 2022
Great historical fiction set in WWII. A free spirit leaves her home and travels across England and winds up in USA before returning to England and eventually is married to a wealthy Frenchman right before Germany invades. She is called to help the resistance and does get thousands of allied troops out via mountain passes. Very good reading
September 19, 2020
I'm not one to do spoilers so let me say this one has a big fat twist that I was not expecting. A nice short read for a busy day or when you are stuck somewhere. Kept me wondering until the last page. Well done.
January 27, 2021
War can bring out courage from depths we didn’t know we had
Good read for winter’s days, with enough intrigue to keep the pages turning, although the story was also told in Nancy Wake’s words as well.
Good read for winter’s days, with enough intrigue to keep the pages turning, although the story was also told in Nancy Wake’s words as well.
May 3, 2021
A quick read and quite enjoyable - but a bit thin on detail. You don’t really get to know the characters or locations as there’s no detail. The plot is a bit thin but maybe if you continue to books 2-12 this might improve.
January 30, 2022
From the first chapter I was hooked!
This book has so much action and a great forward into this story. I breezed through this first chapter in no time. Now on to book two! Patricia
This book has so much action and a great forward into this story. I breezed through this first chapter in no time. Now on to book two! Patricia
April 2, 2022
exciting…page turner
Cloke and dagger WW2 story about a female resistance fighter. I loved this first book in the series.the danger is palatable. Start this series today, you will be glad you did.
Cloke and dagger WW2 story about a female resistance fighter. I loved this first book in the series.the danger is palatable. Start this series today, you will be glad you did.
June 17, 2022
Good read
I appreciated that the author didn't dwell on every detail, which gets tedious. She kept the story going without a lot of needless detail, which kept my interest from wandering.
I appreciated that the author didn't dwell on every detail, which gets tedious. She kept the story going without a lot of needless detail, which kept my interest from wandering.
July 2, 2025
A Budding SOE Agent
This is an excellent beginning into Eve's War! It is easy reading from beginning to end. Looking forward to Eve's continuing adventures and operations for the SOE in Book Two.
This is an excellent beginning into Eve's War! It is easy reading from beginning to end. Looking forward to Eve's continuing adventures and operations for the SOE in Book Two.
December 5, 2020
The only problem I had with the book was that it was too short.
Read
February 21, 2021Had to stop reading, not my type of story and the author seemed to be ill experienced. Most of the dialogue was childish. Ugh.
May 9, 2021
this story follows a woman, a member of the Resistance, as she fights Nazis
December 24, 2021
This is a well-researched story relating one heroic woman's efforts to help people escape the Nazis in WWII France. You will find yourself riveted to the book as you follow her adventures across three countries, unsure of whom she can trust!
February 13, 2023
A good story of bravery coupled with caution. I could feel the danger as Eve went out on her Resistance tasks in occupied France during World War II.
May 31, 2023
Well done
Fast paced. Backstory deftly and economically set out. Looking forward to next installment. Is Michel a Nazi? What's Eve's story?
Fast paced. Backstory deftly and economically set out. Looking forward to next installment. Is Michel a Nazi? What's Eve's story?
January 18, 2024
This was quick, and compelling read with an interesting protagonist, one that exemplifies the traits of so many women who wanted to do their part during times of war.
May 24, 2024
A short WWII story.
This book tells a story of a young woman who works the partisan of France and get soldiers out of Europe and back to England.
This book tells a story of a young woman who works the partisan of France and get soldiers out of Europe and back to England.
February 26, 2025
Ok
The story was short, but sweet. I'm not sure if it was the characters or the way it was written, but I wanted know more.
The story was short, but sweet. I'm not sure if it was the characters or the way it was written, but I wanted know more.
June 6, 2023
1942. Eve Morgan, married to Michael Beringar now lives in occupied Marseille. As a member of the Resistance can she survive
An interesting story
An interesting story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews