As she has done before, Kristina McMorris takes us back into historical fiction with her new book, The Ways We Hide. Her first chapter begins in Brooklyn, New York in 1942 as Fenna Vos becomes disenchanted with her partner in her magic act. She is the mastermind of the act, but the male performer gets the applause and attention. Coincidentally, Fenna is enlisted to use that magic in a different setting as she is recruited as a World War II spy.
An early childhood fascination with Houdini is an escape for her as a young girl. Orphaned by her mother, Fenna grows up in a copper mining town with a father who depends on alcohol to ease his grief and his grievances with the mining company. Coping with her hard life and her absorption in learning to perform magic tricks make her into a strong independent woman who can take on the challenge of being a spy for the allies as she uses many of her ruses to deceive the enemy.
In the war, her work takes precedence over her personal relationships which must be weighed against their security in her war effort. This is war, and her losses are not glossed over. Still, I found the ending satisfying.
The book has fascinating ways of getting information past enemy lines, hiding them in Snakes and Ladders or Monopoly boards. The author’s note at the end explains how she based these stories on true happenings and gives some of her research. This book will appeal to those who love historical fiction, especially that from World War II, and will make for interesting discussions if it becomes a book club choice.