Sunday, August 9, 2020

S.C. Perkins--Decoding My Fascination with World War II and Spy Craft


DEBORAH CROMBIE: What could be more fun than genealogy, Texas, and WWII spy craft, all in one book?? I loved S.C. Perkins' first Ancestry Detective Mystery with protagonist Lucy Lancaster, a Texas genealogist, but when I read the description of this second book, my finger hit the BUY button faster than you can say family tree!


What a perfect summer read! Here's Stephanie to tell us how all these elements came together.

S.C. PERKINS: I was five years old when World War II became something I recognized, courtesy of two of my father’s favorite television shows. One was Baa Baa Black Sheep, staring Robert Conrad and featuring the exploits of a misfit band of World War II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. The other was reruns of the sitcom Hogan’s Heroes, about American POWs who became resistance fighters while in a German prison camp. 


Thanks to my movie-loving mother, more wartime-set classics came into my life, from musicals like South Pacific, comedies such as Operation Petticoat, and, when I was a bit older, excellent dramas that included The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Great Escape, From Here to Eternity, and The Longest Day.





My interest in espionage also came from when I was very young and from what I saw on television. However, there was one scene from an otherwise fuzzy memory of a black-and-white show—so fuzzy I can’t remember the name of it—that truly launched my fascination with spy craft. The scene was of a spy finding a microdot hidden in a book.

Image courtesy of Pinterest

I was absolutely, completely stunned when I saw this. Was it really possible to reduce crucial information to the size of a printed period and hide it almost literally anywhere? Apparently it was, and since that moment, in my eyes, not even the coolest gadgets Q thought up in the James Bond films matched the power of the microdot.

What about codes and ciphers, you might ask? Oh, they’re on a level all their own! I’m enthralled by cryptography—though I confess I’m only interested in those types created and broken by humans as opposed to computers. (In fact, I would like to believe that, had I lived during World War II, I would have made an excellent codebreaker.)

So, since my main character, Lucy, is a genealogist, if you’re thinking I’m a certified history lover, you’d be right. Then add in my interest with World War II, spies, microdots, and cryptography? You’d better believe it I would be champing at the bit to put all of my loves into one book—and I decided I wanted to do so when I introduced Lucy’s beloved grandfather in Lineage Most Lethal. His name is George Lancaster, but Lucy calls him Grandpa.

To be honest, I thought about waiting a couple of books to introduce Grandpa, but I knew I couldn’t for a couple of reasons. One, because I was simply too excited. And the other? Well, sadly, it’s because members of the Greatest Generation are in their nineties now and passing away at an alarming rate. If Lucy were to conceivably have a World War II-era grandfather, I needed to introduce him now—and, boy, am I glad I did, because he was an absolute delight to write.

But there’s another reason I wanted Grandpa to be a World War II veteran, and that lies in the secret he’s kept from his family for over seventy-five years.

If you read my first book, Murder Once Removed, you might recall a small detail about the desk Lucy uses in her office located in downtown Austin, Texas. The desk belonged to Grandpa, a former reporter, and it has a large crosshatch carved into one corner.

I remember when I wrote that bit about the crosshatch, that it just sort of came out onto the page, unbidden. Lucy believes it was for Grandpa and his reporter buddies to play tic-tac-toe for beer money back in the day when things were slow. Yet, as soon as I wrote it, I knew it hadn’t been for tic-tac-toe—or, not usually. I now knew what secret Grandpa had been keeping:  he was an OSS spy, and that crosshatch was used to decipher a type of coded message called a Pigpen Cipher.

Also known as a Freemason’s Cipher, the Pigpen Cipher is a type of substitution cipher where symbols formed from the grid are used to represent letters in a secret message. This type of code goes back possibly to ancient times and has been used in one form or another by many groups, including the Knights Templar and Civil War soldiers.

 Image courtesy of Wikipedia

I also had great fun using two other types of code in Lineage Most Lethal, including Morse Code and a book cipher—where a book is used as the key text to both create and decode a message. And the book I chose as the key text for my book cipher? Well, let’s just say I had a great time deciding on another piece of espionage history for that plot point.
When it came to the specifics of the microdot and how and where Lucy would discover it, I considered paying homage to my fuzzy memory of the spy finding the microdot in a book. That was, until I happened to be perusing the International Spy Museum website while researching microdots. There, I saw a little notation about fountain pens becoming a spy gadget. I won’t give my plot away by saying how, but as soon as I read this, I knew I had to use it (though I did have to fudge the timeline just a bit).

There’s one fact that doesn’t need decoding, though:  I had as much fun researching and writing all the World War II and spy-craft information in Lucy’s second adventure as I did the genealogy. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it just as much!

Fun fact:  I actually used the real key text to create the book ciphers you’ll see in Lineage Most Lethal. I figured, if I were going to put all my favorite spy stuff in one book, I was going to go whole hog!



S.C. Perkins is a fifth-generation Texan who grew up hearing fascinating stories of her ancestry and eating lots of great Tex-Mex. Her first book, Murder Once Removed, was the winner of the 2017 Malice Domestic Best First Traditional Mystery competition, and an Agatha Award Nominee. She resides in Houston and, when she’s not writing, she’s likely outside in the sun or on the beach. You can find her at scperkins.com or on Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and Facebook at @SCPerkinsWriter.

DEBS: Oh, my, wasn't Robert Conrad dishy? And you know I absolutely could not resist a book that had a microdot hidden in a fountain pen! Tell us in the comments if you are fascinated by spy craft, and Stephanie will give a way a copy of Lineage Most Lethal to one lucky commenter!
 

69 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your new book, Stephanie. I can’t resist the microdot / fountain pen, either . . . I do love ciphers and codes and all that spy stuff . . . and I’m looking forward to meeting Grandpa.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Joan! It was so much fun writing about codes and spy craft — and Grandpa! I really hope you’ll enjoy meeting him.

      Delete
  2. Who isn't fascinated by spies, at least the way they show up in Hollywood and fiction in general. The danger and the thrills.

    Heck, I picked my internet name from the Mrs. Pollifax series. Granted, they are light spy novels, but still, there is a connection to spies there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anything spy related, to me, is a blast — and sometimes the lighter ones are the most fun, so the Mrs. Pollifax series falls right into my wheelhouse!

      Delete
  3. Oh gosh! I watched all those shows too. You left out Mister Roberts. I cannot imagine being an operative. You’d have to have nerves of steel and quick wits. Which I do not. I could see myself as a codebreaker though.
    I really enjoyed the first book and am looking forward to this one. I’m afraid my Austin is long gone but I enjoy reading about what it’s like now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Pat! Mister Roberts is right in there as well. I could have gone on and on with WWII movies I love! I’m so glad you enjoyed the first book and I hope you’ll like Lineage Most Lethal as well! Austin has definitely changed, I agree, but I’m really happy you’re enjoying popping back in for a “visit” with me!

      Delete
  4. I loved Robert Conrad in Ba Ba Black Sheep, and I enjoyed Hogan’s Heroes, too. It seems like a lifetime ago I watched those. I’ve always liked shows and movies dealing with WWII.

    Stephanie, I love the covers and n your series, and I am trying to get to Murder Once Removed. After reading your post here and I wanting to learn more about Lucy’s grandfather, I’m moving this series up on my TBR list.

    The microdot is fascinating, as are codes. I visited the Spy Museum in D.C. some years back, and it was thrilling.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Kathy! I confess, I’ll watch just about anything if it’s WWII-related — there’s so much to mine, and it’s all interesting to me. But those shows I watched as a kid on TV hold a special place in my WWII-loving heart. I’m honored my series will move up in your TBR pile and I hope you’ll get a kick out of them! Thank you so much!

      Delete
  5. I love this entire premise! Thank you for sharing your process and research, Stephanie.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Edith! I love your books and will always thank you for helping to introduce me to Sisters in Crime several years ago!

      Delete
  6. I didn't think I could be interested in any kind of spy novels, but boy you just proved me wrong! Although familiar with those TV shows you mentioned it wasn't because I watched them but my father did, and then my sons, so I sort of "got" them by osmosis. I do love trying to figure out codes though. I'll definitely read your books, but I must start with the first one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Judi! Oh, this makes me so happy! I really hope you’ll enjoy my books if you pick them up. I agree on trying to figure out codes, too. It’s so much fun to work my brain like that, even if I don’t get it right. (Though getting it right is much better!)

      Delete
  7. Oh, I remember all those shows and I had a huge crush on Robert Conrad! Spycraft? I'm in. My favorite puzzles are cryptograms. Now I'm taking hard look at my fountain pens.

    Good luck with the book. The series sounds wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Kait! Thanks so much! As Debs said, Robert Conrad was definitely dishy! I had so much fun writing about the spy stuff — and now I need to get me some cryptogram puzzles! They sound like fun!

      Delete
  8. Ever since a Brit friend of mine told me that his Mother, who managed to escape Poland and make it to England, was a code breaker, I have been fascinated by codes and espionage. He didn't even know what his mother had done during WWII until recently because of the Official Secrets Act. So, with special emphasis on Enigma, Bletchley Park and Alan Turing, I love reading about code breaking and spying and am looking forward to Lineage Most Lethal ~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Celia! Oh, this gave me chills (of the good, spy kind)! Wow, I hope your Brit friend interviewed his mother or has investigated what she did. Those codebreakers were true heroes. Thanks for telling me this story! I hope you’ll enjoy Grandpa’s WWII secret story as well!

      Delete
  9. Stephanie, welcome to JRW. I am off to find Murder Once Removed right now, so that I will already be acquainted with Lucy when I get this one. Your excitement about creating her grandfather is sure to be reflected in his character.

    I saw all of those films in the movie theater when they first came out, except for From Here to Eternity, (my mother didn't let me go to the ones that showed raw passion) and I was a great fan of Hogan's Heroes. When Baa Baa Black Sheep was on tv I was living abroad, so I missed it, but yes to Robert Conrad being "dishy."

    For years, I have had a passion about WWII characters and literature, reading tons of books about that time. Spycraft certainly has changed since then. I just finished reading James R. Benn's new Billy Boyle WWII mystery, The Red Horse, much of which is about spies, secrets, and codes. I love Rhys's books about that time, too, and I look forward to reading Lineage Most Lethal this summer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love that series, Judy, but have gotten so behind. Must catch up.

      Delete
    2. You also have several stories which have situations going back to WWII. My favorite is Kissed a Sad Good-bye. Louis's story is just so good. I love it when an author uses history to explain a situation in the present.

      Delete
    3. Hi, Judy! Oh, thank you! I very much hope you’ll enjoy Lucy, and then Lucy and Grandpa. Those movies were absolutely amazing — and I don’t think my mom knew I’d seen From Here to Eternity until after I saw it — ha! I would love to see them all on the big screen. Such amazing movies. One of my favorites is The Longest Day. Wow, was it moving! You also mentioned two of my absolute favorite authors, too: Rhys Bowen and James R. Benn. Benn’s Billy Boyle series is one I gobble up. I’m jealous you’ve read The Red Horse already! It comes out the day my next book is due and I can’t wait to read it!

      Delete
  10. In an alternate lifetime, I am really the dashing and brilliant Emma Peel, using my wiles to tease out the truth from other spies. The tricks, tools, and martial arts, plus the glamour, all called to me. Even Maxwell Smart's shoe phone was intriguing, and his female partner Agent 99 was the true brains of the outfit.

    What is it about genealogy that is so fascinating? Everyone wants to know our own history, and delving into the past to find it seems to be a universal human urge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Emma Peel! She was fabulous! We all wanted to be Emma.

      Delete
    2. When I mentioned loving The Avengers once, the response was, "Oh, you loved those old cars!" "Are you nuts?" was my response--I wanted to be Emma Peel of course--those futuristic cars she drove, the jumpsuits, the martial arts--the beauty and brains!

      Delete
    3. Karen, that is so spot on!! You'd make a delightful Emma Peel. She really did have it all.

      Flora, hilarious.

      Delete
    4. Hi, Karen! I loved the Avengers and Emma Peel, too! She was the epitome of a cool, stylish spy to me. And who couldn’t love Maxwell Smart and Agent 99? (In college, one of my friends knew I liked that show and, to this day, he calls me ‘99’!) And I think you’re right about genealogy — deep down, there’s a desire in us all to know where we come from and learn about the journeys of those who came before us and led us to be born, have lives, and create a chapter of our own. I, for one, find it fascinating, and it’s really fun to write about, too!

      Delete
  11. I read your first book and enjoyed it. I’ve read several spy novels and loved them if they weren’t too violent. I think the premise of your series is one of the most interesting new one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Sue! Oh, thank you so much! I’m so happy you enjoyed my first book. I had such a fun time writing the second one and I promise it’s not too violent, so I’m hoping you’ll enjoy it and the spy theme as well!

      Delete
  12. Love this! I so agree—-I am fascinated by codes. I’ve also secretly thought I might have worked at Bletchley Park. Although my fantasy is probably more glamorous than it really was. And a code ( which I’m still very pleased with) is the key to my first book PRIME TIME.
    So eager to read this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hank, I think we would have made great Bletchley co-codebreakers! I loved PRIME TIME, and I’ve heard THE FIRST TO LIE is fantastic. I’m really looking forward to it!

      Delete
  13. Like others here, I'll be snatching up a copy of your first book--love it all--genealogy, spies, codes, the whole WWII history (my dad was in that war)--before starting book #2!! Can't wait!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Flora! Thank you so much! I hope I did justice to all the WWII soldiers and their service. When you read the name Robert Runyon in the book, that is in honor of my great uncle, who was in Patton’s Third Army and helped liberate France. I hope you’ll enjoy it!

      Delete
  14. Congratulations on your new book, Stephanie!

    I was in middle school when Baa Baa Black Sheep/Black Sheep Squadron was on. My friends and I were all in love Robert Conrad and company! I love WWII stories, genealogy, codes, and cyphers so, like Debs, I immediately headed to Amazon to buy the book. I can hardly wait to read both of your books. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Cathy! Oh, thank you so much! That means a lot and I very much hope you’ll enjoy them! And it was hard not to love Robert Conrad, right? Those eyes and that smile! Plus, who doesn’t love a band of misfit pilots out helping to win the war? It was such a fun show — I need to go back and watch a few episodes now!

      Delete
  15. Congratulations on the new book!

    While I don't have any personal interest in doing genealogy myself, my parents did a lot of it. They tried to tell me about it but I just couldn't be drawn in other than learning I was related to the first person hung for murder in the colonies.

    I'm sorry to say that I missed out on your first book, but as I typed this reply, I looked it up on a certain book retailer's website and it looks like my local store has a copy in stock. I'm going to give them a call and arrange to pick it up today if possible.

    I watched Baa Baa Black Sheep as a young kid but can't say I remember much about it now. I also watched Hogan's Heroes which struck me funny then, not so much now.

    I love spy thrillers that throw in some action. I've read some giants of the spy genre and there was little in the way of action and I was bored to tears.

    Now, with all that out of the way, there's an elephant in this post that must be addressed. For all the love of Robert Conrad and his role leading the Black Sheep Squadron, that role pales in comparison to his portrayal of Pasquinel, the French trapper in the Centennial miniseries. Any discussion of Conrad has to begin and end with that role for me. How good was he playing that part? The author of the book, James Freaking Michener, said that Conrad played the character better than he wrote it!

    Have a great Sunday everyone and I hope to get my hands on Book 1 today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, dear, Jay, I am so ashamed to admit that I never saw the Centennial miniseries. Do you suppose it's still available somewhere?

      Delete
    2. Jay, you are right. He was perfect. I read and watched.

      Delete
    3. Hi, Jay! Like Debs, I’m ashamed to admit I haven’t watched the Centinnial miniseries, but I need to now! It sounds really good. I’m somewhat the same about Hogan’s Heroes— it was funny then, but not so much now that I know the real story behind the comedy. Still, I read a bit about the show and, evidently, the idea of bringing humor into such a dark subject was healing in a way, especially because it aired just 20 years after WWII. Also, many of the portrayers were Jewish, including Klink’s portrayer, and they found power in it. The actor who played Klink only played the part when he was assured that Klink would never, ever come out the hero. There’s something to be said for that for sure! p.s. Thank you so much for buying my book from your local bookstore! I really appreciate it and I hope you’ll get a kick out of the read!

      Delete
    4. Deborah, I don't know if Centennial is available on any streaming service or not. I own it on DVD. It's a 26 hour long miniseries and I watch it at least once a year. If you are only interested in seeing what Robert Conrad did, he's in the first two episodes of the miniseries. And for the late 70's, you can see how it was an all-star cast!

      Richard Chamberlain as Alexander McKeag was superb too. Of course, I'm also partial to Stephen McHattie's portrayal of the adult version of Jake Pasquinel. If I ever get a chance to meet McHattie, I want him to sign my copy of the DVD. He made such an impression on me in the role. Chamberlain and Barbara Carrera (who played Clay Basket in Centennial) were going to be at the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention this year in Maryland. I was seriously considering going because to meet the still living cast members of Centennial would be HUGE!

      Judy, glad that we agree. For me, the two best TV miniseries ever done were Centennial and the original Lonesome Dove miniseries. They are untouchable in my opinion.

      S.C., the book is now in my possession! I hope to start it soon. I hope you get to watch Centennial soon because it is so worth the time investment.

      Delete
  16. Congratulations on this intriguing novel! World War 11 fiction and non-fiction transports me to another era which is my favorite. Books which are about spies, World War 11, life during those trying times and the individuals bravery and courage are captivating and unforgettable. Genealogy is fascinating and worth exploring.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi and thank you so much! I agree that WWII life and espionage during that time is incredibly captivating to read about. I feel lucky to be able to write about it, too!

      Delete
  17. Stephanie, I just wanted to add that I love that you've brought in Lucy's grandfather, and that WWII experience. Time is getting short for these characters to tell their stories. Your book is next up for me--so looking forward to it!

    And I think that Murder by the Book is Houston has signed copies? It's super easy to order from them online.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Debs! Thank you — I just loved writing about the relationship between Lucy and her grandfather, as well as his WWII experience. Yes, Murder by the Book www.murderbooks.com has signed copies. And if they’ve run out, I’m more than happy to pop over there and sign more!

      Delete
  18. Shalom Friends,

    My father served in World War II in Italy and North Africa. He did not talk much about his service. I think when I once asked, he said he worked in Intelligence. I think he explained that that was mostly translating from Italian and map reading. He had a few funny stories that he repeated over the years. The only photograph that I have from that time was one of him teaching Italian to a group of soldiers. The army was segregated before 1948 and although my father was not a combat pilot, he served with those who are known as the Tuskegee Airmen. As a group, they were honored with a commemorative medal by Congress about 12 years ago. He passed away about a month and a half before his 95 th birthday.

    When I was a kid I read all the Ian Fleming books. I watched The Avengers and The Prisoner. What I most enjoyed as a teenager was the cold war novels of John Le Carre. I forget which book in the series had a discussion of the use of the cigarette as a tool of interrogation. Also, the irony of his adversary (Karla) palming the lighter that was a gift to Smiley from his unfaithful wife. The scene made slogging through all the previous chapters all worthwhile.

    When I was a kid I liked codes. My mother was a mathematician, so all that nerdy stuff was fascinating to me. I will look for the two books.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, David! Oh, wow, your dad was both in intelligence and served alongside the Tuskegee Airmen? WOW. You must be so proud of him, and we thank him for all of his service! His was definitely a legacy to preserve. I hope you and your family will write down as much as you remember of what he said for future generations. And John le Carre and Ian Fleming? I mean, wow, their books are amazing. Thank you so much for your comment and I hope you’ll enjoy my books if you read them!

      Delete
  19. Hi, Stephanie! I love code breaking and I adore the fact that you're brought a WWII veteran into your series. I can't wait to read your latest. You had me at Hogan's Heroes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Jenn! Thank you so much and I cannot wait to read PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA (as soon as I meet my next deadline)! I love your banter and a good romance is just what I need right now!

      Delete
  20. I haven’t read a lot of spy books nut I like watching the James Bond movies

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Sandy! Oh, I love the James Bond movies. I see them for the spy stuff, and stay for the adventure!

      Delete
  21. Too fascinating. These books are going right on my list for next round of buying. I think Operation Petticoat is a comedy classic and have given it to friends in convalescence package, and have some dim but fond memories of Don't Go Near the Water, too.Seen Longest Day several times. But Hogans Heroes always bothered me, even when it was funny. By then I was old enough to know more about the reality.I want to recommend a book I read as an early-teen ([probably my mom had it from library) and then I found it reissued many, decades later - You're Stepping on my Cloak and Dagger. A hilariously funny memoir about OSS training during war. Re-reading it as an adult- and realizing that the humor was kind of keeping the dark away - was a different experience.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Triss! Thank you so much! I love Operation Petticoat, too. I’ve seen it numerous times. The Longest Day is another favorite, but for more moving reasons. The scene where the two young American GIs meet the young German soldier and he begs, “Bitte, bitte!” [“Please, please!”] and — because it’s war, they’re frightened, and can’t understand German—the GIs shoot him, and then ask, “I wonder what ‘bitte bitte’ means?” Wow, I’ve never forgotten that scene. It underscored the horrors of war and how young, frightened men on both sides were out there having to kill each other. On a lighter note, I’m going to look up You’re Stepping on my Cloak and Dagger right now! I hope I’ll be able to find it! Thank you!

      Delete
  22. Congratulations Stephanie! Impressive and fascinating book which sounds like a memorable story. When I read about spies, World War 2 books and how ordinary people had to endure, suffer and manage through years of adversity and trials and tribulations it gives me hope and I think in wonderment about how resilient and smart many of us can be in order to survive. Reading about my favorite period of time through the books I lose myself within the pages. Yesterday my son and his family had us over to watch the most fantastic documentary ever. The Spy Behind Home Plate was unbelievably well done and true. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi and thank you so much! I feel the same way when I read about spies and WWII life and people. What they went through — all the loss — and still managed to persevere, it’s amazing, and a lesson to all of us. I need to see The Spy Behind Home Plate! I knew that Moe Berg had been an OSS spy — and he pops up in one of James R. Benn’s Billy Boyle novels, which are excellent and highly recommended if you like WWII mysteries — but I haven’t seen the movie. Thanks for the reminder!

      Delete
  23. I've always had a fascination for codes and the ways spies communicate. Add this to getting really interested in World War 2 when I was in high school. This really sounds like the series for me. I'm going to have to check it out!
    kozo8989(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Alicia! Thank you so much! I had a great time writing about Lucy’s grandfather’s WWII backstore and mixing it into Lucy’s next adventure (and the genealogy), and so I hope you’ll enjoy reading it!

      Delete
  24. Operation Petticoat! I remember seeing that in the theater with my grandmother. (Or was it my mother?)
    Anyway, she was loudly scandalized when all the petticoats/underwear was exposed!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Libby! I love it that she was scandalized! That movie is definitely a favorite — especially because of Cary Grant and Tony Curtis. It’s another one I need to watch again!

      Delete
  25. The minute I read about the microdot, I remembered the scene of whoever with the angled forceps very carefully lifting the tiny dot off the page. Now I am driving myself crazy trying to remember what movie or tv show it was in! It will probably come to me in the middle of the night. Needless to say, I love codes, spies and all the movies and TV series everyone has mentioned. I can't wait to get my hands on your newest book!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This sounds like a scene that could have come from the TV series Secret Agent Man, starring Patrick McGoohan. Even the reruns are great to watch!

      Delete
    2. Hi, Mary! Oh, my goodness, if you remember where you saw that scene, please email me at scperkins@scperkins.com — it’s been driving me crazy not knowing where I saw it so many years ago! I did a bunch of searching and couldn’t find it, but I’d love to be reminded. And I hope you’ll enjoy the read! Thank you so much!

      Delete
  26. Thank you so much again, Debs, and everyone! I had such fun writing this post and reading all your comments. I very much hope you’ll enjoy Lineage Most Lethal, reading about all the genealogy, WWII, and fun spy craft, and meeting Lucy’s wonderful Grandpa! xo, Stephanie

    ReplyDelete
  27. I was always fascinated by the different spy craft that was featured in the spy movies. I always wondered how they thought them up and if they really use them.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Congratulations, Stephanie! The new book sounds absolutely fascinating. I've loved watching Bletchley Circle. Code breakers. A far cry from microdots. But easier to wrap my head around.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Because of his bad eyesight, my dad couldn't be a soldier so he helped build planes during WWII. When we watched Baa Baa Black Sheep, Dad often told us that that wasn't the same plane that the characters took off in. LOL. Props to Robert Conrad's acting but did you see him on Battle of the Network Stars? He was very competitive.

    Robert Clary from Hogan's Heroes really was in several concentration camps and lost family and friends. I read his book not long ago as well as one about a French woman working against the Germans. Very courageous people. Stay safe and well.

    ReplyDelete
  30. This sounds so good. I love history, puzzles,ciphers, all of it. My dad was in the air force during WW2, although it was called the Army Air Corps. I can't wait to read this book!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Enjoyed your first book Stephanie and cannot wait to read this one. I too find WWII and spy craft fascinating. My Dad was in the Air Force and was a POW. Lucky for our family the war ended and he was able to come home. Congrats on the new book

    ReplyDelete
  32. Congratulations on your new book, Stephanie! I love ciphers and codes, and am so fascinated by ciphers and codes. Loved the cover of your book--am going to pick it up.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Congratulations on this book! Yes I like spy crafts. lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Congrats on your latest book! What fun to incorporate codes into it!

    ReplyDelete