Barbara M. reviewed on 9/7/2020 + 152 more book reviews

Got this book from my local library when it was selling it's retired books. Think I paid $.50 for it. Many of the one- and two-star criticisms (on Amazon) note the formulaic plot, simplistic writing, shallow characters, etc. I read this book in less than a week. I usually read when I go out for coffee ( so maybe an hour at a time). After slogging through my fourth Tana French book (Dublin Murder Squad series, which I was reading in order), I was ready for a fast, easy read. "In Farleigh Field" fit the bill. Is it great literature? No. But, I don't think it pretends to be, either.

The plot is rather formulaic--a girl and two guys. One guy is poor but honorable, and the other is a handsome cad from a high class family. Of course, the gal goes for the cad who becomes a pilot in the RAF, is shot down and imprisoned, and miraculously escapes. POSSIBLE SPOILER: I thought his explanation of how he escaped and made it all the way across France was a bit suspicious and later in the story we learn the "escape" wasn't exactly the way it was reported. Also, it turns out that in this small circle of main characters, FOUR of them (unbeknownst to each other) are engaged in espionage (for one side or the other) and a secondary character is as well. That seems to be a little too convenient. END OF SPOILERS

I also thought some things were not fully explained. Near the end, Alfie and Phoebe are kidnapped, abandoned in the back of a van (somewhere, although I don't remember if the location was ever stated) and then are miraculously rescued (again, it's not fully explained how people knew where to find them).

Other (Amazon) reviewers have mentioned that they thought it was more appropriate for a YA audience and I can understand that sentiment.

If 1/2 stars were permitted, I would give this book 3.5 stars. Not great, but also not horrible.

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