Lucy Stanhope, from a titled family, is one of those young women we'd love to hate. Self-centred, bored and badly behaved, she drinks and flirts her way through Singapore's parties even as war approaches. The first few chapters of Secrets of Nanreath Hall is the previous book by author Alix Rickloff, which does come up in conversation in this book as the home of Lucy's aunt, Lady Boxley. I noted that people are shown putting on a coat to go out, but not putting the strap of their gas mask case over their shoulder as required. We do see a sewing circle, full of village gossip and sympathy or dread as the telegram boy is seen on his rounds. Young women were required to sign up for war work of many sorts, but Lucy gets away with idleness. The real hero of the tale is indomitable young Bill, and we also find another serviceman or two, while the famous producer tells of his nights in the bomb-site city.