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February 1941. Violet Grey, a gifted linguist, is shattered by a family tragedy in a London air raid—an accident her sister blames on her. When she’s summoned to the secretive world of Bletchley Park, Violet escapes her grief and throws herself into the relentless work of Hut 3, translating intercepted German messages. But even within Britain’s code-breaking headquarters, danger and betrayal lurk. A suspicious colleague, a predatory billet host, and a breach in protocol push Violet to her limits. As tensions rise, she must face not only the enemy without, but the guilt and self-doubt within.
I'm pleased to welcome author Deb Stratas back to The Writing Desk:
Tell us about your latest book
The Unquiet Translator is the first book in my new historical fiction series about brave women working at Bletchley Park – home of the code-breakers – during WWII. Violet Grey is a quiet student at King’s College London, when she chances upon a newspaper ad calling for the public to submit a crossword puzzle solution.
On a whim, she submitted it and was startled when they called her in for an interview; she was working at Bletchley Park within weeks. Bound by the Official Secrets Act, she's sworn to silence, no matter what. Lonely and fighting grief, she slowly gains confidence as a translator, with the help of new friends and a handsome Maths scholar. With her sister’s forgiveness, and the steady love of William Granger, Violet becomes the clever and self-assured woman that her father always knew her to be.
What drew you to Bletchley Park as a setting for your new series?
After watching The Imitation Game with Benedict Cumberbach and Kiera Knightly, my interest in this unassuming park nestled in the country just north of London was sparked. How did almost 9,000 men and women (mostly women) work around the clock for almost six years breaking enemy codes in absolute secrecy – and no one breached the confidentiality?
After my first visit to Bletchley Park, my head was literally spinning with all the stories, artifacts and deep history of this beautiful site. After further research, I knew I wanted to continue my passion of raising the profile of the brave women in WWII England – turning my focus to the women at BP. I started with Violet Grey, a linguistics student turned German translator.
Were there any challenges dealing with the secrecy at Bletchley Park?
Interestingly enough, the biggest challenge was that Violet could never speak of her work to anyone, ever. This included her family, friends, any boyfriends, and even a future husband. If she did, the repercussions would be swift and harsh – including imprisonment and even threats of death. Signing The Official Secrets Act hung heavily on everyone at the park. So, it was a challenge to tell her story almost completely through action and her own reflections. You’ll also see this took a toll on her as far as sleep, headaches, and nerves – like many real-life Bletchley Park workers. I thought this was worth exploring, not just in The Unquiet Translator but in the upcoming books in the series, as well.
There is a special tidbit you’ve included in the novel. Can you share what it is?
YES! During my research, I discovered that the grandmother of the current Princess of Wales (Catherine) worked at Bletchley Park as a teenager during the war. Her name was Valerie Glassborow and she worked at the park with her twin sister, Mary. We know little of their lives there, but I thought introducing her as a friend and support to Violet would be intriguing. The two strike up a true friendship that helps Violet deal with her grief and loneliness. Hopefully HRH, the Princess of Wales is pleased with my portrayal of her bright and cheerful grandmother.
How did you conduct your research for The Unquiet Translator?
Aside from two visits to Bletchley Park, their website and podcast and website were rich resources for life in the park during the war. As always, I read many books about the park and the role of women as German translators. Once the BP files began to be declassified in the 1970s, veterans and civilians that worked there began writing memoirs, which I drew upon for first-hand accounts of working in the huts. You’ll also see a crossover character from my Kingston series as a London mate of Violet’s. J
What’s coming next?
Violet has a younger sister Fern and a cousin Isabelle who have journeys of their own. The next book in the series tells Fern’s story – a younger sister who never felt good enough in her sister’s shadow. She joins the Wrens as a driver. How does she end up at Bletchley Park? You’ll have to wait to find out! Watch for The Unseen Rider later in 2025.
Deb Stratas
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About the Author
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