Although The American Candidate is the third book in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone-- and I know that matters to some readers who don't necessarily want to "sign up" for a series. I have enjoyed every book so far, and that's primarily due to the main character, Jayne Sinclair. She's a former police officer, and that training and background serve her well not only in pursuing her investigations but whenever her assignments put her in danger.

There is plenty of danger in this book as Jayne is forced to go underground in Manchester-- the city she considers her home turf. The two timelines work together well: the present day and the second during World War II. In fact, the World War II timeline brought to light some things that I was unaware of, but I'm not going to go into any detail because once I start, I may give something away.

If you have the slightest interest in history, in fast-paced mysteries, and in strong, intelligent female characters, you should give M.J. Lee's Jayne Sinclair series a try. These books are really good. ( )