Historical Fiction

BRASS COMPASS DUOLOGY

The Brass Compass 

#1 Amazon Bestseller

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Behind enemy lines, her only weapon is courage.

In Nazi-occupied Europe, American spy Lily Saint James risks everything. Embedded as a nanny in a German colonel’s household, she gathers critical intelligence for the Allies — until a deadly betrayal forces her to flee into the frozen night. Hunted by the SS and carrying secrets that could change the war, Lily must rely on her wits, courage, and sheer will to survive. The Brass Compass is an unforgettable tale of espionage, resilience, and the daring women who helped shape history.

Awards: 2022 Speak Up and Talk Radio Firebird Book Award, Action/Adventure Category, 2018 IndieReader Discovery Award, Historical Fiction Category, 2019 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner, Historical Event/Era Fiction Category

Next Generation Indie Book Award Winner! – First Place Historical Fiction (2023)

2023 Adventure Writers Competition – Top 10 Finalist (2023)

Operation Blackbird: A Cold War Spy Novel 

A Companion Novel to The Brass Compass

      

Her mission could tip the balance of power…or spark World War III.

October 1952. While recovering in Argentina from a near-fatal mission, CIA agent, Miriam Becker, is haunted by ghosts she can’t outrun. When fellow operative—and longtime family friend—Jake Devlin tracks her down, Miriam is drawn into a high-stakes operation: extract a valuable rocket scientist from Soviet-controlled East Berlin, right under the KGB’s nose. Every move is a risk.

A betrayal derails the mission, forcing Jake to sacrifice his own escape so Miriam can flee with the defector. With Jake wounded and trapped behind the Iron Curtain, Miriam must rely on untested allies and covert contacts beyond the CIA’s reach. But completing the mission means abandoning the only man who still connects her to the life—and the past—she thought she’d left behind.

“The presence of a strong female lead adds a feather to the astounding hat that this novel dons.” – InD’tale Magazine

“Author Butler knows her stuff as if she herself has served with the CIA. Her attention to detail befits a spy who must be observant of human nuances to survive. Miriam is no James Bond, which is a good thing. She comes across as a regular person, yet one who is blessed with bravery, innovative smarts, and the instincts of a trained operative.” – Historical Novel Society Review

“…thrilling and cinematic, with tension that will have readers eagerly turning the pages to see what comes next.” – Manhattan Book Review

“A deftly crafted and fully reader engaging novel with many an unexpected plot twist and turn, “Operational Blackbird” by Ellen Butler will have a special appeal to readers with an interest in Cold War era spy novels.” – Midwest Book Review

“The plot is propulsive, and moves quickly but allows for enough time to absorb information and has quiet character-driven moments appropriately. Very well done! ” -Writer’s Digest Review

Awards: 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Award, First Place Historical Fiction, 2023 Adventure Writers Competition finalist, 2023 IAN Book of the Year Awards Finalist for Historical Fiction

Read the first chapter click HERE! 

ARIADNE WINTER MYSTERIES

Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle 

International Book Award Finalist! 

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From Paris runways to country manors, danger is always in fashion.

When intrepid journalist Ariadne Winter leaves behind the glittering cafés and haute couture of 1958 Paris for the misty hills of rural Ireland, she expects champagne toasts and countryside charm at her cousin’s engagement celebration. But amidst party prep excitement the festive mood at Ballyford Manor is shattered when a body is discovered among the ruins of the ancient castle grounds.

The local inspector suspects an accident—but Ariadne knows better. Armed with her sharp wit and a reporter’s determination, Ariadne peels back the polished façade of the O’Connell family, uncovering simmering tensions and long-held grudges that refuse to stay buried. As she navigates a world of crumbling aristocracy, whispered scandals, and dark family legacies, Ariadne realizes someone will do anything to keep the past hidden — even if it means making her the next victim.

Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Tana French, this stylish, atmospheric mystery captures the glamour and shadows of 1950s Ireland, blending intrigue, secrets, and a sleuth you won’t forget.

“For readers, this novel offers different pleasures. Those who love Agatha Christie–style mysteries will enjoy piecing together the puzzle of lies and hidden motives. Historical fiction fans will savor the old estate setting, with its echoes of past centuries. And anyone who has ever navigated family politics, whether over a wedding, inheritance, or simple sibling rivalry, will find something resonant here.” – Seattle Book Review

“Butler skillfully weaves in the realities faced by the declining upper classes striving to hold on to their vast estates as the world changes without them.” – Historical Novel Society

“Butler’s tale is well-written with unexpected twists and turns, well-developed characters with distinct personalities, and a well-paced plot.”  – Christa Reads and Writes Blog

“DEADLY SECRETS AT BALLYFORD CASTLE is a delightful mystery that uncovers long held secrets in 1958 Ireland.” – Cozy Up With Kathy Blog

“The plot is fast-paced, and the setting is full of atmosphere and tension as the two families get to know one another, and tragedy strikes.” – Karen Siddall Blogger

Ink & Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn (book 1)

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A dead body, a magazine deadline, and a race against time—1958’s most fashionable writer turns sleuth.

During 1958, with a predominantly male workforce, societal norms dictate women should be compliant, fashionable housewives. To Ariadne Winter, the sole tradition she aims to embrace is that of being fashionable.

Amidst the ambiance of Ivy Tree Inn, where she’s been dispatched as a writer for Ladies’ Lifestyle Magazine, her focus wavers as she grapples with an interview assignment concerning a Hollywood starlet on the cusp of royal matrimony—an event hailed as the “Wedding of the Century.” While Ariadne dutifully attends to her task, her heart yearns for the pursuit of her collegiate ambition: to be an investigative reporter for a renowned newspaper.

However, fate intervenes when she discovers a dead body and recognizes the opportunity it presents to write her way into the role she desires. Yet, as Ariadne delves deeper into the lives of the inn’s inhabitants, she uncovers a labyrinth of intertwined relationships and long-buried secrets among guests and staff alike, yielding a plethora of suspects. With a murderer on the loose, her magazine deadline looming, and the inn cordoned off by authorities, Ariadne faces a race against time to untangle the web of deceit and solve the murder before she loses more than just her job.

“Like her other books, Butler immerses her readers in a richly detailed world with a likable and relatable main character and complex supporting players, making for an engrossing read.” – Judith Gonda, Author of the landscape architect Tory Benning Mysteries

“This was a great mystery! I loved the main character and her detective abilities.” – Alexa The Book Worm

Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn was a highly entertaining romp back in time with a strong, confident, go-getter female lead. The plot and pacing were spot-on, and I truly enjoyed this book. – Novels Alive

” I recommend Ink and Intrigue at the Ivy Tree Inn for other cozy fans, and especially for readers who also enjoy historical mysteries.” – View From a Birdhouse

“I loved this book ! This was a fast paced read full of mystery in a historical setting! I loved the way the author made all of the book very atmospheric and capable to keep me on edge!” – Midnight Booklover