Minotaur
Published September 1, 2026
Reviewed by Barbara Fister
Two students at Oxford University in post-war Britain are like chalk and cheese. Ginevra (“Gin”) comes from a wealthy, titled family with a huge mansion and connections; she’s socially adept and attractive, but a serious scholar determined to make her mark. Sidney is a scholarship grad student who came from up North and, while he’s a conscientious student of the classics, he has never felt totally accepted at the ancient university. Memories from his war work, aiding the French resistance, are continuing to haunt his sleep when a man he hoped to forget turns up: his old handler. A Soviet spy is active at Oxford, and he has poisoned a librarian who might have stumbled on him. Sidney has to flush the traitor out – and Gin is going to help, with Sidney’s experienced guidance in spy craft.
Uncovering the spy among a cast of possibilities involves both of them in taking risks. Gin, especially, seems willing to put everything on the line to prove herself, often frustrating Sidney (and making her feel smug when her hunches pay off). Unsurprisingly, they are fierce antagonists, until they aren’t, unable to resist their growing mutual attraction.
Despite the predictable romantic situation, Westbury’s debut takes readers to a time and place where adventures can happen, nicely balancing a traditional tone that mimics the dialogue and mood of the British Golden Age of mysteries with fresh energy and winning characters. It’s the kind of book where you imagine the author has enjoyed every moment of writing it.