Historical mystery fiction often weaves in real people to add to the sense of place and time. While some authors use these historical figures as gimmicks, most authors make sure that these people have a purpose to the plot.
Susan Elia MacNeal’s vivid use of real people gives texture to her novels about Maggie Hope, a young woman who works as a “typist” for Winston Churchill during WWII.
During the course of these four novels, beginning with Mr. Churchill’s Secretary in 2012, Maggie grows from a typist, or secretary, to a spy, as in Princess Elizabeth's Spy.
In the latest novel, His Majesty’s Hope, Maggie is now an elite member of the Special Operations Executive (SOE)—a black ops organization designed to aid the British effort abroad. In this novel, Maggie is sent into Nazi-controlled Berlin where she infiltrates the highest level of German society.
MacNeal uses myriad real people, from Churchill to Hitler, in her novel, people well known to readers.
But MacNeal’s meticulously researched novels include people who may not be as well known to readers. (MacNeal is the main profile of the current issue of Mystery Scene.)
In one brief scene in His Majesty’s Hope, Alan Turing makes an appearance. His presence lasts only a page or two, but Turing provides a vital clue that adds to the plot.
Turing was a British mathematician who is considered to be the father of computer science and artificial intelligence.
His research often is credited with helping the Allies win World War II. During WWII, Turing devised several techniques for breaking German ciphers, which directed the courses of German U-boats and other vital military maneuvers. This was a major turn during the war and allowed the Allies to have a much needed edge in defeating the Nazis.
Winston Churchill once proclaimed that Turing’s work in breaking the complex Nazi Enigma code may almost single-handedly turned the outcome of World War II.
After the war, Turing continued his research and, among other achievements, designed the ACE, one of the first plans for a stored-program computer.
Turing also was a gay man during an era when homosexuality was considered a crime in the United Kingdom. Despite all his achievements and work, he was prosecuted for being a homosexual in 1952.
As an alternative to prison, Turing received treatment with female hormones. Turing died in 1954 from cyanide poisoning, just a few weeks before his 42nd birthday. His death was ruled a suicide but many believed the death was accidental.
After a robust internet campaign, British Prime Minister Gordan Brown made an official public apology in 2009 on behalf of the British government for “the appalling way [Turing] was treated.” About time, I’d say.
Turing has been the subject of an excellent play called Breaking the Code. I saw a superb production of this play back in 1993 with South Florida actor and theater professor Hugh Murphy.
Now Turing’s life is set to become a movie.
The Imitation Game, scheduled for 2014, will star Benedict Cumberbatch, right, as Turing.
Cumberbatch has become well-known to audiences for, among other roles, as Sherlock Holmes in the reboot of the famous detective.
Allen Leech, best known for his role of former chauffeur Tom Branson on Downton Abbey, will play a Scottish spy for the Soviets, who plots against Turing.
Keira Knightley will play a "woman from a very conservative background who not only forms a complicated relationship with Turing but is there for him until the end," according to Variety.
