Praise for Alan Hlad and The Long Flight Home

“Based on true events, The Long Flight Home has everything I love in a novel—the sense of discovery, the epic drama of a life-or-death situation, and the soaring sense of hope gained from the depths of despair. It’s a gorgeous, impressive first novel by a hugely talented author.”

—Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“The engaging plot and fascinating details of the National Pigeon Service make it a rewarding read.”

—Bookpage

“Hlad’s debut snares readers with its fresh angle on the blitz of World War II, focusing on the homing pigeons used by the British, and the people who trained and cared for them. This story will speak not only to romance readers and World War II buffs, but also to animal advocates and anyone who enjoys discovering quirky details that are hidden in history.”

—Publishers Weekly

“A fresh avenue into a curious piece of World War II history.”

—Down East Magazine

“A charming historical novel.”

—Historical Novel Reviews

“This well-researched historical novel presents a wealth of period detail.”

—Voya

“Tense, heartwarming and life affirming, The Long Flight Home gives a fresh slant on heroism in World War II.”

—Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author

Title Page

THE LONG FLIGHT HOME

ALAN HLAD

All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.

Copyright Page

JOHN SCOGNAMIGLIO BOOKS are published by

Kensington Publishing Corp.

119 West 40th Street

New York, NY 10018

Copyright © 2019 by Alan Hlad

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

To the extent that the image or images on the cover of this book depict a person or persons, such person or persons are merely models, and are not intended to portray any character or characters featured in the book.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

All Kensington titles, imprints, and distributed lines are available at special quantity discounts for bulk purchases for sales promotion, premiums, fund-raising, and educational or institutional use.

Special book excerpts or customized printings can also be created to fit specific needs. For details, write or phone the office of the Kensington Sales Manager: Kensington Publishing Corp., 119 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018. Attn. Sales Department. Phone: 1-800-221-2647.

The JS and John Scognamiglio Books logo is a trademark of Kensington Publishing Corp.

First Kensington Hardcover Edition: July 2019

ISBN-13: 978-1-4967-2168-6

ISBN-10: 978-1-4967-2168-3

First Kensington Trade Paperback Edition: May 2020

ISBN-13: 978-1-4967-2169-3 (ebook)

ISBN-10: 1-4967-2169-1 (ebook)

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Printed in the United States of America

CHAPTER 1 - EPPING, ENGLAND—SEPTEMBER 7, 1940

CHAPTER 1

EPPING, ENGLAND—SEPTEMBER 7, 1940