Since being accepted into Stockton, Sophie Allard has put much effort into pursuing her dream of becoming a fighter jet pilot. Her efforts appear to be paying off, but then she makes a mistake that could cost her everything, including expulsion from the military college. Sophie is still in shock over this news when she learns that her foster father and only surviving relative, Professor Anderson, has perished in an unexplained explosion at his laboratory. Sophie joins the investigating team to find closure, but as she digs, she discovers clues implying that all may not be as it seems at home. D.R. Berlin's The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor follows her as she seeks to clear her name and learn what became of her father.

In The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor, D.R. Berlin goes above and beyond in character development to replicate the rivalry that one would find in fiercely competitive military academies. Readers will find the story easy to follow with well-explained origin stories and captivating dialogue elucidating the connections between Sophie and some supporting characters, like the couple who look after the manor. As the storytelling adopts an investigative tone, cleverly constructed clues can be found behind the questions Sophie poses. I particularly like how the author structures the answers to give the impression that everyone is aware of more information than they are revealing and is just waiting for the other side to make a mistake. The primarily military plot is balanced by the potential romantic subplot between Ned Carter and Sophie, scientific deductions that help decipher the clues, and a purposefully slow pacing. Fans of mystery and suspense will love The Third Estate, a masterfully written novel.

The Third Estate refers to the name given to the ordinary classes in 18th-century France. Author D. R. Berlin has given this title to his book as the shadowy enemy that may or may not be on the side of good. Cadet Sophie Allard is the highest achiever at the Stockton Military Institute of Combat Aviation in Colorado and is well on the way to winning the prestigious Stockton Cup. She disobeys orders when she goes to rescue another cadet after he crashes his plane. As the adopted daughter of the professor and the now-deceased Aunt Vi, she is told that the professor has died in an explosion in his laboratory and that he was being investigated for being a spy for the Third Estate. Sophie’s world is shattered and, as she returns to the mansion where she grew up for the funeral, she encounters more dangers as she could be the next target. Who are the enemies who lurk in the shadows and who can she trust?

I enjoyed The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor by D.R. Berlin. Not only did the author include interesting information about fighter jets, but also the US military and the possible forces working against the elite who run the country behind the scenes. I liked the flashbacks to Sophie’s younger days, the loss of her adopted mother, and the happy times she spent on their extensive estate. Berlin has included some excellent vivid descriptions of nature as we are taken back in time to those happier days. Now, nothing is quite what it seems and the reader is kept guessing again. Who do you believe? Did the professor work for other agencies, was he ready to give his military research to a treasonable group? Was he playing both sides? The following quote is food for thought: “A moral authority is the ultimate guiding force, requiring our allegiance, steering our every decision, sealing our fate, and deciding our destiny.” There are also many reminders that time is precious and we should make the most of every minute. There are plenty of surprises in store for readers as the story twists and turns. A well-written book I would highly recommend.

The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor is a suspense thriller by D. R. Berlin. Cadet Sophie Allard is an ambitious fighter jet pilot who is about to graduate from a prestigious military academy. To save a fellow cadet's life during an air exercise, Sophie defies pilot protocol. In the disciplinary process, she is instructed to investigate the death of her adoptive father, who died following an explosion in the lab at the Manor, her childhood home. As Sophie grieves at the unexpected devastating news, rather than facing expulsion from the institute, she is compelled to investigate the man who is rumored to be a traitor. Sophie is introduced to The Third Estate, an organization she can either trust or not. Once again, she has to defy orders to uncover the truths and deceits hidden from her. And to make matters worse, an assassin is on her trail.

D. R. Berlin's masterful suspense mystery combines a convincing cast with a well-crafted plot. The believable characters puzzle the reader - who is to be trusted and who is the villain? The skillfully written narrative vividly describes the action sequences, putting each character and scene into motion and propelling the plot forward. The Third Estate keeps the reader guessing alongside Sophie as to who she needs to trust as the plot unfolds. The story is a page-turning read and a race against time. In her quest to uncover the truth, Sophie discovers the preciousness of those she loves and cares about and comes to believe in her instincts and self-resilience. There are many twists and turns in this thrilling novel with a fantastic cliffhanger ending. The book will appeal to thriller fans with inquisitive minds.

The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor is a work of fiction in the suspense, mystery, and action genres. Penned by author D. R. Berlin, this highly engaging contemporary mystery-thriller revolves around Sophie Allard, an aspiring fighter pilot whose life takes a dramatic turn when she learns of her father's supposed death in a lab explosion. As she grapples with grief and assists in the investigation, Sophie uncovers unsettling clues suggesting her father may still be alive. Her quest for the truth leads her to The Third Estate, a clandestine organization with murky intentions, forcing her to confront a web of lies and deceit that threatens her very existence.

Author D. R. Berlin has crafted a pulse-pounding journey filled with unexpected twists and turns that beautifully bring together mystery, suspense, and intrigue for explosive results. I loved the control and confidence in storytelling that always satisfies readers and never leaves a stone unturned for too long, showcasing the author’s skill in laying out a compelling mystery that comes together with brilliant pacing. Sophie Allard is a compelling protagonist with a strong narrative focus and detailed, emotive presentation. She is flawed yet resilient, deeply layered with different conflicts and vulnerabilities, and her relentless pursuit of truth drives the narrative forward as we build an increasingly strong connection with her. Berlin's vivid descriptions and expertly crafted plot revolve around Sophie with plenty of attitude and atmosphere, offering tension that grows with every piece of the puzzle into a highly enjoyable conclusion. Overall, The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor offers a brilliant blend of action-packed scenes and compelling character development that makes it a must-read for fans of thrillers and mysteries alike.