Reading this book felt like strapping into the cramped cockpit of a Mosquito myself. The author's vivid descriptions of radar blips in the dark and the adrenaline of sudden interceptions made me forget I was holding a book, not a control stick.

What surprised me most was the raw honesty. This isn't some glorified war tale - it's full of technical frustrations, near-misses, and moments of sheer terror when new radar systems failed mid-chase. I found myself holding my breath during the V1 rocket interception chapters.

The technical details about early airborne radar could be dense at times (I'll admit skimming a few paragraphs about wavelength adjustments), but these sections gave me real appreciation for what these crews achieved with essentially experimental technology. The passage where they first successfully track a bomber using Mark IV radar had me cheering.

Two moments particularly stuck with me: the French woman opening her door to reveal a hidden airman (yes, I needed that tissue), and the matter-of-fact description of navigating by starlight when all electronics failed. These human moments balanced perfectly with the technical narrative.

As someone who usually prefers broader historical accounts, I was shocked by how compelling this personal perspective became. You don't just learn about night fighting - you experience the sweat-soaked flights, smell the cordite, and feel the vibration of those Merlin engines. Finished it in three nights flat.