Mrs Spy

LoveReading Says

Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1960s London, Mrs Spy introduces readers to the magnificent Maggie Flynn, a 45-year-old widow, devoted mother, and unlikely MI5 operative. Ex store detective she spends her days as a Watcher, the lowest rung of the agency, a lone female within a motley crew, looking for grey shadows amid the dazzling city of possibilities where anyone could be an infiltrator or a snitch.

Balancing her clandestine missions with the challenges of raising a Beatles-obsessed teenage daughter, Maggie's life takes a perilous turn when a chance encounter with a Russian agent reveals unsettling truths about her late husband's past.

With ex Detective Inspector Tanner by her side, Maggie's surrogate father, confidante, fixer and therapist Frank navigate the lies and infiltrate MI5. In their own inimitable style.

Robotham masterfully weaves historical detail with suspense, crafting a narrative that's both thrilling and emotionally resonant. Maggie's character stands out as a refreshing departure from traditional spy protagonists—her wit, resilience, and authenticity make her instantly relatable. With her Mary Poppins bag of tricks and disguises, we fall in love with Mags as she humorously compares her situation to that of the great spy masters: “James Bond and George Smiley really should learn to knit” and she works within the lower levels of MI5: "the same monetary well as the suave cinematic Mr Bond serving to prop up my wayward mother and fatherless child."

For those seeking a spy thriller that combines intrigue with heapfuls of heart, Mrs Spy delivers a compelling journey through espionage, personal discovery, and the complexities of trust. I really hope we get to see more of Mags.

Deborah Maclaren

About Mrs Spy

'Dark, twisty, and thoroughly entertaining, Mrs Spy is a Thursday Murder Club for spies. You won't be able to put it down' - Ava GlassGet ready for a pulse-pounding, laugh-out-loud ride through 1960s London as Maggie Flynn, unexpected MI5 operative and single mum, unravels the intelligence agency's most treacherous secrets.***Maggie Flynn isn't your typical 1960s mum.She's a spy, an unsuspecting operative for MI5, stalking London's streets in myriad disguises. Widowed and balancing her clandestine career with raising a Beatles-mad teenage daughter, Maggie finds comfort and purpose in her profession - providing a connection to her late husband, whose own covert past only surfaced after his death.But Maggie's world spins out of control when a chance encounter with a mysterious Russian agent triggers a chilling revelation: he knew her husband. And what's worse, the agent suspects someone on home soil betrayed him. As Maggie searches for answers, she'll question everyone - and everything - she thought she could trust. In the murky and perilous world of espionage, can she outsmart those determined to keep her silenced?'A gripping story and great 60s detail, Mrs Spy is the female answer to Harry Palmer' - Ian Moore***Praise for Mandy Robotham"You're going to love Ruby Devereaux... A chronicler of life and love, her story is by turns fierce, feisty, passionate and poignant" Emma Flint"Exciting, alluring, seductive" Clare Whitfield"Brilliant, courageous... funny and flawlessly told" Melanie Golding"It's hard not to fall in love with Ruby Devereaux. I thoroughly enjoyed her warm, witty company on this joyous journey through the late 20th century" Nicola Rayner

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