A dual timeline novel set in The UK in the 70's, and France during WW2. Noah, newly widowed, is trying to find a man he believes saved his life when he was working for The SOE, but his memory of that time is patchy at best. The plot here is loosely based on the lives of real women who worked for the SOE during the war. Given very limited training, the were parachuted into occupied France where they worked as spies.

The plot is interesting and compelling; I would like to find out more about this area of history. Unfortunately for me, the text was also littered with Americanisms, gotten was frequently used in dialogue, there was talk of faucets, boxcars, and even moms, each time it would pull me out of the story. I did read an ARC, so hopefully this can be tidied up for publication, also, I don't suppose it would even be noticed by most readers, especially those in North America; I found it irritating though. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I did like it.

*Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*

What a brilliant historical read. I love books like this one as they are so interesting. Dual time line as well what more could you want. Quite a tense book at times it had me on the edge of my seat. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

As a big fan of Kelly Rimmer and her great books I have to say this is yet another one. A novel inspired by real-life female WWII agents it is a fascination and intriguing read and such a strong story about the women and their part is this terrible war.

This is a wonderful yet emotional story of war, spies/agents, strong and courageous women and how their lives unfolded throughout this wartime. The historical aspect is spot on and the research has been done brilliantly. The length of the book is also perfect and this book will have you glued to its pages. Exciting, thrilling, nail-biting, edge of your seat reading and one I thoroughly enjoyed. 4 1/2 stars for this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Paris Spy is a dark and atmospheric spy thriller that is set in dual time lines - 1940s Paris and Rouen, France and 1970s Liverpool, England. The tale is a complex one, weaving together the tales of two female SOE operatives, Josie and Eloise, in the 40s, and the daughter of another operative, Charlotte in the 70s.

It was very well written and there was obviously a lot of research funnelled into this book. I had never read a Kelly Rimmer novel before and I was greatly impressed by the Paris Agent - both because of the level of the writing and the research involved. I am into anything historical anyway and i have read a lot about the Second World War and Nazi Germany. That was part of the reason why I wanted to read this book - because of the era involved and the fact that I've read extensive books on the subject.


I would say that this book was well worth a read, if you like historical novels, war thrillers, spy thrillers or even a mixture of all three. I certainly enjoyed the book. The characters were all very likeable. I think the character Theo resonated with me the most, however, He was such a nerd - in a good way. (I can say that with true equanimity as I am also a nerd!) Theo is the stereotypical absentminded history teacher and I'm totally here for it.

Poignant storyline, clever plot! The novel is written in two timelines. Even though the more modern timeline (1970) is in some ways predictable, it proves a clever way to show how the SOE's files (WWII) are still considered classified in 1970. The secrecy also concerns the family members of those who died while operating abroad. I found the two young women's incredible courage fascinating and highly impressive! Knowing that they are based on real characters makes this novel even more powerful. The chapters written in the first personal pronoun proved a clever way to enhance the tension as to what actually happened to these two women: did they survive the war or not? The reader has to reach the conclusion of the novel to learn about the exact facts. A story that has to be read to be remembered.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

The This was an immersive, wonderful story set during World War Two. I enjoy books set in this time period and this one was unique in that it followed characters who were secret operatives working in France.

It was a tense and yet a very emotional read, told in two timelines which I also something I really enjoy in my reading. The characters were very likeable and I was quickly invested in their work and the challenges and dangers they faced. Woven through the book is a sense of love and family as well as companionship and trauma.

As the characters in the present day try to uncover the secrets of the past we are taken into the world of agents operating in a very dangerous world and yet the human aspect of their lives and their families at home pull on your heart strings.

It’s a wonderful read and the first book I have read by this beloved historical fiction author and I will be looking for more from her in the future.

A nail-biting, emotional read about those working undercover and the dangers and sacrifices they made. Would absolutely recommend this 100% and the fact that it was based on true stories made it all the better.