THE SOCIALITE SPY: IN PURSUIT OF A KING an absolutely compelling historical novel set in pre-war London
£0.90
London, 1936.
Socialite and journalist Lady Pamela pens the popular ‘Agent of Influence’ column, writing wittily about fashion and high society.
For her latest piece, she interviews Wallis Simpson, the newly crowned king’s American mistress. That’s when she’s approached by MI5.
Lady Pamela’s mission: spy on Edward and Mrs Simpson and report on their connections with Nazi Germany.
As she navigates the treacherous world of international espionage, Lady Pamela uses her skills of observation and intuition to infiltrate Wallis’ inner circle.
As war clouds gather over Europe and the royal family faces its greatest ever crisis, is Lady Pamela in over her head?
This captivating and unputdownable historical novel will grip you to the very end. Perfect for fans of The Crown, Hilary Green, Kate Atkinson, Clare Marchant and Rhys Bowen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Fast paced, well plotted, and full of suspense.’ Reader Reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘If you want historical content with a mystery and a scandal this book is for you because it has it all.’ Penny C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I loved being thrown into this society world with a hint of espionage. I just enjoyed this immensely!’ Educator
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What a brilliant story!! . . . I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.’ Katrina O.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A detailed, immersive and exceptionally well-researched story. The author’s writing style is highly engaging.’ Julie H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Absolutely fantastic historical novel . . . The novel drew me in from the first moment.’ Mary H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Would highly recommend for those who love their historical fiction with a side of sass and flare.’ Amber M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This is an enjoyable, intelligent novel, broadly based upon fact for which the author had done in-depth research.’ Jill W.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What a thrilling spy novel!!! The history is fantastic and the detail really put you in the middle of the story.’ Sianne W.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I could not put this down!! A historical spy novel that hooks you at the beginning and you are quickly drawn into the story and lives of the characters. I loved this!!’ Lori C
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Additional information
| Publisher | A Joffe Books Company (19 Oct. 2023), Lume Books Historical Fiction |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| File size | 1670 KB |
| Simultaneous device usage | Unlimited |
| Text-to-Speech | Enabled |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Sticky notes | On Kindle Scribe |
| Print length | 356 pages |
| Page numbers source ISBN | 1839015314 |
by Jan Rice
Set in the 30’s Lady Pamela is recruited by MI5 to discover information on Mrs Simpson and the King and their involvement with Hitler.
by Kirsty
London, 1936. Lady Pamela is the author of the popular Times newspaper column, “Agent of Influence”, specialising in the very latest fashions and gossip within high society.
Following a recent scoop on Wallis Simpson, the newly crowned King Edward VIII’s mistress, that left Lady Pamela feeling somewhat dejected over the lack of journalistic freedom, she is head-hunted by the MI5 and provided with an opportunity that will change her life – and the country’s – completely.
Leaping headfirst into a world of espionage, treason and even death, can Lady Pamela complete her mission set by the MI5 as the threat of war grows closer to the British shores?
As soon as Lady Pamela stepped onto the scene, I was captivated. Our heroine is witty, lively, and humorous – all essential traits to bring this dark period of history into a lighter, slap-dash adventure.
The author has clearly been meticulous with research, and it shows, with a dizzying array of historical figures to place Lady Pamela within the context of her time period. I found myself absorbing the great collection of well-known identities at a wondrous pace.
While this novel may be of a lighter tone, Sigal does not shy away from darker undercurrents to relay the importance of the plot. With themes of social ignorance in the face of war crimes, the threat against free speech and the debate on British involvement during this time, Sigal hits hard with what proved to be a fast and energetic read. A fascinating portrayal of an uncertain time.
by Kindle CustomerAN avid reader rose
What awful people and it’s all fact. Thank goodness at the time there were some sane people in England. This book really captured the time, people did not know what was going on just a nation of haves and havenots nothing has changed.
by Juanita
This is a very interesting take on the years preceding WW2 in early 1930s. Lady Pamela is a social butterfly, in the privileged upper echelons of society in London. She is somewhat clumsily recruited to spy for MI5, in her guise as a fashion writer for The Times. She is particularly tasked with finding her way into the inner sanctum of Mrs Wallis Simpson, as she becomes the paramour of the King. She has to find out, and report back, how strong Mrs Simpson’s influence is over the King. A great deal, as we learn.
The first half of the book is intriguing, as we follow Lady Pamela as she attends various society events, and inveigles herself into the trust of Wallis.
However at around 55/60%, the narrative becomes bogged down in a mad whirl of parties, events, Russians, Germans, spies – are they/ aren’t they? So many characters it becomes almost impossible for the reader to keep track of them all. After this point, the storyline becomes fragmented as to what is actually happening in Pamela’s life, she then makes some very questionable decisions, and behaves in a naive fashion, given her position as a MI5 undercover operative.
The story did bring a very different perspective to an intriguing explanation for the King’s abdication, and the Government machinations behind it. For me, it’s 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. I do wonder if there is to be a sequel, given the inconclusive and unsatisfying ending?
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book.
by Bev
Lady Pamela is recruited as a spy to gather information on Edward VII and Mrs Simpson’s relationship in the hopes of stopping any marriage or forcing an abdication. Using her column in the Times and her aristocratic social connections Pamela is invited to parties where Mrs Simpson is in attendance and also to Mrs Simpson’s home as she agrees to write in her column about her fashion and style sense. Pamela encounters fascists, Communists and Russian spies and finds herself becoming increasingly paranoid about being followed and suffering the same fate as her predecessor.
In her own life Pamela is married to Francis who is older than her and suffered as a POW in World War 1 and there is a convincing story between them about the reasons she married Francis and his wanting children but Pamela not. There is also a suffragette aunt who also features prominently in the novel with her own back story.
The novel involves real people around at the time such as Diana Vreeland, Evelyn Waugh, Noel Coward, Cecil Beaton and Oswald Mosley which made the story come alive.
I felt the novel was well researched and well written. It’s also a story about a woman trying to figure out who she is and what she really wants to do with her life. I liked the the main characters and loved the way the non fictional characters supported the story.
Overall I really enjoyed this novel and hope the ending means we can hear more about Pamela and Francis in future books.
Thank you to Net Galley for an advanced copy.
by Elaine
I was entertained from start to finish.
I do hope this is the first in a series and not the end.