I've had this book sitting in my feedback queue for over two years. At the time I paused it because because I found it to be moving slowly and the main character, Evelyn, wasn't very like-able. The reason I paused it vs. DNF is because 1.) I'm not a quitter, 2.) I was initially intrigued because one of my favorite HF authors blurbed it ' “A beguiling tale of espionage." -- Pam Jenoff, author' and 3.) despite a heavily saturated WWII HF market I find the spy/espionage sub genre exciting. But, it's just not doing it for me and GR has it a 3.37 so I'm going to move on to another book. Thank you for the opportunity and I was a new reviewer a few years ago and I know better to review these Arcs in a timely fashion.

I enjoyed this slow burn story. I love Kate Quinn’s books, and this reminds me of Quinn’s books. I appreciated the realism of the scars left behind both mentally and emotionally related to war. The author expertly weaves in the character’s back stories.

"An Unlikely Spy" by Rebecca Starford is an enthralling and skillfully crafted espionage thriller that delivers a captivating reading experience from start to finish. The author's ability to blend historical accuracy with compelling fiction makes this novel a standout in the genre.

Set in a turbulent and suspenseful era, the book follows the journey of a remarkable protagonist who defies expectations and embarks on a perilous mission that will change the course of history. Starford's meticulous attention to detail creates an authentic and immersive backdrop, transporting readers to a world of intrigue and deception.

The characters in "An Unlikely Spy" are multi-dimensional and relatable, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery and growth is particularly compelling, making them a true hero to root for.

The plot unfolds with precision, expertly weaving together suspense, unexpected twists, and heart-pounding action. As the layers of deception are peeled back, readers are kept on the edge of their seats, eagerly unraveling the secrets that lie at the heart of the narrative.

Throughout the book, Starford's writing is engaging and evocative, painting vivid images of the settings and characters. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of reflection amidst the fast-paced events, ensuring a satisfying and immersive reading experience.

In conclusion, "An Unlikely Spy" by Rebecca Starford is a must-read for fans of historical espionage thrillers. With its compelling plot, well-developed characters, and skillful storytelling, the book stands out as a gripping and memorable addition to the genre. If you are looking for an engrossing tale of intrigue and courage set against a backdrop of historical significance, this book will not disappoint.

I think I’ve exhausted my love of WWII books, unfortunately. With the premise being a badass woman spy, I thought this was going to be amazing, especially since I also love HF, but I couldn’t get into this one. It was slow and the big reveal came too late for me to care about what secrets Evelyn was hiding.

It was ok. Thank you Ecco for the copy.

"An Unlikely Spy" by Rebecca Starford is a gripping tale that takes readers on a captivating journey through the shadows of espionage and the power of reinvention. In this enthralling historical fiction, Starford weaves a web of intrigue, mystery, and unexpected alliances, leaving readers spellbound until the very last page.

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the novel introduces us to Evelyn Varley, a seemingly ordinary woman whose life takes a drastic turn when she is recruited by the British intelligence agency. As a female spy in a male-dominated world, Varley faces immense challenges and risks, pushing the boundaries of societal expectations and her own capabilities.

Starford's writing is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. Her meticulous attention to detail transports readers to war-torn Europe, immersing them in the tense atmosphere of espionage. With each turn of the page, the author unravels a complex plot filled with double agents, secrets, and unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Starford has a remarkable ability to explore deep into the psyche of her characters. Through Varley's journey, we witness a remarkable transformation, as she evolves from a reluctant participant to a formidable force within the clandestine world. Starford skillfully explores the emotional complexities and moral dilemmas that arise, blurring the lines between right and wrong.

The strength of Starford's storytelling lies in her ability to seamlessly intertwine historical events with a rich tapestry of fictional narratives. Her research is evident in the authenticity of the settings, the historical figures who make appearances, and the intricate details that bring the era to life. This combination of meticulous research and skilled storytelling makes "An Unlikely Spy" a truly immersive and rewarding reading experience.

Rebecca Starford's "An Unlikely Spy" is a remarkable work of historical fiction that will leave readers captivated from beginning to end. With its blend of espionage, complex characters, and atmospheric storytelling, this book stands as a testament to the resilience of individuals during times of great adversity. Prepare to be swept away into a world of secrets, danger, and the triumph of the human spirit.

I read the uncorrected version of this novel. The story develops slowly. I admit I lost a little bit of interest somewhere around the middle but as pieces started to come together, the more it captured my attention. The ends on a strong high note. Definite plot twist that left my gobsmacked.

Enjoyed this WWII set spy story. The story devolved slowly. The dual running time lines were interesting and not confusing. The main character is forced to lie and hurt the ones she loves the most. Later on she needs to hide her past as she lives post war trying to find happiness.

Thank you to Netgalley & Rebecca Starford for my copy of this book for an honest review.

Loved this book! It kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages until well past midnight. highly recommend you dont start this at night, or you will be burning the midnight oil trying to finish.

I received an advanced digital reader’s copy of An Unlikely Spy by Rebecca Starford in exchange for my unbiased opinion. I’d like to thank Ms. Starford, her publisher Ecco, and NetGalley for providing me this opportunity, and I want to apologize to Ms. Starford and everyone involved for my delay in reading the novel and providing my opinion. The book was published June 1, 2021, and I received my copy approximately one month prior to publication. Despite my egregious delay, I’m glad I persevered. It was well worth it! Not only is it an extremely well written, fascinating, and gripping novel, but it’s also based on real people and actual events, making it that much more interesting. I’m guessing that she also included some of her own experiences growing up, since her first publication was a memoir about time spent at boarding school.

This is Ms. Starford’s first novel. It’s told in different timelines, between past and present, but I never found this to be confusing. It’s full of mystery and intrigue, as any good spy novel should be, and I never could have predicted some of the twists and turns finally revealed at the end. I’ve seen several bad or unflattering reviews of the book by other reviewers, and I disagree with them. I don’t see where they’re coming from. I enjoyed reading this book from the beginning to the end and gladly would read another novel written by Ms. Starford.

I thought the book started slowly but eventually I found it evolving although I was wanting more action. It was supposed to be based on historical events so I did finish the book to see how it all ended.

I love reading WW2 novels so when I saw this book about a woman becoming a spy I thought yes this is my kind of book. However it’s not on my favorite list. The main character Evelyn was very hard to like. She was smart and had connections to people that helped her become a spy. I just couldn’t put myself in the book with her. It just wasn’t for me.

I hardly ever read historical fiction, but I’m glad I picked out this one. I thought it was well-written and well-researched. Thanks for letting me give it a try!

I was interested in this novel because it was about a spy set in WWII. However, I had a hard time with it because it kept alternating back and forth which made it hard for me to understand. Therefore, I would have liked it better if it was told in a linear format. Overall, I recommend this fans of Kate Quinn, Ericka Robuck, and Elizabeth Wein!

I'm always up for a WWII story but this one was not what I expected. I'm not one for domestic espionage reads

3.5 stars

How does an ordinary woman end up engaged in domestic espionage? For Evelyn, an adolescence spent learning to blend in with the wealthy girls at her boarding school and at Oxford served as excellent training. Having completed her studies in German at Oxford and anxious to do something for the war effort, Evelyn is recruited into the military intelligence apparatus. She gradually moves into a domestic espionage unit, and is tasked with infiltrating a group of Nazi sympathizers. The clandestine nature of her job tears at her relationships, and leaves her searching for her identity.

I think that my appreciation of this book suffered a bit in the timing of when I read it - right after a biography of a highly decorated female spy during World War II and right before the newest Maisie Dobbs novel. The framing story, where Evelyn encounters someone she knew before and during the war years later, was necessary in terms of overall resolution, but didn’t feel as strong as the rest of the book. In all, while it isn’t my favorite book I’ve read so far this year, it’s a story that I wouldn’t regret recommending to a historical fiction fan.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

Really liked this one. Had me on my toes, and kept me guessing, had me anxious at times. Also really loved the cover.

This is the first novel I have read by Rebecca Starford and I hope it isn't the last! I was really impressed with her writing style and the book held my interest from the very beginning to the end. It wasn't as fast paced as I typically like, but it actually gave the opportunity for the reader to get to know the characters even more which I really enjoyed. There were a couple of plot twists within the story as well, that I didn't quite see coming, so that was also exciting. Great read!

o begin at the end, although readers should not do this as there are spoilers, I learned that this novel is based on real people and real events that occurred in the build up to WWII. The story is well told and engrossing.

Protagonist Evelyn was raised in what seems to be a “typical” British home. Her father had a job, her mother was a homemaker and, while not terribly well off, the family managed well. Evelyn , who was intelligent, moved away from her family’s sphere. First she went to a boarding school and later was an Oxbridge graduate. She studied German at university, a helpful language for the time in which the novel took place. Evelyn’s best friend Sally is from a wealthier and more upper class and influential family. They happily included Evelyn in their world. Sally’s cousin Julia is her own woman and a bit of a black sheep. The novel revolves around these three women but with many other characters as well.

What happens when Evelyn becomes involved in war work? What starts out as a secretarial job leads to much more. Readers learn about this and the consequences that Evelyn’s decisions and actions have for her.

One thing that the author does extremely well is to portray the anti-Semitic and pro German attitudes of a group of British citizens. On their own, with Russian emigres and more, they wanted a world in which Hitler was ascendant. This made for some chilling reading.

Another well done aspect of the story was its presentation of work done in MI5. Where did women fit in this? How were agents supported (or not)? These issues add to the intrigue of this story.

What happens to the Unlikely Spy both before and after the war? Read this involving novel to find out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I thought this was excellent writing, and an engaging story. Parts of the novel did drag for me, but I really would like to read more books by her. Thank you for allowing me to read and review this book!

WWII books are usually my favorite, so I was really excited for this one when I got a chance to read it. What I expected was very different than what I got. I thought the story was very slow moving, which I would never expected from a book about spies! I thought the movement of the story back and forth from past to present was unnecessary to the story. I did learn a little more about woman's roles in the war, which I liked, but I wish it was a little more engaging. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story early.