Member Reviews

What an unexpected delight this book was! I was not expecting such a fun and ironic heroine in Maggie Flynn, but she's such a delight. And Frank, the perfect sidekick to Maggie's sleuthing. I was particularly drawn in by Maggie's wit, the incredibly attention to detail, and how this felt one of the most relatable 'spy' stories I've read. I don't want flash Bond, I want bunion-toed Maggie Flynn!

I really hope there is more to come for Maggie's adventures. Absolutely one to add to your TBR!

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M. J. Robotham's »Mrs. Spy« plunges readers into the cloak-and-dagger world of espionage through the lens of Maggie Flynn, a London widow juggling motherhood and covert operations in the 1960s.

Maggie may appear to be an ordinary mum, but she is far from it—an MI5 agent adept at disguise and deception. The narrative weaves her personal struggles with her professional life as she navigates raising a rebellious teen while delving into her late husband's enigmatic past.

The plot takes off when Maggie crosses paths with a Russian agent who claims to have known her husband, triggering a chain of events that compel her to question her understanding of loyalty and betrayal. This serendipitous encounter ignites a thrilling pursuit for truth within the murky realm of espionage, where trust becomes a perilous gamble. The stakes soar as Maggie realizes that someone close to her might be ensnared in a web of deceit.

Robotham's writing is both captivating and easy to digest, enabling readers to experience the tension and urgency of Maggie's plight. The suspense is heightened by vivid portrayals of London’s streets, which serve as a dynamic backdrop that breathes life into the story. The emotional weight of the narrative is tangible; Maggie's internal conflict between her maternal duties and spy responsibilities crafts a rich tapestry of relatable human experiences.

The characters are well-rounded, particularly Maggie, whose resilience and vulnerability strike a chord. Her relationship with her daughter layers the narrative, highlighting generational divides and the complexities of parenting in turbulent times.

»Mrs. Spy« transcends the spy thriller genre, emerging as a heartfelt examination of love, loss, and the lengths one will go to safeguard family amidst disorder. Robotham's infusion of wit adds a lighthearted undertone that imbues this riveting story with charm and warmth.

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This is a great spy- espionage thriller set in 1960's London. I loved that the main character was a middle aged woman who was feisty and clever. I would happily read more books featuring Maggie Flynn.

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It was nice seeing this kind of storyline from a different perspective. Usually, it's a male protagonist who is either ex-military or comes from a rough and dysfunctional background. So, seeing a female protagonist with a family getting in all kinds of scrapes and dangerous situations was a fresh take.

This story follows Mags; it's the 1960s, and she lives with her teenage daughter, who is Beatles obsessed and her mother, who is.... colourful. After the death of her husband, Mags finds out his life and death were anything but normal. After an encounter with a suspected KGB defector, Mags is forced on a path of coffee, Gin & Tonic, and deception as she battles against the Establishment to find answers and right a number or wrongs.

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I couldn't get on board with this one, unfortunately. I really liked the premise - a 1960s housewife masquerading as a spy, but when I think of spies I want glamour, things that don't cross my mind happening right under my nose. Unfortunately, the opening chapters seemed to be intentionally highlighting how dull the world was. I'm aware this may have been the set-up, and things will suddenly heat up, but unfortunately it wasn't enough to grab me and keep me reading to find out.

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Interesting story told with a witty undertone I found this writers writing had matured a lot from her last book. The plot held up well and the characters were solid. I want to hear from Mrs Spy. Fun read that left me feeling empowered and wanting more...who runs the world GIRLS

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