New Publication Spotlight: A Beautiful Spy by Rachel Hore

A Beautiful Spy by Rachel Hore

Minnie Gray is an ordinary young woman. She is also a spy for the British government.

It all began in the summer of 1928...

Minnie is supposed to find a nice man, get married and have children. The problem is it doesn’t appeal to her at all. She is working as a secretary, but longs to make a difference.

Then, one day, she gets her chance. She is recruited by the British government as a spy. Under strict instructions not to tell anyone, not even her family, she moves to London and begins her mission – to infiltrate the Communist movement.

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A compelling historical novel about how a suburban typist from Edgbaston become a spy for MI5!

A Typist for the Automobile Association, Minnie Gray isn't like other young women her age. In a world where getting married and having children is the norm, she wants more from her life. So, when she meets Dolly Pyle at an event, the slightly older woman's mysterious description of her job intrigues her.

'It's not always exciting what I do, but it is useful and important.'

To Minnie's astonishment, when the two acquaintances meet again, Dolly suggests she should also work for the government. So with a promise, her details will pass on to the relevant contact, Minnie continues with her day to day life. As the weeks pass with no news, she accepts the opportunity has slipped, that's until an unexpected letter arrives, asking her to attend an interview – the beginnings of a double life.

'You'd be marvellous, I can tell. I've been watching you for a while. There's something about you they'd like, Minnie Gray.'

The author is new to me, so I jumped in feet first not knowing what to expect. As I turned the pages and details of Minnie covert work are exposed, Ms Hore's narrative highlights the intensity of the role the heroine undertook as well as her feelings for the people with whom she became associated. Specifically, the relationships she had with Percy Gladings, Max and Raymond. It emphasises Minnie's conflicting emotions and the mental pressures she endured whilst leading a double life...and the personal sacrifices she made.

Based on a true story, it's a point I was unaware of when I began A Beautiful Spy and therefore appreciate how the author has drawn our attention to the work Minnie (Olga) Gray did in the years before the breakout of WWII.

Overall, this is a thrilling and enlightening novel, which highlights the emotions of the times, not only from society but for the characters enveloped within it.

***Review copy received courtesy of Simon and Schuster UK via NetGalley***

Rachel Hore worked in London publishing for many years before moving with her family to Norwich, where she taught publishing and creative writing at the University of East Anglia until deciding to become a full-time writer. She is the Sunday Times (London) bestselling author of ten novels, including The Love Child. She is married to the writer D.J. Taylor and they have three sons. Visit her at RachelHore.co.uk and connect with her on Twitter @RachelHore.