What Princess Elizabeth's Spy is about:
Maggie Hope, former secretary to Prime Minister Winston Churchill, completes her training to become a spy for MI-5. Spirited, strong-willed, and possessing one of the sharpest minds in government for mathematics and code-breaking, she fully expects to be sent abroad to gather intelligence for the British front. Instead, to her great disappointment, she is dispatched to go undercover at Windsor Castle, where she will tutor the young Princess Elizabeth in math. Yet castle life quickly proves more dangerous—and deadly—than Maggie ever expected. The upstairs-downstairs world at Windsor is thrown into disarray by a shocking murder, which draws Maggie into a vast conspiracy that places the entire royal family in peril. And as she races to save England from a most disturbing fate, Maggie realizes that a quick wit is her best defense, and that the smallest clues can unravel the biggest secrets, even within her own family.
I am once again hooked on historical fiction and it's all Susan Elia Macneal's fault! I absolutely loved everything about this book. The characters, the setting, and the entire story was so much fun and it felt so realistic that I have conjured up actual images for each person in this book. Susan does a fantastic job of transporting the reader back in time to World War II. I enjoyed roaming around Windsor Castle and meeting the young Princess Elizabeth. So many of the books that I've read regarding WWII have taken place in Germany and centered upon the atrocities committed against the Jewish people. This book (series) gives the reader a peek into what life may have been like for the English, and an interesting view of Winston Churchill's office and the man himself. I am very intrigued by the spies from this era and the work that they did without the use of computers!! Susan's books have piqued my interest into Churchill, MI5, spies, Princess (now Queen) Elizabeth and life in England during the war.
Recommend? YES! I can't get enough of Maggie Hope and can't wait for book three to be released in 2013. For those that love a good mystery, smart and feisty heroines, and historical fiction, this is a winning series to pick up!
Giveaway
If you're from the US or Canada and would like the chance to win a copy of Princess Elizabeth's Spy, please leave a comment with your email address. Winner will be chosen Wednesday, October 31st. All entries due by 10/30/12 11:59 EST.
Review Book #32
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Actually sounds pretty good. I'll definitely have to check out the author.
ReplyDeleteThis series is getting a ton of positive reviews. I would love to be entered.
ReplyDeletesavvyverseandwit at gmail
Yay! I'm so glad you found another series to love! No need to enter me.
ReplyDeleteBased on your enthusiastic review, please enter me! :--)
ReplyDeletenbmars AT yahoo DOT com
Oh! Yes, please!! This series sounds wonderful and I'd love a chance to win.
ReplyDeletelscher at neb dot rr dot com
Thanks! :)
Ohhhhhhhh this sounds like MY kinda book!! Thanks for the great review Staci and thanks for the chance to win!!! bmwgirl@cox.net :)
ReplyDeletethanks for the chance to read this wonderful novel
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
I keep seeing this book everywhere! It looks so good!
ReplyDeletetara at talesofabookaddict.com
thanks for this wonderful novel. Love the era and the story. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great giveaway. A wonderful series.
ReplyDeleteI tend to like Historical Fiction WHEN I actually read it. It's takes a bit or encouragement to get me to pick one up. I used to read them more when I was in book club, but these days, the genre is not a fave of mine. Weird, huh?
ReplyDeleteI am captivated with this novel. Many thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI do think I would enjoy this book :)
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of this one and that it is set in England vs. Germany for a change. No need to enter me in the drawing as my TBR is already like the leaning tower of Pisa!
ReplyDeleteI must read this one. when you posted it in a previous post I was attracted to it. BTW, I've merged my digital accounts and since they require the use of one common name I've dropped kaye and am now blogging with my actual name--so hello, I'm kelley.
ReplyDeleteI knew that if you loved this one, it would quickly go on my TBR list!
ReplyDeleteSounds like just my type of read! I'm adding it to my TBR list now because your review has me convinced that it is a MUST read! Great review :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so great to see you out of your reading dry spell :)
ReplyDeleteLooks good! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteladybook21@yahoo.com
I never would have picked this one from the boring cover but I love historical fiction too and I'll keep an eye out for it since you loved it so much :)
ReplyDeleteI need to read the first one!
ReplyDeleteThis series looks SO GOOD! It is definitely the kind that reminds me why I love HistFic!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being on the tour. I'm featuring your review on TLC's Facebook page today.
I'm loving this series so far too!
ReplyDeleteI so wanted to join this tour but couldn't fit it in. This book has everything I like! Thanks for the contest and glad you loved it so :)
ReplyDeletejennygirl73[at]gmail[dot]com
I really like the series as well and can't wait until the next book. That was quite a tease at the end, wasn't it? I am glad you are enjoying the series as well. :-)
ReplyDeleteEven though I'm only about 1/3 into the story, I completely agree with you. I definitely want to finish and then read more.
ReplyDeleteI liked the book as well (http://manoflabook.com/wp/?p=6635) and, like you, am looking forward to the third installment.
ReplyDelete