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The Lady Pamela Mysteries #1
The Socialite Spy
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?
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?
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2023
217 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Sigal
5 books18 followersChicagoan living in London. High Modernist, collector of (too many) books and horse obsessive.
Although I've worked in theatre for many years, I've decided to enter into the wonderful world of fiction. My debut novel The Socialite Spy: In Pursuit of a King was published by Lume Books in October 2023 and its sequel, The Paris Spy, will be published in September 2025.
Although I've worked in theatre for many years, I've decided to enter into the wonderful world of fiction. My debut novel The Socialite Spy: In Pursuit of a King was published by Lume Books in October 2023 and its sequel, The Paris Spy, will be published in September 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
July 17, 2023
'The King has become rather attached to Mrs Simpson. And Mrs Simpson has become rather involved with a number of people who appear to be more loyal to the Nazis than our own government'.
Lady Pamela Moore is the 'Agent of Influence' for her fashion and gossip column in The Times so it seems quite appropriate that she be recruited by the MI5 to be an undercover agent. Using her social connections, together with her role as a journalist, Pamela ingratiates herself seamlessly amongst London's high society. Regularly reporting back her sought-after information and rumoured tidbits she succeeds in her mission, but has her job really been completed?
Sarah Sigal does a fine job depicting the whirl of soirees Pamela attends, describing fashions and name-dropping throughout. However, the cast of characters grows alarmingly and becomes difficult to follow as a complex web of social ties and gossip is loosely woven. I really enjoyed the book for its context, but less so for the actual storyline. It was an ok read for me.
Lady Pamela Moore is the 'Agent of Influence' for her fashion and gossip column in The Times so it seems quite appropriate that she be recruited by the MI5 to be an undercover agent. Using her social connections, together with her role as a journalist, Pamela ingratiates herself seamlessly amongst London's high society. Regularly reporting back her sought-after information and rumoured tidbits she succeeds in her mission, but has her job really been completed?
Sarah Sigal does a fine job depicting the whirl of soirees Pamela attends, describing fashions and name-dropping throughout. However, the cast of characters grows alarmingly and becomes difficult to follow as a complex web of social ties and gossip is loosely woven. I really enjoyed the book for its context, but less so for the actual storyline. It was an ok read for me.
October 25, 2023
Lady Pamela makes a lively, spirited and entertaining protagonist whose keen eye for fashion and witty take on the social scene has made her a successful columnist. But she feels unfulfilled and that her talents are being overlooked. ‘When she was younger, Pamela had harboured secret dreams of becoming the next Rebecca West (minus the illegitimate child), Virginia Woolf (minus the crippling depression) or Katherine Mansfield (minus the tubersular death).’ No wonder then when the opportunity of adventure arises she grabs it with both exquisitely manicured hands. And what could be more of an adventure than spying? Her social connections and observational skills – she can spot the difference between a genuine couture gown and a cheap copy a mile off – see her make an excellent start to her mission to get close to Wallis Simpson. After that, it all gets a little more complicated, and quite a lot more dangerous. And not just for Lady Pamela.
There is an enormous cast of the real life great and good of the period including Winston Churchill, Noel Coward, Cecil Beaton, Harold Nicolson, Diana Vreeland and Evelyn Waugh. And the not so good, such as Oswald Mosley. But behind all the fun of Lady Pamela’s espionage activities there’s some serious stuff about the prevalence of Nazi sympathisers in the higher echelons of society in the run-up to the Second World War. In fact it’s chilling to be reminded how many downplayed, even actively supported, the horrific acts being carried out against Jewish people and other sections of society in Germany at the time. A secondary plot line involving Lady Pamela’s formidable Aunt Constance underlines how dangerous it can be to speak out against injustice and discrimination.
I developed rather a soft spot for Francis, Pamela’s husband who seemed to me the epitome of loyalty, steadfastness and patience in the face of his wife’s increasingly risky escapades, especially since he faces struggles of his own. Sadly, Lady Pamela doesn’t always treat him very well – in fact, particularly badly at one point. Having said that, the pair lead quite separate lives a lot of the time: Francis at his club or attending a shooting party, and Lady Pamela immersed in a social whirl of glamorous parties and fancy dinners in which a never-ending supply of cocktails and cigarettes is the order of the day.
The Socialite Spy is a really entertaining read but one with a nugget of something more weighty at its heart. A luxury Charbonnel et Walker chocolate with a praline centre, if you like. Judging by the book’s conclusion I get the feeling this is not the last we’ve heard of Lady Pamela. How absolutely delightful, darling, let’s have another martini to celebrate.
There is an enormous cast of the real life great and good of the period including Winston Churchill, Noel Coward, Cecil Beaton, Harold Nicolson, Diana Vreeland and Evelyn Waugh. And the not so good, such as Oswald Mosley. But behind all the fun of Lady Pamela’s espionage activities there’s some serious stuff about the prevalence of Nazi sympathisers in the higher echelons of society in the run-up to the Second World War. In fact it’s chilling to be reminded how many downplayed, even actively supported, the horrific acts being carried out against Jewish people and other sections of society in Germany at the time. A secondary plot line involving Lady Pamela’s formidable Aunt Constance underlines how dangerous it can be to speak out against injustice and discrimination.
I developed rather a soft spot for Francis, Pamela’s husband who seemed to me the epitome of loyalty, steadfastness and patience in the face of his wife’s increasingly risky escapades, especially since he faces struggles of his own. Sadly, Lady Pamela doesn’t always treat him very well – in fact, particularly badly at one point. Having said that, the pair lead quite separate lives a lot of the time: Francis at his club or attending a shooting party, and Lady Pamela immersed in a social whirl of glamorous parties and fancy dinners in which a never-ending supply of cocktails and cigarettes is the order of the day.
The Socialite Spy is a really entertaining read but one with a nugget of something more weighty at its heart. A luxury Charbonnel et Walker chocolate with a praline centre, if you like. Judging by the book’s conclusion I get the feeling this is not the last we’ve heard of Lady Pamela. How absolutely delightful, darling, let’s have another martini to celebrate.
October 2, 2023
High society and fascists—1936!
Lady Pamela is a fashion columnist for the London Times. Her column is headed Agent of Change. (It helps that Lady Pamela moves in the rarified circles that revolve around the Court and King Edward.)
As Pamela leads a fairly separate life from her husband Francis it’s easy for her to be seen in the right places.
Pamela is asked by MI5 to work for them. She has access to high society entities who admire Hitler and Nazi Germany, that includes Wallis Simpson, Mosley and others.
This leads to all sorts of interesting situations.
Her entrée into an interview with Wallis Simpson will be outlining Wallis’ particular style for an upcoming edition for her column.
During the time spent with her, Pamela becomes aware of Mrs Simpson influence on the King.
Pamela is upset by Edward’s irresponsibilities, his cavalier attitude towards security, and the media ban imposed on the English newspapers about printing anything to do with their relationship.
It’s all very daring and hush hush, with quite a few surprises, including her husband’s loyalties.
An interestingly different look at the characters of Wallis Simpson and King Edward exposing their short comings and really pushing their relationships with the Nazis. Wallis comes across as a hard-edged woman with definite Nazi leanings. Edward comes across as a very petulant man.
A sleek start that has the potential to develop into further titles.
A Lume ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Lady Pamela is a fashion columnist for the London Times. Her column is headed Agent of Change. (It helps that Lady Pamela moves in the rarified circles that revolve around the Court and King Edward.)
As Pamela leads a fairly separate life from her husband Francis it’s easy for her to be seen in the right places.
Pamela is asked by MI5 to work for them. She has access to high society entities who admire Hitler and Nazi Germany, that includes Wallis Simpson, Mosley and others.
This leads to all sorts of interesting situations.
Her entrée into an interview with Wallis Simpson will be outlining Wallis’ particular style for an upcoming edition for her column.
During the time spent with her, Pamela becomes aware of Mrs Simpson influence on the King.
Pamela is upset by Edward’s irresponsibilities, his cavalier attitude towards security, and the media ban imposed on the English newspapers about printing anything to do with their relationship.
It’s all very daring and hush hush, with quite a few surprises, including her husband’s loyalties.
An interestingly different look at the characters of Wallis Simpson and King Edward exposing their short comings and really pushing their relationships with the Nazis. Wallis comes across as a hard-edged woman with definite Nazi leanings. Edward comes across as a very petulant man.
A sleek start that has the potential to develop into further titles.
A Lume ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
October 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this debut from Sarah Sigal. Full of interesting characters, both real and fictional, it spins a tale of glamour and deceit. I really liked Pamela- seeing her character develop as she became caught in the shadier side of society as the Nazis and Russians became ever more present in the UK. Never sure who was to be trusted, she walked the fragile line of secrecy.
Well researched, I though the story gave a good insight into the fashion and gossip of the time.
I became more invested as more of Pamela’s story unfolded and I’d love to see what the next adventure for her would be.
Well researched, I though the story gave a good insight into the fashion and gossip of the time.
I became more invested as more of Pamela’s story unfolded and I’d love to see what the next adventure for her would be.
October 30, 2023
Who doesn’t love intrigue, spies, fashion and gossip. This book has so much between the pages and gives such a great insight into the turbulent times when Hitler came to power, the King fell in love with an American and Russia was in turmoil.
As this was an ARC, there is no acknowledgment section at the back, but from reading this, you can see just how much research has gone into it. I knew a little about the times featured in this book, but there is so much to learn. I loved Pamela and the way she could plant herself in any situation and feel totally at ease, and gather intel for MI5. And report on the beautiful fashion from the age too, the dress descriptions were just amazing.
A great story about a terribly uncertain time well researched and written about, Sarah has certainly worked hard at this one and produced an amazing novel that I would definitely read again, as I think you’ll find more in it second, third time round.
As this was an ARC, there is no acknowledgment section at the back, but from reading this, you can see just how much research has gone into it. I knew a little about the times featured in this book, but there is so much to learn. I loved Pamela and the way she could plant herself in any situation and feel totally at ease, and gather intel for MI5. And report on the beautiful fashion from the age too, the dress descriptions were just amazing.
A great story about a terribly uncertain time well researched and written about, Sarah has certainly worked hard at this one and produced an amazing novel that I would definitely read again, as I think you’ll find more in it second, third time round.
October 21, 2023
**AD/PR Product
Blurb
In this sparkling historical spy novel, a savvy socialite embroils herself with international spies, Nazi sympathisers, the king of England, and his American mistress.
London 1936. Socialite and journalist, Lady Pamela More 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.
Her mission: spy on the royal couple and report on their connections with Nazi Germany.
As she navigates the treacherous world of international espionage and dangerous liaisons, Pamela uses her skills of observation and intuition to gain access to Wallis’ inner circle.
But Europe is unstable, and international spies lurk on every corner.
Does Pamela have what it takes to survive the currents of espionage? Or is she in over her head? And when no-one is who they seem, is this mission truly what’s best for the country?
Review
Thank you to the publishers and author for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange of a review.
I’m a huge fan of historical fiction so was delighted to have been given the opportunity to be on this book tour.
I loved the protagonist, Lady Pamela. She was feisty, brave and intelligent, during a time when women were treated very much in a ‘should be seen and not heard’ manner.
I found this book fascinating and found myself googling lots of different things and this makes for a good book, in my opinion. I recognised some names (from watching The Crown) and had some knowledge of Oswald Mosley and his relationship with Hitler.
Wallis Simpson was portrayed exactly how I imagined her to be, as was Edward VIII. I only recently read about their links to the Nazi’s too.
There were lots of twists and turns and lots of characters! This didn’t spoil the book for me, if anything, it enhanced my enjoyment of it as I believe this to be exactly how politics was back then. I really liked how each chapter told what was happening during one month.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it was very well researched and written. The high society sure did know how to have a good time back in the day, that’s for sure!
If you’re a fan of historical fiction then I highly recommend this book.
Blurb
In this sparkling historical spy novel, a savvy socialite embroils herself with international spies, Nazi sympathisers, the king of England, and his American mistress.
London 1936. Socialite and journalist, Lady Pamela More 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.
Her mission: spy on the royal couple and report on their connections with Nazi Germany.
As she navigates the treacherous world of international espionage and dangerous liaisons, Pamela uses her skills of observation and intuition to gain access to Wallis’ inner circle.
But Europe is unstable, and international spies lurk on every corner.
Does Pamela have what it takes to survive the currents of espionage? Or is she in over her head? And when no-one is who they seem, is this mission truly what’s best for the country?
Review
Thank you to the publishers and author for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange of a review.
I’m a huge fan of historical fiction so was delighted to have been given the opportunity to be on this book tour.
I loved the protagonist, Lady Pamela. She was feisty, brave and intelligent, during a time when women were treated very much in a ‘should be seen and not heard’ manner.
I found this book fascinating and found myself googling lots of different things and this makes for a good book, in my opinion. I recognised some names (from watching The Crown) and had some knowledge of Oswald Mosley and his relationship with Hitler.
Wallis Simpson was portrayed exactly how I imagined her to be, as was Edward VIII. I only recently read about their links to the Nazi’s too.
There were lots of twists and turns and lots of characters! This didn’t spoil the book for me, if anything, it enhanced my enjoyment of it as I believe this to be exactly how politics was back then. I really liked how each chapter told what was happening during one month.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it was very well researched and written. The high society sure did know how to have a good time back in the day, that’s for sure!
If you’re a fan of historical fiction then I highly recommend this book.
September 6, 2023
Lady Pamela More is a Times journalist who writes a fashion and gossip column. When M15 approaches her and asks her to spy on Wallis Simpson, she immerses herself in a life of glittery parties and get-togethers to gather information under the guise of her journalism career.
I found the story a bit confusing with too many subplots to keep track of. I did find the story of King Edward and Wallis Simpson interesting and compelling. Overall, the book is well written but the back half confused me and I never did figure out who was a double agent, if anybody.
I’d give this book 3 stars. Thank you, NetGalley and Lume Books for the ARC. Publication date is October 19, 2023.
I found the story a bit confusing with too many subplots to keep track of. I did find the story of King Edward and Wallis Simpson interesting and compelling. Overall, the book is well written but the back half confused me and I never did figure out who was a double agent, if anybody.
I’d give this book 3 stars. Thank you, NetGalley and Lume Books for the ARC. Publication date is October 19, 2023.
October 26, 2023
This book is historical fiction which is my favourite genre. I have never read a book related to this history before though and certainly not one that includes Wallis Simpson. I can see why this book was written as it is believe Wallis Simpson was an Nazi sympathiser along with Edward.
The book centres on this.
I like how Lady Pamela, a journalist, is tasked to dig into the relationship of Wallis and Edward. This was very interesting.
However, it was slightly confusing in some places.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lume Books for an ARC of this book.
This could make a series. I would like to read more.
The book centres on this.
I like how Lady Pamela, a journalist, is tasked to dig into the relationship of Wallis and Edward. This was very interesting.
However, it was slightly confusing in some places.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lume Books for an ARC of this book.
This could make a series. I would like to read more.
September 18, 2023
Summary
Lady Pamela More is a writer for the Times. Her column “Agent of Influence” keeps the who’s who of London society up to date on the latest fashion trends and society gossip. She is well aware that her co-workers consider her decorative at best and vapid at worst. At one point she had hoped to be a serious journalist. Earlier in her career she had followed the news zealously and tried to engage others in discussions about politics, but found nobody would take her seriously. In frustration, she surrendered and focused on what was expected of her.
At the age of 29, Pam has become frustrated with her life. Her husband, Francis, age 40 and a member of Parliament, seems willing to humor her, but she knows he would very much like to have children. This has become a sensitive topic between them, and like so many of their class, they deal with sensitive topics by ignoring them.
It is 1936 and King Edward has just taken the throne. The majority of the British public know nothing about his American lover, Wallis Simpson, because the press has agreed not to publish anything about their relationship. Some members of the press consider this a form of censorship, but the vast majority of the newspapers are owned by wealthy, influential people who are happy to cooperate with the Palace.
Imagine Pamela’s surprise when her Editor-in-Chief, Geoffrey Dawson, informs her that she is going to write a column for the paper titled “A Week with Wallis.” Her job is to make Wallis seem interesting and relevant, but without mentioning the king. Her focus is to be on clothing, jewelry, parties, and home design. Originally, the column had been assigned to the other female at the paper, Gertrude Leigh, the Agony Aunt, but the previous month Gertrude had fallen under a train and was now in a coma.
Around this time, Pamela becomes convinced she is being followed by a man, likely another journalist hoping to scoop her on the Wallis story. However, this man isn’t trying to steal her story. He’s trying to recruit her to MI-5 to gather information on Wallis, the king, and any Nazis or Nazi sympathizers with whom they interact. Initially excited by the opportunity to do more than write about dresses, Pamela soon becomes aware that the Nazis will target their adversaries ruthlessly and she is concerned that should someone realize what she is doing, she could be disposed of as easily as the last German ambassador.
My Thoughts
This is a detailed, immersive and exceptionally well-researched story. The author’s writing style is highly engaging. While it is a spy novel, it’s also a story about a woman trying to figure out who she is and what she wants from life. There’s suspense and there are also some poignant moments. I found it a very enjoyable story.
Many of the characters mentioned in the story were actual historical figures. Noel Coward, Evelyn Waugh, Vita Sackville-West, Cecil Beaton and other recognizable individuals attend some of the same parties as Pam. It added a very authentic feeling to the book to have real people showing up alongside the fictional characters. I recently finished reading an excellent biography, The Viceroy’s Daughters: Lives of the Curzon Sisters by Anne de Courcy, and many individuals in that biography also showed up in this story. That said, there are a lot of characters in this book, and for those who are not entirely familiar with political figures and the nobility of the UK in the 1930’s, it could be over-whelming. It may help to jot down names while reading.
Lady Pamela is a fascinating character. She’s a highly observant woman who can tell a lot from a person based just on what they are wearing. She notices quality, loose buttons, scuffed shoes - even the smallest details don’t escape her. Pamela doesn’t have much tolerance for hypocrisy and resents things like double standards for women. In her own way, she’s a feminist for the time period.
However, as a spy she has some shortcomings. A major problem is that she’s suffering from a serious case of imposter’s syndrome. She is such a good fit for what they have asked her to do, but she constantly doubts herself and thinks they should have chosen someone who was better qualified.
Perhaps her biggest failing as a spy is that she isn’t really good at keeping secrets and she reveals her secret work to two other individuals. As the book progresses, she becomes more and more paranoid, which seems reasonable given that she is a relatively sheltered woman without much experience of the real world, and she finds the work very isolating. That isolation sometimes allows her paranoia to get the better of her.
Everything was not wrapped up neatly at the end of the story. Normally, that would annoy me, but so much in the world of spies is so ambiguous, so I was actually very happy with how things ended up.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more on this book, check out my website AllAboutCosy.com in the fiction reviews section.
Lady Pamela More is a writer for the Times. Her column “Agent of Influence” keeps the who’s who of London society up to date on the latest fashion trends and society gossip. She is well aware that her co-workers consider her decorative at best and vapid at worst. At one point she had hoped to be a serious journalist. Earlier in her career she had followed the news zealously and tried to engage others in discussions about politics, but found nobody would take her seriously. In frustration, she surrendered and focused on what was expected of her.
At the age of 29, Pam has become frustrated with her life. Her husband, Francis, age 40 and a member of Parliament, seems willing to humor her, but she knows he would very much like to have children. This has become a sensitive topic between them, and like so many of their class, they deal with sensitive topics by ignoring them.
It is 1936 and King Edward has just taken the throne. The majority of the British public know nothing about his American lover, Wallis Simpson, because the press has agreed not to publish anything about their relationship. Some members of the press consider this a form of censorship, but the vast majority of the newspapers are owned by wealthy, influential people who are happy to cooperate with the Palace.
Imagine Pamela’s surprise when her Editor-in-Chief, Geoffrey Dawson, informs her that she is going to write a column for the paper titled “A Week with Wallis.” Her job is to make Wallis seem interesting and relevant, but without mentioning the king. Her focus is to be on clothing, jewelry, parties, and home design. Originally, the column had been assigned to the other female at the paper, Gertrude Leigh, the Agony Aunt, but the previous month Gertrude had fallen under a train and was now in a coma.
Around this time, Pamela becomes convinced she is being followed by a man, likely another journalist hoping to scoop her on the Wallis story. However, this man isn’t trying to steal her story. He’s trying to recruit her to MI-5 to gather information on Wallis, the king, and any Nazis or Nazi sympathizers with whom they interact. Initially excited by the opportunity to do more than write about dresses, Pamela soon becomes aware that the Nazis will target their adversaries ruthlessly and she is concerned that should someone realize what she is doing, she could be disposed of as easily as the last German ambassador.
My Thoughts
This is a detailed, immersive and exceptionally well-researched story. The author’s writing style is highly engaging. While it is a spy novel, it’s also a story about a woman trying to figure out who she is and what she wants from life. There’s suspense and there are also some poignant moments. I found it a very enjoyable story.
Many of the characters mentioned in the story were actual historical figures. Noel Coward, Evelyn Waugh, Vita Sackville-West, Cecil Beaton and other recognizable individuals attend some of the same parties as Pam. It added a very authentic feeling to the book to have real people showing up alongside the fictional characters. I recently finished reading an excellent biography, The Viceroy’s Daughters: Lives of the Curzon Sisters by Anne de Courcy, and many individuals in that biography also showed up in this story. That said, there are a lot of characters in this book, and for those who are not entirely familiar with political figures and the nobility of the UK in the 1930’s, it could be over-whelming. It may help to jot down names while reading.
Lady Pamela is a fascinating character. She’s a highly observant woman who can tell a lot from a person based just on what they are wearing. She notices quality, loose buttons, scuffed shoes - even the smallest details don’t escape her. Pamela doesn’t have much tolerance for hypocrisy and resents things like double standards for women. In her own way, she’s a feminist for the time period.
However, as a spy she has some shortcomings. A major problem is that she’s suffering from a serious case of imposter’s syndrome. She is such a good fit for what they have asked her to do, but she constantly doubts herself and thinks they should have chosen someone who was better qualified.
Perhaps her biggest failing as a spy is that she isn’t really good at keeping secrets and she reveals her secret work to two other individuals. As the book progresses, she becomes more and more paranoid, which seems reasonable given that she is a relatively sheltered woman without much experience of the real world, and she finds the work very isolating. That isolation sometimes allows her paranoia to get the better of her.
Everything was not wrapped up neatly at the end of the story. Normally, that would annoy me, but so much in the world of spies is so ambiguous, so I was actually very happy with how things ended up.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more on this book, check out my website AllAboutCosy.com in the fiction reviews section.
June 19, 2023
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.*
The socialite spy is an immersive story of espionage and deception through the channels of gossip and trivial party gatherings that reveal the deeper and darker side to the relations and connection of the upper echelons of society in the interwar period of Britain. Sarah Sigal artfully constructs a world of vibrant parties and political upheaval that has Britain's institutional constitutions in jeopardy. The concept of Lady Pamela, a journalist for The Times, using her fashion column as a disguise for discovering who are sympathisers to the British Union of Fascists (BUF) and who is also sending secrets and intelligence to Germany, is a clever disguise. The party guests and upper class are depicted as self-obsessed and constantly scrambling over one another to be the best and most wealthy and important within society. These characters are deceived by Pamela's innocent questions under the disguise of wanting to know what fashion is in style and who is the next big thing in interior design. Sigal explores the abdication of the King Edward VIII in 1936 and his relationship with Wallis Simpson as a political tool manipulated by MI5. The first half of the novel has a tight and well-developed story that pushed along in a good pace, however by the 60% mark the novel becomes messy and there are too many sub-plots and characters to keep-up with. This results in confusion and drags the pace down. By the novel's denouement, I was confused at who was on which side and who was a double-agent. There didn't seem to be any consequences to Pamela's involvement or even affair, she just carries on as normal.
The espionage plot of Pamela is contrasted by her domestic life with her husband Francis and the question of having children. Pamela is a thirty year old woman and defies societal conventions as a female writer for a respectable newspaper and not having children. Initially, Pamela is presented as enjoying her life of independence when in reality she cannot physically have children - I think this plot needed to be explored in more depth rather than brushed over in an anti-climatic way. The exposition of the novel was lacking and was built up to be something bigger than just simply worked out in the last 50 pages or so. I was expecting more danger for Pamela and more self-reflection.
Overall, I enjoyed the concept and the setting of the inter-war period and how the rumblings of revolution are seen in all aspects of society and unrest within all classes. The character interactions and dialogue was well-written and developed, but pace and clarity in character alliances need a better distinction.
The socialite spy is an immersive story of espionage and deception through the channels of gossip and trivial party gatherings that reveal the deeper and darker side to the relations and connection of the upper echelons of society in the interwar period of Britain. Sarah Sigal artfully constructs a world of vibrant parties and political upheaval that has Britain's institutional constitutions in jeopardy. The concept of Lady Pamela, a journalist for The Times, using her fashion column as a disguise for discovering who are sympathisers to the British Union of Fascists (BUF) and who is also sending secrets and intelligence to Germany, is a clever disguise. The party guests and upper class are depicted as self-obsessed and constantly scrambling over one another to be the best and most wealthy and important within society. These characters are deceived by Pamela's innocent questions under the disguise of wanting to know what fashion is in style and who is the next big thing in interior design. Sigal explores the abdication of the King Edward VIII in 1936 and his relationship with Wallis Simpson as a political tool manipulated by MI5. The first half of the novel has a tight and well-developed story that pushed along in a good pace, however by the 60% mark the novel becomes messy and there are too many sub-plots and characters to keep-up with. This results in confusion and drags the pace down. By the novel's denouement, I was confused at who was on which side and who was a double-agent. There didn't seem to be any consequences to Pamela's involvement or even affair, she just carries on as normal.
The espionage plot of Pamela is contrasted by her domestic life with her husband Francis and the question of having children. Pamela is a thirty year old woman and defies societal conventions as a female writer for a respectable newspaper and not having children. Initially, Pamela is presented as enjoying her life of independence when in reality she cannot physically have children - I think this plot needed to be explored in more depth rather than brushed over in an anti-climatic way. The exposition of the novel was lacking and was built up to be something bigger than just simply worked out in the last 50 pages or so. I was expecting more danger for Pamela and more self-reflection.
Overall, I enjoyed the concept and the setting of the inter-war period and how the rumblings of revolution are seen in all aspects of society and unrest within all classes. The character interactions and dialogue was well-written and developed, but pace and clarity in character alliances need a better distinction.
October 20, 2023
5* ADVANCED READER COPY REVIEW
This, Sarah Sigal's debut novel, is the first in a proposed series about Lady Pamela More, the Socialite Spy of the title, tasked by British intelligence with tracking Wallis Simpson and her beau, the man who would be King Edward VIII.
This first instalment covers the period January 1936 through to May 1937, a time when Europe, if not the world, was in turmoil addressing the emergence of Hitler's Nazi party, of which Mrs Simpson was an alleged sympathiser...and of course this includes the December abdication.
When we first meet her Pamela is The Times' fashion correspondent, though she aspires to be something more; the opening exchanges include a well written descriptive of a House of Hartnell catwalk show. Delightful snippets of gossip abound, wrapped around possible introductions to supporting cast members for the journal to follow. There is, for me, a fairly accurate representation of the misogynistic middle and upper class attitudes that England experienced between the wars...Pamela is clearly not at one with that thinking, spikey and determined whilst also at ease playing her part when it suits.
She also has her own thoughts in respect of the political situation evolving in German and the rise of Nazism - not taken in as so many were, along with of course, the Windsor's with whom she is to become embroiled...all of which leads to her being enticed by MI5 into spying on the couple with a view to having him step away from the throne. There's a lovely section where she weighs up the pros and cons of getting involved...obviously it's no spoiler that she takes to the challenge in the end, though not without some surprises along the way (and if you know your history you'll know the outcome of the Windsor's love story eh?).
I found it a fun read, touching on events that's I've grown up being aware off - the rise of fascism, English Blackshirts, the Lindbergh baby and of course the barbarism inherent in Herr Hitler's Germany.
I enjoyed Sarah Sigal's writing, the humour, the detail, the playing around with history ...red herring and plot twists all contribute to a great read. Lady Pamela is a fine creation riding through the ups and downs of the world being created around her and I will certainly be back for more when the chance comes.
This, Sarah Sigal's debut novel, is the first in a proposed series about Lady Pamela More, the Socialite Spy of the title, tasked by British intelligence with tracking Wallis Simpson and her beau, the man who would be King Edward VIII.
This first instalment covers the period January 1936 through to May 1937, a time when Europe, if not the world, was in turmoil addressing the emergence of Hitler's Nazi party, of which Mrs Simpson was an alleged sympathiser...and of course this includes the December abdication.
When we first meet her Pamela is The Times' fashion correspondent, though she aspires to be something more; the opening exchanges include a well written descriptive of a House of Hartnell catwalk show. Delightful snippets of gossip abound, wrapped around possible introductions to supporting cast members for the journal to follow. There is, for me, a fairly accurate representation of the misogynistic middle and upper class attitudes that England experienced between the wars...Pamela is clearly not at one with that thinking, spikey and determined whilst also at ease playing her part when it suits.
She also has her own thoughts in respect of the political situation evolving in German and the rise of Nazism - not taken in as so many were, along with of course, the Windsor's with whom she is to become embroiled...all of which leads to her being enticed by MI5 into spying on the couple with a view to having him step away from the throne. There's a lovely section where she weighs up the pros and cons of getting involved...obviously it's no spoiler that she takes to the challenge in the end, though not without some surprises along the way (and if you know your history you'll know the outcome of the Windsor's love story eh?).
I found it a fun read, touching on events that's I've grown up being aware off - the rise of fascism, English Blackshirts, the Lindbergh baby and of course the barbarism inherent in Herr Hitler's Germany.
I enjoyed Sarah Sigal's writing, the humour, the detail, the playing around with history ...red herring and plot twists all contribute to a great read. Lady Pamela is a fine creation riding through the ups and downs of the world being created around her and I will certainly be back for more when the chance comes.
June 5, 2023
A book straight from the Golden Age of Thrillers.
The story opens in London, 1936 with a woman falling under a train - did she jump or was she pushed? .
Then we meet socialite and Times journalist Lady Pamela More, who writes a popular column, talking about fashion and high society gossip. She is surrounded by men, who regularly put her in her place, so when circumstances allow her to enter the royal circle, she plans to make her mark. She is invited to interview Wallis Simpson, the newly crowned king’s American mistress.
Before the ice in her Martini has had a chance to melt, she finds herself recruited by MI5, to spy on the royal couple and report on their connections with Nazi Germany. Along the way she uses her many socialite contacts to enter a hidden world of sex, betrayal and conspiracy.
We're soon immersed in a gorgeous story of wealth, privilege, fashion and debauchery, filled with Russian Counts and Princesses, Nazi collaborators and gloriously camp drag queens. Taking place against the events leading up to WW2, the story is replete with people and places readers may recognise, and it's fun to spot where real-life events merge with the story. It's also a social commentary on how the 1930's upper-class of English society viewed Hitler, their King and his consort, and the inevitability of war. Personally, I also received an in-depth education on fashion designers.
The author is American, and a very few things slipped through which I wouldn't expect to hear in colloquial English, but otherwise this is a lovely, no-too-dark story. There are several sub-plots which nicely flesh out some of the characters, giving them an extra dimension. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Definitely recommended.
The story opens in London, 1936 with a woman falling under a train - did she jump or was she pushed? .
Then we meet socialite and Times journalist Lady Pamela More, who writes a popular column, talking about fashion and high society gossip. She is surrounded by men, who regularly put her in her place, so when circumstances allow her to enter the royal circle, she plans to make her mark. She is invited to interview Wallis Simpson, the newly crowned king’s American mistress.
Before the ice in her Martini has had a chance to melt, she finds herself recruited by MI5, to spy on the royal couple and report on their connections with Nazi Germany. Along the way she uses her many socialite contacts to enter a hidden world of sex, betrayal and conspiracy.
We're soon immersed in a gorgeous story of wealth, privilege, fashion and debauchery, filled with Russian Counts and Princesses, Nazi collaborators and gloriously camp drag queens. Taking place against the events leading up to WW2, the story is replete with people and places readers may recognise, and it's fun to spot where real-life events merge with the story. It's also a social commentary on how the 1930's upper-class of English society viewed Hitler, their King and his consort, and the inevitability of war. Personally, I also received an in-depth education on fashion designers.
The author is American, and a very few things slipped through which I wouldn't expect to hear in colloquial English, but otherwise this is a lovely, no-too-dark story. There are several sub-plots which nicely flesh out some of the characters, giving them an extra dimension. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Definitely recommended.
October 10, 2023
I read a free digital advance review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Lady Pamela More writes a Times fashion column and is married to a nice, conventional man. She is surprised when her editor assigns her to write a lengthy column about Wallis Simpson, who is then having an affair with King Edward. This leads to her recruitment to spy on Wallis’s circle and learn who is supportive of Nazi Germany. Pamela is astonished to learn how many in society are admirers of Nazi Germany, but also that there are many who are in sympathy (and maybe more than sympathy) with the Soviet Union. Gathering intelligence may be riskier than she’d thought, with potential threats at every turn.
With this book, debut novelist Sarah Sigal adds to a long line of historical fiction about the so-called fifth column in 1930s Britain, several of which posit the notion of a civilian recruited to penetrate the inner circles of that group. While Sigal has clearly done a great deal of research, it sometimes fees that she is trying to do too much in this book, to ensure that all her research appears on the page. The cast of characters is huge, including many names that will be known to readers familiar with the period, but many others in Pamela’s personal circle. It can get to be a bit overwhelming, and the story would have been better served if some of the characters were cut.
For me, the book was a bit of a slog for its first half plus, but then the plot came together and moved in a more purposeful way. I wondered at the end if it was being set up for a sequel. If so, I will read it.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
Lady Pamela More writes a Times fashion column and is married to a nice, conventional man. She is surprised when her editor assigns her to write a lengthy column about Wallis Simpson, who is then having an affair with King Edward. This leads to her recruitment to spy on Wallis’s circle and learn who is supportive of Nazi Germany. Pamela is astonished to learn how many in society are admirers of Nazi Germany, but also that there are many who are in sympathy (and maybe more than sympathy) with the Soviet Union. Gathering intelligence may be riskier than she’d thought, with potential threats at every turn.
With this book, debut novelist Sarah Sigal adds to a long line of historical fiction about the so-called fifth column in 1930s Britain, several of which posit the notion of a civilian recruited to penetrate the inner circles of that group. While Sigal has clearly done a great deal of research, it sometimes fees that she is trying to do too much in this book, to ensure that all her research appears on the page. The cast of characters is huge, including many names that will be known to readers familiar with the period, but many others in Pamela’s personal circle. It can get to be a bit overwhelming, and the story would have been better served if some of the characters were cut.
For me, the book was a bit of a slog for its first half plus, but then the plot came together and moved in a more purposeful way. I wondered at the end if it was being set up for a sequel. If so, I will read it.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
November 7, 2023
Lady Pamela is a journalist whose Agent of Influence column covers the fashions and social events in 1930s London. She is assigned to interview Wallis Simpson after the reporter originally assigned is involved in an accident. MI5 recruits her to enter Simpson’s social circle, where she is to encourage the relationship with King Edward. He never wanted the crown and has been neglectful of his duties at a time when Hitler is coming to power. With no training in spy craft, Pamela must hide her activities from family and friends. Her husband is a government official but she has never concerned herself with his opinions, preferring clubs and parties. Now she finds herself associating with Nazis, Mosley’s followers and Russian emigres. It is difficult to know who to trust, including her MI5 handler.
Sarah Sigal’s novel is filled with designer dresses and glittery jewels. It also deals with the government’s attempts to work toward peace with a Germany that is growing more restrictive and aggressive. One of Sigal’s stand out characters is Aunt Constance. With an arrest warrant for her political activities, she ran to India. Now she is back in London after once again getting into trouble protesting the British presence there. She is one of the few people who know about Pamela’s activities and supports her decisions. This was an interesting look at the social and political activities in pre-war England, filled with familiar historical figures and some unexpected twists. It also lends itself to a possible sequel, which I would love to see. I would like to thank NetGalley and Lume Books for providing this book or my review.
Sarah Sigal’s novel is filled with designer dresses and glittery jewels. It also deals with the government’s attempts to work toward peace with a Germany that is growing more restrictive and aggressive. One of Sigal’s stand out characters is Aunt Constance. With an arrest warrant for her political activities, she ran to India. Now she is back in London after once again getting into trouble protesting the British presence there. She is one of the few people who know about Pamela’s activities and supports her decisions. This was an interesting look at the social and political activities in pre-war England, filled with familiar historical figures and some unexpected twists. It also lends itself to a possible sequel, which I would love to see. I would like to thank NetGalley and Lume Books for providing this book or my review.
October 4, 2023
The Socialite Spy - Sarah Sigal
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.
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.
July 19, 2023
Lady Pamela is more of an accidental spy, although she is an upper-crust socialite. MI5 approaches her because she writes a gossipy fashion column for The Times and they need some inside information on Wallis Simpson. With very little "spy" training, Pamela is sent on her mission.
This story highlights the fascist leanings of the British aristocracy in business and Parliament. Being set in 1936, Hitler, Mussolini, and Franco are flexing their muscles in Europe while their atrocities are being excused due to an improved economy. Pamela discovers that some of her closest friends and even her family share that view.
There was a lot crammed into less than 300 pages. Pamela wanders through London's Russian emigre community, the underground LGBTQ community, and meets fashion mavens from NYC to Europe. Also touched on were the abuses of colonialism, war veteran issues, anti-semitism, and the growing political intrigue at Cambridge. The one consistent thread throughout the book was women's roles in a patriarchal society. I found the secondary characters much more likable than the main ones, particularly Aunt Constance and the maid, Jenny. The lives led by the aristocratic characters seemed vapid and without merit. Although by the time I had reached the end, Pamela and her husband had redeemed themselves, leaving the story open to a sequel...maybe?
May thanks to NetGalley and Lume Publishers for the opportunity to read the ARC. The opinions and review are my own.
This story highlights the fascist leanings of the British aristocracy in business and Parliament. Being set in 1936, Hitler, Mussolini, and Franco are flexing their muscles in Europe while their atrocities are being excused due to an improved economy. Pamela discovers that some of her closest friends and even her family share that view.
There was a lot crammed into less than 300 pages. Pamela wanders through London's Russian emigre community, the underground LGBTQ community, and meets fashion mavens from NYC to Europe. Also touched on were the abuses of colonialism, war veteran issues, anti-semitism, and the growing political intrigue at Cambridge. The one consistent thread throughout the book was women's roles in a patriarchal society. I found the secondary characters much more likable than the main ones, particularly Aunt Constance and the maid, Jenny. The lives led by the aristocratic characters seemed vapid and without merit. Although by the time I had reached the end, Pamela and her husband had redeemed themselves, leaving the story open to a sequel...maybe?
May thanks to NetGalley and Lume Publishers for the opportunity to read the ARC. The opinions and review are my own.
August 21, 2025
Intriguing
Lady Pamela More, a society columnist for The Times, has been recruited by MI5 to infiltrate the upper echelons of society and find out who the German sympathisers are and how Wallis Simpson is having an impact on the King
Set before the abdication crisis, but also in the build up to the Second World War, I found this book interesting and looking at a side of things that doesn’t always get talked about. I spent a lot of time going back and forward about Pamela and my feelings towards her, at times she is shrewd and compelling and at others, seems a frivolous party girl who drinks too much and seems to be involved with some people who could get her into trouble
My feelings towards Pamela did impact my enjoyment of the book and I will admit that the ending did feel quite rushed and unfinished. Whilst I do understand why it had to end the way it did, it still feels like the author could have spent more time wrapping things up properly and still had an ending that would feed nicely into a second book
My thoughts so far may seem a bit negative but it’s actually not the main way I viewed this book. I enjoyed the drama, the secrecy, how Pamela developed as the story went on, how it was linked to real world events and how things could have happened if you look at them from a different angle
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a story with some unexpected twists that also has a hint of the traditional but will still keep you reading
Lady Pamela More, a society columnist for The Times, has been recruited by MI5 to infiltrate the upper echelons of society and find out who the German sympathisers are and how Wallis Simpson is having an impact on the King
Set before the abdication crisis, but also in the build up to the Second World War, I found this book interesting and looking at a side of things that doesn’t always get talked about. I spent a lot of time going back and forward about Pamela and my feelings towards her, at times she is shrewd and compelling and at others, seems a frivolous party girl who drinks too much and seems to be involved with some people who could get her into trouble
My feelings towards Pamela did impact my enjoyment of the book and I will admit that the ending did feel quite rushed and unfinished. Whilst I do understand why it had to end the way it did, it still feels like the author could have spent more time wrapping things up properly and still had an ending that would feed nicely into a second book
My thoughts so far may seem a bit negative but it’s actually not the main way I viewed this book. I enjoyed the drama, the secrecy, how Pamela developed as the story went on, how it was linked to real world events and how things could have happened if you look at them from a different angle
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a story with some unexpected twists that also has a hint of the traditional but will still keep you reading
October 24, 2023
By day Gertrude Leigh was known as "a straight-laced, tight-lipped, somewhat humourless woman in her late-forties," the writer of a newspaper advice column called "A Word in Your Ear," but by night she was an intrepid WWII spy. In January 1936 after Leigh was taken out of commission, M15 replaced her with another female columnist from The Times: Lady Pamela More, 29-year old wife of MP Francis More, and fashion writer of a fashion and gossip feature called "Agent of Influence." Less interested in current events than she was being perceived as witty and pretty, Lady More's successful foray into the underworld of espionage, subterfuge, and surveillance surprised no one more than her own self. The shady characters she spies on are all brilliantly characterized, from Wallis Simpson and the king, to fascists and Nazis and hangers-on; and Pamela's crazy family members too are loud and colorful and entertaining.
So much more than historical fiction, pre-war intrigue, and society exposé, The Socialite Spy is a thrill to read, a snarky take on social mores and a solid stand-alone. I usually don't like series of any kind, but this isn't a cheap cliffhanger, in fact I'd be more than willing, happy even, to read the next Sarah Sigal installment!
So much more than historical fiction, pre-war intrigue, and society exposé, The Socialite Spy is a thrill to read, a snarky take on social mores and a solid stand-alone. I usually don't like series of any kind, but this isn't a cheap cliffhanger, in fact I'd be more than willing, happy even, to read the next Sarah Sigal installment!
November 1, 2023
The Socialite Spy was an immersive and fun historical fiction (that has clearly been really well researched) exploring international female espionage around the time of the second world war. This was a fun read and I loved the main character Lady Pamela.
Its 1936, in London, and we are introduced to Lady Pamela a popular journalist & 'Agent of Influence' who is quickly headhunted by MI5 to take on the role of secret spy following her latest piece, an interview with Mrs Wallis Simpson, the newly crowned king’s American mistress.
Lady Pamela’s mission is quickly established - she is to spy on the newly crowned King and Mrs Wallis Simpson and report on their connections with Nazi Germany.
What a brilliant read - I really enjoyed the historical elements, and as much as I was aware of Wallis Simpson, the mere fact she was king Edward's mistress turned wife, and the reason for his abdication - was the extent of my knowledge, so I enjoyed the 'fleshing out' of this point in history.
One for his-fic fans, and those who love a strong and witty female lead. I can't wait to see what Lady Pamela does next....
Its 1936, in London, and we are introduced to Lady Pamela a popular journalist & 'Agent of Influence' who is quickly headhunted by MI5 to take on the role of secret spy following her latest piece, an interview with Mrs Wallis Simpson, the newly crowned king’s American mistress.
Lady Pamela’s mission is quickly established - she is to spy on the newly crowned King and Mrs Wallis Simpson and report on their connections with Nazi Germany.
What a brilliant read - I really enjoyed the historical elements, and as much as I was aware of Wallis Simpson, the mere fact she was king Edward's mistress turned wife, and the reason for his abdication - was the extent of my knowledge, so I enjoyed the 'fleshing out' of this point in history.
One for his-fic fans, and those who love a strong and witty female lead. I can't wait to see what Lady Pamela does next....
November 1, 2023
While this is not my usual kind of book, historical fiction is a genre that has always interested me but I've never actually delved into. I was fascinated by this book and decided it would be a good place to start reading this genre.
It was a really enjoyable and interesting read and had me googling certain people to gain more insight into this world. The story was intriguing and really painted the scene of the upper class, political world that Lady Pamela is a part of. Like her, I had no idea if there were any other spies and who they could be, and it really brought to life that world of espionage that was rife before, during and after the World Wars. I found it so interesting that opinions on Hitler could be so varied before WWII, and even mirrors our contemporary society's different views on more current affairs. And the clear bias from the press which angers Lady Pamela, which again is still happening in today's world.
If you are a fan of the Royal family, history and the war then this book is certainly for you.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Insta Book Tours for the copy of the book.
It was a really enjoyable and interesting read and had me googling certain people to gain more insight into this world. The story was intriguing and really painted the scene of the upper class, political world that Lady Pamela is a part of. Like her, I had no idea if there were any other spies and who they could be, and it really brought to life that world of espionage that was rife before, during and after the World Wars. I found it so interesting that opinions on Hitler could be so varied before WWII, and even mirrors our contemporary society's different views on more current affairs. And the clear bias from the press which angers Lady Pamela, which again is still happening in today's world.
If you are a fan of the Royal family, history and the war then this book is certainly for you.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Insta Book Tours for the copy of the book.
February 11, 2025
Wow, this author must have done some research here!!! This historical fiction novel is set in 1936 pre-WW2 London.
Socialite and journalist Lady Pamela pens a popular column in The Time, 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 Pamela is approached by MI5.
Lady Pamela’s mission: spy on Edward and Mrs Simpson and report on their connections with Germany.
Pamelas espionage activity see her mixing with the biggest names of the era...Cecil Bearon, The Mitford's, Winston Churchill, Noel Coward, Nancy Astor and of Course Edward and Wallis along with some of the most brutal WW2 war criminals.
It was rather fun sneaking around with Pamela rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous of the 1930s... However the truth behind the closeness between King Edward viii and the WW2 criminals was chilling, he was a serious shite King in every sense.
Occasionally I got a bit confused with who's who as there was a large cast of characters and I found myself occasionally speed reading through the sideline stories prefering the parts when Pamela was on her MI5 mission.
Socialite and journalist Lady Pamela pens a popular column in The Time, 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 Pamela is approached by MI5.
Lady Pamela’s mission: spy on Edward and Mrs Simpson and report on their connections with Germany.
Pamelas espionage activity see her mixing with the biggest names of the era...Cecil Bearon, The Mitford's, Winston Churchill, Noel Coward, Nancy Astor and of Course Edward and Wallis along with some of the most brutal WW2 war criminals.
It was rather fun sneaking around with Pamela rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous of the 1930s... However the truth behind the closeness between King Edward viii and the WW2 criminals was chilling, he was a serious shite King in every sense.
Occasionally I got a bit confused with who's who as there was a large cast of characters and I found myself occasionally speed reading through the sideline stories prefering the parts when Pamela was on her MI5 mission.
August 20, 2023
2.5-3/5
This book is about Lady Pamela More, an aristocrat and author of “Agent of Influence” column in The Times who becomes a secret agent, and how her life changes from the government and societal intrigues of gathering information regarding King Edward, and Wallis Simpson and Nazi Germany.
What worked for this book was that the characters such as Pamela and intertwining her story with the historical events of London 1936. Additionally, Sigals' ensures to create a well thought out cast of characters to balance the stories within the book.
Although the book did have an intriguing storyline, I found that the slight lack of a resolution regarding Charles was not quite satisfying. The ending of the entire novel left me wondering if maybe there could be potential for a sequel.
Overall, it was an ok read, and I would say this book is for historical and spy agent fiction readers.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lume Books for the ARC.
#TheSocialiteSpy #SarahSigal #Netgalley #bookreview
This book is about Lady Pamela More, an aristocrat and author of “Agent of Influence” column in The Times who becomes a secret agent, and how her life changes from the government and societal intrigues of gathering information regarding King Edward, and Wallis Simpson and Nazi Germany.
What worked for this book was that the characters such as Pamela and intertwining her story with the historical events of London 1936. Additionally, Sigals' ensures to create a well thought out cast of characters to balance the stories within the book.
Although the book did have an intriguing storyline, I found that the slight lack of a resolution regarding Charles was not quite satisfying. The ending of the entire novel left me wondering if maybe there could be potential for a sequel.
Overall, it was an ok read, and I would say this book is for historical and spy agent fiction readers.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lume Books for the ARC.
#TheSocialiteSpy #SarahSigal #Netgalley #bookreview
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2023
An upper class married woman, Lady Pamela, is recruited by MI5 to provide information on a variety of people within her social network on their political activities during the late 1930s. One of which is Wallis Simpson, the Prince of Wales mistress. Espionage, undercover work, intrigue and scary tales abound as Lady Pamela hides under her mantle as a journalist for the London Times. This is an enjoyable, intelligent novel, broadly based upon fact for which the author had done indepth research. A mix of Blackshirts, Nazis and Russians enter Lady Pamela’s world. Who can she trust? Having recently watched the drama-documentary “Wallis: the Queen that never was”, the reader cannot but feel some sympathy for Wallis Simpson and question have the true facts been hidden in the past. Lady Pamela is a great character; astute, intelligent and brave - and the author brings her to life.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Lume for giving me the opportunity for this advance copy.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Lume for giving me the opportunity for this advance copy.
September 19, 2023
A very well researched and enjoyable historical novel, covering the influence of the Nazi party on the upper echelons of British society in the 1930s. Pamela, married to a member of the House of Lords, writes a fashion column for the Times newspaper, the combination of which gets her entry into the best parties and gatherings in London. She is clever and observant and MI5 decide to recruit her to gain information on Germany's influence on the upper classes. It's an entertaining read and covers a fascinating period of history. Many of the characters are real, including the Duchess of Windsor, and it's convincing on politics and fashion. I did feel that, if anything, too much was crammed in, particularly in terms of numbers of characters and parties, and at some times she was a pretty terrible spy, telling rather a lot of people about what she was doing! However, it's good historical fiction and an interesting read. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
September 4, 2025
Name Dropping in pre-WWII Britain
Lady Pamela is married to a British Politician and writes a fashion column for The Times. She is recruited by MI5 to spy on, infiltrate and befriend Wallis Simpson, lover of King Edward of England. Filled with Nazi’s, Bolshevik’s, this mystery will send a fashion addict and history lover down many a rabbit hole. Who’s real and who’s made up? Which estate actually exists, and are there photos on line? (Yes, it’s a hotel. I’ll give you that one, but you’ll have to figure out the rest yourself). The mixture of real events and mystery are handled really well, but the story does bog down with the numerous parties, events, people, and fashion. Yes, the very thing that I loved. Everyone knows the story of Wallis and Edward, and even if you don’t this story will keep you interested.
Lady Pamela is married to a British Politician and writes a fashion column for The Times. She is recruited by MI5 to spy on, infiltrate and befriend Wallis Simpson, lover of King Edward of England. Filled with Nazi’s, Bolshevik’s, this mystery will send a fashion addict and history lover down many a rabbit hole. Who’s real and who’s made up? Which estate actually exists, and are there photos on line? (Yes, it’s a hotel. I’ll give you that one, but you’ll have to figure out the rest yourself). The mixture of real events and mystery are handled really well, but the story does bog down with the numerous parties, events, people, and fashion. Yes, the very thing that I loved. Everyone knows the story of Wallis and Edward, and even if you don’t this story will keep you interested.
July 15, 2023
The book has been written in third person. Set in London, 1936 infused with political activities and royal insights. Lady Pamela was recruited by MI5 to spy on a royal couple and keep an eye on political activities happening around her and who the royal people are connecting with. Specially Nazi, Germany and Russians. She is a journalist as well. The book is historical and insightful. Lady Pamela uses her socialite skills and get into lives of those around her while creating the mystery and suspense through out the book where real events collide with political activities. The book has unveiled the dark side of politics and power. And there are some twists in book. I would recommend it to historical readers.
I received this via Netgalley
I received this via Netgalley
October 27, 2023
A great historical novel with the perfect level of intrigue and unexepected twists. The focus is on the upper class in Britain in the years leading up to the WWII told from the perspective of Lady Pamela More, a fashion and high society journalist for The Times who is approached by MI5 due to her access to Wallis Simpson whilst writing an article on her. It is interesting to learn how the British press protected the King and Mrs Wallis keeping the British public in the dark about their relationship whilst the rest of the world was following it!! The opinions of those around her regarding the Nazi party, the BUF and Communists is an eye opener.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read The Socialite Spy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read The Socialite Spy.
November 12, 2023
Lady Pamela More is attractive and intelligent but in 1930s Britain her social status means that her ambitions are limited to writing about fashion. She is approached by MI5 to monitor Wallis Simpson as her society contacts mean she is invited to all the right parties. However as Pamela understands more about the politics of Germany and Russia, she realises that Britain is on the edge and that the king doesn't really care. Moreover Pamela begins to suspect that there are parties with vested interests involved.
I really enjoyed this book. It's fairly lightweight but does romp along very well. The political tensions on 1936 are explored from a different perspective and that works really weel. Despite its rather lightweight appearance, this is a book with a bit of substance behind it.
I really enjoyed this book. It's fairly lightweight but does romp along very well. The political tensions on 1936 are explored from a different perspective and that works really weel. Despite its rather lightweight appearance, this is a book with a bit of substance behind it.
November 16, 2023
I would never have picked up this book but it was given to me and I'm delighted.
Basic premise: Wallis Simpson was a plant, deliberately encouraged by an already worried group of politicians (she doesn't know she's a plant).
Our heroine is a bored married socialite with a fashion column, recruited to gather dirt.
--
Sigal was a playwright first and sometimes that shows through in leaden description, but there is one chapter, set in a party, that is just such a brilliant piece of staged dialogue in which the heroine is completely at sea, that it blew me away.
I really hope this is going to be a series.
NB. The book sent me scurrying to look up Barbara Cartland and she really is someone worth looking up.
Basic premise: Wallis Simpson was a plant, deliberately encouraged by an already worried group of politicians (she doesn't know she's a plant).
Our heroine is a bored married socialite with a fashion column, recruited to gather dirt.
--
Sigal was a playwright first and sometimes that shows through in leaden description, but there is one chapter, set in a party, that is just such a brilliant piece of staged dialogue in which the heroine is completely at sea, that it blew me away.
I really hope this is going to be a series.
NB. The book sent me scurrying to look up Barbara Cartland and she really is someone worth looking up.
February 16, 2024
Lady Pamela is my kind of spy! Espionage with a red lip, a heel and a cocktail in hand. She is smart, unflappable and I was rooting for her throughout the novel, which I devoured. I love the way historical figures sweep in and out of Pamela’s gaze during what was a fascinating part of British history. The descriptions of the fashion of this period are delicious. This is a smart modern take on the spy genre with an excellent woman at its centre, queer characters a-plenty and along with the looming presence of those who seek to incite violence and threaten democracy, makes for a thrilling ride. It is a lot of fun, it has something to say and there are definite parallels to today’s political situation. I highly recommend.
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