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Agent Gatz: A Great Gatsby Prequel
A young Jay Gatsby finds himself working as a foreign spy in this riveting debut novel by R.M. Spencer. The unexpected appearance of a woman from Jay's past, famed journalist Ella Kaye, soon complicates his mission.
Set eight years before The Great Gatsby at the beginning of World War I, this historical thriller enchants with its compelling cast of characters and unexpected twists and turns.
“A suspenseful WWI novel with a strong female lead.”
“Agent Gatz has history, suspense, romance and a peek at Jay Gatsby’s mysterious past. I couldn’t put it down.”
“A compelling blend of historical fiction, mystery, and spy fiction.”
“Amazing historical fiction... a must read!”
“A powerful story filled with daring and intrigue.”
Set eight years before The Great Gatsby at the beginning of World War I, this historical thriller enchants with its compelling cast of characters and unexpected twists and turns.
“A suspenseful WWI novel with a strong female lead.”
“Agent Gatz has history, suspense, romance and a peek at Jay Gatsby’s mysterious past. I couldn’t put it down.”
“A compelling blend of historical fiction, mystery, and spy fiction.”
“Amazing historical fiction... a must read!”
“A powerful story filled with daring and intrigue.”
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2023
10 people are currently reading
9506 people want to read
About the author
R.M. Spencer
2 books106 followersR.M. SPENCER was born and raised in New Orleans. She is the author of Agent Gatz: A Great Gatsby Prequel and The Island. She's also a lawyer. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, daughter, and two terribly trained dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 12, 2023
As far as prequels go, "Agent Gatz" by RM Spencer is pretty good. I preferred this prequel over "Nick" by Michael Farris Smith. This prequel follows Jay Gatsby and imagines that he is a spy in World War I. I particularly enjoyed the scenes on the boat at the beginning. Admittedly, I think I would have got more out of the book if I had thorough knowledge of "The Great Gatsby" as there is probably a lot of things that the author has spent time imagining and tying up with future plot lines but I enjoyed it for what it was.
September 26, 2023
Amazing Prequel
I just recently re-read The Great Gatsby and it was perfect to read this prequel right after. I recommend reading it.
I just recently re-read The Great Gatsby and it was perfect to read this prequel right after. I recommend reading it.
September 16, 2023
It was a fun read. Nice dose of history thrown in. But not compelling. I like my spy novels to be compelling and this was just a bit too easy to put down. Nice job of tidying up loose ends for a complete ending with just enough foreshadowing to allow the sequel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 3, 2023
Loved this book, it was a delightful read. As Jay begins his first big adventure without really knowing what he is doing. In the end he does the right thing. He has lots of trials and tribulations along the way. A true learning experience for Jay and Ella. An end of innocence.
October 5, 2023
"Agent Gatz" A Great Gatsby Prequel by R.M. Spencer was so exciting and fast paced I was able to finish this one in less than a day! The characters were great and being a big fan of "The Great Gatsby" it was so fun to imagine all this took place before he ever stepped foot on Long Island or met the lovely Daisy Buchanan.
Jay Gatsby, now using a fake name on a ship to England is set to carry out the theft of a special kind of bullet that would help in the impending war effort. He gets the bullets but as they're on the ship, war breaks out and getting to England could now be very dangerous. His contact, and the one he's stolen the bullets for seems to be an elusive character even though he owes Jay the money for the theft.
On the ship he runs into Ella Kaye, the world renown journalist and former girlfriend of his best friend who's recently died. After the man's death, Jay was expecting a $25,000 bequest from the man's will, but Ella stopped it, for some reason, so he's not happy to see her and hopes in his new disguise he'll be able to fool her too. But Ella's memory is better than that and finally realizes who he is.
Once the ship hits port both Jay and Ella are set for quite the adventure. They'll both, in different areas face their own death as war rages in Europe. Jay just wants his money for the bullet theft and Ella just wants to be a war correspondent, but what they get instead is a scary trek through Europe trying to help the British in their war effort. They will both sign up with British Secret Services as spies, but in different locations, neither one knows what happened to the other after they left the ship.
I very much enjoyed this book. What a wonderful idea to write a book about the infamous Jay Gatsby before he hit Long Island, NY in "The Great Gatsby". Jay Gatsby was always the character I loved to dislike, he was always so suave and confident, it was nice in this story to imagine who he was before Daisy Buchanan. It all made him much more likeable, although I've always been a fan. Overall, the book was fast, very exciting and well written. Happy Reading!
Jay Gatsby, now using a fake name on a ship to England is set to carry out the theft of a special kind of bullet that would help in the impending war effort. He gets the bullets but as they're on the ship, war breaks out and getting to England could now be very dangerous. His contact, and the one he's stolen the bullets for seems to be an elusive character even though he owes Jay the money for the theft.
On the ship he runs into Ella Kaye, the world renown journalist and former girlfriend of his best friend who's recently died. After the man's death, Jay was expecting a $25,000 bequest from the man's will, but Ella stopped it, for some reason, so he's not happy to see her and hopes in his new disguise he'll be able to fool her too. But Ella's memory is better than that and finally realizes who he is.
Once the ship hits port both Jay and Ella are set for quite the adventure. They'll both, in different areas face their own death as war rages in Europe. Jay just wants his money for the bullet theft and Ella just wants to be a war correspondent, but what they get instead is a scary trek through Europe trying to help the British in their war effort. They will both sign up with British Secret Services as spies, but in different locations, neither one knows what happened to the other after they left the ship.
I very much enjoyed this book. What a wonderful idea to write a book about the infamous Jay Gatsby before he hit Long Island, NY in "The Great Gatsby". Jay Gatsby was always the character I loved to dislike, he was always so suave and confident, it was nice in this story to imagine who he was before Daisy Buchanan. It all made him much more likeable, although I've always been a fan. Overall, the book was fast, very exciting and well written. Happy Reading!
August 30, 2023
I am a huge fan of The Great Gatsby, I saw this book on Booksprout and requested a copy. R.M. Spencer did not let me down, her writing is effortless and engaging.
The story flowed and I loved how all the characters ended up meshing together.
Agent Gatz is told in Dual POV from Jay and Ella's point of view.
If you enjoy historical fiction set in World War 1, I recommend picking this up when released.
The story flowed and I loved how all the characters ended up meshing together.
Agent Gatz is told in Dual POV from Jay and Ella's point of view.
If you enjoy historical fiction set in World War 1, I recommend picking this up when released.
August 21, 2023
GoodRead giveaway winner
December 30, 2023
“Agent Gatz” is a dual POV novel laying the groundwork to “Who is Jay Gatsby?”
It is entertaining and fast paced. A fun read for those who enjoy historical fiction set in WW1.
It is entertaining and fast paced. A fun read for those who enjoy historical fiction set in WW1.
November 12, 2022
[4.5 out of 5 Stars] Did not disappoint! As a longtime fan of The Great Gatsby, I was intrigued by the premise of a prequel in which “a young Jay Gatsby finds himself working as a foreign spy.” I am happy to report I thoroughly enjoyed the novel! Agent Gatz is a fun, suspense-filled read packed with “Easter eggs” Gatsby fans will enjoy picking up along the way.
The novel begins in August 1914. Europe is on the brink of war, and Jay Gatsby is on the brink of financial calamity. In desperate need of money, he accepts a job from an anonymous employer. Assuming a false identity and donning a disguise, he boards an ocean liner bound for England. His mission: to steal valuable arms technology intended for the British Navy. This undertaking, however, is soon complicated by the appearance of a woman from his past.
The chapters alternate between the perspective of Jay Gatsby and Ella Kaye (a minor character from The Great Gatsby based on the famed journalist Nellie Bly). Ella is bound for England on a mission of her own. Having recently been fired from The New York World, she’s traveling abroad to cover a women’s suffrage conference in an attempt to revitalize her career.
It’s somewhat difficult to comment further on the plot, as there are a lot of unexpected twists and turns. I don’t want to give anything away. But overall, it’s an enjoyable adventure with an entertaining cast of characters.
The author includes enough detail to firmly establish the setting without overwhelming the reader with irrelevant historical context. There are subtle notes of humor throughout the text. I found the ending both satisfying and uplifting.
Since The Great Gatsby is widely read in high school in America, some might wonder if Agent Gatz is appropriate for readers under the age of 18. In my opinion the answer is yes. The novel takes place during World War I, so there are depictions of violence. But there’s no gratuitous violence, explicit language, or sex.
I’m curious to know if anyone else came to the same conclusion about Oliver’s identity in relation to The Great Gatsby that I did! But, again, I don’t want to spoil anything!
I received an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.
The novel begins in August 1914. Europe is on the brink of war, and Jay Gatsby is on the brink of financial calamity. In desperate need of money, he accepts a job from an anonymous employer. Assuming a false identity and donning a disguise, he boards an ocean liner bound for England. His mission: to steal valuable arms technology intended for the British Navy. This undertaking, however, is soon complicated by the appearance of a woman from his past.
The chapters alternate between the perspective of Jay Gatsby and Ella Kaye (a minor character from The Great Gatsby based on the famed journalist Nellie Bly). Ella is bound for England on a mission of her own. Having recently been fired from The New York World, she’s traveling abroad to cover a women’s suffrage conference in an attempt to revitalize her career.
It’s somewhat difficult to comment further on the plot, as there are a lot of unexpected twists and turns. I don’t want to give anything away. But overall, it’s an enjoyable adventure with an entertaining cast of characters.
The author includes enough detail to firmly establish the setting without overwhelming the reader with irrelevant historical context. There are subtle notes of humor throughout the text. I found the ending both satisfying and uplifting.
Since The Great Gatsby is widely read in high school in America, some might wonder if Agent Gatz is appropriate for readers under the age of 18. In my opinion the answer is yes. The novel takes place during World War I, so there are depictions of violence. But there’s no gratuitous violence, explicit language, or sex.
I’m curious to know if anyone else came to the same conclusion about Oliver’s identity in relation to The Great Gatsby that I did! But, again, I don’t want to spoil anything!
I received an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.
October 20, 2023
First, what I liked about this book- the historical fiction, Ella’s storyline, and the promise of meeting a young Jay Gatsby.
Socialites coupled with WWI history is an interesting setting. I found all of the spying, double agent and cover stories to be fast paced and captivating
I felt that I understood who Ella was and what was important to her. I would happily read an entire novel about Ella.
Young Jay Gatsby- just the idea of meeting young Jay was thrilling to me. Who was he? What were his beginnings, who was his family? Which rumors about him were fact or fiction? What made him tick?
This is where it fell apart for me. I still don’t know who Jay Gatsby was. His character was flat for me. Beyond not wanting to be killed by loan sharks, I don’t know what motivated him in life. Why did he do the things he did? Did he have a moral compass? Even the ending- WHY did he choose that career path? He was a “Fake it til you make it” kind of guy and that makes me wonder if Jay ever had any depth. Maybe that’s my problem. I wanted Gatsby to be more than who he was and he failed to rise to my expectations.
That being said, I would read a second installation of Gatsby’s story. Maybe I am still searching for who he was. What I do know is that Gatsby has always intrigued me and I want more.
Socialites coupled with WWI history is an interesting setting. I found all of the spying, double agent and cover stories to be fast paced and captivating
I felt that I understood who Ella was and what was important to her. I would happily read an entire novel about Ella.
Young Jay Gatsby- just the idea of meeting young Jay was thrilling to me. Who was he? What were his beginnings, who was his family? Which rumors about him were fact or fiction? What made him tick?
This is where it fell apart for me. I still don’t know who Jay Gatsby was. His character was flat for me. Beyond not wanting to be killed by loan sharks, I don’t know what motivated him in life. Why did he do the things he did? Did he have a moral compass? Even the ending- WHY did he choose that career path? He was a “Fake it til you make it” kind of guy and that makes me wonder if Jay ever had any depth. Maybe that’s my problem. I wanted Gatsby to be more than who he was and he failed to rise to my expectations.
That being said, I would read a second installation of Gatsby’s story. Maybe I am still searching for who he was. What I do know is that Gatsby has always intrigued me and I want more.
September 24, 2023
More Ella Kaye please! While I enjoyed reading about young Jay Gatsby’s misadventures, in my opinion, his co-protagonist Ella Kaye (loosely based on the famous investigative journalist Nellie Bly) was the star of the novel. Luckily, beginning with Chapter 2, every other chapter is told from her perspective.
Ella Kaye is a strong, intelligent woman who is unafraid to push boundaries. Although the novel is set in 1914 (when women were not allowed to vote) Ella Kaye is unwilling to let her gender hinder her endeavors. She’s the type of person that doesn’t take no for answer and doesn’t give up.
Ella has her flaws, a tendency to be cold and standoffish, among others. And she has her share of past demons. Dan Cody’s death, for example, still haunts her. But these only serve to make her transformation over the course of the novel more interesting. And gosh darn it, she's a real fighter. I'd elaborate, but I don't want to spoil anything :)
If you're a historical fiction fan who enjoys reading about a strong female protagonist, I think you'll enjoy reading Agent Gatz.
Note: This novel has not yet been released. I was fortunate to receive an advance reader copy.
Ella Kaye is a strong, intelligent woman who is unafraid to push boundaries. Although the novel is set in 1914 (when women were not allowed to vote) Ella Kaye is unwilling to let her gender hinder her endeavors. She’s the type of person that doesn’t take no for answer and doesn’t give up.
Ella has her flaws, a tendency to be cold and standoffish, among others. And she has her share of past demons. Dan Cody’s death, for example, still haunts her. But these only serve to make her transformation over the course of the novel more interesting. And gosh darn it, she's a real fighter. I'd elaborate, but I don't want to spoil anything :)
If you're a historical fiction fan who enjoys reading about a strong female protagonist, I think you'll enjoy reading Agent Gatz.
Note: This novel has not yet been released. I was fortunate to receive an advance reader copy.
April 19, 2024
Agent Gatz: A Great Gatsby Prequel by R. M. Spencer is an amazingly well written installment in the Gatsby story line that sheds light on what Jay Gatsby was like before the events of the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. In this book we find Jay Gatsby on board a ship bound for Europe. He is fleeing the mob since he currently owns them money because of the actions of Ella Kaye. Then, he discovers that Ella is actually on board the same ship as him, and he will need to find a way to navigate his mission as a spy under a different name while also dealing with his relationship with her. Just when things seem like they couldn't not get more complicated, World War I breaks out and Jay's mission suddenly becomes incredibly important. Anyone who has read The Great Gatsby will enjoy this read. It offers new insights into Jay's past while also playing into the hints that are left behind by the original novel. The narrative flows well and the characters are developed nicely.
June 3, 2023
3.5/5, I enjoyed the dual POVs and Ella Kaye’s character a lot, however I was bored throughout the first couple of chapters and the book is heavily World War One focused, which is fine but I think it should be marketed as such instead of just a Gatsby backstory. The Great Gatsby is my favourite book so I liked this take on his past and character. My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2023
A sneak peak of who J.Gatbsy was before the riches.
A fun prequel to The Great Gatsby. With dual POVs, between Jay and Ella Kaye I was never bored. Full of adventure and surprises.
I loved to find all the Easter eggs!
Highly recommend!
A fun prequel to The Great Gatsby. With dual POVs, between Jay and Ella Kaye I was never bored. Full of adventure and surprises.
I loved to find all the Easter eggs!
Highly recommend!
March 31, 2025
3.5 stars. In this prequel to The Great Gatsby, we meet Jay in 1914, a couple of years after Dan Cody's death. Jay had assumed that he would inherit at least some of Dan's fortune for all of the work that he did on his yacht, as Dan had promised, but instead he left everything to his lover, Ella Kaye. Now, owing money to the mob, Jay has to get out of NYC so he takes a job offered to him by Minter, a man who was a business acquaintance of Dan's, to board a ship under an assumed name and steal tracer bullets and their design specs. Onboard a luxury liner as Teddy, he gets close to the inventor of the bullets and his daughter, Millie. But Millie is there with her friend, none other than Ella Kaye. Ella knows that she recognizes Teddy but can't put her finger on it until she eventually figures out that he is Jay Gatz. Teddy is able to successfully steal the bullets and the plans and intends to shake Ella when they get to London. While onboard, WWI breaks out in Europe so his rendezvous plans with his contact are changed on the fly and Ella, who is following Jay/Teddy, is the one who gets caught by Scotland Yard as a suspected German spy. This misunderstanding leads to her being recruited by the British to become a double agent and infiltrate the German's, who are looking for a pair of journalists to write their war propaganda. She is partnered with Oliver, a man who she met on the ship, and they end up first in Germany and then in Belgium where they witness the atrocities of war. Ella is shocked to learn that her copper mine, which she inherited from Dan, is selling copper to the Germans and she vows to put a stop to it. Unfortunately her telegram to her attorney is intercepted by the Germans and she and Oliver are arrested as being spies. Oliver hopes that his friend, Bertie, who is a British spy, can help them escape. Meanwhile, Jay is roaming Belgium himself, working as a courier for the Germans, where he befriends a fellow American, Robert, who is a tobacco salesman. After various escapades and successful attempts to evade the Germans as they invade Belgium, Jay learns that Robert's friends call him Bertie. Bertie enlists Jay's help in springing Ella and Oliver since Jay speaks German fluently. They help them escape and then they thwart the German bombing of Belgium by shooting down a Zeplin. Ella admits that Minter, a German spy, came to visit her in prison and told her that he killed Dan because he had found out about the sales to Germany. Jay admits that he was working for Minter but never gave him the tracer bullets, which is what they used to shoot down the Zeplin, so Bertie agrees not to give away his secret. It was an entertaining book if not a great spy novel. I mean, if it was so important for Minter to get his hands on the tracer bullets and the design plans, you'd think that he'd make a greater effort to get them from Jay. And Ella, who is supposedly based on the great Nellie Bly, makes some startlingly stupid decisions. So I knocked off half a star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2023
Agent Gatz by R. M. Spencer is an enthralling historical thriller that skillfully weaves together espionage, adventure, and romance against the backdrop of the tumultuous beginning of World War I. Set in the early 20th century, the novel follows a young Jay Gatsby as he embarks on a daring mission as a foreign spy. The unexpected reemergence of Ella Kaye, a famed journalist from Gatsby's past, adds complexity and intrigue to the already perilous task he faces.
From the outset, the story captures the reader's attention with its vivid and atmospheric descriptions of the RMS Oceanic, its passengers, and the opulence of first-class accommodations. The author masterfully crafts a sense of urgency and suspense as Gatsby navigates through war-torn Europe, skillfully maintaining the secrets that are crucial to his survival and mission success.
The character development in Agent Gatz is exceptional, particularly with Jay Gatsby. His evolution from a penniless and desperate young man to a suave and confident foreign spy is both believable and compelling. The inner conflict he experiences, driven by his past connection with Ella Kaye and the uncertainty of his future, adds depth to his character and keeps readers emotionally invested.
The reappearance of Ella Kaye introduces a riveting dynamic to the narrative. Her complex relationship with Gatsby injects a captivating blend of romantic tension and emotional turmoil into the plot. Their interactions are charged with genuine emotion and serve as a poignant reminder of their shared history, making their journey together all the more captivating.
The author's research is evident in the meticulous attention to historical detail, from the luxurious settings of the ocean liner to the geopolitical tensions simmering on the brink of war. This immersive backdrop heightens the stakes and provides a rich tapestry for the unfolding events.
Agent Gatz is beautifully written, with prose that is both eloquent and evocative. The pacing is well-calibrated, striking a perfect balance between action-packed sequences and moments of introspection that reveal the characters' inner struggles.
Overall, Agent Gatz by R. M. Spencer is a stellar historical thriller that seamlessly combines espionage, romance, and suspense in a gripping narrative. The author's expert storytelling, well-developed characters, and meticulous attention to historical detail make this novel a must-read for fans of the genre. The enthralling journey of Jay Gatsby and Ella Kaye through the turbulent early days of World War I will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the outset, the story captures the reader's attention with its vivid and atmospheric descriptions of the RMS Oceanic, its passengers, and the opulence of first-class accommodations. The author masterfully crafts a sense of urgency and suspense as Gatsby navigates through war-torn Europe, skillfully maintaining the secrets that are crucial to his survival and mission success.
The character development in Agent Gatz is exceptional, particularly with Jay Gatsby. His evolution from a penniless and desperate young man to a suave and confident foreign spy is both believable and compelling. The inner conflict he experiences, driven by his past connection with Ella Kaye and the uncertainty of his future, adds depth to his character and keeps readers emotionally invested.
The reappearance of Ella Kaye introduces a riveting dynamic to the narrative. Her complex relationship with Gatsby injects a captivating blend of romantic tension and emotional turmoil into the plot. Their interactions are charged with genuine emotion and serve as a poignant reminder of their shared history, making their journey together all the more captivating.
The author's research is evident in the meticulous attention to historical detail, from the luxurious settings of the ocean liner to the geopolitical tensions simmering on the brink of war. This immersive backdrop heightens the stakes and provides a rich tapestry for the unfolding events.
Agent Gatz is beautifully written, with prose that is both eloquent and evocative. The pacing is well-calibrated, striking a perfect balance between action-packed sequences and moments of introspection that reveal the characters' inner struggles.
Overall, Agent Gatz by R. M. Spencer is a stellar historical thriller that seamlessly combines espionage, romance, and suspense in a gripping narrative. The author's expert storytelling, well-developed characters, and meticulous attention to historical detail make this novel a must-read for fans of the genre. The enthralling journey of Jay Gatsby and Ella Kaye through the turbulent early days of World War I will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2023
Unraveling Gatsby's secrets in a riveting spy thriller...
Step into the captivating world of R.M. Spencer's debut novel, "Agent Gatz: A Great Gatsby Prequel," where the enthralling narrative unveils the adventures of a young Jay Gatsby undertaking a mission as a foreign spy amid World War I. This historical thriller, unfolding eight years before the events in "The Great Gatsby," introduces a lively array of characters and plot twists designed to keep readers riveted. Jay Gatsby, traveling incognito to England on a ship, is assigned a mission to pilfer crucial bullets for the looming world war. However, the outbreak of war jeopardizes his carefully laid plans. The introduction of Ella Kaye, a journalist from Gatsby’s past, injects complexity and intrigue into the storyline. Their encounter on the ship initiates an exhilarating journey that separates them, drawing each into involvement with the British Secret Service. Espionage, suspense, and a hint of romance are seamlessly woven into the narrative against the backdrop of war-torn Europe. Spencer's unique portrayal of Gatsby before his iconic days brings added depth and likability to the character, making this a must-read for fans of historical thrillers. This skillfully executed prequel offers fresh perspectives on the beloved fictional figure, compellingly exploring Gatsby's earlier years. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
Step into the captivating world of R.M. Spencer's debut novel, "Agent Gatz: A Great Gatsby Prequel," where the enthralling narrative unveils the adventures of a young Jay Gatsby undertaking a mission as a foreign spy amid World War I. This historical thriller, unfolding eight years before the events in "The Great Gatsby," introduces a lively array of characters and plot twists designed to keep readers riveted. Jay Gatsby, traveling incognito to England on a ship, is assigned a mission to pilfer crucial bullets for the looming world war. However, the outbreak of war jeopardizes his carefully laid plans. The introduction of Ella Kaye, a journalist from Gatsby’s past, injects complexity and intrigue into the storyline. Their encounter on the ship initiates an exhilarating journey that separates them, drawing each into involvement with the British Secret Service. Espionage, suspense, and a hint of romance are seamlessly woven into the narrative against the backdrop of war-torn Europe. Spencer's unique portrayal of Gatsby before his iconic days brings added depth and likability to the character, making this a must-read for fans of historical thrillers. This skillfully executed prequel offers fresh perspectives on the beloved fictional figure, compellingly exploring Gatsby's earlier years. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
October 4, 2023
If you are a fan of The Great Gatsby, the book or either of the movies, this book is for you. When I decided to read R.M. Spencer’s prequel, I asked myself “what do you recall about Jay’s backstory?” and the answer was “nothing”. Perfect, a blank slate to build on for this bon vivant man of mystery.
Ms Spenser has done a 5 star job of creating a highly atmospheric character driven thriller of early WWI era Europe staring Jay Gatsby and Ella Kaye, a famous journalist, who has a personal reason to dislike Jay. Both find themselves in uncertain periods in their lives, aboard a luxury cruise liner bound for England when war breaks out. Through separate pathways, they both end up spying for the British for very different reasons.
Reading this I felt like I was watching a classic, black and white espionage movie, the kind you never tire of even though you’ve seen it more than once. The story pulls you in immediately and keeps you there. The two protagonists evoked highly different emotional responses running the whole gamut. Locations and historical information go beyond the usual.
I really enjoyed this book and as a bonus it ends on the precipice of a sequel.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.
Ms Spenser has done a 5 star job of creating a highly atmospheric character driven thriller of early WWI era Europe staring Jay Gatsby and Ella Kaye, a famous journalist, who has a personal reason to dislike Jay. Both find themselves in uncertain periods in their lives, aboard a luxury cruise liner bound for England when war breaks out. Through separate pathways, they both end up spying for the British for very different reasons.
Reading this I felt like I was watching a classic, black and white espionage movie, the kind you never tire of even though you’ve seen it more than once. The story pulls you in immediately and keeps you there. The two protagonists evoked highly different emotional responses running the whole gamut. Locations and historical information go beyond the usual.
I really enjoyed this book and as a bonus it ends on the precipice of a sequel.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.
December 28, 2023
I can confidently say that this a captivating journey into the enigmatic world that precedes Fitzgerald's American classic. The author skillfully weaves a narrative rich in intrigue and glamour, offering fresh perspectives on familiar characters. The book's allure lies not just in its faithful homage to the Jazz Age but in its masterful storytelling that adds layers to the Great Gatsby saga. I appreciated how the author seamlessly blends historical accuracy with imaginative flair. The characters are vividly brought to life, and the narrative's pacing is impeccable. I think this is a great addition to Fitzgerald’s classic work and whether you're a Gatsby enthusiast or a newcomer, this a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating literary escape. I highly recommend adding this to your reading list.
January 25, 2025
I received this in a Giveaway.
This was a good book that had a lot going on, but it was not as good as the original story. There were a few storylines throughout the book.
This is set at the beginning of World War I, a few years before The Great Gatsby. Jay Gatsby is a foreign spy and has a run in with someone from his past, who also has her own story.
I expected something a little different as this was a prequel to The Great Gatsby. It was pretty much a completely different separate book, just had a similar character.
The story itself was good and there was some action to it. It was an interesting book.
There were a few mistakes throughout the book, but they didn't take away from the story. These were minor.
I did enjoy this book, but it is not something that is a must read. You can read it or not.
This was a good book that had a lot going on, but it was not as good as the original story. There were a few storylines throughout the book.
This is set at the beginning of World War I, a few years before The Great Gatsby. Jay Gatsby is a foreign spy and has a run in with someone from his past, who also has her own story.
I expected something a little different as this was a prequel to The Great Gatsby. It was pretty much a completely different separate book, just had a similar character.
The story itself was good and there was some action to it. It was an interesting book.
There were a few mistakes throughout the book, but they didn't take away from the story. These were minor.
I did enjoy this book, but it is not something that is a must read. You can read it or not.
December 27, 2023
An enthralling historical thriller
This is an enthralling historical thriller that has suspense, romance, and espionage against the backdrop of World War I. The vivid narrative introduces a young Jay Gatsby entangled in a thrilling world of spies, with the unexpected arrival of journalist Ella Kaye adding layers of complexity. This prequel captivates with its well-drawn characters and unexpected plot twists. The book offers a compelling blend of historical fiction, mystery, and spy elements, delivering a powerful narrative that delves into Gatsby's mysterious past. For those seeking a gripping read filled with daring intrigue and historical allure, "Agent Gatz" is an absolute must-read!
This is an enthralling historical thriller that has suspense, romance, and espionage against the backdrop of World War I. The vivid narrative introduces a young Jay Gatsby entangled in a thrilling world of spies, with the unexpected arrival of journalist Ella Kaye adding layers of complexity. This prequel captivates with its well-drawn characters and unexpected plot twists. The book offers a compelling blend of historical fiction, mystery, and spy elements, delivering a powerful narrative that delves into Gatsby's mysterious past. For those seeking a gripping read filled with daring intrigue and historical allure, "Agent Gatz" is an absolute must-read!
September 2, 2023
A very entertaining historical mystery set in 1914. I could not wait to get into this story due to the ties to The Great Gatsby. I think most of us have read that fantastic story and to find a young Jay Gatsby was truly a treat!
The author takes us on a journey with Jay and famed journalist Ella, a strong, intelligent and woman before her time! Told in each of their perspectives, it gives insight into the times and challenges of this moment in time.
Full of red herrings and unexpected tidbits, I cannot wait to read more in this soon to be series!
The author takes us on a journey with Jay and famed journalist Ella, a strong, intelligent and woman before her time! Told in each of their perspectives, it gives insight into the times and challenges of this moment in time.
Full of red herrings and unexpected tidbits, I cannot wait to read more in this soon to be series!
September 4, 2023
Intense and suspenseful story with characters that we are familiar with. Like that they used the characters from a well-known book and are enhancing the story. There are several twists and turns in the story. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2023
When I saw this, I just had to read it. My son is named Gatsby. The character is a symbol of hope. He did not like his circumstances so he changed them. He does not live out his past but his possibility!
This story did not disappoint!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story did not disappoint!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2023
Agent Gatz by R. M. Spencer is a well written novel that kept me stuck on the sofa for hours. As soon as I started reading, I stepped into a captivating narrative that unveils the adventures of a young Jay Gatsby. I loved this historical thriller that takes place during WWI. I enjoyed the character’s development and the plot twists from beginning to end.
May 13, 2024
I read this using Amazon Vella. The support kept me interested. I had free credits, so it helped make the decision to continue reading easy. It has great twists.
I knew that the characters were bound to intersect, but I did not know how. Brilliantly done.
Now I’m going to reread The Great Gatsby to see how they intersect.
I knew that the characters were bound to intersect, but I did not know how. Brilliantly done.
Now I’m going to reread The Great Gatsby to see how they intersect.
October 11, 2023
I would recommend reading the Great Gatsby and following it up with Agent Gatz. This book helps to enrich the original story and give you a new look into that that world. I would argue that the prequel is even better than the original. Overall, great read!
November 16, 2023
Adventure
The book started a bit slow as the stage was set for a story full of adventure. I don't usually read books that touch on war. But this was a good exception. Jay was an interesting character that managed to keep one step ahead of disaster. Pretty good story.
The book started a bit slow as the stage was set for a story full of adventure. I don't usually read books that touch on war. But this was a good exception. Jay was an interesting character that managed to keep one step ahead of disaster. Pretty good story.
April 24, 2024
I obtained this book because enjoy THE GREAT GATSBY immensely. I have some problems with some of the tie-in information; but, taking the book as a completely different story, I enjoyed it. Not as much as like The Great Gatsby; but it was enjoyable when I stopped thinking of it as another chapter.
March 11, 2025
A wonderful, fun prequel where Jay Gatsby is a position as a spy during WWI and the journey his life takes. An entertaining take on the characters of The Great Gatsby, which I love not does help that I also reread Gatsby not too long ago, so it’s fresh in my mind. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
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