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Princess, Countess, Socialite, Spy: True Stories of High-Society Ladies Turned WWII Spies
The Second World War changed the course of modern history. It is filled with incredible stories of daring risks and exceptional struggles, but in the popular imagination, these stories are more often than not the stories of men.
There is, however, a hidden treasure trove of untold stories of heroic women who have risked their lives in the monumental battle against fascism.
We’ve heard of women who became nurses treating soldiers with battlefield injuries, partisans who fought occupying armies, and skilled laborers who worked in wartime industries.
But in the shadows, as part of a secret war against the Nazis, women served as intelligence agents who risked their lives to collect and relay information vital to the war effort. Danger lurked at every turn—a danger that some were not able to evade forever.
These courageous women spies worked in secret, but their stories, which are finally coming to light today, offer a significant and unique perspective on the history of World War II.
Inside Princess, Countess, Socialite, Spy: True Stories of High-Society Ladies Turned WWII Spies you’ll learn
the thrilling stories of Virginia Hall, Christine Granville, Noor Inayat Khan, Nancy Wake and Aline Griffith, who went behind enemy lines to aid the war effort, and what motivated them to take such risks,
what it takes to run a successful espionage operation as a woman during a time when women had little respect in the professional realm,
the risks of operating undercover and secretly collecting information from the enemy, and
how these women heroes of WWII helped shape the course and outcome of the most significant war in modern history.
You’ll gain insights into why some high-society ladies chose to give up a life of comfort to fight against global tyranny and live under constant threat of exposure and imprisonment or death.
If you’re looking for a unique and enlightening view of the Second World War and are interested in women’s historically overshadowed roles in international espionage, then look no further than Princess, Countess, Socialite, Spy.
There is, however, a hidden treasure trove of untold stories of heroic women who have risked their lives in the monumental battle against fascism.
We’ve heard of women who became nurses treating soldiers with battlefield injuries, partisans who fought occupying armies, and skilled laborers who worked in wartime industries.
But in the shadows, as part of a secret war against the Nazis, women served as intelligence agents who risked their lives to collect and relay information vital to the war effort. Danger lurked at every turn—a danger that some were not able to evade forever.
These courageous women spies worked in secret, but their stories, which are finally coming to light today, offer a significant and unique perspective on the history of World War II.
Inside Princess, Countess, Socialite, Spy: True Stories of High-Society Ladies Turned WWII Spies you’ll learn
the thrilling stories of Virginia Hall, Christine Granville, Noor Inayat Khan, Nancy Wake and Aline Griffith, who went behind enemy lines to aid the war effort, and what motivated them to take such risks,
what it takes to run a successful espionage operation as a woman during a time when women had little respect in the professional realm,
the risks of operating undercover and secretly collecting information from the enemy, and
how these women heroes of WWII helped shape the course and outcome of the most significant war in modern history.
You’ll gain insights into why some high-society ladies chose to give up a life of comfort to fight against global tyranny and live under constant threat of exposure and imprisonment or death.
If you’re looking for a unique and enlightening view of the Second World War and are interested in women’s historically overshadowed roles in international espionage, then look no further than Princess, Countess, Socialite, Spy.
111 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2022
79 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Elise Baker
12 books5 followersElise Baker’s academic background (BA Hons, PGDip) and a career of searching for hidden truths in dusty libraries and archives led her to discover an area of history that has languished in obscurity for far too long; brave women heroes whose achievements have long been overshadowed by their male counterparts, silenced and rendered invisible.
Her mother’s family spent years wandering around Europe as refugees during the Second World War and its aftermath. Growing up hearing their stories gave her a lifelong fascination with this historical era.
She has a special interest in feminism, women’s history, and World War II. Elise is passionate about excavating the past to unearth the hidden histories of women whose incredible stories have been buried and bringing them out into the light of public awareness.
Her mother’s family spent years wandering around Europe as refugees during the Second World War and its aftermath. Growing up hearing their stories gave her a lifelong fascination with this historical era.
She has a special interest in feminism, women’s history, and World War II. Elise is passionate about excavating the past to unearth the hidden histories of women whose incredible stories have been buried and bringing them out into the light of public awareness.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 31, 2024
Decent enough summary of five women’s contribution as spies for the allies during WWII.
Anyone familiar with the activities of the SOE, OSS and French Resistance are probably very aware of these individuals, but for those who are not it’s a pretty good, if brief and simplistic, look at their contributions. It is more a recitation of facts rather than immersing one in the numerous dangerous situations the women tackle.
I might be being a little harsh because I am already so familiar with these women, and many others, so just ignore me. This was a satisfactory overview, but nothing too scintillating or compelling due to its brevity.
Anyone familiar with the activities of the SOE, OSS and French Resistance are probably very aware of these individuals, but for those who are not it’s a pretty good, if brief and simplistic, look at their contributions. It is more a recitation of facts rather than immersing one in the numerous dangerous situations the women tackle.
I might be being a little harsh because I am already so familiar with these women, and many others, so just ignore me. This was a satisfactory overview, but nothing too scintillating or compelling due to its brevity.
December 7, 2024
Great book! Nice to find books that talk about women's contribution to WWII.
March 27, 2023
Princess Countess Socialite Spy - Back in the 60s my love affair with history began and I read about many women, from all walks of life, that were spies throughout history. Unfortunately, I was turned off by the obvious emotional and untrue first sentence of this book:
"History has always been told by men and about men."
Then in the same long paragraph, this statement reinforced my lack of desire to read more of this book:
"Many of us are familiar with the well-publicized stories of people such as Audie Murphy (who falsified his records)"
To make this statement about the most decorated WWII Army veteran and not back it up with facts is unacceptable. There is a process to recommend a soldier, the soldier does not apply for medals. While working for the VA, I met a soldier that had one less medal than Murphy, a survivor of the Indianapolis, and a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, along with many other decorated "heroes" just serving our Country, doing their duty; guess they falsified their service, too? Not one of these WWII, Korean or Vietnam veterans swaggered around and bragged about their service.
There have been plenty of women in History. Catherine the Great, Lady Paxton, Molly Pitcher, the milkmaid that never caught smallpox; yes, not all had names but many did. In today's society of Me, Me, Me social media where nothing is private, including State secrets, it hard for the younger generations to understand that secrets were important and kept for the security of countries and the participants. Not everyone needed or desired to have their actions known. Many women made accomplishments that could have and did bring all sorts of problems and troubles to them.
Ms. Baker's books about the women of WWII she writes about were classified and not public records. It had nothing to do with gender, but security. After reading two and attempting to read two more, I find Ms. Baker's mission is more to impart her emotions and rants instead of historical facts. I prefer authors that state the facts, the good, the bad and the ugly, and then allow me to make my decisions instead of telling me what I should think. Knowledge is power but stupidity goes on social media. 1*
Women Code Breakers - What could have been an interesting read about one of the greatest wars and the contributions of a special group of women but is not. Their jobs as code breakers were their speciality. These were not the only women serving and making a difference during this time. I have read about these ladies and their work back in the 60s.
Unfortunately, the author did not format the book properly to make reading about these interesting ladies easy. Instead of giving the ladies their own sections, giving more whitespace, everything is paragraph after paragraph without breaks. At least, spacing between the paragraphs would have relieve the strain on the eyes.
The parts about the inequalities that have existed for millennials came off as lecturing instead of the author's attempt to show the differences between the sexes in a factual way. I am an older woman, an Army veteran and worked in a once masculine field, electronics, and having lived and experienced the changing times, I tend to laugh at the younger women and their ideas of sexual harassment and inequalities.
Learn History, it is filled with information, life and knowledge. Women have always found their ways to succeed. There are real authors who know their history and do not use their books as vehicles to rant about things of which they do not possess an indepth knowledge. 2*
Women Rescuers of WWII - My first book by this author. Six women from different births, different countries, and different work skills took upon themselves to help the Jews and others escape to freedom from Nazi persecution, without any thought of fame or gain for themselves.
A quick read, these glimpses of history show what a person can accomplish with determination and morals and ethics. Unfortunately, the author uses this book as a vehicle for her rants and beliefs, instead of presenting historical facts. A bit of lecturing and with her definitions, Ms. Baker gives the impression her readers are uneducated, or is the word, dumb? 2*
Nightingales, Bluebirds and Angel's of Mercy - I could not continue reading this book. I find Ms. Baker has a tendency to rant and lecture without too much focus on actual facts. I read a out these ladies, along with others, since I started my love affair with History in the 60s. Many ti.es the autobiographies of the actual subjects. 2*
"History has always been told by men and about men."
Then in the same long paragraph, this statement reinforced my lack of desire to read more of this book:
"Many of us are familiar with the well-publicized stories of people such as Audie Murphy (who falsified his records)"
To make this statement about the most decorated WWII Army veteran and not back it up with facts is unacceptable. There is a process to recommend a soldier, the soldier does not apply for medals. While working for the VA, I met a soldier that had one less medal than Murphy, a survivor of the Indianapolis, and a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, along with many other decorated "heroes" just serving our Country, doing their duty; guess they falsified their service, too? Not one of these WWII, Korean or Vietnam veterans swaggered around and bragged about their service.
There have been plenty of women in History. Catherine the Great, Lady Paxton, Molly Pitcher, the milkmaid that never caught smallpox; yes, not all had names but many did. In today's society of Me, Me, Me social media where nothing is private, including State secrets, it hard for the younger generations to understand that secrets were important and kept for the security of countries and the participants. Not everyone needed or desired to have their actions known. Many women made accomplishments that could have and did bring all sorts of problems and troubles to them.
Ms. Baker's books about the women of WWII she writes about were classified and not public records. It had nothing to do with gender, but security. After reading two and attempting to read two more, I find Ms. Baker's mission is more to impart her emotions and rants instead of historical facts. I prefer authors that state the facts, the good, the bad and the ugly, and then allow me to make my decisions instead of telling me what I should think. Knowledge is power but stupidity goes on social media. 1*
Women Code Breakers - What could have been an interesting read about one of the greatest wars and the contributions of a special group of women but is not. Their jobs as code breakers were their speciality. These were not the only women serving and making a difference during this time. I have read about these ladies and their work back in the 60s.
Unfortunately, the author did not format the book properly to make reading about these interesting ladies easy. Instead of giving the ladies their own sections, giving more whitespace, everything is paragraph after paragraph without breaks. At least, spacing between the paragraphs would have relieve the strain on the eyes.
The parts about the inequalities that have existed for millennials came off as lecturing instead of the author's attempt to show the differences between the sexes in a factual way. I am an older woman, an Army veteran and worked in a once masculine field, electronics, and having lived and experienced the changing times, I tend to laugh at the younger women and their ideas of sexual harassment and inequalities.
Learn History, it is filled with information, life and knowledge. Women have always found their ways to succeed. There are real authors who know their history and do not use their books as vehicles to rant about things of which they do not possess an indepth knowledge. 2*
Women Rescuers of WWII - My first book by this author. Six women from different births, different countries, and different work skills took upon themselves to help the Jews and others escape to freedom from Nazi persecution, without any thought of fame or gain for themselves.
A quick read, these glimpses of history show what a person can accomplish with determination and morals and ethics. Unfortunately, the author uses this book as a vehicle for her rants and beliefs, instead of presenting historical facts. A bit of lecturing and with her definitions, Ms. Baker gives the impression her readers are uneducated, or is the word, dumb? 2*
Nightingales, Bluebirds and Angel's of Mercy - I could not continue reading this book. I find Ms. Baker has a tendency to rant and lecture without too much focus on actual facts. I read a out these ladies, along with others, since I started my love affair with History in the 60s. Many ti.es the autobiographies of the actual subjects. 2*
Read
September 10, 2022Asolutely gripping!
Which of the five female spys was my favorite? They all were! This book should be greatly appreciated by older adults, but would be most beneficial to teens and young adults who may never have been confronted with the personal sacrifices made by women (and men) who fought for that elusive ideal of political freedom.
The Word of God declares that the truth will set you (singular) free. Jesus the Christ declared "I am the truth...."
Political freedom does not in itself provide for individual spiritual freedom, but it certainly aids in the attainment of that freedom.
Thank you, Elise Baker, for an amazing glimpse into a hertitage left by five courageous women. Again, paraphrasing Jesus Christ, ' greater love has no man (generic for men and women) than to lay down his (or her) life for others.'
Which of the five female spys was my favorite? They all were! This book should be greatly appreciated by older adults, but would be most beneficial to teens and young adults who may never have been confronted with the personal sacrifices made by women (and men) who fought for that elusive ideal of political freedom.
The Word of God declares that the truth will set you (singular) free. Jesus the Christ declared "I am the truth...."
Political freedom does not in itself provide for individual spiritual freedom, but it certainly aids in the attainment of that freedom.
Thank you, Elise Baker, for an amazing glimpse into a hertitage left by five courageous women. Again, paraphrasing Jesus Christ, ' greater love has no man (generic for men and women) than to lay down his (or her) life for others.'
August 18, 2024
Awesome women with inspiring capabilities and courage
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, 3 others currently in the series, that I know of, still to read. I was lucky enough to pick this up free, and reading it provided insight into some incredible and courageous women who faced challenges their male counterparts didn’t, and still managed to shine in the face of adversity. The writing is easy, enough story provided to create intrigue, and a desire to learn more about these women. The book serves as a tribute to women generally, and these women in particular. Very pleased to have read it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, 3 others currently in the series, that I know of, still to read. I was lucky enough to pick this up free, and reading it provided insight into some incredible and courageous women who faced challenges their male counterparts didn’t, and still managed to shine in the face of adversity. The writing is easy, enough story provided to create intrigue, and a desire to learn more about these women. The book serves as a tribute to women generally, and these women in particular. Very pleased to have read it.
January 19, 2024
I am reviewing a complimentary copy of the Audible version of this book from the author through Story Origin. I don't want to take away from this story because I really did not care for the narrator. She just sounded so "snooty." I suppose because these women were upper class women. 2 stars for her.
Now, just looking at this story. Very interesting. Five women. Five WWII experiences. Dangerous. Deadly. Their stories are told prewar, during war and post war. Tough times. "Thank you for your service." I did deduct a star because there is some repetitiveness.
Now, just looking at this story. Very interesting. Five women. Five WWII experiences. Dangerous. Deadly. Their stories are told prewar, during war and post war. Tough times. "Thank you for your service." I did deduct a star because there is some repetitiveness.
June 18, 2025
This was an interesting read on different women who worked as spies in WWII. They did amazing feats and went through great hardships, and it was inspiring to hear how they were so devoted to their cause.
There was some proselytizing from the author about how amazing but underappreciated these women were, which came across as repetitive by the end, but overall a great read!
There was some proselytizing from the author about how amazing but underappreciated these women were, which came across as repetitive by the end, but overall a great read!
March 30, 2024
really easy kindle read, and some good stories, one lady was even missing a leg and still managed to save lives, sad that they dont teach these stories in school, could be roll models for young people
March 28, 2024
good book to read
A very interesting book about 5 historical woman Book is well written very accurate research done This book is a good read
A very interesting book about 5 historical woman Book is well written very accurate research done This book is a good read
July 1, 2024
This book offers a fascinating look at five incredibly courageous and heroic women spies during WWII. It’s a quick read that made me want to learn more about these amazing women.
April 29, 2025
Great Women of WWII
Beautifully written of strong women who entered the world of danger and missions to save people caught in the horrific times of WWII.
Beautifully written of strong women who entered the world of danger and missions to save people caught in the horrific times of WWII.
March 27, 2023
Princess Countess Socialite Spy - Back in the 60s my love affair with history began and I read about many women, from all walks of life, that were spies throughout history. Unfortunately, I was turned off by the obvious emotional and untrue first sentence of this book:
"History has always been told by men and about men."
Then in the same long paragraph, this statement reinforced my lack of desire to read more of this book:
"Many of us are familiar with the well-publicized stories of people such as Audie Murphy (who falsified his records)"
To make this statement about the most decorated WWII Army veteran and not back it up with facts is unacceptable. There is a process to recommend a soldier, the soldier does not apply for medals. While working for the VA, I met a soldier that had one less medal than Murphy, a survivor of the Indianapolis, and a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, along with many other decorated "heroes" just serving our Country, doing their duty; guess they falsified their service, too? Not one of these WWII, Korean or Vietnam veterans swaggered around and bragged about their service.
There have been plenty of women in History. Catherine the Great, Lady Paxton, Molly Pitcher, the milkmaid that never caught smallpox; yes, not all had names but many did. In today's society of Me, Me, Me social media where nothing is private, including State secrets, it hard for the younger generations to understand that secrets were important and kept for the security of countries and the participants. Not everyone needed or desired to have their actions known. Many women made accomplishments that could have and did bring all sorts of problems and troubles to them.
Ms. Baker's books about the women of WWII she writes about were classified and not public records. It had nothing to do with gender, but security. After reading two and attempting to read two more, I find Ms. Baker's mission is more to impart her emotions and rants instead of historical facts. I prefer authors that state the facts, the good, the bad and the ugly, and then allow me to make my decisions instead of telling me what I should think. Knowledge is power but stupidity goes on social media. 1*
Women Code Breakers - What could have been an interesting read about one of the greatest wars and the contributions of a special group of women but is not. Their jobs as code breakers were their speciality. These were not the only women serving and making a difference during this time. I have read about these ladies and their work back in the 60s.
Unfortunately, the author did not format the book properly to make reading about these interesting ladies easy. Instead of giving the ladies their own sections, giving more whitespace, everything is paragraph after paragraph without breaks. At least, spacing between the paragraphs would have relieve the strain on the eyes.
The parts about the inequalities that have existed for millennials came off as lecturing instead of the author's attempt to show the differences between the sexes in a factual way. I am an older woman, an Army veteran and worked in a once masculine field, electronics, and having lived and experienced the changing times, I tend to laugh at the younger women and their ideas of sexual harassment and inequalities.
Learn History, it is filled with information, life and knowledge. Women have always found their ways to succeed. There are real authors who know their history and do not use their books as vehicles to rant about things of which they do not possess an indepth knowledge. 2*
Women Rescuers of WWII - My first book by this author. Six women from different births, different countries, and different work skills took upon themselves to help the Jews and others escape to freedom from Nazi persecution, without any thought of fame or gain for themselves.
A quick read, these glimpses of history show what a person can accomplish with determination and morals and ethics. Unfortunately, the author uses this book as a vehicle for her rants and beliefs, instead of presenting historical facts. A bit of lecturing and with her definitions, Ms. Baker gives the impression her readers are uneducated, or is the word, dumb? 2*
Nightingales, Bluebirds and Angel's of Mercy - I could not continue reading this book. I find Ms. Baker has a tendency to rant and lecture without too much focus on actual facts. I read a out these ladies, along with others, since I started my love affair with History in the 60s. Many ti.es the autobiographies of the actual subjects. 2*
"History has always been told by men and about men."
Then in the same long paragraph, this statement reinforced my lack of desire to read more of this book:
"Many of us are familiar with the well-publicized stories of people such as Audie Murphy (who falsified his records)"
To make this statement about the most decorated WWII Army veteran and not back it up with facts is unacceptable. There is a process to recommend a soldier, the soldier does not apply for medals. While working for the VA, I met a soldier that had one less medal than Murphy, a survivor of the Indianapolis, and a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, along with many other decorated "heroes" just serving our Country, doing their duty; guess they falsified their service, too? Not one of these WWII, Korean or Vietnam veterans swaggered around and bragged about their service.
There have been plenty of women in History. Catherine the Great, Lady Paxton, Molly Pitcher, the milkmaid that never caught smallpox; yes, not all had names but many did. In today's society of Me, Me, Me social media where nothing is private, including State secrets, it hard for the younger generations to understand that secrets were important and kept for the security of countries and the participants. Not everyone needed or desired to have their actions known. Many women made accomplishments that could have and did bring all sorts of problems and troubles to them.
Ms. Baker's books about the women of WWII she writes about were classified and not public records. It had nothing to do with gender, but security. After reading two and attempting to read two more, I find Ms. Baker's mission is more to impart her emotions and rants instead of historical facts. I prefer authors that state the facts, the good, the bad and the ugly, and then allow me to make my decisions instead of telling me what I should think. Knowledge is power but stupidity goes on social media. 1*
Women Code Breakers - What could have been an interesting read about one of the greatest wars and the contributions of a special group of women but is not. Their jobs as code breakers were their speciality. These were not the only women serving and making a difference during this time. I have read about these ladies and their work back in the 60s.
Unfortunately, the author did not format the book properly to make reading about these interesting ladies easy. Instead of giving the ladies their own sections, giving more whitespace, everything is paragraph after paragraph without breaks. At least, spacing between the paragraphs would have relieve the strain on the eyes.
The parts about the inequalities that have existed for millennials came off as lecturing instead of the author's attempt to show the differences between the sexes in a factual way. I am an older woman, an Army veteran and worked in a once masculine field, electronics, and having lived and experienced the changing times, I tend to laugh at the younger women and their ideas of sexual harassment and inequalities.
Learn History, it is filled with information, life and knowledge. Women have always found their ways to succeed. There are real authors who know their history and do not use their books as vehicles to rant about things of which they do not possess an indepth knowledge. 2*
Women Rescuers of WWII - My first book by this author. Six women from different births, different countries, and different work skills took upon themselves to help the Jews and others escape to freedom from Nazi persecution, without any thought of fame or gain for themselves.
A quick read, these glimpses of history show what a person can accomplish with determination and morals and ethics. Unfortunately, the author uses this book as a vehicle for her rants and beliefs, instead of presenting historical facts. A bit of lecturing and with her definitions, Ms. Baker gives the impression her readers are uneducated, or is the word, dumb? 2*
Nightingales, Bluebirds and Angel's of Mercy - I could not continue reading this book. I find Ms. Baker has a tendency to rant and lecture without too much focus on actual facts. I read a out these ladies, along with others, since I started my love affair with History in the 60s. Many ti.es the autobiographies of the actual subjects. 2*
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews