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Deadly #11
Deadly Gamble
In 1940s Portugal, everyone is willing to trade secrets if the price is right.
Britain stands alone against the forces of Nazi Germany. Livvy Redmond is a young newspaperwoman determined to serve Britain’s spymaster in the face of danger. When she arrives in neutral Lisbon, she discovers a city full of spies, refugees, and the secret police.
At an elegant party to meet a double agent, Livvy witnesses him fall to his death from a balcony and must now determine what secrets he wanted to pass her. Further complicating matters, she must guard the man’s young daughter from sinister people trying to kidnap the girl.
Gambling on the assistance of British embassy staff, Livvy commits to uncovering the truth while keeping the orphan safe. With spies and traitors lurking around every corner, Livvy must race against time to learn the secret someone has already killed to keep hidden – and is willing to murder again to protect.
Deadly Gamble is the exciting eleventh book in the World War II mystery Deadly Series. If you like intrepid heroines, research-based history and clean reads, then you’ll love USA Today Bestselling Author Kate Parker’s page-turning mystery.
Britain stands alone against the forces of Nazi Germany. Livvy Redmond is a young newspaperwoman determined to serve Britain’s spymaster in the face of danger. When she arrives in neutral Lisbon, she discovers a city full of spies, refugees, and the secret police.
At an elegant party to meet a double agent, Livvy witnesses him fall to his death from a balcony and must now determine what secrets he wanted to pass her. Further complicating matters, she must guard the man’s young daughter from sinister people trying to kidnap the girl.
Gambling on the assistance of British embassy staff, Livvy commits to uncovering the truth while keeping the orphan safe. With spies and traitors lurking around every corner, Livvy must race against time to learn the secret someone has already killed to keep hidden – and is willing to murder again to protect.
Deadly Gamble is the exciting eleventh book in the World War II mystery Deadly Series. If you like intrepid heroines, research-based history and clean reads, then you’ll love USA Today Bestselling Author Kate Parker’s page-turning mystery.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2024
135 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Kate Parker
29 books746 followersKate began reading Agatha Christie mysteries and the Nancy Drew books while her classmates were reading Dick and Jane. She particularly likes historical mysteries and the feeling of time travel a good historical book can give the reader. Combined with her love of late Victorian to World War II architecture and fashions, she found an outlet for the stories and characters that fill her head by writing The Victorian Bookshop Mysteries, The Milliner Mysteries, and The Deadly series, as well as taking part in the Christmas Revels anthologies.
So far, Kate has put out four free short stories, The Missing Brooch (Victorian Bookshop Mystery), Emily's First Case (Milliner Mysteries), and The Missing Maps and A Christmas Mystery (Deadly Series), to her newsletter list. The Mystery at Chadwick House is a novella that is free for newsletter subscribers or can be purchased at retailers. Sign up at www.KateParkerbooks.com to get free copies.
So far, Kate has put out four free short stories, The Missing Brooch (Victorian Bookshop Mystery), Emily's First Case (Milliner Mysteries), and The Missing Maps and A Christmas Mystery (Deadly Series), to her newsletter list. The Mystery at Chadwick House is a novella that is free for newsletter subscribers or can be purchased at retailers. Sign up at www.KateParkerbooks.com to get free copies.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 20, 2024
Deadly Gamble is the 11th book in the Deadly series, but I read it as a standalone and had no problem following or enjoying the story. This is a mystery set in Portugal during WW2. Olivia "Livvy"Redmond is a young female reporter who also works occasionally for Britain's foreign office. She is sent to Lisbon to meet with a Polish refugee who has secrets to sell to Britain. No sooner does she arrive when she is whisked off to a party where she is to meet the man. Before this meeting he falls to his death almost on top of Livvy. She and an embassy worker rush off to his home to see if they can figure out what he had for them. They find some papers and a ledger, but also a four year old girl, Anna, his daughter. The rest of the story finds Livvy and Anna trying to remain safe, while also trying to find out who killed her father, and why.
Deadly Gamble was a mystery, a WW2 spy story and a story of a woman who is caught between two worlds. Livvy wants to help her country, but she also just wants to do her job and maybe have a family. She is very smart, thinks on her feet, and the reason she is so valued, has amazing observation skills. She isn't a mother, but those instincts come to the front when it comes to keep Anna safe, as well as find her family so she can get her home. The secondary characters, those at the embassy are not all likable. Stewart is helpful and honest, but others not so much. The mysteries of who has the ledger, and who killed Anna's father are well developed and I found it interesting how Stewart and Livvy were able to follow clues and trails to find the killer. I knew Portugal was neutral in 1941, but the amount of spies, espionage and more that were allowed to go on in order to keep their country out of the war was staggering. I'm not sure if all of that is true, but it sure makes sense. It was also the last route out of Europe for the many refugees if they could get that far, and there were a lot living in Lisbon in this story. Overall, this was an enjoyable story with great characters, a well plotted mystery, and realistic actions. I am going to try and go back and read some of the others books in this series to learn more about Livvy, her life, her actions and her sleuthing.
Deadly Gamble was a mystery, a WW2 spy story and a story of a woman who is caught between two worlds. Livvy wants to help her country, but she also just wants to do her job and maybe have a family. She is very smart, thinks on her feet, and the reason she is so valued, has amazing observation skills. She isn't a mother, but those instincts come to the front when it comes to keep Anna safe, as well as find her family so she can get her home. The secondary characters, those at the embassy are not all likable. Stewart is helpful and honest, but others not so much. The mysteries of who has the ledger, and who killed Anna's father are well developed and I found it interesting how Stewart and Livvy were able to follow clues and trails to find the killer. I knew Portugal was neutral in 1941, but the amount of spies, espionage and more that were allowed to go on in order to keep their country out of the war was staggering. I'm not sure if all of that is true, but it sure makes sense. It was also the last route out of Europe for the many refugees if they could get that far, and there were a lot living in Lisbon in this story. Overall, this was an enjoyable story with great characters, a well plotted mystery, and realistic actions. I am going to try and go back and read some of the others books in this series to learn more about Livvy, her life, her actions and her sleuthing.
April 19, 2024
DEADLY GAMBLE by Kate Parker
The Eleventh Deadly Mystery
In 1941 Portugal is a neutral country and Lisbon a glittering city filled with both English and German businessmen and spies of various nationalities. One double agent is willing to give important information to England, but demands that his contact be a married woman. And so Olivia Redmond heads to Lisbon, in service to the spymaster once more. While it's nice to be free of nightly bombings, Livvy faces several other problems. Before she can meet with her contact he falls to his death. A search of his apartment doesn't lead to the documents, but rather the discovery of his young daughter. Livvy has to deal with annoying spies, dangerous Germans, and her own feelings as she cares for the little girl. Will Livvy be able to finish her mission, find the girl's relatives, and go home, or will Portuguese authorities put her in jail for murder?
With only a brief appearance by Sir Malcolm, the other principal characters in the series are absent from the eleventh Deadly Mystery. While I missed her interactions with Adam, as well as seeing her other friends, their absence truly gave Olivia a chance to shine on her own. And shine she did. I enjoyed how Livvy put her male counterparts in their place...and had plenty to say to certain Germans as well. DEADLY GAMBLE shows just how strong, and fierce, Livvy can be while it also shows her thought process regarding what she really wants from life.
One of the things I like best about this series is learning new things. I never realized that Portugal was neutral during World War Two. I also love the characters, the danger, excitement, and humor found here. The plot and the historic details brought the story to life and had me completely captivated.
DEADLY GAMBLE is a riveting story of spies and intrigue in a city trying to hold on to its luster.
The Eleventh Deadly Mystery
In 1941 Portugal is a neutral country and Lisbon a glittering city filled with both English and German businessmen and spies of various nationalities. One double agent is willing to give important information to England, but demands that his contact be a married woman. And so Olivia Redmond heads to Lisbon, in service to the spymaster once more. While it's nice to be free of nightly bombings, Livvy faces several other problems. Before she can meet with her contact he falls to his death. A search of his apartment doesn't lead to the documents, but rather the discovery of his young daughter. Livvy has to deal with annoying spies, dangerous Germans, and her own feelings as she cares for the little girl. Will Livvy be able to finish her mission, find the girl's relatives, and go home, or will Portuguese authorities put her in jail for murder?
With only a brief appearance by Sir Malcolm, the other principal characters in the series are absent from the eleventh Deadly Mystery. While I missed her interactions with Adam, as well as seeing her other friends, their absence truly gave Olivia a chance to shine on her own. And shine she did. I enjoyed how Livvy put her male counterparts in their place...and had plenty to say to certain Germans as well. DEADLY GAMBLE shows just how strong, and fierce, Livvy can be while it also shows her thought process regarding what she really wants from life.
One of the things I like best about this series is learning new things. I never realized that Portugal was neutral during World War Two. I also love the characters, the danger, excitement, and humor found here. The plot and the historic details brought the story to life and had me completely captivated.
DEADLY GAMBLE is a riveting story of spies and intrigue in a city trying to hold on to its luster.
April 16, 2024
Deadly Gamble by Kate Parker is the eleventh book in the Deadly series which is one of my favorite cozy mystery series! It’s a historical mystery set in England and Portugal that takes place during WWII.
Olivia Redmond is a newspaperwoman who’s also a British spy. When she receives an assignment from Sir Malcolm, her “spy boss,” she travels to Portugal to write travel-type articles for the paper. Livvy is chosen for this particular assignment since the double agent requested a woman as his contact. Not knowing why, she still agrees to meet the man at a party, but he dies from a fall from a balcony at the party before she meets with him. She subsequently discovers that he was afraid that he’d be murdered and wanted a woman spy because he has a four year old daughter, Anna.
I loved Deadly Gamble! Through the series, I’ve come to think of Livvy as a friend, so it’s always fun to read about her latest adventure. She’s a strong woman who has suffered much loss and endured dangerous assignments. Livvy can blend in in her assignments since she speaks a few languages. (Unfortunately, Portuguese isn’t one of them, but her partner during this assignment has that covered.) Livvy works well with whomever she’s partnered with even when they’re jerks. Most importantly, she’s very good at her assignments.
Deadly Gamble’s mystery is very well-plotted, and it never feels like something is happening just to fill space. It’s very exciting, and I couldn’t put it down. I read this page-turning novel in a little over a day. I loved how detailed the side characters were written, especially Anna who is a delightful little girl. The author paints a beautiful picture of Lisbon, Portugal. I could picture the colorful houses and beautiful locations. It really makes me want to see Portugal for myself!
If you love historical cozy mystery books, I highly recommend that you read Deadly Gamble! The exciting plot, well-written characters, and beautifully-detailed descriptions make this a must-read!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Olivia Redmond is a newspaperwoman who’s also a British spy. When she receives an assignment from Sir Malcolm, her “spy boss,” she travels to Portugal to write travel-type articles for the paper. Livvy is chosen for this particular assignment since the double agent requested a woman as his contact. Not knowing why, she still agrees to meet the man at a party, but he dies from a fall from a balcony at the party before she meets with him. She subsequently discovers that he was afraid that he’d be murdered and wanted a woman spy because he has a four year old daughter, Anna.
I loved Deadly Gamble! Through the series, I’ve come to think of Livvy as a friend, so it’s always fun to read about her latest adventure. She’s a strong woman who has suffered much loss and endured dangerous assignments. Livvy can blend in in her assignments since she speaks a few languages. (Unfortunately, Portuguese isn’t one of them, but her partner during this assignment has that covered.) Livvy works well with whomever she’s partnered with even when they’re jerks. Most importantly, she’s very good at her assignments.
Deadly Gamble’s mystery is very well-plotted, and it never feels like something is happening just to fill space. It’s very exciting, and I couldn’t put it down. I read this page-turning novel in a little over a day. I loved how detailed the side characters were written, especially Anna who is a delightful little girl. The author paints a beautiful picture of Lisbon, Portugal. I could picture the colorful houses and beautiful locations. It really makes me want to see Portugal for myself!
If you love historical cozy mystery books, I highly recommend that you read Deadly Gamble! The exciting plot, well-written characters, and beautifully-detailed descriptions make this a must-read!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
April 19, 2024
Very entertaining
Set mostly in Portugal during the war, this is an interesting mystery rich with atmosphere, spies and a couple of murders. I've never read much about Portugal during the war so the setting was very interesting. The descriptions of the city, and especially the food, made me want to know more. There was a big contrast between life in Portugal, A neutral country, and England with rationing and constant bombing.
Set mostly in Portugal during the war, this is an interesting mystery rich with atmosphere, spies and a couple of murders. I've never read much about Portugal during the war so the setting was very interesting. The descriptions of the city, and especially the food, made me want to know more. There was a big contrast between life in Portugal, A neutral country, and England with rationing and constant bombing.
May 2, 2024
Great book series
These books are suberb. This one had lots of twist and turns with a very good ending. I particularly love the character of Livvy. She is very bright and witty. She has lots of courage but sells herself short on that. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Highly recommend!
These books are suberb. This one had lots of twist and turns with a very good ending. I particularly love the character of Livvy. She is very bright and witty. She has lots of courage but sells herself short on that. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Highly recommend!
May 12, 2024
Love our Livvy!
Livvy continues to stay brave and clever in the face of all sorts of misadventures. You cheer for her, enjoy Portuguese pastries with her and marvel at her ability to pack ball gowns, woolen day suits and ugly hats in one manageable suitcase. Love Livvy and already looking forward to #12 in the Deadly Series.
Livvy continues to stay brave and clever in the face of all sorts of misadventures. You cheer for her, enjoy Portuguese pastries with her and marvel at her ability to pack ball gowns, woolen day suits and ugly hats in one manageable suitcase. Love Livvy and already looking forward to #12 in the Deadly Series.
April 18, 2024
I really like Kate Parker's "Deadly" series. I don't think this one was the best but it was still entertaining. Love the details about Lisbon. It just read a little clunky. The details about the child didn't seem very realistic.
September 23, 2024
There were many plot points here that did not make very much sense, including why Livvy was sent on this job in the first place, and Thornton was deeply annoying. But, Livvy was sensible and capable and little Anna was a sweetie.
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October 27, 2024Kate Parker’s books are such easy reads — in bed, on the train and on holidays. Always an interesting plot with Livvy caught in amongst the felons or spies.
A delightful series to follow the escapades of W2.
A delightful series to follow the escapades of W2.
March 31, 2025
Least favorite in one of my favorite series. Livvy was whiny and annoying. The child was annoying. Her desire for a child was ridiculously annoying. I love love love this series but this book didn’t do it.
July 14, 2025
Another outstanding audiobook in the Deadly series! I always learn something without even trying. This well researched historical novel is so entertaining, from the evolution of the recurring characters to the plausible and twisty mystery. And the narrator’s performance is top notch too.
August 21, 2025
The 52 Book Club's 2025 Challenge - Summer Challenge #15 - recommended by someone else based on your review of previous book.
I love this series! However, I did just choose this one myself because I was ready for a WWII book.
I love this series! However, I did just choose this one myself because I was ready for a WWII book.
October 24, 2025
Excellent
Wonderful story that keeps you entertained far into the evening filled with spies, Nazis, secrets to sell and one four year old little girl that could hold the key to the mystery and murder.
Wonderful story that keeps you entertained far into the evening filled with spies, Nazis, secrets to sell and one four year old little girl that could hold the key to the mystery and murder.
April 20, 2024
Just okay. Some of the scenes seemed a bit far-fetched.
May 6, 2024
I really enjoy this series.
I really enjoy this series which never fails to bring a bit of intrigue and a reminder of life in a war zone.
I really enjoy this series which never fails to bring a bit of intrigue and a reminder of life in a war zone.
June 26, 2024
Olivia is sent to Portugal to retrieve an unknown item from a Polish refugee. Good action, good atmosphere, logical plot.
August 8, 2024
Love This Book
I really enjoyed this story. If you like history, intrigue, and just plain good storytelling, read this entire series. You'll be glad you did.
I really enjoyed this story. If you like history, intrigue, and just plain good storytelling, read this entire series. You'll be glad you did.
September 20, 2024
It one of the best of this series. Thin reasoning for her to go to Portugal. It was interesting to read about what was going on in Portugal during the war.
December 10, 2024
I absolutely really enjoyed this book and I am so enjoying this series. On to number 12 for me.
January 20, 2025
Another good book in this series. Brilliant storytelling based on true facts I think. I could not put it down. I highly recommend this series to all who like to read really good stories during the war.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews