The Songbird

Hattie James #1

by Stacy Lynn Miller

Every note masks a secret.

A novel of espionage, love, and betrayal in WWII Brazil.

In the glamorous world of 1940s New York, Hattie James is a rising star, enchanting audiences at the iconic Copacabana Club. But her glittering life is shattered by a shocking phone her father, a respected diplomat, has been arrested for espionage, accused of aiding Nazi Germany. As her world crumbles, Hattie is plunged into a whirlwind of danger and deceit.

Following her father's dramatic escape and alleged betrayal, Hattie is coerced by the FBI to aid their hunt. Her infiltrate Rio de Janeiro's high society and uncover the truth about her father's loyalties.

In the sultry heat of Rio, Hattie poses undercover as a singer at the Halo Club, owned by enigmatic Maya Reyes. Each performance at this vibrant hotspot brings her closer to the dark secrets entangling the city, and every note she sings could lead to her father—or to a trap set by those who wish to silence her.

When Maya’s sister suddenly goes missing, Hattie unearths a shocking connection between her father and the mysterious SS leader Heinz Baumann. With stakes higher than ever, Hattie finds herself thrust even deeper into a dangerous undercover operation that threatens to put more than just her own life at risk.

Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Kristin Hannah, The Songbird offers a mesmerizing journey through a world where the greatest battles are fought in the shadows, and love might be the most dangerous weapon of all.

Genres: Historical Fiction, LGBT, Queer, Fiction, Espionage, Historical, Brazil

394 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2025

About the author

Stacy Lynn Miller is a retired Air Force officer who found her passion for writing after leaving the service. With twenty years of experience wearing a badge, working with computers, and investigating cases, she has created multiple award-winning thriller and suspense series packed with strong sapphic women, gripping stories, and a perfect blend of intrigue and romance.

Stacy is a visually impaired, proud stroke survivor, mother of two, tech nerd, and chocolate lover. She's also a terrible golfer who managed to get a hole-in-one! When she's not busy writing, you can find her playing golf or enjoying a glass of wine (sometimes both) with her friends and family in Northern California.

Reviews

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️. This is a story about Hattie James who is an up and coming singer with a new recording contract in NYC during the 1940s. Her father Karl is a diplomat who is accused of being a Nazi spy. Hattie loses her job and records contract and is forced by the FBI to find her father and missing documents. Hattie goes to Brazil and reacquaints herself with her estranged mother.
Hattie finds a job at a small nightclub. The owner Maya, is a gay woman and she had Hattie have an instant friendship and attraction.

As the story progresses it keeps getting better with lots of intrigue and plot twists. The book ends with a cliffhanger and sets up Hattie to go on another adventure.

I have read several of Stacy Lynn Millers books and she is getting better with each story she writes.

Highly recommended if you are looking for an action adventure lesbian romance.

Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first page with a double agent, a mole, a beautiful singer, an abusive, intimidating FBI agent, Rio de Janeiro, a lover , and a sadistic undercover German SS officer. I loved the book so much, I have preordered the second book in the series, The Rio Affair: A World War Novel (Hattie James Book 2)

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

A family saga set during WWII, this story centers around singer, Hattie James, and her efforts to find her father who has been branded a Nazi spy. There was a lot going on in this book and while the story is somewhat resolved in the end it also does not answer all the questions and sets the stage for a second book.

[Lady Olenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Slow and steady build-up was the theme of the storytelling in The Songbird by Stacy Lynn Miller and it was masterful of the author to do so because there were quite a number of elements they had to put together to make the culmination of the novel as thrilling as it was.

The setting was also well-crafted in a way that Rio de Janeiro’s atmosphere was felt and easily imagined through the pages. The subtleties of a foreign place were noted by the author such as dogs barking at night, the heat, etc. Those little elements which adds to a place’s uniqueness were well placed and added authenticity to the setting.

I found the main character and her love interest’s romance a bit forced. Just based on the number and length of interactions, it seems like there was a lot of assumptions by the main character. It felt undercooked to me. However, their conflict did feel more realistic and void of fluff which was good redemption for the faux pa mentioned.

[Vannessa Cole · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had so much promise but overall I felt let down in the end. Like most books, it started off a little slow but I was hooked and intrigued about 30% in. I could tell all the events were leading up to one major confrontation but was not impressed by the way it was written. There was almost too much mystery and we never learned exactly what her father was doing! The cliffhanger was also just blah. Overall, I enjoyed the time period and characters but felt it was lacking in plot and was void of any real shock or twist.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Nancy Daher Mastreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book read by this author. Found the story believable, intriguing, well written, spellbinding. Hattie, the main character is a young, talented, up and coming singer finally reaching notoriety, has a beautiful voice, in 1941. All that comes to a haunt when her father, Karl, is accused of being a German spy for the Nazi’s. The FBI is on his trail and Hattie is basically being blackmailed into helping them find her father. The story moves to Rio, where her estranged mother(, Eva,(divorced from her father)is living. Eva is also a famous singer who now teaches vocal lesson The progression of the storytelling holds the suspense of the plot, murder, kidnapping, doubt of everything you’ve always known and believed to be true, love, and danger. Well worth the read. Received Songbird as an ARC for an honest review

[Mary Polzella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed with this book. I love historical fiction set during WW2 and thought this book had a great story - a family saga, a father accused of beyraying his country and working with the Nazi regime and a daughter determined to get to the truth. However, I found the story very slow to develop and while it focused heavily on the family interactions, it was unclear exactly what crimes the father had been alleged to have done and why and therefore why everyone was after him. If that aspect of the story had been fleshed out in a bit more detail, it would have improved my enjoyment of the book much more. I also found the ending very disappointing and left up in the air. It felt as though the book ended in the way it did so that a second book could continue the story.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Songbird
By: Stacy Lynn Miller
Pub date: January 7, 2025
Publisher: Severn River Publishing
This was my first novel by this author, but not my last. I was so intrigued in the story about Hattie James and her father. She is a singer at the Copacabana Club in the 1940’s in New York. Her father is a long-time respected diplomat.
She gets a call no daughter would want to get. Her father is arrested for espionage, and to make matters worse it is to help Nazi Germany.
Soon her father has escaped and the FBI is all over Hattie and feel she MUST help them find her father.
I DO NOT want to spoil any of this novel, BECAUSE its is so harrowing, descripting, shocking and a fresh TWIST in Historical fiction, deserving all the stars!

[Ash Laverty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had so many twists and turns, and gripped me right from the start. I knew that many Nazis escaped to Argentina after the war, but I had no idea that it was such a stronghold for them during the war - so it was fascinating to learn more about that side of it through the pages of this book! I can’t wait to read the second instalment.
4 stars out of 5 ⭐️

[InkDrinker1198 · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!!!

This book was amazing. I am so excited for everyone to read this. The author really knew what she was doing. This takes place in WW2 following a singer whose father is being accused of aiding information to the nazis. The story’s development just becomes more intriguing with every page. You will experience pain, fear, lust, betrayal and so much more in this book. Keeping you on the edge of your seat till it’s over and even then you will be wanting more.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading The Songbird as the plot is good and there's mystery and action that kept me interested in it. However, I wish the author had made a better research regarding aspects of the Brazilian life at the time as well as regarding the Portuguese language. Hopefully some of the errors I noticed (because I'm Brazilian) have been corrected in the final version of the book.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Kayleigh Antenucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars*

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC. I loved the way this story was told and the unique plot happening around WWII. I think the FMC was super likable and it had a good dosing of suspense. What I struggled with a little was that it felt long (and it’s not a long book) for what it was AND, I feel like the end left much to be desired. That’s a unique feeling to have at the end of the book.

[Melanie (pageturnertrials) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Severn River Publishing and The Author for the ARC in exchange for a honest review. 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Pub. Date is January 7. 2025.

The story follows Hattie James, a famous singer from New York in 1940. When Hattie's father -a respected american diplomat- is accused of aiding the Nazi and manages to escape the FBI, her life takes a drastic turn. Her agent drops her, she loses her job as a singer at the Copacabana club and her entire reputation because the case made headlines. After the FBI blackmails her into helping them find her father she travels to Rio with her loyal pianist and friend David. 

The first 20% were a little slow but after that I was hooked. There were so many secrets to uncover and the twists and turns kept my attention. Just when I thought I figured everything out a new discovery made my jaw drop!

The complicated family dynamic added an interesting touch to the story. But I think the relationship and friendship aspects were a little too forced and stole the spotlight of the mystery sometimes. 

All in all a well written suspense novel with an interesting plot.

[Lisa Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical thriller is jaw-droppingly good. I lost myself in the chase, in the atmospheric setting, and in Hattie’s love and loyalty to her father.

When Hattie’s beloved father is arrested for espionage and accused of aiding Nazi Germany, Hattie loses her job as a singer at the Copacabana Club, along with her reputation. The FBI blackmails her to help them track down her own father and she must move to Rio to uncover the truth of his downfall and to save her family. There is no risk she is unwilling to take to right her world.

I hope there’s a second installment of this book because it did leave plenty of low-hanging fruit. If so, I definitely need to get my hands on that. Oh, how I loved this book! Thank you, NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for the advanced reader copy of this 5-star book.

[Ashley South · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is the perfect mix of mystery and historical fiction, which are my two favorite genres. The novel is set in Rio in the early 1940’s. The main character travels there to determine what happened to her father and where he is after escaping arrest. He was arrested for allegedly giving secrets to the Nazis. The novel centers on the importance of family, relationships, and career. It is a real page turner. I recommend for anyone who enjoys mysteries.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the advanced kindle copy.

[Agirlcandream]

DNF. Too much gratuitous violence aimed at women for this reader

[Kate Brasington · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book but I think historical fiction isn’t for me

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hattie James is a singer on the rise in New York during WW2. Her sister’s family and her father live in the Washington DC area, where her father works for the FBI. When her father is accused of spying for the Nazis and disappears, Hattie is pressured to help find him. Her search takes her and her piano player, David, to Brazil, the home of her estranged mother, who is a famous singer in her own right. Hattie gets a job at a mediocre nightclub and when the owner Maya’s sister goes missing she offers to help find her. The more Hattie investigates, she finds connections between her missing father, Maya’s sister, and a group of a Nazi’s operating a coffee farm on the outskirts of town.


It has been a minute since I’ve read historical fiction, but it’s always been one of my favorite genres. This one was a good one to come back to. It started a little slow for me, but it has a lot of elements I like and I was drawn in once Hattie got to Brazil. There’s romance, WW2 connections, spies, and a mystery. There is also a serial killer I have read about in the past whose M.O. lives rent-free in my head, and the author must also have read about him as his preferred methods are incorporated into the plot as well. I didn’t realize when I started that this would be the beginning of a series, but the plot of this book is wrapped up nicely by the end, while still clearly leaving the option for additional adventures for these characters. If you enjoy WW2 fiction or historical fiction with a bit of a murder mystery too, then you’ll like this book.


**I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, but all opinions are my own**

[Karelisse Poventud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though for me it seemed slow pace, it was still a very interesting story. I enjoyed the take on this story and the mystery that pulls you into the story. This story has a little bit of everything suspense, love, family, friendship, betrayal. It does feel like a roller coaster with everything going on and I liked that about the book. I look forward to more books from this author.

[Jacky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Easily 5 stars! From the very first chapter, The Songbird had me captivated. The historical setting, the glamor, the secrets and intrigue- everything made the story flow well and kept the pages turning.

I loved Hattie, our main character, and seeing what she goes through. I loved the journey, and watching her discover new truths along the way. I loved her friends and her loyalty to her father. I’ll definitely be picking up book 2 when it’s released. Excellent!

Thank you to Netgalley and Severn River Publishing for this arc copy!

[Jaime Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this ARC from Severn River Publishing through NetGalley in return for my honest review. I appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback.*

This is one of those books where my rating went back and forth. It started as a 4 and then waned to a 3 and then finished strong with a 4 so I am going to give it an overall rating of 4 stars.

First of all, I feel like the title is a little misleading: The Songbird: A WWII Novel. Yes, the novel takes place in Rio during WWII and there are some Nazi’s in the book but, to me, it did not feel like a traditional WWII historical fiction. I felt more of an espionage mystery/romance novel. The romance portion also focuses on a lesbian romance so I feel like this would also fit into the LQBTQ+ genre but I have not seen it marketed that way.

The overall plot was good. I loved the idea of this novel but I feel like the execution was a little off. The story started really strong for me but somewhere around the 40 - 45% mark, I found myself getting bored and was honestly having a hard time pushing through. It was just slow. I feel like it focused more on the relationship aspect and there was less suspense and action which is what sucked me in to start with. However…around the 70% mark, the action picked back up and I zipped through the rest of the story in a single setting. The end felt a little abrupt and unfinished but knowing that there are 2 more books in this trilogy to be released over the next 2 years takes the sting out a little. I just hope that this one was memorable enough to span the gap.

Moving on to the characters…I felt they were written pretty well. They had personality and emotional depth and you definitely saw growth over the course of the book. But….I felt like their interactions, their relationships sometimes felt forced and unnatural. Overall, I feel like Hattie is a character I will definitely grow to love over the series. She is a strong, female heroine and I tend to be drawn to those characters.

Overall this was a good story….if you can get through the slow middle.

[Khushi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacy Lynn Miller's The Songbird is a captivating historical novel set during World War II. The story follows Hattie James, a rising star in 1940s New York, whose life is upended when her father, a respected diplomat, is arrested for espionage, accused of aiding Nazi Germany. To clear his name, Hattie travels undercover to Rio de Janeiro, performing at the Halo Club owned by the enigmatic Maya Reyes. As she delves deeper into the city's high society, Hattie uncovers a web of secrets, espionage, and unexpected connections, all while navigating personal relationships and the dangers of her mission.

The novel is rich in historical detail, vividly portraying the atmosphere of 1940s Rio—the music, the smoky clubs, and the tension of wartime politics. Hattie is a wonderfully complex protagonist; her vulnerability and strength make her journey feel personal and deeply relatable. The romantic tension adds another layer to the story without overshadowing the espionage plot, striking a delicate balance.

While the pacing starts off a bit slow, it picks up once Hattie arrives in Brazil, leading to a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged. The blend of suspense, history, and emotion makes this novel a memorable read. If you're into historical fiction with strong female leads, layered intrigue, and a touch of romance, The Songbird is for you.

Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Kristin Hannah, The Songbird is available for pre-order and is set to be published on January 7, 2025.

Thanking @netgalley and Severn Publishing for the e-ARC

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hattie James is an up and coming singer in 1940s New York with a nice RCA contract and new recordings about to be released when her world is turned upside down. Her diplomat father is arrested for treason and then disappears, leaving the FBI to heavily pressure a stunned Hattie into helping them hunt him down or they will send her and her sister to jail. Her career in ruins and her sister threatened, Hattie hesitantly agrees to travel to Rio de Janeiro where he is believed to have traveled, and where her mother, and even more famous singer, currently lives. Under the only partial pretense of attempting to restart her career in Rio, Hattie steps into the music and night life of Rio, making friends and enemies alike.
The Songbird gives a different view of the true "world" aspect of World War II with relevance in even distant Brazil. Hattie's father is a seasoned spy (but which side?), but Hattie and her friend David are immediately in way over their heads. There is a lot of family drama, gay romance, intrigue and suspense, and a very nasty villain. The characters are not all that engaging, and make some foolish moves - not my favorite way of advancing the plot. The setting is what adds the color and depth to the story, and more emphasis wouldn't hurt. All in all it was a solid story ending in an unfortunate cliffhanger (most of the story was resolved) to pull you into the next of the new series.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Songbird is set in the early 1940s prior to the United States entering World War II. Hattie James is a rising star whose singing career is upended when her father, who works for the State Department, is arrested and accused of spying for Nazi Germany. When her father escapes from custody, Hattie is forced to work for the FBI to find her father or they will arrest her sister and brother-in-law. She travels to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where her father is suspected to be hiding. Once there she finds herself at the dangerous center between the FBI and a Nazi SS officer who will both do anything to find her father and the secrets he’s hiding.

This is an interesting, well written historical novel with a likable female lead character. The storyline was well developed and added enough suspense to keep you engaged. There are questions left unanswered which leaves the door open for more intrigue involving these characters. If you enjoy historical or World War II fiction, you may want to give this book a read.

[Ella Droste · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this one was totally a wild ride—like, so much going on, but in a way that keeps you hooked. You’ve got glamorous settings, shady secrets, and all these hidden agendas happening in the background. Our girl finds herself in the middle of this dangerous situation, and things get messy. There’s undercover action, some really tense moments, and you’re never really sure who’s on whose side.

Honestly, it had me guessing the whole time, but just when you think things are clearing up, something even more intense drops. It’s all very mysterious and a little bit dramatic in the best way. I will say, though, there were a few threads I wish had tied up a bit more, but still, super enjoyable.

If you're into a little suspense and intrigue with a dash of glamour, this one’s for you.

I'd like to thank Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Cindy Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1940, Hattie James is a rising recording star, performing at the best clubs in NYC. But then her father, a State Dept diplomat, is arrested by the FBI, accused of being a Nazi spy. Once that becomes public knowledge, Hattie's career becomes a victim by association. Her recording contract is rescinded, and she can't get a good gig. Blackmailed by the FBI, she is sent to Rio to try to find her father.

The strengths of this book lie in its historic detail, descriptions of Rio in 1940, and the thriller plot points. Hattie is an engaging main character who is unconflicted about her lesbianism but realistic about the dangers it poses.

The end of this book settles some of the plot points but leaves enough open to get us to hunger for book 2.

[Ashlee Semeniuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never heard of Stacy Lynn Miller until I read this book. What interested me was the storyline. Let me full warn you, that this isn’t a boring “war story” in the slightest. Stacy carefully crafted every detail she wove into this, and oh man I was blown away. What sets this book apart from many other books related to war, she wrote this in a way to also highlight the slower parts of the book. Sometimes stories can get too carried away with the action of it, and miss the mark when creating the ambiance of the slower paced parts. I will say, after reading The Songbird, I will be looking for more from this author. Well done!

[George Stenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads free book and is one of the better ones that I have won.

A very engaging read that follows Hattie James, a famous singer, and her father who is a suspected spy. The FBI are searching for her father, and they pressure Hattie to go to Brazil where they believe that her father may be hiding.

There is an abundance of danger and intrigue in Brazil. Women are going missing, and the police don't seem interested in pursuing. Hattie is determined to help resolve.

Overall, it is a very good book. The ending leads directly into the next book and leaves lots of questions open in this book.

[Marcia Meakim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love reading historical fiction and The Songbird provided a bit of a change in the setting - Rio de Janeiro. Hattie was very engaging, as was the ongoing investigation she involved herself with to find the missing women, including Maya’s sister. The dynamic between Hattie, her pianist, and Maya added a spark to the story as did the evil character of Heinz Baumann. Hattie’s relationship with her mother also fascinated me. The one thread that was frustrating to me was the mystery surrounding her father. I am sure he will play a pivotal role in her next book and I am eager to learn about his mysterious allegiance to Nazi Germany. Three and a half stars.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read, it wrapped up well but the plot hooks are there for the next book(s), I'm curious about how things will play out not just with Hattie but also Maya. I cant tell at this point if Maya will be back in it to any great degree as her story *seems* done at the end of the book (at least for now) so I'm curious is a new love interest will be introduced in the next story or if she will return.