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Stella Bled #7
Double Duet
France, 1941
Missing operatives. A girl that doesn’t fit the mold. A city on the brink.
On the charming streets of Lyon, multiple British operatives have gone missing. With the SOE sending their first agents into France, it’s imperative to know who is betraying the British cause.
When an ally makes a special request, the SIS decides to take a novel approach to the Lyon situation. Stella Bled Lawrence will go in with nothing but a brilliant cover and a partner.
For a city in the free zone, Lyon is home to plenty of Nazis. Some wear the uniform. Many don’t. Peace has come at a high price and desperation is commonplace in a city low on food and patience. The new partners must make friends and they do, but when the Gestapo takes an unhealthy interest in Stella, the situation goes from challenging to downright dangerous. Will the new partners find the information they need or will they get dragged down into the darkness like so many operatives before them?
Double Duet is the action-packed seventh installment in the on-going Stella Bled series, detailing the bravery and sacrifices needed to fight during the darkest days of WWII.
Missing operatives. A girl that doesn’t fit the mold. A city on the brink.
On the charming streets of Lyon, multiple British operatives have gone missing. With the SOE sending their first agents into France, it’s imperative to know who is betraying the British cause.
When an ally makes a special request, the SIS decides to take a novel approach to the Lyon situation. Stella Bled Lawrence will go in with nothing but a brilliant cover and a partner.
For a city in the free zone, Lyon is home to plenty of Nazis. Some wear the uniform. Many don’t. Peace has come at a high price and desperation is commonplace in a city low on food and patience. The new partners must make friends and they do, but when the Gestapo takes an unhealthy interest in Stella, the situation goes from challenging to downright dangerous. Will the new partners find the information they need or will they get dragged down into the darkness like so many operatives before them?
Double Duet is the action-packed seventh installment in the on-going Stella Bled series, detailing the bravery and sacrifices needed to fight during the darkest days of WWII.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
476 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2024
166 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
A.W. Hartoin
47 books228 followersUSA Today bestselling author A.W. Hartoin grew up in rural Missouri, but her grandmother lived in the Central West End area of St. Louis. The CWE fascinated her with its enormous houses, every one unique. She was sure there was a story behind each ornate door. Going to Grandma’s house was a treat and an adventure. As the only grandchild around for many years, A.W. spent her visits exploring the many rooms with their many secrets. That’s how Mercy Watts and the fairies of Whipplethorn came to be.
As an adult, A.W. Hartoin decided she needed a whole lot more life experience if she was going to write good characters so she joined the Air Force. It was the best education she could’ve hoped for. She met her husband and traveled the world, living in Alaska, Italy, and Germany before settling in Colorado for nearly eleven years. Now A.W. has returned to Germany and lives in picturesque Waldenbuch with her family and two spoiled cats, who absolutely believe they should be allowed to escape and roam the village freely.
As an adult, A.W. Hartoin decided she needed a whole lot more life experience if she was going to write good characters so she joined the Air Force. It was the best education she could’ve hoped for. She met her husband and traveled the world, living in Alaska, Italy, and Germany before settling in Colorado for nearly eleven years. Now A.W. has returned to Germany and lives in picturesque Waldenbuch with her family and two spoiled cats, who absolutely believe they should be allowed to escape and roam the village freely.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 9, 2024
Even though I am a cozy mystery fan at heart there is something about this series that is just SO captivating. The story is a bit longer than my normal read as well but the time just flies by and as soon as I start reading I jump right into the action, the intrigue and heart ache. It almost feels like you are transported back in time and are going through it alongside the characters. This is so much better than sitting through a boring history lesson, okay the story might have come from the author's imagination but still it feels so real. I think that is down to two things the author's mastery of writing and the great characters who come alive. You can't help but get attached to them and spend the whole book hoping things turn out okay for them. This is the seventh book in the series and in my opinion it just gets better and better and okay it's not a cozy but there certainly is a mystery to solve in this book.
Stella Bled has her next assignment in the fight against the Germans. This time she is heading to Lyon in France and she is not alone. The two operatives are posing as sisters from America, Stella as a reporter trying to prove herself and Marie a newly trained SIS agent (special intelligence service) as her flighty younger sister who won't settle down. Agents have been disappearing, never to be seen again and it's up to Stella and Marie to find out why. To do this they are staying in the same hotel of at least one of the missing operatives. To find out what happened to the missing men and why nobody is looking in to it, they need to use all there covert skills and training to blend in and standout as fun loving Americans in a city that is full of Nazis and it's own secrets. Who to trust becomes the word of the day.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Stella Bled has her next assignment in the fight against the Germans. This time she is heading to Lyon in France and she is not alone. The two operatives are posing as sisters from America, Stella as a reporter trying to prove herself and Marie a newly trained SIS agent (special intelligence service) as her flighty younger sister who won't settle down. Agents have been disappearing, never to be seen again and it's up to Stella and Marie to find out why. To do this they are staying in the same hotel of at least one of the missing operatives. To find out what happened to the missing men and why nobody is looking in to it, they need to use all there covert skills and training to blend in and standout as fun loving Americans in a city that is full of Nazis and it's own secrets. Who to trust becomes the word of the day.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 21, 2024
What a fantastic book this was to read. The author truly captured the suspense during Stella's newest spy adventure. Working alongside a newbie spy she aims to fund out what happened to other agents who have gone missing in Lyon. This was a roller coaster of emotions for me reading this book. I was so sucked in I forgot it wasn't a true story. Well done to the author for a truly enjoyable read 5 stars not enough!
May 23, 2024
I almost can’t believe that there are already seven Stella Bled books, but at the same time I’m almost surprised that it’s only book seven, because Stella has been through so much. From St. Louis to Vienna to Venice to Paris to Britain to Berlin to the Netherlands to Paris to London – and now to Lyon, France. The night before she left for her honeymoon Stella watched her aunt Florence singing and dancing with her girls Myrtle and Millicent and saw what she thought was a preview of her own life. She’d soon be dancing with her own babies, content in her life full of family, beer and happiness with Nicky. That had been the plan all along and she was eager to get on with it. But it wasn’t to be.
Double Duet opens with a prologue that lets us check in on Abel. Abel who gave her the package in Vienna that changed her life and started her on the journey that has been so perilous, so difficult, so bone-wearying. Abel is well, or as well as anyone can be during these times, and part of a shadowy resistance. His connection with Stella is strong, and he’s finally found “the one” his mother told him about. We can be hopeful.
As for Stella, she’s on yet another mission. And once again her time with Nicky has been far too short. I am always so happy when they are together; they are young but their love is old. Stella and Nicky are Americans, once pampered Americans, but they care not only for the United States but for the world. It sounds kind of cheesy but it’s not. It’s just their strong, brave hearts, and their willingness to sacrifice over and over again.
Stella is strong and determined and makes herself appear comfortable in situations that are potentially dangerous and deadly. She’s had many close calls, been injured, worn disguises, had to run for her life and has always gotten herself through it. But this mission is different because she has a partner. Marie and Stella are posing as sisters from Ohio, and I must confess that Marie made me nervous nearly every time she opened her mouth. Marie is clever, capable, brave, but very, very inexperienced and uninitiated. She often seems to be overplaying her part and every time she’s in a scene I’m worried she’s going to somehow say the wrong thing, reveal too much and blow it. Disastrously. But they have their orders and they will do what they must.
Their orders are to find out what happened to two missing American operatives in occupied Lyon, France, where the French government is making as many rules and restrictions as Hitler wants and the everyday citizens, especially the Jewish citizens, while waiting for America to join and war and come and save them are slowly realizing how much their lives are changing.
Every new book finds Stella a little more worn down and despairing. She has endured so much my heart breaks a little more for her each time, for what she has sacrificed, for how all of her life ahead of her will be forever affected. This time in Lyon is especially horrific. Their cover as Kat the newspaper reporter and her ditzy sister Audrey brings them in close contact with the German occupiers, collaborators, a German intelligence agent, members of the resistance, and an inhumane landlady. It takes them to clubs and churches and everywhere in-between, subjects them to deathly illness, near-kidnapping by the Gestapo. Their search for the missing Americans leads them to discover many other missing men and a mystery to solve regarding traitors in plain sight. It’s a thrilling, heart-pounding read from start to finish.
Author A. W. Hartoin is an amazing author. Every book she writes has some connection to one of her other books or other series – familiar characters appear in unfamiliar places. She is a master at planning and plotting and keeping all those balls in the air while insuring the thread remains logical and credible. Her stories contain so much detail, and she unfolds the story step by step. There is always much more than what you see on the surface and many “Aha!” moments.
Double Duet is an amazing, and amazingly satisfying, story. Fast paced, well written, characters with depth and personality, situations that will break your heart or give you hope. I was totally immersed in the story and couldn’t read fast enough, and now can’t wait to see what befalls Stella next. In the meantime I plan to continue with Hartoin’s other series: Mercy Watts as well as The Jess and Libby Paranormal Cozy Mysteries. I have been reading Hartoin’s books for a long time and love them all. Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of Double Duet. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Double Duet opens with a prologue that lets us check in on Abel. Abel who gave her the package in Vienna that changed her life and started her on the journey that has been so perilous, so difficult, so bone-wearying. Abel is well, or as well as anyone can be during these times, and part of a shadowy resistance. His connection with Stella is strong, and he’s finally found “the one” his mother told him about. We can be hopeful.
As for Stella, she’s on yet another mission. And once again her time with Nicky has been far too short. I am always so happy when they are together; they are young but their love is old. Stella and Nicky are Americans, once pampered Americans, but they care not only for the United States but for the world. It sounds kind of cheesy but it’s not. It’s just their strong, brave hearts, and their willingness to sacrifice over and over again.
Stella is strong and determined and makes herself appear comfortable in situations that are potentially dangerous and deadly. She’s had many close calls, been injured, worn disguises, had to run for her life and has always gotten herself through it. But this mission is different because she has a partner. Marie and Stella are posing as sisters from Ohio, and I must confess that Marie made me nervous nearly every time she opened her mouth. Marie is clever, capable, brave, but very, very inexperienced and uninitiated. She often seems to be overplaying her part and every time she’s in a scene I’m worried she’s going to somehow say the wrong thing, reveal too much and blow it. Disastrously. But they have their orders and they will do what they must.
Their orders are to find out what happened to two missing American operatives in occupied Lyon, France, where the French government is making as many rules and restrictions as Hitler wants and the everyday citizens, especially the Jewish citizens, while waiting for America to join and war and come and save them are slowly realizing how much their lives are changing.
Every new book finds Stella a little more worn down and despairing. She has endured so much my heart breaks a little more for her each time, for what she has sacrificed, for how all of her life ahead of her will be forever affected. This time in Lyon is especially horrific. Their cover as Kat the newspaper reporter and her ditzy sister Audrey brings them in close contact with the German occupiers, collaborators, a German intelligence agent, members of the resistance, and an inhumane landlady. It takes them to clubs and churches and everywhere in-between, subjects them to deathly illness, near-kidnapping by the Gestapo. Their search for the missing Americans leads them to discover many other missing men and a mystery to solve regarding traitors in plain sight. It’s a thrilling, heart-pounding read from start to finish.
Author A. W. Hartoin is an amazing author. Every book she writes has some connection to one of her other books or other series – familiar characters appear in unfamiliar places. She is a master at planning and plotting and keeping all those balls in the air while insuring the thread remains logical and credible. Her stories contain so much detail, and she unfolds the story step by step. There is always much more than what you see on the surface and many “Aha!” moments.
Double Duet is an amazing, and amazingly satisfying, story. Fast paced, well written, characters with depth and personality, situations that will break your heart or give you hope. I was totally immersed in the story and couldn’t read fast enough, and now can’t wait to see what befalls Stella next. In the meantime I plan to continue with Hartoin’s other series: Mercy Watts as well as The Jess and Libby Paranormal Cozy Mysteries. I have been reading Hartoin’s books for a long time and love them all. Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of Double Duet. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
May 26, 2024
Stella and The Marie Finally Meet
Can there be a realistic period spy novel about women spies? Why yes there can: several of them. Stella is back in the thick of things in France after being unwillingly benched in London. (Not that it kept her out of trouble.) She’s in Lyon, France, in the "unoccupied" section of the country, but she and Marie are neck deep in the German/Nazi presence. Stella is partnered with Marie Galloway who is a slightly younger and taller version of herself. Like Stella she has the surface persona of a giddy, entitled girl; but also like Stella, she has a steel-strong core. It’s Marie’s first undercover operation and she has a lot to learn. I love the descriptions and the feeling of the places they are in. Secondary characters aren’t just placeholders, they are nearly as well drawn as the main characters. I really like that actual historical people are presented in the story without a lot of pointing them out. It’s left to the reader to do their own research. Since Stella and Marie are part of the Mercy Watts stories, it’s clear that even more serious events are in their future. I highly recommend this series!
Can there be a realistic period spy novel about women spies? Why yes there can: several of them. Stella is back in the thick of things in France after being unwillingly benched in London. (Not that it kept her out of trouble.) She’s in Lyon, France, in the "unoccupied" section of the country, but she and Marie are neck deep in the German/Nazi presence. Stella is partnered with Marie Galloway who is a slightly younger and taller version of herself. Like Stella she has the surface persona of a giddy, entitled girl; but also like Stella, she has a steel-strong core. It’s Marie’s first undercover operation and she has a lot to learn. I love the descriptions and the feeling of the places they are in. Secondary characters aren’t just placeholders, they are nearly as well drawn as the main characters. I really like that actual historical people are presented in the story without a lot of pointing them out. It’s left to the reader to do their own research. Since Stella and Marie are part of the Mercy Watts stories, it’s clear that even more serious events are in their future. I highly recommend this series!
June 26, 2024
Edge of your seat!
Stella Bled Lawrence is off on another adventure with a partner no less. You would never know she was an American heiress by birth and marriage! She has committed to the British to help the war effort and has gotten herself out of some really dangerous situations. The agency is concerned about Stella going in alone and have paired her up with a newbie and Stella is missing her quiet time. She isn’t used to explaining and training while on a mission. Several agencies have lost operatives and Stella and Marie are sent to Lyon France to see what information they can find to suss out the traitor killing operatives. The suspenseful twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat! The author is so remarkable that you can actually visualize being there and taking in what’s happening. This is excellent historical fiction and you believe you experienced it all yourself. I can’t wait to see what else Stella gets herself into on her next trip into subterfuge to save Britain during WWII. It’s a wonderful book and have loved every one in the series. You won’t be disappointed!
Stella Bled Lawrence is off on another adventure with a partner no less. You would never know she was an American heiress by birth and marriage! She has committed to the British to help the war effort and has gotten herself out of some really dangerous situations. The agency is concerned about Stella going in alone and have paired her up with a newbie and Stella is missing her quiet time. She isn’t used to explaining and training while on a mission. Several agencies have lost operatives and Stella and Marie are sent to Lyon France to see what information they can find to suss out the traitor killing operatives. The suspenseful twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat! The author is so remarkable that you can actually visualize being there and taking in what’s happening. This is excellent historical fiction and you believe you experienced it all yourself. I can’t wait to see what else Stella gets herself into on her next trip into subterfuge to save Britain during WWII. It’s a wonderful book and have loved every one in the series. You won’t be disappointed!
November 16, 2024
I love the Stella Bled series!
I have read all 7 books one after another often on the edge of my seat with each book. The writing is well done, engaging with lots of interesting characters, action, history and great descriptions of wonderful European cities in the 1930's and 1940's. I have read a lot on WWII but still learned more about Europe at the time before the US entered the war. I love Stella's courage, smarts, values and ingenuity when in tight situations. She is inspiring. I sure hope there will be more to come in this series. I will feel a loss until a new one comes out. Thank you, AW Hartoin for such a great heroine and series.
I have read all 7 books one after another often on the edge of my seat with each book. The writing is well done, engaging with lots of interesting characters, action, history and great descriptions of wonderful European cities in the 1930's and 1940's. I have read a lot on WWII but still learned more about Europe at the time before the US entered the war. I love Stella's courage, smarts, values and ingenuity when in tight situations. She is inspiring. I sure hope there will be more to come in this series. I will feel a loss until a new one comes out. Thank you, AW Hartoin for such a great heroine and series.
May 24, 2024
Humanity, love and hate
A dual timeline series when combined with the Mercy Watts series. Beautifully written and full of compassion for the courage of some privileged fictional people who were thrust into the horror of World War II on their honeymoon (Book 1) and their continued service as spies. The difficulties of having enemies that could have been friends in other circumstances. The sorrow of learning nice people sometimes are not at all nice.
A dual timeline series when combined with the Mercy Watts series. Beautifully written and full of compassion for the courage of some privileged fictional people who were thrust into the horror of World War II on their honeymoon (Book 1) and their continued service as spies. The difficulties of having enemies that could have been friends in other circumstances. The sorrow of learning nice people sometimes are not at all nice.
October 8, 2024
It was a very interesting reading. I enjoyed it very much. However, I was a little disappointed that Stella and Nick never got to renew their friendship with Abe. I was hoping that the would meet again and enjoy a new journey supporting the French underground resistance.
Thank you for a good reading series.
Thank you for a good reading series.
May 23, 2024
Double Duet
I have waited and waited for Book 7 and it was so worth it!!!! I couldn’t put it down once I started it! And as usual, never saw what was coming next! IT WAS GREAT!!!!!!
I have waited and waited for Book 7 and it was so worth it!!!! I couldn’t put it down once I started it! And as usual, never saw what was coming next! IT WAS GREAT!!!!!!
June 8, 2024
Entertaining but disjointed
I’ve read several of the Stella Bled novels, but found this one had a somewhat disjointed storyline compared to the others. A bit fluffier than previous reads as well.
I’ve read several of the Stella Bled novels, but found this one had a somewhat disjointed storyline compared to the others. A bit fluffier than previous reads as well.
June 22, 2024
Another fun adventure with Stella Bled
I enjoyed this book. I love the introduction of Marie and the bantering between Stella and Marie was priceless! I hope the two of them have further adventures together
I enjoyed this book. I love the introduction of Marie and the bantering between Stella and Marie was priceless! I hope the two of them have further adventures together
September 4, 2024
This is book 7 of a wonderful series. I have loved every one. They are captivating and exciting books with characters you love. I hope there's a book 8. I would highly recommend this series to fans of historical fiction. You will not be disappointed.
October 6, 2024
I've read all 7 of the books on this series and have hated to see it end. I'm a fan of historical novels, especially WWII resistance. The main character. Stella Bled Lawrence was the first woman in the French resistance
She helped start the SOE in Britain.
She helped start the SOE in Britain.
February 7, 2025
This one was a little harder to follow. I'm hoping she continues with this series. There's still several years left in the war. I do love the Stella Bled Lawrence series, though. I want to know what happens to Abel, Nicky, Uncle Josiah, etc. I'm hoping for a happy ending, although I know it didn't happen often during that time.
September 16, 2024
Another great instalment in this wonderful series.
November 17, 2024
Great read!
Read the whole Stella Bled series! I hope you enjoy the books as much as I have because they are great!
Read the whole Stella Bled series! I hope you enjoy the books as much as I have because they are great!
September 17, 2025
This is a very good series. I enjoyed this book with Stella having a "sister" as her "assistant" while she was undercover as a "reporter" in France for the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews