The Women of Arlington Hall

by Jane Healey

A female codebreaker puts her future and her heart on the line in a stirring novel about love, loyalty, betrayal, and Cold War spy games by the bestselling author of The Secret Stealers.

1947: Adventurous Radcliffe graduate Catherine “Cat” Killeen cancels her wedding and upends a future that no longer suits her. At the behest of her professor and hungry for a challenge, Cat arrives in Virginia to work on a confidential military project. A student in cryptoanalysis, Cat is already ahead of the game—to assist in rooting out Soviet spies who have infiltrated the US.

Joining the “government girls” of Arlington Hall, Cat gains the respect of her superiors and the friendship of her peers. Then, on a night out in DC, Cat runs into Jonathan Dardis, her arrogant and privileged Harvard rival and newly minted agent for the FBI. What Cat and Jonathan share is a competitive drive and an attraction that’s becoming just as spirited. They’re also united in the same critical goal for America. Together, they’re diving deep into the shadows of espionage.

The stakes of the codebreaking operation grow ever higher, and Cat’s relationship with Jonathan opens her heart. Amid dangerous intrigue and grave secrecy, Cat is ready for every risk—no matter how personal the stakes get.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Audiobook, Book Club, Ebooks

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2025

About the author

Jane Healey shares a home north of Boston with her husband, two daughters, and two cats. When she’s not writing historical fiction, she enjoys running, reading, cooking and going to the beach.

For more information on the author, her work and upcoming events:

Website: www.janehealey.com.
Facebook: facebook.com/JaneHealeyBooks/
Twitter and Instagram:@healeyjane

Reviews

[Andrew Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

More syrup than intrigue..

Reads like a teenage sleepover paperback instead of an intelligence service novel.. Not supposed to discuss their work of site? That's all they did whenever they were in a bar! Very disappointing read.

[Emmy Barron · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was free from amazon and it was free for a reason—thought it would be a cool one about codebreaking women during the Cold War and instead it was about their social lives :(

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

The Women of Arlington Hall
By: Jane Healey
Pub Date: August 1, 2025
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

I am a devoted reader for Healey’s books and look forward to every release. If you love historical fiction, I highly recommend all her books and her “ Historical Happy Hour” podcast/interviews with some amazing authors.
This novel entranced me on Saturday. I was so invested in Catherine “Cat” Killeen’s future. I loved her last name, as this is the town I live in. 😊
1947 Cat makes the decision to cancel her wedding and marks her on course, which to many is not what is expected. Her professor encourages her to an opportunity of a lifetime, which was not possible for many women in those days. She has the grades, math and language background and she becomes a “government girl” at Arlington Hall, Virginia. They are known as secretaries are reminded many times they can not share what they “really do”.
As an Arlington Hall girls she makes friends with those who have the same skill set. On a night out with the girls she runs into a man from her past, who she does not have care for. They were rivals at one time, but their competitive nature and constant banter might turn into more. Jonathan is now working for the FBI.
Cat has other obstacles besides Jonathan, which prove to be problematic.
I adore this novel and author. Thank you for sharing your ARC with Beyond the Pages. Now my new favorite after Bean Town Girls, which is also by Healey. This traveling ARC has been to SC, MD, TX and is soon heading to California.

[SnowDevil · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't understand why this book has such high reviews. I honestly thought, for a good 50% of the book, that it was written by AI. I looked up the author at that point, and I read the note in the back of the book that explains the history that inspired the story, and yes, she appears to be a real person... but I still can't rule out the idea that she fed it to AI. It just feels quick and sloppy.

Throughout the story, the author tells rather than shows - with *everything*. The dialog was childish and clunky. The author apparently knows no synonyms for "said". (Seriously, all dialog was "Jonathan said", "I said", "Effie said"... except for the few monologues, when it was clear who was giving a speech or an explanation, and then no utterance verb was used at all.) With the exceptions of some descriptions of outfits (and there are a LOT of descriptions of outfits) and the ubiquitous references to getting Coke from the Coke machine, there's not much in the book that's immersive about the time period. The vocabulary and colloquial phrases used are all contemporary - none of the characters do or say anything indicative of the time period. Although the main character corresponds with her family via written letters, mail seems to arrive remarkably quickly - even across the Atlantic Ocean to and from post-war Britain. (To be clear, the book is not full of anachronisms... no one pulls out a mobile phone or sends an email... but the way the characters interact feels too modern.)

The story itself isn't terrible, but the foreshadowing is so heavy-handed (and, again, the habit of telling rather than showing) completely removes all intrigue and sense of mystery. It's pretty clear from the moment each of the "bad guys" is introduced that they're going to be, well, one of the "bad guys"... and at some point you just wish the MC would get on with it and figure it out already. But no, actually, she never does figure it out... she has to be told. And the plot point that provides the climax is so unbelievable that it sort of ruined the whole resolution anyway.

On top of all that... there is very little actual cryptography in the book (although this isn't really surprising - most historical fiction writers aren't also math and codebreaking experts), but there is a LOT of clumsy romance that feels very adolescent. In the author's note, she says that she read the story of the female codebreakers in the late 1940s/early 1950s and then thought "what if one of the codebreakers fell in love with one of the men from the FBI?". Frankly, that question should have remained a thought exercise. It did not enhance the spy/codebreaking story. Perhaps the book would have been too short that way - or perhaps it would have allowed the author to put more effort into the spy story itself.

I can't recommend this book - unless, like me, you get a free copy and just want an easy read, in which case - go for it.

[Read July 2025]

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exceptional book that looks into the women code breakers just after World War II ended and just before the United States entered the Korean War. In my opinion, it was the perfect blending of history, romance, and chick-lit.

Much of this book was factual, which made it a valuable learning experience for me. I could have done with a tad less romance, but that means that this book has something for everyone. We have mystery, espionage, romance, the Cold War, and a glimpse into the lives of the women who gave their all due to their loyalty to their country.

This would be a book that is high up on the list of books for Book Clubs. This book will provide you with plenty to discuss, regardless of your age. However, it may resonate more with older readers who lived through most of this.

I highly recommend this novel.

*ARC supplied by the publisher, Lake Union Publishing, the author Jane Healey, and NetGalley.

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seemed more interested is the romance that the code breaking. But I like the technical stuff. Author note at the end was the best part.

[Suzanne Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Cold War historical fiction novel’s an espionage thriller with a tenacious, fiercely intelligent codebreaker, Catherine Killeen, at its helm. Catherine and her troop of “government girl” friends are crypto analysts working for the United Stated as part of the Venona Project—a US counterintelligence program that decrypted intel to uncover a Soviet spy ring and discover what the Soviets knew about the atomic bomb. The novel’s a page-turning read that highlights these women’s essential contributions to Cold War intelligence-gathering, their sisterhood and friendships. The “will-they-won’t-they” romance between Cat and FBI agent Jonathan added a delicious fun to the story as well. Based on true historical figures and drawn from real events, this is a fast-paced, suspenseful read about exceptional women and their fight to win the Cold War with their wits.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

Story about young women post WWII who find government jobs which open up their lives in new and excitng ways. Enjoyed the descriptions of the fashions of the time. Good girl vibes tale.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

That should read 2.5 stars - not my favorite code breaking tale surrounding arms race leading to atomic bomb. It reads like a teen romance at times. I stuck with it to the end, though.

It was free from Amazon at the time I checked it out.

[Reanna Theobald · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up!!!

another good book from amazon first reads!! i just LOVE reading about intelligent women. & i especially love reading historical fiction based around real women who don’t get enough credit. this was such a good read that focused on the female codebreakers during the cold war. this was a good balance between the FMC finding love & finding and continually proving her place in her field. i can’t say too much without giving stuff away, but this was just well worth the read.

also side note: the question that is subliminally brought up about right & wrong during this time is super interesting to me

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where to start. The story takes place in the 1940s but is written with more current prose and slang. The story is so elementary I half expected the words “the end” when I finished the book. I felt this urge to finish it hoping it got better and it only got worse with the completely ridiculous fictional storyline of Catherine and Jonathon.

[Kendra · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a DNF for me. Needed more code breaking, less romance and horrendous flirting at the bars.

[Jennifer S. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so refreshing to pick up a book that covers a time period I know almost nothing about. The Women of Arlington Hall is about the codebreakers charged with deciphering Russian messages post WWII. While the story has been fictionalized, it is based on the real-life Verona Project.

What is especially lovely about this book is how beautifully it balances the codebreaking aspects with the development of the characters. After graduating Radcliffe, Cat Killeen left her fiancé at the altar and takes a challenging position in the Russian Building of the codebreaking. She loves the math and the puzzles and finds the work engaging, although she also develops deep relationships with her female coworkers (I love a book that passes the Bechdel Test!). There is a love interest, but I appreciated that the focus of the story remained on Cat and her work. As a member of a super secret project, Cat must be careful to remain silent on her work; any hints of misdeed is an act of treason that could lead to a prison sentence. Of course, parts of her past resurface threatening the work she loves doing.

The Cold War is a time that hasn't been written as much about in historical fiction. I was fascinated by the seeking out and demonizing of Communists. Healey has written a remarkable novel, and fans of WWII novels will love reading about what comes next for the world. Terrific book!

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy.

[Lisa G. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE, LOYALTY, AND ESPIONAGE!

I have been a devoted reader of Jane Healey’s novels for many years. I believe each new story is better than the previous one. Healey puts forth vast amounts of hours of impeccable research in each of her novels, and that is why they are so authentic, and you feel as though you are a participant in the story and not merely a reader.

All the above is true for The Women of Arlington Hall. Healey takes readers on a grand adventure of what life was like for Catherine “Cat” Killeen as she moves to Washington, DC, to join a group of like-minded people to help find Soviet spies who have infiltrated the United States. Cat moves into Arlington Hall with the other “government girls,” each of whom has a specific secret job. None of the others know what that job is unless they work directly with one another.

Cat runs into an old friend from college (or should I say “competitor” as they seemed to compete with each other for every point of every grade). Jonathan Dardis now works for the FBI and is still as good-looking and smooth-talking as ever. They find quite the sizzle between them as they work together for the common good. Unfortunately, their work comes before play as Cat becomes invaluable in cryptoanalysis and Dardis is sent to work overseas. However, before he leaves, they have a goodbye kiss for the ages!

Their two agencies put in many long, difficult hours trying to find a break in their shared need and goal. Finally, small cracks start appearing, then bigger ones, then major fissures, until big chunks crumble, and then a significant power collapses! Now that one major military secret has been cracked, will the star-crossed lovers be able to find one another again? If so, will their feelings still be the same? Or, will they be reassigned to new, separate projects and once again find themselves on different continents? I highly recommend reading this novel. It is full of love, loyalty, and espionage.

Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this novel. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.

[Karlie Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

I have been on a historical fiction kick reading a lot about ww2 time frame. I was really intrigued by the code breaking and women who were doing those jobs back in the day. I felt like this lacked historical perspective. It felt like I was reading more about each of the characters and their lives outside of work. It was a lot more social than I was expecting.

Is still and interesting read just wasn’t the historical fiction I was expecting.

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very disappointed. This is more of a romance novel than a history novel about the women who helped to break the codes during the Cold War. I don’t feel she did adequate research on the time period. she has the ladies planning on going dress shopping, buying a toaster and food shopping on Sunday in 1949. They may have been able to buy some groceries, but not the others. Blue laws were still in effect until the mid 1980s making it impossible to buy anything but medication‘s and groceries on Sunday.

[Trana Mathews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical Romance

Novel about codebreakers, Soviet spies, and the atomic bomb. In my opinion, this is just a romance novel in a historical framework. I kept trying to get past this to the real story.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction.

I read a lot of historical fiction but admittedly have not read much about this era in our nation’s history. Code breakers are of interest to me as I enjoy both history and puzzles in general. I always try to imagine myself sitting in for the main character, as the one who solves the puzzle and saves the day. Of course, I also understand that code breaking is normally a team effort, but it’s still fun to fantasize. This was a terrific read and I enjoyed learning more about this segment of our history. Be sure to read author’s notes at the end. Highly recommend to lovers of historical fiction.

[Pat Haber · Rating 2 out of 5]

so most historical fiction has some sort of romanc in it, and depending on the skill of the author, this can be either enhancing or just a good side story. in this case, however, the romance was so trite, that i would consider this book as True Romance, rather than Historical Fiction! Truly, there is historical fiction in it, but even that wasn't very interesting to me. it's focused on rooting out the Russian spies in the late 1940's and early 50's. One of the characters at the end justifies sharing the information with the Manhattan project with the Soviets, has a very sound arguement. but other than that, they are just bad guys, including the Rosenbergs, both of them. so there was so little exploration of the ambiguiity of that time, that i began to think the author is pretty one dimentional herself. but it was the romance that almost made me want to stop reading the book--so trite! i hate it when women authors describe the male characters expressing their feelings and express them like females, it only adds to how unrealistic it is. at any rate, no more for me from this author.

[Aftan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Healey for years, has been my go-to for historical fiction. She has a way of building a story, developing characters, and weaving history in a way that leaves me turning page after page. She also includes real people and events, which is absolute perfection. The Women of Arlington Hall is a new era literally as this book is based post-WWII. To say I loved it would be an understatement.

The fact that we get a well-written book that covers the early part of the Cold War era has me absolutely giddy. Cat, an absolute genius with puzzles, has an opportunity to work in DC on code-breaking efforts that will have huge impacts on the Cold War era for not just the US, but the world. She jumps at the opportunity and soon builds herself a community of supportive and amazing sub-characters and also reconnects with some people in her past. There is also a B-plot romance that had me in a swoon.

Please stop reading this review and start reading The Women of Arlington Hall. I can't recommend it enough!

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to say, this book has problems. It was a slog to get through, and I would have DNFd if I wasn’t reading for a bookclub. I kept being distracted while reading and almost had to force myself to keep going. The premise is great - a US Bletchley Park. But the execution is somewhat poor. It’s predictable, to a degree that you can’t really believe it wasn’t a red herring. Characters often do ridiculous things just to make the story come out the way the author wants. The main character is not likable, and is one of those who is “perfect” and does no growing in the course of the story. Too much of this book is about romance and hanging out and too little about codebreaking. There are no meaningful twists. I just can’t recommend this one.

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read about women codebreakers post WWII. Not only about their secret work, but also about their private lives. Based on true event and some real people. Enjoyed this one very much, including amazing side characters and the love story. Thank you to the author for providing me a free ARC, publishing on August 1

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Women of Arlington Hall is the historical fiction standalone by Jane Healey.

A female codebreaker puts her future and her heart on the line in a stirring novel about love, loyalty, betrayal, and Cold War spy games. 1947: Catherine “Cat” Killeen cancels her wedding and upends a future that no longer suits her. At the behest of her professor and hungry for a challenge, Cat arrives in Virginia to work on a confidential military project. A student in cryptoanalysis, Cat is already ahead of the game—to assist in rooting out Soviet spies who have infiltrated the US. Joining the “government girls” of Arlington Hall, Cat gains the respect of her superiors and the friendship of her peers. Then, on a night out in DC, Cat runs into Jonathan Dardis, her arrogant and privileged Harvard rival and newly minted agent for the FBI. What Cat and Jonathan share is a competitive drive and an attraction that’s becoming just as spirited. They’re also united in the same critical goal for America. Together, they’re diving deep into the shadows of espionage.

I saw this in my kindle unlimited recommendations and was immediately intrigued upon reading the blurb. The previous historical fiction that I have read, I have ended up enjoying, so I figured this was a good way to continue exploring the genre. Admittedly, I don't know anything about code breaking, but I know it's a very important role so I was excited to see a female main character be trusted with that responsibility.

I appreciated the historical insight that we got, however I would have enjoyed a more in depth plot based on what it takes to be a code breaker, as opposed to focusing on the romance. I'm not dismissing the romance between Cat and Jonathan, if anything I think it was really sweet and well done, however it felt like it took away from what was most important. I feel like in the beginning, the main focus was on the work that the women of Arlington do, but it slowly shifted to where the focus was more on their love lives and off-the-clock activities.

I think this book had great potential, and my rating would have been bumped up had the plot been more focused on the historical fiction as opposed to the romance and friendships. The writing for the most part was fine, and didn't really impact my reading experience, but there were times where certain elements were repeated, such as the descriptions of what the women were wearing which felt unnecessary at times.

I would recommend this if you're looking to expand on your desire to read more historical fiction, but don't expect everything that is outlined in the blurb.

[Ana Stanciu-Dumitrache · Rating 4 out of 5]

Foarte buna intriga, personaje interesante, promițătoare.. am avut așteptări mari după primele capitole și e bună, dar parcă nu s-a ridicat la nivelul așteptărilor. A fost destul de previzibil finalul, mă așteptam la mai multă acțiune și mai mult suspans, să se complice puțin situația.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction is not my 'go to' genre, but I enjoyed it (and learned something about the cold war!)

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story about women decoding and revealing Russian spies. A bit heavy on the love story sideline. Was happy to spend some time learning more about the atomic bomb secrets during this period.

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Healey has outdone herself with The Women of Arlington Hall, a captivating historical romance that weaves together Cold War intrigue, brilliant female codebreakers, and a love story that sizzles against the backdrop of national security concerns. Set in 1947, this novel follows Catherine "Cat" Killeen as she trades her canceled wedding for a classified position at Arlington Hall, the nerve center of America's codebreaking operations during the early Cold War.

The premise alone is enough to draw readers in: a Radcliffe graduate abandoning conventional expectations to pursue cryptanalysis work, only to find herself face-to-face with Jonathan Dardis, her arrogant Harvard rival turned FBI agent. What unfolds is a story that perfectly captures the tension between personal desires and professional obligations, all while the fate of atomic secrets hangs in the balance.

Character Development That Defies Convention
Catherine Killeen: A Heroine Worth Rooting For

Healey has crafted a protagonist who embodies the complexity of women in the 1940s—caught between traditional expectations and their own ambitious dreams. Cat's decision to cancel her wedding isn't portrayed as impulsive feminine fickleness, but rather as a courageous choice by a woman who recognizes her own worth and potential. Her transition from sheltered Radcliffe graduate to skilled codebreaker feels authentic and earned.

Cat's competitive nature with Jonathan creates delicious tension that goes far beyond typical romantic banter. Their shared excellence in cryptology gives them equal footing intellectually, making their romantic dynamic more compelling than the usual power imbalances found in historical romance. Healey doesn't shy away from showing Cat's vulnerabilities—her moments of doubt about her career choice, her complex relationship with her Irish-American family, and her struggle to trust her own heart after nearly marrying the wrong man.

Jonathan Dardis: More Than Just a Charming Rival

Jonathan could have easily fallen into the trap of being another arrogant but attractive love interest. Instead, Healey develops him as a man genuinely dedicated to his work while wrestling with his growing feelings for Cat. His Harvard privilege is acknowledged but not excused, and his competitive nature with Cat reveals itself to be rooted in genuine respect for her abilities.

The revelation that Jonathan had secretly admired Cat's singing at her family's pub years before they officially met adds layers to their relationship that elevate it beyond simple academic rivalry. This backstory creates a foundation of attraction that predates their classroom competition, making their eventual romance feel more inevitable and satisfying.

The Supporting Cast: Government Girls with Depth
Female Friendships That Feel Genuine

The relationships between Cat and her fellow "government girls"—Effie, Gia, and Rosemary—provide emotional grounding for the story. These aren't superficial friendships designed merely to advance the plot; they feel like authentic bonds formed between women navigating uncharted professional territory together.

Rosemary's relationship with Margaret deserves particular mention, as Healey handles their same-sex relationship with sensitivity and historical accuracy. The subplot adds depth to the novel's exploration of women finding their place in a changing world, showing that love and acceptance could exist even in more restrictive times.

The Espionage Elements: Historical Accuracy Meets Compelling Drama

Healey's research into the Venona Project is evident throughout the novel. The technical aspects of codebreaking are explained clearly without overwhelming readers, and the historical figures who make appearances—from Klaus Fuchs to Julius and Ethel Rosenberg—are integrated seamlessly into the fictional narrative.

Writing Style: Balancing Romance with Historical Weight

Healey's prose strikes an excellent balance between accessibility and sophistication. She captures the urgency and paranoia of the early Cold War period without sacrificing the romantic elements that make the story so engaging. The pacing is particularly well-handled, with moments of intense codebreaking work interspersed with quieter character development and romantic tension.

The author's background in historical fiction is evident in her attention to period details—from the cafeteria conversations at Arlington Hall to the nightlife in 1940s Washington DC. These details never feel overwhelming or inserted merely to show off research; they serve the story and help immerse readers in the time period.

Areas Where the Novel Occasionally Stumbles
Predictable Plot Elements

While Healey excels at character development and historical detail, some plot points feel telegraphed well in advance. The revelation about Cat's uncle Peter Walker being the Soviet spy code-named Quantum, while emotionally impactful, doesn't come as much of a surprise to attentive readers. Similarly, the resolution of the romantic tension between Cat and Jonathan follows a fairly traditional arc that lacks some of the originality found in other aspects of the novel.

Balancing Historical Accuracy with Romance

Occasionally, the novel's commitment to historical accuracy creates tension with the romantic elements. The early Cold War period was marked by intense suspicion and career-ending accusations, yet Cat and Jonathan's relationship develops with relatively few consequences given their positions. While this makes for a more satisfying romance, it sometimes feels at odds with the paranoid atmosphere Healey otherwise captures so well.

Themes That Resonate Beyond the 1940s
Women in Male-Dominated Fields

The novel's exploration of women working in highly specialized, male-dominated fields remains remarkably relevant. Cat's experiences—being offered positions only after male candidates decline them, having to prove herself repeatedly, navigating romantic relationships that could complicate her career—will resonate with contemporary readers who have faced similar challenges.

Trust and Betrayal in Personal and Professional Spheres

The parallel between Cat's canceled engagement and the betrayals uncovered through codebreaking work creates thematic depth that elevates the novel above simple romantic entertainment. The question of whom to trust—whether in love or in matters of national security—runs throughout the story, giving weight to both the romantic and espionage plotlines.

Final Assessment: A Must-Read for Historical Romance Enthusiasts

The Women of Arlington Hall succeeds on multiple levels: as a romance, as historical fiction, and as a tribute to the unsung contributions of women in the intelligence community. While some plot elements are predictable, the strength of the characters and the fascinating historical setting more than compensate for any weaknesses.

Healey has created a novel that will appeal to readers seeking both intellectual engagement and emotional satisfaction. The combination of cryptology, Cold War intrigue, and genuine romantic chemistry makes this a standout entry in the historical romance genre.

For readers who enjoyed similar works, this novel sits comfortably alongside authors like Kate Quinn, Kristina McMorris, and Susan Elia MacNeal, offering the same combination of strong female characters, historical accuracy, and compelling romance that makes historical fiction so enduringly popular.

[Marion Sheppard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. “…we’re not going to decipher every message, identify every person. Ever. There will always be more code names, there will always be more work to do. And I’m afraid there will continue to be more bad news in the world that, somehow, we’ll feel responsible for.”

This is an historical fiction novel set in the late 1940’s following a group of young women working at Arlington Hall, a classified and secret U.S. codebreaking facility. Cat (aka Catherine) has always liked puzzles and solving problems, and one of her professors at Radcliff recommends she consider applying to work for the government on a secret project (in actuality The Verona Project). The story centers on three women—Catherine, Gia, and Effie—who come from different backgrounds but are united in their commitment to the war effort. Their main focus is to review KGB correspondence to ascertain who is sharing intel about making atomic bombs.

As they decode enemy messages and face personal challenges, they form deep friendships and confront issues of loyalty, sacrifice, and love. Real historical figures—like Hoover, Klaus Fuchs, and the Rosenbergs—appear alongside richly drawn fictional characters, enhancing the authenticity of this Cold War espionage thriller. Blending suspense, romance, and historical detail, the novel highlights the critical but often overlooked role women played in intelligence work during the war. In the same vein as "Hidden Figures", we discover how both groups of women played behind-the-scenes but indispensable roles in pivotal historical moments. Their achievements not only advanced U.S. national security and scientific leadership but also challenged and began to change societal norms about what women could achieve in the workplace. Their legacy lives on in today’s scientific, military, and technological institutions. A compelling story of loyalty, sacrifice, and the quiet heroism of female cryptanalysts, this is one of the better First Reads I have read in a while.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me. I’ve read The Rose Code, Code Girls, The Woman Who Smashed Codes and this one isn’t close.

[Marit H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meine Erwartungen an das Buch, wurden ehrlicherweise überhaupt nicht erfüllt. Zwar finde ich das Setting der Geschichte sehr spannend, doch nachdem ich mich in das Buch reingelesen hatte, stellte ich fest, dass es viel weniger um das Codebreaking und viel mehr um Catherines Sozialleben geht. Ich hätte gerne mehr Details über ihren Job erfahren und die Geschichte nicht so sehr auf ihr Privatleben reduziert gesehen. Außerdem fand ich das Ende viel zu abrupt und nicht gut geschrieben. Auf einmal war alles Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen. Ein besser ausgearbeitetes Ende, das die Fähigkeiten der Protagonistin Catherine nochmals in den Fokus rückt und ihr Handeln weniger irrational erscheinen lässt, hätte das Niveau des Buches meiner Meinung nach nochmals deutlich gesteigert. Ein Beispiel hierfür ist ihr Handeln nach der Mitteilung von Jonathan, dass sie in Verdacht steht, Kontakt zu ihrem Onkel, einem Spion der Sowjetunion, zu haben. In diesem Zusammenhang war ihr Verhalten sehr unschlüssig. Das Ende mit Jonathan war dann noch einmal der absolute Kitsch. Insgesamt hätte ich mir eine besser ausgearbeitete Geschichte mit mehr Fokus auf das Codebreaking erhofft. Trotzdem vergebe ich 3 Sterne, unter anderem für den sehr gelungenen Schreibstil.