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Ginger Gold Mystery #Prequel 1
The Velvet Spy: The Wartime Journal of Lady Gold, Vol. 1
Step into the courageous world of espionage and resilience.
This extraordinary volume unveils the hidden life of Lady Ginger Gold, a daring operative for British Intelligence during the Great War.
Through her vivid and deeply personal journal entries, Lady Gold pens the tension of covert missions behind enemy lines, the heartache of separation from loved ones, and the triumphs and sacrifices that shaped history. From navigating dangerous assignments in occupied France to outwitting German spies and forging alliances in the unlikeliest of places, Lady Gold's story is one of bravery and determination in a world torn apart by war.
With her sharp wit and unwavering resolve, Lady Gold immerses readers in the chaos and heroism of a time when ordinary individuals rose to face extraordinary challenges. The Velvet Spy is not just a tale of espionage—it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a woman who risked everything to serve her country.
Perfect for fans of historical fiction, strong female protagonists, and gripping spy thrillers, this first volume of Lady Gold’s journal offers a poignant and thrilling glimpse into the untold stories of World War I.
*The Velvet Spy is a prequel story to The Ginger Gold Mystery series and contains 2 volumes.
This extraordinary volume unveils the hidden life of Lady Ginger Gold, a daring operative for British Intelligence during the Great War.
Through her vivid and deeply personal journal entries, Lady Gold pens the tension of covert missions behind enemy lines, the heartache of separation from loved ones, and the triumphs and sacrifices that shaped history. From navigating dangerous assignments in occupied France to outwitting German spies and forging alliances in the unlikeliest of places, Lady Gold's story is one of bravery and determination in a world torn apart by war.
With her sharp wit and unwavering resolve, Lady Gold immerses readers in the chaos and heroism of a time when ordinary individuals rose to face extraordinary challenges. The Velvet Spy is not just a tale of espionage—it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a woman who risked everything to serve her country.
Perfect for fans of historical fiction, strong female protagonists, and gripping spy thrillers, this first volume of Lady Gold’s journal offers a poignant and thrilling glimpse into the untold stories of World War I.
*The Velvet Spy is a prequel story to The Ginger Gold Mystery series and contains 2 volumes.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2025
149 people are currently reading
1532 people want to read
About the author
Lee Strauss
129 books2,340 followersFor fans of Golden Age who-dun-its ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 22, 2025
Chapter 1 ~ Happy Birthday to Me
July 31st, 1912
How fabulous that I found this journal today, tucked away at the bottom of my wardrobe! Good old Pippins—our English butler in London—gave it to me years ago as a parting gift when Father whisked me off to America so he could marry Sally. Pips said it was for me to record my new adventures.
I’m ashamed to admit I didn’t pen a single word until today. I think I was simply too sad back then. But no matter—I’m writing now, and this will be the first of many entries, I hope. I imagine myself as an old woman, sitting by the fire, thumbing through these pages as they bring back cherished memories of a long and adventure-filled life.
This old leather-bound journal takes me right back to that emotional time. I cried enough tears to fill an ocean and remember telling Father, dramatically, that I would surely cause a flood to rival Noah’s. At eight years old, I was well-versed in my biblical studies, though in hindsight, I might have bordered on heresy with my little tantrum.
The first week of my so-called “adventure” was spent aboard a big steamship, feeling wretchedly sick to my stomach the whole way. There were far too many embarrassing episodes involving a bucket and Father holding back my long hair so I wouldn’t soil it with vomit. I was convinced I was being punished for some unknown offense.
Hartigan House—though large and sometimes lonely—was my home. And Pips, dear Pips, was my good friend. He often entertained me with games of I Spy or Noughts and Crosses.
“Very good, Little Miss,” he’d say with a twinkle in his blue eyes when I won, which I did often. Looking back, I suspect Pips wasn’t above letting me win, even when I hadn’t earned it.
Father claimed he’d uprooted us because I needed a mother, though I think he simply wanted a wife. Sally—a woman half his age—turned out to be a sufficient spouse in the end, but I could never bring myself to call her “Mother.”
Well, Pips, you’d be glad to know things turned out all right here in America. My childhood was pleasant—school, new friends, and learning to ride horses and shoot guns, a pastime that’s very popular here, even beyond the elite. I went to an excellent school, and I focused on studying modern languages and science. Boston is a beautiful city, and much of it reminds me of England.
Oh, and I suppose I should mention that Father and Sally produced a sister for me—Louisa. She’s dark-haired, with a sweet teardrop-shaped face, and the very image of Sally. I don’t hold that against her, though. She’s as spoiled as they come, with Sally pandering to her every whim and Father far less strict with her than he ever was with me. With ten years between us, we don’t have much in common, but I adore her all the same.
This afternoon was spent preparing for the evening’s activities. Father was hosting a soirée in honor of my nineteenth birthday, and I planned to enjoy a large slice of Mrs. Bakker’s Dutch Dark Chocolate Cake. Her cakes are legendary—so rich and moist they melt in your mouth like cocoa-laced ecstasy. My mouth waters just thinking about them.
Father adores throwing soirées—or as in this case, “dinner parties,” as the Americans call them. I often feel caught between two cultures. Outside this Beacon Hill brownstone, I’m American, but inside, I cling to my English roots. Father and I still enjoy traditional tea with scones and clotted cream, served properly, the English way. Our conversations often turn to politics—both here and across the Atlantic. Some of the news is deeply worrisome, but I won’t dwell on that tonight.
“Not too tight,” I told my maid Molly as she tightened the straps on my corset. The columnar corset forced me to stand straight and tall, though I silently thanked the heavens that those horrid S-bend corsets had gone out of fashion. It’s a wonder we aren’t all deformed!
Molly helped me into a gown of shiny emerald silk, with an open neckline and slender sleeves that ended at my elbows. I spun in front of the long mirror, admiring the fitted gown with its beautifully contrasting lace ruffle.
“The color brings out your eyes, Miss Hartigan,” Molly said as she pinned my red hair into an elegant coiffure, a delicate wreath of ribbon encircling the style.
Molly held up a hand mirror. “You’ll be the belle of the ball, miss.”
“Thank you, Molly,” I said, smiling. “I’m excited for the evening, though I do wish Father hadn’t assigned me a date.”
An English gentleman would be joining the festivities, he’d announced. Apparently, the gentleman is the son of a family friend—a baron, no less. I worry my American friends might find his title pompous. No matter. After tonight, I doubt I’ll see him again.
What did Father say his name was? Right—Daniel, Lord Gold.
July 31st, 1912
How fabulous that I found this journal today, tucked away at the bottom of my wardrobe! Good old Pippins—our English butler in London—gave it to me years ago as a parting gift when Father whisked me off to America so he could marry Sally. Pips said it was for me to record my new adventures.
I’m ashamed to admit I didn’t pen a single word until today. I think I was simply too sad back then. But no matter—I’m writing now, and this will be the first of many entries, I hope. I imagine myself as an old woman, sitting by the fire, thumbing through these pages as they bring back cherished memories of a long and adventure-filled life.
This old leather-bound journal takes me right back to that emotional time. I cried enough tears to fill an ocean and remember telling Father, dramatically, that I would surely cause a flood to rival Noah’s. At eight years old, I was well-versed in my biblical studies, though in hindsight, I might have bordered on heresy with my little tantrum.
The first week of my so-called “adventure” was spent aboard a big steamship, feeling wretchedly sick to my stomach the whole way. There were far too many embarrassing episodes involving a bucket and Father holding back my long hair so I wouldn’t soil it with vomit. I was convinced I was being punished for some unknown offense.
Hartigan House—though large and sometimes lonely—was my home. And Pips, dear Pips, was my good friend. He often entertained me with games of I Spy or Noughts and Crosses.
“Very good, Little Miss,” he’d say with a twinkle in his blue eyes when I won, which I did often. Looking back, I suspect Pips wasn’t above letting me win, even when I hadn’t earned it.
Father claimed he’d uprooted us because I needed a mother, though I think he simply wanted a wife. Sally—a woman half his age—turned out to be a sufficient spouse in the end, but I could never bring myself to call her “Mother.”
Well, Pips, you’d be glad to know things turned out all right here in America. My childhood was pleasant—school, new friends, and learning to ride horses and shoot guns, a pastime that’s very popular here, even beyond the elite. I went to an excellent school, and I focused on studying modern languages and science. Boston is a beautiful city, and much of it reminds me of England.
Oh, and I suppose I should mention that Father and Sally produced a sister for me—Louisa. She’s dark-haired, with a sweet teardrop-shaped face, and the very image of Sally. I don’t hold that against her, though. She’s as spoiled as they come, with Sally pandering to her every whim and Father far less strict with her than he ever was with me. With ten years between us, we don’t have much in common, but I adore her all the same.
This afternoon was spent preparing for the evening’s activities. Father was hosting a soirée in honor of my nineteenth birthday, and I planned to enjoy a large slice of Mrs. Bakker’s Dutch Dark Chocolate Cake. Her cakes are legendary—so rich and moist they melt in your mouth like cocoa-laced ecstasy. My mouth waters just thinking about them.
Father adores throwing soirées—or as in this case, “dinner parties,” as the Americans call them. I often feel caught between two cultures. Outside this Beacon Hill brownstone, I’m American, but inside, I cling to my English roots. Father and I still enjoy traditional tea with scones and clotted cream, served properly, the English way. Our conversations often turn to politics—both here and across the Atlantic. Some of the news is deeply worrisome, but I won’t dwell on that tonight.
“Not too tight,” I told my maid Molly as she tightened the straps on my corset. The columnar corset forced me to stand straight and tall, though I silently thanked the heavens that those horrid S-bend corsets had gone out of fashion. It’s a wonder we aren’t all deformed!
Molly helped me into a gown of shiny emerald silk, with an open neckline and slender sleeves that ended at my elbows. I spun in front of the long mirror, admiring the fitted gown with its beautifully contrasting lace ruffle.
“The color brings out your eyes, Miss Hartigan,” Molly said as she pinned my red hair into an elegant coiffure, a delicate wreath of ribbon encircling the style.
Molly held up a hand mirror. “You’ll be the belle of the ball, miss.”
“Thank you, Molly,” I said, smiling. “I’m excited for the evening, though I do wish Father hadn’t assigned me a date.”
An English gentleman would be joining the festivities, he’d announced. Apparently, the gentleman is the son of a family friend—a baron, no less. I worry my American friends might find his title pompous. No matter. After tonight, I doubt I’ll see him again.
What did Father say his name was? Right—Daniel, Lord Gold.
April 25, 2025
I’ve been eagerly anticipating reading The Velvet Spy, Lady Gold’s wartime journal. Having read the entire Ginger Gold series, Lady Gold Investigates, Higgins and Hawke, and Rosa Gold series, I had a good idea of what to expect, and Lee Strauss didn’t disappoint. The effortless flow of the stories makes this book an absolute delight to read. Throughout the book, Ginger faces numerous challenges and handles them with grace and wisdom. One aspect I particularly enjoy about this book is the incorporation of WW1 references. The fact that the stories are intertwined with actual events adds a compelling layer to the narrative. The raw emotions conveyed are so intense that I often found myself tearing up.
I can’t wait for the release of volume two of The Velvet Spy. Based on the information compiled from the original series, I anticipate that emotions will run high, but I’m incredibly excited to continue exploring Ginger’s secret wartime journal.
If you haven’t read the Ginger Gold mysteries, I highly recommend them. Lee Strauss has created an exceptional series, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical/cozy mysteries.
Thank you so much for providing me with an ARC copy! It’s an honor to be a part of the ARC group!
I can’t wait for the release of volume two of The Velvet Spy. Based on the information compiled from the original series, I anticipate that emotions will run high, but I’m incredibly excited to continue exploring Ginger’s secret wartime journal.
If you haven’t read the Ginger Gold mysteries, I highly recommend them. Lee Strauss has created an exceptional series, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical/cozy mysteries.
Thank you so much for providing me with an ARC copy! It’s an honor to be a part of the ARC group!
April 12, 2025
I was totally swept away from the very beginning of The Velvet Spy: The Wartime Journal of Lady Gold, Volume 1 by Lee Strauss! She has truly outdone herself this time; perhaps because this was a story that evolved over time.
I found the first person narrative of a journal made the book more gripping, more personal. It felt like I was getting a sneak peek into the private thoughts of an old friend; in fact at times I almost felt as though I was violating her privacy. The opportunities to meet Daniel, Ginger's father, Sally and little Louisa, to see the initial reactions of the Dowager and Felicia to meeting her, to see Ginger as her alter ego, and to eavesdrop as she meets Haley, were all thoroughly engaging. And reading the entries, knowing some of the future events awaiting Ginger, gave an emotional element of anticipation that is unavoidable.
And then there are the historic events! I've long stated when reviewing historic novels that they are how we make history resonate - beyond dates and dry facts, novelists make history come alive, make it something the reader can empathize with and understand more fully. With this book, I believe that Strauss has accomplished that. From the baseball game at the new Fenway Park, to the beginning of the Women's suffrage movement, the first Mother's Day celebration, and of course the beginning of the first world war, so many historic events are seen through the eyes of a young woman of the time, making them more striking than mere facts can ever be.
And I loved seeing Ginger as a war hero!
Well-written and fast paced, the book fills out various events only hinted at in the previous series, making it a wonderful read for existing fans. I'm sure that new readers will become fans after reading this as well.
Thank you to the author for the ARC! I look forward to reading more of Ginger's journal entries in the future.
I found the first person narrative of a journal made the book more gripping, more personal. It felt like I was getting a sneak peek into the private thoughts of an old friend; in fact at times I almost felt as though I was violating her privacy. The opportunities to meet Daniel, Ginger's father, Sally and little Louisa, to see the initial reactions of the Dowager and Felicia to meeting her, to see Ginger as her alter ego, and to eavesdrop as she meets Haley, were all thoroughly engaging. And reading the entries, knowing some of the future events awaiting Ginger, gave an emotional element of anticipation that is unavoidable.
And then there are the historic events! I've long stated when reviewing historic novels that they are how we make history resonate - beyond dates and dry facts, novelists make history come alive, make it something the reader can empathize with and understand more fully. With this book, I believe that Strauss has accomplished that. From the baseball game at the new Fenway Park, to the beginning of the Women's suffrage movement, the first Mother's Day celebration, and of course the beginning of the first world war, so many historic events are seen through the eyes of a young woman of the time, making them more striking than mere facts can ever be.
And I loved seeing Ginger as a war hero!
Well-written and fast paced, the book fills out various events only hinted at in the previous series, making it a wonderful read for existing fans. I'm sure that new readers will become fans after reading this as well.
Thank you to the author for the ARC! I look forward to reading more of Ginger's journal entries in the future.
May 30, 2025
This is a fantastic companion to the Lady Gold series since this book is Ginger's backstory. What an incredible young woman she is Pippins, the English butler had given Ginger a journal to write her thoughts or daily activities. The beginning has Ginger's widowed father moving them to Boston where he marries Sally. We learn a lot about Ginger's early life and her father has a business person, Daniel, come over from London . Not only was her there for business, but Ginger's father hoped he and Ginger would get along and maybe it would lead to something. As Ginger gets to know Daniel, they get along so well that he marries her. They start their life happy, until the war begins and Daniel goes into service in England. Ginger goes back to England and throws herself into work for the red cross until she is tapped by England to become a spy. What an incredible woman she's become putting herself in danger's way finding and passing information to her handler. This first part of Ginger's journal is amazing and the rest will be a great continuation of her life. Not only do you get the story of Ginger Gold, but you are immersed in the history of the time. I highly recommend this book and all the Lady Gold series. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
April 26, 2025
An engrossing read
How can a young English woman from a wealthy family, living in Boston, end up as a spy in France? Georgia, or Ginger, had moved to Boston when her father, a widower, had remarried. Now a grown woman, her father had invited an English business partner, Lord Daniel Gold, to dinner. When Ginger realizes her father is hoping for a marriage between them, she is shocked but Daniel simply declares she needs to get to know him and so their romance begins. Soon they are happily wed and Daniel helping run the business, when a letter arrives informing Daniel that he needs to return to England immediately to become an officer in preparation for what would become World War I. Shortly afterwards Ginger decides to return to England to help Daniel’s family. That leads to her joining the Red Cross running switchboards and then to acting as an English spy. This story is wonderfully fun and at times intense as Ginger faces circumstances that will require all of her intelligence and cunning to survive. A wonderful read. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
How can a young English woman from a wealthy family, living in Boston, end up as a spy in France? Georgia, or Ginger, had moved to Boston when her father, a widower, had remarried. Now a grown woman, her father had invited an English business partner, Lord Daniel Gold, to dinner. When Ginger realizes her father is hoping for a marriage between them, she is shocked but Daniel simply declares she needs to get to know him and so their romance begins. Soon they are happily wed and Daniel helping run the business, when a letter arrives informing Daniel that he needs to return to England immediately to become an officer in preparation for what would become World War I. Shortly afterwards Ginger decides to return to England to help Daniel’s family. That leads to her joining the Red Cross running switchboards and then to acting as an English spy. This story is wonderfully fun and at times intense as Ginger faces circumstances that will require all of her intelligence and cunning to survive. A wonderful read. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
April 25, 2025
As Lady Ginger Gold would say, “Oh mercy!” I received Volume I of The Velvet Spy as an advanced copy and was absolutely captivated by this book. From the start as Ginger travels from the family home in England to Boston,to the days as a young socialite with a snarky stepmother, to the introduction to Lord Gold, the book gives us a glimpse into the life of a young woman during a period of rapid changes. The fact that she meets Lord Gold as a means to secure her fortune in order to maintain his ancestral home is certainly not reason enough for Ginger to be persuaded to marry him! At least not until she falls in love with him. All is well until the start of WWI when Daniel Gold is called home to serve king and country. Ultimately, Ginger also returns to England and while Daniel is serving in the trenches, Ginger also serves in ways that left my heart pounding and eagerly awaiting the next volume. A fascinating, historical read about The Great War.
May 30, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ginger Gold’s back story. From her life in Boston, after her father moved her there from England as a child, to her marriage to Baron Lord Gold, to moving to England to help with the war. It details how she became a special operative. This is an inspiring story that explains much about the way Ginger is in the Ginger Gold series. Lee Strauss is so wonderful at descriptions that bring this book alive to the reader. This book is perfect for anyone who appreciates Ginger Gold.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this compelling read. I’m looking forward to reading Volume II of the Wartime Journal of Lady Gold.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this compelling read. I’m looking forward to reading Volume II of the Wartime Journal of Lady Gold.
June 5, 2025
For followers of Lee Straus Ginger Gold mysteries this is a great addition. What has been hinted in previous books we finally find out what Lady Gold did during WWI she was a spy and a darn good one. She even meets a nurse who turns out to be a long time friend. And the adventures she has as a spy are both credible and suspend ful. I can not wait to get a hold of the second volume in this series which I am sure will be as delightful a page turner as The Velvet Spy has been. Even if you are new to the Ginger Gold mysteries you won't be disappointed. About time we had a heroine with spunk and attitude.
August 12, 2025
Couldn't Put it Down
Even though I knew Lady Gold would survive her spying adventures, this journal was written so well that just became immersed in the story.
My Great Grandpa was an American soldier who was gased with mustard gas as he was in a fox hole outside of Paris. This journal had all the details and sense of urgency that kept me turning pages.
I cannot wait to read Volume 2.
For those who haven't read the Lady Gold series, read the journals first. So much of Hunter's actions and motivation are now explained and that her service as a spy marked her thoughts and actions for the rest of her life.
Brilliant book.
Even though I knew Lady Gold would survive her spying adventures, this journal was written so well that just became immersed in the story.
My Great Grandpa was an American soldier who was gased with mustard gas as he was in a fox hole outside of Paris. This journal had all the details and sense of urgency that kept me turning pages.
I cannot wait to read Volume 2.
For those who haven't read the Lady Gold series, read the journals first. So much of Hunter's actions and motivation are now explained and that her service as a spy marked her thoughts and actions for the rest of her life.
Brilliant book.
May 2, 2025
I have enjoyed this series since the beginning, Murder on the SS Rosa. It was great to read about Ginger and Daniel's courtship and marriage, and then the start of The Great War. Some was bittersweet, knowing what will happen later with Daniel and Ginger. Daniel became more of a real person than a rather 2 dimensional background person.
Ginger's experiences as a spy are scary, but she feels she is making a difference in the war and is doing it for Daniel most of all.
Looking forward to the second part of her journal.
Ginger's experiences as a spy are scary, but she feels she is making a difference in the war and is doing it for Daniel most of all.
Looking forward to the second part of her journal.
June 8, 2025
The Velvet Spy is the diary of Ginger Gold of the Ginger Gold series by Lee Strauss. The diary starts in Boston shortly before the start of World War 1. it takes us through Ginger meeting and marrying her husband Daniel through to the war and their experiences.
it is a great companion to her mystery series providing a deeper knowledge of Gingers previous life that is alluded to in her previous series.
As always Lee pays attention to details.This gives you the feel of the time period .
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to part 2.
it is a great companion to her mystery series providing a deeper knowledge of Gingers previous life that is alluded to in her previous series.
As always Lee pays attention to details.This gives you the feel of the time period .
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to part 2.
August 30, 2025
Meh, I think this lower rating was more due to my mood and the diary format of the book than any problem with the writing.
I liked learning more about Ginger early years, her marriage to Lord Gold (both these sections were rather boring IMO) and the beginning of her time doing resistance work in France during WWI.
By the end I was more engaged. But It didn't have the normal Goldie sparkle and verve as the Historical Mystery series.
I don't know if I'll pick up the 2nd volume of her diaries.
I liked learning more about Ginger early years, her marriage to Lord Gold (both these sections were rather boring IMO) and the beginning of her time doing resistance work in France during WWI.
By the end I was more engaged. But It didn't have the normal Goldie sparkle and verve as the Historical Mystery series.
I don't know if I'll pick up the 2nd volume of her diaries.
May 8, 2025
This is a great companion to the Ginger Gold series. It provides backstory and fleshes out little things that are hinted at in the main series.
I found the book exciting, once the wartime activities started. Because it is written in the form of diary entries, the events seem very real. There is something about the intimacy of a diary that really makes a backstory come alive. I’m very much looking forward to part 2!
I found the book exciting, once the wartime activities started. Because it is written in the form of diary entries, the events seem very real. There is something about the intimacy of a diary that really makes a backstory come alive. I’m very much looking forward to part 2!
May 31, 2025
An interesting story.
This is an interesting story written in journal style. We follow the life of a young woman as she marries and begins that life only for war to break out and they go their separate ways. Him as a soldier and she as a telephone operator and then on to becoming a spy. It should be an interesting series to read.
This is an interesting story written in journal style. We follow the life of a young woman as she marries and begins that life only for war to break out and they go their separate ways. Him as a soldier and she as a telephone operator and then on to becoming a spy. It should be an interesting series to read.
June 7, 2025
I read everything Ginger Gold
I enjoy all of Lee Strauss’ characters, especially Ginger Gold. The mysteries are very cleverly plotted. But anything about Ginger goes on my “read soon” list.
I thoroughly recommend this book. I can’t wait for the next one. In the meantime, if you haven’t read a Ginger Gold mystery, you’re in for a great.
I enjoy all of Lee Strauss’ characters, especially Ginger Gold. The mysteries are very cleverly plotted. But anything about Ginger goes on my “read soon” list.
I thoroughly recommend this book. I can’t wait for the next one. In the meantime, if you haven’t read a Ginger Gold mystery, you’re in for a great.
July 9, 2025
I truly enjoy the Lady Gold series and this prequel is very well written with page turning drama as Ginger evolves. From a 19 year old maiden, to a 20 year old wife returning to England from America to an espionage agent in the Great War. The metamorphosis is fascinating and I wait expectantly for volume 2.
August 3, 2025
Volume 2
Volume 2 of the Velvet Spy is the same book as this. I loved this book and was looking forward to Vol 2 and had marked my calendar being available July 31. Downloaded and started reading, thinking the similarity was odd. Then I realized Vol 1 and Vol 2 are the same! ?????
Volume 2 of the Velvet Spy is the same book as this. I loved this book and was looking forward to Vol 2 and had marked my calendar being available July 31. Downloaded and started reading, thinking the similarity was odd. Then I realized Vol 1 and Vol 2 are the same! ?????
August 6, 2025
After reading many of the Ginger Gold mysteries, I was happy to see The Velvet Spy was available. Ginger's wartime adventures are hinted at in the mysteries and now we get to find out what she did during WWI.
This is the first of her memoirs, and I enjoyed it. We learn about her meeting her first husband, Lord Gold, and their courtship before the war.
This is the first of her memoirs, and I enjoyed it. We learn about her meeting her first husband, Lord Gold, and their courtship before the war.
September 20, 2025
Reading this I laughed and I cried. If the life of a spy was really like this in WW1, I cannot imagine the stress and anxiety that must have been constant companions. They must have lived in terror and yet having to go about as if they were just an ordinary person living their normal life albeit one challenged by war. I'm not sure I could have done it.
April 22, 2025
Love this style - giving a glimpse into the life of Georgia Hartigan - from a teenager to a married woman to a spy. Each entry is a private window into her very personal feelings, impressions, moods, etc.
What a wonderful idea to write this as journal entries.
Loved it!
What a wonderful idea to write this as journal entries.
Loved it!
May 30, 2025
Fantastic Read
I’ve enjoyed all the Lady Gold Mysteries and The Velvet Spy did not disappoint either. To learn about Ginger in such peril gives insight about her future character. Very well done.
I’ve enjoyed all the Lady Gold Mysteries and The Velvet Spy did not disappoint either. To learn about Ginger in such peril gives insight about her future character. Very well done.
June 1, 2025
Historical Exciting & Clean
The main character, Georgia, is one I enjoy. Her story is historical, romance with family life, and intrigue of war. I am excited to read the rest of her journey.
The main character, Georgia, is one I enjoy. Her story is historical, romance with family life, and intrigue of war. I am excited to read the rest of her journey.
June 4, 2025
Great companion to the Gold mysteries.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Reading about Ginger Gold's wartime exploits was a great companion to the Gold mysteries. I can't wait to read the next volume.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Reading about Ginger Gold's wartime exploits was a great companion to the Gold mysteries. I can't wait to read the next volume.
June 6, 2025
This is WWI historical fiction at its best. A hard to put down read. I'm already a big fan of all Lee Strauss' Lady Gold mysteries and this prequel is no exception. Less mystery and more adventure it is a first rate read. Can't wait for the second volume.
June 10, 2025
Pure Gold
I could not put it down ! I have read all of Lady Gold's adventures to date, but none of them have been as intriguing as this journal. I will be impatiently awaiting volume 2.
I could not put it down ! I have read all of Lady Gold's adventures to date, but none of them have been as intriguing as this journal. I will be impatiently awaiting volume 2.
June 16, 2025
Excellent writing
I loved that the journal were short and consise. The writing was such that you felt you were reading a real war time journal. I would recommend this novel to anybody who likes a good action tail. Fun read!
I loved that the journal were short and consise. The writing was such that you felt you were reading a real war time journal. I would recommend this novel to anybody who likes a good action tail. Fun read!
July 30, 2025
A Fascinating Glimpse of The War to end All Wars
I’ve enjoyed getting to know Ginger since the first book and appreciate reading about her life prior to her marriage to Baron Gold. Being transported back in time is a big draw. The settings and fashion flesh out the characters.
I’ve enjoyed getting to know Ginger since the first book and appreciate reading about her life prior to her marriage to Baron Gold. Being transported back in time is a big draw. The settings and fashion flesh out the characters.
July 31, 2025
This book was a total surprise for me. Read most of this series so had the basics down. However
this one of Lady Gold's wartime experiences as a spy was the BEST book of them all. Well written,
historically accurate and well drawn characters. Wish the rest were was well done.
this one of Lady Gold's wartime experiences as a spy was the BEST book of them all. Well written,
historically accurate and well drawn characters. Wish the rest were was well done.
September 18, 2025
Well written
A good telling of a love story, a life of wealth and ease until it is disrupted by war. The actions of the major character are hard to believe but perhaps they were accurate depictions.
A good telling of a love story, a life of wealth and ease until it is disrupted by war. The actions of the major character are hard to believe but perhaps they were accurate depictions.
June 3, 2025
What a wonderful book! I really enjoyed it.
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