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A world on the brink of war. One woman whose courage could change everything.

Paris, 1938.
As Europe teeters on the edge of war, Lady Pamela More knows her latest assignment is her most dangerous yet.

Her days as a London society columnist are merely a cover. She must infiltrate the decadent Parisian circles of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor as they openly cavort with fascists.

The nation’s security could be compromised — and Lady Pamela must uncover what, or whom, they might betray.

In the glittering salons of Paris, amidst the clink of champagne glasses and careless gossip, dark allegiances fester. The Windsors are charming — and cunning — and Pamela walks a delicate line between loyalty and deception.

But as she steps back into a life of shadows, faces from the past, including charismatic American Sid White, reawaken more than just memories.

Surrounded by spies, traitors and the ghosts of her past, Lady Pamela must decide: how far is she willing to go to protect her country before Paris falls to the Nazis?

338 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2025

115 people are currently reading
121 people want to read

About the author

Sarah Sigal

5 books18 followers
Chicagoan living in London. High Modernist, collector of (too many) books and horse obsessive.

Although I've worked in theatre for many years, I've decided to enter into the wonderful world of fiction. My debut novel The Socialite Spy: In Pursuit of a King was published by Lume Books in October 2023 and its sequel, The Paris Spy, will be published in September 2025.

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5 stars
73 (45%)
4 stars
53 (33%)
3 stars
27 (16%)
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4 (2%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Grandma Susan.
309 reviews209 followers
August 31, 2025
Fascinating. I learned quite a bit about the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, pre WWII and the early days of WWII. It had somehow escaped me that they were Nazi sympathizers. The politics behind all of this was incredible. The story was so intriguing and fast paced. Action packed I love the character of Lady Pamela. The only negative for me was the sudden ending. Quite a cliff hanger. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

I do plan to read The Socialite Spy which introduces us to Lady Pamela as joins MI5 to spy on Edward and Mrs. Simpson.
Profile Image for Literary Redhead.
2,700 reviews692 followers
August 4, 2025
Set in the City of Lights in 1938, this high-stakes histfic story introduces readers to Lady Pamela More, publicly a London society columnist, who is sent to infiltrate the circles inhabited by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and their Fascist friends. I read it straight through and bet you will too!
Profile Image for Sheri.
1,737 reviews53 followers
September 15, 2025
Lady Pamela More is recruited to spy on the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The Duke has abdicated the crown and is living in France with his wife, Wallis Simpson. Because of her connection with the Windsor’s she is sent to keep an eye on them as they are suspected to support the Nazis.

This historical fiction is based in fact as the couple were seen as supporters of the Nazis. This is an interesting look into the couples life and Lady Pamela’s as she navigated her assignment. It is a view of history I was not familiar with.
Profile Image for Anna Fowler.
77 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an ARC to read for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Simba gives this book 2.5 paws.

For fans of historical fiction (especially WW2) qnd those who are fascinated with the British royal family, this book will intrigue you in may ways. Set primarily in France, Lady Pamela is asked to spy on the the Duke of Windsor (former King of England who abdicated the throne to marry the American Wallace Simpson, who was also a divorcee). As many fans of WW 2 might remember, it is speculated that Edward, known as the Duke of Windsor, was a Nazi sympathizer. Lady Pamela is tasked with getting close to Wallis and find out exactly what the Windsors are doing. The journey of the Windsors and Lady Pamela takes readers into France as Germany is ready to invade and during the invasion. Lady Pamela discovers some deep secrets at the end that cause her to make some startling decisions about herself and her future.

For me, the start of the book was a little slow and there were a lot of characters that got a little overwhelming, hampering the enjoyment of the book. I have not read Sigal's previous book three Socialite Spy, and I feel that would have helped on that end. The last 1/3 of the book started to really catch my attention. I would definitely read a third book, if one was written, to find out any twists and turns in Lady Pamela's story. The world of espionage and spies, always creates intrigue for me and a desire to learn more about history and what it was really like.
Profile Image for Tina Galli.
74 reviews5 followers
October 8, 2025
I felt this book was very well written even though it was really not what I normally would read. After I finished reading it I discovered that it was a sequel to a prior book, however, I never once thought I missed out on something even though I did not read the first book. This book has great character development and an uncanny ability to keep you interested on such a mundane topic. The author does a fantastic job of Delving into the facts of human nature and bringing them to life in between pages. Historically I knew that the Duke of Duchess of Windsor had met with German leaders before England entered the war, I was shocked to learn that Wallace Simpson was not as in love with her Duke as we had imagined. Even when they defied the odds and stayed married the rest of their lives, this book delves into the real relationship not was given to the press and media which is very enlightening. Following Pamela through Paris streets, falling in love in France, and doing what needed to be done for her country the novel develops a heroine that while not perfect is very likeable even to the point of overlooking her infidelity with a reporter. Even if it is love. We all know that the English Aristocracy can be well matched but lack the emotion that a strong connection can make and this book tells that story very well. The leaving of France during the German Occupation was as frightening for me as it was for the characters in the book and it is still 50 years later. I could never imagine living in a world like that. A very well thought out book the only negative thing I can say is that the book was cut off in the middle of a conversation with not so much as a buy your leave. I find that very strange even if we are being led into another book in the series. Overall a very good read.
Profile Image for Claire Smith-Simmons.
156 reviews8 followers
September 15, 2025
Thank you to Sarah Sigal and Zooloo book tours for an ARC of this book, this is my honest review.

This is the second book following Lady Pamela, a journalist writing a column on society events. She had formerly been approached by MI5 to do her duty and spy on the exiled Windsors, Bertie and Wallis. This book sees her being approached by MI6 to take on the same role abroad, her cover is as a representative for the Board of Trade and journalist for Vogue writing about French fashion in 1939 in Paris. Her mission is to get close to the Windsors and report back on their dealings with high ranking Nazis, sympathisers and government officials.

I was drawn in by the attention to detail that the author has put in about the politics, lives and fashions of this period. Her writing style is so evocative that I felt fully immersed in Pamela's world.

Forced by ‘doing her duty’ into taking on the role she is taught spy craft and left to infiltrate the Royals inner circle. The shadowy world of espionage, political tensions and intrigue is palpable as global politics shift throughout the following months.

Pamela is shocked by the revelations she uncovers, just how deep the corruption goes, and questions whether the Royals would really be ready to commit treason to climb back onto the throne.

During her time in Paris and subsequent journeys Pamela meets Sid, an American journalist chasing stories across Europe. Their attraction is instant and the dilemmas it causes them both as Pamela is married to a good man is well worked into the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will keep an eye out for more from this author
55 reviews
September 8, 2025
It is October 1938 and in the sequel to the author's The Socialite Spy, London society columnist Lady Pamela Moore is sent to Paris to spy on the Duke and duchess of Windsor. As the German army prepares to invade France, breaches the Maginot Line, and eventually moves into Paris in June 1940, Pamela works to gain the Duchess' trust, gather evidence about the Windsor's contacts with the Nazis, report to her spymasters, evade the occupying forces, and escape. The book was difficult to put down, had lots of historical detail giving a feel for what the French people were facing, how lucky the Brits were that Edward VIII abdicated, and why the royal family under George VI kept him out of England. Although this is part two in the series it can be read and understood as a standalone. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance copy. My opinions are solely my own.
Profile Image for Sandra Vdplaats.
587 reviews18 followers
September 9, 2025
A fascinating historical novel that I read in one sitting. It focuses on the rumours surrounding Wallis and the abdicated King Edward, who settled in France after his abdication.
At the time, they were indeed under the scrutiny of MI5, because the couple sympathised with Nazi ideology, they were especially drawn to the economic aspects.
Lady Pamela, a journalist and socialite, is asked to infiltrate their circle, in order to keep a close eye on their movements and report back on their activities.
As a Germanist, I have done some research on this myself. However, rather than being a dry account, this somewhat romanticised story focuses on real people and their fears and motives in a world on the brink of war.
As a huge fan of Eric Ambler's novels, I enjoyed this period piece immensely.

Thank you Joffe Books for a review copy. 🌷
181 reviews4 followers
September 20, 2025
I received this as a ARC copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which this is.

This I found to be a good faction story around the Winsors prior to the outbreak of WW2 and a short time beyond, that set in France. The lead character, Pamela, was well written and believable given the period in which it was set. The story around and following the abdication of the King, and his wife, Wallis, was in far greater depth than I had previously realised but it seemed a very believable version. It took me a while to get into the story and a lot of characters to sort out but once into it, enjoyed it and found it gripping, although I basically knew the outcome. The end was, I felt a bit of a cliff hanger although a lot of ends were tied off. I am expecting a 3rd in the series and am looking forward to reading it.
Profile Image for Paloma.
500 reviews5 followers
October 1, 2025
Fast-paced historical fiction with a strong female main character and rich history of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lady Pamela Moore, a London columnist. She is tasked with spying on the Duke ( Edward former King of England) and Duchess ( Wallace Simpaon) of Windsor. They are known Nazi sympathizers.

I loved Lady Pamela's character. She kept the book going at a fast pace, and with her brilliance, she was able to find out some dark secrets that would make her make some tough decisions.

I always enjoy a book that teaches me about WWII and those who were on the Nazi side. It is always fun and intriguing to read about the royals, especially their participation in important moments in history.
Thank you, Book Whisperer and the author, for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Lisa reads alot  Hamer.
917 reviews26 followers
October 14, 2025
I loved this book, its book 2 in The Lady Pamela Mysteries, I haven’t read the first 1 and it hasn’t spoilt me enjoyment of this book but I have now downloaded it as want to read that too.
Lady Pamela is in Paris in this book, the historical facts woven into this story are so good, I was hooked from the first page. The chapters start in 1938 and go through to 1940 we see Lady P interacting with Edward and Wallis Windsor and I loved reading about them and the run up to WWll.
The first book is more on Edward and Wallis prior to his abdication and Lady Pamela is asked to gain info on their relationship. (Sold me straight away 😃)
The writing drew me in and kept me captivated throughout, it brought the time and history alive for me.
Plus those book covers are just beautiful 😍
A really great read and I’m now a fan
24 reviews1 follower
Read
December 12, 2025
Loved this book…so much to love about it. The story is positioned just before the possible invasion of France. The events of the main character, a British aristocrat who is recruited to spy on the recently
abdicated British King and his new wife who have been banished to France after they have made serious faux pas in regard to their oblivious support for Germany’s Hitler.
The British government and Royal Family are trying to mitigate the damage they have created by gathering information about their actions.
The “Lady” spy, who has a minor friendship with the Countess is sent to Paris to keep an eye on the despicable couple by further gathering info about them and reporting back to MI6
So interesting a storyline on so many levels.

Profile Image for Laura.
130 reviews
September 14, 2025
🍁Spoiler Free Review 🍁

Thanks to @netgalley @sarahsigal and publishers for the ARC.

This is the first book by this author that I've read & it didn't disappoint. Set against the backdrop of WW2. Socialite turned spy, Pamela, is tasked with rekindling her friendship with the Duchess of Windsor & feedback to the government about what she, and the Duke are saying about Britain and to whom.
This is a step away from my usual genre but it was unputdownable, and apparently it's the 2nd book in the series but having only learnt that after I'd read this, I can't say I've been at a disadvantage. The only thing I would say is that the ending is left wide open for book 3.
Profile Image for Courtney Pityer.
654 reviews38 followers
September 16, 2025
The Paris Spy is a very interesting World War II novel that follows the adventures of a young woman named Pamela who goes incognito to keep tabs on the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. This is the first time I have read a novel that focuses on the latter pair and I will say that I was very impressed. I have always wanted to read a novel that featured them because the circumstances that surrounded their marriage and their questionable actions during the war fascinated me.

This novel did not disappoint me. Everything was very well written and I found the characters to be very enjoyable. There is a lot of history in the novel so it makes for a very interesting learning experience.
105 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2025
Lady Pamela Moore has a mission to spy on the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Its a mission fraught with danger which is exactly what she does best. Just how far will she go to complete her mission and protect her country. Its a good book although I did find it a little slow in places. The background surrounding the war gives it something extra. As it always makes me wonder about how hard that must have been for people living in that time. A good book with good characters and storyline just a little slow in places for me.
354 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2025
Wartime dilemma

Seems like everyone was having extramarital affairs but in this story about espionage it's hard to tell where love of another begins or is it the need for risky behavior. While our heroine goes back and forth, the reader goes with her. The dilemma of choosing between loving and being in love does not reconcile in this book, but I'm ok with that because I hadn't made up my mind either. I guess I'll leave ok for the sequel. I also learned about the wallace-simpson affair and how it wasn't the romantic interlude I had thought.
Profile Image for Emma Ashley.
1,336 reviews50 followers
August 6, 2025
Historical fiction fans will love this. I was drawn in from the very first page and kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. The story was entertaining and easy to follow and had a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to the publisher and the author for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
48 reviews
September 8, 2025
An interesting spy novel set in the run up to WWII. Lady Pamela is given a mission to gather information about the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and their political motives . As a columnist for a high society magazine , she has no trouble immersing with the Windsor`s social elite . This was a good spy story and also an interesting historical read were we learned about the Windsors , and the damage they posed to the Royal family and the country
Profile Image for A.J..
618 reviews8 followers
September 9, 2025
Would a disgruntled former King commit treason to regain the throne? (4.5 stars,)

Historical thriller set in WW II.

Lady Pamela is sent to Paris to 'keep an eye on' the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, who seem to be a bit too cozy with some undesirable (Nazi) associates. Well-written, detailed and offers unexpected twists. Enjoy!

Thank you to Joffe Books for providing an Advance Review Copy. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Verity W.
3,516 reviews36 followers
September 24, 2025
The second book featuring society spy Lady Pamela More takes us to Paris on the eve of war, and back into the orbit of Wallis Simpson, now Duchess of Windsor. I didn’t think this was as successful as the first book because it has a less defined task for Pamela to do, and covers a much wider and more chaotic time. It continues to follow fairly closely to what I have read about the antics of the Windsors, so it feels pretty accurate, I just think it’s trying to do too much and doesn’t always resolve things as successfully as you want, although I suspect there’s a third book in mind… I’d read it though if there was!

*****Copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.*****
681 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2025
Intriguing historical fiction

I've read both books featuring Lady Pamela, set in the 1930s through the start of the war. There are lots of famous names and plenty of secrets. I enjoyed the historical details. I have always suspected there was more to the abdication than is generally accepted. The author paints a realistic picture of life leading up to WW II and how much support the fascists had.
Profile Image for Claire Ball.
308 reviews21 followers
September 15, 2025
I absolutely love this period in history and love reading historical fiction based in it. Pamela was an interesting character and I enjoyed “getting to know her” through her escapades. As I read I also felt like I was learning more about the time period which I really valued. The book was very well written and I have already recommended it to others who I know enjoy this genre as much as I do!
Author 8 books22 followers
August 6, 2025
A hard to put down spy novel, involving the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and the beginning of WWII. I hope there will be more to Lady Pamela’s adventures as she deals with David and Wallis in the Bahamas.
100 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2025
The Paris Spy. In the run up to WW2, Pamela spends time in France gathering information. Little did she know they danger she was in. Highlights the trials and tribulations of a country on the verge af war, the story moves at a fast pace until the final showdown.
Profile Image for Lyn D Rose .
1,113 reviews17 followers
October 22, 2025
This second book in The Lady Pamala Mysteries series was an enthralling, well researched, and written tale of espionage set in World War II. The characters were deep and believable. I highly recommend reading!
Profile Image for Susan.
252 reviews
September 10, 2025
Book 2 of 2 - A great WWII storyline. It is well researched with deep and believable characters. I was up late reading. A must read for WWII fans.
Profile Image for Maddi Girling.
81 reviews
September 27, 2025
This was such an interesting book, getting to see the war in another set of eyes. We get to meet many interesting characters too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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