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I, Spy
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Expected 5 May 26Win a free print copy of this book!
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25 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
Ex-spy Kendal was one of the best, but now she’s wearing the toughest disguise of her career: Mom.
Kendal Carter is out in the cold and she wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s been four years since her daughter Rosie was born and Kendal has kept her miles away from The Game. But when their hiding place is discovered and danger comes too close, Ken is forced to turn to old contacts. Her longtime friend and ex-handler Rico doesn’t miss his chance to pull his best player back in. Whisking them to London, Rico offers them a luxury safe house in an area with good schools. How can she resist?
But there’s a catch, of course. Rico wants Kendal to come back to work for his espionage agency Bon Temps. He’s offering a cushy assignment with no apparent downside, running a rookie asset in one of London’s biggest, murkiest tech firms. It should be easy enough for someone with her experience, and luckily, mother is the perfect cover.
However, it doesn’t take long for Kendal to realize that Rico’s got an agenda of his own. The tech firm has hands in Rosie’s school, and the world of PTAs and playdates comes with its own web of allegiances and betrayals. Kendal soon finds herself in way too deep . . .
I, Spy is a propulsive debut thriller about the disguise that all parents wear, and the former lives that come back to haunt us.
Kendal Carter is out in the cold and she wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s been four years since her daughter Rosie was born and Kendal has kept her miles away from The Game. But when their hiding place is discovered and danger comes too close, Ken is forced to turn to old contacts. Her longtime friend and ex-handler Rico doesn’t miss his chance to pull his best player back in. Whisking them to London, Rico offers them a luxury safe house in an area with good schools. How can she resist?
But there’s a catch, of course. Rico wants Kendal to come back to work for his espionage agency Bon Temps. He’s offering a cushy assignment with no apparent downside, running a rookie asset in one of London’s biggest, murkiest tech firms. It should be easy enough for someone with her experience, and luckily, mother is the perfect cover.
However, it doesn’t take long for Kendal to realize that Rico’s got an agenda of his own. The tech firm has hands in Rosie’s school, and the world of PTAs and playdates comes with its own web of allegiances and betrayals. Kendal soon finds herself in way too deep . . .
I, Spy is a propulsive debut thriller about the disguise that all parents wear, and the former lives that come back to haunt us.
272 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 5, 2026
11659 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Kemp
2 books38 followersL. M. KEMP lives and works in upstate London (Essex). She writes for a vast variety of creative, cultural, corporate and clandestine clients: most recently co-authoring personalized books for Wonderbly; reviewing pilot episodes, cheap perfumes and random Instagram accounts for Ralph Magazine; and editing lengthy and devastating reports for Greenpeace. For the last two years her work has been dominated by the research and development of I, Spy and a deep dive into the murky world of modern spycraft.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 22, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for this ARC copy! Full review to come
January 22, 2026
Reading is subjective to one’s taste. The reviews of others have no bearing on whether or not I’ll like something. The same goes with my own opinion. This debut by L.M. Kemp is a great example of that. Personally, I loved it! It passed the PEACH test.
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of I, Spy by L.M. Kemp. This novel is to be published on May 5, 2026.
This was actually simple in it’s complexity. Kendal was a spy living incognito with her daughter. But once her cover was blown, she contacts her ex-handler, Rico, and he sets her up in a luxurious safe-house… but with a catch. Train a new guy in their spy agency, Bon Temps, while living life out in the open while giving her daughter a taste of a normal life.
But in an espionage environment, does normal exist? The plot and concept were great. The story moved along at a great pace and this was a fairly quick read. Kendal does have a job to do that’s more than just raising her daughter, Rosie. What an entertaining gem Rosie was! Many of the characters were simple in the complexity of their lives.
There were some writing hiccups but as this is an advanced copy, it’s assumed those issues get corrected in the final draft. It’s not something that takes away from my enjoyment of this novel.
In all, this book had so much heart. There were scenes that played out that provides a small bit of info for the reader without context. And when that context comes a chapter or two later, it just warms the heart and makes you smile.
If this were to be a series, I’d happily read future offerings. I’m especially thankful that St. Martin’s Press contacted me via email and suggested this as a read.
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of I, Spy by L.M. Kemp. This novel is to be published on May 5, 2026.
This was actually simple in it’s complexity. Kendal was a spy living incognito with her daughter. But once her cover was blown, she contacts her ex-handler, Rico, and he sets her up in a luxurious safe-house… but with a catch. Train a new guy in their spy agency, Bon Temps, while living life out in the open while giving her daughter a taste of a normal life.
But in an espionage environment, does normal exist? The plot and concept were great. The story moved along at a great pace and this was a fairly quick read. Kendal does have a job to do that’s more than just raising her daughter, Rosie. What an entertaining gem Rosie was! Many of the characters were simple in the complexity of their lives.
There were some writing hiccups but as this is an advanced copy, it’s assumed those issues get corrected in the final draft. It’s not something that takes away from my enjoyment of this novel.
In all, this book had so much heart. There were scenes that played out that provides a small bit of info for the reader without context. And when that context comes a chapter or two later, it just warms the heart and makes you smile.
If this were to be a series, I’d happily read future offerings. I’m especially thankful that St. Martin’s Press contacted me via email and suggested this as a read.
October 1, 2025
I enjoyed this, but I didn't really believe it, and I found all of the plot *twists," extremely predictable.
January 27, 2026
3.25/5
This was an interesting read with a promising premise, however I struggled to be invested in the plot. I will say that I enjoyed the characters we were introduced to. It was interesting to dive deeper into Kendal's past and see how her upbringing and past work as a spy led to her current approach to raising Rosie. I loved delving into her dilemmas surrounding motherhood. By reflecting on her past with her mother and looking into her past work, she understood that she wanted a different life for her child and endeavoured to make that happen. However, I found the plot confusing at times and I struggled following what was happening. The twists felt a little random and out of the blue, but lacked the surprise factor I would hope for from a mystery read. Overall, this story had an interesting premise and was a good read, I just would have liked to see a little more from the plot.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC!
This was an interesting read with a promising premise, however I struggled to be invested in the plot. I will say that I enjoyed the characters we were introduced to. It was interesting to dive deeper into Kendal's past and see how her upbringing and past work as a spy led to her current approach to raising Rosie. I loved delving into her dilemmas surrounding motherhood. By reflecting on her past with her mother and looking into her past work, she understood that she wanted a different life for her child and endeavoured to make that happen. However, I found the plot confusing at times and I struggled following what was happening. The twists felt a little random and out of the blue, but lacked the surprise factor I would hope for from a mystery read. Overall, this story had an interesting premise and was a good read, I just would have liked to see a little more from the plot.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Motherhood has kept Kendal out of the spy game for five years. She has taken steps to protect herself and her daughter, Rosie. She tries to stay cognizant of possible threats but also tries to make Rosie’s life seem normal. However, all good things come to an end. Kendal finds her cover blown and calls on her former boss to get them to safety. She quickly finds herself back in the “game”, tasked with training a new asset.
Things quickly become more complicated, especially as Rosie is starting school, which means mommy groups, play dates, school activities, etc. A world that is distinctly unfamiliar to Kendal, whose childhood was rather unconventional. While she still possesses many of her spy skills, and has access to helpful kit and associates, her concern over her daughter’s safety and wellbeing is a distraction that causes her to fail to see certain threats. However, the fierceness of a mother protecting her child, when harnessed, will turn out to be quite beneficial.
The story is filled with suspense and surprises, including the discovery that someone she thought was dead is very much alive, and sometimes she had been trying to avoid has been much more aware of what has happened in her life in the past five years. Kendal makes some new mom friends. An observant or suspicious reader will find something “off” about one of these new friends, but Kendal will remain oblivious until it is almost too late. The story also involves an educational app for children that is actually dangerous spyware.
The book ends with multiple plot points that could be turned into a sequel. A decision with which I would approve.
Things quickly become more complicated, especially as Rosie is starting school, which means mommy groups, play dates, school activities, etc. A world that is distinctly unfamiliar to Kendal, whose childhood was rather unconventional. While she still possesses many of her spy skills, and has access to helpful kit and associates, her concern over her daughter’s safety and wellbeing is a distraction that causes her to fail to see certain threats. However, the fierceness of a mother protecting her child, when harnessed, will turn out to be quite beneficial.
The story is filled with suspense and surprises, including the discovery that someone she thought was dead is very much alive, and sometimes she had been trying to avoid has been much more aware of what has happened in her life in the past five years. Kendal makes some new mom friends. An observant or suspicious reader will find something “off” about one of these new friends, but Kendal will remain oblivious until it is almost too late. The story also involves an educational app for children that is actually dangerous spyware.
The book ends with multiple plot points that could be turned into a sequel. A decision with which I would approve.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley
Kendal Carter has spent the last four years of her life hiding in plain sight in a nondescript Swiss neighborhood. She left her life as an intelligence agent behind her and is happily raising her four-year-old daughter, Rosie.
But when she spots two strangers at the park, she opts for caution; later, a dumpster fire and the breaking into of several apartments put her on high alert. And then someone tries to break into her apartment, forcing her to call her former boss for assistance. She and Rose get away safely, but what is next for them?
Will Kendal be pulled back into spying? Or will she resist, opting for motherhood?
=========
First in a series, this story of a one-time intelligence agent, retired to raise her four-year-old daughter, pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. The plot twists and turns in some unexpected ways, keeping the pages turning. Readers should expect lots of action and family drama as Kendal finds herself torn between the excitement of her work as an agent and the joys motherhood and daily life with Rosie.
This fast, easy read is difficult to set aside and will keep readers involved in Kendal’s story. Her struggles are believable; readers will find it difficult to set this one aside as Kendal makes decisions that affect both her and her daughter.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#ISpy #NetGalley
Kendal Carter has spent the last four years of her life hiding in plain sight in a nondescript Swiss neighborhood. She left her life as an intelligence agent behind her and is happily raising her four-year-old daughter, Rosie.
But when she spots two strangers at the park, she opts for caution; later, a dumpster fire and the breaking into of several apartments put her on high alert. And then someone tries to break into her apartment, forcing her to call her former boss for assistance. She and Rose get away safely, but what is next for them?
Will Kendal be pulled back into spying? Or will she resist, opting for motherhood?
=========
First in a series, this story of a one-time intelligence agent, retired to raise her four-year-old daughter, pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. The plot twists and turns in some unexpected ways, keeping the pages turning. Readers should expect lots of action and family drama as Kendal finds herself torn between the excitement of her work as an agent and the joys motherhood and daily life with Rosie.
This fast, easy read is difficult to set aside and will keep readers involved in Kendal’s story. Her struggles are believable; readers will find it difficult to set this one aside as Kendal makes decisions that affect both her and her daughter.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#ISpy #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
First glance at it seemed a bit confusing at first. PTA, Playdates, and one impossible Mission.
Cover art is perfect. Not overwhelming. No fake AI imposed images as we see more and more on book covers.
Prologue was short and mysterious. Nothing really gained by it. It doesn't develop any specific character. Not sure it's even needed.
First few chapters are a bit confusing at first, trying to figure out if she was actually on a mission to begin with that either was failing or something went wrong. Then it slowly starts introducing characters.
Great job on giving Rosie a place in the book. She seems believable. A few other Characters seem to be a bit hidden. I am sure on purpose.
Not going to give spoilers, but the ending was a bit confusing and jumbled and even more confusing. But then again, when are spy novels not confusing and twisted?
This book could have been a bit longer. A bit more meat and potatoes in the middle. Given more ground for the Characters to evolve and possible ending and motives to really come to light.
One downfall is you don't really get to know the exact motive and the reasoning. But that's fine. It was a good read and giving it 4 stars. I did find a few grammar and missing words in the book.
First glance at it seemed a bit confusing at first. PTA, Playdates, and one impossible Mission.
Cover art is perfect. Not overwhelming. No fake AI imposed images as we see more and more on book covers.
Prologue was short and mysterious. Nothing really gained by it. It doesn't develop any specific character. Not sure it's even needed.
First few chapters are a bit confusing at first, trying to figure out if she was actually on a mission to begin with that either was failing or something went wrong. Then it slowly starts introducing characters.
Great job on giving Rosie a place in the book. She seems believable. A few other Characters seem to be a bit hidden. I am sure on purpose.
Not going to give spoilers, but the ending was a bit confusing and jumbled and even more confusing. But then again, when are spy novels not confusing and twisted?
This book could have been a bit longer. A bit more meat and potatoes in the middle. Given more ground for the Characters to evolve and possible ending and motives to really come to light.
One downfall is you don't really get to know the exact motive and the reasoning. But that's fine. It was a good read and giving it 4 stars. I did find a few grammar and missing words in the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC.
This book was suggested to me, and while it definitely isn't my style I can absolutely see an audience for this that will love it.
This is for the kind or reader who sips moscato in the tub while reading a baked-goods mystery. It's light, low on the thrills and espionage, but entertaining. There is also a lot of time spent slowly describing her 3 year old and her antics. Honestly that takes up almost 80% of the book and the child is neither interesting nor engaging. The entire child storyline could have been thrown out and the story wouldn't have changed much at all, and could have cut out 150 pages.
It's cute overall I suppose, but absolutely not for someone who enjoys actual international espionage, intrigue, or thrillers. If you like chick-lit and spy gadgets this is definitely for you.
This book was suggested to me, and while it definitely isn't my style I can absolutely see an audience for this that will love it.
This is for the kind or reader who sips moscato in the tub while reading a baked-goods mystery. It's light, low on the thrills and espionage, but entertaining. There is also a lot of time spent slowly describing her 3 year old and her antics. Honestly that takes up almost 80% of the book and the child is neither interesting nor engaging. The entire child storyline could have been thrown out and the story wouldn't have changed much at all, and could have cut out 150 pages.
It's cute overall I suppose, but absolutely not for someone who enjoys actual international espionage, intrigue, or thrillers. If you like chick-lit and spy gadgets this is definitely for you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a free version of this book via NetGalley.
A fun read about what happens when a (freelance) spy becomes a mother. How do you maintain your cover when you need to do the school run? Perfect for fans of Ally Carter's The Blonde Identity and The Blonde Who Came in From the Cold. I enjoyed spending time with Kendal and her 4 year old Rosie and hope this is the start of a new series.
A fun read about what happens when a (freelance) spy becomes a mother. How do you maintain your cover when you need to do the school run? Perfect for fans of Ally Carter's The Blonde Identity and The Blonde Who Came in From the Cold. I enjoyed spending time with Kendal and her 4 year old Rosie and hope this is the start of a new series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As always, a big "thank you" to NetGalley and the publisher for inviting me to read and review this book.
I will not attempt to equal the detailed synopses left by other reviewers. Suffice it to say, it's a fast-paced romp with a lot of humor, and a few surprises, one of which at least I had guessed was pretty obvious. Another surprise did, well, surprise me. I will not divulge it here as it would be a major spoiler. But as another reviewer mentioned, there were enough threads left by the end of this book that could be pulled and made into a sequel. Perhaps even multiple sequels. I for one would enjoy seeing Rosie (the protagonist's young daughter) grow up.
I will not attempt to equal the detailed synopses left by other reviewers. Suffice it to say, it's a fast-paced romp with a lot of humor, and a few surprises, one of which at least I had guessed was pretty obvious. Another surprise did, well, surprise me. I will not divulge it here as it would be a major spoiler. But as another reviewer mentioned, there were enough threads left by the end of this book that could be pulled and made into a sequel. Perhaps even multiple sequels. I for one would enjoy seeing Rosie (the protagonist's young daughter) grow up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book hooked me by page two. It’s packed with intrigue, deception, and drama, and once it got going, it kept my attention. The only hiccup for me was the overload of acronyms at the beginning, which was a bit confusing and took some time to sort out. I also found myself slightly confused at points in the plot.
That said, there were clearly some unanswered questions, which I’m assuming are intentional and setting things up for a sequel. Overall, I enjoyed the story and would absolutely read the next book. I’m hoping we get to see most of these characters again.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
That said, there were clearly some unanswered questions, which I’m assuming are intentional and setting things up for a sequel. Overall, I enjoyed the story and would absolutely read the next book. I’m hoping we get to see most of these characters again.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this spin on the typical spy story, and will definitely be reading more if the author follows up and turns this into a series! I was a little lost at the beginning with all the jargon and agencies, but once I got my bearings and the pace picked up, I couldn’t put this book down. The interaction between Kendall and Rosie was sweet, and I loved the social politics of the school mom set. The side characters were interesting and entertaining, and I hope that if there’s another book set in this world, we’ll get to see even more from Fini, Joe, and Pete.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC and provide an honest review!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC and provide an honest review!
February 17, 2026
I, Spy is an interesting construction. L.M. Kemp has created a domestic espionage tale about the mother of a four-year-old girl. A school mom with a tortured past. It feels like a YA novel by Jennifer Lynn Barnes or Ally Carter, but it isn’t. It would read better without the vulgar dialogue.
The tone of the novel is light. Several of the characters are interesting. The plot is well ordered, predictable on some levels, and resolved well enough. I found myself enjoying the pacing, the nods to spy craft, and the protagonist. This is a satisfying first novel.
I am grateful to NetGalley for providing me an opportunity to read the prepublication ebook.
The tone of the novel is light. Several of the characters are interesting. The plot is well ordered, predictable on some levels, and resolved well enough. I found myself enjoying the pacing, the nods to spy craft, and the protagonist. This is a satisfying first novel.
I am grateful to NetGalley for providing me an opportunity to read the prepublication ebook.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
DRC from Edelweiss and Minotaur Books /Macmillan
Kendal, a former spy, is now the single mother of a four-year-old and living under the radar, or so she thinks. When her home has been compromised, she calls for help and finds herself back in the game. Kendal and Rosie are placed in a super secure home in a good school neighborhood, all part of the “cover.” This time she has to deal with other mothers at school pick-up, PTAs, and school yard bullies. Much tougher than fighting bad guys.
This fast-paced spy novel is at times funny, suspenseful, and relatable.
Kendal, a former spy, is now the single mother of a four-year-old and living under the radar, or so she thinks. When her home has been compromised, she calls for help and finds herself back in the game. Kendal and Rosie are placed in a super secure home in a good school neighborhood, all part of the “cover.” This time she has to deal with other mothers at school pick-up, PTAs, and school yard bullies. Much tougher than fighting bad guys.
This fast-paced spy novel is at times funny, suspenseful, and relatable.
January 4, 2026
The beginning starts out very twisty and exciting. As it went on especially the end I found myself hoping something more would happen. Overall a solid read with great characters, just not as suspenseful as I prefer.
January 20, 2026
I received this as an arc from net galley
I had so much fun diving into the spy world with this book and I would love for this to be a series. It has twists and turns I wasn’t expecting and I read it all in one day!
I had so much fun diving into the spy world with this book and I would love for this to be a series. It has twists and turns I wasn’t expecting and I read it all in one day!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The book was an enjoyable read! The plot was interesting and different, however, I thought it could be a little more suspenseful and there was some writing glitches, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book.
February 7, 2026
I absolutely loved I, Spy. It was sharp, fast, and ridiculously fun. I read it in one day and was completely engrossed from start to finish.
Kendal’s character growth is fantastic, especially her relationship with Rosie, which adds real heart to the story without slowing the pace. The balance between spy thrills and motherhood works so well and never feels forced. I love how she navigated Mom groups and school and learning to rely on someone other than herself.
The twists and turns kept coming, the pacing was tight, and the whole book felt energetic and smart. I was hooked the entire time and really hope there’s a sequel.
If you’re a fan of the Finlay Donovan books, this should absolutely be on your list. If a sequel comes out, I’ll be handing over my debit card immediately.
Kendal’s character growth is fantastic, especially her relationship with Rosie, which adds real heart to the story without slowing the pace. The balance between spy thrills and motherhood works so well and never feels forced. I love how she navigated Mom groups and school and learning to rely on someone other than herself.
The twists and turns kept coming, the pacing was tight, and the whole book felt energetic and smart. I was hooked the entire time and really hope there’s a sequel.
If you’re a fan of the Finlay Donovan books, this should absolutely be on your list. If a sequel comes out, I’ll be handing over my debit card immediately.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews