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The Limping Lady: Based on the True Story of America's Most Decorated Female Spy
In the heart of occupied France, the Gestapo is hunting a ghost. They only know one thing about their most dangerous her limp.
Sent to Lyon, a city built for conspiracy, an American spy with a wooden leg codenamed "Cuthbert" begins a one-woman war against the Third Reich. Under the guise of a naïve journalist, Virginia Hall orchestrates sabotage and builds escape lines, her every move shadowed by the threat of discovery. Her limp is her signature, the one flaw in her performance that could betray her to the ever-watchful Gestapo.
When the enemy’s top spy hunter is brought in to eliminate the mysterious “Limping Lady,” Virginia must escalate her mission from espionage to open warfare. Tasked with forging a unified army from the feuding tribes of the Maquis, she must command bitter rivals in a series of audacious heists and devastating attacks. From the rooftops of Lyon to the treacherous peaks of the Pyrenees, Virginia wages a war of wits and wills against a relentless enemy who is determined to unmask her.
An epic and thrilling novel based on the true story of Virginia Hall, the spy who became a myth.
Sent to Lyon, a city built for conspiracy, an American spy with a wooden leg codenamed "Cuthbert" begins a one-woman war against the Third Reich. Under the guise of a naïve journalist, Virginia Hall orchestrates sabotage and builds escape lines, her every move shadowed by the threat of discovery. Her limp is her signature, the one flaw in her performance that could betray her to the ever-watchful Gestapo.
When the enemy’s top spy hunter is brought in to eliminate the mysterious “Limping Lady,” Virginia must escalate her mission from espionage to open warfare. Tasked with forging a unified army from the feuding tribes of the Maquis, she must command bitter rivals in a series of audacious heists and devastating attacks. From the rooftops of Lyon to the treacherous peaks of the Pyrenees, Virginia wages a war of wits and wills against a relentless enemy who is determined to unmask her.
An epic and thrilling novel based on the true story of Virginia Hall, the spy who became a myth.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 23, 2025
Based on a true story, this is a truly remarkable story of great courage!
November 5, 2025
As a history lover I found this book hard to put down. The author captured the fear, pain, and self doubt of Virginia overcome by her courage, loyalty and brilliant strategic mind. Highly recommend.
November 22, 2025
Wonderful
I am an old man and I read a lot. But out of the thousands of books I've read this one ranks right at the top of the pile with the best of them!
I am an old man and I read a lot. But out of the thousands of books I've read this one ranks right at the top of the pile with the best of them!
April 8, 2026
This book was a page turner. It kept me engaged and wanting to know what would happen next. But it could have been so much better.
This novella could tell a much more compelling story if it were expanded to novel-length. I’d love to see the three leaders’ characters developed into more than just the mere caricatures they were depicted as.
One thing that bothered me was that the author continually talked about the searing pain in her leg, the dull ache in her leg, the insistent stabbing pains, etc. But everything I’ve seen and read about amputees wearing protheses (and this would especially apply to these early crude ones) is that the constant rubbing creates open, sores, ulcers, bleeding and oozing sores that have to be carefully treated and cared for. There was no discussion of this; she just carried on. While I understand that was part of Virginia’s character – she always just carried on – it would’ve been a reality that she must deal with, and the author didn’t address this.
I was also bothered by the numerous loose ends that weren’t tied up at the end. What was the significance of the single silk glove? What about the locket that was mysteriously mentioned at the end? And what happened to Anouk’s father?
This novella could tell a much more compelling story if it were expanded to novel-length. I’d love to see the three leaders’ characters developed into more than just the mere caricatures they were depicted as.
One thing that bothered me was that the author continually talked about the searing pain in her leg, the dull ache in her leg, the insistent stabbing pains, etc. But everything I’ve seen and read about amputees wearing protheses (and this would especially apply to these early crude ones) is that the constant rubbing creates open, sores, ulcers, bleeding and oozing sores that have to be carefully treated and cared for. There was no discussion of this; she just carried on. While I understand that was part of Virginia’s character – she always just carried on – it would’ve been a reality that she must deal with, and the author didn’t address this.
I was also bothered by the numerous loose ends that weren’t tied up at the end. What was the significance of the single silk glove? What about the locket that was mysteriously mentioned at the end? And what happened to Anouk’s father?
December 20, 2025
Intrigue Abounds
Having just visited Lyon, this novel mixed past and present for me. Written with a wonderful pace of excitement and allowing the reader to anticipate the next steps, yet finding the story escalates in a new direction. Marvelous writing! The Resistance should never be forgotten. Real people bravely gave their lives. My next step will be to research "Diane.". I stayed on Rue Rene Leynaud and learned he was part of the Resistance and they met on that very street before he was killed by the Gestapo. Thank you for a wonderful read!
Having just visited Lyon, this novel mixed past and present for me. Written with a wonderful pace of excitement and allowing the reader to anticipate the next steps, yet finding the story escalates in a new direction. Marvelous writing! The Resistance should never be forgotten. Real people bravely gave their lives. My next step will be to research "Diane.". I stayed on Rue Rene Leynaud and learned he was part of the Resistance and they met on that very street before he was killed by the Gestapo. Thank you for a wonderful read!
August 5, 2026
Honestly, this book needs a 4.5 ⭐️ rating without question, but the true story itself deserves thousands of stars. People were so brave during the world wars. I sometimes try to think about how I would or would not(?) have contributed had I lived in that era and if I would have lived in Europe during this time. I can’t possibly believe I’d be half as brave as the heroes in these stories and Virginia was no exception. Very well written story of brilliance and hope during an impossible time in history.
May 13, 2026
Very interesting story, about a female amputee, and how she outsmarted the Germans, in order to liberate Lyon, France in WWII. Just further proof of what I've always believed. Women are smarter than men, better at planning, and can work through pain better than men.
October 20, 2025
Inspiring
Beautifully written, hard to stop reading. Very real, real life scenarios. A great strategic mind that kept a promise to a young orphan girl. Amazing description of the final that liberated Lyon, France. Conrad Samayoa.
Beautifully written, hard to stop reading. Very real, real life scenarios. A great strategic mind that kept a promise to a young orphan girl. Amazing description of the final that liberated Lyon, France. Conrad Samayoa.
December 14, 2025
Amazing!!!
You have heard that truth is stranger than fiction. This woman's life was more amazing, intense, and incredible than fiction.
You have heard that truth is stranger than fiction. This woman's life was more amazing, intense, and incredible than fiction.
April 17, 2026
Excellent read
Honor, courage, commitment, strategist, genius of the human condition. She was all of that and much more. My thank you to the author.
Honor, courage, commitment, strategist, genius of the human condition. She was all of that and much more. My thank you to the author.
October 31, 2025
Living Breathtaking History
A fascinating story, well told and gripping. Makes the reader feel and respect the sacrifice of a daring woman who became a legend.
A fascinating story, well told and gripping. Makes the reader feel and respect the sacrifice of a daring woman who became a legend.
July 18, 2026
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction - 4.5 stars ⭐️
August 1, 2026
This is one of the best books based on people and events that were behind the scenes of WWII. These people deserve to be applauded for their valor and ingenuity. Excellent read!
November 28, 2025
Fantastic story with historical context that will keep you on your toes and ultimately have you cheering for the “Limping “Lady”
March 25, 2026
Riveting
From start to finish this book was one that could not be put down. The pages couldn't be turned fast enough! How one woman could understand the thought processes of such vastly different men and how to get them to work together for one purpose time after time when defeat seemed imminent was amazing.
From start to finish this book was one that could not be put down. The pages couldn't be turned fast enough! How one woman could understand the thought processes of such vastly different men and how to get them to work together for one purpose time after time when defeat seemed imminent was amazing.
July 4, 2026
This is a remarkable read
It has been a very long time since I have read a book so very well written. A story so gripping, you remain attached to the characters and principles long after you read. There is nothing I enjoy more than a compelling story and a well written book. This book offers both and much more. This is a must read book not just for the story, but for the elegance in which it is written..
It has been a very long time since I have read a book so very well written. A story so gripping, you remain attached to the characters and principles long after you read. There is nothing I enjoy more than a compelling story and a well written book. This book offers both and much more. This is a must read book not just for the story, but for the elegance in which it is written..
December 10, 2025
Cold Cruel Violence
I have read many WWII genre books. This was one of the most cold, cruel and violent ones I have read.
The writing was mediocre. Many phrases were repeated over and over again. The word "surgical" was over used.
I read it to the end hoping for something redeeming, but alas, I was disappointed.
I have read many WWII genre books. This was one of the most cold, cruel and violent ones I have read.
The writing was mediocre. Many phrases were repeated over and over again. The word "surgical" was over used.
I read it to the end hoping for something redeeming, but alas, I was disappointed.
March 13, 2026
The General
Virginia Hall assisted the French during World War Two in resisting German occupation of Lyons, France. She brought rebel fractions together and formed a cohesive group of fighters. Through her contacts in England, she organized drops of munitions, gold, and supplies to the resistant forces. An unassuming old woman in disguise who ruled over her fighters with calculated nerves and exquisite planning.
Another story by Livia Huntingdon-Jones while classified as fiction, it is deeply rooted in nonfiction. Names have changed, except Virginia, who remained the central driving force of the story.
Read it like I did, googling the past and learning about this extraordinary woman. Wonderful writing as always, and a deep, quick read.
Virginia Hall assisted the French during World War Two in resisting German occupation of Lyons, France. She brought rebel fractions together and formed a cohesive group of fighters. Through her contacts in England, she organized drops of munitions, gold, and supplies to the resistant forces. An unassuming old woman in disguise who ruled over her fighters with calculated nerves and exquisite planning.
Another story by Livia Huntingdon-Jones while classified as fiction, it is deeply rooted in nonfiction. Names have changed, except Virginia, who remained the central driving force of the story.
Read it like I did, googling the past and learning about this extraordinary woman. Wonderful writing as always, and a deep, quick read.
June 25, 2026
Great story
A must read for fans of historical fiction. Loved her her unbreakable will, courage and her ability to command the respect of the men under her charge.
A must read for fans of historical fiction. Loved her her unbreakable will, courage and her ability to command the respect of the men under her charge.
June 18, 2026
This book is a fantastic storytelling of a real life American Female Spy. Worth the read.
March 3, 2026
Awe inspiring
I learned a lot about the fight of OSS in france in WWII. One womans bravery and endurance. A true inspiration. My bad was in OSS during the war. I wish I could talk to him about this story. A must read!
I learned a lot about the fight of OSS in france in WWII. One womans bravery and endurance. A true inspiration. My bad was in OSS during the war. I wish I could talk to him about this story. A must read!
March 20, 2026
"The Limping Lady" is a tribute to an unsung hero of World War 2. It follows a brilliant, physically challenged American strategist who weaves an army from war-torn France and empowers the resistance movement. Watching her outmaneuver the Nazi machine through cunning and resolve is incredibly satisfying. She helps to dismantle the chokehold of "The Butcher of Lyon." Her battle of wills against Klaus Barbie is a powerful, gritty reminder that true strength isn't always physical—it's tactical. She was the only civilian woman to receive the Distinguished Service Cross for her heroism in WWII.
October 7, 2025
A phenomenal story!
June 2, 2026
strong, creative, thrilling
Is a book well worth reading. It is written with a strong easy flow which keeps you coming back. You want to cry for the victims and cheer for the “army”. Great strategy.
Is a book well worth reading. It is written with a strong easy flow which keeps you coming back. You want to cry for the victims and cheer for the “army”. Great strategy.
December 28, 2025
This was a good story of WWII. I enjoyed it and hated to see it end. People need to read it. I would recommend this book to young and old readers.
January 5, 2026
Brenda
I greatly enjoyed this book. Amazing story of the life of a true soldier and the army she created to help end the war.
I greatly enjoyed this book. Amazing story of the life of a true soldier and the army she created to help end the war.
January 14, 2026
Beautiful
This is a book of beauty and bravery written about the cruelty of war.
A true masterpiece that will resonate for a long time.
e masterpiece.
This is a book of beauty and bravery written about the cruelty of war.
A true masterpiece that will resonate for a long time.
e masterpiece.
January 26, 2026
Revenge
Great story, well written, and kept me in suspense. This is a book that you can't put down because of the mind-blowing schemes that make you want to keep reading.
Great story, well written, and kept me in suspense. This is a book that you can't put down because of the mind-blowing schemes that make you want to keep reading.
January 27, 2026
Great Story of A Hero
This story held my interest throughout the book. I now want to research more about this woman or should I say hero. Until now, I never knew she existed.
This story held my interest throughout the book. I now want to research more about this woman or should I say hero. Until now, I never knew she existed.
January 30, 2026
Kept me wanting to read more
I loved this book. It kept me on my toes and wanting to read more. The story is truly amazing
I loved this book. It kept me on my toes and wanting to read more. The story is truly amazing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews