The Alice Network meets The Nightingale in this romantic and suspenseful novel about a female spy who must push herself to her very limits to save herself and everything she holds dear—from nationally bestselling author and master of historical fiction C.C. Humphreys.
It’s 1939, and Stockholm is a sea of spies. Yet Eve Sinclair couldn’t care less. Nineteen years old, beautiful, born in Montreal into privilege and educated to do little more than make a good marriage, she appears to have succeeded when she weds handsome diplomat Richard Spence and follows him to Stockholm. But, like so much in this city, Eve will discover that her marriage is not what it seems. Raised to expect only one life, she soon finds herself thrust into another one entirely—dark, corrupt and very, very dangerous.
If Eve is going to survive her newly perilous life in a world at war, she must learn certain skills—and swiftly. Discovering a core of steel buried deep within her, she will forge that steel into a career . . . as a spy. Her talents, and her need to fight evil, will take her from luxurious Sweden to the foulest tenements of Lisbon, onto the highlands of Scotland and finally to a bridge in Norway, a detonator and an inconceivable choice.
The Double Life of Eve Sinclair is much more than a war story; it’s a tale of love, passion, grit and the resilience of the human spirit. And it’s the story of one woman who discovers she has more strength than she ever could have imagined.
Chris (C.C.) Humphreys was born in Toronto, lived till he was seven in Los Angeles, then grew up in the UK. All four grandparents were actors, and since his father was an actor as well, it was inevitable he would follow the bloodline.
Chris (C.C.) Humphreys has played Hamlet in Calgary, a gladiator in Tunisia, waltzed in London’s West End, conned the landlord of the Rovers Return in Coronation Street, commanded a starfleet in Andromeda, voiced Salem the cat in the original Sabrina, and is a dead immortal in Highlander. He has written eleven adult novels including The French Executioner, runner-up for the CWA Steel Dagger for Thrillers; Chasing the Wind; The Jack Absolute Trilogy; Vlad – The Last Confession; A Place Called Armageddon and Shakespeare’s Rebel – which he adapted into a play and which premiered at Bard on the Beach, Vancouver, in 2015. Plague won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel in Canada in 2015. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. His epic fantasy series the Immortals’ Blood Trilogy, beginning with Smoke in the Glass' has just been published by Gollancz. He also published his other fantasy series, The Tapestry Trilogy, beginning in August 2020 with ‘The Hunt of the Unicorn’. His foray into modern crime, 'One London Day' was published in 2021. Hie new novel, the World War Two epic romance, 'Someday I'll Find You' is published by Doubleday in Canada on June 6, 2023.
I’d give this one a solid 4 stars. The middle of the book really shines, it’s where the story finds its stride and pulls you in. The characters felt engaging and well-developed, and I found myself genuinely invested in their lives and choices. The storyline was intriguing and kept me turning the pages, especially once things started to unfold. Overall, a compelling read with a strong core that made it well worth the time.
Not bad! The plot jumped around a ton. I enjoyed the twists early on, found it a little scattered throughout. I don’t really understand how or why the author chose to skip through time so much. Ending was pretty anticlimactic, maybe even a little boring.
This book was such a fresh perspective of WWII for me. I've read MANY historical fiction novels set throughout Europe, Russia, and Asia, but not in Scandinavia. As a side note, I have Finnish heritage, but I realized in reading this book how little I know about Nordic and Scandinavia's WWII history. So, down that rabbit hole, I shall go! ✨️
Now, back to the Double Life of Eve Sinclair!
This book took so many twists and turns that I did not expect! It explores the sting of betrayal, the harsh personal realities of wartime, the sheer bravery, and insane determination of those who fought for our freedom and our future.
It also beautifully demonstrates that love is truly the only force that holds us together and keeps us human despite distances of war. When Eve and Erik meet unexpectedly in a tragic and desperate moment in their lives, they have one goal - to fight back. To avenge their dead, to help take Hitler and the Nazis down. They don't expect to fall in love in the process. Set in Scandinavia and Europe, this story is gripping and suspenseful. The characters feel real, and you find yourself silently wishing you could know them as real people. I love the writing. Humphreys is a masterful storyteller, and it is as though you're caught up in a fairytale - I think this would probably be a great audiobook!
Thank you so much to @penguinrandomca @doubledayca @humphreys_cc @netgalley for the ARC of this book. I tore through it, and I think many others will, too! The Double Life of Eve Sinclair by CC Humphreys is out June 2, 2026!
“The Double Life of Eve Sinclair” is an an enthralling historical fictional novel that follows a Montreal debutante who transformation from a sheltered diplomat's wife into a fierce World War II spy. I love books with strong female protagonists. Eve Sinclair navigates espionage, danger, and impossible choices across Stockholm, Lisbon, Scotland, and Norway. It’s a thrill of a read to see Eve in action, she ultimately discovers she has more strength than she ever could have imagined. She will be tested beyond her ability, thrusted into dark and dangerous circumstances that are beyond measure. Eve is a force to be reckoned with, she is courageous, a far cry from the socialite from Montreal.
Eve has a rude awakening to the harsh realities of war, an encounter with a Norwegian soldier Erik Strom is educational, but after she meets him, she can no longer turn a blind eye to the atrocities of war. They become a formidable pair. Her eyes are wide open to the horror of war, and she is bound and determined to do her part using her beauty and wit to forge a new career as an operative.
It blends historical events, suspenseful elements and romance into a fantastic storyline that is action packed. It has an engaging narrative style, strong character development with gripping fiction. This novel was inspired by the heroic exploits of courageous Scandinavian resistance operatives and how they helped the Allies win World War II. Eve did her part to help fight evil. An enthralling story.
(ARC review) The double life of Eve Sinclair is a captivating story of the love, loss, sacrifice, hope, and disappointment of war. Following the female protagonist on her journey from uninvolved and ignorant noble to a spy looking to foil Nazi plans, Eve learns just what it takes to be “on the right side of history.”
Many WWII historical Fiction novels follow the men’s story and portray women as the home makers awaiting their husband’s return. This was a refreshing story of bravery shown by women and their desire to get involved. Eve is cunning, witty, and bold. She thrives on being underestimated, I loved her character development as she grew into who she was meant to be.
Each relationship shaped her and she made sure to use any and all information to her advantage. Her parents, Richard, Henrik, and Erik all played a vital role.
I was hooked from page one to the very end. Every time I thought I knew what was happening or going to happen, everything flipped around.
First book I've read from this author and I'm going to be keeping this author on my radar! I devoured this book in one sitting! I was drawn in from the very beginning! I love historical fiction and especially anything about WW2 and this one was amazing! There are so many unexpected twists that I was engaged and kept turning the pages for more. I have not read about Sweden during the war before, so I was captivated during the book so read about their involvement. I absolutely loved it from beginning to end! The pacing was perfect and I would definitely read more books from this author! Highly recommend this to anyone, thank you to NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Double Life of Eva Sinclair by C. C. Humphries is an unforgettable WWII spy thriller. There are so many unexpected surprises to keep the reader engaged. This is a story about a newly married nineteen years old Canadian born woman who becomes a skilled resistance fighter for the Allies. This reader was happy to read about anti-Nazi efforts by groups other than those in a France. Eva’s journey first takes her to Sweden as her husband is in the diplomatic corps. Sweden declared neutrality during WWII, but was it really? Be sure to read the author’s after notes. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
Wow what to say about this book, set during WWII our FMC Eve Sinclair is newly married when she finds herself in Europe at the start of WWII and she knows she must fight to bring down the Nazi’s. Travelling from Canada to Sweden, Portugal, Finland, England, Scotland and back to Sweden this book will take you on a journey of how one woman must put her faith in herself and figure out who to trust. This is action and drama and your interest will be captured by this story. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend this book even if you are a little burnt out by WWII stories, this is worth reading.
If you like reading WWII historical fiction in locales other than France and England, pick up The Double Life of Eve Sinclair. Canadian born Eve marries diplomat Richard Spence who is assigned to neutral Sweden. Married life is not what she expects. Neutral Sweden is not what she expects. With dangerous twists and turns, Eve’s life is turning out to be not at all what she expects. Eve rises to the challenges.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I was lucky to receive an advance reading copy of this historical novel and loved every word.
Both sweeping and intimate, The Double Life of Eve Sinclair, weaves a love story for the ages and an addictively propulsive tale of espionage that will keep you guessing until the final page, inspired by the heroic exploits of courageous Scandinavian resistance operatives and how they helped the Allies win World War II.
This is one Canadian girl who makes it her mission to fight evil during World War II. I would say that she has more than a double life, an ever-evolving one that ultimately lets her rely on her own strength.
From a fairy tale wedding to a diplomat, to a frightful honeymoon, to an unexpected romance, Eve Sinclair weathers all that life throws at her and then vows to triumph on the side of good.
Tension builds nicely to her final harrowing mission and its satisfying conclusion.
This richly written, evocative historical fiction war story set in unique locations, reveals behind-the-scenes and rarely told aspects of WWII. A bit slow to start, this story develops in a captivating and interesting way.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the opportunity to read this ARC.
3.5 stars. Really liked the beginning, and then got a bit bogged down mid war. Had to keep reminding myself how young they both were. Also found it a bit odd that she only saw her parents once and they were rarely mentioned after she married. Liked the brief glance at Billy from the previous book.
I greatly enjoyed this historical novel set during WWII. The storyline focused on Norway and Sweden - a new area for me. The characters were interesting.
Thanks for the ARC from Netgalley! This was a very well written book! The pacing was done well, the main character was engaging, and it was a pleasure to read!
I hadn’t read anything by this author before but I will definitely be looking for more books by this author. I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down. Love the characters. Well done.
First time I have read a book by this author. I will certainly be reading more. Eve Sinclair is a woman who finds the strength within to help her country win the war. A great read.