The Warsaw Messenger: A Historical WW2 Spy Thriller inspired by true events in Nazi occupied Poland

by Kate Duprez

"Couldn't put it down!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review. "Outstanding WWII novel." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review.
ANNA NOWAK IS NOT YOUR ORDINARY SPY...
In Nazi occupied Poland, one woman's courage could turn the tide of war.

If you love WW2 historical fiction with edge-of-your-seat suspense, strong female characters and a touch of romance, then this is your next must-read. Inspired by the unbelievable story of a courageous female agent who worked undercover for British Intelligence in Poland during WW2.

It's late 1939 and British Intelligence has a problem. There's a shortage of their men on the ground in recently Nazi-occupied Poland. They need an agent, [preferably a man], who can ski fast, shoot like a sniper, and blend into Poland without raising suspicion. Enter Anna Nowak, a determined and convincing Polish patriot. And a woman.

Hiking and skiing across the treacherous Tatra mountains to operate undercover in Nazi-occupied Warsaw, Anna makes contact with a resistance network run by the enigmatic 'Baker' and the courageous Greta. Things soon become complicated. And dangerous. Her Jewish mother refuses to leave Warsaw, her accomplice disappears and the Gestapo is now on her trail.

Heartbroken and hunted, she unexpectedly meets her first love again as their separate assignments intersect. As she undertakes increasingly dangerous missions into Poland, Tomasz, who is based in Budapest organizing the escape of Poles to fight for the Allies, knows each mission could be her last.

When shocking microfilm evidence that could change the war’s outcome is entrusted to her by the resistance, she knows she must get it safely to Churchill. Will she get out of Poland one last time?

Or will she be arrested by Fuller, the psychopathic Gestapo officer, before her inevitable torture and execution?

Perfect for fans of Alex Gerlis, Kristin Hannah, and Kate Quinn
✓ Authentic WWII timelines and events
✓ Complex female protagonist
✓ Rich historical detail of the brutality in Nazi-occupied Poland
✓ Thrilling cat-and-mouse tension between the Anna and the Gestapo officer hunting for her

The Warsaw Messenger is a compelling tale of espionage, resistance, sacrifice and love. It will stay with you long after the final page...
"What a wonderful read. I love spy stories especially a woman agent I will remember this book for a long time." reader review.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Espionage

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2025

About the author

A new voice in historical fiction, Kate Duprez writes for all who love reading about the many ‘ordinary’ women and men who have shaped history by performing extraordinary deeds. Her novels, The Warsaw Messenger, The Bordeaux Bakery, and its sequel, The Bordeaux Betrayals are inspired by several of the British agents who operated undercover in Nazi occupied Europe during WW2.
She works part time, enabling her time to research and write. She loves to travel and enjoys an outdoor lifestyle in beautiful New Zealand.

Reviews

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

This was an enticing but heart wrenching read of course with the atrocities of the Nazis described and the horrors innocent folks had to endure. The courageous efforts many resisters displayed was admirable++. Some characters were pathetic naturally. The nightmarish times showed the true colors of people as some willing to help others while's cowardly natures were revealed. I am kind of mixed as to how I feel about this in a sense....the mfc realized her husband was having an affair but was rather mellow as if no big deal so just wished him well....whatever; when he wanted her back there wasn't any explanation about the mistress...just felt unsettled/unanswered.

On page 77 a Nazi stated how Europe was supposedly overrun by Juden....as if! There wasn't any trouble with the Jewish other than their hatred and prejudice especially compared to the utter turmoil, terror, and chaos occurring now sadly which still isn't the Jews fault of course....

It was insightful anyway; would have liked to have known who the woman was that inspired this book.

[Pauline King Battenbough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend

A fantastic exciting read. I couldn't put it down, well written and action packed from start to finish. Can't wait to start the next book.

[Jacquetta Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book by a 'new to me' Author. The history, the story and the glory of it. I have read many novels on the Nazi involvement and killing of the Jews and this novel is up there with them. I appreciate this Author for her authenticity of detail.
You will enjoy reading this book, it is a hard one to put down. I will recommend this book who love history and a good novel.

[Carey Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historic WWII fiction - Anna Nowak is a Warsaw native and her mother is in danger in the city, being Jewish. Working for British Intelligence, Anna becomes an agent that can blend into Poland and retrieve critical documents. Danger is around every corner and it takes all of her wit and cunning to do her job. Reaches an exciting conclusion after lots of action and intrigue. I enjoyed it.

[Amanda Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is one book you have to read this year, it's this one! A heart pounding, nail biting story of men and women, some of whom gave their lives, whilst others walked a fine line between life and death to help save lives during WWII.
What wonderful characters, full of passion, strength and perseverance. They will make you cry, laugh and feel their pain. This is my first book by Kate Duprez and it certainly won't be my last. The story has been well researched for historical accuracy and is written with a knowledge of that era.

[Lisajoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just OK for me, I felt like there was a lot of repetition of events, and I wanted it to be more emotional for the time period. I felt like the character development could have been stronger as well. The story line was not very clear to me either.

[Shelley Fiscus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story— a bit melodramatic

I’m a huge fan of WWII historical fiction. This one doesn’t rise to the top of my favorites list but it was an ok read. A little melodramatic for my taste.

[robert pond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong thank you to Kate Duprez

I haven't read 20 plus WW2 historical fiction books by 3 authors of five star writers. This book equals their 5 star excitement.. I am 92 and read 2\3 books a week all WW2.Related.
Robert Pond

[David Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read.

[Annette Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

true courage! of love devotion and perseverance

What a wonderful read I love spy stories especially a woman agent I will remember this book for a long time

[Sarah Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW⚠️: Graphic

[Terri Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating!

This author has done a wonderful job of fleshing out the characters so realistically who represent those who risked their lives in the resistance.

[Elaine Kurland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Karen OConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Warsaw Messenger. Kate Duprez has written a brilliant novel that captures the bravery shown by those willing to stand up to the Nazi invasion. A great mix of action, and suspense. I can’t wait to read more from this author.