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I, Spy
7 hours, 54 minutes
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.
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.
10 pages, Audiobook
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
L.M. Kemp
2 books54 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 - 30 of 254 reviews
May 11, 2026
the setup…
Kendal (Ken) Carter is an ex-spy who’s been out of the game for five years. She and her four-year old daughter Rosie are living safely under an obscure identity in Dübendorf, Switzerland, the “normal” life she craved and wants for her child. But she’s not lost her skills so when danger descends on her doorstep, she senses it coming and manages to escape with the help of her former handler Rico. Just like that, she’s back in the business in London and working for his private agency Bon Temps. But this time, she’s a mother and that’s part of her disguise…and assignment.
the heart of the story…
I’m used to spy/ high espionage stories but only agents working for government agencies. This is not that story and Kendal’s skills are next level. The intrigue is high, the stakes even greater and I never knew who was being real or duplicitous. Even Kendal was conflicted about involving Rosie in this world. I found her fascinating with extraordinary senses and sensibilities, especially after learning of her complicated background.
the narration…
Ell Potter delivers a wonderful performance in capturing Kendal and managing a pace that kept me breathless.
the bottom line…
There are spy stories then there’s this. I was off balance from the first chapter and the whip snapping speed intensified everything. Kendal is an enigma with skills that seemed inbred. Daughter Rosie has apparently inherited her mother’s innate talents and her being there made me fearful. This story has everything and the twists and turns are around every bend. I’m thinking this is just the first of what’s bound to be coming next. I hope so.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Kendal (Ken) Carter is an ex-spy who’s been out of the game for five years. She and her four-year old daughter Rosie are living safely under an obscure identity in Dübendorf, Switzerland, the “normal” life she craved and wants for her child. But she’s not lost her skills so when danger descends on her doorstep, she senses it coming and manages to escape with the help of her former handler Rico. Just like that, she’s back in the business in London and working for his private agency Bon Temps. But this time, she’s a mother and that’s part of her disguise…and assignment.
the heart of the story…
I’m used to spy/ high espionage stories but only agents working for government agencies. This is not that story and Kendal’s skills are next level. The intrigue is high, the stakes even greater and I never knew who was being real or duplicitous. Even Kendal was conflicted about involving Rosie in this world. I found her fascinating with extraordinary senses and sensibilities, especially after learning of her complicated background.
the narration…
Ell Potter delivers a wonderful performance in capturing Kendal and managing a pace that kept me breathless.
the bottom line…
There are spy stories then there’s this. I was off balance from the first chapter and the whip snapping speed intensified everything. Kendal is an enigma with skills that seemed inbred. Daughter Rosie has apparently inherited her mother’s innate talents and her being there made me fearful. This story has everything and the twists and turns are around every bend. I’m thinking this is just the first of what’s bound to be coming next. I hope so.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
May 5, 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.
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.
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.
May 12, 2026
Kendal has been in the spy game for as long as she can remember thanks to her mother’s not so conventional parenting. But after a mission goes sideways, she disappears into the wind. Now she’s a single mom to a precocious four year old, Rosie, living a quiet life built entirely around keeping her daughter safe. That peace shatters when dangerous men come looking for her, forcing Kendal to reach out to her former boss, Rico at Bon Temps, for help. He offers her and Rosie a safe house… with one catch: he wants her back on the job. Just a small assignment, he claims. Low risk. Simply mentor a rookie operative embedded in a tech company.
The moment I heard the setup, the old adage “if it’s too good to be true…” started flashing in my mind. Rico’s offer felt suspicious from the start. It quickly becomes apparent that her placement was more than just for training when a prominent member of the tech company has ties to the school Rosie’s attending. Kendal has to infiltrate the world of school politics, befriending moms and digging for intel, all while trying to figure out who’s watching whom.
I really liked and rooted for Kendal and was completely hooked as her past is slowly revealed. What happened to make her go dark and get out of the spy game? Was it tied to the assignment she’s currently on? Could she trust Rico? Could she trust Joel, the cinnamon roll Canadian newbie she’s supposed to be training? Fini, her tech savvy best friend, was an absolute delight. I reserved judgement on pretty much every other character.
The ending definitely hints at more to come, and I’m already eager for the next installment.
I listened to the audiobook, and Ell Potter’s performance was fantastic. She handles a wide range of ages, genders, and accents with ease. Her British voices were distinct and believable, and Joel’s nerdy Canadian accent fit him perfectly.
I voluntarily listened to an audio copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
The moment I heard the setup, the old adage “if it’s too good to be true…” started flashing in my mind. Rico’s offer felt suspicious from the start. It quickly becomes apparent that her placement was more than just for training when a prominent member of the tech company has ties to the school Rosie’s attending. Kendal has to infiltrate the world of school politics, befriending moms and digging for intel, all while trying to figure out who’s watching whom.
I really liked and rooted for Kendal and was completely hooked as her past is slowly revealed. What happened to make her go dark and get out of the spy game? Was it tied to the assignment she’s currently on? Could she trust Rico? Could she trust Joel, the cinnamon roll Canadian newbie she’s supposed to be training? Fini, her tech savvy best friend, was an absolute delight. I reserved judgement on pretty much every other character.
The ending definitely hints at more to come, and I’m already eager for the next installment.
I listened to the audiobook, and Ell Potter’s performance was fantastic. She handles a wide range of ages, genders, and accents with ease. Her British voices were distinct and believable, and Joel’s nerdy Canadian accent fit him perfectly.
I voluntarily listened to an audio copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
May 7, 2026
4 stars Thank you to Macmillan and Edelweiss for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review. Published May 5, 2026.
As a rule I do not read espionage or sabotage novels. I don't go in for all the code words and weapons and chasing around that propel those stories. However... I did like this book. I found it to be more of a cozy read - maybe a watered down version of an espionage novel. Probably having to do with a 'Mom" being the lead character.
Kendal, if that is really her name - which it isn't, is drawn back in the 'game'. But this time she is a mother. Mother to Rosie, a precocious 4 yr old, who understands things much better than most.
This novel unofficially appears to be the beginning of a series, which I will probably continue. It is about spies and all the theatrical action that goes with that - however on a toned down scale. It was an easy read, with well developed characters and a great opening for this to continue as a series. It is more serious in nature than the Elle Cosimano series, but flies well under the radar of being an all out espionage novel.
This is the beginning of Kendal and Rosie's story and I hope not also the end.
As a rule I do not read espionage or sabotage novels. I don't go in for all the code words and weapons and chasing around that propel those stories. However... I did like this book. I found it to be more of a cozy read - maybe a watered down version of an espionage novel. Probably having to do with a 'Mom" being the lead character.
Kendal, if that is really her name - which it isn't, is drawn back in the 'game'. But this time she is a mother. Mother to Rosie, a precocious 4 yr old, who understands things much better than most.
This novel unofficially appears to be the beginning of a series, which I will probably continue. It is about spies and all the theatrical action that goes with that - however on a toned down scale. It was an easy read, with well developed characters and a great opening for this to continue as a series. It is more serious in nature than the Elle Cosimano series, but flies well under the radar of being an all out espionage novel.
This is the beginning of Kendal and Rosie's story and I hope not also the end.
Read
May 15, 2026DNF @ p64
This book isn't to my taste unfortunately, but it really is a matter of taste. Sometimes my cover love bites be in the butt! I think this will be a great choice for fans of intrigue and contemporary romance.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the arc!📚
This book isn't to my taste unfortunately, but it really is a matter of taste. Sometimes my cover love bites be in the butt! I think this will be a great choice for fans of intrigue and contemporary romance.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the arc!📚
March 29, 2026
A delightful caper novel about a former operative caring for her 4 year-old daughter. When they are discovered and their lives at risk, she must contact her former employer for a safe exit. But no one is ever out of the life, so she is soon back at work training an asset. Fortunately, he is great with kids and also cooks, so he fits easily into their life. She, meanwhile, must infiltrate the school’s mom group. It’s a bit more complex, and deliciously so, as the stakes rise to an unexpected conclusion. This well-narrated audiobook production is a great listen. I would happily listen to more should this become a series.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #ISpy for review purposes. Publication date: 5 May 2026.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #ISpy for review purposes. Publication date: 5 May 2026.
Did Not Finish
April 7, 2026DNF at 25%. Profanity
May 7, 2026
Spying: a way of life!
Kendal Carter had been training as a spy all her life, since she was a very young child. She’d had so many aliases it was hard to remember them all.
Her mother had been an operative and Kendal was a part of it.
Now, herself a single mother, Kendal is living in Zurich with her daughter Rosie. She always has various plans for escape if needed. As it was she was forced to take action.
Kendal found herself back in London living a somewhat normal life with Rosie attending school. Except nothing was normal and she had been tasked to find a way of stopping a tech company from introducing an educational app that would illegally gather data on the children of the UK
The lengths a mother will go to save her child is brought to the fore, but sometimes it messes with her honed instincts.
An unusual tale of a spy, mother, killer, and protector.
A St. Martin’s Press invite ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Kendal Carter had been training as a spy all her life, since she was a very young child. She’d had so many aliases it was hard to remember them all.
Her mother had been an operative and Kendal was a part of it.
Now, herself a single mother, Kendal is living in Zurich with her daughter Rosie. She always has various plans for escape if needed. As it was she was forced to take action.
Kendal found herself back in London living a somewhat normal life with Rosie attending school. Except nothing was normal and she had been tasked to find a way of stopping a tech company from introducing an educational app that would illegally gather data on the children of the UK
The lengths a mother will go to save her child is brought to the fore, but sometimes it messes with her honed instincts.
An unusual tale of a spy, mother, killer, and protector.
A St. Martin’s Press invite ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
April 2, 2026
I, Spy by L.M. Kemp is a fun and fast paced debut thriller. I was quickly sucked into the story of Kendall, a former spy who has been in hiding since the birth of her daughter, 4 years ago. She is brought back into her previous life while using motherhood as a disguise. I enjoyed the mom-spy theme and watching the capable Kendall navigate the school cliques while also trying to solve a convoluted mystery involving a tech firm with ties to her daughter’s school.
I didn't expect to enjoy this novel as much as I did—it was just great fun. The story features plenty of action, plot twists, and a few laughs. I slowly became invested in Kendall and rooted for her to find the normalcy that she craved for her daughter, who sweetly tells her to “trust her insects”. I’ll probably forget the specifics by tomorrow, but this has all the makings of a great summer thriller.
A huge thank you to Minotaur Books for an e-ARC and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listener copy, as part of their early listener’s program, in exchange for my honest review. I listened to the audiobook which is skillfully narrated by Ell Potter. Ms Potter provides a fresh, classy, and engaging tone. 3.5/5⭐️
I didn't expect to enjoy this novel as much as I did—it was just great fun. The story features plenty of action, plot twists, and a few laughs. I slowly became invested in Kendall and rooted for her to find the normalcy that she craved for her daughter, who sweetly tells her to “trust her insects”. I’ll probably forget the specifics by tomorrow, but this has all the makings of a great summer thriller.
A huge thank you to Minotaur Books for an e-ARC and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listener copy, as part of their early listener’s program, in exchange for my honest review. I listened to the audiobook which is skillfully narrated by Ell Potter. Ms Potter provides a fresh, classy, and engaging tone. 3.5/5⭐️
May 17, 2026
Kendall is a spy who has left the game and is now raiding her young daughter, Rosie. Things are - normal, boring, routine - and she likes it that way.
Until they aren’t.
When men break into her neighbor’s apartment, Kendall takes Rosie and runs, contacting her handler for help.
And now she’s back in the fold, living in London, trading safety for an assignment.
I enjoyed this and found the addition of the young daughter as an interesting facet to this story of intrigue and double crossing.
The narration was top notch and Ell Potter does a terrific job voicing multiple characters.
I found the ending quick and tidy and would have liked a little more from it but overall it was a very fast paced, enjoyable book!
Until they aren’t.
When men break into her neighbor’s apartment, Kendall takes Rosie and runs, contacting her handler for help.
And now she’s back in the fold, living in London, trading safety for an assignment.
I enjoyed this and found the addition of the young daughter as an interesting facet to this story of intrigue and double crossing.
The narration was top notch and Ell Potter does a terrific job voicing multiple characters.
I found the ending quick and tidy and would have liked a little more from it but overall it was a very fast paced, enjoyable book!
May 3, 2026
I liked the concept of an ex spy being in hiding just being a mom. Her interactions with the other moms was fun and the plot interesting. Otherwise, this just fell flat for me.
Thank you Macmillan for the gifted audiobook.
Thank you Macmillan for the gifted audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 1/2⭐ What a fun fast read I, Spy was!
I absolutely enjoyed I, Spy, it's about a mother, Kendall, and her 4 year old daughter Rosie.
For the last 4 years, Kendall has been hiding in plain sight with Rosie. Her past comes back to haunt her and she needs to exit her new quiet life quickly. She gets together with her ex-handler Rico, total goofball, who puts her up in a safe house. All she has to do is babysit a newbie.
Along the way she goes through Mommy life while dipping her toe back into the espionage game.
I, Spy has it all ... Old friends, new friends, fun new toys, and saving the world!
What a wild ride it was, I will definitely be looking for more of LM Kemp's books.
I want to thank Netgalley, L.M. Kamp and St Martin's Press for an advanced ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and adding another favorite author to my list!
I absolutely enjoyed I, Spy, it's about a mother, Kendall, and her 4 year old daughter Rosie.
For the last 4 years, Kendall has been hiding in plain sight with Rosie. Her past comes back to haunt her and she needs to exit her new quiet life quickly. She gets together with her ex-handler Rico, total goofball, who puts her up in a safe house. All she has to do is babysit a newbie.
Along the way she goes through Mommy life while dipping her toe back into the espionage game.
I, Spy has it all ... Old friends, new friends, fun new toys, and saving the world!
What a wild ride it was, I will definitely be looking for more of LM Kemp's books.
I want to thank Netgalley, L.M. Kamp and St Martin's Press for an advanced ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and adding another favorite author to my list!
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!
October 1, 2025
I enjoyed this, but I didn't really believe it, and I found all of the plot *twists," extremely predictable.
May 4, 2026
Kendal was a spy. Not just any spy, but best in the field. And then…she was gone.
Now, we find her with her adorable four year old daughter, just trying to live a normal life. She has friends and all, but always seems to be watching… checking over her shoulder. But that was her old life…
Until it wasn’t, and she finds herself back in the crosshairs… but this time with the love of her life, a small little princess-y bundle, in her arms! And she runs…
She makes contact, after all these years… with her handler, and her life kind of picks up right where it left off! 😳
She’s given a beautiful safe house in a nice neighborhood with good schools! What can go wrong?
And her handler, Rico, just wants her to do one thing… train the new guy. Teach him what he needs to know. That’s it!
With nowhere to run, and limited help, she agrees. But, all is not as it seems…
And then she’s thrown right into the deep end!
People coming after her from all angles… Can she be her old self again? Can she maintain the rep? Does she still have what she needs to get by?
And, did I mention that her mother was also a spy???? One that EVERYONE in their right mind was afraid of!
This was crazy and scary and sweet… because when it all comes down, Kendal just wants to be a Mom… and take care of her most precious cargo!
4 beautiful, scary, sweet, crazy, mixed-up, old-ties-are-hard to-break stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#ISpy by @LMKemp and narrated Beautifully by @EllPotter.
*** This one has not been released yet, but please keep your eyes 👀 open for it on 5/3/26! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @MacmillanAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
Now, we find her with her adorable four year old daughter, just trying to live a normal life. She has friends and all, but always seems to be watching… checking over her shoulder. But that was her old life…
Until it wasn’t, and she finds herself back in the crosshairs… but this time with the love of her life, a small little princess-y bundle, in her arms! And she runs…
She makes contact, after all these years… with her handler, and her life kind of picks up right where it left off! 😳
She’s given a beautiful safe house in a nice neighborhood with good schools! What can go wrong?
And her handler, Rico, just wants her to do one thing… train the new guy. Teach him what he needs to know. That’s it!
With nowhere to run, and limited help, she agrees. But, all is not as it seems…
And then she’s thrown right into the deep end!
People coming after her from all angles… Can she be her old self again? Can she maintain the rep? Does she still have what she needs to get by?
And, did I mention that her mother was also a spy???? One that EVERYONE in their right mind was afraid of!
This was crazy and scary and sweet… because when it all comes down, Kendal just wants to be a Mom… and take care of her most precious cargo!
4 beautiful, scary, sweet, crazy, mixed-up, old-ties-are-hard to-break stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#ISpy by @LMKemp and narrated Beautifully by @EllPotter.
*** This one has not been released yet, but please keep your eyes 👀 open for it on 5/3/26! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @MacmillanAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
May 5, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 (but rounding down)
🎧🎧🎧🎧
**Thank you to Macmillan audio and Storygraph for this ALC, I will now give my honest review**
🎙️Single narration, Ell Potter
This was a fairly decent read. The first two reveals I saw coming from a mile away, but the last? Not really, but probably could have.
The predictability of this is what makes me not rate the book higher. But also because I found it hard to connect to the characters. If I was a mother maybe it’d be different, but that’s how I felt.
This was told in 3rd person limited POV, mostly from our protagonist, Kendal. But we get glimpses of POV changes without it being obvious for certain chapters, even mid chapter changes. It made it a bit difficult to connect to them and to follow along.
However, I found the plot and story interesting to want to continue, and I am glad I did. The narration was mostly good, except for most if not all of the book the narrator sounded nasally/stuffed up, so that was a bit distracting.
I’m pretty sure this is just a standalone, so I am pretty disappointed with the conclusion. I feel like it could have ended where the characters all had clear endings, but that was not the case. Loose ends for some, and I’m not even sure if it’s a happy ending for Kendal…
Overall, a decent read, but unsure if I would reread this.
🎧🎧🎧🎧
**Thank you to Macmillan audio and Storygraph for this ALC, I will now give my honest review**
🎙️Single narration, Ell Potter
This was a fairly decent read. The first two reveals I saw coming from a mile away, but the last? Not really, but probably could have.
The predictability of this is what makes me not rate the book higher. But also because I found it hard to connect to the characters. If I was a mother maybe it’d be different, but that’s how I felt.
This was told in 3rd person limited POV, mostly from our protagonist, Kendal. But we get glimpses of POV changes without it being obvious for certain chapters, even mid chapter changes. It made it a bit difficult to connect to them and to follow along.
However, I found the plot and story interesting to want to continue, and I am glad I did. The narration was mostly good, except for most if not all of the book the narrator sounded nasally/stuffed up, so that was a bit distracting.
I’m pretty sure this is just a standalone, so I am pretty disappointed with the conclusion. I feel like it could have ended where the characters all had clear endings, but that was not the case. Loose ends for some, and I’m not even sure if it’s a happy ending for Kendal…
Overall, a decent read, but unsure if I would reread this.
March 27, 2026
3.5⭐️
I rounded up on this one because I can absolutely see the allure, it just didn’t quite hit the spot for me. I found myself getting easily distracted and not fully engaged, even though I could appreciate the complexity the author was trying to build. That said, I did find it fairly predictable.
There’s definitely promise here, and I’d be open to checking out future books from this author. It actually gave me some Finlay Donovan series vibes with its quirkiness, just with much less of the spy/mystery element.
The description really pulled me in, but I think that’s also where the issue lies. While it’s technically accurate, it gives a slightly misleading impression of the story as a whole.
This leans much more into general fiction with a touch of women’s fiction—genres I can be a bit picky about. So while this wasn’t quite for me, I can definitely see others enjoying this lighter, fluffier quasi-mystery. That said, it did spend a bit too much time focused on the three-year-old, which slowed things down for me.
As for the narration—that, I loved and is why I rounded it to a 4⭐️. Ell Potter’s British-accented performance fit the FMC really well, and her pacing at 1x was spot on. Her narration honestly helped carry me through to the end.
Overall, a mixed bag for me, but one I can see working really well for the right reader.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC or eARC from Macmillan Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
I rounded up on this one because I can absolutely see the allure, it just didn’t quite hit the spot for me. I found myself getting easily distracted and not fully engaged, even though I could appreciate the complexity the author was trying to build. That said, I did find it fairly predictable.
There’s definitely promise here, and I’d be open to checking out future books from this author. It actually gave me some Finlay Donovan series vibes with its quirkiness, just with much less of the spy/mystery element.
The description really pulled me in, but I think that’s also where the issue lies. While it’s technically accurate, it gives a slightly misleading impression of the story as a whole.
This leans much more into general fiction with a touch of women’s fiction—genres I can be a bit picky about. So while this wasn’t quite for me, I can definitely see others enjoying this lighter, fluffier quasi-mystery. That said, it did spend a bit too much time focused on the three-year-old, which slowed things down for me.
As for the narration—that, I loved and is why I rounded it to a 4⭐️. Ell Potter’s British-accented performance fit the FMC really well, and her pacing at 1x was spot on. Her narration honestly helped carry me through to the end.
Overall, a mixed bag for me, but one I can see working really well for the right reader.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC or eARC from Macmillan Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - April 3, 2026
Publication Date - May 5, 2026
*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @stmartinspress, @minotaur_books and @netgalley!
I, Spy is a fun spin on a spy mystery/thriller that keeps you on your toes! There were so many times I felt lost and confused and that’s what made this book work for me. Situations change in an instant and things you think you understand get turned on their head. The constant twists had me excited to get to the end and put all the puzzle pieces together. I loved not knowing who to trust and wondering when the next shoe would drop. While I didn’t love how the parents spoke about their kids or parenting, I can see how certain things could resonate with other parents. I think this would make a great buddy read or book club choice because of the opportunity for lots of discussions and debates. If you like spy mysteries/thrillers and twisty books, you might enjoy I, Spy!
Get excited to read I, Spy, available May 5! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
Date Read - April 3, 2026
Publication Date - May 5, 2026
*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @stmartinspress, @minotaur_books and @netgalley!
I, Spy is a fun spin on a spy mystery/thriller that keeps you on your toes! There were so many times I felt lost and confused and that’s what made this book work for me. Situations change in an instant and things you think you understand get turned on their head. The constant twists had me excited to get to the end and put all the puzzle pieces together. I loved not knowing who to trust and wondering when the next shoe would drop. While I didn’t love how the parents spoke about their kids or parenting, I can see how certain things could resonate with other parents. I think this would make a great buddy read or book club choice because of the opportunity for lots of discussions and debates. If you like spy mysteries/thrillers and twisty books, you might enjoy I, Spy!
Get excited to read I, Spy, available May 5! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
May 4, 2026
⭐️ 4.5/5. Thank you, MacMillan Audio, for the chance to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review! I, Spy is a fast-paced, British spy mystery about a single mother, Kendall, who thought she left the spy life behind, but is forced back into the game when her neighbor is murdered by thugs who think it’s her.
Kendall is thrust back into a life of covert ops, dozens of identities, and not knowing who she can trust—all with a four-year old daughter in toe. That changes the game a lot from the high-stakes life she remembers from her past. How can she balance all the lies and her latest mission, all the while navigating the responsibilities of being a single mother and keeping her daughter safe?
I really enjoyed this one! The fast pace kept my listening, it has a satisfying ending, but it also sets up really well for a sequel which I hope happens! I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a wonderful job with different voices for the different characters, as well as a believable and enjoyable British accent.
There were a few times where I got a little confused about who was on whose side 😂 But maybe that just means I was immersed in the main character’s confusion, too well. Also, there were three major plot twists, and I can say I saw one of them coming, but not the other two.
All in all, this book is fast-paced, well-written, has characters you get invested in, an engaging plot, and makes a great audiobook. I highly recommend!
Kendall is thrust back into a life of covert ops, dozens of identities, and not knowing who she can trust—all with a four-year old daughter in toe. That changes the game a lot from the high-stakes life she remembers from her past. How can she balance all the lies and her latest mission, all the while navigating the responsibilities of being a single mother and keeping her daughter safe?
I really enjoyed this one! The fast pace kept my listening, it has a satisfying ending, but it also sets up really well for a sequel which I hope happens! I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a wonderful job with different voices for the different characters, as well as a believable and enjoyable British accent.
There were a few times where I got a little confused about who was on whose side 😂 But maybe that just means I was immersed in the main character’s confusion, too well. Also, there were three major plot twists, and I can say I saw one of them coming, but not the other two.
All in all, this book is fast-paced, well-written, has characters you get invested in, an engaging plot, and makes a great audiobook. I highly recommend!
April 15, 2026
This was my first time with both L.M. Kemp and Ell Potter, and honestly? Great first impression all around. The accent work alone was impressive, French, Lithuanian, British, and more, but what really sold me was Rosie, the 4 yo daughter 😭 Her delivery of Rosie’s little lines had me laughing out loud. “Bad grape” and “you’re a giraffe” were instant favorites. She also handled a large cast so smoothly and kept every character feeling distinct.
The story itself is a spy thriller, but the characters are what hooked me most. Kendall, Rosie, and handler Rico had such a strong dynamic that I found myself just as invested in them as I was in the suspense plot. It’s tense and entertaining without being dark, and it has more heart than I expected. The balance between action, humor, and emotional moments really worked for me.
The story itself is a spy thriller, but the characters are what hooked me most. Kendall, Rosie, and handler Rico had such a strong dynamic that I found myself just as invested in them as I was in the suspense plot. It’s tense and entertaining without being dark, and it has more heart than I expected. The balance between action, humor, and emotional moments really worked for me.
May 5, 2026
3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 I love the idea of someone who’s lived this high-stakes, secretive life now trying to settle into an ordinary one, only to realize just how unpredictable motherhood can be.
Kendal is easy to root for, especially in how everything comes back to her daughter. She’s constantly trying to keep Rosie safe while dealing with things she can’t just walk away from, and that pressure runs through the whole story. I also liked the contrast between her past and her present-it’s interesting watching her move through such normal spaces knowing where she’s been.
For me, this landed as a solid, enjoyable read. I didn’t feel completely pulled in emotionally at every point, but I liked the premise and where it went. It’s a strong debut with a fresh angle that makes it stand out a bit in the space.
Kendal is easy to root for, especially in how everything comes back to her daughter. She’s constantly trying to keep Rosie safe while dealing with things she can’t just walk away from, and that pressure runs through the whole story. I also liked the contrast between her past and her present-it’s interesting watching her move through such normal spaces knowing where she’s been.
For me, this landed as a solid, enjoyable read. I didn’t feel completely pulled in emotionally at every point, but I liked the premise and where it went. It’s a strong debut with a fresh angle that makes it stand out a bit in the space.
March 25, 2026
Thank you #netgalley and #stmartinspress for this early copy of I, Spy by L.M. Kemp. I was invested in this fun debut from the first page! I, Spy is a novel of modern spy craft. Kendall is an ex-spy who is now a single parent raising her little girl. Estranged from her mother and mourning the loss of love she and her daughter Rosie live a quiet life and stick to themselves until something happens that forces Kendall out of hiding and back into the world of espionage. Was it believable? Nope. Was it absolutely fun and scratched the spy novel itch? You bet it was! I am hoping this is the start of an on-going series!
April 27, 2026
I, Spy
By: L.M. Kemp
Narrated by: Ell Potter
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you MacMillan Audio for the advanced audio copy of this story in exchange for my honest and original thoughts.
I enjoyed this one but I feel like it didn’t quite live up to its potential. It could have gone full-tilt spy games but it felt like the juvenile version.
The middle got a little slow and I was literally yelling “DONT TRUST HIM” for half the book. The premise and writing style were good. The narration was good.
Over all, this one was GOOD. Not great but definitely not bad. The ending left it open for a second installment.
By: L.M. Kemp
Narrated by: Ell Potter
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you MacMillan Audio for the advanced audio copy of this story in exchange for my honest and original thoughts.
I enjoyed this one but I feel like it didn’t quite live up to its potential. It could have gone full-tilt spy games but it felt like the juvenile version.
The middle got a little slow and I was literally yelling “DONT TRUST HIM” for half the book. The premise and writing style were good. The narration was good.
Over all, this one was GOOD. Not great but definitely not bad. The ending left it open for a second installment.
May 17, 2026
I thought this was a great debut and I really liked the premise. An ex spy is raising her daughter away from the chaos of her previous life when she is discovered and her cover is blown and she’s and pushed right back into being a spy - complete with a luxury safe house. But now she has to train a new guy and infiltrate the mom’s group at school - what could go wrong?
I really enjoyed the humor in this book and following Kendall as she worked to keep her daughter safe. I would call this book a light thriller that’s not too intense.
✨ What To Expect:
💙 Light Thriller Vibes
💋 Women’s Fiction
▫️ Espionage
👀 Spies
🌪️ Twists & Turns
I really enjoyed the humor in this book and following Kendall as she worked to keep her daughter safe. I would call this book a light thriller that’s not too intense.
✨ What To Expect:
💙 Light Thriller Vibes
💋 Women’s Fiction
▫️ Espionage
👀 Spies
🌪️ Twists & Turns
May 6, 2026
I, Spy is about former spy Kendal and her daughter Rosie as they Kendal gets dragged into another mission when she realizes someone's been watching them. This book had a very interesting premise and had the potential to be very good. However the plot felt very messy and all over the place. New variables were introduced randomly and seemingly big conflicts were resolved in a sentence. 3/5 stars.
This is a review of the audiobook. Thank you to NetGalley for a free ALC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a review of the audiobook. Thank you to NetGalley for a free ALC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 2, 2026
That was kind of disappointing. It had so much potential in the beginning with the tension and the intrigue. Then it just fell completely flat. It took way too long to figure out what the point of the story was. The character connections didn’t feel genuine. Even the connection between Kendal and Rosie. I found myself, at the beginning, thinking Rosie wasn’t actually hers cus I felt zero connection between them.
Kendal was supposed to be some badass ex spy but she was so lame. Her involvement in this random case could’ve been handled by a random 14 year old. She didn’t actually accomplish anything and how she got physical in altercations was so random. I just didn’t believe any of it.
None of the characters were really very likable except Rosie. So that made the book hard to read. This just wasn’t it for me.
Kendal was supposed to be some badass ex spy but she was so lame. Her involvement in this random case could’ve been handled by a random 14 year old. She didn’t actually accomplish anything and how she got physical in altercations was so random. I just didn’t believe any of it.
None of the characters were really very likable except Rosie. So that made the book hard to read. This just wasn’t it for me.
March 30, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley for the ALC of this title.
This book never really grabbed my attention. The idea was there, but the execution was not 100%.
I did absolutely love Rosie. She was such a cute little kid. And I also related to Kendra in a way that she was trying to protect her daughter from the life that she had been thrown into as a child. But the story itself fell flat for me 2.5 stars
This book never really grabbed my attention. The idea was there, but the execution was not 100%.
I did absolutely love Rosie. She was such a cute little kid. And I also related to Kendra in a way that she was trying to protect her daughter from the life that she had been thrown into as a child. But the story itself fell flat for me 2.5 stars
March 29, 2026
This was a fun and easy read and Rosie was absolutely a gem! I just wish I would’ve been more captivated. The twists made it intriguing when there was opportunity to lag but overall it was just solid. Glad I read it though.
May 12, 2026
I love a spy story and one that has a mom as the main character? Count me in. It was a titch hard to follow with all the layers but worth it in the end. I really hope this becomes a whole series because it definitely has the potential.
May 1, 2026
Such a fun audiobook and a seriously impressive debut. It sits in the thriller/mystery space, but the themes give it a much broader appeal, especially with a sharp, modern female lead at the centre.
Kendal grew up with a mother who was a spy, but now she’s a mom herself she’s determined to give her daughter a more ordinary life. She’s built something relatively normal for herself and Rosie, always aware of her past but keeping it at arm’s length until it catches up with her. Suddenly she’s on the run with her daughter and forced to rely on old contacts to keep them both safe.
Of course, the past doesn’t let go that easily and her associate Rico is keen to pull her back into her old day job. But what starts as a seemingly routine case quickly spirals into something far more dangerous, pulling Kendal straight back into a world of international espionage.
The characters and plot of this book were totally absorbing and entertaining. It’s fast-paced, addictive, and easy to race through, with just the right amount of humor woven into everyday moments. And while I’m fairly sure none of my PTA mum friends are undercover spies, this one might make me take a second look.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy. This book is expected to be published in May 2026.
Kendal grew up with a mother who was a spy, but now she’s a mom herself she’s determined to give her daughter a more ordinary life. She’s built something relatively normal for herself and Rosie, always aware of her past but keeping it at arm’s length until it catches up with her. Suddenly she’s on the run with her daughter and forced to rely on old contacts to keep them both safe.
Of course, the past doesn’t let go that easily and her associate Rico is keen to pull her back into her old day job. But what starts as a seemingly routine case quickly spirals into something far more dangerous, pulling Kendal straight back into a world of international espionage.
The characters and plot of this book were totally absorbing and entertaining. It’s fast-paced, addictive, and easy to race through, with just the right amount of humor woven into everyday moments. And while I’m fairly sure none of my PTA mum friends are undercover spies, this one might make me take a second look.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy. This book is expected to be published in May 2026.
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