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The Undercover Bookshop
During the winter of 1950 in the small Cotswold village of Great Rollright, amateur sleuth Gemma Brown starts to suspect that the town’s best baker, Ursula Beurton, is a Soviet spy, tumbling her headlong into a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse that ends with a decision that will lead her to the Undercover Bookshop and change her life forever.
Recently moved to the English Cotswolds, Gemma Brown desperately wants to create the kind of idyllic life she’s read about in her favorite mystery novels, with herself as the leading lady. But fitting in proves difficult as Gemma is more adept at solving mysteries and setting up the village’s first bookstore than she is at baking cakes or grasping social niceties. Nevertheless, she finds a friend in Peggy, a young woman recently moved to town herself, and Ursula Beurton, who is not only the village’s best baker but an enigmatic figure who sparks controversy in the small-town gossip network.
As Gemma spends more time with Ursula, she begins to suspect all those novels are affecting her thinking. The oddities she starts to notice must be her imagination because, if not, they point to something far more dangerous than winning the local baking contest or being placed on the church committee. Could her neighbor be a real spy?
Following her instincts and a few skills learned through fiction, Gemma soon becomes embroiled in an international intrigue involving the village’s mysterious benefactor, Lady Marchmont, MI5, and the KGB. In an unexpected twist, however, Ursula asks Gemma for a favor which may endanger all their lives as their next chapter unfolds in Gemma’s new venture, the Undercover Bookshop.
Recently moved to the English Cotswolds, Gemma Brown desperately wants to create the kind of idyllic life she’s read about in her favorite mystery novels, with herself as the leading lady. But fitting in proves difficult as Gemma is more adept at solving mysteries and setting up the village’s first bookstore than she is at baking cakes or grasping social niceties. Nevertheless, she finds a friend in Peggy, a young woman recently moved to town herself, and Ursula Beurton, who is not only the village’s best baker but an enigmatic figure who sparks controversy in the small-town gossip network.
As Gemma spends more time with Ursula, she begins to suspect all those novels are affecting her thinking. The oddities she starts to notice must be her imagination because, if not, they point to something far more dangerous than winning the local baking contest or being placed on the church committee. Could her neighbor be a real spy?
Following her instincts and a few skills learned through fiction, Gemma soon becomes embroiled in an international intrigue involving the village’s mysterious benefactor, Lady Marchmont, MI5, and the KGB. In an unexpected twist, however, Ursula asks Gemma for a favor which may endanger all their lives as their next chapter unfolds in Gemma’s new venture, the Undercover Bookshop.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2026
About the author
Katherine Reay
18 books4,044 followersKatherine Reay is the national bestselling and award-winning author of several novels and one full length non-fiction work. Her novels have been chosen as “One Book, One Community” reads and her writing has appeared in publications such as Criminal Reads, The Daily Beast, Redbook, and USA Today, among others. She holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University. She lives in Montana with her husband and too many dogs.
You can meet her at www.katherinereay.com or on Facebook: KatherineReayBooks, X: @katherine_reay or Instagram: @katherinereay.
You can meet her at www.katherinereay.com or on Facebook: KatherineReayBooks, X: @katherine_reay or Instagram: @katherinereay.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
October 6, 2026
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The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐1/2
Publication Date: October 6th, 2026
Harper Muse
315 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Women's Fiction
This was a wonderful cozy mystery that takes place in the 1950s during the Cold War, based on true events in a village called Great Rollright.
Gemma’s childhood took place during WWII, so all she wants now is a quiet life. She loves mystery books starring detectives, often wishes she could be one, and wants to open the very first bookstore in the village. She also starts taking baking lessons from her neighbour, Ursula. That's when Gemma starts to notice odd things—shortwave radios and letters hidden in trees, to name a couple. Gemma doesn't know if her imagination from reading detective novels is getting the best of her, or if maybe Ursula is actually a spy.
Of course, Gemma gets herself into a heap of dangerous circumstances, and her sleuthing ways lead to espionage involving both the KGB and MI5. I loved the game of cat and mouse Gemma was involved in and how smart she was—it goes to show that reading fiction can teach you a thing or two!
In a word, this book was charming. I loved the setting and the timeline, and the author did a great job making both come to life. It was amazing to see two completely different atmospheres in the same village: the everyday life of going to church, baking contests, and visiting bookstores mingled nicely with the secret lives of spies. I found this made the story very engaging, even if it made the pacing a little unbalanced at times.
Many of the plot twists and turns were completely surprising to this seasoned reader, but I still found it fun and enjoyable. This was a pleasant way to read away the weekend, and I give the author props for her wonderful research of a real person from history.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Goodreads ratings reflect reader demographics and
popular enthusiasm rather than objective literary merit.
The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐1/2
Publication Date: October 6th, 2026
Harper Muse
315 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Women's Fiction
This was a wonderful cozy mystery that takes place in the 1950s during the Cold War, based on true events in a village called Great Rollright.
Gemma’s childhood took place during WWII, so all she wants now is a quiet life. She loves mystery books starring detectives, often wishes she could be one, and wants to open the very first bookstore in the village. She also starts taking baking lessons from her neighbour, Ursula. That's when Gemma starts to notice odd things—shortwave radios and letters hidden in trees, to name a couple. Gemma doesn't know if her imagination from reading detective novels is getting the best of her, or if maybe Ursula is actually a spy.
Of course, Gemma gets herself into a heap of dangerous circumstances, and her sleuthing ways lead to espionage involving both the KGB and MI5. I loved the game of cat and mouse Gemma was involved in and how smart she was—it goes to show that reading fiction can teach you a thing or two!
In a word, this book was charming. I loved the setting and the timeline, and the author did a great job making both come to life. It was amazing to see two completely different atmospheres in the same village: the everyday life of going to church, baking contests, and visiting bookstores mingled nicely with the secret lives of spies. I found this made the story very engaging, even if it made the pacing a little unbalanced at times.
Many of the plot twists and turns were completely surprising to this seasoned reader, but I still found it fun and enjoyable. This was a pleasant way to read away the weekend, and I give the author props for her wonderful research of a real person from history.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Goodreads ratings reflect reader demographics and
popular enthusiasm rather than objective literary merit.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Read this one for a cover quote and loved it--feels like a warm, possibly arsenic-laced hug straight from Agatha Christie. Lonely Londoner Gemma Brown relocates to a Cotswolds village yearning for the community her WWII-ravaged childhood denied her, and quickly finds solace in her new general store job, a budding romance with the local PC, and a book club ravenous for Gemma's favorite mystery novels. But when the mysterious local neighbor who offers friendship and baking lessons starts to set off alarm bells (why is she leaving coded messages in tree knots? why does a village housewife need a two-way radio?) Gemma has to wonder if her mystery-loving imagination is running away from her...or if she's found a real-life Soviet spy. Katherine Reay's latest is cozy and yet still thrilling, a real page turner.
September 30, 2026
Nobody writes Cold War fiction like Katherine Reay.
The suspense! The unputdownability!
The sleep deprivation!
I love the way this author brings characters and stories to life. The attention to detail, the depth, and the way the historical context is always captured so beautifully — it’s an absolute joy to read. You can tell each book is a well-loved project, refined to perfection.
It’s 1950, and Gemma is a young woman who has just moved to a small British village. Her keen eye for detail and love of mystery novels make her notice unusual things about one of her neighbors…
I love the premise of this book. We need more stories where women take the lead and are the force behind the things that matter. I realized only afterwards that the spy who inspired this story was actually a real person, so it feels like a fancy fanfic in a way. However, since I like fanfics, I very much approve of this creative way of bringing her story to life.
Another delightful thing about this book: the romance was a bigger part of it than in this author’s other books, and I can’t even express how happy that makes me 🥰🥹
Thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
The suspense! The unputdownability!
The sleep deprivation!
I love the way this author brings characters and stories to life. The attention to detail, the depth, and the way the historical context is always captured so beautifully — it’s an absolute joy to read. You can tell each book is a well-loved project, refined to perfection.
It’s 1950, and Gemma is a young woman who has just moved to a small British village. Her keen eye for detail and love of mystery novels make her notice unusual things about one of her neighbors…
I love the premise of this book. We need more stories where women take the lead and are the force behind the things that matter. I realized only afterwards that the spy who inspired this story was actually a real person, so it feels like a fancy fanfic in a way. However, since I like fanfics, I very much approve of this creative way of bringing her story to life.
Another delightful thing about this book: the romance was a bigger part of it than in this author’s other books, and I can’t even express how happy that makes me 🥰🥹
Thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In The Undercover Bookshop, Katherine Reay has created an unexpected heroine the reader can't help but fall in love with as well as a charming and idyllic post-war English village. Except in Great Rollright, all is not what it seems.
Torn from the pages of history books and inspired by real people and events, The Undercover Bookshop is both cold war thriller and sweet romance with a wistful undercurrent of searching for a place to call home.
Think Murder She Wrote meets Agatha Christie with a surprising twist that will make you question how well you think you really know your friends.
Highly recommend!
Torn from the pages of history books and inspired by real people and events, The Undercover Bookshop is both cold war thriller and sweet romance with a wistful undercurrent of searching for a place to call home.
Think Murder She Wrote meets Agatha Christie with a surprising twist that will make you question how well you think you really know your friends.
Highly recommend!
October 8, 2026
‘In a village where gossip is as ubiquitous as cows, tea and toast, and everyone knows everything about everybody. I've just met my first mystery.’
Having thoroughly enjoyed Katherine Reay's The Berlin Letters, I was eager to pick up The Undercover Bookshop. Although this novel has another post-war setting, it takes on a very different tone. As Reay explains in her author's note, she wanted to write a lighter story that reflected the uncertainty many young people faced in the years following World War II and during the Cold War.
Gemma arrives in a quiet Cotswold village hoping to build a new life. A lover of mystery novels, she soon befriends Ursula Beurton while taking baking lessons from her. But little details begin to unsettle Gemma. Why does Ursula have an enormous radio antenna in her garden? Why do parts of her story never quite seem to fit? Before long, Gemma finds herself caught up in a mystery inspired by the remarkable true story of Soviet spy Ursula Kuczynski Beurton.
Although I struggled with Gemma's naivety in the opening half, as the story progressed, so too did Gemma. As her confidence grew and she began to trust her own instincts, I found the second half considerably more engaging.
Part historical fiction, part Cold War mystery and part coming-of-age story, The Undercover Bookshop is ultimately a light historical mystery about discovering courage, purpose and the confidence to trust your own judgement. While it didn't quite capture me in the same way as The Berlin Letters, readers looking for a cosy historical mystery may well enjoy this one.
‘...people are rarely what they purport to be.’
Having thoroughly enjoyed Katherine Reay's The Berlin Letters, I was eager to pick up The Undercover Bookshop. Although this novel has another post-war setting, it takes on a very different tone. As Reay explains in her author's note, she wanted to write a lighter story that reflected the uncertainty many young people faced in the years following World War II and during the Cold War.
Gemma arrives in a quiet Cotswold village hoping to build a new life. A lover of mystery novels, she soon befriends Ursula Beurton while taking baking lessons from her. But little details begin to unsettle Gemma. Why does Ursula have an enormous radio antenna in her garden? Why do parts of her story never quite seem to fit? Before long, Gemma finds herself caught up in a mystery inspired by the remarkable true story of Soviet spy Ursula Kuczynski Beurton.
Although I struggled with Gemma's naivety in the opening half, as the story progressed, so too did Gemma. As her confidence grew and she began to trust her own instincts, I found the second half considerably more engaging.
Part historical fiction, part Cold War mystery and part coming-of-age story, The Undercover Bookshop is ultimately a light historical mystery about discovering courage, purpose and the confidence to trust your own judgement. While it didn't quite capture me in the same way as The Berlin Letters, readers looking for a cosy historical mystery may well enjoy this one.
‘...people are rarely what they purport to be.’
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed my trip back in time to late 1945 Great Rollright, a tiny village in the English Cotswolds, and an opportunity to examine a little-spotlighted time frame. While there's plenty of WW2 historical fiction available, not many highlight the days immediately following the end of the war when ordinary people were trying to get their lives back together and find a way to exist in a completely different world.
Readers will follow Gemma Brown, who works at the Hastings General Store, and see how she allows her suspicions to convince her that asking Ursula Beurton for baking lessons will help find an answer to more than one of her challenges.
Author Katherine Reay’s story was inspired by the real-life Ursula Kuczynski Beurton, who was much more than just a great scone baker. Reay asks us to consider that danger comes in all sorts and forms and that appearances can be deceiving. Gemma’s intuitiveness and her inquiring mind endeared her to me, and I hope that I have a measure of her determination when it comes to following my instinct.
One of the characters claims that books are like lobster shells and that we grow out of them! I was happy to see a rebuttal from another character that we don’t grow out of the stories; we merely grow through them. I’m not a fan of rereading or rewatching when I know the outcome, but I’ll consider what I learned from Reay’s characters: books we reread point us to our former selves and show us how much we’ve grown.
If you enjoy historical fiction, international intrigue, spy stories, a slower-paced investigation of post-war Europe, and uncovering secrets, this is one to add to your reading list.
I’d love to say more or add detail, but to do so wouldn’t be fair to readers.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Readers will follow Gemma Brown, who works at the Hastings General Store, and see how she allows her suspicions to convince her that asking Ursula Beurton for baking lessons will help find an answer to more than one of her challenges.
Author Katherine Reay’s story was inspired by the real-life Ursula Kuczynski Beurton, who was much more than just a great scone baker. Reay asks us to consider that danger comes in all sorts and forms and that appearances can be deceiving. Gemma’s intuitiveness and her inquiring mind endeared her to me, and I hope that I have a measure of her determination when it comes to following my instinct.
One of the characters claims that books are like lobster shells and that we grow out of them! I was happy to see a rebuttal from another character that we don’t grow out of the stories; we merely grow through them. I’m not a fan of rereading or rewatching when I know the outcome, but I’ll consider what I learned from Reay’s characters: books we reread point us to our former selves and show us how much we’ve grown.
If you enjoy historical fiction, international intrigue, spy stories, a slower-paced investigation of post-war Europe, and uncovering secrets, this is one to add to your reading list.
I’d love to say more or add detail, but to do so wouldn’t be fair to readers.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 26, 2026
"During the winter of 1950 in the small Cotswold village of Great Rollright, amateur sleuth Gemma Brown starts to suspect that the town’s best baker, Ursula Beurton, is a Soviet spy, tumbling her headlong into a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse that ends with a decision that will lead her to the Undercover Bookshop and change her life forever."
Gemma is a delightful young woman who is new to town and makes friends, has a potential suitor and loves books and baking. Book lovers will love all of the classic Agatha Christie and other classic books referenced throughout the story. The concept of this book is fantastic. It is a cozy historical suspense. Maybe the cozy aspect mixed with a spy storyline didn't quite work or the character development itself, but something kept me distanced from it which made me frustrated. The author's last book was perfection for me. This one is an enjoyable read and definitely worth your time if it appeals to you.
The audiobook performance by Fiona Hardingham (9 hours 3 minutes) was perfection and enhanced my reading experience in tandem with the print copy.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse, UpLit Reads, LibroFM amd Katherine Reay for the gifted advance reader's copies, listening copy and finished copy. All opinions are my own.📚🎧
Gemma is a delightful young woman who is new to town and makes friends, has a potential suitor and loves books and baking. Book lovers will love all of the classic Agatha Christie and other classic books referenced throughout the story. The concept of this book is fantastic. It is a cozy historical suspense. Maybe the cozy aspect mixed with a spy storyline didn't quite work or the character development itself, but something kept me distanced from it which made me frustrated. The author's last book was perfection for me. This one is an enjoyable read and definitely worth your time if it appeals to you.
The audiobook performance by Fiona Hardingham (9 hours 3 minutes) was perfection and enhanced my reading experience in tandem with the print copy.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse, UpLit Reads, LibroFM amd Katherine Reay for the gifted advance reader's copies, listening copy and finished copy. All opinions are my own.📚🎧
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
My official blurb: "Brace yourself for adventure, intrigue, and espionage! Inspired by the true story of the world's most notorious and storied Soviet female spy, The Undercover Bookshop is a gripping, page-turner of a novel."
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was a wonderful read. I adored every page and wanted it to continue far past the last page. It was a wonderful story of found family set in the early days of the Cold War. The ending didn't neatly tie up with a bow, which I appreciated. Katherine Reay is masterful at this era.
October 18, 2026
The Undercover Bookshop by Katherine Reay
3.5 Stars
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Thank you to UpLit reads, Harper Muse and author for a gifted physical and ebook copies of this book to honestly read for review. Also a special thanks to Libro.FM for the gifted audiobook to listen to for review. All thoughts are my own.
I liked this one pretty good. It is a historical mystery set in the 1950s that combines the cozy appeal of a small English village with the intrigue of Cold War espionage. I loved the unique premise, the bookshop setting, and the way the story weaves together mystery, history, and romance. The story has a lot of moving pieces, but it offers an interesting look at belonging, courage, and finding your place in an unfamiliar community.
I LOVED the bookish pieces to this. For example, one of my favorite quotes:
“We don’t grow out of the stories we read; we grow through them. Even in rereading them, they point us to our earlier selves and show us how we’ve grown from that first meeting and those experiences. They become part of us.”
I related to that so much in my own personal reading journey.
I also loved the Agatha Christie references. I also loved how this was tied to a real person in history and their true story as a spy.
Gemma is such a fun sleuth because she has a good eye for mysteries and notices things people don't. She is looking for friendship and finds that with Ursula. She really looks into Ursula and she starts questioning her secrets.
Gemma had a romance with Charlie who is the local constable. He helped her in the research and was a great guy. I really liked how that all played out.
From an audiobook standpoint, the narration was great. She did a good job bringing the characters to life, like a movie.
My only hiccup....the pacing was a bit off for me, as I was losing interest, I would find myself tuning out on the audio at times and not as inclined to read it as with other books. That could just be a me thing as I am really struggling to get through certain books with so much going on in my day to day.
Either way, if you enjoy historical fiction with a mystery to figure out and a touch of romance, this one is worth adding to your TBR.
3.5 Stars
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Thank you to UpLit reads, Harper Muse and author for a gifted physical and ebook copies of this book to honestly read for review. Also a special thanks to Libro.FM for the gifted audiobook to listen to for review. All thoughts are my own.
I liked this one pretty good. It is a historical mystery set in the 1950s that combines the cozy appeal of a small English village with the intrigue of Cold War espionage. I loved the unique premise, the bookshop setting, and the way the story weaves together mystery, history, and romance. The story has a lot of moving pieces, but it offers an interesting look at belonging, courage, and finding your place in an unfamiliar community.
I LOVED the bookish pieces to this. For example, one of my favorite quotes:
“We don’t grow out of the stories we read; we grow through them. Even in rereading them, they point us to our earlier selves and show us how we’ve grown from that first meeting and those experiences. They become part of us.”
I related to that so much in my own personal reading journey.
I also loved the Agatha Christie references. I also loved how this was tied to a real person in history and their true story as a spy.
Gemma is such a fun sleuth because she has a good eye for mysteries and notices things people don't. She is looking for friendship and finds that with Ursula. She really looks into Ursula and she starts questioning her secrets.
Gemma had a romance with Charlie who is the local constable. He helped her in the research and was a great guy. I really liked how that all played out.
From an audiobook standpoint, the narration was great. She did a good job bringing the characters to life, like a movie.
My only hiccup....the pacing was a bit off for me, as I was losing interest, I would find myself tuning out on the audio at times and not as inclined to read it as with other books. That could just be a me thing as I am really struggling to get through certain books with so much going on in my day to day.
Either way, if you enjoy historical fiction with a mystery to figure out and a touch of romance, this one is worth adding to your TBR.
October 24, 2026
Oh my word - what a remarkable book! The audio is exquisite 💜
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Emma has left London and arrived in the small village of Great Rollright.
She is expecting to be assisting in the general store but her boss suggests they use part of the store for a bookshop.
All is well until Emma decides she needs some cooking lessons. She is taken under the wing of Ursula.
Ursula is an outcast because she and her husband are German.
Emma finds out things while in Ursula's kitchen that her sleuthing skills lead her to thinking Ursula and her husband are working for the Soviets. Why else would Ursula have a five-foot antennae on her house. It definitely isn't to watch her shows.
Emma follows Ursula as she sees her leaving notes in a hole in a tree in a town where Ursula says she goes shopping.
What a fun, clever read even though there are some undesirable characters - you will love Emma and be entertained at her detective work as well as be happy she has found Charlie.
THE UNDERCOVER BOOKSHOP is a delightful read with characters you would love to meet. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
She is expecting to be assisting in the general store but her boss suggests they use part of the store for a bookshop.
All is well until Emma decides she needs some cooking lessons. She is taken under the wing of Ursula.
Ursula is an outcast because she and her husband are German.
Emma finds out things while in Ursula's kitchen that her sleuthing skills lead her to thinking Ursula and her husband are working for the Soviets. Why else would Ursula have a five-foot antennae on her house. It definitely isn't to watch her shows.
Emma follows Ursula as she sees her leaving notes in a hole in a tree in a town where Ursula says she goes shopping.
What a fun, clever read even though there are some undesirable characters - you will love Emma and be entertained at her detective work as well as be happy she has found Charlie.
THE UNDERCOVER BOOKSHOP is a delightful read with characters you would love to meet. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Check out full review: https://youtu.be/LHE8msKhUtE
Thank you to BookSparks and Harper Muse for gifting me this ARC copy of The Undercover Bookshop by Katherin Reay.
I loved the historical aspect of this story, especially the focus on the Soviet War, the Red Scare and Soviet Spies. This was so intriguing that it motivated me to research Ursula Beuton myself. I love discovering historical information I've never know before, which is beneficial in reading diversely. The mystery and suspense also kept me invested, especially following Gemma as she investigates Ursula, engaging in dangerous situations. The house scene was way too intense.
However, the story started off very slow, and the plot really didn't pick up until around 45% into the book. The character introductions and interactions felt awkward at times, making it difficult to emotionally connect with anyone. Some scenes and conversations also felt unnecessary, and Charles and Gemma's relationship seems a little too insta-love for me. I couldn't feel the personal connection with them. On the other hand, the relationship with Peggy and Ursula felt the most genuine because we were able to see the author develop their friendship through meaningful moments such as Gemma learning to bake and Peggy investigating along with Gemma.
One of the most highlighted moments was when the author lets us understand the meaning behind the title of the book, The Undercover Bookshop.
Although this story wasn't quite for me, I think readers who enjoy slow-paced historical fiction, cozy mysteries and stories with factual historical elements may enjoy it.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Thank you to BookSparks and Harper Muse for gifting me this ARC copy of The Undercover Bookshop by Katherin Reay.
I loved the historical aspect of this story, especially the focus on the Soviet War, the Red Scare and Soviet Spies. This was so intriguing that it motivated me to research Ursula Beuton myself. I love discovering historical information I've never know before, which is beneficial in reading diversely. The mystery and suspense also kept me invested, especially following Gemma as she investigates Ursula, engaging in dangerous situations. The house scene was way too intense.
However, the story started off very slow, and the plot really didn't pick up until around 45% into the book. The character introductions and interactions felt awkward at times, making it difficult to emotionally connect with anyone. Some scenes and conversations also felt unnecessary, and Charles and Gemma's relationship seems a little too insta-love for me. I couldn't feel the personal connection with them. On the other hand, the relationship with Peggy and Ursula felt the most genuine because we were able to see the author develop their friendship through meaningful moments such as Gemma learning to bake and Peggy investigating along with Gemma.
One of the most highlighted moments was when the author lets us understand the meaning behind the title of the book, The Undercover Bookshop.
Although this story wasn't quite for me, I think readers who enjoy slow-paced historical fiction, cozy mysteries and stories with factual historical elements may enjoy it.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️
October 13, 2026
The Undercover Bookshop is a fascinating read! I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book takes place after WW2 in a small village in England. The heroine, Gemma is a very likeable character who loves to read and her favorite genre is mysteries! (In fact, the author mentions several books as to which are now on my tbr list) Gemma is very astute and notices things. She finds herself befriending a mysterious woman who holds secrets, and begins to put the pieces together of about this woman.
Is it real danger, or a part of her imagination and love of fiction?
The book is very well written, and layered with developed characters, mystery, and some romance.
The latter part of the book really held my attention and the ending was amazing!
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.
Is it real danger, or a part of her imagination and love of fiction?
The book is very well written, and layered with developed characters, mystery, and some romance.
The latter part of the book really held my attention and the ending was amazing!
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.
October 10, 2026
Very enjoyable but not my favorite by Reay. It was a good story but certain characters felt similar to ones in her previous books, and the stakes weren't that high. I enjoyed the setting, the baking, the books, and the real history that was a basis for much of the novel.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Do you enjoy a good mystery? The Undercover Bookshop by Katherine Reay is set during 1950 and highlights how the World War left lingering issues and doubts among people. I have read several books by this author and I enjoy the way she weaves history into the story too.
The Undercover Bookshop is a mystery featuring amateur sleuth Gemma Brown as the main character. Gemma moved to a small Cotswold village of Great Rollright in England. She is a reader and loves a good mystery. However, she is not a good baker. After making some baking errors, Gemma spends time with Ursula Beurton, who is an award-winning baker in town. However, there is a lot more to her than baking. When Gemma visits Ursula, things don't always add up. Soon Gemma is embroiled in a mystery for real--not just one she is reading in her detective novels.
I enjoyed getting to know Gemma. I also enjoyed her boyfriend, Charlie, as well as the other characters in the novel. Ursula was also likeable for the most part, even though she wasn't entirely who the reader thought she was. This was an interesting book. It was a mix of drama, history, mystery and a dash of romance. I found the ending to be interesting. There was more going on than I expected and part of the ending was a surprise to me. The Undercover Bookshop was another good read by Katherine Reay.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Uplit Reads. All opinions are my own.
The Undercover Bookshop is a mystery featuring amateur sleuth Gemma Brown as the main character. Gemma moved to a small Cotswold village of Great Rollright in England. She is a reader and loves a good mystery. However, she is not a good baker. After making some baking errors, Gemma spends time with Ursula Beurton, who is an award-winning baker in town. However, there is a lot more to her than baking. When Gemma visits Ursula, things don't always add up. Soon Gemma is embroiled in a mystery for real--not just one she is reading in her detective novels.
I enjoyed getting to know Gemma. I also enjoyed her boyfriend, Charlie, as well as the other characters in the novel. Ursula was also likeable for the most part, even though she wasn't entirely who the reader thought she was. This was an interesting book. It was a mix of drama, history, mystery and a dash of romance. I found the ending to be interesting. There was more going on than I expected and part of the ending was a surprise to me. The Undercover Bookshop was another good read by Katherine Reay.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Uplit Reads. All opinions are my own.
June 19, 2026
All-around wonderful read
October 6, 2026
The Undercover Bookshop is an intriguing historical cozy mystery. Set in postwar England, the fact that this also has elements of espionage goes a long way when it comes to make this novel one impossible to put down. As Gemma Brown looking forward to starting over, establishes her own bookshop, also while starting a book club, with the books they choose focusing on mysteries. As this is Gemma’s favorite genre, she couldn’t be happier. Along with this Gemma warms up to new friendships as well as she develops growing feelings for a local police constable.
Here is where the story gets really interesting. Gemma is barely getting settled when she begins to notice things about Ursula Beurton, a talented local baker who givers her reason for pause. Ursula is a talented local baker and Gemma asks her for lessons in baking, and the two immediately develop a strong bond. This presents a real conflict with Gemma, who becomes increasingly convinced that Ursula is a spy. While the war might be over, the lines aren’t always clearly drawn and enemies just might be closer than one thinks.
The story itself is very good - especially as it is based on the real-life experiences of Usula Kuczynski Beurton. I didn’t fully appreciate this until reading the Author’s Note and Acknowledgements at the end of the book. I loved this because the author created a strong sense of urgency almost from the very first page. The clues were there, but I don’t mind feeling like I was groping around in the dark as the story unfolded. A ploy to keep me reading feverishly? Perhaps, but kudos to the author.
I loved the Agatha Christie references woven throughout the story, as she is my favorite author. These references measured Gemma as the story progressed and this definitely endeared her to me. So many of the WWII historical fiction books I have read take place during the war itself. It was refreshing to read a story set in the postwar years.
Many thanks to Harper Muse and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Here is where the story gets really interesting. Gemma is barely getting settled when she begins to notice things about Ursula Beurton, a talented local baker who givers her reason for pause. Ursula is a talented local baker and Gemma asks her for lessons in baking, and the two immediately develop a strong bond. This presents a real conflict with Gemma, who becomes increasingly convinced that Ursula is a spy. While the war might be over, the lines aren’t always clearly drawn and enemies just might be closer than one thinks.
The story itself is very good - especially as it is based on the real-life experiences of Usula Kuczynski Beurton. I didn’t fully appreciate this until reading the Author’s Note and Acknowledgements at the end of the book. I loved this because the author created a strong sense of urgency almost from the very first page. The clues were there, but I don’t mind feeling like I was groping around in the dark as the story unfolded. A ploy to keep me reading feverishly? Perhaps, but kudos to the author.
I loved the Agatha Christie references woven throughout the story, as she is my favorite author. These references measured Gemma as the story progressed and this definitely endeared her to me. So many of the WWII historical fiction books I have read take place during the war itself. It was refreshing to read a story set in the postwar years.
Many thanks to Harper Muse and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
The Undercover Bookshop is the story of an observant young woman who loves detective novels and gets caught up in a real life spy drama in post World War II England. Recently moved from London to a small village in Oxfordshire, Gemma Brown settles into the community making friends and catching the eye of a handsome young constable while also using her love of mysteries to organize a small bookshop in the general store and a village book club. Gemma is also determined to learn how to bake and convinces Mrs. Beurton, the village's star baker and subject of much gossip, to give her lessons. As the lessons progress, however, Gemma starts to suspect that Mrs. Beurton might be up to no good. Is Ursula Beurton a spy or is Gemma's imagination getting away with her? With Peggy, her new best friend and faithful sidekick, Gemma is compelled to investigate and get to the bottom of this mystery herself.
The novel takes place primarily over the winter of 1950 in a small village in the English countryside (although there is a prologue and epilogue set decades later in 1991). I was drawn to this because it's set in that interesting time period post-World War II when recovery from the war was ongoing and the Cold War era and the perceived threat associated with the Red Scare was in its early stages. Before reading this book, I hadn't heard of Ursula Kuczynski Beurton who was an actual German woman who spied for the Soviet Union during the '30s and '40s before fleeing England for East Germany in 1950 where she later wrote about her espionage activities under the pen name Ruth Werner. I enjoyed this fictionalized account of the circumstances surrounding her escape to East Germany as I love reading historical fiction where I learn something and which inspires me to do some further reading!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for providing a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
The Undercover Bookshop is the story of an observant young woman who loves detective novels and gets caught up in a real life spy drama in post World War II England. Recently moved from London to a small village in Oxfordshire, Gemma Brown settles into the community making friends and catching the eye of a handsome young constable while also using her love of mysteries to organize a small bookshop in the general store and a village book club. Gemma is also determined to learn how to bake and convinces Mrs. Beurton, the village's star baker and subject of much gossip, to give her lessons. As the lessons progress, however, Gemma starts to suspect that Mrs. Beurton might be up to no good. Is Ursula Beurton a spy or is Gemma's imagination getting away with her? With Peggy, her new best friend and faithful sidekick, Gemma is compelled to investigate and get to the bottom of this mystery herself.
The novel takes place primarily over the winter of 1950 in a small village in the English countryside (although there is a prologue and epilogue set decades later in 1991). I was drawn to this because it's set in that interesting time period post-World War II when recovery from the war was ongoing and the Cold War era and the perceived threat associated with the Red Scare was in its early stages. Before reading this book, I hadn't heard of Ursula Kuczynski Beurton who was an actual German woman who spied for the Soviet Union during the '30s and '40s before fleeing England for East Germany in 1950 where she later wrote about her espionage activities under the pen name Ruth Werner. I enjoyed this fictionalized account of the circumstances surrounding her escape to East Germany as I love reading historical fiction where I learn something and which inspires me to do some further reading!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for providing a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
October 16, 2026
A huge thank-you to @katherinereay, @harpermusebooks, @librofm, and @uplitreads for the gifted book and audiobook!
I love historical fiction, so this book was already on my reading list, and it absolutely drew me in.
Gemma is searching for friendship and companionship, and finds both in a small English town. With a sharp eye for detail and a love of mystery novels, she notices things others might miss. I loved that about her. When she begins baking lessons with Ursula and their friendship deepens, Gemma’s keen observations lead her to question Ursula’s background and the secrets she’s keeping. Their friendship feels genuine, even as Gemma investigates Ursula’s true purpose.
I also loved Gemma’s romance with Charlie, the local constable. He was supportive of her theories and always listened closely to what she had to say. Their ending was they perfect.
The author’s research into the real-life Ursula Kuczynski Beurton shines through. A German woman who spied for the Soviet Union, she fled England for East Germany in 1950 and later wrote about her espionage activities under the pen name Ruth Werner.
The narrator brought Gemma and Ursula vividly to life, giving each a distinct accent. Her narration pulled me right into the story.
If you enjoy spies, mysteries, and a touch of romance, this book is a perfect pick and it’s available now.
I love historical fiction, so this book was already on my reading list, and it absolutely drew me in.
Gemma is searching for friendship and companionship, and finds both in a small English town. With a sharp eye for detail and a love of mystery novels, she notices things others might miss. I loved that about her. When she begins baking lessons with Ursula and their friendship deepens, Gemma’s keen observations lead her to question Ursula’s background and the secrets she’s keeping. Their friendship feels genuine, even as Gemma investigates Ursula’s true purpose.
I also loved Gemma’s romance with Charlie, the local constable. He was supportive of her theories and always listened closely to what she had to say. Their ending was they perfect.
The author’s research into the real-life Ursula Kuczynski Beurton shines through. A German woman who spied for the Soviet Union, she fled England for East Germany in 1950 and later wrote about her espionage activities under the pen name Ruth Werner.
The narrator brought Gemma and Ursula vividly to life, giving each a distinct accent. Her narration pulled me right into the story.
If you enjoy spies, mysteries, and a touch of romance, this book is a perfect pick and it’s available now.
October 14, 2026
Gemma Brown has recently moved to the town of Great Rollright, a small Cotswold village. Here, she hopes to carve out an idyllic life. The kind she’s read about in her favorite mystery novels. She works at the local town store and sets about making some changes, including adding a book section. She makes a friend and meets a young man working at the police department. Gemma is socially awkward and isn’t very good at baking, a skill she deems necessary to catch the interest of the young man. She enlists the help of Ursula Beurton, the best local baker and the center of much of the gossip network.
Gemma is very much a mystery buff and is very inquisitive. When she sees things that are amiss, she soon believes Ursula is a German spy. The tale unfolds slowly, but once the groundwork was set, I found myself caught up in mystery. Gemma uses knowledge she gained from her beloved mystery book to investigate. This was a rather engaging cozy historical mystery with a nod to historical figures and stories as the author explains at the end.
Fiona Hardingham narrates and captures the accents and tone of the story. I felt she was well suited and enhanced my overall enjoyment.
The story has some suspenseful moments and a side romance that felt right for the period. The author delivered a twist or two, and I ended the audio with a smile. If you fancy a historical mystery with a female amateur sleuth, I would recommend The Undercover Bookshop.
This review was originally published at Caffeinated Reviewer
Gemma is very much a mystery buff and is very inquisitive. When she sees things that are amiss, she soon believes Ursula is a German spy. The tale unfolds slowly, but once the groundwork was set, I found myself caught up in mystery. Gemma uses knowledge she gained from her beloved mystery book to investigate. This was a rather engaging cozy historical mystery with a nod to historical figures and stories as the author explains at the end.
Fiona Hardingham narrates and captures the accents and tone of the story. I felt she was well suited and enhanced my overall enjoyment.
The story has some suspenseful moments and a side romance that felt right for the period. The author delivered a twist or two, and I ended the audio with a smile. If you fancy a historical mystery with a female amateur sleuth, I would recommend The Undercover Bookshop.
This review was originally published at Caffeinated Reviewer
September 27, 2026
The Undercover Bookshop by Katherine Reay
Thank You NetGalley and Harper Muse for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This is a historical fiction novel based off the real life of the main female character in the novel. Gemma Brown has no family left and has come to Cotswold Village of Great Rollright to start fresh. WW2 has just recently ended, but another war continues...the Cold War. Gemma begins to take baking lessons from the best baker in their small town, Ursula Beurton. Ursula, however, is not all she appears to be on the outside, especially after Gemma notices one day a tall antenna sticking up from atop her shed!
Gemma is a very bright and smart young woman and in no time, she begins to pick up more clues that Ursula is hiding something. Could she be a Soviet spy? With risk to her own life, Gemma works an amateur detective to discover her secrets. Who is Ursula really? Will Gemma get the answers she is looking for? And is Ursula a good or bad spy? Are there others? What ensues is a novel with a cat and mouse game, small town secrets, a sweet romance in between, found family, and a book about books!!!
I enjoyed this book so much! A solid 4 stars for me! I loved the pace – it was just right! No lull in the story. It kept my attentions throughout and personally I was very satisfied with the ending! Look for it when it comes out on October 6, 2026!!!
Thank You NetGalley and Harper Muse for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This is a historical fiction novel based off the real life of the main female character in the novel. Gemma Brown has no family left and has come to Cotswold Village of Great Rollright to start fresh. WW2 has just recently ended, but another war continues...the Cold War. Gemma begins to take baking lessons from the best baker in their small town, Ursula Beurton. Ursula, however, is not all she appears to be on the outside, especially after Gemma notices one day a tall antenna sticking up from atop her shed!
Gemma is a very bright and smart young woman and in no time, she begins to pick up more clues that Ursula is hiding something. Could she be a Soviet spy? With risk to her own life, Gemma works an amateur detective to discover her secrets. Who is Ursula really? Will Gemma get the answers she is looking for? And is Ursula a good or bad spy? Are there others? What ensues is a novel with a cat and mouse game, small town secrets, a sweet romance in between, found family, and a book about books!!!
I enjoyed this book so much! A solid 4 stars for me! I loved the pace – it was just right! No lull in the story. It kept my attentions throughout and personally I was very satisfied with the ending! Look for it when it comes out on October 6, 2026!!!
October 16, 2026
I loved this! The Undercover Bookshop has the charm of an English village with plenty of mystery, perfect for a fall read. Gemma was brilliant and easy to root for. Her love of books, especially mystery novels, added to my love of the story. Once I got into the story, I was enthralled. Spies and eclectic characters and suspicions...it was all so interesting.
Absolutely recommend this!
•Clean historical fiction, no faith content
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Absolutely recommend this!
•Clean historical fiction, no faith content
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 24, 2026
Such a cosy, charming read, truly a gem of a book. This was the kind of book that is just perfect for this time of the year, and it always was a joy to pick it back up. The author wonderfully brings this world and its characters to life, making it so easy to lose yourself into this story.
The main character, Gemma, is so easily likable, which makes it easy to want to follow her and root for her. I absolutely loved how this progressed, and the more Gemma grew into herself and started to trust her instincts, the more sucked into the story I was.
It's such a page turner, and the narration only contributed to that. It was just so wonderful, and made for a much more immersive read, which I absolutely adored.
Biggest thanks to Harper Muse & Libro.fm for the ALC; all opinions are my own.
The main character, Gemma, is so easily likable, which makes it easy to want to follow her and root for her. I absolutely loved how this progressed, and the more Gemma grew into herself and started to trust her instincts, the more sucked into the story I was.
It's such a page turner, and the narration only contributed to that. It was just so wonderful, and made for a much more immersive read, which I absolutely adored.
Biggest thanks to Harper Muse & Libro.fm for the ALC; all opinions are my own.
August 22, 2026
I liked this better after learning it was based on a real Soviet spy living in a real British village. The story was good in a quiet way, slow at times but interesting in a few ways. I liked that setting of post-war Britain where people were trying to get on with their lives. I liked the characters in the town. I just didn’t like the main character much. She was too bland, bordering on boring. There is nothing wrong with that kind of person, it’s just hard to make that kind of main character compelling. That said, something kept me reading so the author did something right. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
During the winter of 1950 in the small Cotswold village of Great Rollright, amateur sleuth Gemma Brown starts to suspect that the town’s best baker, Ursula Beurton, is a Soviet Spy, tumbling headlong into a dangerous cat-and-mouse game that ends with a decision that will lead her to the Undercover Bookshop and change her life forever.
As usual, I have no complaints about The Undercover Bookshop; it was cleverly told. I liked Gemma Brown’s character and how she was convinced that the town’s best baker, Ursula, was a spy for the Soviets. Inventively told.
My gratitude to NetGalley and Harper Muse. All opinions expressed are honest and mine.
As usual, I have no complaints about The Undercover Bookshop; it was cleverly told. I liked Gemma Brown’s character and how she was convinced that the town’s best baker, Ursula, was a spy for the Soviets. Inventively told.
My gratitude to NetGalley and Harper Muse. All opinions expressed are honest and mine.
October 27, 2026
I loved this story, as I have Reay's other works. I especially connected with The Berlin Letters and was excited to read this take on a true story of a Russian spy infiltrating a sleepy village town in the Cotswolds of England. The characters were interesting and likable, and the storyline flowed. It was definitely a page turner, and I really did not have it all figured out, as there were surprises and twists along the way. Gemma was a formidable and observant sleuth in her own right, but it was her personal relationships with people that enabled her to really see past the everyday and notice what others could not.
I appreciate the research that went into this story and just enjoyed every minute of it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for this ARC. All opinions are mine.
I appreciate the research that went into this story and just enjoyed every minute of it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for this ARC. All opinions are mine.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Well, that's two Katherine Reay books and two five-star reads for me! After loving The English Masterpiece last summer, I couldn't wait to get my hands on The Undercover Bookshop, and now I'm convinced I need to work my way through her entire backlist.
There's something about Reay's writing that just works for me. She creates these wonderfully plucky female characters, surrounds them with people you genuinely enjoy getting to know, and somehow makes even Soviet espionage feel cozy! I loved Gemma, the charming Cotswolds setting, and the way this mystery unfolded. It had just the right amount of intrigue, humor, historical detail, and even a little romance.
What I especially appreciate about Reay is her attention to the smaller moments. She can make something as simple as a conversation, a bookshop, or a baking lesson feel meaningful. And tucked into this delightful mystery were some genuinely thoughtful observations about life, loss, and finding your way forward after WWII.
Fiona Hardingham's narration was wonderful. She also narrated The English Masterpiece, and I'm beginning to think these two are a perfect pairing. She made an already charming story feel even more comforting.
I finished this one wishing I could spend more time with these characters. It was clever, heartwarming, and exactly the kind of book I needed. Sometimes five stars simply means you loved every minute of the experience, and I absolutely did. And don't skip the author's note about the real-life Soviet spy Ursula Kuczynski. It's fascinating to learn about the history behind the fiction!
Thank you to Katherine Reay, Harper Muse, and Libro.fm for providing this advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.
There's something about Reay's writing that just works for me. She creates these wonderfully plucky female characters, surrounds them with people you genuinely enjoy getting to know, and somehow makes even Soviet espionage feel cozy! I loved Gemma, the charming Cotswolds setting, and the way this mystery unfolded. It had just the right amount of intrigue, humor, historical detail, and even a little romance.
What I especially appreciate about Reay is her attention to the smaller moments. She can make something as simple as a conversation, a bookshop, or a baking lesson feel meaningful. And tucked into this delightful mystery were some genuinely thoughtful observations about life, loss, and finding your way forward after WWII.
Fiona Hardingham's narration was wonderful. She also narrated The English Masterpiece, and I'm beginning to think these two are a perfect pairing. She made an already charming story feel even more comforting.
I finished this one wishing I could spend more time with these characters. It was clever, heartwarming, and exactly the kind of book I needed. Sometimes five stars simply means you loved every minute of the experience, and I absolutely did. And don't skip the author's note about the real-life Soviet spy Ursula Kuczynski. It's fascinating to learn about the history behind the fiction!
Thank you to Katherine Reay, Harper Muse, and Libro.fm for providing this advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.
August 26, 2026
A Cold War era story based on real-life spies, set in a quiet rural English village, with an intriguing mystery.
This well-written story would especially appeal to fans of classic mysteries--many titles are mentioned--with its bookshop theme, and a spy game at play. It is an engaging read told in retrospect back to the winter of 1949-1950, from the viewpoint of a woman whose life was changed by her friendship with a person living a double life.
The main characters were people who had lived through World War II, in a place that was still recovering and trying to find its way forward; people living seemingly normal lives but hiding secrets. It really pulled me in once the story got rolling, and held just enough tension to keep me wondering how it would end. The little bit of tender romance was sweet too.
An enjoyable clean read for fans of mysteries with some real history. Recommend! 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
This well-written story would especially appeal to fans of classic mysteries--many titles are mentioned--with its bookshop theme, and a spy game at play. It is an engaging read told in retrospect back to the winter of 1949-1950, from the viewpoint of a woman whose life was changed by her friendship with a person living a double life.
The main characters were people who had lived through World War II, in a place that was still recovering and trying to find its way forward; people living seemingly normal lives but hiding secrets. It really pulled me in once the story got rolling, and held just enough tension to keep me wondering how it would end. The little bit of tender romance was sweet too.
An enjoyable clean read for fans of mysteries with some real history. Recommend! 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Uplit and Harper Muse for providing me with a gifted copy of this book and the opportunity to read and review it. I was not asked to write a positive review but simply to share my own thoughts about the book.
Gemma decides to move to a small town, Great Rollright after seeing an advertisement for a job in a local shop. The position comes with a small sitting room where she can stay while working there, and she thinks it will be a wonderful opportunity to get settled and move out of her rooming house.
In her new town, Gemma begins making friends while working at the local shop and slowly settles into life in the quiet small town. Gemma decides to share her passion for mystery books and convinces Mr. Hastings, the owner of the shop, to let her create a small section devoted to them. She also tries her hand at baking on a few occasions, but her attempts are absolute failures, and she struggles to understand the recipes. Her friend Peggy encourages her to reach out to Mrs. Beurton, who has won several local baking competitions, for some lessons.
Gemma approaches Mrs. Beurton, who agrees to help, and the two begin baking together. As Gemma spends more time at Mrs. Beurton’s home, she starts noticing some unusual things, including a large antenna outside the property. Mrs. Beurton tends to keep to herself, although she is always friendly and helpful when Gemma interacts with her. Still, Gemma’s suspicions begin to grow, and she starts to wonder if there is more to Mrs. Beurton than meets the eye.
I enjoy historical fiction that takes me into different time periods, and this book explores an interesting period in England during the 1950s, as the country settles into life after World War II and tensions surrounding the Cold War begin to grow.
I have really enjoyed the previous two books by this author and highly recommend her work if you enjoy historical fiction. I haven’t read many novels that focus on the Cold War, so I particularly enjoyed that aspect of the story. After finishing this book, I found myself wanting to read more about the real Ursula Kuczynski and learn more about her fascinating history.
If you enjoy historical fiction, mysteries, and stories with a touch of espionage, you’ll want to grab this one. It brings all of those elements together in an engaging story and might even leave you wanting to learn more about the real history behind it.
Gemma decides to move to a small town, Great Rollright after seeing an advertisement for a job in a local shop. The position comes with a small sitting room where she can stay while working there, and she thinks it will be a wonderful opportunity to get settled and move out of her rooming house.
In her new town, Gemma begins making friends while working at the local shop and slowly settles into life in the quiet small town. Gemma decides to share her passion for mystery books and convinces Mr. Hastings, the owner of the shop, to let her create a small section devoted to them. She also tries her hand at baking on a few occasions, but her attempts are absolute failures, and she struggles to understand the recipes. Her friend Peggy encourages her to reach out to Mrs. Beurton, who has won several local baking competitions, for some lessons.
Gemma approaches Mrs. Beurton, who agrees to help, and the two begin baking together. As Gemma spends more time at Mrs. Beurton’s home, she starts noticing some unusual things, including a large antenna outside the property. Mrs. Beurton tends to keep to herself, although she is always friendly and helpful when Gemma interacts with her. Still, Gemma’s suspicions begin to grow, and she starts to wonder if there is more to Mrs. Beurton than meets the eye.
I enjoy historical fiction that takes me into different time periods, and this book explores an interesting period in England during the 1950s, as the country settles into life after World War II and tensions surrounding the Cold War begin to grow.
I have really enjoyed the previous two books by this author and highly recommend her work if you enjoy historical fiction. I haven’t read many novels that focus on the Cold War, so I particularly enjoyed that aspect of the story. After finishing this book, I found myself wanting to read more about the real Ursula Kuczynski and learn more about her fascinating history.
If you enjoy historical fiction, mysteries, and stories with a touch of espionage, you’ll want to grab this one. It brings all of those elements together in an engaging story and might even leave you wanting to learn more about the real history behind it.
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