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The Librarian's Guide to Espionage
Not yet published
Expected 23 Mar 27The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel meets The Alice Network. Inspired by the true story of Florence Mendheim, a real New York librarian who spent years attending Nazi rallies undercover.
Betty Mannheim has three problems: she’s thirty-one, unmarried, and her mother won’t let her forget either. She also has a fourth problem, which her mother doesn’t know about. Betty is spying on Nazis.
New York City, 1936. When a mysterious stranger walks into Betty’s library branch in Washington Heights and asks her to attend a Friends of New Germany rally as undercover agent Gertrude Mueller, Betty does something she’s never done before: she says yes. Not because she isn’t afraid. Because she’s more afraid of spending the rest of her life eating spaetzle on the covered couch.
So begins Betty’s double life—sitting in rooms full of people who want her dead while her matchmaker lines up surgeons, her mother works herself into a compress-on-the-head frenzy, and Betty discovers she’s rather good at lying, self-defence, and falling for the wrong man. Inspired by the true story of the Jewish spy networks that monitored Nazi activity on American soil in the 1930s, a novel about a woman who was told to stay in the lines—and chose, very quietly, to blow them up.
Betty Mannheim has three problems: she’s thirty-one, unmarried, and her mother won’t let her forget either. She also has a fourth problem, which her mother doesn’t know about. Betty is spying on Nazis.
New York City, 1936. When a mysterious stranger walks into Betty’s library branch in Washington Heights and asks her to attend a Friends of New Germany rally as undercover agent Gertrude Mueller, Betty does something she’s never done before: she says yes. Not because she isn’t afraid. Because she’s more afraid of spending the rest of her life eating spaetzle on the covered couch.
So begins Betty’s double life—sitting in rooms full of people who want her dead while her matchmaker lines up surgeons, her mother works herself into a compress-on-the-head frenzy, and Betty discovers she’s rather good at lying, self-defence, and falling for the wrong man. Inspired by the true story of the Jewish spy networks that monitored Nazi activity on American soil in the 1930s, a novel about a woman who was told to stay in the lines—and chose, very quietly, to blow them up.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 23, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Totally engaging from that spectacular cover on! Based on a true story, a librarian in NYC is recruited to spy on Nazi activity pre-WWII in the area. A splendid tale I couldn't put down!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for a review.
Based on a true person, this book shows the reader just how engrained Nazis were in America.
Since this is touted as part Miss Maisel and part Kate Quinn, I'll start there. This book is comedic with sharp wit and self deprecating humor like the Marvelous Mrs Maisel. There's a sort of 'blink and you miss it' humor that you wont get by breezing through it. I found it very funny before the subject matter turned more serious. Then like the topic, the comedy slowed down enough to respect the seriousness of the situation.
As for Kate Quinn - no one matches Quinn's spy stories. No one. I didn't find it comparable to Quinn at all. I found Betty to be very, very lucky and was surprised she got as far as she did without being murdered.
This is a standalone novel that does a lot more than hint that there will be more 'episodes' to come. I liked this book well enough to recommend it to patrons who like WWII HF but do not want to read about Europe (because face it, we are saturated) but have no interest in her further adventures in Europe in upcoming episodes.
3.5 stars
Based on a true person, this book shows the reader just how engrained Nazis were in America.
Since this is touted as part Miss Maisel and part Kate Quinn, I'll start there. This book is comedic with sharp wit and self deprecating humor like the Marvelous Mrs Maisel. There's a sort of 'blink and you miss it' humor that you wont get by breezing through it. I found it very funny before the subject matter turned more serious. Then like the topic, the comedy slowed down enough to respect the seriousness of the situation.
As for Kate Quinn - no one matches Quinn's spy stories. No one. I didn't find it comparable to Quinn at all. I found Betty to be very, very lucky and was surprised she got as far as she did without being murdered.
This is a standalone novel that does a lot more than hint that there will be more 'episodes' to come. I liked this book well enough to recommend it to patrons who like WWII HF but do not want to read about Europe (because face it, we are saturated) but have no interest in her further adventures in Europe in upcoming episodes.
3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I do love a story based on real people and events! This novel is no exception. Even though some relationships are fictional, the storyline is fascinating. I had no idea how much fascism was spread in the USA! The plot is compelling, not only because of the threatening and very serious events but also thanks to Betty, the very special librarian turned into a spy!
The novel is written in the first person, giving an extremely pleasant voice to Betty. She is so relatable in her inner conflicts, the way she deals with them. Born into a lovely Jewish family (I love her mother!) who expects her to marry a Jewish man. Betty is not against it, but she is not a typical woman of her times.... Still, romance might not be that far...
I love Betty 's character, her integrity, her wit and way of saying what she thinks. Definitely, not what one might expect from a spy!
I was so pleased when the author mentioned at the end of the book, that this novel is the first one in the series. I can't wait to meet and listen to Betty again!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
The novel is written in the first person, giving an extremely pleasant voice to Betty. She is so relatable in her inner conflicts, the way she deals with them. Born into a lovely Jewish family (I love her mother!) who expects her to marry a Jewish man. Betty is not against it, but she is not a typical woman of her times.... Still, romance might not be that far...
I love Betty 's character, her integrity, her wit and way of saying what she thinks. Definitely, not what one might expect from a spy!
I was so pleased when the author mentioned at the end of the book, that this novel is the first one in the series. I can't wait to meet and listen to Betty again!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you to netgalley for a copy of this arc!
when i first started reading this, i wasn’t sure if i would enjoy it, just because of the time period in which it was set. but actually, it turned out to be a very enjoyable read. particularly, i enjoyed the push and pull between religion, culture, and modernity. overall, a thoroughly enjoyable ”holiday” read, in my humble opinion!
when i first started reading this, i wasn’t sure if i would enjoy it, just because of the time period in which it was set. but actually, it turned out to be a very enjoyable read. particularly, i enjoyed the push and pull between religion, culture, and modernity. overall, a thoroughly enjoyable ”holiday” read, in my humble opinion!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A story of love, fear, and courage.
"The Librarian's Guide To Espionage" opens in New York City, 1936. War is looming, but so far, America is a long way from Europe. Librarian Betty Mannheim is Jewish, thirty-one, and unmarried. Not a condition her mother is happy about. Betty is also bored with her life, so when a mysterious stranger walks into her library in Washington Heights and asks her to attend a Friends of New Germany rally as an undercover agent, she agrees. And so begins Betty's double life, librarian by day and Gertrude Mueller, spy, by night.
Betty is quickly faced with the realities of the situation in America - she knows of the growing anti-Jew movement, but is shocked at the level of support for Nazism and white supremacy. As she meets people at the rallies, she fears that it's only a matter of time before violence erupts.
The story moves along, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly, as Betty gets deeper and deeper into her role, and the dangers grow. But Betty also discovers she's good at lying, deception, and self-defence. At the same time, her mother plays matchmaker and arranges for her to meet a newly-arrived doctor as a potential husband. We're soon witness to Betty's awakening to love and desire, and heartbreak. Much of the story involves Betty's growth from a timid spinster, to a courageous heroine. We're privy to her inner turmoil and fears, occasionally to the detriment of the story. We meet a cast of characters including a feisty brother, a fun-loving cousin, a friendly but Nazi-loving girlfriend, and a reporter who may or may not be on Betty's side. Woven around real-life events, it's a harrowing story of a bitter period on history.
This is not a dyed-in-the-wool spy story. Inspired by the true story of the Jewish spy networks that monitored Nazi activity on American, it's a story of bravery, love, and the dangers faced by American people in the run up to WW2. I enjoyed it well enough, but more of the "espionage" element suggested in the title would have been welcome.
While not a book for spy fans, for those who enjoy drama and tension and human endeavour, it's well worth picking up.
"The Librarian's Guide To Espionage" opens in New York City, 1936. War is looming, but so far, America is a long way from Europe. Librarian Betty Mannheim is Jewish, thirty-one, and unmarried. Not a condition her mother is happy about. Betty is also bored with her life, so when a mysterious stranger walks into her library in Washington Heights and asks her to attend a Friends of New Germany rally as an undercover agent, she agrees. And so begins Betty's double life, librarian by day and Gertrude Mueller, spy, by night.
Betty is quickly faced with the realities of the situation in America - she knows of the growing anti-Jew movement, but is shocked at the level of support for Nazism and white supremacy. As she meets people at the rallies, she fears that it's only a matter of time before violence erupts.
The story moves along, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly, as Betty gets deeper and deeper into her role, and the dangers grow. But Betty also discovers she's good at lying, deception, and self-defence. At the same time, her mother plays matchmaker and arranges for her to meet a newly-arrived doctor as a potential husband. We're soon witness to Betty's awakening to love and desire, and heartbreak. Much of the story involves Betty's growth from a timid spinster, to a courageous heroine. We're privy to her inner turmoil and fears, occasionally to the detriment of the story. We meet a cast of characters including a feisty brother, a fun-loving cousin, a friendly but Nazi-loving girlfriend, and a reporter who may or may not be on Betty's side. Woven around real-life events, it's a harrowing story of a bitter period on history.
This is not a dyed-in-the-wool spy story. Inspired by the true story of the Jewish spy networks that monitored Nazi activity on American, it's a story of bravery, love, and the dangers faced by American people in the run up to WW2. I enjoyed it well enough, but more of the "espionage" element suggested in the title would have been welcome.
While not a book for spy fans, for those who enjoy drama and tension and human endeavour, it's well worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Betty is 31 years old, unmarried, and still living in New York City with her parents. Her mother is perpetually on her back about not being married and having the safety and security of a family. But Betty doesn't want the predictable life of her parents, and everyone else who is a part of their community. When a stranger comes into the library where Betty works, and asks her to spy at Nazi rallies being held in the city, Betty agrees to do so. She finds out that she is very good at lying and at the double life that no one in her circle can guess that she is living.
Parts of this book I enjoyed, but somewhat surprisingly for a spy novel, the pacing was pretty slow. I kept wanting more action, but a good portion of the book is just Betty's thoughts, her doubts about her role, and her disgust at the Nazi rhetoric repeated at all the meetings, all of which became pretty repetitive after a while. The book felt unfinished, which I suppose is a way of leaving the door open for more adventures for Betty, though the book was not engaging enough for me to want to read more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Parts of this book I enjoyed, but somewhat surprisingly for a spy novel, the pacing was pretty slow. I kept wanting more action, but a good portion of the book is just Betty's thoughts, her doubts about her role, and her disgust at the Nazi rhetoric repeated at all the meetings, all of which became pretty repetitive after a while. The book felt unfinished, which I suppose is a way of leaving the door open for more adventures for Betty, though the book was not engaging enough for me to want to read more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 30, 2026
This book was not at all what I expected, it was so much more!!
Betty is an unmarried 30 something Jewish lady, ‘the almost bride’ who is living her life as her parents expect, she works in a library, she keeps kosher and she meets with matchmakers. Her Mothers greatest wish for her is to see her married to a good man.
Meanwhile, the Nazi uprising is getting stronger in America and Betty is recruited to spy on them. She becomes Gertrude at these meetings, she is brave and confident and allows herself to be the woman that she wishes she were.
This book is a heart hurting account of the atrocities and fear that Jews faced at that time. But it is also a love story, a story about finding your way - even if that way is outside the lines.
I adored this book, I didn’t want to put it down, the author tackled a subject that is terrifying because it’s true, but they made it whole by reminding us that life can go on, that there are good people and we all have a part to play in keeping each other safe.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A book about a librarian turned spy on Nazis in New York City? Based on a real person? Yes, please!
This was a really enjoyable historical fiction loosely based on a real librarian turned spy. While Geller renames our spy to Betty and invents a bit of romance for her, I appreciated how she (Geller) also shows us the insidious nature of Nazi-ism in the United States before World War II. Meetings, rallies, youth camps, and much more.
I loved how Betty was wrestling with her desire to make her family proud and happy versus her need to do something more, something for herself and her country. I like how Geller handled that internal fight, and I thought the romances with Ludwig and Nick were done so well. Neither man was bad, but Betty had to learn to make her own choices rather than her parent's choices for her.
Freddy, her cousin, was an absolute delight, and since we're getting more books about Betty the spy, I'd love to see him show up again. A good start to a new historical spy series!
This was a really enjoyable historical fiction loosely based on a real librarian turned spy. While Geller renames our spy to Betty and invents a bit of romance for her, I appreciated how she (Geller) also shows us the insidious nature of Nazi-ism in the United States before World War II. Meetings, rallies, youth camps, and much more.
I loved how Betty was wrestling with her desire to make her family proud and happy versus her need to do something more, something for herself and her country. I like how Geller handled that internal fight, and I thought the romances with Ludwig and Nick were done so well. Neither man was bad, but Betty had to learn to make her own choices rather than her parent's choices for her.
Freddy, her cousin, was an absolute delight, and since we're getting more books about Betty the spy, I'd love to see him show up again. A good start to a new historical spy series!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I honestly thought this would be a four-star read at most when I picked it up, but I was so wrong. This was a five-star read and more!
I absolutely loved it. The characters were fantastic, and I really felt their fear and uncertainty throughout the story. I loved the espionage side of things, the secrets and how the main character was both scared of what was happening but also couldn’t help wanting to know more. I think I felt exactly the same!
Knowing a little about the real-life events beforehand made it even more interesting, especially discovering just how closely the story was based on reality.
I couldn’t put this book down. The ending was brilliant, and knowing there’s more to come makes me even more excited.
This is my first book by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last. I can’t wait for the next one!
A book that completely exceeded my expectations. Definitely one I’ll be recommending!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Betty Mannheim is a 31 year old unmarried Jewish woman living at home and working as a librarian when she is approached by a stranger and asked to spy at the Friends of Germany meetings. Her role is to be Gertrude Mueller and she is to report back with what is happening at these meetings while these people if they knew would want her dead. Betty meets Nick at the meeting and begins to have feelings for him as they pose as a married couple to check out the summer camps. Betty learns she has more in her than she thought and is discovering herself on this journey. This was a fascinating read for me as this was inspired by a true story and a part of our history I did not know about. This story kept me engaged and I read it very quickly. I also like that there will be another in this story.
November 2, 2026
When I saw this book on NetGalley, I knew I had to read it. First, it’s about a librarian, which is my current profession. Second, a librarian who becomes a spy during World War II? Absolutely!
Loosely based on the true story of a woman who went undercover to investigate the Nazi movement in the United States, this book really came to life for me. I found myself turning the pages, eager to discover what would happen next. Before I knew it, the book was over, and I was already signing up to read the sequel!
If you’re looking for an engaging read, be sure to check this one out.
Loosely based on the true story of a woman who went undercover to investigate the Nazi movement in the United States, this book really came to life for me. I found myself turning the pages, eager to discover what would happen next. Before I knew it, the book was over, and I was already signing up to read the sequel!
If you’re looking for an engaging read, be sure to check this one out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first historical fiction novel, and I really enjoyed it. The story blends history, danger, humor, and romance in a way that felt engaging and emotional.I liked the heroine’s strength and growth. She faces fear and uncertainty, but she chooses courage and learns to stand up for herself and what she believes in.The romance was also refreshing because it was not typical or perfect. It developed through trust, danger, and unexpected moments, showing that love can be spontaneous and complicated.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thoroughly enjoyed The Librarian’s Guide to Espionage. It is an engrossing read, with a cleverly developed plot and characters who draw you into their world. The story kept me interested throughout, and I particularly enjoyed the way the historical background was woven into the narrative. By the end, I was left wanting to know more, both about the characters and the history on which the plot was based. A thoroughly enjoyable read and one I would happily recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really liked this one! There were certain things that were annoying from a modern lens (her not being married yet and it being constantly brought up like it was some huge character flaw), but I just reminded myself it was a different time and carried on.
I definitely will keep reading the series-I’m excited to see where it goes!
Thanks to netgalley and publisher for the ARC
I definitely will keep reading the series-I’m excited to see where it goes!
Thanks to netgalley and publisher for the ARC
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews