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Louise Pearlie #2
Louise's Gamble
Young widow Louise Pearlie becomes embroiled in a perilous game of mafia bosses, Nazi spies and banished royalty in this wartime novel of suspense – 1942, Washington DC. Young widow Louise Pearlie is now a chief file clerk at the legendary OSS, the precursor to the CIA, and enjoying being an independent, working woman despite wartime privations. But a casual friendship struck up with Alessa di Luca, a secretive war refugee, sucks Louise into a dangerous game of mafia bosses, Nazi spies, banished royalty and Sicilian aristocracy – placing not only her job, but her life, in jeopardy .
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First published May 1, 2012
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276 people want to read
About the author
Sarah R. Shaber
20 books170 followersSarah Shaber is an award-winning mystery author from North Carolina. Her WWII historical mystery series begins with LOUISE'S WAR. It features young widow Louise Pearlie, a government girl who works for the Office of Strategic Services, the United States’ first spy agency.
Shaber is also the author of the Professor Simon Shaw mysteries, BLOOD TEST, and editor of TAR HEEL DEAD. Her first book, SIMON SAID, won the St. Martin’s Press/Malice Domestic Award for best first traditional mystery. She is the Bouchercon15 (World Mystery Conference, 2015) Local Guest of Honor. Her home bookstore is Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh. www.facebook.com/LouisePearlie
Shaber is also the author of the Professor Simon Shaw mysteries, BLOOD TEST, and editor of TAR HEEL DEAD. Her first book, SIMON SAID, won the St. Martin’s Press/Malice Domestic Award for best first traditional mystery. She is the Bouchercon15 (World Mystery Conference, 2015) Local Guest of Honor. Her home bookstore is Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh. www.facebook.com/LouisePearlie
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 9, 2012
Even better than the first, Louise's War. I have recommended this book to friends who enjoy historical mysteries and strong female characters. The characters continue to develop in a believable way. Love the historical detail and the complexity of the plot. Looking forward to the next volume in the series.
July 12, 2012
Widowed Louise Pearlie is only a file clerk with the OSS, but when an Italian refugee she has befriended claims that she has valuable information, the agency is interested. Then Louise--and everyone else--learn that the poor, ill-clad woman is really a wealthy Countess, who has disguised herself. There's a lot of historical background--did you know that the Mafia cooperated with the US government to fight the Nazis (although their real grudge was against Mussolini, who expelled their group from Sicily)? A terrific sequel to Louise's War (which you really should read).
February 6, 2021
This Lady is doing everything to start a new life and become a modern women and she keeps being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The one thing about her is she always trying to better herself in her work, her friends and her home life at Two Trees Boarding house. The adventures her is of spies, mafia, and a friend who dresses like a poor refuge but is really a Countess who wants to help in the war effort but giving information to the government thru someone and guess who she meets? Ever Thursday night the is a social group of women who meet to knit items for the soldiers overseas. The information she wants to give the government is about a mafia double agent working at the docks sending information to the Germans on ships and routes. But before she can she is murdered it is classifies as suicide and Louise does not believe that wants to find out who killed her and why and also were the letter she had received to give Louise was otherwise find the letter find the murderer. In finding the letter Louise gets involved with all kinds of people both good and bad, rich and poor and some who she thinks are friends and some she thinks are enemies.
As in the first book there are many story lines, plots and plenty of worry for Louise. The story is well written and the narrator is able to hold you in a grip that makes you worry about Louise as if you knew her and was with her in the books. Also the narrator brings the other character alive to the point were you hold your breath hoping Louise catches on before she gets into trouble but as usual she gets into trouble and has to be rescued and sometime argues that she was fine and did not need help because is A Government Girl who is a file clerk and she a modern women who can defend herself!
As in the first book there are many story lines, plots and plenty of worry for Louise. The story is well written and the narrator is able to hold you in a grip that makes you worry about Louise as if you knew her and was with her in the books. Also the narrator brings the other character alive to the point were you hold your breath hoping Louise catches on before she gets into trouble but as usual she gets into trouble and has to be rescued and sometime argues that she was fine and did not need help because is A Government Girl who is a file clerk and she a modern women who can defend herself!
June 27, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a good story, such immediacy of the history had me feeling a part of the times. It was such a time of cultural changes of all sorts, but this is the sort of story historians do not tell as well. The story of Betty in jail, teaching Henry how to use the washing machine such a ring of truth. I had read about the Mafia connection before on the Italy side in the Billy Boyle books so it was particularly interesting to see the stateside part. Definitely recommend.
January 21, 2013
I have been a reader of Sarah Shaber since her first book. She is an intelligent writer with a keen sense of history.
January 17, 2018
I've had this book sitting on the shelf for a while, since I bought it at the Bouchercon writer's conference in Raleigh in 2015 and lined up to get it signed by the author
I have to say I'm impressed by Shaber's painstaking research into life in 1942 Washington, D.C., the first full year of United States' participation in World War II. She sweats the details, right down to the description of having to mix the yellow coloring into margarine to make it look more like butter.
My mother lived in the Washington DC area around this time--she was a student at the University of Maryland in College Park, just outside the District of Columbia. Reading "Louise's Gamble" reminded me of my mother's stories about what was day to day life was like in the nation's capital during the war.
It was a quick and enjoyable read. Louise meets a Sicilian refugee at her knitting circle who asks her to pass along secret information of national importance to her superiors at the Office of Strategic Services (later to become the CIA). Which is how Louise finds herself in the dangerous cloak and dagger world of espionage.
It keeps you guessing until the end. And you'll enjoy the 1940s fashions.
I have to say I'm impressed by Shaber's painstaking research into life in 1942 Washington, D.C., the first full year of United States' participation in World War II. She sweats the details, right down to the description of having to mix the yellow coloring into margarine to make it look more like butter.
My mother lived in the Washington DC area around this time--she was a student at the University of Maryland in College Park, just outside the District of Columbia. Reading "Louise's Gamble" reminded me of my mother's stories about what was day to day life was like in the nation's capital during the war.
It was a quick and enjoyable read. Louise meets a Sicilian refugee at her knitting circle who asks her to pass along secret information of national importance to her superiors at the Office of Strategic Services (later to become the CIA). Which is how Louise finds herself in the dangerous cloak and dagger world of espionage.
It keeps you guessing until the end. And you'll enjoy the 1940s fashions.
January 4, 2013
Enjoyable series set in DC during WWII. Louise is an ordinary file clerk who gets somewhat into the spying game. Very believable with less action and more ordinary, mundane activities than the usual - presenting a refreshing perspective with excellent details on life for a single woman in the 1940's.
January 23, 2013
I love this series. The characters are interesting and likeable, and the mysteries themselves are not too simple or too gritty, but what I really like is the historical setting. This installment involved the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. and highlighted issues of life in 1942 that I had never heard of before. I'm looking forward to the next Louise Pearlie mystery!
Want to read
April 18, 2012Spies, mafia, what more could you want from this book. Sounds like a seat of your pants read.
May 25, 2012
I have a soft spot for all books with a WWII theme. This one features the OSS on the Home Front, and the activities of Washington DC during the war years.
August 9, 2012
Learned a bit of what it was like to live in Washington DC in 1942 during WWII. Enjoyed the story, the plot, and the ending!
November 12, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is the second book in the Louise Pearlie series. It is a standalone book with no cliffhanger ending. You can easily pick up the series with this book without having read the first book in the series, Louise's War. There are several references to events which occurred in the first book but the author kindly provides a quick summary to catch you up.
I really like this series -- it's well written; Louise is a very likeable and relatable character; and the mysteries are interesting. As this book takes place during WWII, I love that the author provides prices of things such as rent, salary and clothing. I have heard many stories from members of my family who lived through WWII so it is interesting to me when the author talks about food rationing, people's attitudes at the time [for example, arresting women but not men for spreading venereal diseases] , and, in general, the lack of ability to communicate quickly with others as there is no instantaneous communication [email, texting, cell phones, etc.]. While Louise is a strong MC, the views of that time regarding women and their abilities are present. While Louise is generally accepting of these attitudes, I like that she finds ways to work around them and still achieve her goals.
The narrator, Jenny Hoops, is always great and this is no exception. She narrates at a good pace and provides different voices for the characters.
This is the second book in the Louise Pearlie series. It is a standalone book with no cliffhanger ending. You can easily pick up the series with this book without having read the first book in the series, Louise's War. There are several references to events which occurred in the first book but the author kindly provides a quick summary to catch you up.
I really like this series -- it's well written; Louise is a very likeable and relatable character; and the mysteries are interesting. As this book takes place during WWII, I love that the author provides prices of things such as rent, salary and clothing. I have heard many stories from members of my family who lived through WWII so it is interesting to me when the author talks about food rationing, people's attitudes at the time [for example, arresting women but not men for spreading venereal diseases] , and, in general, the lack of ability to communicate quickly with others as there is no instantaneous communication [email, texting, cell phones, etc.]. While Louise is a strong MC, the views of that time regarding women and their abilities are present. While Louise is generally accepting of these attitudes, I like that she finds ways to work around them and still achieve her goals.
The narrator, Jenny Hoops, is always great and this is no exception. She narrates at a good pace and provides different voices for the characters.
November 27, 2015
Another good book in the Louise Pearlie historical mystery series. A quick, enjoyable read. The series takes place in Washington D.C. during WWII. Louise is a 30 year old widow who works as a "file clerk" at the OSS which will eventually become the CIA. This episode finds Louise mixed up with an espionage case that involves the Mafia.
What I liked most: The author seems to have done extensive research into what it must have been like to live in Washington D.C. during WWII. Louise is a very likeable main character and the other characters, who were also in the first book, are interesting. The discrimination that is shown to people of color and also women is realistically presented.
As much as I love Louise, I was only able to give this 3 stars as the espionage plotline seemed very rushed and at times, imo, wasn't as believable as the plotline from the first book. Even so, I'll be looking forward to reading the 3rd book in the series once it's available at our library.
What I liked most: The author seems to have done extensive research into what it must have been like to live in Washington D.C. during WWII. Louise is a very likeable main character and the other characters, who were also in the first book, are interesting. The discrimination that is shown to people of color and also women is realistically presented.
As much as I love Louise, I was only able to give this 3 stars as the espionage plotline seemed very rushed and at times, imo, wasn't as believable as the plotline from the first book. Even so, I'll be looking forward to reading the 3rd book in the series once it's available at our library.
April 25, 2016
This was such a fun read. In this one, Louise gets a bit of real spy training, has her own contact and potential asset, and gets a bit wrapped up with the Mafia. I REALLY did not like the ending, but it is fair and true to its time. I'm so thankful to be a woman in 2016 instead of 1942. There was no more mention of Louise's BFF and kids in Malta, which seemed strange since they were the focal point of the previous story, and Louise's landlady has a new last name. Poor editing, maybe. It didn't really detract from my enjoyment of this book, though.
June 22, 2016
Another nice entry into the WWII home front mystery series by Sarah R. Shaber. I've been a WWII history buff for many years but know very little about the home front miseries and rationing that went on. Along with learning more about this background, the behind-the-scenes dealings of almost everyone in Washington, D.C., during those days could be suspect. I'm enjoying reading about how this North Carolina girl left the fish farm and moved to the big city, getting into dangerous situations and getting out of them. The series would be a great beach read! Not boring!
Read
September 16, 2020My second Louise story, and I'm hooked.
Shaber starts with a good mystery, but the unique setting and circumstances (with lovely nuggets about clothes, stores, food, wartime privations and work-arounds, etc.--never forced into the story, never "telly") add depth and life to these short novels. Louise herself is a sympathetically flawed amateur spy, and exemplifies the smart gal who plunges into danger because her talents are never quite appreciated or utilized and her theories discounted by the fellas in charge.
Shaber starts with a good mystery, but the unique setting and circumstances (with lovely nuggets about clothes, stores, food, wartime privations and work-arounds, etc.--never forced into the story, never "telly") add depth and life to these short novels. Louise herself is a sympathetically flawed amateur spy, and exemplifies the smart gal who plunges into danger because her talents are never quite appreciated or utilized and her theories discounted by the fellas in charge.
February 28, 2014
I couldn't stop reading, I so enjoy the adventures of Louise. A small town girl, who doesn't care for that small town, living with her parents and following the norms of the day heads off to be a government girl during WW2. This time Louise is a go-between. Great series. Fortunately there is another book on the horizon.
June 30, 2015
Because I was in the mood for a quick read, this was satisfying. Having previously read the first in this series, I was prepared for it to be a bit predictable & not exceptionally well written, but I like the main character & setting. It was fun to read about her next escapade as a novice spy in WWII era Washington D C.
May 22, 2017
Louise Pearlie is contacted at her knitting circle by a young refugee who has information she wants passed along. The book is very well researched – the role of the mafia during the war is particularly fascinating. Louise is a terrific character in an intriguing story.
July 4, 2017
Enjoyable tale of espionage and murder in 1942 Washington
I love that the protagonist is a "government girl" working for the OSS. Louise shows initiative and courage as she seeks to find out why her friend has been murdered. A great series!
I love that the protagonist is a "government girl" working for the OSS. Louise shows initiative and courage as she seeks to find out why her friend has been murdered. A great series!
March 12, 2012
Another great cozy historical mystery from Sarah Shaber.
June 21, 2020
A good, suspenseful book which keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Wonderful sense of place and time (WWII Washington D.C.). Excellent characterization. Why then is the book not rated a 5? I was planning to rate "Louise's Gamble" a 5 until nearing the end (more than 2/3 of the way through). Then each page was filled with typos galore. The most blatant and distracting was the constant switching of Alessa's name to Alyssa, sometimes even interchanging the spellings in the same paragraph or sentence. Why did the editing fall apart all of sudden? It pulled me right out of a very suspenseful story. Very disappointing way to end. I'm also not sure I liked the ending. I understand Louise might need to kill in defense during an assignment, but it seems like she is planning to help Turi murder Rossi at the end on their own initiative. Seems out of character for her.
I was so distracted by the way this book ended, I nearly forgot to mention a couple of things I really enjoyed. I found the scenes where Louise was training at "The Farm" very interesting. I wish we could have spent a little more time there. Ms. Shaber also does an excellent job of depicting the way women were treated and the double standards they are held to and how much determination it took to change things.
One other item which annoyed me had to do with the character of Melinsky. Why say his wife is a sister of the last tsar when anyone with a basic knowledge of Russia's history knows the last tsar, Nicholas II, had two sisters, Xenia/Ksenia and Olga? There was no Ekaterina, who Melinsky is supposedly married to. Why not have him married to the sister of the tsar's cousin or uncle, a person not quite as recognizable? Because, believe me, this little piece of fabrication will rub Russophiles the wrong way.
I was so distracted by the way this book ended, I nearly forgot to mention a couple of things I really enjoyed. I found the scenes where Louise was training at "The Farm" very interesting. I wish we could have spent a little more time there. Ms. Shaber also does an excellent job of depicting the way women were treated and the double standards they are held to and how much determination it took to change things.
One other item which annoyed me had to do with the character of Melinsky. Why say his wife is a sister of the last tsar when anyone with a basic knowledge of Russia's history knows the last tsar, Nicholas II, had two sisters, Xenia/Ksenia and Olga? There was no Ekaterina, who Melinsky is supposedly married to. Why not have him married to the sister of the tsar's cousin or uncle, a person not quite as recognizable? Because, believe me, this little piece of fabrication will rub Russophiles the wrong way.
June 11, 2019
Louise works as a lead file clerk in the offices of the OSS during WW2 but is coming to know more displaced persons and their backgrounds. At least she thinks she knows about them. One of these friends turns out to be displaced aristocracy masquerading as an ordinary citizen and has a message for Louise's superior. Lots of intrigue and suspense balanced by well researched aspects of ordinary life during that war. Well done!
I laughed at the references to having to color the oleo both in the book and in a few reviews because here in Wisconsin colored oleo was illegal from 1881 to 1967!
The audio are performed by Jenny Hoops who really makes a positive difference.
I laughed at the references to having to color the oleo both in the book and in a few reviews because here in Wisconsin colored oleo was illegal from 1881 to 1967!
The audio are performed by Jenny Hoops who really makes a positive difference.
October 6, 2018
I get caught up in this series very quickly. There are interesting characters and I enjoy reading about this time period (the Second World War). Not a deep or difficult read, but a pleasant way to pass some hours. Louise is a likable, gutsy protagonist. In this story, a young woman in Louise’s knitting group gives her an envelope to give to her superiors at work. Turns out she is planning to give them the name of a spy on the NY docks, but she is found dead after she returns from meeting her contact in NY. Louise is told to stay off the case, but she needs to find out what happened to her friend.
December 21, 2018
Sassy, independent,and determined to succeed, widow Louise Pearly arrives in Washington, D.C. ready to set the world on fire. A government girl for the Office of Strategic Services, Louise becomes unexpectedly embroiled in the world of spies, traitors, and refugees. Sarah Shaber does an amazing job of recreating WW II Washington. Filled with social commentary, Shaber presents the position of women in society with clarity and realism. Highly recommended.
March 31, 2019
very enjoyable except for one glaring error. The novel took place in the fall of 1942- patsy cline didn't record until 1955 and Hank williams recorded lovesick blues in 1948 yet ms. shaber had louise listening to both on the radio, Where were the editors? Ridiculous mistakes like this take believabilty away form the book. There is absolutely no excuse for something like this-it shows ignorance and carelessness
June 12, 2020
Historical mystery, great series, and good narration. Showing a side of the war, with Louise, a widow, enjoying independence, She had a casual acquaintance with a war refugee, next thing she knew she dealing with the mafia. E cellent flowing plot, and characters. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
June 8, 2019
Louise - I love her. She is so practical on the whole of it. I figured out the killer pretty quick which was a nice surprise since I usually don't. A great story and I am looking forward to the next one.
June 17, 2020
I really like this series! Some things that make it unique include fun details about every day life, discussions about how feisty women can survive in a man's world, and spirited black female characters who strive against the world that tries to dictate their place.
August 28, 2021
Book 1 in series ended abruptly & book 2 didn’t resolve open issues. Reading #2 is like stepping in to part 2 of a movie when you haven’t seen the first part.
Good characters & theme, but really bad continuity.
Good characters & theme, but really bad continuity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews