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The Guardian of Lies
*** THE TOP TEN BESTSELLING AUTHOR ***
Discover a brilliant story of love, danger, courage and betrayal, from the internationally bestselling author of The Survivors.
1953, the South of France. The fragile peace between the West and Soviet Russia hangs on a knife edge. And one family has been torn apart by secrets and conflicting allegiances.
Eloïse Caussade is a courageous young Frenchwoman, raised on a bull farm near Arles in the Camargue. She idolises her older brother, André, and when he leaves to become an Intelligence Officer working for the CIA in Paris to help protect France, she soon follows him. Having exchanged the strict confines of her father's farm for a life of freedom in Paris, her world comes alive.
But everything changes when André is injured - a direct result of Eloise's actions. Unable to work, André returns to his father’s farm, but Eloïse’s sense of guilt and responsibility for his injuries sets her on the trail of the person who attempted to kill him.
Eloïse finds her hometown in a state of unrest and conflict. Those who are angry at the construction of the American airbase nearby, with its lethal nuclear armaments, confront those who support it, and anger flares into violence, stirred up by Soviet agents. Throughout all this unrest, Eloïse is still relentlessly hunting down the man who betrayed her brother and his country, and she is learning to look at those she loves and at herself with different eyes. She no longer knows who she can trust. Who is working for Soviet Intelligence and who is not? And what side do her own family lie on?
Further praise for Kate Furnivall's
'Gripping. Tense. Mysterious. Kate Furnivall has a talent for creating places and characters who stay with you long after you’ve read the final word' Jane Corry
'Exquisitely heart-wrenching & utterly engrossing' Penny Parkes
'A thrilling, compelling read. Wonderful!' Lesley Pearse
‘Wonderful . . . hugely ambitious and atmospheric’ Kate Mosse
‘A thrilling plot … Fast-paced with a sinister edge’ Times
‘Truly captivating’ Elle
‘Perfect escapist reading’ Marie Claire
Discover a brilliant story of love, danger, courage and betrayal, from the internationally bestselling author of The Survivors.
1953, the South of France. The fragile peace between the West and Soviet Russia hangs on a knife edge. And one family has been torn apart by secrets and conflicting allegiances.
Eloïse Caussade is a courageous young Frenchwoman, raised on a bull farm near Arles in the Camargue. She idolises her older brother, André, and when he leaves to become an Intelligence Officer working for the CIA in Paris to help protect France, she soon follows him. Having exchanged the strict confines of her father's farm for a life of freedom in Paris, her world comes alive.
But everything changes when André is injured - a direct result of Eloise's actions. Unable to work, André returns to his father’s farm, but Eloïse’s sense of guilt and responsibility for his injuries sets her on the trail of the person who attempted to kill him.
Eloïse finds her hometown in a state of unrest and conflict. Those who are angry at the construction of the American airbase nearby, with its lethal nuclear armaments, confront those who support it, and anger flares into violence, stirred up by Soviet agents. Throughout all this unrest, Eloïse is still relentlessly hunting down the man who betrayed her brother and his country, and she is learning to look at those she loves and at herself with different eyes. She no longer knows who she can trust. Who is working for Soviet Intelligence and who is not? And what side do her own family lie on?
Further praise for Kate Furnivall's
'Gripping. Tense. Mysterious. Kate Furnivall has a talent for creating places and characters who stay with you long after you’ve read the final word' Jane Corry
'Exquisitely heart-wrenching & utterly engrossing' Penny Parkes
'A thrilling, compelling read. Wonderful!' Lesley Pearse
‘Wonderful . . . hugely ambitious and atmospheric’ Kate Mosse
‘A thrilling plot … Fast-paced with a sinister edge’ Times
‘Truly captivating’ Elle
‘Perfect escapist reading’ Marie Claire
416 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2019
245 people are currently reading
1230 people want to read
About the author
Kate Furnivall
22 books999 followersKate Furnivall was raised in Penarth, a small seaside town in Wales. Her mother, whose own childhood was spent in Russia, China and India, discovered at an early age that the world around us is so volatile, that the only things of true value are those inside your head and your heart. These values Kate explores in The Russian Concubine.
Kate went to London University where she studied English and from there she went into publishing, writing material for a series of books on the canals of Britain. Then into advertising where she met her future husband, Norman. She travelled widely, giving her an insight into how different cultures function which was to prove invaluable when writing The Russian Concubine.
It was when her mother died in 2000 that Kate decided to write a book inspired by her mother's story. The Russian Concubine contains fictional characters and events, but Kate made use of the extraordinary situation that was her mother's childhood experience - that of two White Russian refugees, a mother and daughter, stuck without money or papers in an International Settlement in China.
Kate went to London University where she studied English and from there she went into publishing, writing material for a series of books on the canals of Britain. Then into advertising where she met her future husband, Norman. She travelled widely, giving her an insight into how different cultures function which was to prove invaluable when writing The Russian Concubine.
It was when her mother died in 2000 that Kate decided to write a book inspired by her mother's story. The Russian Concubine contains fictional characters and events, but Kate made use of the extraordinary situation that was her mother's childhood experience - that of two White Russian refugees, a mother and daughter, stuck without money or papers in an International Settlement in China.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
May 7, 2022
*3.5 stars*
February 12, 2021
When her father summoned her back to their farm, Eloise Caussade immediately left Paris for the village she grew up in. Her father’s bull farm was on the outskirts of Arles, a long drive from Paris. Her thoughts were on her older brother Andre who had been badly injured in a vehicle accident, in which she was driving. When Andre was secretly taken from the hospital Eloise had no idea if he was dead or alive. For months she tried to find the person responsible for the accident, all while living and working in Paris. Now perhaps she would have some answers.
It was 1953 and the Americans had moved into the area, with their air base close by, in preparation for keeping France safe from the Russian influence. The Communists were determined to take over France, while the CIA and others were just as determined to keep them out. Andre was recuperating on the farm – something Eloise was thrilled to discover. But he was bitter and demanded she return to Paris – he didn’t want to see her again. Old childhood friend, and now local police officer, Leon Roussel, did his best to keep the peace in his little village, but the conflict and unrest would cause Eloise to become deeply involved; her quest to discover the reason for Andre’s terrible injuries wouldn’t stop until she had the answers she needed. But the danger she faced was immense. Collaborators and traitors were at work – who could Eloise trust?
The Guardian of Lies is another brilliant historical novel from the pen of Kate Furnivall, with the tension, intrigue and betrayals keeping the pages turning well into the night. Eloise's courage and tenacity shone through, though at times I wished she wouldn't be quite so brave! I’ve loved all I’ve read by Ms Furnivall and this one was no different. I’d really like to see a follow up from where this one ended though…. Highly recommended.
It was 1953 and the Americans had moved into the area, with their air base close by, in preparation for keeping France safe from the Russian influence. The Communists were determined to take over France, while the CIA and others were just as determined to keep them out. Andre was recuperating on the farm – something Eloise was thrilled to discover. But he was bitter and demanded she return to Paris – he didn’t want to see her again. Old childhood friend, and now local police officer, Leon Roussel, did his best to keep the peace in his little village, but the conflict and unrest would cause Eloise to become deeply involved; her quest to discover the reason for Andre’s terrible injuries wouldn’t stop until she had the answers she needed. But the danger she faced was immense. Collaborators and traitors were at work – who could Eloise trust?
The Guardian of Lies is another brilliant historical novel from the pen of Kate Furnivall, with the tension, intrigue and betrayals keeping the pages turning well into the night. Eloise's courage and tenacity shone through, though at times I wished she wouldn't be quite so brave! I’ve loved all I’ve read by Ms Furnivall and this one was no different. I’d really like to see a follow up from where this one ended though…. Highly recommended.
November 5, 2019
Visit the locations in The Guardian of Lies link
Kate Furnivall is the author you need to read if you want to immerse yourself in a time an place. This novel is set in the south of France, post-war and it’s a time of intrigue, fear and just as much danger as wartime it would seem.
The south of France is an interesting location as it’s so unexpected for a novel about Russian espionage. However that’s the Furnivall twist – a story where the setting reflects a feeling, a culture and time far away from the focus of the ‘issue’. I didn’t think about espionage between the USA and Russia affecting the inhabitants of farms in southern France! This is where the skill of an author such as Kate really weaves her words to ensure that a complex subject is treated with care and the human touch. There’s details and immersive scenes yet it’s easy to read. That takes some skill in my eyes.
The novel starts as it means to go on. In the first chapter, there’s a car chase so keep hold as you read! There’s nothing like being at the centre of the action is there!?
I’m going to skip to the farm in the south of France now for fear of giving spoilers. Would this be a more calm setting? Oh no! Civil unrest is rife in this part of the countryside.Significantly, there is an American airbase there which raises the question as to whether the community nearby should spy on the Americans. However, this very act of spying means to become intrinsically involved in the Cold War. What will the family do? Do they all agree?
Can you imagine how hard it must have been to have such a dilemma? To mistrust your family? How do you cope if someone has a stronger view than you on the other side of the argument? It’s tense and realistically told.
Grab your passport and step back into war-torn France. Immersively and beautifully written.
Read
November 26, 2023Two chapters in and I’m not feeling it. Plot is already starting to veer into the implausible and the foreshadowing writing is annoying.
July 20, 2019
The Guardian of Lies is an enthralling story of courage, subterfuge, love and betrayal from Kate Furnivall.
“Trust. The word spiked in my mind and wouldn’t go away. The more it sounded in my head, the louder rang the lies.”
In 1953, as the the Cold War intensifies, the loyalties of the French people are split between America, who liberated the country from Nazi occupation, and the communist ideals of the Soviet Union. Eloïse Caussade supports the alliance with the United States, and is disheartened when her application is rejected by both the French Intelligence and the American CIA, but fortuitously finds work with a private investigation agency in Paris. On occasion Eloïse’s skills prove useful to André, the older brother she idolises, who serves as a CIA Intelligence Officer, but a mission gone awry leaves them both with lasting scars.
Eloïse vows to find the men who betrayed her brother, and follows him home to their family farm, Mas Caussade, In the south east of France. There she finds the schism that plagues the country is tearing apart not only her hometown, but also her family. To protect her brother, Eloïse decide who she can trust, and guard against the lies that shroud the truth.
“I think of that moment as a dividing wall. There is what came before. And there is what came after. With that moment standing between them, a wall with death dancing upon it.”
I was surprised at how quickly I became absorbed in this compelling, fast paced, historical tale of intrigue and romance.
Furnivall has skilfully created a complex plot of mystery and espionage in The Guardian of Lies, which kept me guessing. The political unrest in mid century France provides a dramatic background to the story. The tension between rival parties causes a general climate of anger and mistrust, a situation both the American and Soviets are willing to exploit in their quest for Cold War dominance. Like Eloïse, I often wasn’t quite sure who to trust, and there was at least one betrayal I didn’t see coming at all.
“We have to guard against their lies or we lose our grasp of the truth,’ he told her. ‘They buy control with their lies, these people who live in the shadows with their secrets and their threats and their guns.”
Eloïse is a terrific protagonist- intelligent, tenacious and brave. I admired her dogged search for the truth despite the very real threat to her life, and her ability to adapt to the situations she found herself in. I understood her loyalty to her family, even if was somewhat misplaced - neither her father, André, or her younger brother, Issac, show much concern for her. I liked the relationship that Furnivall developed between Eloïse and Serriac Police Captain, Léon Roussell. His strongly held notions of duty and honour are appealing, especially in contrast to the shadowy world of secrets her family inhabits.
A well crafted novel offering engaging characters and a thrilling plot, I really enjoyed The Guardian of Lies, and plan to read more of Furnivall’s work.
“Trust. The word spiked in my mind and wouldn’t go away. The more it sounded in my head, the louder rang the lies.”
In 1953, as the the Cold War intensifies, the loyalties of the French people are split between America, who liberated the country from Nazi occupation, and the communist ideals of the Soviet Union. Eloïse Caussade supports the alliance with the United States, and is disheartened when her application is rejected by both the French Intelligence and the American CIA, but fortuitously finds work with a private investigation agency in Paris. On occasion Eloïse’s skills prove useful to André, the older brother she idolises, who serves as a CIA Intelligence Officer, but a mission gone awry leaves them both with lasting scars.
Eloïse vows to find the men who betrayed her brother, and follows him home to their family farm, Mas Caussade, In the south east of France. There she finds the schism that plagues the country is tearing apart not only her hometown, but also her family. To protect her brother, Eloïse decide who she can trust, and guard against the lies that shroud the truth.
“I think of that moment as a dividing wall. There is what came before. And there is what came after. With that moment standing between them, a wall with death dancing upon it.”
I was surprised at how quickly I became absorbed in this compelling, fast paced, historical tale of intrigue and romance.
Furnivall has skilfully created a complex plot of mystery and espionage in The Guardian of Lies, which kept me guessing. The political unrest in mid century France provides a dramatic background to the story. The tension between rival parties causes a general climate of anger and mistrust, a situation both the American and Soviets are willing to exploit in their quest for Cold War dominance. Like Eloïse, I often wasn’t quite sure who to trust, and there was at least one betrayal I didn’t see coming at all.
“We have to guard against their lies or we lose our grasp of the truth,’ he told her. ‘They buy control with their lies, these people who live in the shadows with their secrets and their threats and their guns.”
Eloïse is a terrific protagonist- intelligent, tenacious and brave. I admired her dogged search for the truth despite the very real threat to her life, and her ability to adapt to the situations she found herself in. I understood her loyalty to her family, even if was somewhat misplaced - neither her father, André, or her younger brother, Issac, show much concern for her. I liked the relationship that Furnivall developed between Eloïse and Serriac Police Captain, Léon Roussell. His strongly held notions of duty and honour are appealing, especially in contrast to the shadowy world of secrets her family inhabits.
A well crafted novel offering engaging characters and a thrilling plot, I really enjoyed The Guardian of Lies, and plan to read more of Furnivall’s work.
July 5, 2020
This was an incredible book. From the first paragraph I was glued to Eloïse's side, riding shotgun with her through the twists and hard turns of this amazing adventure. Ms Furnivall made everyone into a plausible suspect and a plausible saviour at the same time, and the ending had me stunned - and cheering. Absolutely amazing. How have I never heard of Kate Furnivall before? I will be looking up her entire backlist now!
August 31, 2020
📚 Hello Book Friends! THE GUARDIAN OF LIES by Kate Furnivall is a gripping historical novel with double agents, car and gun chases, nuclear conspiracy, and family betrayal… not to mention, a surprise ending. The story takes place in 1953 in South of France. The tension between the Americans and the Soviets is mounting. The Americans have built an airbase in France to be able to launch airstrikes on Soviet soil. The tension between the French locals and the Americans is escalating and there is a rumour that the Soviets have spies everywhere. Eloïse Caussade comes back home and hopes to find out what happened to her brother and if he is still alive. She will soon be caught in the town conspiracy and will have to be brave and smart to stay alive and denounce the corruption that surrounds her. Who can she trust? Who is telling lies?
If you love historical novels with elements of tension and action, this is for you. Awesome read!
🙋🏼♀️ Thank you, Simon & Schuster UK for granting me an eCopy of this exciting novel. THE GUARDIAN OF LIES by Kate Furnivall is now available at your favourite bookstore.
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September 26, 2019
I discovered Kate Furnivall through TBC on Facebook so joining that group is the best thing I ever did as I absolutely adore her books. As a keen reader of historical fiction, I know how difficult it can be to bring an era to life but Kate Furnivall does this impeccably. What an amazing talent to be able to transport the reader to miscellaneous locations and time periods; whether it's early 20th Century Egypt in Shadows on the Nile, war torn Italy in The Liberation or post-war France in The Guardian of Lies I feel as if I'm travelling the world through Kate Furnivall's wonderful books.
In The Guardian of Lies we launch straight into the action with Eloïse acting as a getaway driver for her brother André. With a car chase that would rival James Bond, I had my heart in my mouth and was left breathless as the action unfolds. The pacing doesn't give up there, even when Eloïse and André return to their father's farm in Arles; in fact it felt more dangerous in the idyllic countryside of The Camargue with civil unrest over an American airbase being built on their farmland. With such a great opportunity to spy on the American airforce, Eloïse can't tell which side her family, friends and neighbours are on. The question on my lips throughout the whole book was: who can she trust?
Oh my word, this is another outstanding novel by Kate Furnivall. I almost managed to read it in one sitting, if only I didn't have to eat and sleep! I really couldn't put it down and it's unusual for this to happen to me when reading historical fiction as sometimes it's quite fact-heavy and dry so I need to take regular breaks. Kate Furnivall's writing is so multi-faceted that it awakens the senses as you see, hear and smell every sight, sound and action along with the characters.
I was a little concerned that the story might be confusing, as is often the case with Russian espionage, but I needn't have worried as the story is easy to follow and we aren't overrun with characters. This proves yet again that Kate Furnivall is an exceptional storyteller. I think of Kate Furnivall is a literary knitter; she spins such a good yarn.
The Guardian of Lies is an exceptional novel by one of the finest historical fiction authors I've ever come across; so grab your passport and pick up a copy to be transported to post-war France from the comfort of your armchair. A highly recommended read and one I shall definitely be recommending for a long time to come.
In The Guardian of Lies we launch straight into the action with Eloïse acting as a getaway driver for her brother André. With a car chase that would rival James Bond, I had my heart in my mouth and was left breathless as the action unfolds. The pacing doesn't give up there, even when Eloïse and André return to their father's farm in Arles; in fact it felt more dangerous in the idyllic countryside of The Camargue with civil unrest over an American airbase being built on their farmland. With such a great opportunity to spy on the American airforce, Eloïse can't tell which side her family, friends and neighbours are on. The question on my lips throughout the whole book was: who can she trust?
Oh my word, this is another outstanding novel by Kate Furnivall. I almost managed to read it in one sitting, if only I didn't have to eat and sleep! I really couldn't put it down and it's unusual for this to happen to me when reading historical fiction as sometimes it's quite fact-heavy and dry so I need to take regular breaks. Kate Furnivall's writing is so multi-faceted that it awakens the senses as you see, hear and smell every sight, sound and action along with the characters.
I was a little concerned that the story might be confusing, as is often the case with Russian espionage, but I needn't have worried as the story is easy to follow and we aren't overrun with characters. This proves yet again that Kate Furnivall is an exceptional storyteller. I think of Kate Furnivall is a literary knitter; she spins such a good yarn.
The Guardian of Lies is an exceptional novel by one of the finest historical fiction authors I've ever come across; so grab your passport and pick up a copy to be transported to post-war France from the comfort of your armchair. A highly recommended read and one I shall definitely be recommending for a long time to come.
December 29, 2023
Niesamowicie charakterna, ekscytująca i nieobliczalna – historia zagnieżdżona intencjonalnie w szczelinie niebezpiecznych działań wywiadowczych. Strażnik kłamstw to powieść osadzona częściowo w otchłani gnijącego wizualnie Paryża lat pięćdziesiątych ubiegłego wieku, przeważnie jednak na sielskim południu Francji – wtopiona duszą w mocno rozchwiane nastroje polityczne, naznaczona kobiecą determinacją, a jednak opowiedziana dostrzegalnie wrażliwym sercem. Kate Furnivall uderza zmyślnie we wstrząsającą narrację fotograficzną – tym samym sprawia, że fabuła ta nie tylko uzależnia, ale też idealnie nadaje się na fascynujący scenariusz filmowy.
March 12, 2025
Got just over halfway through and was bored beyond belief. I hate not finishing a book but this one was just too dragged out.
November 8, 2019
A perfect read for the upcoming holidays.
My Rating: ###/5
Fans of Tom Clancy and Kate Quinn – this one is for you.
I was gifted a copy of The Guardian of Lies by Must Read Books SA and Jonathan Ball Publishers. This is an unpaid review.
What an enjoyable story. This story has all the right ingredients for an intensely satisfying and captivating spy meets historical fiction tale. The writing is fast-paced, the dynamics between the characters are intense and interesting and just the right amount of romance is present so that everyone will enjoy it. I often found myself trying to predict the outcome, but just when I thought I knew who “the bad guys” were, Furnivall introduced a new twist and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Most Historical Fiction novels are based in WWII (which I absolutely love), so it was refreshing to read a story set in post-war France where new history was being made. In this story, we are introduced to the start of the Cold War, Joseph Stalin, the creation of nuclear weapons and The Space Race.
My absolute favorite thing about this book is the Southern France setting. The region of Camargue is some of the most natural and most protected regions in all of Europe, so I can just imagine how beautiful it was 65 years ago with The Mediterranean Sea on one side and full, luscious marsh plains in-land.
Murder, lies, spies and secret agents, loyalty, betrayal, more secrets, more lies, fear, guilt, courage, and French wine – this book has it all!
My Rating: ###/5
Fans of Tom Clancy and Kate Quinn – this one is for you.
I was gifted a copy of The Guardian of Lies by Must Read Books SA and Jonathan Ball Publishers. This is an unpaid review.
What an enjoyable story. This story has all the right ingredients for an intensely satisfying and captivating spy meets historical fiction tale. The writing is fast-paced, the dynamics between the characters are intense and interesting and just the right amount of romance is present so that everyone will enjoy it. I often found myself trying to predict the outcome, but just when I thought I knew who “the bad guys” were, Furnivall introduced a new twist and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Most Historical Fiction novels are based in WWII (which I absolutely love), so it was refreshing to read a story set in post-war France where new history was being made. In this story, we are introduced to the start of the Cold War, Joseph Stalin, the creation of nuclear weapons and The Space Race.
My absolute favorite thing about this book is the Southern France setting. The region of Camargue is some of the most natural and most protected regions in all of Europe, so I can just imagine how beautiful it was 65 years ago with The Mediterranean Sea on one side and full, luscious marsh plains in-land.
Murder, lies, spies and secret agents, loyalty, betrayal, more secrets, more lies, fear, guilt, courage, and French wine – this book has it all!
August 31, 2019
This is the first time I’ve read Kate Furnivall and I must say I quite enjoyed it. Has a good pace, which made we want to turn the page and find out what was going to happen. Wasn’t overly complicated so the story was enjoyable as it developed. I didn’t have to think much. The characters were a little predictable at times, our leading lady had enough strength, spunk, and attitude to keep me interested although she did shit me a bit because she was soo stubborn at times but that aside I thought it was quite a good read. Not knowing who was telling the truth, who was playing off whom, who were good, who were bad, what was the real story and where does her family fit into the puzzle? It was entertaining.
December 4, 2019
This is my first read by Kate Furnivall having being recommended her books many times. Im sorry but I didn’t enjoy this at all I found it so boring and the characters were so so uninteresting I did not care what happened in the plot or to them. I forced and I mean forced myself to finish it. I will think carefully before picking another book by this author and I could not recommend this book to anyone.
November 10, 2019
Eloïse was born in rural France and grew up on her father's bull farm, together with her two brothers. She loves the farm, but as soon as she can, she follows the footsteps of her older brother Andre and flees to Paris. She finds a job in the detective agency, as she's fascinated by Andre's - the brother she so idolises - job as a CIA Intelligence Officer. We get to know them both right in the opening scene that feels like a scene from James Bond film, a thrilling car chase in which Andre is injured. As she was driving, Eloïse is filled with guilt and decides to find out who has tried to kill her bother, and why. Summoned home, she doesn't give up on her chase after the truth, but she also realises that the danger may be much closer home than she thinks.
I have immediately became absorbed in the story and the characters' lives - but it hasn't surprised me, as I wasn't expecting anything different from Kate Furnivall's book! As usual with her books, the characters felt like living and breathing people, and her leading female characters - in this case Eloïse - are strong - minded and brave. Eloïse was capable and determined, however I didn't warm to her immediately. As much as I appreciated the fact that she's so determined, she was also much too naive in my eyes and I had a feeling that she's like the wind, moving in different directions, depending on what she was said. She also behaved too amateurish for my liking, lacked in skills that you'd need as an actual spy. She was too trusty, especially at the beginning, but then she started to have doubts, and she felt more mature. Nevertheless, she was so real with her emotions and feelings of guilt, fear and uncertainty, she wanted the best for all and to find peace. In her hurry and willingness to help, she often makes mistakes, and also tends to do the very opposite of what is said she should do, and really, more than once I was expecting the things to turn out not so rosy for her, and once I really thought that this is it for Eloïse. But altogether, the more I read, the more she grew on me, and I truly admired her determination and the fact that nobody and nothing could dishearten her to find the truth.
The relationships between the characters in this book are so well written! They were not easy, they were not straightforward, they were often thought - provoking but the loyalty Eloïse felt towards her family was lovely to see, even if sometimes this family didn't show as much concern for Eloïse as she for them.
I always admire Kate Furnivall's skills to create a brilliant, engaging and complex plot, no matter what period of times her novels are set in. This time she takes us to the mid century France involved in the Cold War. I admit, it is not a period of time that I know much about, so the more interesting it was for me and I have learnt more about post - war France that I could hope for. The loyalties of the French, that were split between America, and the communist Soviet Union, and the tension and unrest it has provoked, provided an interesting and engaging background and she creates a perfect sense of time and place.
Mostly the author has played real mind - games with me and I was like Eloïse, not knowing who was telling the truth and who was telling lies, who was the good and who was the bad one, who wants to help Eloïse and who wants to see the back of her, and how does her family fit into all of those situations. It made my head spinning but it was enthralling and very entertaining.
"The Guardian of Lies" was meticulously researched, vividly written in a way that awakens all your senses while living the story through along with the characters, and brilliantly crafted novel from one of my favourite authors. She has - again - provided us with engaging and complex plot and multi - faceted characters, bringing them all to life and effortlessly transporting the readers into the setting of her novel. It was a fast - paced, unique, compelling and addictive story about love and betrayal, courage and subterfuge, making you feel as if you had your heart in your mouth. Highly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
September 10, 2021
I wanted to read more historical fiction around, especially around WW2 after reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. This was around the Cold War, which I did realise prior to buying. However, I was constantly confused by this book, I know the premise is whether you can trust the brother on whether he is potentially a double agent, but the twists and turns felt so unexplained, with quite a few loose endings that left my confused. The ending itself frustrated me no end, as it was so quick in comparison. Especially the huge twist at the end, which had no build up, nor any real explanation that I was just mad. I enjoyed the story of Leon especially, but the book switches character POV, and whilst Leon is expressly written, Eloise is not so it would take me a minute to realise & switch back. Leon was the only really interesting character to me and almost wish it was entirely written in his POV.
June 24, 2020
Questo è il primo libro che leggo di Kate Furnivall, ma la sua fama la precede, perciò mi sono approcciata a questa storia con una certa dose di aspettative. Inizio subito col dire che non sono affatto delusa, nè dalla storia nè dallo stile dell'autrice, accattivante e coinvolgente.
Una trama ben costruita, con un'ambientazione affascinante.
L'historical fiction è uno dei miei generi preferiti e quando un autore riesce a farmi calare perfettamente nel periodo, ricreandone le atmosfere, posso ritenermi una lettrice soddisfatta.
Ci troviamo nella Francia del dopoguerra e il panorama geo-politico è profondamente mutato. La Guerra Fredda e la minaccia nucleare hanno preso il posto del conflitto appena terminato e le paure non sono scomparse, ma semplicemente hanno mutato forma.
Eloïse, cresciuta nella Camargue, insieme all'amatissimo fratello André, sente il vento di cambiamento portato dai nuovi assetti politici mondali e quando André decide di passare dalla parte degli americani e andare a Parigi per diventare un agente della CIA, Eloïse decide di seguirlo. Trova un impiego presso un'agenzia investigativa, lavorando come detective, nonostante il suo sogno sia quello di essere un agente della CIA come il fratello.
Sin dalle prime pagine ci troviamo subito immersi nell'azione, con un rocambolesco inseguimento d'auto per le strade di Parigi, con Eloïse alla guida. In seguito alla folle corsa Andrè riporterà dei danni cosa di cui Eloïse si sente profondamente colpevole.
Ritornati in Camargue, Eloïse è decisa a fare chiarezza su chi ha causato l'incidente e ricostruire quel legame che sembra essersi spezzato. Scoprirà però che spesso le cose non sono come appaiono e anche il luogo che ritieni più sicuro nasconde dei segreti.
Un personaggio femminile forte, determinato, intelligente, coraggioso. Eloïse sfida ogni preconcetto e restrizione dettata dal fatto di essere nata donna, combattendo il dubbio di essere stata tradita dalla propria famiglia.
Ad aiutare Eloïse ci sarà Léon Roussel, amico d'infanzia diventato poliziotto. Proprio lui la mette in guardia da André, ma l'amore verso il fratello e la dedizione per la famiglia, non le permettono di capire chi le sta dicendo la verità e chi stia mentendo.
Un plot dinamico, pieno d'azione, tensione, colpi di scena e segreti. Una fitte rete bugie che si intrecciano, un page turner che non ti permette di mettere giù il libro fino a quando non sei arrivato alla parola fine.
Kate Furniall è brava a giocare con il lettore il quale si trova a percorrere certe strade per poi essere costretto a fare brusche virate. Questo ti consente di mantenere alta l'attenzione e non annoiarti mai.
I personaggi sono caratterizzati in maniera brillante e, come dicevo prima, grazie alle capacità narrative della Furnivall è come assistere allo svolgersi degli eventi in prima linea linea, insieme a loro con l'ansia di non sapere quale sarà la prossima mossa.
Una vera spy-story all'ombra dell'avanzata comunista e di chi lotta per fermare tale processo. Avventura, suspense, dramma familiare e ambientazioni suggestive rendono La ragazza dei segreti un libro da non perdere, soprattutto se amate le storie di spionaggio intrecciate a vicende storiche.
https://ariaswild.blogspot.com/2020/0...
Una trama ben costruita, con un'ambientazione affascinante.
L'historical fiction è uno dei miei generi preferiti e quando un autore riesce a farmi calare perfettamente nel periodo, ricreandone le atmosfere, posso ritenermi una lettrice soddisfatta.
Ci troviamo nella Francia del dopoguerra e il panorama geo-politico è profondamente mutato. La Guerra Fredda e la minaccia nucleare hanno preso il posto del conflitto appena terminato e le paure non sono scomparse, ma semplicemente hanno mutato forma.
Eloïse, cresciuta nella Camargue, insieme all'amatissimo fratello André, sente il vento di cambiamento portato dai nuovi assetti politici mondali e quando André decide di passare dalla parte degli americani e andare a Parigi per diventare un agente della CIA, Eloïse decide di seguirlo. Trova un impiego presso un'agenzia investigativa, lavorando come detective, nonostante il suo sogno sia quello di essere un agente della CIA come il fratello.
Sin dalle prime pagine ci troviamo subito immersi nell'azione, con un rocambolesco inseguimento d'auto per le strade di Parigi, con Eloïse alla guida. In seguito alla folle corsa Andrè riporterà dei danni cosa di cui Eloïse si sente profondamente colpevole.
Ritornati in Camargue, Eloïse è decisa a fare chiarezza su chi ha causato l'incidente e ricostruire quel legame che sembra essersi spezzato. Scoprirà però che spesso le cose non sono come appaiono e anche il luogo che ritieni più sicuro nasconde dei segreti.
Un personaggio femminile forte, determinato, intelligente, coraggioso. Eloïse sfida ogni preconcetto e restrizione dettata dal fatto di essere nata donna, combattendo il dubbio di essere stata tradita dalla propria famiglia.
Ad aiutare Eloïse ci sarà Léon Roussel, amico d'infanzia diventato poliziotto. Proprio lui la mette in guardia da André, ma l'amore verso il fratello e la dedizione per la famiglia, non le permettono di capire chi le sta dicendo la verità e chi stia mentendo.
Un plot dinamico, pieno d'azione, tensione, colpi di scena e segreti. Una fitte rete bugie che si intrecciano, un page turner che non ti permette di mettere giù il libro fino a quando non sei arrivato alla parola fine.
Kate Furniall è brava a giocare con il lettore il quale si trova a percorrere certe strade per poi essere costretto a fare brusche virate. Questo ti consente di mantenere alta l'attenzione e non annoiarti mai.
I personaggi sono caratterizzati in maniera brillante e, come dicevo prima, grazie alle capacità narrative della Furnivall è come assistere allo svolgersi degli eventi in prima linea linea, insieme a loro con l'ansia di non sapere quale sarà la prossima mossa.
Una vera spy-story all'ombra dell'avanzata comunista e di chi lotta per fermare tale processo. Avventura, suspense, dramma familiare e ambientazioni suggestive rendono La ragazza dei segreti un libro da non perdere, soprattutto se amate le storie di spionaggio intrecciate a vicende storiche.
https://ariaswild.blogspot.com/2020/0...
September 21, 2021
From the moment I picked up The Guardian of Lies I didn't want to put it down!
This novel is fast paced, and has you hooked from the very first action packed chapter. Kate does a great job at creating an exhilarating and complex storyline with just the right amount of suspense, danger, deceit, and love. Page after page, readers will be trying to piece together the puzzle alongside Eloise.
As a big fan of historical fiction, I have read many books set during WWII, so it was a nice change to have a book set during the height of the Cold War.
I highly recommend The Guardian of Lies to fans of historical fiction, mysteries, and to anyone who wants a captivating and thrilling read. Be warned, you will want to finish it in one sitting.
This is the first book by Kate Furnivall I have read, but it will not be my last!
This novel is fast paced, and has you hooked from the very first action packed chapter. Kate does a great job at creating an exhilarating and complex storyline with just the right amount of suspense, danger, deceit, and love. Page after page, readers will be trying to piece together the puzzle alongside Eloise.
As a big fan of historical fiction, I have read many books set during WWII, so it was a nice change to have a book set during the height of the Cold War.
I highly recommend The Guardian of Lies to fans of historical fiction, mysteries, and to anyone who wants a captivating and thrilling read. Be warned, you will want to finish it in one sitting.
This is the first book by Kate Furnivall I have read, but it will not be my last!
May 23, 2020
I thought this book was okay. It was an enjoyable read with the mix of historical fiction and the spy world. I was trying to figure out who was good and who was bad, but was surprised at some outcomes! Usually the historical fiction books I read take place during WWII, so it was interesting to read a book that takes place a little after that era (this book introduces the beginning of the Cold War). Murder, spies, lies, betrayal, secrets, and much more are all in this book.
Thanks Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for a copy of this book.
Thanks Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for a copy of this book.
October 15, 2023
i really enjoyed this!! i hadn't heard anything going into it, so i didn't really know what to expect. furnivall did a really good job at setting the era, the stakes, the world. i really enjoyed the relationships between the characters - especially the fact that she had us questioning every single one of them by the time the book was coming to an end. the way every character was written as though they could be the enemy or the friend was well done. it wasn't over-complicated either, which is something i see a lot of espionage-type historical fictions accidentally do. overall a 4 stars!
September 3, 2019
Kate Furnivall has once again brought to readers a beautifully written story, filled with intrigue, murder, lies, and espionage. Set in France amidst the cold war with the Russians and Americans both Vying for supremacy in a race for nuclear dominance over the other. This book had a sense of realism that was authentic, you could actually feel the tension it was palpitate.
March 19, 2021
This story is set in the Camargue in the south of France in the early 1950's. Eloise's brother, Andre, is badly hurt in a car accident when she was driving and her father calls her home to where he is convalescing. She has always admired Andre and tried to emulate his feats. Unable to follow him into his profession, Eloise was working for a detective agency and has many detective skills of her own. Now she can't tell if he is working for the CIA or whether he is a double agent. Intrigue and plenty of action.
September 8, 2022
Such an exciting book, I absolutely loved it. Also refreshing to read a tale that demonizes rather than celebrates communism—unfortunately I’ve had the opposite tone of most of the historical fictions I’ve been stumbling across lately. The characters are well developed, the plot is enticing, and I’m a little sad to have finished it so soon if I’m honest.
July 22, 2023
Finalmente finito. Ho voluto dare un' altra chance a questa autrice ma purtroppo anche questo libro ha confermato la mia prima impressione. Narrazione molto lenta e stavolta neanche il colpo di scena finale ha salvato la situazione. Troppa confusione
June 19, 2020
3.5 stars,not a fan of the ending 😫 Was amazing till then :(
May 25, 2020
Thanks @simonschusterca and @netgalley for sending me a copy of this book!
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This novel was exactly what I needed right now. It’s fun, mysterious, full of action and adventure, and hooked me from page one!
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The book follows Eloise, who works for a spy agency in Paris. She wants to work with and protect her brother, who is working for the CIA, and in the aftermath of the Second World War and in the thick of the Cold War, this can be a dangerous agency to work for! I loved that the was set in France after the war. I feel like there are so many World War Two novels set in France but not a lot set after the war, so that was nice! I like that it took place in Paris, but then Eloise returns home down in southern France so we get to see that as well!
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Eloise was such a loveable character! She was strong and kind, and just wanted to protect her family! She so wants to follow in her brothers footsteps that I kept getting so frustrated at her brother for not helping her more, but she proved to be a very resilient character! If you’re looking for a fun, fast paced Cold War story involving espionage, then I highly recommend this book!
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This novel was exactly what I needed right now. It’s fun, mysterious, full of action and adventure, and hooked me from page one!
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The book follows Eloise, who works for a spy agency in Paris. She wants to work with and protect her brother, who is working for the CIA, and in the aftermath of the Second World War and in the thick of the Cold War, this can be a dangerous agency to work for! I loved that the was set in France after the war. I feel like there are so many World War Two novels set in France but not a lot set after the war, so that was nice! I like that it took place in Paris, but then Eloise returns home down in southern France so we get to see that as well!
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Eloise was such a loveable character! She was strong and kind, and just wanted to protect her family! She so wants to follow in her brothers footsteps that I kept getting so frustrated at her brother for not helping her more, but she proved to be a very resilient character! If you’re looking for a fun, fast paced Cold War story involving espionage, then I highly recommend this book!
July 15, 2024
A really good read! Easy and quick to read. It had all the elements you want - mystery and thrill, romance and family dynamics.
July 3, 2019
1953 and the Cold War is in full focus of the world. In Camargue country the Caussade's family home is home to horses and bulls. Their land is vast, so it wasn't a surprise that the US air force needed of some of their land to build a runway.
But the local community are not pleased. The Communists among them are determined to stop the plans and by whatever means possible.
Espionage, murders, lies and family ties are the crux of this story.
Will Eloise find out the truth?
Can she trust her brother Andre or their childhood friend, Leon?
This book has you guessing from start to finish and it's another brilliant book penned by Kate Furnivall.
But the local community are not pleased. The Communists among them are determined to stop the plans and by whatever means possible.
Espionage, murders, lies and family ties are the crux of this story.
Will Eloise find out the truth?
Can she trust her brother Andre or their childhood friend, Leon?
This book has you guessing from start to finish and it's another brilliant book penned by Kate Furnivall.
January 21, 2025
This sounded like a good story and as I had previously read a book by Kate Furnivall that I really enjoyed I hoped I would enjoy this one. However, I could not really engage with the story or the characters and I was on the point of giving up a third of the way through but then it started to get more interesting. So I continued reading to find out how it all panned out. Set in France in 1953 it involves a family of very tenacious people, the Caussades. The main character, Eloise, has been working in Paris for a detective agency and is apparently very good. Her older brother, Andre, is a CIA agent and her younger brother, Isaac, is working with the Communists. The trouble begins when Eloise is involved in a serious car accident whilst driving Andre to safety. They both end up in hospital with terrible injuries and Andre is mysteriously removed one day, with Eloise not knowing whether he is alive or dead. Eventually she is summoned home to the family farm and finds that Andre is there, recovering but unable to walk. She persuades him to let her continue his work for him in order to discover who deliberately drove into them. Their father has sold off some land to enable the Americans build an air base in order to protect France from the Communist invasion and the Russians and this causes serious unrest. Eloise is friendly with a local policeman and he helps her with her investigation. She puts herself into many dangerous situations, and ends up with so many injuries to her face and head I am surprised that she was able to function. There are twists and turns aplenty before the final conclusion but I did not enjoy the book.
I started to read this book for a second time as it was on my Book Club's list but having previously read it and not enjoyed it, I decided to just flick through the pages. I might have enjoyed it more if I had carried on but it had to be returned and so I gave up.
I started to read this book for a second time as it was on my Book Club's list but having previously read it and not enjoyed it, I decided to just flick through the pages. I might have enjoyed it more if I had carried on but it had to be returned and so I gave up.
November 7, 2019
The Guardian of Lies has for me now leapfrogged many of Kate Furnivall's previous books and is jostling for position as one of my all time favourite by this author amongst one or two authors. This is a book that you literally don't want to leave out of your hands as it is spellbinding in its intensity with a storyline that takes you on an exhilarating journey packed full of suspense, tension, surprises, threats and danger. Kate Furnivall really can turn her hand to any period in time or setting and I love how the tone and themes of her books are always so varied as she takes us back in time to various points in history. You'll easily read this new book in one sitting and I am kicking myself that I read it so quickly, I should have lingered longer over the pages instead I couldn't get through the chapters quick enough as I was so keen to uncover just what was going on.
It truly is a book that you wish could go on for much longer as you are so caught up in the whole tangled web of lies and secrets that are on every page of this breathtaking book. This is a fast paced story, not so much that you would be confused about what is going on but still everything is kept moving along at a cracking pace with shocks, intimidation and deceit arising with every turn of the page. So much was happening and countless times the reader is lead up the garden path by the author where you confidently feel that you have everything all sussed out but then you realise no it's Kate working her magic and spinning a complex and compelling tale that leaves the reader attempting to piece the pieces of the puzzle together right until the very last chapter. You believe one person's action or words but then a few pages later your opinion is thrown into doubt and disarray.
It's difficult for an author to make you feel like you are at the centre of the story right form the opening chapter but Kate does this with ease in The Guardian of Lies. There is no messing about with long winded introductions or surplus scenes instead we delve straight into the action in chapter one and you barely come up for air until you have finished the last word of what was a beautifully crafted, thrilling and powerful book. I've read so many books set during World War Two that it was refreshing to see the period featured in this book would focus on 1953 and the Cold War that was raging between Russia, America and other European countries. Yes I had heard about this time in history but had never really read anything about it or delved deeper into the reasons behind it or what exactly went on at the time.
Now Kate brings this unsettling, anxious and dangerous time to life as a deadly game of cat and mouse unfolds with the most alarming of repercussions and consequences. Intelligence and secrets are the name of the game and everything is not all as it seems, rather more cloak and dagger and hiding behind smoke screens. You never know whom to trust nor whom to take at face value. There are layers upon layers, secrets upon secrets and it is Eloise Caussade who wants to get to the bottom of them. She is determined to right a wrong, to find justice, to ease the guilt she feels deep inside hammering away at her. Revenge is a dish best served cold but can she get to the inner circle, to the heart of the network of intrigue and lies to enact the retribution that will not rest until she has found the answers and the person who has caused such upheaval and danger to encroach upon her life.
The opening scenes to The Guardian of Lies are action packed and the result of said trauma, danger and anxiety form the basis for the remainder of the story. Eloise feels immense guilt that she was the one who put her older brother Andre in the danger that led to him being hurt in a way that deeply affects how he exists on a day to day basis. Andre works for the CIA in Paris seeking out information that will help put a stop to the Russian's plans to extend their reach of power and dominance. There is a Cold War ongoing with so many strands to it that sometimes people are better off not knowing what is going on.
For as long as she can remember Eloise has wanted to follow in her brother's footsteps. She has learned many of the tricks employed by intelligence agents and she feels she would be a good fit. But Andre has dissuaded her, instead she works for a private detective agency in Paris run by a woman. But an incident which causes further upheaval and change to the Caussade family means Eloise must delve further into seeking the truth and to locate the person who has caused such damage to Andre. She soon comes to understand that she is but small fish in the sea and that there is a much larger game being played of which she soon becomes a pawn.
For Eloise it was all about loyalty to her family and her brother but through this passion she becomes embroiled in danger at every turn. Violence, threats and intimidation are second nature to the big players and she soon realises she will have to use all her wits, know how and cunning to be one step ahead all the time. She alongside many others is working hard to change the world with heart and soul but sadly destruction, death, crisis and instability stand in their way. I loved how the action moved fairly quickly from Paris to the Carmague region of France where Eloise's family have lots of land and her father raises bulls and where wild horses are free to roam the marsh plains. This was in stark contrast to the busy streets of Paris but it seems danger can follow where ever one treads and the family are not immune to what is going on. The actions of Eloise's father Aristide put her family in the spotlight and make them even further prime candidates as targets for unspeakable horrors leading to devastation and loss.
The area where Eloise's family lived seem like almost another world, deep in the French countryside and clearly Kate undertook extensive research to bring this setting to life. You would think the area was a quiet, sleepy backwater but as with the overall tone of this book the action followed Eloise and never slowed down at any stage. Eloise's quest becomes a relentless hunt where she has to place herself in danger time and time again despite warnings to leave and return to Paris. She was one strong, determined, courageous and gutsy woman whose loyalty to her family knew no bounds. Although at the same time she was not adverse to showing a more vulnerable side when things got too much and it seemed as if terror and hatred awaited around every corner. A family friend from childhood, Leon, is now Captain of the local police force and as we move deeper into the story and the layers are begun to be peeled back Leon plays a very important role in more ways than one. Can Eloise and Leon work together to overcome all the obstacles and lies constantly thrown in their path or are they part of just too big a game to ever emerge the winners? I eagerly read on to discover all the answers so engrossed was I in the character and plot twists that undoubtedly will long live on in your mind.
The Guardian of Lies is an utter triumph from beginning to end for Kate Furnivall, you can tell how much she really enjoyed writing this book.The blend of imagination with historical fact provides the reader with a story packed full of adventure, danger and complexity featuring a fascinating time in history which needs to be written more about in womens historical fiction. The characters are all brilliantly drawn and you feel as if you are alongside them even lurking in the shadows as events unfold. As I have already said you never know what awaits you with the next turn of the page and on more than one occasion I was left gasping out loud at what I had just read. The big reveal when it came was brilliant. I had never guessed a thing and those final action packed scenes more than lived up to all that had previously occurred. There was not one aspect of the book overall that was a let down, instead it went from strength to strength as the pace and mystery only intensified. The only disappointment I had was that I now have to wait another year for more from this superb author. The Guardian of Lies lived up to my every expectation and it has the hallmarks of a best seller written all over it. Buy it and read it as soon as you can, you won't regret it.
It truly is a book that you wish could go on for much longer as you are so caught up in the whole tangled web of lies and secrets that are on every page of this breathtaking book. This is a fast paced story, not so much that you would be confused about what is going on but still everything is kept moving along at a cracking pace with shocks, intimidation and deceit arising with every turn of the page. So much was happening and countless times the reader is lead up the garden path by the author where you confidently feel that you have everything all sussed out but then you realise no it's Kate working her magic and spinning a complex and compelling tale that leaves the reader attempting to piece the pieces of the puzzle together right until the very last chapter. You believe one person's action or words but then a few pages later your opinion is thrown into doubt and disarray.
It's difficult for an author to make you feel like you are at the centre of the story right form the opening chapter but Kate does this with ease in The Guardian of Lies. There is no messing about with long winded introductions or surplus scenes instead we delve straight into the action in chapter one and you barely come up for air until you have finished the last word of what was a beautifully crafted, thrilling and powerful book. I've read so many books set during World War Two that it was refreshing to see the period featured in this book would focus on 1953 and the Cold War that was raging between Russia, America and other European countries. Yes I had heard about this time in history but had never really read anything about it or delved deeper into the reasons behind it or what exactly went on at the time.
Now Kate brings this unsettling, anxious and dangerous time to life as a deadly game of cat and mouse unfolds with the most alarming of repercussions and consequences. Intelligence and secrets are the name of the game and everything is not all as it seems, rather more cloak and dagger and hiding behind smoke screens. You never know whom to trust nor whom to take at face value. There are layers upon layers, secrets upon secrets and it is Eloise Caussade who wants to get to the bottom of them. She is determined to right a wrong, to find justice, to ease the guilt she feels deep inside hammering away at her. Revenge is a dish best served cold but can she get to the inner circle, to the heart of the network of intrigue and lies to enact the retribution that will not rest until she has found the answers and the person who has caused such upheaval and danger to encroach upon her life.
The opening scenes to The Guardian of Lies are action packed and the result of said trauma, danger and anxiety form the basis for the remainder of the story. Eloise feels immense guilt that she was the one who put her older brother Andre in the danger that led to him being hurt in a way that deeply affects how he exists on a day to day basis. Andre works for the CIA in Paris seeking out information that will help put a stop to the Russian's plans to extend their reach of power and dominance. There is a Cold War ongoing with so many strands to it that sometimes people are better off not knowing what is going on.
For as long as she can remember Eloise has wanted to follow in her brother's footsteps. She has learned many of the tricks employed by intelligence agents and she feels she would be a good fit. But Andre has dissuaded her, instead she works for a private detective agency in Paris run by a woman. But an incident which causes further upheaval and change to the Caussade family means Eloise must delve further into seeking the truth and to locate the person who has caused such damage to Andre. She soon comes to understand that she is but small fish in the sea and that there is a much larger game being played of which she soon becomes a pawn.
For Eloise it was all about loyalty to her family and her brother but through this passion she becomes embroiled in danger at every turn. Violence, threats and intimidation are second nature to the big players and she soon realises she will have to use all her wits, know how and cunning to be one step ahead all the time. She alongside many others is working hard to change the world with heart and soul but sadly destruction, death, crisis and instability stand in their way. I loved how the action moved fairly quickly from Paris to the Carmague region of France where Eloise's family have lots of land and her father raises bulls and where wild horses are free to roam the marsh plains. This was in stark contrast to the busy streets of Paris but it seems danger can follow where ever one treads and the family are not immune to what is going on. The actions of Eloise's father Aristide put her family in the spotlight and make them even further prime candidates as targets for unspeakable horrors leading to devastation and loss.
The area where Eloise's family lived seem like almost another world, deep in the French countryside and clearly Kate undertook extensive research to bring this setting to life. You would think the area was a quiet, sleepy backwater but as with the overall tone of this book the action followed Eloise and never slowed down at any stage. Eloise's quest becomes a relentless hunt where she has to place herself in danger time and time again despite warnings to leave and return to Paris. She was one strong, determined, courageous and gutsy woman whose loyalty to her family knew no bounds. Although at the same time she was not adverse to showing a more vulnerable side when things got too much and it seemed as if terror and hatred awaited around every corner. A family friend from childhood, Leon, is now Captain of the local police force and as we move deeper into the story and the layers are begun to be peeled back Leon plays a very important role in more ways than one. Can Eloise and Leon work together to overcome all the obstacles and lies constantly thrown in their path or are they part of just too big a game to ever emerge the winners? I eagerly read on to discover all the answers so engrossed was I in the character and plot twists that undoubtedly will long live on in your mind.
The Guardian of Lies is an utter triumph from beginning to end for Kate Furnivall, you can tell how much she really enjoyed writing this book.The blend of imagination with historical fact provides the reader with a story packed full of adventure, danger and complexity featuring a fascinating time in history which needs to be written more about in womens historical fiction. The characters are all brilliantly drawn and you feel as if you are alongside them even lurking in the shadows as events unfold. As I have already said you never know what awaits you with the next turn of the page and on more than one occasion I was left gasping out loud at what I had just read. The big reveal when it came was brilliant. I had never guessed a thing and those final action packed scenes more than lived up to all that had previously occurred. There was not one aspect of the book overall that was a let down, instead it went from strength to strength as the pace and mystery only intensified. The only disappointment I had was that I now have to wait another year for more from this superb author. The Guardian of Lies lived up to my every expectation and it has the hallmarks of a best seller written all over it. Buy it and read it as soon as you can, you won't regret it.
September 30, 2019
A taut spy thriller which sees Eloise battling communism in post war France. As you would expect with such a setting, how can Eloise work out who to trust, even her own brother comes under suspicion.
I enjoyed this book, not as much as others I have read by this author, but it's not my usual genre.
The period is brought to life , well researched, which I have come to expect from Kate, and I was taken a little by surprise by the reveal at the end although I'd had my suspicions.
If you like historical novels then Kate never lets you down, 3.5 stars.
My thanks to TBConFB for this copy.
I enjoyed this book, not as much as others I have read by this author, but it's not my usual genre.
The period is brought to life , well researched, which I have come to expect from Kate, and I was taken a little by surprise by the reveal at the end although I'd had my suspicions.
If you like historical novels then Kate never lets you down, 3.5 stars.
My thanks to TBConFB for this copy.
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