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City of Spies #1
City of Spies
The stunning debut from the new name to watch in espionage thrillers. For fans of CHARLOTTE GRAY, THE BLETCHLEY CIRCLE and A TREACHERY OF SPIES, this is perfect Sunday night (or any night) drama.
LISBON, 1943. After escaping from Nazi-Occupied France, SOE agent Elisabeth de Mornay, codename Cecile, receives new orders: she must infiltrate high society in neutral Lisbon and find out who is leaking key information to the Germans about British troop movements. As Solange Verin, a French widow of independent means, she will be able to meet all the rich Europeans who have gathered in Lisbon to wait out the war. One of them is a traitor and she must find out who before more British servicemen die.
Complications arise when 'Solange' comes to the attention of German Abwehr officer, Major Eduard Graf. As they get to know each other, she struggles to keep her lies close to the truth.
But in a city that is filled with spies, how can she tell who is friend, or foe?
LISBON, 1943. After escaping from Nazi-Occupied France, SOE agent Elisabeth de Mornay, codename Cecile, receives new orders: she must infiltrate high society in neutral Lisbon and find out who is leaking key information to the Germans about British troop movements. As Solange Verin, a French widow of independent means, she will be able to meet all the rich Europeans who have gathered in Lisbon to wait out the war. One of them is a traitor and she must find out who before more British servicemen die.
Complications arise when 'Solange' comes to the attention of German Abwehr officer, Major Eduard Graf. As they get to know each other, she struggles to keep her lies close to the truth.
But in a city that is filled with spies, how can she tell who is friend, or foe?
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First published September 17, 2020
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September 3, 2020
Lisbon 1943 - Portugal was a neutral country during the Second World War, but that doesn’t mean it was a safe country! The capital city became a place of exiled aristocrats, diplomats, refugees, and secret operatives, all covertly watching each other.
It’s against this backdrop that Mara Timon’s debut novel is set. Protagonist, widowed SOE agent Elisabeth de Mornay ( code name Cecile) escapes from Nazi occupied France, and is given orders to infiltrate high society in Lisbon.
Her mission is to discover who is providing the Germans with information about British troop movements. Not unnaturally, this is an extremely dangerous mission, infiltrating the social circles of high ranking German officers, and, to ensure her mission succeeds, it involves a romantic liaison with Abwehr Officer Major Eduard Graf. A very dangerous game to play!
We first meet Elisabeth in Nazi occupied France, where she’s working as a wireless operator with the Resistance, that is, until her cover is blown, and the main part of the story then begins in Portugal.
Packed full of intrigue, (as all good espionage thrillers should be) this highly atmospheric storyline is a mix of both fact and fiction. Our protagonist got herself into some really tight situations, and I was left wondering at times, how the devil she would get herself out of this one, but of course it made for an exciting read! And speaking of Elisabeth, she’s self assured, opinionated even, but ultimately very likeable.
In ‘City of Spies’, no one is who they say they are, not even our protagonist. Trust no one!
A wonderful debut novel, with a conclusion that clearly leaves the door open for a sequel - and one that I would be very happy to read.
* Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK, Zaffre for an ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange*
It’s against this backdrop that Mara Timon’s debut novel is set. Protagonist, widowed SOE agent Elisabeth de Mornay ( code name Cecile) escapes from Nazi occupied France, and is given orders to infiltrate high society in Lisbon.
Her mission is to discover who is providing the Germans with information about British troop movements. Not unnaturally, this is an extremely dangerous mission, infiltrating the social circles of high ranking German officers, and, to ensure her mission succeeds, it involves a romantic liaison with Abwehr Officer Major Eduard Graf. A very dangerous game to play!
We first meet Elisabeth in Nazi occupied France, where she’s working as a wireless operator with the Resistance, that is, until her cover is blown, and the main part of the story then begins in Portugal.
Packed full of intrigue, (as all good espionage thrillers should be) this highly atmospheric storyline is a mix of both fact and fiction. Our protagonist got herself into some really tight situations, and I was left wondering at times, how the devil she would get herself out of this one, but of course it made for an exciting read! And speaking of Elisabeth, she’s self assured, opinionated even, but ultimately very likeable.
In ‘City of Spies’, no one is who they say they are, not even our protagonist. Trust no one!
A wonderful debut novel, with a conclusion that clearly leaves the door open for a sequel - and one that I would be very happy to read.
* Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK, Zaffre for an ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange*
August 23, 2020
Mara Timon's debut is a blend of fact and fiction, historical fiction set during WW2, featuring widowed SOE agent, Elisabeth de Mornay, codename Cecile, operating in Paris, only to be forced to flee when her cover is blown by a neighbour. Her intention is to try and connect with members of the French Resistance, only to find herself having to fight and kill in her efforts to survive. She comes across RAF officer, Alex Sinclair, joining forces with him, only for tragedy to occur and Elisabeth finding herself in ostensibly neutral Portugal, deployed by her godfather, Matthew Harrington, to work for the allies. In Operation Black Cat, Elisabeth poses as the well to do French Madame Solange Verin, living amongst the ex-pat community in Lisbon, notoriously known as the city of spies, full of refugees, where no-one is who they claim to be.
There is a large presence of Germans, the Nazis being covertly supported by Salazar in numerous ways, such as supplying the essential element of Tungsten or Wolfram, needed to fuel the German war machine. There is concern amongst the allies at the number of their ships being hit, hoping to infiltrate and expose Nazi espionage operations and uncover traitors amidst the rank of the allies. In her search for the necessary intelligence, Elisabeth befriends her neighbour Claudine, married to Christophe, and before long starts to connect with a number of Germans, including Major Eduard Graf, military hero and member of the Abwehr, the German military intelligence unit. She finds herself drawn to Graf, a dangerous liaison in the war, but just cannot help herself. Finding herself under constant surveillance, warned by the PVDE, the state police, Elisabeth must rely on her wits, instincts and her SOE training in her battle to survive, her life in danger, yet unable to trust anyone, helped by a East End thug.
Timon successfully conveys the levels of intrigue that existed during WW2 in Lisbon, and the importance of Portugal to both the Allies and the Germans, which explains the numbers of spies in Lisbon. Elisabeth making an exciting central protagonist, a fearless, adventurous, and bright woman, operating in a man's world, willing to do whatever it takes to play her part in bringing down the Nazi regime. This is not a historical novel where I learnt anything new in terms of Lisbon during WW2, due in part to my historical knowledge and the fact that I have read a number of novels set here in this time period, some of greater depth, such as Robert Wilson's A Small Death in Lisbon. Nevertheless, it is a engaging and entertaining read, and those unfamiliar with Lisbon's history during the war will find it informative. Many thanks to Bonnier Books for an ARC.
There is a large presence of Germans, the Nazis being covertly supported by Salazar in numerous ways, such as supplying the essential element of Tungsten or Wolfram, needed to fuel the German war machine. There is concern amongst the allies at the number of their ships being hit, hoping to infiltrate and expose Nazi espionage operations and uncover traitors amidst the rank of the allies. In her search for the necessary intelligence, Elisabeth befriends her neighbour Claudine, married to Christophe, and before long starts to connect with a number of Germans, including Major Eduard Graf, military hero and member of the Abwehr, the German military intelligence unit. She finds herself drawn to Graf, a dangerous liaison in the war, but just cannot help herself. Finding herself under constant surveillance, warned by the PVDE, the state police, Elisabeth must rely on her wits, instincts and her SOE training in her battle to survive, her life in danger, yet unable to trust anyone, helped by a East End thug.
Timon successfully conveys the levels of intrigue that existed during WW2 in Lisbon, and the importance of Portugal to both the Allies and the Germans, which explains the numbers of spies in Lisbon. Elisabeth making an exciting central protagonist, a fearless, adventurous, and bright woman, operating in a man's world, willing to do whatever it takes to play her part in bringing down the Nazi regime. This is not a historical novel where I learnt anything new in terms of Lisbon during WW2, due in part to my historical knowledge and the fact that I have read a number of novels set here in this time period, some of greater depth, such as Robert Wilson's A Small Death in Lisbon. Nevertheless, it is a engaging and entertaining read, and those unfamiliar with Lisbon's history during the war will find it informative. Many thanks to Bonnier Books for an ARC.
June 17, 2025
O Volfrâmio que virou Ouro
Está-se no início da década de 40 e a guerra grassa por todo o Mundo!
Todo?!
Bem... todo, todo não:
Os Pigmeus não apareceram (já tinham outra guerra marcada 😜), os Papuas baldaram-se 😜 e os Esquimós chegaram atrasados 😂. Ah, e não sei se por milagre, sabedoria ou um misto de ambos (foi o volfrâmio, foi o volfrâmio...), Portugal também não participou! E alcançou tal proeza sem romper o relacionamento que perdura há séculos com a velha Inglaterra — um namoro encetado no século XIV, mais precisamente, em 1373 😉. É claro que entrementes se deslindou algo capaz de manipular a fúria Nazi (o volfrâmio, o volfrâmio...) mas, por agora, pretendo guardar meio segredo 😉. Aliás, os segredos abundam nesta Lisboa dos anos 40, Cidade de Espiões...
A neutralidade atraiu à capital portuguesa quer os foragidos da guerra quer os que nela participam. Como corolário, os segredos alastram e a verdade afunda-se num poço de mentiras...
E porque há navios ingleses que fazem escala em Lisboa há espiões alemães que pretendem desvendar-lhes as rotas (para os afundarem, só pode!). E como há contrabando de volfrâmio em navios que partem de Portugal para a Alemanha há espiões ingleses que tencionam pirateá-los...
E... expectável e inevitavelmente, há ainda os espiões dos espiões, i.e., os espiões ingleses que espiam os espiões alemães e vice-versa, claro está...
A Cidade dos Espiões é um passeio pela Lisboa do início dos anos 40 e uma lição de História que nos retrata um Portugal sempre cauteloso — um fantasma que se move e atua nas sombras, e... embora embrenhado no caos da guerra, aposta na paz e prosperidade. Enquanto o resto da Europa ruma a passos largos para a crise, Salazar vai enchendo os cofres do Estado com o ouro Nazi — Deus criou o volfrâmio e Salazar converteu-o em (lingotes de) ouro 😜 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Está-se no início da década de 40 e a guerra grassa por todo o Mundo!
Todo?!
Bem... todo, todo não:
Os Pigmeus não apareceram (já tinham outra guerra marcada 😜), os Papuas baldaram-se 😜 e os Esquimós chegaram atrasados 😂. Ah, e não sei se por milagre, sabedoria ou um misto de ambos (foi o volfrâmio, foi o volfrâmio...), Portugal também não participou! E alcançou tal proeza sem romper o relacionamento que perdura há séculos com a velha Inglaterra — um namoro encetado no século XIV, mais precisamente, em 1373 😉. É claro que entrementes se deslindou algo capaz de manipular a fúria Nazi (o volfrâmio, o volfrâmio...) mas, por agora, pretendo guardar meio segredo 😉. Aliás, os segredos abundam nesta Lisboa dos anos 40, Cidade de Espiões...
A neutralidade atraiu à capital portuguesa quer os foragidos da guerra quer os que nela participam. Como corolário, os segredos alastram e a verdade afunda-se num poço de mentiras...
E porque há navios ingleses que fazem escala em Lisboa há espiões alemães que pretendem desvendar-lhes as rotas (para os afundarem, só pode!). E como há contrabando de volfrâmio em navios que partem de Portugal para a Alemanha há espiões ingleses que tencionam pirateá-los...
E... expectável e inevitavelmente, há ainda os espiões dos espiões, i.e., os espiões ingleses que espiam os espiões alemães e vice-versa, claro está...
A Cidade dos Espiões é um passeio pela Lisboa do início dos anos 40 e uma lição de História que nos retrata um Portugal sempre cauteloso — um fantasma que se move e atua nas sombras, e... embora embrenhado no caos da guerra, aposta na paz e prosperidade. Enquanto o resto da Europa ruma a passos largos para a crise, Salazar vai enchendo os cofres do Estado com o ouro Nazi — Deus criou o volfrâmio e Salazar converteu-o em (lingotes de) ouro 😜 🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 20, 2021
Thank God we had Wolfram
It’s nineteen fourteen something and the whole world is in a bloody war. Well... honestly, not the whole world cos a few countries managed to escape Hitler’s belligerent craziness and Portugal was one of them. However, how the heck did it happen was something that always intrigued me. It intrigued me because Portugal didn’t break the alliance with Britain — a bond that lasted since 1373. Although Salazar was a bloody fascist, in practical terms, Portugal and England were allies. So how did he do it to preserve neutrality?!
Surprisingly, I found the answer in this book:
It happens that Portugal exported a very rare material that is primary in military equipment — wolfram. Although the British claimed exclusivity, Salazar also found a way of selling it to Germany. Since the Nazis were addicted to wolfram, that double game largely contributed to the delicate balance of neutrality:
“Wolfram is to us almost what blood is to man.” is a sentence that belongs to a German Ambassador
According to this book, when the British found out that wolfram barrels were carried in ships from Portugal to Germany, SOE spies were recruited to find the wolfram trail — they intended to spot the ships and pirate their cargo — the precious wolfram would no longer reach Germany ...
Ergo everything turned out well:
Portugal could stay away from war because Salazar was providing wolfram to Germany, but the British managed to steal it.
At the end of the day, everyone was happy except the Nazis 😜 🌟🌟🌟🌟
It’s nineteen fourteen something and the whole world is in a bloody war. Well... honestly, not the whole world cos a few countries managed to escape Hitler’s belligerent craziness and Portugal was one of them. However, how the heck did it happen was something that always intrigued me. It intrigued me because Portugal didn’t break the alliance with Britain — a bond that lasted since 1373. Although Salazar was a bloody fascist, in practical terms, Portugal and England were allies. So how did he do it to preserve neutrality?!
Surprisingly, I found the answer in this book:
It happens that Portugal exported a very rare material that is primary in military equipment — wolfram. Although the British claimed exclusivity, Salazar also found a way of selling it to Germany. Since the Nazis were addicted to wolfram, that double game largely contributed to the delicate balance of neutrality:
“Wolfram is to us almost what blood is to man.” is a sentence that belongs to a German Ambassador
According to this book, when the British found out that wolfram barrels were carried in ships from Portugal to Germany, SOE spies were recruited to find the wolfram trail — they intended to spot the ships and pirate their cargo — the precious wolfram would no longer reach Germany ...
Ergo everything turned out well:
Portugal could stay away from war because Salazar was providing wolfram to Germany, but the British managed to steal it.
At the end of the day, everyone was happy except the Nazis 😜 🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 25, 2021
An Angel and a Killer
Who is Elizabeth de Mornay?
For her boss she’s simply Lisbeth and for her lover she’s an Angel.
She can look like an Angel but she’s also a killer:
Elizabeth de Mornay belongs to the SOE British Intelligence Services and was trained to kill — depending on circumstances she can do it with a pistol, a dagger or even with her bare hands
She’s been in France for some time and now she’s in Lisbon:
Due to Portugal neutrality in WWII, Lisbon port is supposed to be a safe stopover for British ships. However, after a brief pause in the City of Spies, some of those ships were exploding in the high seas of the Atlantic Ocean and Elizabeth has been recruited to find out why...
Although City of Spies is a work of fiction, the author did enough research to be as near as possible to the truth! 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Who is Elizabeth de Mornay?
For her boss she’s simply Lisbeth and for her lover she’s an Angel.
She can look like an Angel but she’s also a killer:
Elizabeth de Mornay belongs to the SOE British Intelligence Services and was trained to kill — depending on circumstances she can do it with a pistol, a dagger or even with her bare hands
She’s been in France for some time and now she’s in Lisbon:
Due to Portugal neutrality in WWII, Lisbon port is supposed to be a safe stopover for British ships. However, after a brief pause in the City of Spies, some of those ships were exploding in the high seas of the Atlantic Ocean and Elizabeth has been recruited to find out why...
Although City of Spies is a work of fiction, the author did enough research to be as near as possible to the truth! 🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 27, 2020
Pacy espionage thriller with a plucky female SOE agent in the neutral capital and port of Lisbon.
I usually steer clear of espionage thrillers for the simple reason that I find them hard going and although the character list at the start of this book didn’t bode well I found this debut novel surprisingly easy to follow. Featuring a firecracker protagonist in twenty-eight-year-old widow and SOE agent Elizabeth de Mornay and taking place in the so called city of spies and the neutral capital of Lisbon I found this introduction to the character of plucky Elizabeth tense and highly atmospheric. Providing an insight into the stress of living a lie and trusting nobody it also gives an idea of the personal toll such a role would have taken.
The novel opens in June 1943 when six months after being parachuted into Nazi-Occupied France, wireless operator and SOE agent Elizabeth de Mornay’s cover is blown and she is forced to flee Paris. As a childless and widowed woman with a difficult relationship with her mother, Elizabeth (codename Cécile) opts to continue working for the Resistance and after a few close scrapes with German soldiers she accepts her new commission from her diplomat godfather and finds herself in Lisbon with a mission to infiltrate high society. Famously neutral but with a port on the Atlantic, Lisbon attracted everyone from exiles and operatives to businessmen and refugees during WWII. Elizabeth recreates herself as Solange Verin, a glamorous and wealthy French widow used to high-living and keen to immerse herself amongst the rich European set. But in the city of spies, no one is who they claim to be and Solange isn’t the only one with an ulterior motive for being there..
Befriended by flamboyant neighbour Claudine, her casino loving Nazi-sympathiser husband Christophe allows Solange access to elite soiree’s hosted by German officers and military attachés, one of whom in particular catches her eye. As a member of the German military intelligence service (Abwehr) Major Eduard Graf should be off-limits to Elizabeth but in the course of identifying just who is leaking key information to the Germans their paths cross and sparks fly. Major Eduard Graf knows Solange is not all she appears but feels an inexplicable urge to protect her whilst Elizabeth in turn is aware that she is playing with fire and potentially putting her life on the line. Stumbling upon a smuggling operation that is giving the Germans the upper hand in importing shipments of wolfram alongside the crucial leaks, Elizabeth also teams up with a half-French East End boy to attempt to bring down both rackets and come one step closer to ending the war. An explosive denouement and a open-ended final chapter leaves Elizabeth’s story up in the air and primed for a follow-up.
Some of Elizabeth’s capabilities and proficiency in combat, outsmarting her enemies and recklessness have to be taken with a pinch of salt but for the most part watching her as she holds her nerve, switches disguises and gets too close to her enemies is worth a bit of eye-rolling! Indeed her appetite for men seems to be her only potential downfall! Whilst I would have appreciated learning more about Elizabeth’s background (family relations and divisive marriage) in order to fully understand her commitment to her work I hope and suspect this will be followed up in future outings. Engagingly written with a easily distinguishable cast of colourful secondary characters the story is pacy and whilst it might not be the most complicated of spy thrillers I found it a decent read. At times I did feel a little let down that everything seemed to boil down to sex with Elizabeth and found it impossible to believe that a highly trained and intelligent SOE agent would be so easily distracted from their mission and sidetracked by seduction.
I usually steer clear of espionage thrillers for the simple reason that I find them hard going and although the character list at the start of this book didn’t bode well I found this debut novel surprisingly easy to follow. Featuring a firecracker protagonist in twenty-eight-year-old widow and SOE agent Elizabeth de Mornay and taking place in the so called city of spies and the neutral capital of Lisbon I found this introduction to the character of plucky Elizabeth tense and highly atmospheric. Providing an insight into the stress of living a lie and trusting nobody it also gives an idea of the personal toll such a role would have taken.
The novel opens in June 1943 when six months after being parachuted into Nazi-Occupied France, wireless operator and SOE agent Elizabeth de Mornay’s cover is blown and she is forced to flee Paris. As a childless and widowed woman with a difficult relationship with her mother, Elizabeth (codename Cécile) opts to continue working for the Resistance and after a few close scrapes with German soldiers she accepts her new commission from her diplomat godfather and finds herself in Lisbon with a mission to infiltrate high society. Famously neutral but with a port on the Atlantic, Lisbon attracted everyone from exiles and operatives to businessmen and refugees during WWII. Elizabeth recreates herself as Solange Verin, a glamorous and wealthy French widow used to high-living and keen to immerse herself amongst the rich European set. But in the city of spies, no one is who they claim to be and Solange isn’t the only one with an ulterior motive for being there..
Befriended by flamboyant neighbour Claudine, her casino loving Nazi-sympathiser husband Christophe allows Solange access to elite soiree’s hosted by German officers and military attachés, one of whom in particular catches her eye. As a member of the German military intelligence service (Abwehr) Major Eduard Graf should be off-limits to Elizabeth but in the course of identifying just who is leaking key information to the Germans their paths cross and sparks fly. Major Eduard Graf knows Solange is not all she appears but feels an inexplicable urge to protect her whilst Elizabeth in turn is aware that she is playing with fire and potentially putting her life on the line. Stumbling upon a smuggling operation that is giving the Germans the upper hand in importing shipments of wolfram alongside the crucial leaks, Elizabeth also teams up with a half-French East End boy to attempt to bring down both rackets and come one step closer to ending the war. An explosive denouement and a open-ended final chapter leaves Elizabeth’s story up in the air and primed for a follow-up.
Some of Elizabeth’s capabilities and proficiency in combat, outsmarting her enemies and recklessness have to be taken with a pinch of salt but for the most part watching her as she holds her nerve, switches disguises and gets too close to her enemies is worth a bit of eye-rolling! Indeed her appetite for men seems to be her only potential downfall! Whilst I would have appreciated learning more about Elizabeth’s background (family relations and divisive marriage) in order to fully understand her commitment to her work I hope and suspect this will be followed up in future outings. Engagingly written with a easily distinguishable cast of colourful secondary characters the story is pacy and whilst it might not be the most complicated of spy thrillers I found it a decent read. At times I did feel a little let down that everything seemed to boil down to sex with Elizabeth and found it impossible to believe that a highly trained and intelligent SOE agent would be so easily distracted from their mission and sidetracked by seduction.
June 9, 2021
A Game of Truth and Lies
Welcome to Lisbon city of spies — a scent of malice fills the air in a city where nothing is what it seems. In 1939 Salazar declared neutrality. Since Portugal is such a small country that was definitely the wisest thing to do — a couple of bombings in our Atlantic Garden, and the land of Camões and Pessoa wouldn’t last till Saramago 😜
By being neutral, Portugal was the ideal place for all sorts of refugees — some would live there till the the end of war and others would use it as a transition point to other countries in the free world.
Since Portugal and England maintained a long term alliance, the British were also there. And... since the British were there, Germans were there too. And because British and Germans were there, spies also joined the mob. Etc, etc... Everyone was there — an heterogeneous crowd — all playing the same game — a deadly game of truth and lies...
I confess I knew nothing about the important role of Portugal in the war. I thought that since it was a neutral country nothing was happening there. However, I couldn’t be more wrong — although Portugal never joined the war, the war tentacles were long enough to reach the tiny Iberian country... 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Welcome to Lisbon city of spies — a scent of malice fills the air in a city where nothing is what it seems. In 1939 Salazar declared neutrality. Since Portugal is such a small country that was definitely the wisest thing to do — a couple of bombings in our Atlantic Garden, and the land of Camões and Pessoa wouldn’t last till Saramago 😜
By being neutral, Portugal was the ideal place for all sorts of refugees — some would live there till the the end of war and others would use it as a transition point to other countries in the free world.
Since Portugal and England maintained a long term alliance, the British were also there. And... since the British were there, Germans were there too. And because British and Germans were there, spies also joined the mob. Etc, etc... Everyone was there — an heterogeneous crowd — all playing the same game — a deadly game of truth and lies...
I confess I knew nothing about the important role of Portugal in the war. I thought that since it was a neutral country nothing was happening there. However, I couldn’t be more wrong — although Portugal never joined the war, the war tentacles were long enough to reach the tiny Iberian country... 🌟🌟🌟🌟
September 17, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved how Mara Timon blended fact and fiction to create this thrilling novel. Before I read this novel I had no idea that women had worked in espionage during world war 2. I loved reading about the real characters and situations that were blended seamlessly into fiction by Timon.
This book follows Elizabeth, a British spy. It starts off following her as she tries to escape from France and follows her life in Portugal (which was meant to be neutral) as she tries carries out a secret operation for her Godfather. Along the way she experiences some unexpected romances. But who is actually on her side?
I have read a lot of spy books in my time (including all of the James Bond books), but this novel stood out to me because of its unique perspective- that of a female spy. Elizabeth is such a strong female lead, I found her to be truly inspiring. I felt so many different emotions whilst following her journey- sadness, happiness and fear. There were times when I wanted to laugh and cry, and many many times when I was on the edge of my seat, desperate to find out what would happen.
This novel had so many twists and turns that resonated beautifully with the perfect setting and characters. The ending has left me absolutely desperate for more from Elizabeth. I will certainly be keeping my eye out for more novels by Mara Timon!
I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in spy thrillers or novels based around WWII.
September 17, 2020
If you’d asked me for my thoughts about City of Spies at the end of Part One, I might have observed that it reminded me of other books I’ve read that feature women working undercover with the French Resistance in World War 2. Set in June 1943 and written in a rather breathless style made up of short or incomplete sentences, the first part of the book sees SOE agent and wireless operator Elisabeth (codename Cecile) forced to make a rapid escape from occupied France. Having said that, not only does it vividly illustrate the constant risk of discovery faced by SOE agents, it also reveals something of Elisabeth’s character. She’s resourceful, courageous, has a keen instinct for danger and, when required, is a deadly opponent.
If the first part of the book was all action, once the story moves to the melting pot that is wartime Lisbon, it’s intrigue and drama that take centre stage. In adopting her new identity, that of French widow Solange Verin, Elisabeth has to use all the espionage skills she learned during her SOE training – adopting disguises, establishing a safe house, following people without being detected and losing those trying to keep tabs on her. Oh, and her skill with a gun or knife comes in useful too.
Elisabeth’s new mission takes her to the glamorous hotels of Lisbon, the beachfront bars of Estoril and exclusive soirees in private villas. There she rubs shoulders with society ladies, diplomats and German officers hoping she may come across useful information to convey back to Britain. As she recognises, this involves her setting herself up as “live bait” but it’s a challenge she relishes, for both patriotic and personal reasons, in order to take the fight to the Germans.
Officially neutral, Lisbon is in reality anything but, living up to its reputation as the “City of Spies”. Among the lessons Elisabeth learns are that there are informers everywhere, few people are exactly what they seem and knowing who to trust is not easy. As one character observes to Elisabeth, “In our line of work…there is rarely certainty. We have to make do with probability, with calculated risks”.
I won’t reveal any more of the plot except to say there are twists and turns aplenty and the tension and excitement really builds in the final chapters. For me, it also had the perfect ending. To find out why I say that you’ll have to read City of Spies for yourself!
By the way, don’t be put off by the extensive character list at the beginning of the book; you won’t need to remember who everyone is. However, if you’re the sort of person who sits through the credits at the end of a film, you’ll find it interesting to see which of the characters who feature in the book (even only as passing references) existed in real life and which are invented. Personally, I was excited to come across a mention of ‘Major Martin’ as he features in one of my favourite war films, The Man Who Never Was, based on the book of the same name by Ewen Montagu.
There were some great bonus items at the back of my copy of the book – the fascinating Historical Note and the author’s essay “Touring the City of Spies” in which she suggests places to visit and things to do in the city and its environs. These include eating local seafood in the Bairro Alto and listening to fado in the Alfama District. (I remember my parents having a record by the famed fado singer, Amalia.) There’s also a Q&A with the author in which she reveals, among other things, what she’s working on next.
The cover quote “Casablanca meets Le Carré” has it spot on. City of Spies has drama, intrigue, a formidable leading character and a fascinating setting. Add a handsome German officer to provide temptation and what more could you ask for from a wartime spy novel?
If the first part of the book was all action, once the story moves to the melting pot that is wartime Lisbon, it’s intrigue and drama that take centre stage. In adopting her new identity, that of French widow Solange Verin, Elisabeth has to use all the espionage skills she learned during her SOE training – adopting disguises, establishing a safe house, following people without being detected and losing those trying to keep tabs on her. Oh, and her skill with a gun or knife comes in useful too.
Elisabeth’s new mission takes her to the glamorous hotels of Lisbon, the beachfront bars of Estoril and exclusive soirees in private villas. There she rubs shoulders with society ladies, diplomats and German officers hoping she may come across useful information to convey back to Britain. As she recognises, this involves her setting herself up as “live bait” but it’s a challenge she relishes, for both patriotic and personal reasons, in order to take the fight to the Germans.
Officially neutral, Lisbon is in reality anything but, living up to its reputation as the “City of Spies”. Among the lessons Elisabeth learns are that there are informers everywhere, few people are exactly what they seem and knowing who to trust is not easy. As one character observes to Elisabeth, “In our line of work…there is rarely certainty. We have to make do with probability, with calculated risks”.
I won’t reveal any more of the plot except to say there are twists and turns aplenty and the tension and excitement really builds in the final chapters. For me, it also had the perfect ending. To find out why I say that you’ll have to read City of Spies for yourself!
By the way, don’t be put off by the extensive character list at the beginning of the book; you won’t need to remember who everyone is. However, if you’re the sort of person who sits through the credits at the end of a film, you’ll find it interesting to see which of the characters who feature in the book (even only as passing references) existed in real life and which are invented. Personally, I was excited to come across a mention of ‘Major Martin’ as he features in one of my favourite war films, The Man Who Never Was, based on the book of the same name by Ewen Montagu.
There were some great bonus items at the back of my copy of the book – the fascinating Historical Note and the author’s essay “Touring the City of Spies” in which she suggests places to visit and things to do in the city and its environs. These include eating local seafood in the Bairro Alto and listening to fado in the Alfama District. (I remember my parents having a record by the famed fado singer, Amalia.) There’s also a Q&A with the author in which she reveals, among other things, what she’s working on next.
The cover quote “Casablanca meets Le Carré” has it spot on. City of Spies has drama, intrigue, a formidable leading character and a fascinating setting. Add a handsome German officer to provide temptation and what more could you ask for from a wartime spy novel?
August 30, 2020
“City of Spies” is a debut novel by Mara Timon and is an easy to read, espionage thriller set in neutral Portugal in 1943.
“When her cover is blown, SOE agent Elisabeth de Mornay flees Paris. Pursued by the Gestapo, she makes her way to Lisbon, where Europe's elite rub shoulders with diplomats, businessmen, smugglers, and spies. There she receives new orders - and a new identity. Posing as wealthy French widow Solange Verin, Elisabeth must infiltrate a German espionage ring targeting Allied ships, before more British servicemen are killed. The closer Elisabeth comes to discovering the truth, the greater the risk grows. With a German officer watching her every step, it will take all of Elisabeth's resourcefulness and determination to complete her mission”
As ever in books of this nature, there is often some harrowing events that unfold. The plight of the French resistance in the story and their heroism and bravery made me realise how important they were to the war effort and how they all put their lives on the line, often to the point of being brutally murdered in public. The author covered this and highlighted just how important they were to helping the allies to safety. British Special Operatives who were recruited and trained to fight and spy on the enemy were also worth their weight in gold, something I certainly wouldn’t have had the confidence to do.
I enjoyed the bulk of the story, not too spy based so you didn’t know what was going on, though I would recommend you read in a few a sittings as possible for continuity. There is a helpful cast of characters at the start and I do admit I’d have being a bit lost without it.
The characters were true to their loyalties, however I was a bit suspicious of Elisabeth’s romantic behaviour, being so intensely trained, she let her heart rule her head on many occasion, even when duty didn’t call. This just didn’t sit right with me, in a war where you truly can’t trust anyone and your life depended on your identity staying secret. But, who knows what emotions are heightened when in danger or feeling fear.
Bertie Jones, a shipwrecked SOE was my favourite character, he brought some much needed, lighthearted banter in a time of war and death and I would love to see him in further stories in the series.
There’s some interesting sections at the end of the book with historical and geographical notes the author has detailed and it’s plain to see the author carried out extensive research regarding the era, the setting and the type of characters who would have been involved the world of espionage.
I believe there is a follow up story in the making, where Elisabeth and two other special operatives pave the way for the Normandy landings and I will be very tempted to read, to see how Elisabeth’s life and ‘career’ develops further.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
“When her cover is blown, SOE agent Elisabeth de Mornay flees Paris. Pursued by the Gestapo, she makes her way to Lisbon, where Europe's elite rub shoulders with diplomats, businessmen, smugglers, and spies. There she receives new orders - and a new identity. Posing as wealthy French widow Solange Verin, Elisabeth must infiltrate a German espionage ring targeting Allied ships, before more British servicemen are killed. The closer Elisabeth comes to discovering the truth, the greater the risk grows. With a German officer watching her every step, it will take all of Elisabeth's resourcefulness and determination to complete her mission”
As ever in books of this nature, there is often some harrowing events that unfold. The plight of the French resistance in the story and their heroism and bravery made me realise how important they were to the war effort and how they all put their lives on the line, often to the point of being brutally murdered in public. The author covered this and highlighted just how important they were to helping the allies to safety. British Special Operatives who were recruited and trained to fight and spy on the enemy were also worth their weight in gold, something I certainly wouldn’t have had the confidence to do.
I enjoyed the bulk of the story, not too spy based so you didn’t know what was going on, though I would recommend you read in a few a sittings as possible for continuity. There is a helpful cast of characters at the start and I do admit I’d have being a bit lost without it.
The characters were true to their loyalties, however I was a bit suspicious of Elisabeth’s romantic behaviour, being so intensely trained, she let her heart rule her head on many occasion, even when duty didn’t call. This just didn’t sit right with me, in a war where you truly can’t trust anyone and your life depended on your identity staying secret. But, who knows what emotions are heightened when in danger or feeling fear.
Bertie Jones, a shipwrecked SOE was my favourite character, he brought some much needed, lighthearted banter in a time of war and death and I would love to see him in further stories in the series.
There’s some interesting sections at the end of the book with historical and geographical notes the author has detailed and it’s plain to see the author carried out extensive research regarding the era, the setting and the type of characters who would have been involved the world of espionage.
I believe there is a follow up story in the making, where Elisabeth and two other special operatives pave the way for the Normandy landings and I will be very tempted to read, to see how Elisabeth’s life and ‘career’ develops further.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
August 31, 2020
What a fascinating read! On reading the list of names in the first couple of pages I thought this may be a daunting read, but I was extremely pleasantly surprised. Detailed characters; some from real life, and others wonderful works of fiction, blend seamlessly in a gripping telling of life from the perspective of SOE agent Elizabeth de Mornay, codename Cecile. Set in 1943-44, we follow Elizabeth through a nail biting escape from Nazi occupied France to neutral Lisbon where the majority of the story takes place.
There was a real James Bond vibe about "Lisbet" as she's known and I LOVED the viewpoint of a strong female spy as the main character! Like Bond, she gets herself into and out of tight scrapes, has an unconventional love interest, and you can't help but warm to her character. I never would have anticipated being as gripped by a WW2 espionage novel as this kept me, but I simply could not put this down. Very excited to read the next installment and see where Elizabeth next ends up.
There was a real James Bond vibe about "Lisbet" as she's known and I LOVED the viewpoint of a strong female spy as the main character! Like Bond, she gets herself into and out of tight scrapes, has an unconventional love interest, and you can't help but warm to her character. I never would have anticipated being as gripped by a WW2 espionage novel as this kept me, but I simply could not put this down. Very excited to read the next installment and see where Elizabeth next ends up.
May 22, 2021
A decent enough spy thriller but I only got half way through before I lost interest. Large parts of it seemed too far fetched to my taste, even though it's fiction.
September 19, 2020
The stunning debut from the new name to watch in espionage thrillers. City of Spies is set in neutral Lisbon, Portugal, in 1943 and follows Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent Elisabeth de Mornay, codename Cecile. When her cover is blown, she must flee Paris leaving Nazi-occupied France behind her. She receives new orders: despite being hounded by the Gestapo and bad luck she must infiltrate high society in neutral Lisbon and find out who is leaking key information to the Germans about British troop movements. As Solange Verin, a French widow of independent means, she will be able to meet all the rich Europeans who have gathered in Lisbon to wait out the war. One of them is a traitor, and she must find out who before more British servicemen die. Complications arise when 'Solange' comes to the attention of German Abwehr officer Major Eduard Graf. As they get to know each other, she struggles to keep her lies close to the truth. But in a city that is filled with spies, and with no one being who they claim to be, how can she tell who is friend or foe?
Mara's superb debut novel is a potent mix of fact and fiction and the importance of Lisbon to both the Allies and the Germans is conveyed by the sheer number of spies present in the city at the time, making Elizabeth's mission all the more dangerous. The tension was palpable throughout and the disquieting feeling of never knowing who can be trusted really gets under your skin and into your psyche. There is plenty of intrigue and the twists and turns of the plot are beautifully executed. For a debut, this is an accomplished work of historical fiction and hints at what we readers can expect from Timon in her future publications. Elizabeth is a great protagonist who is intelligent, bold and holds her own in a world dominated by men. What she holds in her heart means she fearlessly applies herself to do whatever it may take to halt the plans of the Nazi regime. Overall, an absorbing, entertaining and interesting read. Many thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for an ARC.
Mara's superb debut novel is a potent mix of fact and fiction and the importance of Lisbon to both the Allies and the Germans is conveyed by the sheer number of spies present in the city at the time, making Elizabeth's mission all the more dangerous. The tension was palpable throughout and the disquieting feeling of never knowing who can be trusted really gets under your skin and into your psyche. There is plenty of intrigue and the twists and turns of the plot are beautifully executed. For a debut, this is an accomplished work of historical fiction and hints at what we readers can expect from Timon in her future publications. Elizabeth is a great protagonist who is intelligent, bold and holds her own in a world dominated by men. What she holds in her heart means she fearlessly applies herself to do whatever it may take to halt the plans of the Nazi regime. Overall, an absorbing, entertaining and interesting read. Many thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for an ARC.
December 13, 2020
Really loved this book! Staged in Lisbon during WWII, it’s a gripping novel that will keep you turning the pages, willing to get to the end. Recommend it all spy story and WWII lovers...👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
December 27, 2020
This is a very accomplished debut novel set in the world of espionage during World War II in Europe.
In a brave and creative departure from the familiar struggle in occupied France, Mara Timon brings the combatants into the neutral location of Portugal. Lisbon is the City of Spies and is as a much a character as the “diplomatic” staff of the Allies and Axis powers.
Politically Portugal is trying to remain even handed and maintain a balance of power without favouring either party. As the war progresses the leadership become more pragmatic but the situation on the ground remains as fraught with danger as ever.
SOE agent Cécile has fought against the Germans in France, now she needs fresh skills with the ability to adjust to a fresh and dangerous environment.
This is a thrilling novel, melding fact and fiction to draw out the balance of power, the almost hidden struggle that was instrumental in the outcome of the war. Since the sides are so blurred with their agents less defined and individual allegiances perhaps governed by financial gain Cécile struggles to find people she can trust. Matters take a turn for the worse and more dangerous for her, when aspects of her betrayal and escape from France re-surface.
I really enjoyed the tension the author was able to generate in this well chosen location that brought intrigue and a sense of autonomy where previously one worked under strict orders and where you life depended daily on others being like minded and diligent in their covert operations.
I liked the list of characters at the start. Don’t let this put you off as the piece is well written and as such you will be rarely need to refer to this list, to resolve who is who. Cécile could have done with a copy to find out who was who and definitely who was who they pretended to be.
In addition I found the author’s comments at the close of the book and what drew her to this unique environment during a worldwide struggle, that was so key. Mara has been inspired by true events and her imagination and inherent skills of a story-teller has produced a stunning book full of intrigue and danger.
The characters are believable and their courage deserves these fiction accounts that celebrate their efforts. The role of women spies was a courageous move that matched the bravery of those who enlisted and took the war into Europe.
Along with the often unsung heroes of those civilians who resisted occupation; the women Mara highlights through Cécile’s wartime efforts were truly fearless. One in three never returned to receive the medals they deserved, nor the life of freedom their sacrifice brought about.
In a brave and creative departure from the familiar struggle in occupied France, Mara Timon brings the combatants into the neutral location of Portugal. Lisbon is the City of Spies and is as a much a character as the “diplomatic” staff of the Allies and Axis powers.
Politically Portugal is trying to remain even handed and maintain a balance of power without favouring either party. As the war progresses the leadership become more pragmatic but the situation on the ground remains as fraught with danger as ever.
SOE agent Cécile has fought against the Germans in France, now she needs fresh skills with the ability to adjust to a fresh and dangerous environment.
This is a thrilling novel, melding fact and fiction to draw out the balance of power, the almost hidden struggle that was instrumental in the outcome of the war. Since the sides are so blurred with their agents less defined and individual allegiances perhaps governed by financial gain Cécile struggles to find people she can trust. Matters take a turn for the worse and more dangerous for her, when aspects of her betrayal and escape from France re-surface.
I really enjoyed the tension the author was able to generate in this well chosen location that brought intrigue and a sense of autonomy where previously one worked under strict orders and where you life depended daily on others being like minded and diligent in their covert operations.
I liked the list of characters at the start. Don’t let this put you off as the piece is well written and as such you will be rarely need to refer to this list, to resolve who is who. Cécile could have done with a copy to find out who was who and definitely who was who they pretended to be.
In addition I found the author’s comments at the close of the book and what drew her to this unique environment during a worldwide struggle, that was so key. Mara has been inspired by true events and her imagination and inherent skills of a story-teller has produced a stunning book full of intrigue and danger.
The characters are believable and their courage deserves these fiction accounts that celebrate their efforts. The role of women spies was a courageous move that matched the bravery of those who enlisted and took the war into Europe.
Along with the often unsung heroes of those civilians who resisted occupation; the women Mara highlights through Cécile’s wartime efforts were truly fearless. One in three never returned to receive the medals they deserved, nor the life of freedom their sacrifice brought about.
February 24, 2021
Enjoyable book about a woman who's a SEO during WWII. She had to flee France and found herself working again in Lisbon - the City of Spies.
I have read a few spy thrillers before and I found this one to be a "light hearted" spy story.
I did like her as a female spy but I was not convinced by her character, by the fights and all the twists. And also, it sort of ended up being a love story. By the time I reached the end I realised that this will obviously going to be a series.
I have read a few spy thrillers before and I found this one to be a "light hearted" spy story.
I did like her as a female spy but I was not convinced by her character, by the fights and all the twists. And also, it sort of ended up being a love story. By the time I reached the end I realised that this will obviously going to be a series.
August 21, 2020
Elizabeth de Mornay is an SOE in Paris but when her cover is compromised she is forced to flee the city.
With the Gestapo hot on her heels she goes to Lisbon and a new mission and identity.
She now lives as Solange Verin, a French widow.
The job is to infiltrate the heart of a German espionage ring stopping them targeting allied shipping costing more lives.
But as Elizabeth gets nearer to the heart of what's going on she is in mortal peril as someone is watching her every move and Elizabeth will need all her wits about her to escape this mission with her life...
An exciting wartime spy novel with a refreshing insight into the life of a female SOE operative and though fiction the story is also blended with a lot of fact as many women, 39 in total apparently were used within the "Dirty tricks department."
Such a great read and left wide open for the proposed sequel so looking forward to more shenanigans in the future.
With the Gestapo hot on her heels she goes to Lisbon and a new mission and identity.
She now lives as Solange Verin, a French widow.
The job is to infiltrate the heart of a German espionage ring stopping them targeting allied shipping costing more lives.
But as Elizabeth gets nearer to the heart of what's going on she is in mortal peril as someone is watching her every move and Elizabeth will need all her wits about her to escape this mission with her life...
An exciting wartime spy novel with a refreshing insight into the life of a female SOE operative and though fiction the story is also blended with a lot of fact as many women, 39 in total apparently were used within the "Dirty tricks department."
Such a great read and left wide open for the proposed sequel so looking forward to more shenanigans in the future.
October 13, 2020
I absolutely loved this book, a wonderful espionage story set in Europe during World War Two!
I knew a little bit about Lisbon being a city full of spies during World War Two, from reading Solitaire, the fifth book in the Clara Vine series by Jane Thynne. I didn’t realise to what extent the government of Portugal played though, keeping all the different spy networks under surveillance, and benefiting from them.
Elizabeth de Mornay was a fantastic main character, who I rooted for right from the start of the book. I loved following her escape from Paris, through France to Lisbon. It was an intense journey she took, both physically and emotionally.
There were so many twists and turns in this book, with some brilliant unexpected moments, that had me gasping with shock at times. The author certainly knew how to surprise me!
There were lots of dodgy characters, and situations that had my heart in my mouth hoping that Elizabeth would be safe and not discovered by her enemies! Who exactly who were her enemies? Who could she trust?
A brilliant novel that I thoroughly recommend and can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next!
I knew a little bit about Lisbon being a city full of spies during World War Two, from reading Solitaire, the fifth book in the Clara Vine series by Jane Thynne. I didn’t realise to what extent the government of Portugal played though, keeping all the different spy networks under surveillance, and benefiting from them.
Elizabeth de Mornay was a fantastic main character, who I rooted for right from the start of the book. I loved following her escape from Paris, through France to Lisbon. It was an intense journey she took, both physically and emotionally.
There were so many twists and turns in this book, with some brilliant unexpected moments, that had me gasping with shock at times. The author certainly knew how to surprise me!
There were lots of dodgy characters, and situations that had my heart in my mouth hoping that Elizabeth would be safe and not discovered by her enemies! Who exactly who were her enemies? Who could she trust?
A brilliant novel that I thoroughly recommend and can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next!
September 12, 2020
A great debut novel with a story full of fiction and reality moments. This book wasn't what i was expecting at all and i am not disappointed at all by the characters or events.
It reads out much more like a contemporary novel, in my opinion, it doesn't have at all that historical poetic veil and the heroine is sassy and determined, very opinionated and proves in many occasions what a strong heroine and character she is, facts that i absolutely loved. She spends no time wasting when she wants something and goes for it.
With all the spies and suspenseful events, i read it more like a romance or at least the subplot is way heavier in the romance department and probably that's part of me enjoying this book so much.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy.
It reads out much more like a contemporary novel, in my opinion, it doesn't have at all that historical poetic veil and the heroine is sassy and determined, very opinionated and proves in many occasions what a strong heroine and character she is, facts that i absolutely loved. She spends no time wasting when she wants something and goes for it.
With all the spies and suspenseful events, i read it more like a romance or at least the subplot is way heavier in the romance department and probably that's part of me enjoying this book so much.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy.
September 26, 2020
In my opinion this is romantic fiction pretending to be spy fiction and not doing very well at either and I didn't enjoy the writing style. For a far better SOE book read Manda Scott's Treachery of Spies.
November 29, 2021
I really enjoyed this audiobook.
The narrator was excellent and it was a pleasure to listen to.
The story was exciting and I was fully immersed in it.
I love stories about the SOE and their heroism in WW2. I was intrigued with the Lison setting very much.
Strongly recommended.
The narrator was excellent and it was a pleasure to listen to.
The story was exciting and I was fully immersed in it.
I love stories about the SOE and their heroism in WW2. I was intrigued with the Lison setting very much.
Strongly recommended.
September 17, 2020
Those who know me well know that not only am I a book geek but I am also a history nerd with a special interest in stories set during both World Wars. So you can probably understand why I was so excited about ‘City Of Spies’ by Mara Timon. Let’s just say that I couldn’t wait and dived straight in. Oh boy, was it a read and a half or what? I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘City Of Spies’ but more about that in a bit.
I can’t say that I especially took to any of the characters but at the same time, I found that I cared about what happened to some of them. Elizabeth de Mornay is with the Special Operations Executive and to say that she has been in some dangerous situations is a massive understatement. She is one seriously brave, determined and at times stubborn young woman. I found it interesting that despite her privileged upbringing, she still chooses to flirt with death as it were. I can’t say that I especially warmed to her but at the same time I certainly admired her nerve and bravery.
It didn’t take me long to get into ‘City Of Spies’. In fact the synopsis was enough to grab my attention and then the story just drew me in. I was intrigued as to what was going to happen to Elizabeth and I felt compelled to keep reading to find out what happened to her. The pages turned over rather quickly and during the more dramatic bits they turned so quickly that the page numbers seemed to blur into one. I seemed to sprint through the latter half of the story and then all too quickly I had to bid farewell to the characters of this thrilling read.
‘City Of Spies’ is superbly written. I was impressed with the quality of the story and of the storytelling. I found it hard to believe that ‘City Of Spies’ was a debut novel as the writing style is so polished and confident. The author has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. I loved the way in which the author told the story using such vivid and realistic descriptions. I actually felt as though I was part of the story myself and I went through every experience, ordeal and emotion that Elizabeth went through. I was gripped by the story from start to finish and on the edge of my seat throughout.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘City Of Spies’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Mara’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I can’t say that I especially took to any of the characters but at the same time, I found that I cared about what happened to some of them. Elizabeth de Mornay is with the Special Operations Executive and to say that she has been in some dangerous situations is a massive understatement. She is one seriously brave, determined and at times stubborn young woman. I found it interesting that despite her privileged upbringing, she still chooses to flirt with death as it were. I can’t say that I especially warmed to her but at the same time I certainly admired her nerve and bravery.
It didn’t take me long to get into ‘City Of Spies’. In fact the synopsis was enough to grab my attention and then the story just drew me in. I was intrigued as to what was going to happen to Elizabeth and I felt compelled to keep reading to find out what happened to her. The pages turned over rather quickly and during the more dramatic bits they turned so quickly that the page numbers seemed to blur into one. I seemed to sprint through the latter half of the story and then all too quickly I had to bid farewell to the characters of this thrilling read.
‘City Of Spies’ is superbly written. I was impressed with the quality of the story and of the storytelling. I found it hard to believe that ‘City Of Spies’ was a debut novel as the writing style is so polished and confident. The author has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. I loved the way in which the author told the story using such vivid and realistic descriptions. I actually felt as though I was part of the story myself and I went through every experience, ordeal and emotion that Elizabeth went through. I was gripped by the story from start to finish and on the edge of my seat throughout.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘City Of Spies’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Mara’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
September 18, 2020
Wow! This is an action packed, fast paced spy thriller and I loved every second of it. With an amazing feisty female protagonist, this book will put you in the heart of Lisbon during WWII and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Elisabeth is such a brilliant character. I loved everything about her. She’s brave but has a vulnerable side, she will do whatever it takes for the people she cares about and for her country, and she really does put herself into some dangerous situations. I connected with her from the very beginning, and enjoyed every heart stopping moment that she took me on. But it’s not just her – the other characters in this are all brilliant too. I don’t want to say too much about any of them because I want you to experience the full intrigue when you read this, but just know that you will love so many of them, and detest more than a few!
The fact that this is set in neutral Lisbon was eye opening and brilliant. You’d think a neutral country would be exactly that – neutral…..but there is so much more that goes on behind the scenes, and Lisbon was the perfect setting for the City of Spies. Timon, having been to Lisbon, does a wonderful job of immersing you into the glamorous City and fully submerges you into the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style, told from Elisabeth’s point of view. It was easy and enjoyable to read, and the style easily made me feel like I was in the 1940’s. The action is incredible – there is always something going on, whether that’s a full on fight or Elisabeth off investigating and finding information. You honestly won’t want to put this down for a minute. And the ending……I literally had a ‘what!’ moment and didn’t want it to end. I’m just so happy there will be another book so I can catch up with this amazing heroine.
And finally, the other thing worth noting, and I found added a fantastic amount of added value, was the character list at the beginning of the story which tells you which characters are historically accurate; as well as the historical notes at the end which fills the reader in on what really did happen. If you’re a history fan like me, this made such a difference.
Overall, an absolutely stunning and intense debut. If you’re looking for your next action packed thriller/spy thriller/historical fiction novel then you need to check this out. I promise you won’t be disappointed. 100% recommended by me – I can’t wait to read the next one!
Elisabeth is such a brilliant character. I loved everything about her. She’s brave but has a vulnerable side, she will do whatever it takes for the people she cares about and for her country, and she really does put herself into some dangerous situations. I connected with her from the very beginning, and enjoyed every heart stopping moment that she took me on. But it’s not just her – the other characters in this are all brilliant too. I don’t want to say too much about any of them because I want you to experience the full intrigue when you read this, but just know that you will love so many of them, and detest more than a few!
The fact that this is set in neutral Lisbon was eye opening and brilliant. You’d think a neutral country would be exactly that – neutral…..but there is so much more that goes on behind the scenes, and Lisbon was the perfect setting for the City of Spies. Timon, having been to Lisbon, does a wonderful job of immersing you into the glamorous City and fully submerges you into the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style, told from Elisabeth’s point of view. It was easy and enjoyable to read, and the style easily made me feel like I was in the 1940’s. The action is incredible – there is always something going on, whether that’s a full on fight or Elisabeth off investigating and finding information. You honestly won’t want to put this down for a minute. And the ending……I literally had a ‘what!’ moment and didn’t want it to end. I’m just so happy there will be another book so I can catch up with this amazing heroine.
And finally, the other thing worth noting, and I found added a fantastic amount of added value, was the character list at the beginning of the story which tells you which characters are historically accurate; as well as the historical notes at the end which fills the reader in on what really did happen. If you’re a history fan like me, this made such a difference.
Overall, an absolutely stunning and intense debut. If you’re looking for your next action packed thriller/spy thriller/historical fiction novel then you need to check this out. I promise you won’t be disappointed. 100% recommended by me – I can’t wait to read the next one!
September 10, 2020
I really loved this book. I am a fan of WW2 historical fiction in general but this really got my pulse racing and opened my eyes to a world I knew little about. The main character Elisabeth is a sassy badass SOE agent who leads us through the complicated world between the Germans, Portuguese and British in Lisbon. I thought she was a great lead character and there is so much room for her to have several follow on stories. There is no end to the twist and turns, the second guessing and the intrigue within this book, there is definitely characters you despise from the get go but others that make you fall in love with them, Bertie and Eduard as great examples of this. Most of the characters within this novel are complicated and there is so much more to learn about them (which I am hoping for in the sequel!). I feel a bit bereft at letting this book go for now but I know it will be one I will pick up again in the future.
September 10, 2020
I really loved this book. I am a fan of WW2 historical fiction in general but this really got my pulse racing and opened my eyes to a world I knew little about. The main character Elisabeth is a sassy badass SOE agent who leads us through the complicated world between the Germans, Portuguese and British in Lisbon. I thought she was a great lead character and there is so much room for her to have several follow on stories. There is no end to the twist and turns, the second guessing and the intrigue within this book, there is definitely characters you despise from the get go but others that make you fall in love with them, Bertie and Eduard as great examples of this. Most of the characters within this novel are complicated and there is so much more to learn about them (which I am hoping for in the sequel!). I feel a bit bereft at letting this book go for now but I know it will be one I will pick up again in the future.
September 18, 2020
At first glance this probably isn't my usual "type" of book but I must say I was quickly proven wrong. The character list at the beginning of the book did put me off, as it seemed endless and unnecessary. But saying that, if you were struggling to understand and follow along (and I can see why as everyone has a different name or alter ego!), I can see how it could be helpful - but it just wasn't for me and it did put me off reading further a little bit.
Saying that, once I did read more I was hooked. The characters are engaging and interesting and nobody is who they appear to be! From fist fights to gun fights, you are never left without a bit of action and intrigue. If you are one for a spy novel, then I can safely say that you will enjoy this book. However, if you are more sceptical like I am, then I would recommend that you persevere as I am sure you will get drawn in quickly just as I did. Thank you.
Saying that, once I did read more I was hooked. The characters are engaging and interesting and nobody is who they appear to be! From fist fights to gun fights, you are never left without a bit of action and intrigue. If you are one for a spy novel, then I can safely say that you will enjoy this book. However, if you are more sceptical like I am, then I would recommend that you persevere as I am sure you will get drawn in quickly just as I did. Thank you.
August 23, 2022
I read this in two days and I never read that quick! I loved this story it was just the perfect balance of thriller, love and intensity. Perfect for someone that enjoys espionage and the mystery behind being a spy. The reasons why I didn’t give the book 5 ⭐️ was that sometimes I wasn’t sure which language the characters were speaking in. Sometimes I could pick it up but because of the book being set in Lisbon and the mixture of English, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese being spoken it was often hard to keep up with the story. I actually thought Eduard would of been in the final paragraph - it wasn’t the ending I wanted (probably because I’m love orientated). Many people said they found it hard keeping up with the shear amount of characters but I only had to check the character list once as all the characters in my opinion had distinct characteristics apart from the German soldiers.
August 31, 2020
This is a really good, fast paced, twisty turning spy thriller. You’re not sure who to trust from page. What makes it particularly good is that the main spy is a female which I liked as it meant that it was presented from a different perspective to other spy novels. I’m hoping our leading lady returns for some more missions...
The book is set primarily in neutral Lisbon in 1943 whilst the second world war rages around them in Europe. Elisabeth de Mornay has had to escape Paris and ultimately France as she is pursued by the Gestapo. When she arrives in Lisbon she is quickly setup with a new identify and cover story to infiltrate a German spy ring that is targeting and killing British Servicemen. However, in a city that is neutral it is difficult to know who to trust especially with a German officer and the Portuguese police watching her every move. Who can she trust..?
The book is set primarily in neutral Lisbon in 1943 whilst the second world war rages around them in Europe. Elisabeth de Mornay has had to escape Paris and ultimately France as she is pursued by the Gestapo. When she arrives in Lisbon she is quickly setup with a new identify and cover story to infiltrate a German spy ring that is targeting and killing British Servicemen. However, in a city that is neutral it is difficult to know who to trust especially with a German officer and the Portuguese police watching her every move. Who can she trust..?
September 12, 2020
Please Note: I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.
When I read the description for City of Spies, by Mara Timon, I got very excited. It's an historical fiction set in neutral Portugal during WWII. At it's center is a female SOE agent named Elisabeth who is a literal femme fatale. I've read several books lately about these SOE agents recruited during the war. The level of danger they willingly welcomed is hard to fathom, which is why I find novels about them so fascinating. With the intrigue of spies, rich expats and threats from all sides, this novel was an exciting page turner, and highly entertaining.
Read the full review on my blog: www.ponderingtheprose.blogspot.com after September 17, 2020.
When I read the description for City of Spies, by Mara Timon, I got very excited. It's an historical fiction set in neutral Portugal during WWII. At it's center is a female SOE agent named Elisabeth who is a literal femme fatale. I've read several books lately about these SOE agents recruited during the war. The level of danger they willingly welcomed is hard to fathom, which is why I find novels about them so fascinating. With the intrigue of spies, rich expats and threats from all sides, this novel was an exciting page turner, and highly entertaining.
Read the full review on my blog: www.ponderingtheprose.blogspot.com after September 17, 2020.
August 30, 2020
I read this book over a few days and enjoyed it. It’s set in Lisbon during the Second World War and from the beginning of this spy novel you get the sense of not being sure who you can trust.
The main character of Elisabeth de Mornay is likeable; at the end of each chapter I wanted to read on to find out what would happen to her.
There are quite a few characters in the book - they are all listed at the beginning of the book which is really helpful. It was also an interesting read as although it is fiction, the author has stayed close to the facts of that time too.
I would recommend this book to others; it had me intrigued from the beginning and was very atmospheric. I could definitely see a series of spy novels in the future.
Thanks to Readers First for an ARC.
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