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An Untapped Source #1
The Perfect Spy
Kate is a young CIA officer who’s made mistakes.
The Agency is giving her a chance for redemption by letting her run U-Tap—a group of middle-aged moms believed to be an untapped source in the fight against terrorism. Put a tired-looking mom behind the wheel of a minivan and she becomes invisible…and the perfect spy.
But Kate secretly fears she’s lost her instinct—that guiding voice that’s kept her safe in the world of espionage.
To run U-Tap, she must work with John, a handsome, experienced officer with a reputation that sends her self-doubts into overdrive.
And when Kate discovers John has secrets of his own, she must trust her instincts or lose everything.
The Agency is giving her a chance for redemption by letting her run U-Tap—a group of middle-aged moms believed to be an untapped source in the fight against terrorism. Put a tired-looking mom behind the wheel of a minivan and she becomes invisible…and the perfect spy.
But Kate secretly fears she’s lost her instinct—that guiding voice that’s kept her safe in the world of espionage.
To run U-Tap, she must work with John, a handsome, experienced officer with a reputation that sends her self-doubts into overdrive.
And when Kate discovers John has secrets of his own, she must trust her instincts or lose everything.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2021
220 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 21, 2024
I loved this book! The characters are real. I couldn’t put it down!
The romance is clean. It is a great story.!
Kate Ross has lost so much in the last six months. Her mother to cancer, an agent that she handled was killed on a job. Her career is in trouble. She is given a chance to manage a new team of “mom spies” until she is saddled with a more experienced man named John. Hold on to your hat and enjoy this book!
The romance is clean. It is a great story.!
Kate Ross has lost so much in the last six months. Her mother to cancer, an agent that she handled was killed on a job. Her career is in trouble. She is given a chance to manage a new team of “mom spies” until she is saddled with a more experienced man named John. Hold on to your hat and enjoy this book!
September 14, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. I think its biggest draw is its realism. The characters, the CIA setting, the villaings... they all feel incredibly realistic.
I liked that there were hints of danger, without being completely terrifying. This would be a good book to introduce people to this genre, where it's not quite as scary as the (admittedly few) thriller/mystery type books I've read.
One thing that made me hesitate was that there were two seperate antagonists in the front and back half of the books. It adds to the realism, but it seems like having them being tied together in some way would make the story more cohesive.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are portrayed really well. I love the premise of older moms becoming spies, and how the skills they learned through being a mom come into play as CIA officers. I highly recommend reading this book!
I liked that there were hints of danger, without being completely terrifying. This would be a good book to introduce people to this genre, where it's not quite as scary as the (admittedly few) thriller/mystery type books I've read.
One thing that made me hesitate was that there were two seperate antagonists in the front and back half of the books. It adds to the realism, but it seems like having them being tied together in some way would make the story more cohesive.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are portrayed really well. I love the premise of older moms becoming spies, and how the skills they learned through being a mom come into play as CIA officers. I highly recommend reading this book!
May 3, 2022
I wish I could give this 5 stars, but there is a part in this story where I was a bit offended by its immaturity. Pages of a flatulent prisoner - ugh! I skipped ahead and got back into the story after talking myself in continuing to read - and I loved the story and am half way through book two.
She's a CIA agent and part of a female/mom team. The mom part is important, because there are things mom's notice that others may not. It also supplies the humor in the story, that and a wonderful four year old little girl who is the hero's daughter.
The story was an easy read even though there were suspenseful moments. Other than those pages I mentioned above the story was a clean read and that section was just immature.
She's a CIA agent and part of a female/mom team. The mom part is important, because there are things mom's notice that others may not. It also supplies the humor in the story, that and a wonderful four year old little girl who is the hero's daughter.
The story was an easy read even though there were suspenseful moments. Other than those pages I mentioned above the story was a clean read and that section was just immature.
May 20, 2021
Amazing!
I have read books by this author before and really liked her books but this one was AMAZING!
First the writing is beautiful. Second, the characters jump off the page with their courage and integrity. Third the plot was full of surprises taking unexpected twists.
From the first page my eyes were glued to the fast action and interesting details. Kate is recovering from a bad operation in Afghanistan. She works with an unusual but highly qualified team of middle-aged moms! Their non-descript blend-in appearances deceive even the most cunning drug cartel.
Don’t miss this amazing, action-packed, and breathtaking book!
I have read books by this author before and really liked her books but this one was AMAZING!
First the writing is beautiful. Second, the characters jump off the page with their courage and integrity. Third the plot was full of surprises taking unexpected twists.
From the first page my eyes were glued to the fast action and interesting details. Kate is recovering from a bad operation in Afghanistan. She works with an unusual but highly qualified team of middle-aged moms! Their non-descript blend-in appearances deceive even the most cunning drug cartel.
Don’t miss this amazing, action-packed, and breathtaking book!
February 22, 2025
Surprise ending
Great suspense/mystery/thriller. True to its title, the story is clean with no graphic violance, foul language, or sexual overtones. The story was filled with entertainment and reading adventure.
There was actually two suspenseful plots: the first plot was a well planned prisoner transfer and a cartel gang capture. The first plot gave support to the special CIA team that was developed. The second plot was the main feature. A surprise ending is well hidden.
I hope you enjoy the tale as much as I did. I especially liked the character development and the surprise ending.
Great suspense/mystery/thriller. True to its title, the story is clean with no graphic violance, foul language, or sexual overtones. The story was filled with entertainment and reading adventure.
There was actually two suspenseful plots: the first plot was a well planned prisoner transfer and a cartel gang capture. The first plot gave support to the special CIA team that was developed. The second plot was the main feature. A surprise ending is well hidden.
I hope you enjoy the tale as much as I did. I especially liked the character development and the surprise ending.
April 27, 2021
So much packed into one amazing story!
I've only read one other book by this author. While it was a good read, it wasn't phenomenal. But this one! The author's writing has matured or expanded or something. So much going on on a subconscious level. It's a story of trust, forgiveness, bravery in facing the past and the future, and heroism. Loved the complex characters and situations. Real people making a change in an evil world. Loved that it was written in first person. Religious undertones. Clean romance with great kisses.
I've only read one other book by this author. While it was a good read, it wasn't phenomenal. But this one! The author's writing has matured or expanded or something. So much going on on a subconscious level. It's a story of trust, forgiveness, bravery in facing the past and the future, and heroism. Loved the complex characters and situations. Real people making a change in an evil world. Loved that it was written in first person. Religious undertones. Clean romance with great kisses.
November 13, 2021
Unexpected
First, I had to readjust my mind to accept the first person aspect of "The Perfect Spy", then I had to adjust to the "real time" aspect. I didn't like it at first, but soon got into it and realized the real time narration was a great help to the suspense as I was carried along with Kate with the pretty eyes as she and John worked to break up the jihadist cell before irreversible damage was done. I could stop now, but it is a bit of a cliffhanger so I will read more while I'm attuned to this format.
First, I had to readjust my mind to accept the first person aspect of "The Perfect Spy", then I had to adjust to the "real time" aspect. I didn't like it at first, but soon got into it and realized the real time narration was a great help to the suspense as I was carried along with Kate with the pretty eyes as she and John worked to break up the jihadist cell before irreversible damage was done. I could stop now, but it is a bit of a cliffhanger so I will read more while I'm attuned to this format.
April 13, 2023
excellent storyline
This book surprised me. I thought it might get too scary and suspenseful for me. There were some exciting events but it was a relief to not have every few pages with another twist.
The characters grew to trust and love each other. The progression was natural and good. There wasn’t all the love/hate drama of some romances. This was 2 adults not teenagers.
I enjoyed the “spy” info and that it was a woman in the lead not a man. It is always amazing to me how perfect the men are in these novels. Not much like real life! Read this. You will enjoy it.
This book surprised me. I thought it might get too scary and suspenseful for me. There were some exciting events but it was a relief to not have every few pages with another twist.
The characters grew to trust and love each other. The progression was natural and good. There wasn’t all the love/hate drama of some romances. This was 2 adults not teenagers.
I enjoyed the “spy” info and that it was a woman in the lead not a man. It is always amazing to me how perfect the men are in these novels. Not much like real life! Read this. You will enjoy it.
September 19, 2021
Great read
This is my first ever Spy Novel. I loved it! I was drawn in to the story, and stayed on the edge ... not once did I lose interest. I believe I also learned about those who may actually do this work for our country. My favorite part about the book was not once any language that would be dirty or any innuendo but clean ,thrilling suspence. I really enjoyed this book!
This is my first ever Spy Novel. I loved it! I was drawn in to the story, and stayed on the edge ... not once did I lose interest. I believe I also learned about those who may actually do this work for our country. My favorite part about the book was not once any language that would be dirty or any innuendo but clean ,thrilling suspence. I really enjoyed this book!
December 28, 2022
Holy Crow! I loved this book. I was at a writers' conference and received all three books in this series. It's one of the best spy books I've read, and I love Tracy Abramson's books! I loved how they impowered mom's a great spy's and gave men the appropriate esteem. It was a well-balanced, well written book with an even better storyline. I loved meeting Amy Martinson and I'm excited to get to book 2. I loved the love story intertwined as well.
September 6, 2023
50 is fabulous and so is this story!
Super fun, fast and and intense CIA operation run by middle aged mommas. The romance was clean, the action fast, with the shocking twist that turns your stomach. Written in first person present tense, the feel was Sam Spade but quickly evolved to the author’s contemporary voice, putting the reader into the story. Can’t wait to read the rest of the stories in the series!
Super fun, fast and and intense CIA operation run by middle aged mommas. The romance was clean, the action fast, with the shocking twist that turns your stomach. Written in first person present tense, the feel was Sam Spade but quickly evolved to the author’s contemporary voice, putting the reader into the story. Can’t wait to read the rest of the stories in the series!
September 12, 2023
I'm interested. :) That's what I have to say about the beginning of this series. I was in the mood for romantic suspense and decided to give this one a chance. I haven't read anything by this author but now I will definitely be coming back for more. Big "women power" vibes. Using underestimation as their super power.
Content: mild peril, mild violence. Terrorism. Christian elements (praying, belief in God).
Content: mild peril, mild violence. Terrorism. Christian elements (praying, belief in God).
December 13, 2025
Interesting premise, great plot
I never noticed how invisible MOMS are. Like clerical, janitorial, and postal workers they can come and go ubiquitously.
But these characters add SKILLS to their bag of tricks.
The boss they were so critical of at the start becomes an integral part of the team.
This held my interest all the way through. I have purchased and will start book two.
Little Livvy and grandma Rose are my favorite extra characters.
I never noticed how invisible MOMS are. Like clerical, janitorial, and postal workers they can come and go ubiquitously.
But these characters add SKILLS to their bag of tricks.
The boss they were so critical of at the start becomes an integral part of the team.
This held my interest all the way through. I have purchased and will start book two.
Little Livvy and grandma Rose are my favorite extra characters.
August 1, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! Definitely adding this author to my must read every book they write list! Be prepared, not all of the twists and turns are saved for the end. I found myself saying " are you kidding me" more than once in the middle of the book! Must read for those who love clean suspense!
September 26, 2021
Late is a CIA agent worn down by her life recently when given the chance to run a special group of “mom spies,” older women who look like every soccer moms but have very specific and effective skills as agents. She is to be helped out by an experienced agent who (no surprise) she starts to develop feelings for. Nice clean novel heavy on the suspense and lighter on the romance
October 27, 2021
Wow!
Thank you for a very exciting afternoon! There are suspense stories and then there are SUSPENSE stories. This story was one of the SUSPENSE variety! Breaks were hard to take. Any plot detail I could share might steal enjoyment from future readers, so the whole experience will be yours if you decide to one. I can’t wait to start the next story in the series!
Thank you for a very exciting afternoon! There are suspense stories and then there are SUSPENSE stories. This story was one of the SUSPENSE variety! Breaks were hard to take. Any plot detail I could share might steal enjoyment from future readers, so the whole experience will be yours if you decide to one. I can’t wait to start the next story in the series!
November 1, 2021
What is a "perfect spy"? Seemed like a strange title for a book. I don't have an answer for my own question but I do know this is a good book that I enjoyed very much. This is the first book I have read by this author. I am going to look up if she has other works because I like her style of writing & her mystery. Now on to the second story.
December 2, 2025
A spy novel that feels too real
I appreciated the pace of this book, Amy Martinsen took the time to develop the characters and plot lines before having the action snowball without slowing. There was a little too.much romance for me but that didn't take away from my enjoyment.much.
I appreciated the pace of this book, Amy Martinsen took the time to develop the characters and plot lines before having the action snowball without slowing. There was a little too.much romance for me but that didn't take away from my enjoyment.much.
January 11, 2021
I will definitely pick up the sequel!
This was such a cool take compared to your average CIA Spy novel. I can’t wait to see what happens with Kate and John. Of course, I also love reading about these strong badass women and what they are capable of together.
This was such a cool take compared to your average CIA Spy novel. I can’t wait to see what happens with Kate and John. Of course, I also love reading about these strong badass women and what they are capable of together.
January 24, 2021
Very good book!
I wasn't sure what you expect with this book. It's in the first person, which I'm not used to anymore, but the author made the people and situations come alive.
It's not wordy - a big plus!
It's clean and held my attention.
I wasn't sure what you expect with this book. It's in the first person, which I'm not used to anymore, but the author made the people and situations come alive.
It's not wordy - a big plus!
It's clean and held my attention.
February 17, 2021
Hold onto your hat!
Hold onto your hat and prepare for a wild ride of espionage with The Perfect Spy. Awesome storyline and characters. I can’t wait to enjoy more books from this series!
Hold onto your hat and prepare for a wild ride of espionage with The Perfect Spy. Awesome storyline and characters. I can’t wait to enjoy more books from this series!
August 5, 2022
Interesting
I must admit, I love good spy stories, especially with gifted, focused characters. These are outstanding. I like that the story is not 'over the top', so it is more believable. An enjoyable read.
I must admit, I love good spy stories, especially with gifted, focused characters. These are outstanding. I like that the story is not 'over the top', so it is more believable. An enjoyable read.
March 12, 2024
Very good story
This was a different story. I loved the idea of using moms with various talents and skills to do spy craft. The story moved along at a good pace and kept me turning pages. I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
This was a different story. I loved the idea of using moms with various talents and skills to do spy craft. The story moved along at a good pace and kept me turning pages. I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
April 17, 2025
Different
Because the book is a spy novel, it was a bit different from anything else I have read recently. It was an enjoyable read, especially the interactions between the team members.
Because the book is a spy novel, it was a bit different from anything else I have read recently. It was an enjoyable read, especially the interactions between the team members.
Want to read
January 7, 2021Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
January 10, 2021
Wonderful book of intrigue!
I would highly recommend this book! The story was captivating with intrigue and well-written. Great thought of using “mom’s” wisdom for fighting crime!
I would highly recommend this book! The story was captivating with intrigue and well-written. Great thought of using “mom’s” wisdom for fighting crime!
February 4, 2021
It was so long and boring and so many characters who don't really enhance the plot. Man, I ended up sick of the book....
February 15, 2021
Intriguing story
I enjoyed this story. It was full of excitement and intrigue. I liked how everything came to a head so quickly at the end.
I enjoyed this story. It was full of excitement and intrigue. I liked how everything came to a head so quickly at the end.
February 18, 2021
This is my first book by Amy and I will look for more! The "mom spies" is both funny and clever. With the addition of a spy-style romance, it's an engaging and entertaining story.
June 8, 2021
Review
One word comes to mind: Powerful. Once I started reading I only stopped because I couldn't stay awake. I woke this morning and finished it. I cannot for book two to come out.
One word comes to mind: Powerful. Once I started reading I only stopped because I couldn't stay awake. I woke this morning and finished it. I cannot for book two to come out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews