What do you think?
Rate this book
The Diplomat's Wife
TO LOVE, HONOUR, AND BETRAY...
'One of our finest thriller writers.' Daily Mail
1936: Devastated by the death of her beloved brother Hugh, Emma seeks to keep his memory alive by wholeheartedly embracing his dreams of a communist revolution. But when she marries an ambitious diplomat, she must leave her ideals behind and live within the confines of embassy life in Paris and Nazi Berlin. Then one of Hugh's old comrades reappears, asking her to report on her philandering husband, and her loyalties are torn.
1979: Emma's grandson, Phil, dreams of a gap-year tour of Cold War Europe, but is nowhere near being able to fund it. So when his beloved grandmother determines to make one last trip to the places she lived as a young diplomatic wife, and to try to solve a mystery that has haunted her since the war, he jumps at the chance to accompany her. But their journey takes them to darker, more dangerous places than either of them could ever have imagined...
' Thoroughly engaging. Prewar Europe has rarely been evoked with the skill that Ridpath displays here.' Financial Times
'One of our finest thriller writers.' Daily Mail
1936: Devastated by the death of her beloved brother Hugh, Emma seeks to keep his memory alive by wholeheartedly embracing his dreams of a communist revolution. But when she marries an ambitious diplomat, she must leave her ideals behind and live within the confines of embassy life in Paris and Nazi Berlin. Then one of Hugh's old comrades reappears, asking her to report on her philandering husband, and her loyalties are torn.
1979: Emma's grandson, Phil, dreams of a gap-year tour of Cold War Europe, but is nowhere near being able to fund it. So when his beloved grandmother determines to make one last trip to the places she lived as a young diplomatic wife, and to try to solve a mystery that has haunted her since the war, he jumps at the chance to accompany her. But their journey takes them to darker, more dangerous places than either of them could ever have imagined...
' Thoroughly engaging. Prewar Europe has rarely been evoked with the skill that Ridpath displays here.' Financial Times
368 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2021
84 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Michael Ridpath
71 books313 followersBefore becoming a writer, Michael Ridpath used to work as a bond trader in the City of London. After writing several financial thrillers, which were published in over 30 languages, he began a crime series featuring the Icelandic detective Magnus Jonson. He has also written five stand-alone thrillers, the latest of which is The Diplomat’s Wife, published in February 2021. He lives in London.
And if you want a free copy of his novella, The Polar Bear Killing, and to sign up to his quarterly newsletter, just click this link: http://eepurl.com/dlzgFH
And if you want a free copy of his novella, The Polar Bear Killing, and to sign up to his quarterly newsletter, just click this link: http://eepurl.com/dlzgFH
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 11, 2021
Phil’s plan to spend the summer of 1979 hitchhiking across Europe with a pal, chatting up girls turns into an incident-filled adventure with his grandmother, Emma. It’s certainly a little more eventful than her description of it as ‘a little trip around Europe to revisit old times’ would suggest. But then Emma is not your conventional grandmother. For the wife of a former diplomat, she’s delightfully un-diplomatic when it comes to expressing her opinions and speaking her mind. As Phil reflects later, “He imagined her as a young diplomat’s wife confounding all who met her, diplomats and spymasters, throughout Europe”.
I enjoyed the dual time structure, switching between 1979 and the 1930s, with Emma gradually revealing to Phil her experiences in Paris and Berlin. I particularly liked the sections in which the reader experiences through Emma’s eye the atmosphere of pre-war Paris – the diplomatic parties, the Embassy politics, rubbing shoulders with artistic and literary luminaries such as Marc Chagall, James Joyce and Gertrude Stein. I also found it fascinating to see the contrast Emma observes between pre-war and post-war Germany, now separated by the Berlin Wall.
For someone supposedly familiar with the novels of John le Carré some of Phil’s actions seemed a little naive, allowing himself to fall into traps that seemed fairly obvious to me. However, at other times, he proved himself quick-witted and resourceful. His steadfast devotion to his grandmother made theirs a touching partnership, even if it emerges she’s not been entirely truthful about her past – or her present, come to that.
For fans of spy thrillers, there are all the features you would expect: coded messages, emergency contact procedures and counter-surveillance measures. And for readers who like a bit of action, there are also some moments of melodrama. The currency of espionage is betrayal, lies, and more lies and there’s plenty of that here. I certainly felt some sympathy for Phil as he wonders just what to believe and who to trust. I confess I was rather more interested in Phil’s and Emma’s journey into her past than I was with the covert mission Phil finds himself entrusted with which definitely ventures into John le Carré territory, recalling the reveal at the end of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.
A search for answers, a quest for justice and a story of love, loss and betrayal, The Diplomat’s Wife combines an eventful road trip across Cold War era Europe with all the ingredients of a wartime espionage thriller.
I enjoyed the dual time structure, switching between 1979 and the 1930s, with Emma gradually revealing to Phil her experiences in Paris and Berlin. I particularly liked the sections in which the reader experiences through Emma’s eye the atmosphere of pre-war Paris – the diplomatic parties, the Embassy politics, rubbing shoulders with artistic and literary luminaries such as Marc Chagall, James Joyce and Gertrude Stein. I also found it fascinating to see the contrast Emma observes between pre-war and post-war Germany, now separated by the Berlin Wall.
For someone supposedly familiar with the novels of John le Carré some of Phil’s actions seemed a little naive, allowing himself to fall into traps that seemed fairly obvious to me. However, at other times, he proved himself quick-witted and resourceful. His steadfast devotion to his grandmother made theirs a touching partnership, even if it emerges she’s not been entirely truthful about her past – or her present, come to that.
For fans of spy thrillers, there are all the features you would expect: coded messages, emergency contact procedures and counter-surveillance measures. And for readers who like a bit of action, there are also some moments of melodrama. The currency of espionage is betrayal, lies, and more lies and there’s plenty of that here. I certainly felt some sympathy for Phil as he wonders just what to believe and who to trust. I confess I was rather more interested in Phil’s and Emma’s journey into her past than I was with the covert mission Phil finds himself entrusted with which definitely ventures into John le Carré territory, recalling the reveal at the end of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.
A search for answers, a quest for justice and a story of love, loss and betrayal, The Diplomat’s Wife combines an eventful road trip across Cold War era Europe with all the ingredients of a wartime espionage thriller.
May 31, 2021
Wonderful
January 16, 2021
Beware of spies...
What can I say, I really enjoyed this book!
Reading the blurb I was a bit unsure; with the story taking place in both 1936 and 1979, split timelines can at times be difficult to follow or one era lacking compared to the other. I need not have worried though, as I was swept along and fully immersed within the two timelines.
I'm not usually a big reader of historical or political fiction, but thankfully this felt more like an adventure story - in which I was happily carried along for the ride.
The young Phil and his Grandmother Emma were brilliant company as they took in France, Germany and Spain on their journey together. Whilst light in parts (given they are a somewhat unusual pairing) - their story is fraught with danger along the way and there are some shocking events which belies their cosy pairing.
I loved both the action set in the 30s and the 70s and was sad when the book came to an end.
It was pure escapism to be lost in a world of diplomats and spies and I'd happily recommend it to others.
Thanks to Readers First for providing an ARC.
What can I say, I really enjoyed this book!
Reading the blurb I was a bit unsure; with the story taking place in both 1936 and 1979, split timelines can at times be difficult to follow or one era lacking compared to the other. I need not have worried though, as I was swept along and fully immersed within the two timelines.
I'm not usually a big reader of historical or political fiction, but thankfully this felt more like an adventure story - in which I was happily carried along for the ride.
The young Phil and his Grandmother Emma were brilliant company as they took in France, Germany and Spain on their journey together. Whilst light in parts (given they are a somewhat unusual pairing) - their story is fraught with danger along the way and there are some shocking events which belies their cosy pairing.
I loved both the action set in the 30s and the 70s and was sad when the book came to an end.
It was pure escapism to be lost in a world of diplomats and spies and I'd happily recommend it to others.
Thanks to Readers First for providing an ARC.
June 15, 2023
Really enjoyed this one. Another great thriller by this author. I think this would work very well as a tv series too.
February 5, 2021
Fired by his currently favourite book, The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide subtitled How to See Europe by the Skin of Your Teeth, eighteen-year-old Phil is all set for the freedom of the open road, on a gap year with his mate Mike. However, the funds saved for the trip have now been confiscated by Phil’s father to pay for a new car following Phil’s encounter with a Bedford van. Relating this to his grandmother who has dropped in for lunch on her way home to Cornwall, Phil discovers he has an ally. She says that she has been thinking for some time of driving around Europe visiting some of her old haunts - Paris, Berlin. Places she and her husband Roland were posted to before the war. Maybe 1979 is a good time to do it before I get too old, she says. Phil can be my driver, for which I will cover all his expenses.
As they embark on their journey, she tells Phil a little of her life in 1934 when she was nineteen and living with her parents in Chaddington Hall, Devon and in particular her beloved elder brother Hugh. Daughter of a Lord, Emma with her mother did the London season seeking to secure Emma a husband. Being clever and outspoken her season was not a success, and soon she was back at Chaddington Hall.
In his second year at Cambridge Hugh told Emma he has totally embraced communism and wanted to visit Russia. Then, on a recent visit home, he recanted leaving Emma feeling abandoned and unsure. When she learned that Hugh had taken up a position that compromised all he had told her he believed in, she is devastated, even though he insisted that he was still a socialist. It is while she is in this state of mind that she met Roland Meeke, a diplomat who had taken a cottage on the estate for a couple of weeks to go hunting. Then Hugh is killed, and Emma is distraught. It was during this time when Emma is numb with grief that Roland Meeke proved a good friend to all the family and within a few months Roland proposed marriage to Emma and she accepted.
So, Emma became the wife of a Diplomat and entered the embassy circles of Paris and Nazi Berlin. When old friends of Hugh’s appear and ask to report on certain people, she enters a dangerous game.
The story switches back to 1979, and as Emma and Phil travel through Europe, Phil becomes aware that the places they are visiting, and the people Emma is enquiring after are maybe taking them into dangerous territory. The Cold War is very cold, and the people they are talking to could spell danger for them. Eventually Emma admits she is trying to solve a mystery, but she doesn’t specify what the mystery is. But death is following them.
The characterisation is excellent, the story intriguing, it is one of those books that once you start reading you cannot put down until you have devoured it all.
I have enjoyed all Michael Ridpath’s books, his financial thrillers, and the Icelandic police procedurals. He is the consummate storyteller. This book is highly recommended.
------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
As they embark on their journey, she tells Phil a little of her life in 1934 when she was nineteen and living with her parents in Chaddington Hall, Devon and in particular her beloved elder brother Hugh. Daughter of a Lord, Emma with her mother did the London season seeking to secure Emma a husband. Being clever and outspoken her season was not a success, and soon she was back at Chaddington Hall.
In his second year at Cambridge Hugh told Emma he has totally embraced communism and wanted to visit Russia. Then, on a recent visit home, he recanted leaving Emma feeling abandoned and unsure. When she learned that Hugh had taken up a position that compromised all he had told her he believed in, she is devastated, even though he insisted that he was still a socialist. It is while she is in this state of mind that she met Roland Meeke, a diplomat who had taken a cottage on the estate for a couple of weeks to go hunting. Then Hugh is killed, and Emma is distraught. It was during this time when Emma is numb with grief that Roland Meeke proved a good friend to all the family and within a few months Roland proposed marriage to Emma and she accepted.
So, Emma became the wife of a Diplomat and entered the embassy circles of Paris and Nazi Berlin. When old friends of Hugh’s appear and ask to report on certain people, she enters a dangerous game.
The story switches back to 1979, and as Emma and Phil travel through Europe, Phil becomes aware that the places they are visiting, and the people Emma is enquiring after are maybe taking them into dangerous territory. The Cold War is very cold, and the people they are talking to could spell danger for them. Eventually Emma admits she is trying to solve a mystery, but she doesn’t specify what the mystery is. But death is following them.
The characterisation is excellent, the story intriguing, it is one of those books that once you start reading you cannot put down until you have devoured it all.
I have enjoyed all Michael Ridpath’s books, his financial thrillers, and the Icelandic police procedurals. He is the consummate storyteller. This book is highly recommended.
------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
January 23, 2021
Well...I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I was keen to get stuck into this novel and it did not disappoint. I loved the narratives of both eras; both 1936 and 1979 were filled with suspense, drama and adventure, and I couldn’t wait to read on and find out what was going to happen. I looked forward to picking up this book when I had the chance to read.
Emma and her grandson Phil make a really good pairing in this story, and I liked both characters and the role they played in this book. I also really enjoyed the different places the novel took me to across Europe...all amazing cities and some that I have visited and loved. It makes me want to visit these places again soon!
There were quite a few characters in the book and it was fairly fast paced. I would highly recommend this book to others as it would surely appeal to a lot of readers.
Thanks to Readers First for providing an ARC.
January 16, 2021
After a rather slow start I found this story entertaining and relatively well-paced and, although I found most of the twists, turns and red-herrings predictable, there was enough intrigue to keep me engaged with the developing plot. I enjoyed the deepening relationship which developed between Emma and her grandson as they made their road trip across Europe, with her gradually revealing the secrets from her past – a story of love, loss, betrayal, mystery, espionage and revenge. However, when Phil discovers a gun in his grandmother’s luggage, it becomes clear to him (and to the reader!) that their trip is likely to be much more exciting, and dangerous, than a sentimental trip down memory lane!
The switches between the two timelines (which were well-executed and never felt disruptive) allowed for the complexities of Emma’s past to emerge through her first-person narrative in the sections from the past. There are several strands of mystery within the story and the ways in which these are interconnected emerge partly through Emma’s revelations about her past experiences and what drove her to make the decisions she did, and partly because, during this trip, she now discovers that people she’d trusted had betrayed her. However, there are also present-day characters who are not all they claim to be, adding even more complexity to the layers of mystery and intrigue.
The author’s descriptions of pre and post-war Paris and Berlin felt authentic and I appreciated how he used Emma’s recollections of the times she had spent in those cities to reflect on how much Berlin had changed in the intervening Cold War years, whilst Paris remained essentially the same. One of the things I enjoyed about his story-telling was the way in which he interspersed snippets of history and interesting facts into his narrative, thus adding not only extra interest, but contributing to his atmospheric scene-setting. Just one example being when Emma told her grandson that the no-man’s-land created by the Berlin Wall used to be the Potsdamer Platz, once the busiest junction in Europe!
I enjoyed the ways in which author explored various family dynamics – parent/child relationships, bonds between siblings, marital interactions and, through the two main characters, the special bond between grandparent and grandchild – and, through the dual timeline, explored the way these were affected by societal changes and expectations. Other themes which ran through the story included the changing face of politics during the forty decades the story encompasses, the role of a diplomat’s wife in a foreign embassy, espionage and the role of the secret services.
I think the best way to enjoy this story is by being prepared to suspend disbelief at some of the extraordinary coincidences which enable the story to unfold. Also, although this story is described as a thriller, and does indeed contain murders, the protagonists fleeing from the police and needing to cross international borders to do so etc, for me it lacked any real tension. However, it is an enjoyable and, at times, thought-provoking read.
With thanks to Readers First and the publisher for my advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
The switches between the two timelines (which were well-executed and never felt disruptive) allowed for the complexities of Emma’s past to emerge through her first-person narrative in the sections from the past. There are several strands of mystery within the story and the ways in which these are interconnected emerge partly through Emma’s revelations about her past experiences and what drove her to make the decisions she did, and partly because, during this trip, she now discovers that people she’d trusted had betrayed her. However, there are also present-day characters who are not all they claim to be, adding even more complexity to the layers of mystery and intrigue.
The author’s descriptions of pre and post-war Paris and Berlin felt authentic and I appreciated how he used Emma’s recollections of the times she had spent in those cities to reflect on how much Berlin had changed in the intervening Cold War years, whilst Paris remained essentially the same. One of the things I enjoyed about his story-telling was the way in which he interspersed snippets of history and interesting facts into his narrative, thus adding not only extra interest, but contributing to his atmospheric scene-setting. Just one example being when Emma told her grandson that the no-man’s-land created by the Berlin Wall used to be the Potsdamer Platz, once the busiest junction in Europe!
I enjoyed the ways in which author explored various family dynamics – parent/child relationships, bonds between siblings, marital interactions and, through the two main characters, the special bond between grandparent and grandchild – and, through the dual timeline, explored the way these were affected by societal changes and expectations. Other themes which ran through the story included the changing face of politics during the forty decades the story encompasses, the role of a diplomat’s wife in a foreign embassy, espionage and the role of the secret services.
I think the best way to enjoy this story is by being prepared to suspend disbelief at some of the extraordinary coincidences which enable the story to unfold. Also, although this story is described as a thriller, and does indeed contain murders, the protagonists fleeing from the police and needing to cross international borders to do so etc, for me it lacked any real tension. However, it is an enjoyable and, at times, thought-provoking read.
With thanks to Readers First and the publisher for my advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2023
Interesting premise that faded out by the end....
I was hoping to have fallen in love with this book as this genre is something I usually enjoy reading. However, I just found the whole story a little long-winded and drawn out.
After reading the first couple of chapters I thought I was going to enjoy this book and these set me up for an adventure across England, Paris, Berlin and Spain through 1939 and 1979.
From meeting Phil, a eighteen-year old no-longer excited to be going on a trip around Europe with his friend but going with his grandmother, Emma, instead on trip down memory lane, sounded compelling.
I really liked that the book switched between time, years and locations and the visual storytelling here was lovely. Having lived in Paris and visited Berlin I definitely could imagine myself in these settings. These also offered an invitation of longing to return and go on my own little adventure.
Especially, the descriptions of Berlin on the brink of war were very harrowing and exceptionally well done. And, in some ways I thought the book may have touched more on the pre-war era as well as the war itself. The storyline in 1979 was overall okay, but I did feel it did not really make me think of being in that year. I felt there needed to be more references to take me back in time.
On another note, the whole idea of spies, secrets and espionage was exciting at first, however and sadly, I found this aspect the most confusing in the book. I felt like I lost track of all the different characters, maybe there was just one too many. I also started to get confused about who was who and who was where when.
By the end, my head felt all muddled up and detracted from me enjoying the book and easing into the story and the character's lives.
Additionally, I felt like all the main characters could of had more depth to them. I felt they were all quite one sided and needed fleshing out. The relationship between grandson and grandmother could of been made to be more special and intimate and felt more character progression was needed to fully appreciate Phil's coming of age journey.
I also felt there was potential for the story to include more suspension, with more tension being weaved throughout. The ending chapters felt a little hurried, with some of the consequences feeling a little far-fetched.
On a final note, I wasn't completely struck by the book cover design and this emanated a romance kind of feel, which is definitely not what this story is about.
I was hoping to have fallen in love with this book as this genre is something I usually enjoy reading. However, I just found the whole story a little long-winded and drawn out.
After reading the first couple of chapters I thought I was going to enjoy this book and these set me up for an adventure across England, Paris, Berlin and Spain through 1939 and 1979.
From meeting Phil, a eighteen-year old no-longer excited to be going on a trip around Europe with his friend but going with his grandmother, Emma, instead on trip down memory lane, sounded compelling.
I really liked that the book switched between time, years and locations and the visual storytelling here was lovely. Having lived in Paris and visited Berlin I definitely could imagine myself in these settings. These also offered an invitation of longing to return and go on my own little adventure.
Especially, the descriptions of Berlin on the brink of war were very harrowing and exceptionally well done. And, in some ways I thought the book may have touched more on the pre-war era as well as the war itself. The storyline in 1979 was overall okay, but I did feel it did not really make me think of being in that year. I felt there needed to be more references to take me back in time.
On another note, the whole idea of spies, secrets and espionage was exciting at first, however and sadly, I found this aspect the most confusing in the book. I felt like I lost track of all the different characters, maybe there was just one too many. I also started to get confused about who was who and who was where when.
By the end, my head felt all muddled up and detracted from me enjoying the book and easing into the story and the character's lives.
Additionally, I felt like all the main characters could of had more depth to them. I felt they were all quite one sided and needed fleshing out. The relationship between grandson and grandmother could of been made to be more special and intimate and felt more character progression was needed to fully appreciate Phil's coming of age journey.
I also felt there was potential for the story to include more suspension, with more tension being weaved throughout. The ending chapters felt a little hurried, with some of the consequences feeling a little far-fetched.
On a final note, I wasn't completely struck by the book cover design and this emanated a romance kind of feel, which is definitely not what this story is about.
January 5, 2021
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
I was blown away by how good this book was. This book follows two main characters, Emma and her grandson Phil. Emma was the wife of a diplomat (as the title suggests) and she wants to spend the summer taking a trip to places she lived with her husband when they were younger, and Phil comes along to escort her. Then begins the dual narrative of Emma recounting her time as a diplomat’s wife whilst they travel around Europe, but it turns out that time was pretty exciting as it was rife with spies, betrayal and secrets and the past starts to catch up with Emma and Phil...
I love the way this novel was plotted, and the dual narrative was used perfectly so the jumps back and forth weren’t confusing at all. Although I found the book a bit slow to start, once I got into the journey I genuinely couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to know more and figure out all the secrets the characters were hiding. There were plenty of twists and turns and spies and murder, which are all aspects of a novel I enjoy, and I definitely didn’t see the ending coming but it was very satisfying. I liked the characters and felt they were realistic - they all had strengths and flaws and there were times I agreed with their actions and times I didn’t. Overall, it was a very enjoyable novel and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery/thriller as this is one of the best I’ve read in a while. This book surprised me by how much I enjoyed it and I would read anything else by this author.
I was blown away by how good this book was. This book follows two main characters, Emma and her grandson Phil. Emma was the wife of a diplomat (as the title suggests) and she wants to spend the summer taking a trip to places she lived with her husband when they were younger, and Phil comes along to escort her. Then begins the dual narrative of Emma recounting her time as a diplomat’s wife whilst they travel around Europe, but it turns out that time was pretty exciting as it was rife with spies, betrayal and secrets and the past starts to catch up with Emma and Phil...
I love the way this novel was plotted, and the dual narrative was used perfectly so the jumps back and forth weren’t confusing at all. Although I found the book a bit slow to start, once I got into the journey I genuinely couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to know more and figure out all the secrets the characters were hiding. There were plenty of twists and turns and spies and murder, which are all aspects of a novel I enjoy, and I definitely didn’t see the ending coming but it was very satisfying. I liked the characters and felt they were realistic - they all had strengths and flaws and there were times I agreed with their actions and times I didn’t. Overall, it was a very enjoyable novel and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery/thriller as this is one of the best I’ve read in a while. This book surprised me by how much I enjoyed it and I would read anything else by this author.
January 25, 2021
Eighteen year old Phil was looking forward to a trip of a lifetime, a trip to Europe, hitchhiking around as it was cheaper than the train, but after an accident when he crashed his fathers car, he now has to pay the excess on the repair, and the trip is beginning to look more and more unlikely to go ahead. After a Sunday dinner with his parents and grandmother, a suggestion is made that Phil likes the sound of, his grandmother wants him to be a driver for her on a trip to Europe, visiting Paris and Berlin and other places that she remembers from before the war when her husband used to be a diplomat. As you progress further into the book the timeline goes between 1979 with Phil and his grandmother and the 1930s with Emma as a young Diplomat's wife, the pre war years, spies and affairs taking centre stage. Back to 1979 and Emma and Phil continue their journey to places that have Phil wondering what he is doing and more importantly what was his grandmother up to. Are the people he meets up with in bars who they pretend to be? Will he have his head turned by a pretty head? Soon a perilous journey takes place across many towns and the KĢB is also taking interest in them too. As lives are lost and they are unsure who to trust, they also must flee to save their own lives. A story of spies, secrets and families spread between the 1930s and 1979, a historical thriller that I enjoyed reading probably more than I thought I would. I especially liked the 1979 storyline and I think that the front cover accurately depicts Emma as a young woman in the 1930s.
January 7, 2021
I received a free copy from Readers First in exchange for an honest review.
My first impression from the cover was this was likely some sort of chick lit so i might not be that interested, but the blurb had me intrigued enough to read more.
Can't beat a war setting for intrigue, this book jumps back and forward from a pre war Paris/Berlin where the grandmother was the titled Diplomat's Wife to 1979 where she and her grandson are taking a tour of her old haunts from back then. But it turns out she had more in mind than just touring, when the grandson finds a revolver in her luggage he knows there's more to the story. As they tour around we get pieces of the story from back in the day, how she was betrayed by her husband so decided to pass information to the communists to get her own back. She thought the British Secret Service had killed her brother so also used that as justification for betraying her country too. But as ever there was more to the story, and we get deeper into it as she meets one after another of the people from back in the day who miraculously for being during war time are all still alive (for now).
The idea was strong but felt the execution was a little English countryside, dealing with spies should be more exciting than lunching in hotels then touring around lakes, dropping in to a house for tea, the odd murder here and there takes place with ease and no-one seems that bothered about the aftermath.
My first impression from the cover was this was likely some sort of chick lit so i might not be that interested, but the blurb had me intrigued enough to read more.
Can't beat a war setting for intrigue, this book jumps back and forward from a pre war Paris/Berlin where the grandmother was the titled Diplomat's Wife to 1979 where she and her grandson are taking a tour of her old haunts from back then. But it turns out she had more in mind than just touring, when the grandson finds a revolver in her luggage he knows there's more to the story. As they tour around we get pieces of the story from back in the day, how she was betrayed by her husband so decided to pass information to the communists to get her own back. She thought the British Secret Service had killed her brother so also used that as justification for betraying her country too. But as ever there was more to the story, and we get deeper into it as she meets one after another of the people from back in the day who miraculously for being during war time are all still alive (for now).
The idea was strong but felt the execution was a little English countryside, dealing with spies should be more exciting than lunching in hotels then touring around lakes, dropping in to a house for tea, the odd murder here and there takes place with ease and no-one seems that bothered about the aftermath.
January 20, 2021
Firstly it is worth mentioning that the cover does no justice to the book itself. I would never have picked this up in a bookshop because the choice of cover design makes it look a bit chick-lit which isn't my cup of tea at all. I personally think a cover more aligned to the genre would help to sell this book to the right audience.
The descriptions of each city visited by the characters were inviting and made me want to jump in an old sports car and go on a road trip myself. I enjoyed the 1938-9 storyline more than the 1979 storyline. Though I felt both were a tad far fetched the history and the piecw by piece reveal of the bigger picture was intriguing and made me want to read on. Once I had accepted the story was going to be a little silly and James Bond-esque in places I found I enjoyed it more.
I liked the angle of the grandson-grandmother relationship which isn't often explored in fiction and added another dimension to the telling of the story, but felt that the characters could have been fleshed out a little more to make us really empathise with Phil in his coming of age journey, and the impact of the end of the story.
The descriptions of each city visited by the characters were inviting and made me want to jump in an old sports car and go on a road trip myself. I enjoyed the 1938-9 storyline more than the 1979 storyline. Though I felt both were a tad far fetched the history and the piecw by piece reveal of the bigger picture was intriguing and made me want to read on. Once I had accepted the story was going to be a little silly and James Bond-esque in places I found I enjoyed it more.
I liked the angle of the grandson-grandmother relationship which isn't often explored in fiction and added another dimension to the telling of the story, but felt that the characters could have been fleshed out a little more to make us really empathise with Phil in his coming of age journey, and the impact of the end of the story.
January 28, 2021
I was totally engrossed in this book from the very beginning. I don't really consider myself a fan of historical fiction from any period, but the human elements of this book won me over. All the characters are so well drawn and have such depth that I was experiencing things alongside them, as if they were my friends. Focusing on the impact that situations have on the people involved opens up historical stories to anyone who loves reading.
The book is about a boy (Phil) and his grandmother (Emma) taking a trip across Europe as Emma revisits people and places she knew before and at the beginning of the Second World War. She wants to share her story with Phil as she has a brain tumour and doesn't want it to die with her. She is one of the most amazing characters I have encountered for a while, she had an exhilarating life and was dead set on tying up some loose ends before it was too late.
I have to take a moment to also mention the geographical descriptions that Ridpath includes - they were like the verbal equivalent of photos, so very evocative that I now want to visit all the places that are in the book!
The book is about a boy (Phil) and his grandmother (Emma) taking a trip across Europe as Emma revisits people and places she knew before and at the beginning of the Second World War. She wants to share her story with Phil as she has a brain tumour and doesn't want it to die with her. She is one of the most amazing characters I have encountered for a while, she had an exhilarating life and was dead set on tying up some loose ends before it was too late.
I have to take a moment to also mention the geographical descriptions that Ridpath includes - they were like the verbal equivalent of photos, so very evocative that I now want to visit all the places that are in the book!
January 29, 2021
I really enjoyed the visual storytelling in The Diplomats Wife. The story switches between England in the 1970s then Paris, Berlin and Spain. The same locations are seen in the time switch chapters when the main character Emma reminiscences about her time as a diplomats wife during the second world war. She decides to take a trip back to these places accompanied by her nephew Philip. However, as the trip progresses, it becomes clear that Emma wasn't just a diplomats wife, she was also a spy. With time running out for her, she sets off on one last mission across Europe with Philip in tow. But Philip also has his own reasons for taking the trip with his grandmother.
All these locations, in both time periods are vividly brought to life. The fear of being in Berlin at the start of the war was particularly well written. Although I found Emma to be a highly annoying person and Philip a bit clueless, I did enjoy the story and the mystery of why they were both on the trip. It's hard to say much more about the plot without giving it all away! But if you enjoy a bit of espionage and mystery in your books, you're sure to enjoy The Diplomats Wife.
All these locations, in both time periods are vividly brought to life. The fear of being in Berlin at the start of the war was particularly well written. Although I found Emma to be a highly annoying person and Philip a bit clueless, I did enjoy the story and the mystery of why they were both on the trip. It's hard to say much more about the plot without giving it all away! But if you enjoy a bit of espionage and mystery in your books, you're sure to enjoy The Diplomats Wife.
January 8, 2021
I would rate this 4.5 stars. I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this by Readers First, and I was not disappointed.
It kept me guessing right until the very last chapters, which is very unusual.
It follows Emma and her grandson as they travel around Europe to France, Germany and finally Spain to solve a mystery that Emma has been trying to work out for 40 years... what happened to her brother. Throughout the book she tells her grandson but about her life in the 30s before WWII broke out when she met and married her husband - a British diplomat.
I loved that the font changed when it came to the chapters about Emma’s life in the 30s and when she was with Phil in the 70s, it made it so much easier when I’d put the book down (unwillingly!) for a little while to remember, just by looking, the perspective the book was coming from.
I was very sad about the book ending, as it was such a lovely read and one that was very easy to lose yourself in. I would definitely recommend it!
It kept me guessing right until the very last chapters, which is very unusual.
It follows Emma and her grandson as they travel around Europe to France, Germany and finally Spain to solve a mystery that Emma has been trying to work out for 40 years... what happened to her brother. Throughout the book she tells her grandson but about her life in the 30s before WWII broke out when she met and married her husband - a British diplomat.
I loved that the font changed when it came to the chapters about Emma’s life in the 30s and when she was with Phil in the 70s, it made it so much easier when I’d put the book down (unwillingly!) for a little while to remember, just by looking, the perspective the book was coming from.
I was very sad about the book ending, as it was such a lovely read and one that was very easy to lose yourself in. I would definitely recommend it!
January 25, 2021
A bit of a time hopping spy story involving Emma and her grandson Phil.
It spans 40 years as Emma takes Phil on a road trip around Europe, as she tries to solve a mystery from her past.
We get an insight into her personal life, as the wife of a diplomat, but also her double life as a spy. Family secrets are revealed and old friendships revisited.
It's fair to say that it is very readable - I whizzed through it in a couple of days - but not necessarily always credible.
Emma is a pensioner with a brain tumour yet manages to be spritely of mind and body whilst Phil, at just 18, seems to be able to handle a gun and have the confidence to drive 1,000s of miles across Europe (including around Paris, which would strike fear into the most experienced of motorists).
The twist at the end was a surprise but almost felt rushed and there were times that I got confused over who was who.
That said, it was a quick and entertaining read that gave some welcome escapism - and that's what we all want from our fiction is it not?
It spans 40 years as Emma takes Phil on a road trip around Europe, as she tries to solve a mystery from her past.
We get an insight into her personal life, as the wife of a diplomat, but also her double life as a spy. Family secrets are revealed and old friendships revisited.
It's fair to say that it is very readable - I whizzed through it in a couple of days - but not necessarily always credible.
Emma is a pensioner with a brain tumour yet manages to be spritely of mind and body whilst Phil, at just 18, seems to be able to handle a gun and have the confidence to drive 1,000s of miles across Europe (including around Paris, which would strike fear into the most experienced of motorists).
The twist at the end was a surprise but almost felt rushed and there were times that I got confused over who was who.
That said, it was a quick and entertaining read that gave some welcome escapism - and that's what we all want from our fiction is it not?
January 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, following Emma and her grandson Phillip as they make a roadtrip across Europe in 1979 to follow in the footsteps she took forty years earlier when she was s diplomats wife. The book switches between 1979 where Phillip is the main narrator, and 1939 where Emma takes the lead. The switches work very smoothly, and never feel jarring as these time switches sometimes can.
I equally liked both characters, and all of the other characters played really interesting and useful roles in the story. The relationship between Grandmother and grandson was really nicely written, with a real warmth between the two.
There was a good pace to the book, and I felt the historical details which the author has included added much to the feel of the book.
Thanks to Reader's First for sending me an advance copy to read, I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend to anyone who enjoys either spy fiction, or just a good story with lovely intergenerational relationships.
I equally liked both characters, and all of the other characters played really interesting and useful roles in the story. The relationship between Grandmother and grandson was really nicely written, with a real warmth between the two.
There was a good pace to the book, and I felt the historical details which the author has included added much to the feel of the book.
Thanks to Reader's First for sending me an advance copy to read, I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend to anyone who enjoys either spy fiction, or just a good story with lovely intergenerational relationships.
February 4, 2021
This is a very well written book focussing on former diplomat’s wife Emma and her 18 year old grandson Phil. Prior to the Second World War Emma lived in Paris and Berlin, she had strong communist views which she shared with her recently deceased elder brother Hugh and her access to diplomatic secrets made her a target for foreign agencies. Now it’s 1979 and amidst the Cold War era Emma and Phil take a trip to revisit Emma’s old haunts during which she reveals secrets of her past to Phil. Told both in present time and back in the Thirties we follow their trip of Europe and discover what happened in each location and Emma’s motivations both for her actions then and her trip now. There are a fascinating mix of characters and based on their past actions it’s very difficult to know who to trust, the descriptions of the locations in both eras is very detailed and it’s very easy to understand Emma’s motivations and the complexities of her character. It’s not a fast paced novel but it is not without its twists and turns.
May 4, 2021
Emma was once married to a well known diplomat and mixed in the highest circles.
She partied with the higher echelons and even turned her hand to spying.
You can say she lived a rather exciting and fast paced life.
But there was always one shadow on the horizon, the death of her beloved brother Hugh.
Now terminally ill she is determined to find out the truth of his death while blending a holiday with her grandson Phil into a fact finding investigation.
But her past career has repercussions even now and digging into the past caused ripples in the current.
The truth could lead them into danger and there are still some people who believe the past should be kept silent at all costs...
This was such a different plot for a spy novel, you get to see the human, family side of the characters mixed up in the war and also I like the time shift between the war years and the late seventies.
It was such a great read, a really different take on a suspense novel.
Definitely will be a hit for those who are fans of wartime fiction.
She partied with the higher echelons and even turned her hand to spying.
You can say she lived a rather exciting and fast paced life.
But there was always one shadow on the horizon, the death of her beloved brother Hugh.
Now terminally ill she is determined to find out the truth of his death while blending a holiday with her grandson Phil into a fact finding investigation.
But her past career has repercussions even now and digging into the past caused ripples in the current.
The truth could lead them into danger and there are still some people who believe the past should be kept silent at all costs...
This was such a different plot for a spy novel, you get to see the human, family side of the characters mixed up in the war and also I like the time shift between the war years and the late seventies.
It was such a great read, a really different take on a suspense novel.
Definitely will be a hit for those who are fans of wartime fiction.
May 14, 2021
A espionage crime novel that sees the young Phil drawn into his aunt Emma’s mysterious past. As they drive through Europe, Emma’s motives for the trip are gradually revealed as some chapters take us back to the young Emma narrating her life as a 20-something British diplomat’s wife in pre-war years, with some well-researched historical context.
The plot is ingenious and - like any good thriller - warms up as we get closer to answering the Whodunnit (and who is chasing who!). The reader is left guessing until a number of late twists.
I recommend you read the book in its paper version. If I have one criticism it is the way the book is read on Audible. The intonations make the young Emma and Phil sound like young children from Enid Blyton’s Famous Five. Most of the sentences sound either like questions or like astonishment, when they are neither, and some of the name pronunciation is irritating: let me confirm that the French lake near Geneva is not called “Onssy” but Annecy and pronounced Ah-nè-si. :)
The plot is ingenious and - like any good thriller - warms up as we get closer to answering the Whodunnit (and who is chasing who!). The reader is left guessing until a number of late twists.
I recommend you read the book in its paper version. If I have one criticism it is the way the book is read on Audible. The intonations make the young Emma and Phil sound like young children from Enid Blyton’s Famous Five. Most of the sentences sound either like questions or like astonishment, when they are neither, and some of the name pronunciation is irritating: let me confirm that the French lake near Geneva is not called “Onssy” but Annecy and pronounced Ah-nè-si. :)
January 4, 2021
Half set in 1936 - England/Paris/Berlin and the other half set in 1979 - England/Paris/Berlin/Javea
Great spy thriller with an unusual storyline but gave the author the chance to do hindsight etc.
The main antagonists, Emma and Phil, (Gran and Grandson), are travelling across Europe, following Emma's past - Diplomat's Wife.
This story spans two timelines and seamlessly blends across. The relationship between Emma and Phil was beautiful and you could sense it growing. This does not mean that you always liked or agreed with the characters, but their stories (taking into account their ages) was great.
No spoilers - but - this book does not go the way that you imagine it would and the twist and turns are believable.
Another book that makes you wonder how much of this is true (not necessarily this story but the background) and makes me want to read more by this author.
A very interesting, exciting book.
Great spy thriller with an unusual storyline but gave the author the chance to do hindsight etc.
The main antagonists, Emma and Phil, (Gran and Grandson), are travelling across Europe, following Emma's past - Diplomat's Wife.
This story spans two timelines and seamlessly blends across. The relationship between Emma and Phil was beautiful and you could sense it growing. This does not mean that you always liked or agreed with the characters, but their stories (taking into account their ages) was great.
No spoilers - but - this book does not go the way that you imagine it would and the twist and turns are believable.
Another book that makes you wonder how much of this is true (not necessarily this story but the background) and makes me want to read more by this author.
A very interesting, exciting book.
January 7, 2021
Ridpath's latest novel, The Diplomat's Wife, is an excellent multi-period novel which explores human connection under extraordinary circumstances, being set in the lead up to the Second World War, and in late 1970s Europe towards the end of the Cold War.
In the late 1970s, Emma and her grandson set out on a voyage through Europe, for reasons unknown to Phil, her grandson. She offers to pay him to drive her around Europe and accompany her on her journey to revisit her past, but the true reason of the trip is not clear to Phil. It appears she has an ulterior motive. This is intricately weaved throughout with a document of Emma's past, prior to the Second World War. We get to see her involvement with spies and other undesirable characters, and the danger she puts herself in in order to do what she sees as right for her country and her people.
This is an excellent historical thriller full of interesting characters, with a great storyline throughout. I would highly recommend! Review copy very kindly provided to me by readersfirst.co.uk and the publisher Corvus Books, an imprint of Atlantic Books.
In the late 1970s, Emma and her grandson set out on a voyage through Europe, for reasons unknown to Phil, her grandson. She offers to pay him to drive her around Europe and accompany her on her journey to revisit her past, but the true reason of the trip is not clear to Phil. It appears she has an ulterior motive. This is intricately weaved throughout with a document of Emma's past, prior to the Second World War. We get to see her involvement with spies and other undesirable characters, and the danger she puts herself in in order to do what she sees as right for her country and her people.
This is an excellent historical thriller full of interesting characters, with a great storyline throughout. I would highly recommend! Review copy very kindly provided to me by readersfirst.co.uk and the publisher Corvus Books, an imprint of Atlantic Books.
January 18, 2021
I really enjoyed this thrilling coming of age story about a young man, Phil, travelling around Europe as his grandmother's driver. At fist he thinks he working for her after he's unable to go backpacking with his friends when he crashes the family car. As he gets to know his elusive grandmother Emma, Phil becomes embroiled in a complicated spy adventure over Paris, Berlin and Spain. I liked the way you hear Phil's story from the 1970s and Emma's perspective in the 1930s as she retells what she did during the war as a diplomats wife. There are many twists and turns as Emma takes Phil to all the countries that her husband was stationed as a diplomat and introduces him to the figures she knew there at the time. Phil realises he doesn't know his grandmother at all but is desperate to learn her story before it becomes too late. This is a well written spy adventure, I think it would make a great drama on the television.
January 24, 2021
Thank you to readers first for the free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
First of all, if I was to choose a book based on the cover, I wouldn't pick this one. I gives the impression of a romance novel. However, it is absolutely not a romance novel! It is an exciting adventure across Europe. It involves MI6, the KGB, Nazi Germany, Communists and shoot outs with spies.
Emma And Phil are a great duo. She is a free spirit. Brave, with a very exciting and unexpected story to tell. Phil is adventurous, open to new things and very loyal to his grandmother. No matter what danger she puts them in. The story takes place in two eras, the late 30s when Emma was living in Europe on the brink of war, getting involved in espionage and treason, then to the 70s when she revisits her old homes with her grandson phil while being chased by the KGB...armed with her own pistol.
I'd definitely recommend this book. Do not be out off by the cover or the title.
First of all, if I was to choose a book based on the cover, I wouldn't pick this one. I gives the impression of a romance novel. However, it is absolutely not a romance novel! It is an exciting adventure across Europe. It involves MI6, the KGB, Nazi Germany, Communists and shoot outs with spies.
Emma And Phil are a great duo. She is a free spirit. Brave, with a very exciting and unexpected story to tell. Phil is adventurous, open to new things and very loyal to his grandmother. No matter what danger she puts them in. The story takes place in two eras, the late 30s when Emma was living in Europe on the brink of war, getting involved in espionage and treason, then to the 70s when she revisits her old homes with her grandson phil while being chased by the KGB...armed with her own pistol.
I'd definitely recommend this book. Do not be out off by the cover or the title.
February 1, 2021
This book had me guessing right up until the end. Phil dreams of going travelling around but he has an accident in his car so his dad says he isn’t allowed to go, in steps his gran who suggests he drives her around Europe to visit the places she used to live, suggesting that she is too frail to do it by herself.
Phil goes on a trip of a lifetime with his beloved gran who he discovers used to be a spy and isn’t wanting to visit art galleries etc but wants to hunt down the people who have hurt her in the past and make right the wrongs.
This turns into all different spy groups trying to catch up with the pair to stop them from exposing the truth. It all starts with was her brother murdered or killed in a car accident and why? During which she learns that her husband and mother are not to be trusted and the path her life went may have been based on a lie.
This book is fast paced and exciting.
Phil goes on a trip of a lifetime with his beloved gran who he discovers used to be a spy and isn’t wanting to visit art galleries etc but wants to hunt down the people who have hurt her in the past and make right the wrongs.
This turns into all different spy groups trying to catch up with the pair to stop them from exposing the truth. It all starts with was her brother murdered or killed in a car accident and why? During which she learns that her husband and mother are not to be trusted and the path her life went may have been based on a lie.
This book is fast paced and exciting.
February 4, 2021
Once I got about half way through, I couldn’t stop reading.
This book follows two main characters, Emma and her grandson Phil. The two of them take a trip through Europe visiting the places where she spent her life with her husband, who was a diplomat as the title suggests.
There begins the duel narrative of the book as we follow their present day trip and as we re-live Emma’s time as a diplomat wife which it turns out was full of spies, betrayal and secrets.
I found the beginning of this book slightly slow, however as the story picked up about halfway through I found I was hooked and couldn’t wait to read the rest. The duel narrative was very well writing and I had no issues switching between the different perspectives or times.
I love historical fiction and for me this really hit the mark. The story wasn’t too predictable and there were twists and turns that I definitely didn’t see coming.
I would 100% recommend this book.
This book follows two main characters, Emma and her grandson Phil. The two of them take a trip through Europe visiting the places where she spent her life with her husband, who was a diplomat as the title suggests.
There begins the duel narrative of the book as we follow their present day trip and as we re-live Emma’s time as a diplomat wife which it turns out was full of spies, betrayal and secrets.
I found the beginning of this book slightly slow, however as the story picked up about halfway through I found I was hooked and couldn’t wait to read the rest. The duel narrative was very well writing and I had no issues switching between the different perspectives or times.
I love historical fiction and for me this really hit the mark. The story wasn’t too predictable and there were twists and turns that I definitely didn’t see coming.
I would 100% recommend this book.
February 7, 2021
This was absolutely brilliant, I couldn't put it down.
Emma has led a chequered life, from living the high life as a diplomat's wife to becoming a spy.
But the one thing that has always Haunted her since very young was the tragic death of her brother Hugh, always having looked up to him she finds it hard to cope with his death.
Now an elderly woman she is terminally ill so embarks on one last journey along with her grandson Phil to see the places of her past.
But this is not the full truth and by searching the past she puts both their lives in danger as some people have very long memories and are willing to kill to keep secrets.
This was so different, it showed the human side of the characters and the working, undercover aspect of their natures and was a fascinating twist being set during the war and also the seventies and with an elderly lady as a former spy.
A cleverly thought out plot and great characters make this a refreshing spy novel.
Emma has led a chequered life, from living the high life as a diplomat's wife to becoming a spy.
But the one thing that has always Haunted her since very young was the tragic death of her brother Hugh, always having looked up to him she finds it hard to cope with his death.
Now an elderly woman she is terminally ill so embarks on one last journey along with her grandson Phil to see the places of her past.
But this is not the full truth and by searching the past she puts both their lives in danger as some people have very long memories and are willing to kill to keep secrets.
This was so different, it showed the human side of the characters and the working, undercover aspect of their natures and was a fascinating twist being set during the war and also the seventies and with an elderly lady as a former spy.
A cleverly thought out plot and great characters make this a refreshing spy novel.
March 12, 2021
I found this book a fascinating read. The book is written about events in 1936 and 1979 so partly a historical thriller, and partly more modern.
The story tells of Phil and his grandmother Emma. Phil plans on visiting Europe but things don't work out quite as he plans and it looks likely that he will no longer be able to go as he doesn't have the funds. His Grandmother hears about this and decides it is an opportunity to make her wish come true. Emma asks Phil to accompany her on a trip to Europe to relive some of her past.
The two of them set out on this trip together and as they visit places Emma begins to tell her story, of her life in 1936. As they go along they discover things which put them in danger, they do not know who they can trust and it becomes more of an adventure than they planned.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a really gripping story that kept me hooked.
The story tells of Phil and his grandmother Emma. Phil plans on visiting Europe but things don't work out quite as he plans and it looks likely that he will no longer be able to go as he doesn't have the funds. His Grandmother hears about this and decides it is an opportunity to make her wish come true. Emma asks Phil to accompany her on a trip to Europe to relive some of her past.
The two of them set out on this trip together and as they visit places Emma begins to tell her story, of her life in 1936. As they go along they discover things which put them in danger, they do not know who they can trust and it becomes more of an adventure than they planned.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a really gripping story that kept me hooked.
Read
March 27, 2021Once again Micheal Ridpath has written a thriller which is engaging and one you do not want to put down! As a history lover I enjoyed the book being set in the Cold War period and stayed true to the nature of the time by having lots of mystery and suspense throughout, not to mention the leanings of socialist theory. Revisiting the places once been before in Europe we see the emotions Emma goes through before the Second World War when her husband was in the diplomatic service. The synopsis being a great way to lure me into the book it did not disappoint and had many twists and turns throughout - anyone who loves a good mystery thriller novel will thoroughly enjoy this book. By the end of the book you will really feel a connection has been made with the various characters and is a book that will stay with you after reading.
Whilst it is not a fast paced novel, it will give you a fair share of twists and turns to keep you reading!
Whilst it is not a fast paced novel, it will give you a fair share of twists and turns to keep you reading!
February 3, 2021
There was a lot to love about this book. I really enjoyed the relationship between Phil and Emma. It is quite unusual to have a book centred around a grandmother and her grandson. I liked the dynamic between the two and how Emma is not at all 'grandmotherly'. I also loved to hate the character of 'Heike' and thought she played such an important role in Phil's coming of age subplot.
This was a great adventure around Europe and although at times the plot verged on ridiculous it was all good fun and very enjoyable to read. I really enjoyed the dual timelines (1930's & 1980's) both of which were equally well thought out. I find most new novels with dual timelines tend to flick between the past and current times so it was really good to see the 'current day' to be set in the 1980's for the nostalgic feel that gave me as the reader. All ends tied up nicely at the end.
This was a great adventure around Europe and although at times the plot verged on ridiculous it was all good fun and very enjoyable to read. I really enjoyed the dual timelines (1930's & 1980's) both of which were equally well thought out. I find most new novels with dual timelines tend to flick between the past and current times so it was really good to see the 'current day' to be set in the 1980's for the nostalgic feel that gave me as the reader. All ends tied up nicely at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews