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Livy Nash #1
Spitfire Lib/E: A Livy Nash Mystery
How far would you go for vengeance?
It’s V-E Day 1946 in London. World War II is long over, and former spy Livy Nash is celebrating with her third drink before noon. She went to war to kill Nazis. Dropped behind enemy lines as a courier, she quickly became one of the toughest agents in France. But her war ended with betrayal and the execution of the man she loved. Now, Livy spends her days proofreading a demeaning advice column for little ladies at home, and her nights alone with black market vodka.
But everything changes when she meets the infamous Ian Fleming. The man who will create the world’s most sophisticated secret agent has an agenda of his own and sends Livy back to France with one task: track down the traitor who killed the only man she ever loved. Livy jumps at the chance, heading back to Paris undercover as a journalist. But the City of Lights is teeming with spies, and Livy quickly learns just how much the game has changed. With enemies on every corner and ever-shifting alliances, she’ll have to learn to fight a new war if she wants to conquer the past once and for all.
It’s V-E Day 1946 in London. World War II is long over, and former spy Livy Nash is celebrating with her third drink before noon. She went to war to kill Nazis. Dropped behind enemy lines as a courier, she quickly became one of the toughest agents in France. But her war ended with betrayal and the execution of the man she loved. Now, Livy spends her days proofreading a demeaning advice column for little ladies at home, and her nights alone with black market vodka.
But everything changes when she meets the infamous Ian Fleming. The man who will create the world’s most sophisticated secret agent has an agenda of his own and sends Livy back to France with one task: track down the traitor who killed the only man she ever loved. Livy jumps at the chance, heading back to Paris undercover as a journalist. But the City of Lights is teeming with spies, and Livy quickly learns just how much the game has changed. With enemies on every corner and ever-shifting alliances, she’ll have to learn to fight a new war if she wants to conquer the past once and for all.
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First published January 7, 2020
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About the author
M.L. Huie
2 books66 followersM.L. Huie is a writer, teacher and actor. He has worked as a features journalist, but currently is an instructor of theatre and acting at a university. He is a member of Actor's Equity Association and has worked professionally for more than 20 years. He has traveled in England extensively and, like Livy Nash, has a love for all things Lancashire. He lives in North Carolina with his genius wife and two perfect children. SPITFIRE is his first novel. The second book in the Livy Nash series —NIGHTSHADE—will be published in 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
December 2, 2019
Well, this premise was sure to grab my attention. Livy Nash was a courier in France during WWII. Her commanding officer/friend/lover was betrayed and executed by the Nazis in 1944. Now, it’s 1946 and she’s got a drinking problem, a demeaning job as a proofreader for a third rate newspaper and no money. As she’s told, “since the war, you've been doing work that seems, frankly, beneath you and has caused you to become something of a bitter wastrel with a taste for bad vodka.” So, when a journalist tracks her down at a bar to offer her a reporting job, she’s not sure what the catch is. Turns out, the journalist is Ian Fleming.
I enjoyed that this book took place AFTER the war. I feel like I’ve read way too many WWII books recently. But the time after is a great unknown to me. Huie does a good job giving us a sense of time and place; of England still dealing with the effects of rations and bombed out streets; of Paris after the war slowly returning to normal. She covers the lack of trust between the intelligence agencies of England and America even though they’re both going up against the Russians. And no one trusts the French.
The book moves at a steady pace. It has the feel of a cozy spy novel. (Thriller would be a misnomer... ) This does remind me of the Maggie Hope series. So, if you like that series, you’ll probably enjoy this. Both were a little too tame for my taste. Livy just never seemed fleshed out; very much two dimensional, in my opinion.
Ian Fleming was what drew me in, but he’s a minor presence.
My thanks to netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance copy of this book.
I enjoyed that this book took place AFTER the war. I feel like I’ve read way too many WWII books recently. But the time after is a great unknown to me. Huie does a good job giving us a sense of time and place; of England still dealing with the effects of rations and bombed out streets; of Paris after the war slowly returning to normal. She covers the lack of trust between the intelligence agencies of England and America even though they’re both going up against the Russians. And no one trusts the French.
The book moves at a steady pace. It has the feel of a cozy spy novel. (Thriller would be a misnomer... ) This does remind me of the Maggie Hope series. So, if you like that series, you’ll probably enjoy this. Both were a little too tame for my taste. Livy just never seemed fleshed out; very much two dimensional, in my opinion.
Ian Fleming was what drew me in, but he’s a minor presence.
My thanks to netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance copy of this book.
January 2, 2020
Livy Nash, ex spy, had been burying her life inside a vodka bottle since the end of the war. In a dead-end job, she was astounded to be approached by Ian Fleming with a job prospect for her. Livy spent some time training, brushing up on her old tricks, before heading back to Paris to find the man who’d killed the one man she had ever loved.
But things had changed since the war – would her undercover job as a journalist bear the scrutiny it needed? As she was approached by different men, first at the dodgy theatre, then in the café, Livy had no idea who she could trust. She knew though that to find the traitor she was after, Livy would need to take big risks.
Spitfire is the 1st in Livy Nash Mystery series by M.L. Huie and it’s also his debut novel. A historical mystery, which is one of my favourite genres, Spitfire didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Livy wasn’t a likeable character – right from the beginning she grated on me. And I disliked the way she called everyone “luv” – it was slightly incongruous. The city of Paris is a beautiful setting and was portrayed as such. The timing – after the war – was something different to the usual war stories, which I also enjoyed. Recommended to fans of historical mysteries, it’s sure to hit the right note for others.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
But things had changed since the war – would her undercover job as a journalist bear the scrutiny it needed? As she was approached by different men, first at the dodgy theatre, then in the café, Livy had no idea who she could trust. She knew though that to find the traitor she was after, Livy would need to take big risks.
Spitfire is the 1st in Livy Nash Mystery series by M.L. Huie and it’s also his debut novel. A historical mystery, which is one of my favourite genres, Spitfire didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Livy wasn’t a likeable character – right from the beginning she grated on me. And I disliked the way she called everyone “luv” – it was slightly incongruous. The city of Paris is a beautiful setting and was portrayed as such. The timing – after the war – was something different to the usual war stories, which I also enjoyed. Recommended to fans of historical mysteries, it’s sure to hit the right note for others.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2019
I loved this first in a new series featuring a gutsy but imperfect heroine set just after WWII in London and Paris. SPITFIRE is as thrilling as the fighter planes themselves, replete with Ian Fleming, spies, unpredictable political landscapes swirling with post-war intrigue, and a taut narrative that grips from page one. A compelling start to what could be a new fave series. 5/5
Pub Date 07 Jan 2020.
Thanks to M. L. Huie, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#Spitfire #NetGalley
Pub Date 07 Jan 2020.
Thanks to M. L. Huie, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#Spitfire #NetGalley
December 22, 2019
Livy Nash spent her war as a courier dropped in France to be part of the Resistance. She had many hard times culminating with being arrested by the Nazis, imprisoned, and tortured. She watched the man she had come to love stood up in front of a firing squad and shot just before a shell hit that kept her from being killed too.
She's been back in England for a while, working as a copy editor for a third rate publication, and drinking herself into oblivion to try to forget her loss. When Ian Fleming who runs a spy agency loosely disguised as a news bureau comes to her and offers her a job and a chance to get revenge on the man who betrayed her and her lover, Livy is eager to go. Besides the adrenaline rush of war is the only thing that makes her feel alive.
She's sent back to France where she quickly discovers that the political landscape is shifting and new alliances are being formed making old friends into new enemies.
The story was packed with action. Livy was a sort of female James Bond with her derring-do. I liked the way she played all the different parties off against each other to find her own solution to the job she was sent to do.
Fans of fiction set in World War II and spies will enjoy this fast-paced story.
She's been back in England for a while, working as a copy editor for a third rate publication, and drinking herself into oblivion to try to forget her loss. When Ian Fleming who runs a spy agency loosely disguised as a news bureau comes to her and offers her a job and a chance to get revenge on the man who betrayed her and her lover, Livy is eager to go. Besides the adrenaline rush of war is the only thing that makes her feel alive.
She's sent back to France where she quickly discovers that the political landscape is shifting and new alliances are being formed making old friends into new enemies.
The story was packed with action. Livy was a sort of female James Bond with her derring-do. I liked the way she played all the different parties off against each other to find her own solution to the job she was sent to do.
Fans of fiction set in World War II and spies will enjoy this fast-paced story.
May 29, 2022
When everyone is celebrating V-E Day in London, former British spy Olivia Nash is having her third glass of vodka and drowning her sorrows. During the war Livy was a Special Operations Executive and she and Bulldog were the most sort after agents in France. The war ended with a terrible betrayal by someone Livy thought she could trust, the man she loved was killed, she's still mourning him and has no reason to commemorate.
Livy currently works for second lowest circulating newspaper in England and she proofreads the ladies advice column. She’s shocked when Ian Fleming approaches her, he’s the foreign manager for the Komsley News Group and he offers her a job in France.
Olivia is given a couple of weeks to dry out, brush up on her defense skills, and she’s working as an undercover journalist. Livy is keen to track to down the traitor who killed her lover, the first place she visits is the café they used to hang out at during the war and the situation in France has changed. The City of lights is full of spies and double agents from, England, America, France and the Soviet Union.
Luckily she still has her gun, because alliances change quickly, Olivia takes out an old enemy and she has no idea how many are left? When Olivia discovers yet another betrayal, she doesn’t know what she will do, and she hasn't completed her assignment!
I received a copy of Spitfire by M. L. Huie from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. I found it hard to connect with any of the characters and maybe it's due to the narrative focusing on spies, double agents, wartime secrets and I found it confusing. If you like historical mysteries set in England and France at the end of The Second World War, this book might be for you, and three stars from me.
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Livy currently works for second lowest circulating newspaper in England and she proofreads the ladies advice column. She’s shocked when Ian Fleming approaches her, he’s the foreign manager for the Komsley News Group and he offers her a job in France.
Olivia is given a couple of weeks to dry out, brush up on her defense skills, and she’s working as an undercover journalist. Livy is keen to track to down the traitor who killed her lover, the first place she visits is the café they used to hang out at during the war and the situation in France has changed. The City of lights is full of spies and double agents from, England, America, France and the Soviet Union.
Luckily she still has her gun, because alliances change quickly, Olivia takes out an old enemy and she has no idea how many are left? When Olivia discovers yet another betrayal, she doesn’t know what she will do, and she hasn't completed her assignment!
I received a copy of Spitfire by M. L. Huie from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. I found it hard to connect with any of the characters and maybe it's due to the narrative focusing on spies, double agents, wartime secrets and I found it confusing. If you like historical mysteries set in England and France at the end of The Second World War, this book might be for you, and three stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
January 14, 2020
This was a highly entertaining spy mystery that moves quickly and does not lag. I really enjoyed the character of Livy and her mindset. I felt like she did not come off as the stereotypical female spy we read about in a ton of novels, instead there was an “innocent” (for lack of a better word) to her. It was interesting to see her past come through within the story. I would highly recommend this book, especially those who like mysteries that take place internationally.
January 11, 2020
This book was nice it had all the ingredients of a good spy book with a female spy, a change from always having a male character.
Livy had to learn like everybody else how to live a regular life after the war. Working at a newspaper wasn"t much fun and money was tight until one day someone a Mr. Fleming comes along and puts Livy back to what she knows best. The war has ended it seems for the general population if they only knew.
Lies, traitors, past lovers etc... this book had it all.
I want to thank Netgalley and M.L. Huie for this advance copy in exchange of an honest review.
Livy had to learn like everybody else how to live a regular life after the war. Working at a newspaper wasn"t much fun and money was tight until one day someone a Mr. Fleming comes along and puts Livy back to what she knows best. The war has ended it seems for the general population if they only knew.
Lies, traitors, past lovers etc... this book had it all.
I want to thank Netgalley and M.L. Huie for this advance copy in exchange of an honest review.
January 12, 2020
"SPITFIRE" by M.L. Huie
I loved this book so much! A historical fiction mystery and thriller read that kept me glued to this book for the few days I have been immersed in this wonderful book! I was transported right away to the 1940's during the WWII as the country is recovering from the war. Livy Nash is an amazing character that is very well written and I am hoping to read more of her character in future books in the series. The world building as you read this book is simply out of this world. You will feel the immersion as Paris comes to life in that era - the sights, the sounds, the people. This is not just another Historical Fiction novel - this one is about espionage and the thrilling element with a splash of revenge and redemption is what makes this read absolutely phenomenal!!
I loved this book so much! A historical fiction mystery and thriller read that kept me glued to this book for the few days I have been immersed in this wonderful book! I was transported right away to the 1940's during the WWII as the country is recovering from the war. Livy Nash is an amazing character that is very well written and I am hoping to read more of her character in future books in the series. The world building as you read this book is simply out of this world. You will feel the immersion as Paris comes to life in that era - the sights, the sounds, the people. This is not just another Historical Fiction novel - this one is about espionage and the thrilling element with a splash of revenge and redemption is what makes this read absolutely phenomenal!!
January 10, 2020
Intriguing & entertaining. At first I didn’t know what to make of Livy, but soon found myself sympathizing with her & then rooting for her. Can’t wait for her next adventure!
February 15, 2020
Just could not warm up to ex-spy Livy – Livy is approached by Ian Fleming to take on a spy job in a not so serene Europe after WWII and off she goes to Paris.
Several times I thought to give up but I read to the end only because I had nothing else to read at the moment. The twist at the end allowed me to bump this up from 1-star to 2-stars, but actually more of 1-1/2 stars.
The author is obsessed with movies and movie stars as most every character is presented as a movie star look-alike. One or two would have been ok, but then it got to be more of a joke.
Since this is the start of a new series I recommend that Livy join AA before taking on another spy job.
Several times I thought to give up but I read to the end only because I had nothing else to read at the moment. The twist at the end allowed me to bump this up from 1-star to 2-stars, but actually more of 1-1/2 stars.
The author is obsessed with movies and movie stars as most every character is presented as a movie star look-alike. One or two would have been ok, but then it got to be more of a joke.
Since this is the start of a new series I recommend that Livy join AA before taking on another spy job.
September 24, 2019
I could not embrace the actions of the characters in this book, nor did I find much of it logical or believable. It is the first book of a series and I did get this copy from Net Galley as advanced reading copy. I did make a dedicated effort to understand the author's intent and vision, but I will not be looking for the second book in the series. The female protagonist is chosen to be a returning spy to Paris. Her initial work during the war started with commando training and the mission was a bit foggy to the reader as it was presented in mini-memory snippets and not cohesive. Her mother was French, and even though she was a Lancashire girl and her accent identified her as such her French was passable.
What skills was she bringing to the table after the war to be asked to return to Paris and retrieve a list.? When she is recruited anew it seems unlikely that intelligence would wish to trust a woman living on vodka. But they do. Soon she is mixing it up with Americans, Russians, Parisians and the Brits and the Paris she arrives in does not seem to be suffering much after the devastation of war. People are going in and out of restaurants, bars, cars tooling around everywhere. Nope. Can't buy it. I also do not respond well to stories told with abundance of emotion.
Net Galley advanced reader copy
What skills was she bringing to the table after the war to be asked to return to Paris and retrieve a list.? When she is recruited anew it seems unlikely that intelligence would wish to trust a woman living on vodka. But they do. Soon she is mixing it up with Americans, Russians, Parisians and the Brits and the Paris she arrives in does not seem to be suffering much after the devastation of war. People are going in and out of restaurants, bars, cars tooling around everywhere. Nope. Can't buy it. I also do not respond well to stories told with abundance of emotion.
Net Galley advanced reader copy
August 28, 2020
Exciting read!
An absorbing story set after V Day (1946) of post war stresses, spys, and the beginnings of the Cold War. During the War, English woman, Livy (Olivia) Nash had been dropped behind enemy lines to work with the French Resistance. They called her Spitfire. In the aftermath of the war she's damaged, never having recovered from her associate and lover being killed before her eyes. Now comes an invitation from Ian Flemming (unknown to Livy and for us a clever play on using real characters in a very Fleming way by Huie) to work post war in the checker board that Europe now is with the Russians at the forefront of the push for information, the Americans in things up to their necks (well maybe finding their feet) and the Brits playing the long hand waiting game wih quiet aplomb. I'm hooked!
I love the slew of female characters who have been effective and active in the war, like Livy, and now have to find a new way, a new direction for their energies and their hard to put behind them memories. Livy is a great addition to that group.
An absorbing story set after V Day (1946) of post war stresses, spys, and the beginnings of the Cold War. During the War, English woman, Livy (Olivia) Nash had been dropped behind enemy lines to work with the French Resistance. They called her Spitfire. In the aftermath of the war she's damaged, never having recovered from her associate and lover being killed before her eyes. Now comes an invitation from Ian Flemming (unknown to Livy and for us a clever play on using real characters in a very Fleming way by Huie) to work post war in the checker board that Europe now is with the Russians at the forefront of the push for information, the Americans in things up to their necks (well maybe finding their feet) and the Brits playing the long hand waiting game wih quiet aplomb. I'm hooked!
I love the slew of female characters who have been effective and active in the war, like Livy, and now have to find a new way, a new direction for their energies and their hard to put behind them memories. Livy is a great addition to that group.
October 7, 2019
This book takes you on quite the adventure! I’m typically a slow reader many times taking a week or two to finish a book...not the case here! I finished this one in 48hrs! I couldn’t put it down! The cast of characters are not only likable but felt so real. The adventure that you go on with Livy is thrilling, breathtaking and daring! I love her feistiness and boldness! She’s is quite a character which makes her fun to read! This story was a perfect mixture of spies, post war trauma and the paranoia of a new war on the brink of society. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for the next book in this series as it has quite the promise of another fabulous adventure! Definitely a 5 star rating from me!
February 2, 2020
SPITFIRE is a delightful fast-paced thriller that follows Livy Nash as she struggles to find her place in post-World War II Britain. After a war spent working with the French Resistance, a mundane nine-to-five job leaves Livy looking for more, and when she’s recruited to travel to Paris to meet with the leader of a spy network, she jumps at the chance. Filled with memorable characters and plenty of twists, this is a great choice for fans of rollicking spy stories. The second book in the series is due out later this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing where these characters go next.
January 17, 2020
Excellent and I truly enjoyed reading this new book. Am looking forward to more titles in the future.
May 20, 2020
This wasn't a wildly exciting read but the characters were intriguing- who can resist Ian Fleming?! - and i look forward to the next book in the series
January 5, 2020
Spitfire by M.L. Huie is the first in a new series featuring Livy Nash who had been a spy during World War II but now was an alcoholic employed as a copy editor for a third-rate newspaper in London. The things she had seen had proven to be too much. As we open, there is to be a ceremony at the Palace recognizing those who had fulfilled this mission. She was to go but when she arrived, circumstances kept her from entering and being award a medal. She did however, run into her editor's wife, a woman she had little respect for, sadly. She crept into the nearest pub where she was contemplating her past when she was approached by a man names Ian Fleming, who represented a news conglomerate. He gave her his card and set an appointment for the following day. It turns out it was a good thing, because the editor's wife had described their run-in to her husband and she was summarily fired the next morning. She was two hours late for her appointment with Mr. Fleming.
I heard about this book from a group of mystery authors at a book signing. There is no higher recommendation than this. It turns out they were right. This is set to be a terrific series. It was a great beginning. Ivy has been traumatized and has taken to drink, but she knows this might be her last chance and so she really tries. She learns all he wants her to learn, but when her first assignment arrives, it doesn't work out. It was a test, she hopes, and not the real thing. She is sent to post-Nazi France in search of a list of names of people who make up a spy network, which had been in place during her previous time there...on the other side. Somehow they were still functioning and could be a great asset if they could be turned. When shown his picture, she recognized the leader, a double agent who had betrayed her and her boss, who had ended up dead. She promised herself she would not let him get away with it. Ivy is a terrific character and the mystery was a good one. Huie did a good job with misdirection so that the finale didn't come until it was time. No guessing ahead of time. A good book. I look forward to more. I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of Spitfire from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #spitfire
I heard about this book from a group of mystery authors at a book signing. There is no higher recommendation than this. It turns out they were right. This is set to be a terrific series. It was a great beginning. Ivy has been traumatized and has taken to drink, but she knows this might be her last chance and so she really tries. She learns all he wants her to learn, but when her first assignment arrives, it doesn't work out. It was a test, she hopes, and not the real thing. She is sent to post-Nazi France in search of a list of names of people who make up a spy network, which had been in place during her previous time there...on the other side. Somehow they were still functioning and could be a great asset if they could be turned. When shown his picture, she recognized the leader, a double agent who had betrayed her and her boss, who had ended up dead. She promised herself she would not let him get away with it. Ivy is a terrific character and the mystery was a good one. Huie did a good job with misdirection so that the finale didn't come until it was time. No guessing ahead of time. A good book. I look forward to more. I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of Spitfire from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #spitfire
January 17, 2020
Livy worked for British Intelligence in France during the war and a year later she is bitter, soused, and jobless when a bloke named Ian Fleming looks her up and invites her to get back in the game. From then on it's as good as it gets. Snappy spy novel with all the twists and misdirections you could hope for and truly interesting characters! Kept me rapt to the end!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
September 10, 2019
A rather intense spy story. The story was much more interesting in the last half of the book. It keeps you guessing as to who’s good or bad. It was an interesting enough book that I would probably read the next one. Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy
October 7, 2019
An engrossing and entertaining historical thriller that kept me hooked till the last page.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
February 2, 2020
LOVED IT! Good intrigue with a female spy in post-WW2 confusion & illusion of who is an ally and who is a foes. The start of a series I will watch as characters engaging and setting a newer area for me.
February 21, 2020
Even before you reach the end of the book, it's apparent that this is only the first installment in what is intended to be a series of Livy Nash mysteries... and I for one can't wait for the second.
We first meet Livy as a borderline alcoholic Lancashire lass working a dispiriting proof-reading job at a down-market women's magazine in immediately post-war London... shades of AJ Pearce's "Dear Mrs Bird." Slowly, however, Livy's wartime service, working for Britain's espionage network, comes into view, with the flashbacks only accelerating as she is invited to meet the mysterious Mr Fleming, an editor at a considerably more prestigious publication. And from there... no, no more spoilers.
Suffice, however, to say, if you like your spy novels flavored with excellent period detail, hardbitten agents, international intrigue, and lashings of revenge, "Spitfire"... Livy' nickname, bestowed in tribute to the fighter plane of the same name... will more than measure up. Well-realized characters occupy well-wrought situations; the action and intrigue are all but non-stop, the London and Parisian settings are delightful, and there's probably half a dozen twists that you probably won't have spotted coming from a mile off.
In fact, if one has to pinpoint one flaw in the entire book, you'll find it in chapter seven, where Livy discovers a "black canister about the width of a fifty pence." It's an interesting observation, bearing in mind that the country's first decimal coinage, the 50p included, did not make a bow until 1968. But it's also the kind of error that could as easily have been inserted by a well-meaning copy-editor as the author, so we'll skip blithely over it and hope for that little bit more care next time.
Because otherwise, "Spitfire" is a veritable hurricane of excitement.
We first meet Livy as a borderline alcoholic Lancashire lass working a dispiriting proof-reading job at a down-market women's magazine in immediately post-war London... shades of AJ Pearce's "Dear Mrs Bird." Slowly, however, Livy's wartime service, working for Britain's espionage network, comes into view, with the flashbacks only accelerating as she is invited to meet the mysterious Mr Fleming, an editor at a considerably more prestigious publication. And from there... no, no more spoilers.
Suffice, however, to say, if you like your spy novels flavored with excellent period detail, hardbitten agents, international intrigue, and lashings of revenge, "Spitfire"... Livy' nickname, bestowed in tribute to the fighter plane of the same name... will more than measure up. Well-realized characters occupy well-wrought situations; the action and intrigue are all but non-stop, the London and Parisian settings are delightful, and there's probably half a dozen twists that you probably won't have spotted coming from a mile off.
In fact, if one has to pinpoint one flaw in the entire book, you'll find it in chapter seven, where Livy discovers a "black canister about the width of a fifty pence." It's an interesting observation, bearing in mind that the country's first decimal coinage, the 50p included, did not make a bow until 1968. But it's also the kind of error that could as easily have been inserted by a well-meaning copy-editor as the author, so we'll skip blithely over it and hope for that little bit more care next time.
Because otherwise, "Spitfire" is a veritable hurricane of excitement.
December 13, 2019
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of Spitfire, the first in hopefully many Livy Nash mysteries. I absolutely love historical fiction, particularly during the World War II and Cold War eras, particularly when espionage is involved.
The story revolves around Livy Nash a working class English woman who served in France during WWII as a spy and Resistance worker. Now the war is over and Livy finds herself adrift. Far from relieved, she misses the sense of purpose she felt during the war. Now she spends her days drinking black market vodka and proofreading at a 3rd tier newspaper in London.
Enter Ian Fleming. Yes, THAT Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond novels. In real life, Fleming was involved in Naval intelligence, and in the novel he coordinates an underground spy ring in anticipation of the Cold War. Livy is soon off to Paris, sobered up and on a mission tinged with revenge.
There's a lot to love about this novel: I devoured it over three days and felt transported to 1940s Paris, a city still recovering from the war. Huie does an outstanding job of creating the atmosphere of the age... the sights and sounds of Paris come to life. I appreciate writers who create an intense sense of place without excessive description. With a few strokes of the pen, Huie re-creates Paris in 1947.
And Livy Nash is a complex character, flawed but redeemed. I wanted to hang out with her... That's the highest compliment I can pay. And, I want to get to know her better. She reminds me a bit of Kinsey Millhone from the Sue Grafton alphabet mysteries. I feel certain that like Kinsey, Livy's character will grow and evolve as the series expands.
The novel will be available Jan. 7, 2020. I encourage you to buy it pre-sale! It's worth it.
The story revolves around Livy Nash a working class English woman who served in France during WWII as a spy and Resistance worker. Now the war is over and Livy finds herself adrift. Far from relieved, she misses the sense of purpose she felt during the war. Now she spends her days drinking black market vodka and proofreading at a 3rd tier newspaper in London.
Enter Ian Fleming. Yes, THAT Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond novels. In real life, Fleming was involved in Naval intelligence, and in the novel he coordinates an underground spy ring in anticipation of the Cold War. Livy is soon off to Paris, sobered up and on a mission tinged with revenge.
There's a lot to love about this novel: I devoured it over three days and felt transported to 1940s Paris, a city still recovering from the war. Huie does an outstanding job of creating the atmosphere of the age... the sights and sounds of Paris come to life. I appreciate writers who create an intense sense of place without excessive description. With a few strokes of the pen, Huie re-creates Paris in 1947.
And Livy Nash is a complex character, flawed but redeemed. I wanted to hang out with her... That's the highest compliment I can pay. And, I want to get to know her better. She reminds me a bit of Kinsey Millhone from the Sue Grafton alphabet mysteries. I feel certain that like Kinsey, Livy's character will grow and evolve as the series expands.
The novel will be available Jan. 7, 2020. I encourage you to buy it pre-sale! It's worth it.
November 18, 2019
Spitfire
(A Livy Nash Mystery #1)
by
M.L. Huie
4 Stars
Spitfire is the first in what promises to be a new mystery series from author M.L. Huie. “Spunky” is the word that I’d use to describe Livy Nash, the book’s heroine. World War II is over and Livy is working as a proof reader at a second rate London paper when she’s recruited by Ian Fleming (yes, that Ian Fleming) to join a covert operation to secure the names of the members of a European-wide ring of former Nazi agents. The British want the list of names very badly, as do their allies the Americans and their former allies (who are rapidly becoming the new enemy) the Russians. Livy had been a British agent working in Paris with the French resistance during the war, and Fleming thinks she perfect for the job of tracking down the list before the Russians can get their hands on it. The story is well-written, the characters flawed enough to be real, and the whole thing thoroughly enjoyable.
(A Livy Nash Mystery #1)
by
M.L. Huie
4 Stars
Spitfire is the first in what promises to be a new mystery series from author M.L. Huie. “Spunky” is the word that I’d use to describe Livy Nash, the book’s heroine. World War II is over and Livy is working as a proof reader at a second rate London paper when she’s recruited by Ian Fleming (yes, that Ian Fleming) to join a covert operation to secure the names of the members of a European-wide ring of former Nazi agents. The British want the list of names very badly, as do their allies the Americans and their former allies (who are rapidly becoming the new enemy) the Russians. Livy had been a British agent working in Paris with the French resistance during the war, and Fleming thinks she perfect for the job of tracking down the list before the Russians can get their hands on it. The story is well-written, the characters flawed enough to be real, and the whole thing thoroughly enjoyable.
January 16, 2020
I thought I was done with WWII historical fiction. But wait - Spitfire takes place after WWII. A time period that has not been overly saturated. Thankfully I didn't pass when this book published earlier this month.
So. What did I love? Spitfire has everything. A great title. An executed lover. A down and out and drunken main character. It's got Ian Fleming!
M.L. Huie is off to a great start with the first in his Livy Nash Mystery series. The book is well written, filled with tension and moves smoothly.
You won't be disappointed.
So. What did I love? Spitfire has everything. A great title. An executed lover. A down and out and drunken main character. It's got Ian Fleming!
M.L. Huie is off to a great start with the first in his Livy Nash Mystery series. The book is well written, filled with tension and moves smoothly.
You won't be disappointed.
February 24, 2020
Simply delightful. This book wasn't what I expected in the most delightful way. It felt like a step into a wonderful 1940's film. And there are a lot of references to actors and actresses of that time, given the period in history the book is set in. Maybe if you're not familiar with classic films, those references might be annoying. But for me, darn near raised on them, it was a treat. If there are flaws in this book, I'm not looking for them. And you can't make me. So, there.
December 15, 2019
Received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Easy to read spy novel. Not bad but not great either. It’s a nice way to spend a few hours. But I’m not loving it so much that I’ll read the next one.
Easy to read spy novel. Not bad but not great either. It’s a nice way to spend a few hours. But I’m not loving it so much that I’ll read the next one.
February 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this spy mystery book set after WWII. Great character development and the story keep me wanting more. I definitely will be reading the next one.
July 22, 2020
Livy Nash took me on a wild ride and I loved every bit of it. This taut spy thriller begins with V-E Day in 1946 London and its gutsy heroine, Livy, reaching for a drink. During World War II, she quickly became one of the toughest agents in France, but her war ended with betrayal and the execution of her lover. Now, Livy spends her days proofreading a column for well-behaved ladies, and her nights alone with black market vodka. When Livy crosses paths with Ian Fleming—yes, THE Ian Fleming—and an opportunity arises to track down the traitor who killed the only man she ever loved, she returns to Paris. Huie does a great job of recreating Post-War England and France, while wielding a distinctly modern heroine. Spitfire highlights the roles that women played during WWII, and the toll it took on them afterward, even as well-loved espionage themes show up here in full force. Both flawed and redeemed, Livy’s assertive M.O. only carries her so far as she realizes no one can be trusted—everyone knows more than they let on. Entertaining as it is emotional, this quick read is a not-so-covert winner.
July 31, 2025
Fun first in the series of spy thrillers about Livy Nash. As an agent behind French lines in WWII, Livy was always in the thick of things until she and several in her group were injured by a bomb. She thought she had lost the lover of her life, Peter Scobee. She spent the best part of the next 2 years in a vodka bottle, until she is contacted by Ian Fleming, former British Intelligence agent. She is sent back to France to search for the man she blames for killing Peter.
Lots going on in this book and I often had to go back a figure out what was going on. Have to admit that I was caught off guard at the end!! Looking forward to #2.
Lots going on in this book and I often had to go back a figure out what was going on. Have to admit that I was caught off guard at the end!! Looking forward to #2.
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