A Beautiful Spy, Rachel Hore
A Beautiful Spy, Rachel Hore
2 Rating(s)
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A Beautiful Spy
From the million-copy Sunday Times bestseller

Author: Rachel Hore

Narrator: Sandra Duncan

Unabridged: 11 hr 34 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/18/2021


Synopsis

From the million-copy Sunday Times bestseller comes a thrilling story about a woman with an extraordinary life, based on a true story.
 
Minnie Gray is an ordinary young woman.
She is also a spy for the British government.
 
It all began in the summer of 1928...
 
Minnie is supposed to find a nice man, get married and have children. The problem is it doesn’t appeal to her at all. She is working as a secretary, but longs to make a difference.
 
Then, one day, she gets her chance. She is recruited by the British government as a spy. Under strict instructions not to tell anyone, not even her family, she moves to London and begins her mission – to infiltrate the Communist movement.
 
She soon gains the trust of important leaders. But as she grows more and more entangled in the workings of the movement, her job becomes increasingly dangerous. Leading a double life is starting to take its toll on her relationships and, feeling more isolated than ever, she starts to wonder how this is all going to end. The Russians are notorious for ruthlessly disposing of people given the slightest suspicion.
 
What if they find out?
 
Full of suspense, courage and love, A Beautiful Spy is a stunningly written story about resisting the norm and following your dreams, even if they come with sacrifices.

About Rachel Hore

Rachel Hore worked in London publishing for many years before moving with her family to Norwich, where she taught publishing and creative writing at the University of East Anglia until deciding to become a full-time writer. The Secrets of Dragonfly Lodge is her fourteenth novel. She is married to the writer D.J. Taylor and they have three sons. Visit her at RachelHore.co.uk and connect with her on X @RachelHore and instagram @rachel.hore.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Ivana - Diary of Difference on January 29, 2022

Wishlist | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Ko-fi A Beautiful Spy is a wonderful story about Minnie, a girl who becomes a spy for the British Government. Refusing to just settle down and marry, as she is expected to, Minnie wants excitement. Little does she know, with excitement, comes danger......more

Goodreads review by Michael on February 13, 2022

Based on a true story. In the 1920s Minnie is recruited into MI5,she agrees to do this out of boredom. Yet her spying missions are so mundane and the author shows how ordinary it can be. This aspect of the book I enjoyed. However nothing much happens and there is no real danger. The stakes aren't tha......more

Goodreads review by Victoria on January 18, 2022

I don't know how a story based on a true life spy can turn out so incredibly dull, but this book was slow and tedious. Not a lot happened! If it wasn't for the fact I had to read it for book club, I probably would have given up. I wouldn't really recommend it, but I do feel like it's the sort of gen......more

Goodreads review by Stephen on August 24, 2021

Easy going read based on a true story based in 1930's spy called Olga Gray London and with the character Percy Glading who was the co-founder of the British Communist Party and events leading up to the trial.......more

Goodreads review by Lucy on January 30, 2021

It's the 1930s in Edgbaston, Minnie is working as a typist supporting her mother and younger siblings doesn't want a husband yet and wants better for herself. she is approached to work as a spy for the British government and soon finds herself living a dangerous double life in London. What has Minnie......more


Quotes

‘A superb novel. I absolutely loved it. Rachel Hore brilliantly contrasts the thrilling world of high-stakes politics with the inner life of a passionate woman leading a dangerous double existence’ 

'Phenomenal! Absolutely loved it. I was rooting for Minnie from page one right to the very end... What a treat of a read'

'Based on a true story, this fantastic novel follows the adventures of a suburban girl recruited by MI5 to infiltrate the British Communist Party (BCP) in the years before World War II… Hore reveals a thrilling world of high-stakes politics alongside the inner life of a passionate young woman leading a dangerous double existence. The humdrum, lonely nature of espionage is brilliantly evoked; Minnie longs for friendships but can’t get too close, while love is out of the question, particularly love for Max. Exciting, impeccably researched and full of powerful period atmosphere'

‘Based on the life of Olga Gray, this atmospheric thriller is a delight to read’ 
 

‘Stunning. A masterclass in storytelling. Flawless writing and a great plot that builds suspense… This is one of those unforgettable books whose characters stay with you and whom you miss when they’re gone… I loved every moment’ 
 

'Rachel Hore has written a masterful novel, rich in period detail, and her heroine is an unforgettable character – an ordinary young woman who achieves extraordinary things for her country' 
 

'As far as her friends and family think, Minnie is an ordinary girl but she is a government spy – recruited to infiltrate the communist government. But how long can anyone lead a double life? Based on a true story' 

'A compulsive and enjoyable read' 
 

'Historical suspense… Minnie Gray – on the outside an ordinary woman, inside a spy for the British Government who is asked to infiltrate the Russians. Inspired by the real-life story of secretary Olga Gray'