Great dual timeline novel from WW2 and the 1970s. Compelling storyline and characters working well with the different povs, I loved the historical part but also enjoyed Charlotte's story from the more modern times and it is one of those books that stays with you after you have finished it

The Paris Agent is the latest emotionally compelling historical fiction novel from author Kelly Rimmer. This was my first time reading anything from Kelly Rimmer but her captivating storytelling had me hooked from the prologue and it is easily one of my favourite reads of 2024 so far.

The story is told through a well-paced dual timeline, set between France during the Second World War and England in the 1970s. The earlier timeline was particularly interesting, weaving together the stories of different female SOE operatives through multiple first person POVs. It was really interesting to see how their stories overlapped and how they linked to the later timeline where Charlotte is trying to piece together her father’s wartime experiences.

The history was clearly meticulously researched and you are fully immersed into the time period and the story by Kelly Rimmer’s captivating writing style. Whilst being mindful of avoiding spoilers, at times the story had me absolutely bawling my eyes out, which is testament to her storytelling ability.

In Josie (referred to through her operational name Chloe) and Elouise (referred to through her operational name Fleur) we have two courageous female protagonists who were based on the real heroic women who worked for the SOE during the war. As you may be able to tell, there are lots of code names to keep track of but that helped to make the narrative feel really authentic to the time period. Charlotte was another fantastic protagonist whose relationship with her Dad, and determination to support him, was wonderful to see.

Within the story there is fantastic chronic illness representation through the character of Josie. This is not something I’ve seen before within WW2 historical fiction but it was fascinating to see how chronic illness was managed during wartime. We also had some LGBTQIA+ representation which was great to see.

Overall, The Paris Agent is a really powerful and compelling piece of historical fiction which is truly going to stay with me for a long time. It’s a must-read for fans of the genre and one of my standout books of 2024 so far.

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I have posted my review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk

*Thank you to NetGalley, Kelly Rimmer, Little Brown Book Group UK and Piatkus.

A dual timeline novel set in The UK in the 70's, and France during WW2. Noah, newly widowed, is trying to find a man he believes saved his life when he was working for The SOE, but his memory of that time is patchy at best. The plot here is loosely based on the lives of real women who worked for the SOE during the war. Given very limited training, the were parachuted into occupied France where they worked as spies.

The plot is interesting and compelling; I would like to find out more about this area of history. Unfortunately for me, the text was also littered with Americanisms, gotten was frequently used in dialogue, there was talk of faucets, boxcars, and even moms, each time it would pull me out of the story. I did read an ARC, so hopefully this can be tidied up for publication, also, I don't suppose it would even be noticed by most readers, especially those in North America; I found it irritating though. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I did like it.

*Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*

What a brilliant historical read. I love books like this one as they are so interesting. Dual time line as well what more could you want. Quite a tense book at times it had me on the edge of my seat. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

As a big fan of Kelly Rimmer and her great books I have to say this is yet another one. A novel inspired by real-life female WWII agents it is a fascination and intriguing read and such a strong story about the women and their part is this terrible war.

This is a wonderful yet emotional story of war, spies/agents, strong and courageous women and how their lives unfolded throughout this wartime. The historical aspect is spot on and the research has been done brilliantly. The length of the book is also perfect and this book will have you glued to its pages. Exciting, thrilling, nail-biting, edge of your seat reading and one I thoroughly enjoyed. 4 1/2 stars for this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Poignant storyline, clever plot! The novel is written in two timelines. Even though the more modern timeline (1970) is in some ways predictable, it proves a clever way to show how the SOE's files (WWII) are still considered classified in 1970. The secrecy also concerns the family members of those who died while operating abroad. I found the two young women's incredible courage fascinating and highly impressive! Knowing that they are based on real characters makes this novel even more powerful. The chapters written in the first personal pronoun proved a clever way to enhance the tension as to what actually happened to these two women: did they survive the war or not? The reader has to reach the conclusion of the novel to learn about the exact facts. A story that has to be read to be remembered.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

The This was an immersive, wonderful story set during World War Two. I enjoy books set in this time period and this one was unique in that it followed characters who were secret operatives working in France.

It was a tense and yet a very emotional read, told in two timelines which I also something I really enjoy in my reading. The characters were very likeable and I was quickly invested in their work and the challenges and dangers they faced. Woven through the book is a sense of love and family as well as companionship and trauma.

As the characters in the present day try to uncover the secrets of the past we are taken into the world of agents operating in a very dangerous world and yet the human aspect of their lives and their families at home pull on your heart strings.

It’s a wonderful read and the first book I have read by this beloved historical fiction author and I will be looking for more from her in the future.

A nail-biting, emotional read about those working undercover and the dangers and sacrifices they made. Would absolutely recommend this 100% and the fact that it was based on true stories made it all the better.