As a huge fan who reads every book Rachel Hore writes, I was thrilled to receive an advance review copy of 'A Beautiful Spy'. I had just finished reading 'The Spy who Loved' about the incredible life of World War 2 spy, Christine Granville' and this segued perfectly. It is a thrilling slow burner of a read following the entry into espionage of Minnie Gray. Minnie represents a fitting fictional tribute to the real life espionage heroines through the decades as asserted by the novel's foreword '...it is curious in the history of espionage and counter-espionage a very high percentage of the greatest coups have been brought off by women.' These are the real-life words of British spymaster (and reputed inspiration for 'M' in James Bond). Minnie's story is utterly compelling laying bare the isolation and psychological impact of leading a double life. Rachel Hore skilfully explores the toll exacted by a life of subterfuge and I was gripped by every twist and turn. When I reached the end of the novel my initial reaction was that it seemed a trifle rushed. However, I had cause to revisit and completely reverse my initial reaction when I read Rachel's acknowledgements and discovered that Minnie's story is based event by event on the real life espionage experiences of Olga Gray whose handler was Maxwell Knight. 'A Beautiful Spy' is a compelling work of fiction but to reach the end and discover that it was a fictional recreation of true events added layers of poignancy and pathos to an already moving piece of writing.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

A Beautiful Spy is based on a true story and tells the story of Minnie Grey who is recruited to spy for the British government in the 1930s. Her mission is to move to London and infiltrate the Communist movement. This is an absolutely beautifully written novel which looks at the danger, isolation and fear involved in being a female spy and the appalling way in which Minnie was treated by the British secret service. The period detail is exquisite and Hore portrays what it was like to be a woman during this time, who goes against the norm.
This is only the second book I've read by Rachel Hore and like her previous novel, The Love Child, I adored it and would highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC.