What do you think?
Rate this book
London Spies
London Spies is an award winning book of historical fiction set in London, England at the end of World War II.
Phyllis Bowden, a secretary at the American Embassy, is catapulted into the limelight when the Military Attache is arrested for espionage and her boss, the Assistant Military Attache, assumes the position.
The arrest throws suspicion on everyone at the Embassy, particularly the Military Attache's secretary whose attempted suicide convinces Phyllis to be more curious about what really happened. With bombs still falling on a devastated city, Phyllis begins asking questions but she never imagined the dark underbelly of diplomacy. Entering a shadowy world of cryptic messages, secret rendezvous and dangerous men, Phyllis learns quickly that a safety net doesn't exist and if she wants to survive, she better figure out the game fast.
Phyllis Bowden, a secretary at the American Embassy, is catapulted into the limelight when the Military Attache is arrested for espionage and her boss, the Assistant Military Attache, assumes the position.
The arrest throws suspicion on everyone at the Embassy, particularly the Military Attache's secretary whose attempted suicide convinces Phyllis to be more curious about what really happened. With bombs still falling on a devastated city, Phyllis begins asking questions but she never imagined the dark underbelly of diplomacy. Entering a shadowy world of cryptic messages, secret rendezvous and dangerous men, Phyllis learns quickly that a safety net doesn't exist and if she wants to survive, she better figure out the game fast.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2017
80 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 12, 2017
I was pleased to have won this book in a recent Goodreads First Reads giveaway. Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres!
I enjoyed this book and although I seldom write what a story is about for fear of spoiling for others, I do recommend.
I enjoyed this book and although I seldom write what a story is about for fear of spoiling for others, I do recommend.
November 28, 2017
I have found a new genre. I am really starting to love historical fiction. This story kept me engaged from start to finish. I wasn't really fond of the ending. I of course wanted to know what happened between Joe and Phyllis. I love the mayhem with Phyllis and Lorraine. I was shocked to find out the culprit behind the racketeering. Mrs. Stewart had me in tears. This book I won in a goodreads giveaway.
December 8, 2017
Although I enjoyed this story I was put off by the occasional errors in geography and terminology.
I assume that this book was written for the American market and that American terminology is probably used to help the reader understand but this does limit the appeal to a UK audience.
I received my copy free via Goodreads giveaways.
I assume that this book was written for the American market and that American terminology is probably used to help the reader understand but this does limit the appeal to a UK audience.
I received my copy free via Goodreads giveaways.
December 20, 2017
London Spies is an excellent period novel, the period (and setting) being London in WWII. The novel is as much a detective story as it is about spies, but no matter, Phyllis is stubborn and determined. More Phyllis, please!
February 14, 2022
SJ Slagle – Phyllis Bowden Bk 1 – London Spies – Reviewed 2/13/22 – Read 2/9/22
What’s underneath when the American Embassy’s Military Attaché is arrested for espionage?
Phyllis Bowden has been known to dig in and hold down the fort. Still, when the Military Attaché is arrested for espionage and his secretary attempts to commit suicide, she knows that something is not adding up. Her boss was appointed the new Military Attaché, and as his secretary is in the perfect position to try and figure out what is going on. But if she wants to survive the bombs and the shadowy world of cryptic messages and dangerous men, she will have to work with all the speed she can. With the help of her friend, she digs in, and the story begins.
Join Phyllis as she navigates the pitfalls of who she can trust to get her answers and save a man that she believes is innocent…
What did I like? It is a known fact that I love mystery and intrigue; well, stand by because this book is filled with it. This period of the war, London, and its mysteries is one of my favorite settings for just this type of storyline.
What will you like? Mystery, intrigue, secrets, exciting, danger, bombs, war, and the innocent will keep you reading till the last page turns. The storyline is reminiscent of a time when things were so much more simpler till the war struck! The characters will lift you and hurl you back in time when the world is upside down. Don’t miss the first book in the new Phyllis Bowden series, “London Spies,” available NOW!
• ASIN: B09NX3BT1J
• Publisher: Rough Edges Press
• Publication Date: 2/19/2022
• File Size: 1774 KB
• Print Length: 225 pages
• Genre: Historical Thrillers, Political Thrillers & Suspense, International Mystery & Crime
What’s underneath when the American Embassy’s Military Attaché is arrested for espionage?
Phyllis Bowden has been known to dig in and hold down the fort. Still, when the Military Attaché is arrested for espionage and his secretary attempts to commit suicide, she knows that something is not adding up. Her boss was appointed the new Military Attaché, and as his secretary is in the perfect position to try and figure out what is going on. But if she wants to survive the bombs and the shadowy world of cryptic messages and dangerous men, she will have to work with all the speed she can. With the help of her friend, she digs in, and the story begins.
Join Phyllis as she navigates the pitfalls of who she can trust to get her answers and save a man that she believes is innocent…
What did I like? It is a known fact that I love mystery and intrigue; well, stand by because this book is filled with it. This period of the war, London, and its mysteries is one of my favorite settings for just this type of storyline.
What will you like? Mystery, intrigue, secrets, exciting, danger, bombs, war, and the innocent will keep you reading till the last page turns. The storyline is reminiscent of a time when things were so much more simpler till the war struck! The characters will lift you and hurl you back in time when the world is upside down. Don’t miss the first book in the new Phyllis Bowden series, “London Spies,” available NOW!
• ASIN: B09NX3BT1J
• Publisher: Rough Edges Press
• Publication Date: 2/19/2022
• File Size: 1774 KB
• Print Length: 225 pages
• Genre: Historical Thrillers, Political Thrillers & Suspense, International Mystery & Crime
November 21, 2020
While mostly harmless, this book was disappointing, especially after reading the reviews and other hype. One strength was there was no gratuitous sex or violence. Another was that all language and ideas were harmless and simple enough that even a young teen could read and enjoy it. The writing was clear, although almost formulaic at times, as if an exercise in a "how to write fiction" class. The plot was simple, with no great twists and turns, and some of the characters were well drawn, although none had any real depth.
The worst part was the historical inaccuracies and the constant use of anachronistic language. (No one had "mentors" or said "don't go even there" in 1945, but these characters did!)
My disappointment may have been partly because I simply mistook it for a book for an adult or was looking for more historical accuracy. It is the sort of book I would happily read in a foreign language to improve my fluency in idiomatic styles, if it weren't for the late 20th - 21st century anachronisms, both in the dialogues and in the characters' viewpoints. Why not set your story in and write about a time period you truly understand, rather than give a bad interpretation of the times you chose to portray, especially these days when so little true history is taught to or known by the public?
All this being said, I was interested enough to finish the book, partly to find out who the bad guy was and how things would be resolved, but partly to spot the next in the continuing stream of really grating anachronisms.
The worst part was the historical inaccuracies and the constant use of anachronistic language. (No one had "mentors" or said "don't go even there" in 1945, but these characters did!)
My disappointment may have been partly because I simply mistook it for a book for an adult or was looking for more historical accuracy. It is the sort of book I would happily read in a foreign language to improve my fluency in idiomatic styles, if it weren't for the late 20th - 21st century anachronisms, both in the dialogues and in the characters' viewpoints. Why not set your story in and write about a time period you truly understand, rather than give a bad interpretation of the times you chose to portray, especially these days when so little true history is taught to or known by the public?
All this being said, I was interested enough to finish the book, partly to find out who the bad guy was and how things would be resolved, but partly to spot the next in the continuing stream of really grating anachronisms.
May 13, 2018
A not to be missed read.
London Spies, meet Phyllis efficient, precise and reliable and yet still amazing, plus according to Joe stunningly beautiful. Phyllis is an American working in the American Embassy in London (you may have guest the location from the title). When her bosses boss is arrested and marched out of the Embassy in handcuffs our hero realises this is wrong and after some encouragement starts a quest that you will have to read about for yourself as you will see it will be more than worth your while. S. J. Slagle is a author i have only just found and i have to say she is a author who doesn't disappoint her knowledge of London and the final weeks of the war is very impressive, not just the historic events but she brings to life the characters, environment and atmosphere. The characters feel very real the have weakness just like you and me but some do extraordinary things as did so many in Europe throughout the war, London was not unique in this but the battering of Great Britain's Capital allowed the unoccupied City to rise or fall and it choose to rise not just the English but the many nationals that came and worked there. This book highlights example of the bravery of a few yes a novel but it feels like a good reflection of London at this time in history.
Don't miss what I feel is a great book that I can only recommend as a great read for me it was a book i couldn't put down, look out for this wonderful author S.J. Slagle.
London Spies, meet Phyllis efficient, precise and reliable and yet still amazing, plus according to Joe stunningly beautiful. Phyllis is an American working in the American Embassy in London (you may have guest the location from the title). When her bosses boss is arrested and marched out of the Embassy in handcuffs our hero realises this is wrong and after some encouragement starts a quest that you will have to read about for yourself as you will see it will be more than worth your while. S. J. Slagle is a author i have only just found and i have to say she is a author who doesn't disappoint her knowledge of London and the final weeks of the war is very impressive, not just the historic events but she brings to life the characters, environment and atmosphere. The characters feel very real the have weakness just like you and me but some do extraordinary things as did so many in Europe throughout the war, London was not unique in this but the battering of Great Britain's Capital allowed the unoccupied City to rise or fall and it choose to rise not just the English but the many nationals that came and worked there. This book highlights example of the bravery of a few yes a novel but it feels like a good reflection of London at this time in history.
Don't miss what I feel is a great book that I can only recommend as a great read for me it was a book i couldn't put down, look out for this wonderful author S.J. Slagle.
April 16, 2018
Okay, you caught me. I gave my own book a five star rating, but wait! Let me explain.
A cousin of mine was one of the first women in the CIA in 1946 and her story was too good to pass up. So I didn't. If you'd like to see her, go to my blog, which also gives much of the research for this book in various postings. http://www.anauthorsworld.com.
London, WW2 and women in military intelligence have long kept my interest and when I decided to write the book, the story came to me. Writers may tell you that ideas come to them in a dream (or nightmare), but I'll admit mine came through blood, sweat and tears. I work hard at writing and I believe it shows in this book. Take a look at these first chapters and see what you think.
https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin...
I'm writing a full trilogy with Phyllis Bowden, my young woman in military intelligence, and if you contact me, I'll sign you up for my newsletter, which gives latest information about upcoming books.
https://www.jeanneharrell.com
And, of course, sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read LONDON SPIES.
A cousin of mine was one of the first women in the CIA in 1946 and her story was too good to pass up. So I didn't. If you'd like to see her, go to my blog, which also gives much of the research for this book in various postings. http://www.anauthorsworld.com.
London, WW2 and women in military intelligence have long kept my interest and when I decided to write the book, the story came to me. Writers may tell you that ideas come to them in a dream (or nightmare), but I'll admit mine came through blood, sweat and tears. I work hard at writing and I believe it shows in this book. Take a look at these first chapters and see what you think.
https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin...
I'm writing a full trilogy with Phyllis Bowden, my young woman in military intelligence, and if you contact me, I'll sign you up for my newsletter, which gives latest information about upcoming books.
https://www.jeanneharrell.com
And, of course, sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read LONDON SPIES.
September 14, 2018
It's London 1945 and World War 2 is just winding down. Phyllis Bowden is secretary to the Assistant Military Attache at the American Embassy. When the Military Attache is relieved of duty and accused of spying, no one believes that Col. Lawrence did this. Richard Simpson, Phyllis' boss, is promoted to Miltiary Attache, and they both feel they need to find out what really happened.
This is my first mystery by Slagle. I enjoyed the mystery very much. The historical detail of London at this point in World War 2 was well highlighted and made me feel I was right there in London. The feel of desperation of both the military personnel and the civilian women who worked in London comes through strongly as they live an "eat, drink, and be merry lifestyle." There is a lot of drinking included, but I could understand the feelings of these young adults wondering if they would live to see the end of the war.
An interesting intrigue mystery that would appeal to both world war 2 and suspense readers.
This is my first mystery by Slagle. I enjoyed the mystery very much. The historical detail of London at this point in World War 2 was well highlighted and made me feel I was right there in London. The feel of desperation of both the military personnel and the civilian women who worked in London comes through strongly as they live an "eat, drink, and be merry lifestyle." There is a lot of drinking included, but I could understand the feelings of these young adults wondering if they would live to see the end of the war.
An interesting intrigue mystery that would appeal to both world war 2 and suspense readers.
July 6, 2018
I might classify this as a 'cozy historical mystery.' I think it offers a pretty historically accurate description of the atmosphere of that time period (1945), she does a real good job of describing the setting of London as a war torn city. Jargon/lingo of that time period is used too, & that provides a bit of a 'setting' in itself. It's a good, quick read.....no bad language, sex or gore! I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a 'real/true' historical aspect to their read. A 3.5 star rating might be more accurate for me, but I round up for the good history offered! This is the 1st in a series, & I will definitely keep reading this series!
I won a copy of this book from the author in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway program, simply in exchange for my own fair & honest review.
I won a copy of this book from the author in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway program, simply in exchange for my own fair & honest review.
June 4, 2023
London. Phyllis Bowden is late to work as a civilian secretary to Major Richard Simpson, Assistant Military Attaché at the American Embassy. However, she’s just in time to witness Lt. Col. Ronald Lawrence, Military Attaché, being escorted out in handcuffs by 2 Military Police. Called into Major Simpson’s office, Phyllis learns the crime is espionage. No one can believe it! The woman that most believes in Lt. Col. Lawrence asks Phyllis to prove his innocence. Will she do it? Can she do it?
A riveting introduction to the author’s writing and this trilogy. A page-turning thriller of suspense and intrigue that captivated my attention to the last page.
I’m excited this is a trilogy, as I’m looking forward to what’s next for Phyllis Bowden.
A riveting introduction to the author’s writing and this trilogy. A page-turning thriller of suspense and intrigue that captivated my attention to the last page.
I’m excited this is a trilogy, as I’m looking forward to what’s next for Phyllis Bowden.
January 27, 2022
London Spies. SJ Slagle
A very well written fast paced spy thriller. A young female American embassy employee is stationed in London. This story is based toward the end of WWII and its ending moments. The head Military Attache is arrested for a crime time he didn't commit. The embassy employee is determined to unravel the mystery!!The person who framed him is involved in war profiteering. Military equipment. Again an excellent read! Enjoyed immensely!!
A very well written fast paced spy thriller. A young female American embassy employee is stationed in London. This story is based toward the end of WWII and its ending moments. The head Military Attache is arrested for a crime time he didn't commit. The embassy employee is determined to unravel the mystery!!The person who framed him is involved in war profiteering. Military equipment. Again an excellent read! Enjoyed immensely!!
October 3, 2022
Recommend this book to all interested in WWII history!
Anyone interested in Second World war history will enjoy this story, as well as those just looking for a good mystery. I am looking forward to the second installment to find out what happens to Phyllis Bowden in Norway! Please take a chance on this author, you won't be disappointed!!
Anyone interested in Second World war history will enjoy this story, as well as those just looking for a good mystery. I am looking forward to the second installment to find out what happens to Phyllis Bowden in Norway! Please take a chance on this author, you won't be disappointed!!
November 15, 2022
Intriguing story!
This is my first read for this author and I was pleasantly surprised! The characters were well fleshed out, the mystery was intriguing and the story moved quickly without any dragging moments. The portrait of London toward the end of WWII was heartbreaking and added to the intrigue. I am looking forward to the next book!
This is my first read for this author and I was pleasantly surprised! The characters were well fleshed out, the mystery was intriguing and the story moved quickly without any dragging moments. The portrait of London toward the end of WWII was heartbreaking and added to the intrigue. I am looking forward to the next book!
May 14, 2017
Good spy mystery
I enjoy historical dramas especially those based on true events. The protagonist was realistic with a good supporting character to help her. I'd recommend the book to anyone who enjoys novels about world war 2.
I enjoy historical dramas especially those based on true events. The protagonist was realistic with a good supporting character to help her. I'd recommend the book to anyone who enjoys novels about world war 2.
November 10, 2017
I would classify London Spies as young adult.
August 14, 2018
We are proud to announce that LONDON SPIES by S.J. Slagle is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
February 20, 2022
My Musings
Wow, this is an action packed suspenseful novel with compelling characters and an intriguing plot. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
Wow, this is an action packed suspenseful novel with compelling characters and an intriguing plot. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
February 27, 2023
A soft, gentle spy story set in London near the end of the war. Maybe more of a romance story than an espionage story. Dialogue is a little stilted.
May 26, 2022
An okay example of the genre but the plot & writing style was not as good as other examples.
January 10, 2019
Intrigue during WWII
A young american girl working at the American Embassy in London finds herself entangled in what looks like espionage. As she follows hunches and clues she unwittingly becomes a target. This novel was fast paced and the characters were fun. I enjoyed this book. Just finished a second reading as I will meet The Author tonight.
A young american girl working at the American Embassy in London finds herself entangled in what looks like espionage. As she follows hunches and clues she unwittingly becomes a target. This novel was fast paced and the characters were fun. I enjoyed this book. Just finished a second reading as I will meet The Author tonight.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews