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Fiona Figg Mystery #2
High Treason at the Grand Hotel
* Duration: 8 hours and 59 minutes *
Paris. 1917. Never underestimate the power of a good hat…or a sharp hatpin.
Sent by the War Office to follow the notorious Black Panther, file clerk turned secret agent Fiona Figg is under strict orders not to get too close and not to wear any of her usual “get-ups.” But what self-respecting British spy can resist a good disguise?
Within hours of her arrival in Paris, Fiona is up to her fake eyebrows in missing maids, jewel thieves, double agents, and high treason. When Fiona is found dressed as a bellboy holding a bloody paperknife over the body of a dead countess, it’s not just her career that’s on the block.
Her next date might be with Madame Guillotine.
©2021 Kelly Oliver (P)2021 Kelly Oliver
Paris. 1917. Never underestimate the power of a good hat…or a sharp hatpin.
Sent by the War Office to follow the notorious Black Panther, file clerk turned secret agent Fiona Figg is under strict orders not to get too close and not to wear any of her usual “get-ups.” But what self-respecting British spy can resist a good disguise?
Within hours of her arrival in Paris, Fiona is up to her fake eyebrows in missing maids, jewel thieves, double agents, and high treason. When Fiona is found dressed as a bellboy holding a bloody paperknife over the body of a dead countess, it’s not just her career that’s on the block.
Her next date might be with Madame Guillotine.
©2021 Kelly Oliver (P)2021 Kelly Oliver
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 5, 2021
443 people are currently reading
2158 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Oliver
63 books425 followersKelly Oliver is the award-winning, bestselling author of four mysteries series:
Jessica James Mysteries (contemporary suspense), Pet Detective Mysteries (middle grade), Fiona Figg Mysteries (historical cozies), and The Detection Club Mysteries (traditional).
When she’s not writing mysteries, Kelly is Distinguished Professor Emerita of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University.
Kelly lives in Nashville with three very demanding felines.
To learn more about Kelly and her books, please visit her website at www.kellyoliverbooks.com.
Jessica James Mysteries (contemporary suspense), Pet Detective Mysteries (middle grade), Fiona Figg Mysteries (historical cozies), and The Detection Club Mysteries (traditional).
When she’s not writing mysteries, Kelly is Distinguished Professor Emerita of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University.
Kelly lives in Nashville with three very demanding felines.
To learn more about Kelly and her books, please visit her website at www.kellyoliverbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
January 20, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
I needed to straighten my desk and get my files in order. My father liked to say, outward order conceals inward turmoil. If so, my soul must be a cyclone. And if the reverse were true, the slobs in this office had the souls of monks.
Sitting behind his mammoth wooden desk, eyelids flicking, the petite Captain Hall looked like a turtle encased in its shell.
The only thing an admirer ever gave me was a head cold.
“If anything, the war teaches us to savor the moment.” She tightened the strings on her purse. Maybe she had a point. “Think of all those unfortunate women on the Titanic who waved away the dessert cart.” She winked.
My Review:
The headstrong and quick-witted filing clerk turned intrepid wartime spy Fiona Figg’s second adventure has her hopping to the continent and sampling the wares of Paris, which even in the straits of WWI was bustling far merrier than dreary old London. Fiona ignored all the dire warnings and sharp orders given to her to leave her “costumes” at home and packed more disguises in her luggage than actual clothing, so she couldn’t let them go to waste now could she? Her adoring visits to the costume shop remind me of the highly amusing yet bungling Inspector Clouseau of the Pink Panther movies.
She was to keep a low profile and merely gather information, no way! There was no holding her back as she was soon embroiled in several murders, thrown in a filthy jail cell with horrible men, and took on a side hobby of tracking a jewel thief and possible serial killer in her spare time when not hobnobbing with Mata Hari. I aspire to her bold level of daredevil audaciousness!
I have enjoyed Ms. Oliver’s wry humor and clever storytelling, she has amused and kept me well entertained for several days. I am now even more enamored with historical cozy mysteries after reading the first two of her series and am looking forward to the next planned installment when the Feisty Fiona Figg will be off to Austria behind enemy lines to meet the King and Queen at a royal ball. How thrilling!
My curiosity was further tipped by information tucked into the Afterward about several of the characters in the books being notables and real-life figures of the time. So, of course, a visit to my friend Mr. Google was required and I fell down an ever-familiar rabbit hole while looking up the infamous Mata Hari. Funny how that happens… Yet another case of amusing fiction leading me into an interesting history lesson.
I needed to straighten my desk and get my files in order. My father liked to say, outward order conceals inward turmoil. If so, my soul must be a cyclone. And if the reverse were true, the slobs in this office had the souls of monks.
Sitting behind his mammoth wooden desk, eyelids flicking, the petite Captain Hall looked like a turtle encased in its shell.
The only thing an admirer ever gave me was a head cold.
“If anything, the war teaches us to savor the moment.” She tightened the strings on her purse. Maybe she had a point. “Think of all those unfortunate women on the Titanic who waved away the dessert cart.” She winked.
My Review:
The headstrong and quick-witted filing clerk turned intrepid wartime spy Fiona Figg’s second adventure has her hopping to the continent and sampling the wares of Paris, which even in the straits of WWI was bustling far merrier than dreary old London. Fiona ignored all the dire warnings and sharp orders given to her to leave her “costumes” at home and packed more disguises in her luggage than actual clothing, so she couldn’t let them go to waste now could she? Her adoring visits to the costume shop remind me of the highly amusing yet bungling Inspector Clouseau of the Pink Panther movies.
She was to keep a low profile and merely gather information, no way! There was no holding her back as she was soon embroiled in several murders, thrown in a filthy jail cell with horrible men, and took on a side hobby of tracking a jewel thief and possible serial killer in her spare time when not hobnobbing with Mata Hari. I aspire to her bold level of daredevil audaciousness!
I have enjoyed Ms. Oliver’s wry humor and clever storytelling, she has amused and kept me well entertained for several days. I am now even more enamored with historical cozy mysteries after reading the first two of her series and am looking forward to the next planned installment when the Feisty Fiona Figg will be off to Austria behind enemy lines to meet the King and Queen at a royal ball. How thrilling!
My curiosity was further tipped by information tucked into the Afterward about several of the characters in the books being notables and real-life figures of the time. So, of course, a visit to my friend Mr. Google was required and I fell down an ever-familiar rabbit hole while looking up the infamous Mata Hari. Funny how that happens… Yet another case of amusing fiction leading me into an interesting history lesson.
August 9, 2025
Fiona had another wild adventure, this time in Paris, working for the British War Office. Recurring characters from the first book were there as well, including a surprise appearance of Archie from the military hospital in London. I enjoyed the narrator Nikki Delgado. She does a great job with all the voices.
January 30, 2021
High Treason at the Grand Hotel was such a enjoyable and fun historical mystery! I was so hooked with the story that I finish this book in one sitting!
The story is mostly set in Paris in 1917 and the main character is Fiona Figg, who works as file clerk but also is a secret agent. And while she follows to Paris Frederick Fredricks, the suspected German spy, she gets into a lot of trouble.
Fiona is such a delightful character. She is intelligent and witty and also she loved using disguises even if her boss told her not to do it - I found it really hilarious.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me copy of book in exchange for review. All opinions are my own.
The story is mostly set in Paris in 1917 and the main character is Fiona Figg, who works as file clerk but also is a secret agent. And while she follows to Paris Frederick Fredricks, the suspected German spy, she gets into a lot of trouble.
Fiona is such a delightful character. She is intelligent and witty and also she loved using disguises even if her boss told her not to do it - I found it really hilarious.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me copy of book in exchange for review. All opinions are my own.
January 4, 2021
I grabbed HIGH TREASON AT THE GRAND HOTEL for its splendid cover, WWI setting in Paris, and protagonist Fiona Figg as a British spy. Starting slow, it caught fire as she follows suspected agents for the Germans, including the infamous Mata Hari. Will Fiona uncover the truth before more Allied ships are sunk by the enemy? And what about that sexy soldier who consoled her after the death of her husband? A fine hf-mystery for those intrigued by Great War spydom and a worthy #2 in the Fiona Figg series.
4 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 05 Jan 2021
#HighTreasonattheGrandHotel #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Level Best Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
4 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 05 Jan 2021
#HighTreasonattheGrandHotel #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Level Best Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
April 10, 2022
Fiona Figg is off to Paris in pursuit of Fredrick Fredricks, with her costumes in tow. Along the way, she meets Mata Hari, loses her passport, and masquerades as a bellboy at The Grand Hotel, the last so she can figure out what Fredricks’ next move is. Silly Clifford Douglas is in Paris, too, unaware of Fiona’s espionage-related orders, but he actually comes in handy, when he’s not blathering on about something.
And Fiona encounters murders, of course; despite her boss’ dismay over her use of costumes, Fiona proves herself to be a dogged investigator, using her costumed personas to gain access to people and places Ms Figg the filing clerk never would have.
Kelly Oliver inserts enough critique of gender roles of the period to keep things interesting, as well as one of the characters pointing out that Ms. Figg’s beloved country has much to answer for for its activities elsewhere in the world.
And Fiona encounters murders, of course; despite her boss’ dismay over her use of costumes, Fiona proves herself to be a dogged investigator, using her costumed personas to gain access to people and places Ms Figg the filing clerk never would have.
Kelly Oliver inserts enough critique of gender roles of the period to keep things interesting, as well as one of the characters pointing out that Ms. Figg’s beloved country has much to answer for for its activities elsewhere in the world.
January 23, 2021
We continue this story just where we left off in book 1 and now have Fiona traveling to Paris to continue the surveillance of a potential German spy. Fiona takes her role being a British espionage to the max taking on disguises and getting herself into big trouble. She was sent to Paris with strict orders about using her disguises to no avail. Fiona is such a great character I just find her so amusing and entertaining. In this installment we find Fiona in trouble and deep into a jewel heist, murders and some well - known characters in history. It just keeps getting better and better.
Funny and entertaining, I cannot wait for the next in the series.
Funny and entertaining, I cannot wait for the next in the series.
January 6, 2021
4 1/2 stars. A highly entertaining story of espionage and murder in Paris during World War I. Fiona Figg, a filing clerk, turned sometimes English spy, is tasked with surveilling a suspected German spy. Fiona has perseverance and a love of disguise which works…though not always as well as she thinks. She reminds me Pink Panther but smarter and not as slapstick.
There’s a pinch of romance, real historical people who fit in well with the story (it doesn’t feel forced), adventure, twists and plenty of humor. It is sure put a smile on your face and cause some laughter. I haven’t read the first book in this series but I plan on correcting that soon.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There’s a pinch of romance, real historical people who fit in well with the story (it doesn’t feel forced), adventure, twists and plenty of humor. It is sure put a smile on your face and cause some laughter. I haven’t read the first book in this series but I plan on correcting that soon.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2021
This was ok but nowhere near as good as I anticipated.
April 7, 2022
Such an exciting fun read. History, mystery, culture and more all rolled into one. A fast-paced page turner with fun characters.
January 28, 2022
This is the second book in the Fiona Figg mystery series and probably isn’t a good stand alone book. You’ll enjoy it more if you’ve read the first book, Betrayal at Ravenswick, which ends with a cliffhanger.
Fiona is a divorced woman working at the London War Office during WWI who accidentally becomes a spy. She’s a master of disguises, so she thinks, as she tracks Frederick Fredericks, who we met in the first book, who’s suspected of murdering double agents. She’s sent to Paris with instructions to report back on Fredericks and not to wear any of her “getups,” as her boss calls them. Fiona loves disguises and ignores the instructions as she follows Fredericks and gets involved in other mysteries and mayhem.
Fiona’s a bit of a bumbling spy and some of it is funny, but some of it becomes annoying as the book continues. Still, I’m interested enough to continue reading the series even if only to find out which of the three potential love interests she’ll end up with. Romance doesn’t feature strongly in the books, but it is part of the storyline. And, it is fun to see Fiona, a feminist ahead of her time, breaking barriers for women.
Some of the characters in the books are based on real-life people in WWI, which makes the story more interesting. Although by the end of this, the second book, it’s starting to drag for me, I’ll go on to the third book if for no other reason than I don’t like to quit in the middle of a series.
When I started this series I’d hoped it was similar to the Dottie Manderson series by Caron Allan, which I really liked. There are some similarities, and if you like cozy mysteries you’ll probably enjoy this series, too.
Fiona is a divorced woman working at the London War Office during WWI who accidentally becomes a spy. She’s a master of disguises, so she thinks, as she tracks Frederick Fredericks, who we met in the first book, who’s suspected of murdering double agents. She’s sent to Paris with instructions to report back on Fredericks and not to wear any of her “getups,” as her boss calls them. Fiona loves disguises and ignores the instructions as she follows Fredericks and gets involved in other mysteries and mayhem.
Fiona’s a bit of a bumbling spy and some of it is funny, but some of it becomes annoying as the book continues. Still, I’m interested enough to continue reading the series even if only to find out which of the three potential love interests she’ll end up with. Romance doesn’t feature strongly in the books, but it is part of the storyline. And, it is fun to see Fiona, a feminist ahead of her time, breaking barriers for women.
Some of the characters in the books are based on real-life people in WWI, which makes the story more interesting. Although by the end of this, the second book, it’s starting to drag for me, I’ll go on to the third book if for no other reason than I don’t like to quit in the middle of a series.
When I started this series I’d hoped it was similar to the Dottie Manderson series by Caron Allan, which I really liked. There are some similarities, and if you like cozy mysteries you’ll probably enjoy this series, too.
January 22, 2021
She is a spy and is sent to find another but she was given orders not to get too close. Unfortunately she does not listen and she will soon be in the middle of a murder. She is found holding the bloody knife. Can she prove she is innocent? Can she find the one she was sent to check on? See if she is found innocent
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2023
Historical fiction set in WWI England and France. As a clerk in the code breaking department of the War Office In London, Fiona Figg longs for the life of an undercover spy. When she is asked by her boss to travel to Paris to inconspicuously follow a suspected double agent, she manages to get in several tight situations. Her love of disguises and her interaction with actual historic figures made for an interesting read. Second in a series. Best to read in order. Clean read.
January 6, 2023
What a fun book
Great book. I enjoyed th8s book a lot . Fiesty lady and friends. Good plot, and lots of surprises. Look forward to the next one
Great book. I enjoyed th8s book a lot . Fiesty lady and friends. Good plot, and lots of surprises. Look forward to the next one
November 6, 2021
Fiona Figgs file clerk turned spy of disguises is such a delightful character. Paris 1917 She is intelligent, witty gal who has recently gone thru a divorce after a 4 yr. Marriage to a man she thought was the love of her life; until Fiona caught Andrew cheating with his secretary & had their child. To then have Andrew die in her arms from chemical warfare.
When her superior @ the war office asked her to continue to follow the notorious Black Panther. aka Fredrick Fredricks in Paris. They believe he has something to do with British ships being sunk by the Germans.
This assignment will help her deal with the grief of the death of Andrew & the promise he asked her to make to the current Wife & his child. (Ridiculous)
Fiona is to go undercover as HERSELF, visiting her (so call) aunt in Paris. Under strict orders not to get too close to Fredrick Fredricks- suspected German Spy; & NO disguises! The moment she arrives at the Grand Hotel, that order fly's out the window. A British spy cannot resist a good disguise?
After checking in Fiona goes undercover w/ her 1st disguise for this assignment. As a bellboy at the Grand Hotel to gain access to Fredericks' room.
While disguised as a male again, a few maids happen to inform Fiona that they have responded to an ad in the personals to become a wartime bride for a lonely widow. Fiona thinks there is more to that then meets the eye? Could FF be involved or is there another threat within the Grand Hotel? Fiona is determined to find out & get the goods on FF.
Her curiosity, leads her to robbery of thieves, missing young maids, double agents, kidnapping.
To the arrest of the famous seductress of Mati Hari all at the Grand.
To get close to FF, she has to get in her bellboy disguise & get her self to working the party, that is the talk of the town because the famous Mata Hari will be performing. Fiona is not fond of her, since she believes she has stolen her passport as she attempted to arrive in Paris.
During this party, Fiona is trying to find out where FF has disappeared,. Instead she hears an agreement going on out in the garden of two woman. The Countess & some other woman who is accusing the Countess of being a traitor & she will not get away with it. Fiona doesn't recognize the voice. She must get back to her assignment given to her. Surveillance on FF the potential German spy & get the evidence she needs to give to the war office to have him be accountable of his treasonable actions. Instead she uncovers the murder of the Countess; blood around her cold body, covered up in Mata Hari Fur coat.
Unfortunately, the maid that is trying to get the bellhop attention wanders in & notices Fiona holding the murder weapon in her bellboy disguise. While she can prove that she/he is innocent.
Fiona gets has an alibi as the bellboy to be released from the police station. But now she is determined & feels obligated to find out the truth of what happened to the Countess & to missing maids all at the Grand Hotel.
Fiona believes that this murder, Mata Hari arrest relate to FF dealing with the Germans. Though she has now stubbled on a & an infamous serial killer Henri Desire Landru. This filthy man lurers the young ladies, thru his personal ad, pretending is meeting to find a new bride. Instead Henri convinces the innocent maids to steal the guests jewels, then pours fake affection to take him to his home to murders them. Knowing no one will miss thieves.
What she finds out is even worse, then she thought. Now she has to get justice for a flirty maid that has been murdered & using her activist twin sister as the bait.
Fred Fredericks has a bunch of tricks up his sleeve & boy does he trick Fiona good. Clumsy, dense Clifford Douglas, who works for British intelligence, pops up & tries to use his charm on Fiona. Though Clifford might grow on you. I still think his behavior, character is all an act. There is more to meets the eye with Clifford? Maybe in the next saga
Well she does find some evidence but every time she attempts to go to the embassy to call into her superior with updates, the office seems to be closed.
Once she finally gets thru he has informed her to give the evidence to the next spy & remove herself off the case. doesn't understand, why when she has been making progress. All to try to get information about FF. However, she bumps into a fellow war hero from the hospital infirmary, Archie the man that comforted her in her grief after having Andrew die in her arms? What is Archie doing in Paris? Why? Wait, is he a spy too? Is he her contact. The man she is attracted to after just one meeting.
Can Fiona save herself from a murder rap? Find out about the missing maids, jewel thieves, double agents? Before she herself is accused of high treason. It's not just her career that’s on the line. Fiona Figgs could be the next with a date with Madame Guillotine.
Read the next chapter of the Saga of Fiona Figgs. I think you will enjoy it.
When her superior @ the war office asked her to continue to follow the notorious Black Panther. aka Fredrick Fredricks in Paris. They believe he has something to do with British ships being sunk by the Germans.
This assignment will help her deal with the grief of the death of Andrew & the promise he asked her to make to the current Wife & his child. (Ridiculous)
Fiona is to go undercover as HERSELF, visiting her (so call) aunt in Paris. Under strict orders not to get too close to Fredrick Fredricks- suspected German Spy; & NO disguises! The moment she arrives at the Grand Hotel, that order fly's out the window. A British spy cannot resist a good disguise?
After checking in Fiona goes undercover w/ her 1st disguise for this assignment. As a bellboy at the Grand Hotel to gain access to Fredericks' room.
While disguised as a male again, a few maids happen to inform Fiona that they have responded to an ad in the personals to become a wartime bride for a lonely widow. Fiona thinks there is more to that then meets the eye? Could FF be involved or is there another threat within the Grand Hotel? Fiona is determined to find out & get the goods on FF.
Her curiosity, leads her to robbery of thieves, missing young maids, double agents, kidnapping.
To the arrest of the famous seductress of Mati Hari all at the Grand.
To get close to FF, she has to get in her bellboy disguise & get her self to working the party, that is the talk of the town because the famous Mata Hari will be performing. Fiona is not fond of her, since she believes she has stolen her passport as she attempted to arrive in Paris.
During this party, Fiona is trying to find out where FF has disappeared,. Instead she hears an agreement going on out in the garden of two woman. The Countess & some other woman who is accusing the Countess of being a traitor & she will not get away with it. Fiona doesn't recognize the voice. She must get back to her assignment given to her. Surveillance on FF the potential German spy & get the evidence she needs to give to the war office to have him be accountable of his treasonable actions. Instead she uncovers the murder of the Countess; blood around her cold body, covered up in Mata Hari Fur coat.
Unfortunately, the maid that is trying to get the bellhop attention wanders in & notices Fiona holding the murder weapon in her bellboy disguise. While she can prove that she/he is innocent.
Fiona gets has an alibi as the bellboy to be released from the police station. But now she is determined & feels obligated to find out the truth of what happened to the Countess & to missing maids all at the Grand Hotel.
Fiona believes that this murder, Mata Hari arrest relate to FF dealing with the Germans. Though she has now stubbled on a & an infamous serial killer Henri Desire Landru. This filthy man lurers the young ladies, thru his personal ad, pretending is meeting to find a new bride. Instead Henri convinces the innocent maids to steal the guests jewels, then pours fake affection to take him to his home to murders them. Knowing no one will miss thieves.
What she finds out is even worse, then she thought. Now she has to get justice for a flirty maid that has been murdered & using her activist twin sister as the bait.
Fred Fredericks has a bunch of tricks up his sleeve & boy does he trick Fiona good. Clumsy, dense Clifford Douglas, who works for British intelligence, pops up & tries to use his charm on Fiona. Though Clifford might grow on you. I still think his behavior, character is all an act. There is more to meets the eye with Clifford? Maybe in the next saga
Well she does find some evidence but every time she attempts to go to the embassy to call into her superior with updates, the office seems to be closed.
Once she finally gets thru he has informed her to give the evidence to the next spy & remove herself off the case. doesn't understand, why when she has been making progress. All to try to get information about FF. However, she bumps into a fellow war hero from the hospital infirmary, Archie the man that comforted her in her grief after having Andrew die in her arms? What is Archie doing in Paris? Why? Wait, is he a spy too? Is he her contact. The man she is attracted to after just one meeting.
Can Fiona save herself from a murder rap? Find out about the missing maids, jewel thieves, double agents? Before she herself is accused of high treason. It's not just her career that’s on the line. Fiona Figgs could be the next with a date with Madame Guillotine.
Read the next chapter of the Saga of Fiona Figgs. I think you will enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2022
Generally speaking, wartime isn’t my favorite setting for historical mysteries, but I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Rather than a standard murder mystery, this is more of a spy craft themed novel, or perhaps spy craft adjacent, since heroine Fiona isn’t technically a spy.
All of the disguises and “acting” she does felt a little hokey and contrived, as did the Mata Hari plot line, but it’s still a fun story, the setting was well-rendered, and Fiona is a good—if very standard—protagonist for the genre.
I appreciated that the book doesn’t spend too much time lurching around in a romantic subplot, and also that it takes some time to delve into details (Fiona loves hats! Paris as backdrop!) that make the setting and atmosphere richer, which for me is probably the most important facet of a historical mystery. I look forward to reading more of this series.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Rather than a standard murder mystery, this is more of a spy craft themed novel, or perhaps spy craft adjacent, since heroine Fiona isn’t technically a spy.
All of the disguises and “acting” she does felt a little hokey and contrived, as did the Mata Hari plot line, but it’s still a fun story, the setting was well-rendered, and Fiona is a good—if very standard—protagonist for the genre.
I appreciated that the book doesn’t spend too much time lurching around in a romantic subplot, and also that it takes some time to delve into details (Fiona loves hats! Paris as backdrop!) that make the setting and atmosphere richer, which for me is probably the most important facet of a historical mystery. I look forward to reading more of this series.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
January 1, 2021
Such a charming and thrilling read, one I didn't want to end! Seriously, it has everything a stellar book requires yet it is not overdone. The author is very skilled at using historical details (do read the afterword), developing fabulous characters and situations. Additionally, her sense of humour is just incredible. This is one of those books I felt an immediate affinity with. It's non-stop pure enjoyment. The very thought of the next in the series, the third, fills me with anticipation.
In 1917, Fiona Figg, a young woman in her 20s, is a file clerk who has done spying jobs on the side. Well, in this book she has spying down pat! Not only that but she is quirky, clever and much more than fluff. She has lost her husband so has had to deal with intense grief and this depth contributes to her character. To her delight she is sent to Paris to uncover secrets about Frederick Fredricks and packs disguises, just in case. Things go awry early on her trip but her quick thinking and friend Clifford wrangle her out of dicey messes, time after time in several locales within Paris.
Beautifully-written unexpected twists and turns abound like crazy as she inveigles and discovers far more than Fredrick's dealings. The subplots are just as fabulous. I really get a sense of the characters in this thoughtful book. Despite the challenges, Fiona doesn't take herself too seriously, yet there is so much substance everywhere you look. Each personality is portrayed so very well, even the minor ones.
If you don't pick up this Historical Fiction book, you truly are missing out. It is such a treat! You will find mysteries and touches of romance punctuated by incredible historical details which made me feel I was back in Paris. Food, building and clothing descriptions are lovely.
My sincere thank you to Level Best Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
In 1917, Fiona Figg, a young woman in her 20s, is a file clerk who has done spying jobs on the side. Well, in this book she has spying down pat! Not only that but she is quirky, clever and much more than fluff. She has lost her husband so has had to deal with intense grief and this depth contributes to her character. To her delight she is sent to Paris to uncover secrets about Frederick Fredricks and packs disguises, just in case. Things go awry early on her trip but her quick thinking and friend Clifford wrangle her out of dicey messes, time after time in several locales within Paris.
Beautifully-written unexpected twists and turns abound like crazy as she inveigles and discovers far more than Fredrick's dealings. The subplots are just as fabulous. I really get a sense of the characters in this thoughtful book. Despite the challenges, Fiona doesn't take herself too seriously, yet there is so much substance everywhere you look. Each personality is portrayed so very well, even the minor ones.
If you don't pick up this Historical Fiction book, you truly are missing out. It is such a treat! You will find mysteries and touches of romance punctuated by incredible historical details which made me feel I was back in Paris. Food, building and clothing descriptions are lovely.
My sincere thank you to Level Best Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
January 26, 2021
Fiona Figg returns in another mystery that may be her last!
After the success of her first mystery in getting close with Frederick Fredericks, Fiona is again dispatched by Room 40 on another mission, this time to Paris. At least this time she gets to be herself. Upon arriving in Paris, she finds that her passport has been stolen but manages to get passed off as a Captain’s wife. She then realizes that her contact is nowhere to be found and takes a room at the Grand Hotel where Frederick Fredericks is staying. Even though she is supposed to be herself, she brings plenty of disguise with her and transforms herself into Harold the bell boy. Now able to move throughout the hotel inner workings with ease, she finds roadblocks with the hotel staff, but manages to get on serving duty at a local party. When she is discovered with a bloody knife over the body of a dead countess (yet again) she quickly finds out that her spying days may be over!
If you thought Betrayal at Ravenswick was a hoot, wait till you read High Treason at the Grand Hotel. I wasn’t sure that Fiona could get herself into more trouble, but she proved me wrong. This new cozy mystery was laced with misfortune, but she ultimately prevailed at a high price. As with the first, there was still plenty of humor, but it took quite a bit of serious tone as the story went. Fiona gets mixed up in a serial killer’s ring of murders, which she thankfully helps solve, but not before some of the characters meet their unfortunate fate. She also witnesses a firing squad execution. Again, this book has many historical characters from the time that make it worth the read and the research if you’re interested.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
After the success of her first mystery in getting close with Frederick Fredericks, Fiona is again dispatched by Room 40 on another mission, this time to Paris. At least this time she gets to be herself. Upon arriving in Paris, she finds that her passport has been stolen but manages to get passed off as a Captain’s wife. She then realizes that her contact is nowhere to be found and takes a room at the Grand Hotel where Frederick Fredericks is staying. Even though she is supposed to be herself, she brings plenty of disguise with her and transforms herself into Harold the bell boy. Now able to move throughout the hotel inner workings with ease, she finds roadblocks with the hotel staff, but manages to get on serving duty at a local party. When she is discovered with a bloody knife over the body of a dead countess (yet again) she quickly finds out that her spying days may be over!
If you thought Betrayal at Ravenswick was a hoot, wait till you read High Treason at the Grand Hotel. I wasn’t sure that Fiona could get herself into more trouble, but she proved me wrong. This new cozy mystery was laced with misfortune, but she ultimately prevailed at a high price. As with the first, there was still plenty of humor, but it took quite a bit of serious tone as the story went. Fiona gets mixed up in a serial killer’s ring of murders, which she thankfully helps solve, but not before some of the characters meet their unfortunate fate. She also witnesses a firing squad execution. Again, this book has many historical characters from the time that make it worth the read and the research if you’re interested.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
January 5, 2021
High Treason at the Grand Hotel is the first book I have read in Kelly Oliver's Fiona Figg mystery series nad it's safe to say that this book won't be the last.
High Treason at the Grand Hotel is an engaging mystery novel that takes place in Britain and France during the war era. I love that while this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. The author does go back and touch on things that have happened in previous books, but gives readers just enough to fill in the gaps for this book while still piquing my interest in previous installments.
Fiona is an engaging character and overall I find her to be quite enjoyable overall. She's very determined and I have to say I end up having mixed feelings concerning her doggedness concerning her "disguises." Lol They work until they don't. Since this isn't her first foray into the depths of espionage I'd think that by now she'd have learned a thing or two. Even though this is my first book in this series I can say she still has some learning to do.
This book truly is a wonderful page turner. The author gives me a wonderful amount of drama, danger, romance, and tragedy. My jaw dropped more than once with this book. I love the amount of research the author put into this book as well. Simply wonderfully written and I delighted in each page.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This books gives me so much and more to look forward to with the ending. I can't wait for the next book in this series, but until then I'll more than happily go back and start from the beginning. If you enjoy a good historical drama mystery novel then this book is truly a must read. You won't be disappointed.
High Treason at the Grand Hotel is an engaging mystery novel that takes place in Britain and France during the war era. I love that while this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. The author does go back and touch on things that have happened in previous books, but gives readers just enough to fill in the gaps for this book while still piquing my interest in previous installments.
Fiona is an engaging character and overall I find her to be quite enjoyable overall. She's very determined and I have to say I end up having mixed feelings concerning her doggedness concerning her "disguises." Lol They work until they don't. Since this isn't her first foray into the depths of espionage I'd think that by now she'd have learned a thing or two. Even though this is my first book in this series I can say she still has some learning to do.
This book truly is a wonderful page turner. The author gives me a wonderful amount of drama, danger, romance, and tragedy. My jaw dropped more than once with this book. I love the amount of research the author put into this book as well. Simply wonderfully written and I delighted in each page.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This books gives me so much and more to look forward to with the ending. I can't wait for the next book in this series, but until then I'll more than happily go back and start from the beginning. If you enjoy a good historical drama mystery novel then this book is truly a must read. You won't be disappointed.
January 28, 2021
High Treason at the Grand Hotel picks up right where Betrayal at Ravenswick ends. In the second book, Fiona is sent to Paris to once again follow Frederick Fredericks, who is believed to have something to do with British ships being sunk by the Germans. She has been explicitly ordered by her bosses not to don any disguises this time, an order Fiona disregards.
She goes undercover as a bellboy at the Grand Hotel to gain access to Fredericks' room. She also becomes involved with notorious spy Mata Hari, and infamous serial killer Henri Desire Landru. I found Fiona's interaction with actual historical figures added a extra level of interest to the story.
Once again, a countess is murdered (countesses are not safe in Oliver's books), and Fiona finds herself surrounded by agents and double agents, with Fredericks in the middle of the action. Clifford Douglas, who works for British intelligence, pops up again here, and like Fiona, the reader finds him less insufferable in this second book than the first. He starts to grow on you as he and Fiona are becoming a team.
One of my favorite scenes takes place in a library, where Fiona retreats to dig for answers to some of her questions. Even spies know that you can find the answer to anything in the library.
I enjoyed the combination of action, a little romance, humor (Fiona having to lug people's bags all day while undercover as a bellboy), and the interesting facts that Oliver throws in the story (the US made Puerto Rico citizens to open up a new avenue for war recruits, the color mauve was created a chemist looking to extract quinine from coal tar). I look forward to reading more of Fiona Figg's upcoming exploits.
She goes undercover as a bellboy at the Grand Hotel to gain access to Fredericks' room. She also becomes involved with notorious spy Mata Hari, and infamous serial killer Henri Desire Landru. I found Fiona's interaction with actual historical figures added a extra level of interest to the story.
Once again, a countess is murdered (countesses are not safe in Oliver's books), and Fiona finds herself surrounded by agents and double agents, with Fredericks in the middle of the action. Clifford Douglas, who works for British intelligence, pops up again here, and like Fiona, the reader finds him less insufferable in this second book than the first. He starts to grow on you as he and Fiona are becoming a team.
One of my favorite scenes takes place in a library, where Fiona retreats to dig for answers to some of her questions. Even spies know that you can find the answer to anything in the library.
I enjoyed the combination of action, a little romance, humor (Fiona having to lug people's bags all day while undercover as a bellboy), and the interesting facts that Oliver throws in the story (the US made Puerto Rico citizens to open up a new avenue for war recruits, the color mauve was created a chemist looking to extract quinine from coal tar). I look forward to reading more of Fiona Figg's upcoming exploits.
January 12, 2021
HIGH TREASON AT THE GRAND HOTEL by Kelly Oliver is an enjoyable, fast-paced, and loosely historical fun spy adventure. You will find drama, danger, romance, and tragedy in this story, it kept me interested from beginning to end. As you read this story, you will note that Ms. Oliver did her research into the city and the time period.
Set in WW1, Fiona a file clerk in the London War Office accidentally becomes an unorthodox spy. She has never been very good at following rules, consequently, she frequently manages to get into trouble.
During her assignment in Paris to observe Frederick Fredericks (a suspected spy) she meets Mata Hari, identifies a serial killer, and falls in love with another British spy that may be a double agent.
Unfortunately, there were continuous formatting errors. Spaces between sentences, chapter titles messed up, etc. Hopefully all corrected before publication.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries and historical spy stories with humor, this fun historical fiction is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Set in WW1, Fiona a file clerk in the London War Office accidentally becomes an unorthodox spy. She has never been very good at following rules, consequently, she frequently manages to get into trouble.
During her assignment in Paris to observe Frederick Fredericks (a suspected spy) she meets Mata Hari, identifies a serial killer, and falls in love with another British spy that may be a double agent.
Unfortunately, there were continuous formatting errors. Spaces between sentences, chapter titles messed up, etc. Hopefully all corrected before publication.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries and historical spy stories with humor, this fun historical fiction is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2022
I began this immediately after finishing the first Fiona Figg book and will begin the third immediately after posting this little blip of a reviewish type thing. It works out well as the three books all go together.
They definitely should be read in order.
I know, I say that all the time with series but this time I probably mean it more than most.
Fiona's mission for British Intelligence has taken her to Paris where, once again, she gets into heaps more trouble and many more disguises than is actually part of her mission. We see some familiar faces from the first installment and meet quite a lot of new ones -- including the infamously fascinating Mata Hari. I wish we had spent more time with her but there was so much happening and so many twists and turns that I'm not quite sure where she would have squeezed in.
Now off to the third. I've been told that it will be the conclusion to the story and while part of me is eager to find out what happens, a bigger part of me is dreading the end. I've become rather fond of Fiona and all of her aliases ... and even Clifford ... and hope that Kelly Oliver has much more in store.
They definitely should be read in order.
I know, I say that all the time with series but this time I probably mean it more than most.
Fiona's mission for British Intelligence has taken her to Paris where, once again, she gets into heaps more trouble and many more disguises than is actually part of her mission. We see some familiar faces from the first installment and meet quite a lot of new ones -- including the infamously fascinating Mata Hari. I wish we had spent more time with her but there was so much happening and so many twists and turns that I'm not quite sure where she would have squeezed in.
Now off to the third. I've been told that it will be the conclusion to the story and while part of me is eager to find out what happens, a bigger part of me is dreading the end. I've become rather fond of Fiona and all of her aliases ... and even Clifford ... and hope that Kelly Oliver has much more in store.
April 9, 2021
Our heroine is a file clerk turned spy, sent to Paris to uncover a traitor. Her methods may be a bit unorthodox, but the results speak for themselves.
This is book two of the series, but it does fine as a standalone. You might be missing a bit of background, but nothing essential to this story.
This is something of a cozy mystery with an historical flair. The story is well written and easy to read with an intriguing cast of characters. Our heroine, of course, is the star, but she runs into some notable characters on the way. The plot is fast moving and can be a challenge to keep up with, but it is also sprinkled with humor, something rather silly humor, that helps keep things light. There are also plenty of twists and turns which keep you guessing both how it will come out and how our heroine will get out of her latest fix. Overall, I found the story to be highly enjoyable and look forward to more of our heroine's antics.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book two of the series, but it does fine as a standalone. You might be missing a bit of background, but nothing essential to this story.
This is something of a cozy mystery with an historical flair. The story is well written and easy to read with an intriguing cast of characters. Our heroine, of course, is the star, but she runs into some notable characters on the way. The plot is fast moving and can be a challenge to keep up with, but it is also sprinkled with humor, something rather silly humor, that helps keep things light. There are also plenty of twists and turns which keep you guessing both how it will come out and how our heroine will get out of her latest fix. Overall, I found the story to be highly enjoyable and look forward to more of our heroine's antics.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
January 25, 2021
In the second book of the Fiona Figg series, High Treason at the Grand Hotel, Fiona is sent in 1917 to follow the Black Panther to Paris. Enroute she meets Mata Mata Hari on a train! Staying at the Grand Hotel in Paris, Fiona uses numerous disguises to solve the mystery.
I wanted to read this novel because I enjoyed the first book in the series so much. This second novel did not disappoint. I especially enjoyed Fiona's interactions with Mata Hari, and the atmosphere of the Grand Hotel.
It is great fun traveling to Paris with Fiona and watching her cleverly stalk her quarry, especially as she is involved in another murder mystery as well.
I once again enjoyed the period setting, the rich descriptions, and Fiona's quirky, determined character. I recommend this book as well as the first for historical mystery fans.
I wanted to read this novel because I enjoyed the first book in the series so much. This second novel did not disappoint. I especially enjoyed Fiona's interactions with Mata Hari, and the atmosphere of the Grand Hotel.
It is great fun traveling to Paris with Fiona and watching her cleverly stalk her quarry, especially as she is involved in another murder mystery as well.
I once again enjoyed the period setting, the rich descriptions, and Fiona's quirky, determined character. I recommend this book as well as the first for historical mystery fans.
January 26, 2021
1917 Paris seems very exciting to Fiona Figg. Sent to pursue the Black Panther, she has been given strict orders which she immediately flouts.
A light hearted spy mission sending a file clerk from London (very condescending male bosses by the way) who treat her as just someone available and not a very good one at that and keeping with the times, Fiona herself is just grateful for the opportunity knowing fully well, she is quite capable of handling the assignment with a few distractions of course!
This was a story full of dry wit and humor (very reminscent of British wit) and was a entertaining story told. Based on a lot of actual facts - the Black Panther did exist in spy networks, Mata Hari was in reality a female spy and these are woven into the story very well.
A light hearted spy mission sending a file clerk from London (very condescending male bosses by the way) who treat her as just someone available and not a very good one at that and keeping with the times, Fiona herself is just grateful for the opportunity knowing fully well, she is quite capable of handling the assignment with a few distractions of course!
This was a story full of dry wit and humor (very reminscent of British wit) and was a entertaining story told. Based on a lot of actual facts - the Black Panther did exist in spy networks, Mata Hari was in reality a female spy and these are woven into the story very well.
February 10, 2021
Such fun and enjoyable read. I needed something fun to read and this book truly delivered. I was so engrossed in the story that finished reading the book in one day.
Fiona Figg a fling clerk, sometimes English spy is sent to Paris during World War I to gather information about the infamous Frederik Fredriks, a suspected German spy. Her orders are to follow him , not engage with him, to to use any disguises or getting herself into trouble.Nothing could be further from reality.
Fiona encounters Germans, spies, interacts with Mata Hari, solves the mystery of stolen jewels at the hotels, helps puts away a serial killer.
She is a great character, entertaining and amusing.
I enjoyed this book very much.
Fiona Figg a fling clerk, sometimes English spy is sent to Paris during World War I to gather information about the infamous Frederik Fredriks, a suspected German spy. Her orders are to follow him , not engage with him, to to use any disguises or getting herself into trouble.Nothing could be further from reality.
Fiona encounters Germans, spies, interacts with Mata Hari, solves the mystery of stolen jewels at the hotels, helps puts away a serial killer.
She is a great character, entertaining and amusing.
I enjoyed this book very much.
January 5, 2021
Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Level Best Books.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Fiona Figg is back in another delightful historical mystery. She is sent to follow up on the notorious Black Panther and not to wear any of her normal disguises. In essence not to stand out or get too close to her target.
But soon she will wear many disguises, as she finds herself caught as a bellboy hanging over a dead countess body with a bloody knife. Will she be able to save herself without her identity being discovered or will she be a victim of the guillotine?
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Fiona Figg is back in another delightful historical mystery. She is sent to follow up on the notorious Black Panther and not to wear any of her normal disguises. In essence not to stand out or get too close to her target.
But soon she will wear many disguises, as she finds herself caught as a bellboy hanging over a dead countess body with a bloody knife. Will she be able to save herself without her identity being discovered or will she be a victim of the guillotine?
February 1, 2021
Charming - mostly
This second Fiona Figg adventure gives us more of the silly antics and disguises the first adventure brought, and weaves in the tragic elements of WW1 in an effective way.
Off to Paris to chase spy Frederick Fredricks, again, Fiona dresses as a bellboy, a nun, and her own goofy self.
Annoyances include repetitive errors of “laying” vs “lying”, “coup” for “coop”, incessant mentions of the sunshine in Paris (and lack thereof in London), foolish choices, and too-often mentions of her now-deceased husband and his infidelity.
But all in all, you’ll keep reading just to see how she manages to get out of the situations she puts herself into.
This second Fiona Figg adventure gives us more of the silly antics and disguises the first adventure brought, and weaves in the tragic elements of WW1 in an effective way.
Off to Paris to chase spy Frederick Fredricks, again, Fiona dresses as a bellboy, a nun, and her own goofy self.
Annoyances include repetitive errors of “laying” vs “lying”, “coup” for “coop”, incessant mentions of the sunshine in Paris (and lack thereof in London), foolish choices, and too-often mentions of her now-deceased husband and his infidelity.
But all in all, you’ll keep reading just to see how she manages to get out of the situations she puts herself into.
December 30, 2021
This is the second book in the Fiona Figg series and in it the protagonist continues where she left off in her quest in the first novel to identify a spy working for Germany in World War I. Fiona, the kind of employee that an employer can’t control, once again flies by the seat of her pants, takes chances, and even when she wasn’t optimistic of success she would not give up. When I read the first novel, Betrayal at Ravenswick, I thought for a while that the story and the heroine were too improbable but as I continued to read and allowed myself the willing suspension of disbelief I was able to enjoy Fiona’s behaviour and cheer for her. Rounded up from 3.5**
January 9, 2021
I received this book as an ARC via NetGalley.com
She's back! Fiona Figg is on the case - it is Paris - 1917. Sent by the War Office, she is still on the trail of the Black Panter. She is supposed to observe and behave. However, if you know Fiona, that is not her style.
She has her "get-ups" and starts to investigate and ends up in a few situations as the book progresses.
Can she obtain enough information on the Black Panther to help the War Office? Or will she end up getting into more trouble then she bargained for? Only time will tell.
She's back! Fiona Figg is on the case - it is Paris - 1917. Sent by the War Office, she is still on the trail of the Black Panter. She is supposed to observe and behave. However, if you know Fiona, that is not her style.
She has her "get-ups" and starts to investigate and ends up in a few situations as the book progresses.
Can she obtain enough information on the Black Panther to help the War Office? Or will she end up getting into more trouble then she bargained for? Only time will tell.
March 18, 2021
Kelly Oliver must write her Fiona Figg novels to get very far away from the discipline of Philosophy that she teaches at Vanderbilt University. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just that when I noted her background, I was very surprised that Ms. Fiona Figg (although giving her that prefix is decidedly anachronistic) doesn’t seem very philosophical (with two possible exceptions noted below). She is, however, a fascinating woman as the male characters in these novels discover despite themselves. High Treason at the Grand Hotel is Fiona Figg’s second mission for the War Office during this fictional adventure set in World War I. Its genre is usually considered to be “cozy” mystery because of the romantic elements (more in this adventure than the first one in the series, Betrayal at Ravenswick) and the murders Fiona Figg is trying to solve. But the murders aren’t that sophisticated, mostly providing an excuse for a romp through the era of Downton Abbey and Birdsong. Its insights are more socio-political than philosophical, but that’s okay considering that Betrayal at the Grand Hotel is full of both action and comical situations.
In High Treason at the Grand Hotel, erstwhile file clerk, newborn spy Fiona Figg is sent to keep tabs on suspected saboteur Frederick Fredericks as herself. Warned not to use any of her disguises (a sticking point concerning my suspension of disbelief in the first novel), the frustrated daughter of a stage family can’t resist packing her costumes to be able to function incognito and/or as a cross-dresser regardless. At several points in this novel, however, we have indications which assuage my concerns about the disguises. Indeed, a couple of scenes would have been well-worth a Mack Sennet “short” from the era in question.
I think that one of the reasons I identify with Ms. Figg, despite not having biological or cross-dressing congruence, is that she is often a victim of her own insecurity. She doesn’t want to fail as a secret agent, so she ends up self-sabotaging because she is afraid to communicate with those whom she evidently should trust. She creates awkward excuses when she should probably indicate something (maybe not all, but something) of what she needed to accomplish. Worse, some of the tightest spots in which she finds herself are due to trying to accomplish her mission in exactly the opposite way in which she was supposed to approach it.
Although Oliver admits in both the front matter and back matter to anachronism and imaginative extrapolation regarding the historical characters who appear in the novel, I find it charming to read what she does with such as Mata Hari and Louis Renault. And come to think of it, there is an execution in the story and the words of one of the executioners upon completing the task may indeed be somewhat philosophical: “’She may not have known how to live,’ he said, ‘but damned if the lady didn’t know how to die.’ I wiped a tear from my cheek. He was right. And facing death is the hardest part of living.” (p. 283). In fact, my observation about the lack of philosophical ideas should be corrected by remembering the following inner dialogue of Fiona’s, a reasoning that might come directly from a lecture in an undergraduate Ethics course. “Hundreds of soldiers’ lives could be at stake. But so could Berthe’s life. A purely utilitarian calculus of lives didn’t seem appropriate. Can you really calculate the value of a life? Isn’t each life a world? And with every death comes the end of a world? Although she was only one person, Berthe’s life was as important as any soldier’s. And she was in real imminent danger while those hypothetical soldiers were in possible future danger.” (p. 203)
I particularly enjoyed Fiona’s recollections of colorful phrases from her father. “My father liked to say, outward order conceals inward turmoil. If so, my soul must be a cyclone.” (p. 15) The quotation was remembered by the protagonist with regard to the idea of a clean desk. Judging from the devastation on my desk, I must be quite together (just kidding). At a later point in the novel, there is an indication that something is sensual overkill when she remembers her father saying, “Butter on bacon!” (p. 98)
Like a Continental Breakfast as opposed to an old-fashioned English Breakfast, High Treason at the Grand Hotel won’t be for every taste. For me, the novels in the Fiona Figg series are marmalade on the toast of my other reading, just tart enough and sweet enough to enhance the rotation of genres and levels of intensity I try to read.
In High Treason at the Grand Hotel, erstwhile file clerk, newborn spy Fiona Figg is sent to keep tabs on suspected saboteur Frederick Fredericks as herself. Warned not to use any of her disguises (a sticking point concerning my suspension of disbelief in the first novel), the frustrated daughter of a stage family can’t resist packing her costumes to be able to function incognito and/or as a cross-dresser regardless. At several points in this novel, however, we have indications which assuage my concerns about the disguises. Indeed, a couple of scenes would have been well-worth a Mack Sennet “short” from the era in question.
I think that one of the reasons I identify with Ms. Figg, despite not having biological or cross-dressing congruence, is that she is often a victim of her own insecurity. She doesn’t want to fail as a secret agent, so she ends up self-sabotaging because she is afraid to communicate with those whom she evidently should trust. She creates awkward excuses when she should probably indicate something (maybe not all, but something) of what she needed to accomplish. Worse, some of the tightest spots in which she finds herself are due to trying to accomplish her mission in exactly the opposite way in which she was supposed to approach it.
Although Oliver admits in both the front matter and back matter to anachronism and imaginative extrapolation regarding the historical characters who appear in the novel, I find it charming to read what she does with such as Mata Hari and Louis Renault. And come to think of it, there is an execution in the story and the words of one of the executioners upon completing the task may indeed be somewhat philosophical: “’She may not have known how to live,’ he said, ‘but damned if the lady didn’t know how to die.’ I wiped a tear from my cheek. He was right. And facing death is the hardest part of living.” (p. 283). In fact, my observation about the lack of philosophical ideas should be corrected by remembering the following inner dialogue of Fiona’s, a reasoning that might come directly from a lecture in an undergraduate Ethics course. “Hundreds of soldiers’ lives could be at stake. But so could Berthe’s life. A purely utilitarian calculus of lives didn’t seem appropriate. Can you really calculate the value of a life? Isn’t each life a world? And with every death comes the end of a world? Although she was only one person, Berthe’s life was as important as any soldier’s. And she was in real imminent danger while those hypothetical soldiers were in possible future danger.” (p. 203)
I particularly enjoyed Fiona’s recollections of colorful phrases from her father. “My father liked to say, outward order conceals inward turmoil. If so, my soul must be a cyclone.” (p. 15) The quotation was remembered by the protagonist with regard to the idea of a clean desk. Judging from the devastation on my desk, I must be quite together (just kidding). At a later point in the novel, there is an indication that something is sensual overkill when she remembers her father saying, “Butter on bacon!” (p. 98)
Like a Continental Breakfast as opposed to an old-fashioned English Breakfast, High Treason at the Grand Hotel won’t be for every taste. For me, the novels in the Fiona Figg series are marmalade on the toast of my other reading, just tart enough and sweet enough to enhance the rotation of genres and levels of intensity I try to read.
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