The Alice Network by Kate Quinn -> Starting September 23rd, 2025

[Jamie]

In an enthralling new historical novel from national bestselling author Kate Quinn, two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption.

1947. In the chaotic aftermath of World War II, American college girl Charlie St. Clair is pregnant, unmarried, and on the verge of being thrown out of her very proper family. She's also nursing a desperate hope that her beloved cousin Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France during the war, might still be alive. So when Charlie's parents banish her to Europe to have her "little problem" taken care of, Charlie breaks free and heads to London, determined to find out what happened to the cousin she loves like a sister.

1915. A year into the Great War, Eve Gardiner burns to join the fight against the Germans and unexpectedly gets her chance when she's recruited to work as a spy. Sent into enemy-occupied France, she's trained by the mesmerizing Lili, code name Alice, the "queen of spies", who manages a vast network of secret agents right under the enemy's nose.

Thirty years later, haunted by the betrayal that ultimately tore apart the Alice Network, Eve spends her days drunk and secluded in her crumbling London house. Until a young American barges in uttering a name Eve hasn't heard in decades, and launches them both on a mission to find the truth...no matter where it leads.

[Amanda]

Commenting so I dont lose the thread :)

[Amanda]

Starting this today!

[Carrie]

I Started today! (Technically last night but didn't get very far)

[Jamie]

I am going to start this after I finish The Primal of Blood and Bone. I forgot this came out today and I've been waiting for this one for months lol

[Amanda]

Chapter 1-9:

Just some initial thoughts -

(view spoiler)[ the book has a slow start; however, I'm just getting to the part where Eve actually becomes a spy and I have a feeling its going to pick up when the missions start so I'm looking forward to that.

However, I find the switching of characters every chapter annoying. I don't mind it if it's a like 5 chapters focusing on one character and then the next for another couple chapters, but I feel like as soon as I get into the story, it switches. Hopefully, once it starts picking up a bit it won't be as distracting. What do you guys think? (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

Jamie wrote: "I am going to start this after I finish The Primal of Blood and Bone. I forgot this came out today and I've been waiting for this one for months lol"

I commented on your update as well, but I'm thinking about starting that series before the year is over! I keep seeing it everywhere. Do you love it?

[Jamie]

I do love it. There is a BR open for that one as well currently if you decide to read it.

[Jamie]

Here it is in case you want to join :)

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Carrie]

I got to chapter 7 and had to start over. I was getting confused and needed a reset.

[Kala]

I'm listening and this seems like a book where I'm just going to want to relax and listen. I'm only in chapter 1 and there's already a lot going on. When I get through chapter 9 I'll reply with my thoughts =)

[Amanda]

Kala wrote: "I'm listening and this seems like a book where I'm just going to want to relax and listen. I'm only in chapter 1 and there's already a lot going on. When I get through chapter 9 I'll reply with my ..."

Are you listening on Audible? If so, how is the narrator? Im considering getting it on Audible as well so I can listen while im driving, then read when I'm at home

[Kala]

I listen on Libby, through my library. However it's the same narrator as the Audible version and I do enjoy her voice. But I tend to struggle more with male narrators than female narrators, so listen to the sample and make sure you like it too.

[Carrie]

Amanda wrote: "Chapter 1-9:

Just some initial thoughts -

the book has a slow start; however, I'm just getting to the part where Eve actually becomes a spy and I have a feeling its going to pick up when the mis..."

that is why i had to restart, paying more attention to the switching back and forth. I didn't even catch the first time that it was 1915 versus 1947. Thats also what I get not reading summaries before I start, lol.I did find it very distracting and a bit confusing. I know it has to pick up.

[Carrie]

Kala wrote: "I listen on Libby, through my library. However it's the same narrator as the Audible version and I do enjoy her voice. But I tend to struggle more with male narrators than female narrators, so list..."
I may have to try to listen and read both on this one. There is alot going on and alot I feel I am missing.

[Carrie]

through 9-(view spoiler)[hate that her "secret" is out, but Finn didn't seem to care. I hate that it was such a horrid thing and she was so judged. Just as I hate that she couldn't even get her money out of the bank and the pawn shop owner basically was scamming her just because she was a young lady without her father or husband. After the war, there would have been widows, that would be alone? I think it is a bit funny that she refers to her pregnancy as "LP", her little problem. This poor girl has had some trauma and I know Eve has too. Surely we will find out what happened to her hands. (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

Carrie wrote: "through 9-"

(view spoiler)[ that's so funny, I was just coming on here to comment the same thing how I like Charlie and how I find her saying "The Little Problem" and then "LP" funny lol she seems very sarcastic but in a likeable way.

& I just realized that I actually was up to chapter 8 previously so I just finished chapter 9 & I think it started to pick up at the end of chap 9 with Eve having what seems to be a PTSD flashback. I found her very annoying until that point, and then I noticed myself feeling more empathetic towards her. She must have been through a lottt. The suspense is definitely building for me because I want to know what happened to her.

Also, I'm so glad I wasn't alive during that time period. Like that made me so angry & the crazy part is it wasn't even really that long ago. That's a good question about the widows - i'm not sure what you would do, maybe showing proof of death ? Or maybe the woman would just remarry quickly after. I'm gonna look it up and see bc now i'm curious lol (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

Wanted to add this comment without the spoiler - the book seems to pick up at the end of chapter 9 😊 at least for me.

[Carrie]

Amanda wrote: "Wanted to add this comment without the spoiler - the book seems to pick up at the end of chapter 9 😊 at least for me."
I agree that it did pick up after 9. Still have to pay attention to chapter changes to know which group you are reading about!

[Carrie]

through 26-went a bit without much to say....plus I prefer responding than initiating discussion! (view spoiler)[I knew we were going to find out that Rose had died, but hate that it was in such a horrific massacre. That is war, but to not know and then find out about it that way. And she was so young. She would have only been 18 with a baby. No reason to be killed even in war! (hide spoiler)]

[Carrie]

In 29-(view spoiler)[Wow, we learn so much in this chapter....more about Eve, why Finn went to prison, more about her brother, they are all hurting and have come together, hopefully for some healing, I love that she got up the courage to dance for her brother and cousin but it is what caused Finn to hit her.

I loved that Eve tried to explain moving on from grief and not letting it eat her life away. And finally, Finn and Charlie were together. He still tried to refrain though, I believe out of both respect for his lost love but also for Charlie.

I am so very happy baby has a name and maybe she will stop calling it the LP, or the little problem. I prefer a boy named Rose, lol (hide spoiler)]

[Carrie]

Finished-well what to say
(view spoiler)[ Rene is dead. That was too easy of justice! Glad Eve knows it is not her fault. Happy for Finn and Charlie & Rose, but.....struggled all the way through this one. I enjoyed the 1/2 of the book that was Eve's story but could have done completely without Charlie's. (hide spoiler)] Can't wait to read yall's comments!

[Kala]

Chapters 1-9

For me listening I think it would have been a nice addition if they had a different narrator for each woman. It would have just added a nice touch and easy to recognize the time changes.

I did have to rewind quite a bit because I was easily distracted with the slower beginning, and learned to pay attention to the chapter switches. I also don't read summaries >.> so I wasn't expecting the two storylines.

(view spoiler)[
I agree, I did find the frequency of the chapters to be a little intrusive. It felt like a tv show that would go to a commercial break right when it was getting interesting.

For me it seemed to pick up when we found out about Rose being pregnant. And the following chapter is Eve looking for a job.

I like the playfulness of Charlie, it has to be hard to have that burden. Especially with no support from anyone. I appreciated Eve helping Charlotte pawn the pearls. It was the first time we see any of the skills she was taught by Lily and Violet.

I'm so glad that Finn didn't choose to sleep with her, just because she was feeling bad about herself and her LP. I'm hoping a little romance starts in the future, once they actually know more about each other.

I'm also excited to learn a little more about Eve and her life. I know she must have been through a lot, but you're right - she was not written to be very likable in the beginning.
(hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

Wow I accidentally had my notifcations turned off, so I didn't realize anyone posted lol I'm on chapter 15. I'll respond to you guys once I get home!

But I will say, the book has definitely gotten more exciting, I'm really enjoying it now :)

Also Carrie - since you're finished, we can complete the task for the book being "set in France" under Lady Tremaine :)

[Amanda]

Kala wrote: "Chapters 1-9

For me listening I think it would have been a nice addition if they had a different narrator for each woman. It would have just added a nice touch and easy to recognize the time chang..."

I ended up just reading it and not doing the audio version, because I'm currently listening to the book "James" on Audible, and I'm finding that I'm not really a fan. I don't get as engaged in the story for some reason, despite the narrator being really good. I think maybe bc it's someone else's voice instead of my voice in my head lol

I wish I did, though, because it's so convenient when doing other things. I do like it for non-fiction though!

That does seem like it would be more enjoyable if there were two different voices since it switches every chapter lol I'm sure that's confusing lol

[Kala]

Carrie's on a different team for this month's challenge =P

I've noticed with some easier reads I enjoy audio. This one is particular I'm finding I need to be relaxing when I listen otherwise I struggle to connect the two storylines.

[Amanda]

Kala wrote: "Carrie's on a different team for this month's challenge =P

I've noticed with some easier reads I enjoy audio. This one is particular I'm finding I need to be relaxing when I listen otherwise I str..."

oh 😅 oops lol
Well whoever finishes first out of us two can add it lolll

That makes. James is also very confusing at certain parts so that may be why too. I always zone out and have to rewind.

[Kala]

I know, I'm excited to finish it but this isn't the kind of book I can rush through lol. There's just so much going on. But I'm hoping by Friday I'll have it done, if not a little sooner.

[Carrie]

Kala wrote: "Chapters 1-9

For me listening I think it would have been a nice addition if they had a different narrator for each woman. It would have just added a nice touch and easy to recognize the time chang..."
Love that you don’t read the summaries ahead of the books! I don’t either! I only know the genre. Most people say I am crazy lol! This one however I had to go back and read it so I could get some assistance with story.

[Carrie]

Kala wrote: "I know, I'm excited to finish it but this isn't the kind of book I can rush through lol. There's just so much going on. But I'm hoping by Friday I'll have it done, if not a little sooner."

No you can’t rush this one

[Carrie]

I don’t think my notifications work! I don’t ever get notified and I have the box checked :(

[Carrie]

I used it for majesty in text lol

[Kala]

Carrie,

If I like the cover I'm normally willing to jump into it. A plus if it's recommended by a friend. Now I've been looking at narrators too, since I have a few favorites.

But with this one I had to read the first paragraph to get the time lines straight =P

[Amanda]

Chapter 9-14:

(view spoiler)[- René really pisses me tf off. He's so annoying with his interrogations, like doesn't he have anything better to do 😐 I get very anxious every time Eve (or Marguerite) interacts with him.

- The scene when Eve finds Violette in 1947 with Charlie, and they obviously hate each other, was interesting. Especially when Violette said that she hopes "she chokes you" in your dreams to Eve, by "she" i'm guessing she's referring to Lili? Which took me by surprise because Eve is so enamoured by Lili.

Violette calls Eve "yellow-bellied" so my theory is that Eve broke while being Tortured ( i.e. her hands) and blew their cover. And maybe Lili was killed as a result? If that is the case, I feel like Rene was the one who did it or told the Germans about his sucipions. Eve/Marguerite seems very anxious when he's asking her questions and she often quickly assumes that he knows she's a spy, so I could see her giving in out of fear or out of pain when being tortured ( I mean I feel like it would be hard not to, but that's why I would never a spy LOL )

Also, I wonder if Finn has any relation to Captain Cameron or if Eve just chose him because he's similar (Scottish and an ex-convict ) and reminded her of Cameron. It's funny how Eve and Charlie's lives mirror one another. Different situations, but also very similar in many ways (their personalities too, at least when Eve was younger).

Random rant - out of all the names the author could have chosen, why did she choose "Lili" when the town is called Lille 😐 like really? lol I keep getting confused. I almost feel like it had to be intentional lol (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

Kala wrote: "Carrie,

If I like the cover I'm normally willing to jump into it. A plus if it's recommended by a friend. Now I've been looking at narrators too, since I have a few favorites.

But with this one I..."

wait you guys read books without knowing what it's about first? lol I'm never able to do that, I have to know what it's about. I'm the same with movies and shows, if the description is vague, I'll literally Google it bc it stresses me out if I don't know 😂 Idk why I'm like that. Maybe i'll force myself to try a book without reading the summary as a challenge for myself lmao

[Kala]

Chapters 10-19

I had to stop here because I am starting to get anxious with Eve's story.

(view spoiler)[ Eve, the things this woman did to be able to continue spying. I don't blame her for snapping at Capt. Cameron. I know this isn't going to have a happy ending where the Kaiser is dead, or if he his they are going to find the leak. So now I'm stressed about how they figure out who attempted/killed the Kaiser. We've already know about Eve's hands, and Lily has not made an appearance yet in the current timeline.

I don't know what this next chapter has in store for me, and I'm not sure if I'm emotionally ready to handle it.

Charlie's story seems to be the light in the dark. I'm glad she stood up to her mom, and Eve finally came out of her shell. She had the same idea Carrie had about becoming a widow to have more control in her life. The shyness between her and Finn is cute. One of these days we may have some happiness in their lives. (hide spoiler)]

[Kala]

Amanda,

I love being surprised by the story and meeting the characters for the first time with no background knowledge. That sounds like a fun challenge for yourself! But it never hurts to research first, gives you extra background information of what's going on.

I didn't see your discussion last night. I'll respond to yours below.

Response to Amanda about chapters 9-14,

(view spoiler)[
I didn't even think about the spelling of Lili and Lilli because the narrator speaks them differently. But the author could have even used a Y in Lily's name to help avoid the subtle difference.

Rene is maddening, I feel so bad for Eve having to deal with him. I wish he just thought her a half-wit like the rest of them.

I caught the "yellow-bellied" comment too and it made my heart break. Because I enjoy Eve and Lili together, and if Eve did turn her in they must have broken her to do it.

I also could never be a spy. I would happily sit on the sidelines and file papers or dress wounds.

I enjoy that the author wrote the two ladies with parallel stories.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 20-29
(view spoiler)[
I was so sad when we found out about Rose's death. I always hope for a happy ending until proven wrong. And I agree, the way she died made it so much worse. And what was the point of the German soldier in torching the town and killing all the people. Was there a secret weapons stockpile? Doesn't seem like it, so it was just for the fun of it that they all lost their lives.

Lili protected Eve so well when they got arrested. I was sad to hear that Eve thinks it was her fault they got arrested, because the guard recognized her from her job.

I want to know how Violet got out, as of right now now we only know that she was arrested. So if she's not dead was she able to withstand the torture and not break. Causing the German to believe she wasn't a spy and release her. She would be the one with the resolve needed for that.

We are now at a cliff hanger and you can bet I'm continuning.
(hide spoiler)]

[Kala]

Chapter 30

(view spoiler)[That was a hard chapter to get through. Eve did everything she could do to save Lili. And the worst part is that if Eve had listen to Capt. Cameron and never went back to Lilli, then the Germans wouldn't have had enough on Lili to prosecute. But because she didn't want to stop being a spy, or take another position, Lili paid the price. That has to be one of the worst things hanging over Eve. (hide spoiler)]

[Kala]

Chapters 31-end

(view spoiler)[ So much has happened and I feel like I forgot most of it. So I shall type until all my comments come to mind.

I was so mad at Eve for trying to kill herself after she said she would be the god mother. But I thought the ending went well for the book.

I liked the love story between Finn and Charlie. It gave me something to hope for after reading a chapter of Eve's dark past. Finn telling Charlie he still wanted to take her on a proper date was so refreshing. Like he said, he knows how to behave like a grown man.

The relief that Eve felt after researching and realizing she wasn't the one who gave up Lili's name must have been enormous. Her and Violette going to Lili's grave together was the ultimate show of forgiveness.

I thought the tie in from their two stories, Renee being the one that got Rose murdered, was great for the plot.

I'm sure there's so much more that I missed but I really enjoyed the book. (hide spoiler)]

[Carrie]

Amanda wrote: "Kala wrote: "Carrie,

If I like the cover I'm normally willing to jump into it. A plus if it's recommended by a friend. Now I've been looking at narrators too, since I have a few favorites.

But wi..."

I usually go against the statement, don't judge a book by its cover, lol. If it looks pretty, I will dive right in. Now keep in mind, I only decided I liked reading in February(at 51) so I have a lot of "pretty" or "interesting" covers to take up my time. As well as I do like friends suggestions and will read shorter books that I missed as a child, haha, as challenge quests. I literally had maybe read 10 books throughout my life, hated it! I read only cliff notes through high school and college, oh my what I could have done with google and now AI!!!!

[Carrie]

Kala wrote: "Chapters 10-19

I had to stop here because I am starting to get anxious with Eve's story.

Eve, the things this woman did to be able to continue spying. I don't blame her for snapping at Capt. Cam..."

I enjoyed Eve's story much more. Maybe you brought a good point of why shey even included Charlie's story, as a light in the dark of the story of Eve. But technically that is what it was and what it is about, really?

[Amanda]

it's taking me a little longer to get through this one. I'm on chapter 22 I think. I definitely enjoy Eve's story a lot more and feel like so much more could have been done if the book just focused on The Alice Network and left Charlie's story out.

Also, did you guys know that the Alice Network was a real group of women spies during WWI? "Alice" is a real person. I didn't know that until now, but that's pretty cool!

[Amanda]

I havent read your comments yet though Kala cause I haven't reached chap 29 - but will respond when I get there today :)

[Kala]

No worries Amanda! I just pushed through this one for the challenge. But I really enjoyed the story so take your time. I did read at the end about Lili, Violet, and Capt. Cameron being based on real people in the Alice Network.

My first book by Kate Quinn was The Diamond Eye. If you find you enjoyed this book and like historical. Kate does an amazing job with that story of weaving facts with entertainment.

Carrie spoiler (includes comments on the ending)
(view spoiler)[ I feel Eve's story had all the action but if you were to just have her story it would be harder to read. I like that they included Charlie's story as a way for Eve's story to time jump 30 years and still make sense. And at the end when Charlie figured out that Renee was lying about Eve giving up Lili's name, it made it feel like the two stories had to be intertwined. Because from Eve's view she never would have looked into that herself, she was just going to live with the guilt.

So all in all, while Eve's story was the more interesting of the two, I liked the inclusion of Charlie and how she ended up helping Eve with her guilt. (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

Carrie wrote: "In 29-Wow, we learn so much in this chapter....more about Eve, why Finn went to prison, more about her brother, they are all hurting and have come together, hopefully for some healing, I love that ..."

Chapters 9-32

(view spoiler)[ Wow, so a lot has happened lol. I'm really enjoying the story now though. It definitely became a page-turner for me, waiting to hear what happened with Eve. I was also so anxious every chapter waiting for it to happen, especially when they went through the checkpoint—ugh.

When Eve was released from jail and went to see Commander Cameron, I kept thinking, “Please listen to him and stay 😭,” knowing that whatever would happen to her hands was still yet to come.

The hand-crushing scene was brutal. We kinda knew it would be something like that since Finn suggested it to Charlie earlier in the book, but the way it was drawn out—knuckle by knuckle—was excruciating. And the fact that Eve actually didn’t break from torture and was able to withstand all of that without giving in shows how strong she truly is.
I’m not sure if I believe that she blew their cover while under opium—something about the way René told Eve how she “told him everything” felt sus to me. I feel like he found out some other way but wanted her to feel like she wasn’t as strong as she thought she was. Since his pride was hurt, he probably wanted to hurt hers as well.

I’m also so relieved that Lili isn’t angry with Eve and is understanding, and even suspects that Eve didn’t really tell him. That was such a relief because I was so worried Lili was gonna hate her like Violette. I love Lili 🥹—I’m curious to know what happened to her and if she’s alive or dead.

Also, although Charlie’s story isn’t as exciting as Eve’s, I actually don’t mind it now. I kinda like the love story between her and Finn and how they bond over their grief and his PTSD. Finding out Rose was dead was sad, especially the way it happened, but I expected she was likely dead. I did hope that maybe she wasn’t, though.
If I got to choose, I would probably have the whole book focus on Eve’s story, but Charlie’s story doesn’t make me like the book any less, if that makes sense. I can also see your point, Kala, that Charlie’s story provides a break from the heaviness of Eve’s story. For me, I think it did serve as a temporary break from the anxiety lol.

I also like the addition of both stories as it demonstrates the oppression of women and how much didn’t honestly change between 1915 and 1945 as far as how women were treated. Seeing how they both chose not to adhere to the gender norms was compelling. (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

Kala wrote: "No worries Amanda! I just pushed through this one for the challenge. But I really enjoyed the story so take your time. I did read at the end about Lili, Violet, and Capt. Cameron being based on rea..."

Historical fiction is one of my fav genres. Especially WWII era. I really am liking her style of writing.I’m really enjoying her style of writing. It felt a little slow at first, so I wasn’t sure, but once it picked up, it’s been hard to put down. I think the whole espionage aspect fascinating. I'll definitely add that book and more of hers to my TBR 😊

[Kala]

Amanda

(view spoiler)[You bring up a good point. I didn't even think about how the two stories show just how little changed in those 30 years. (hide spoiler)]

[Kala]

I'm on my phone, so my thought process isn't as complete, but I wanted to add this. However it includes knowledge from the (view spoiler)[jail (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ I'm am so grateful that Lili isn't mad at Eve. Because I feel like if she had been, we would have gotten an entirely different story.

Her strength of character is amazing and something not many people have. The way she is in the jail shows this strength so well (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

Chapter 32 - end

(view spoiler)[ I felt that the two stories really came together nicely at the end, and I could see how Charlie's storyline served a purpose. I found their relationship heartwarming—how Charlie brought out a softness in Eve, and how she reminded Eve of Lili 🥹.

Eve going after René stressed me out though lol. I really thought she was going to die there and I would have been pissed, but I’m glad she didn’t. Even though it made sense logically, I didn’t really like Eve leaving the way she did. I’m not sure what else could have happened instead, but I felt myself wanting a bit more for Eve’s ending.

This book definitely made me want to pick up another story about women’s espionage. It’s the first one I’ve read that really focused on that, and I appreciated the different perspective. (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

Wait Kala - since it's a buddy read , I'm able to add it to the spreadsheet to meet a task as well right?