This is the final book in the Maggie Hope series and I have been a devoted fan since the very beginning, reviewing each book on this blog. I hate to see it end, but eleven novels are a lot and Maggie deserves a break from the war. Find out what I thought of this final book.
While it works as a stand alone novel, the character of real life Coco Chanel first appears in the seventh novel, The Paris Spy, and is nice to have read it going into this book, but not vital. Here are my reviews in order.
#1 Mr. Churchill's Secretary (click here)
#2 Princess Elizabeth's Spy (click here)
#3 His Majesty's Hope (click here)
#4 The Prime Minister's Secret Agent (click here)
#5 Mrs Roosevelt's Confidante (click here)
#6 The Queen's Accomplice (click here)
#7 The Paris Spy (click here)
#8 The Prisoner in the Castle (click here)
#9 The King's Justice (click here)
#10 The Hollywood Spy (click here)
Author interview 2012 (click here)
Author interview 2017 (click here)
Copyright: May 2025 (Bantam) 304 pgs
Series: 11th in Maggie Hope Mysteries
Sensuality: Adult topics without details
Mystery Sub-genre: Historical intrigue, suspense mystery
Main Characters: Maggie Hope, American now British Secret Service
Setting: 1943, primarily in Madrid, Spain
Obtained Through: Library
Book Blurb: "Maggie Hope has come a long way since she was Mr. Churchill’s secretary. In the face of tremendous danger, she’s learned espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance. But things are different now that she has so much to lose, including the possibility of a family with John Sterling, the man who’s long held her heart.
British Intelligence has ordered Maggie to assassinate Werner Heisenberg, the physicist who may deliver a world-ending fission bomb for Germany. She’s shaken. An assassination is unlike anything she has ever done. How can the Allies even be sure Nazi Germany has a bomb? Determined to gather more information, Maggie travels to Madrid, where Heisenberg is visiting for a lecture.
At the same time, couturier Coco Chanel [of the clothing and perfume empire], a spy in her own right [for the Nazi's as agent F7124 codename Westminster]… has requested a mysterious meeting with the British ambassador in Madrid—and has requested Maggie join them. As the two play a dangerous game of cat and mouse, Maggie tries to get a better understanding of Heisenberg, but is faced with betrayal and a threat more terrifying than losing her own life.
Maggie desperately wants to find her happily-ever-after, but as the war reaches a fever pitch, the stakes keep rising. Now, more than ever, the choices she makes will reverberate around the globe, touching everyone she loves—with fateful implications for the future of the free world."
My thoughts:
Maggie has been through a lot over the prior ten books, and this book has a deep personal impact on her as well. In this addition to the series, Maggie's assignment seems rather simple on paper, but it turns out anything but. She doesn't even make it to Madrid before an assassination occurs near her. Not only is it far more dangerous than believed, but she is emotionally and physically pushed to her limits. She must rely on her instincts through much of the twists.
John Sterling, Maggie's early love and former fiancé, is back and is working for Churchill again. They have reunited. We see him before Maggie's undercover operation and after. We also have a lovely scene with her other friends Charlotte "Chuck" Ludlow and toddler Griffin, plus David and Freddie. I loved this and had missed her "found family" in the last few books.
While in Spain Maggie has a cast of characters besides Coco Chanel. There is Maggie's Spain contact, Miguel "Angel" Ramos, and Tom Burns, Press Attaché to the British Embassy in Madrid. I loved the subplot of the famous bullfighter and celebrity, Juanito Belmonte, liking Maggie and wanting to date her. It was a lighter thread to all the danger and subterfuge.
Madrid during WWII is vividly brought to life and provides a deep sense of isolation where Maggie is essentially cut off and on her own not knowing who she can truly trust.
This is a solid spy/intrigue novel that had me in its grip throughout.
The "Historical Notes" are fascinating alone. I have failed to mention these in each of the books in the series, but they are great and I eagerly read them each time.
This is a stellar novel with intrigue, danger, twists and turns, while providing sweeping historical touches and heart wrenching parts. I highly recommend.
Rating: Near perfect - Loved it! If you haven't read it yet, get two copies. One for you and another for family or friend.
Here is a video on Coco Chanel's connections with Germany during WWII
Thank you for reading this blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.
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