About the Book
London, 1936. Socialite and journalist Lady Pamela More pens the popular ‘Agent of Influence’ column, writing wittily about fashion and high society. For her latest piece, she interviews Wallis Simpson, the newly crowned king’s American mistress. That’s when she’s approached by MI5.
Her mission: spy on the royal couple and report on their connections with Nazi Germany.
As she navigates the treacherous world of international espionage, Pamela uses her skills of observation and intuition to infiltrate Wallis’ inner circle. But Europe is unstable, and international spies lurk on every corner.
Does Pamela have what it takes to survive the currents of espionage? Or is she in over her head
Format: eARC (356 pages) Publisher: Lume Books
Publication date: 19th October 2023 Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery
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My Review
Lady Pamela makes a lively, spirited and entertaining protagonist whose keen eye for fashion and witty take on the social scene has made her a successful columnist. But she feels unfulfilled and that her talents are being overlooked. ‘When she was younger, Pamela had harboured secret dreams of becoming the next Rebecca West (minus the illegitimate child), Virginia Woolf (minus the crippling depression) or Katherine Mansfield (minus the tubersular death).’ No wonder then when the opportunity of adventure arises she grabs it with both exquisitely manicured hands. And what could be more of an adventure than spying? Her social connections and observational skills – she can spot the difference between a genuine couture gown and a cheap copy a mile off – see her make an excellent start to her mission to get close to Wallis Simpson. After that, it all gets a little more complicated, and quite a lot more dangerous. And not just for Lady Pamela.
There is an enormous cast of the real life great and good of the period including Winston Churchill, Noel Coward, Cecil Beaton, Harold Nicolson, Diana Vreeland and Evelyn Waugh. And the not so good, such as Oswald Mosley. But behind all the fun of Lady Pamela’s espionage activities there’s some serious stuff about the prevalence of Nazi sympathisers in the higher echelons of society in the run-up to the Second World War. In fact it’s chilling to be reminded how many downplayed, even actively supported, the horrific acts being carried out against Jewish people and other sections of society in Germany at the time. A secondary plot line involving Lady Pamela’s formidable Aunt Constance underlines how dangerous it can be to speak out against injustice and discrimination.
I developed rather a soft spot for Francis, Pamela’s husband who seemed to me the epitome of loyalty, steadfastness and patience in the face of his wife’s increasingly risky escapades, especially since he faces struggles of his own. Sadly, Lady Pamela doesn’t always treat him very well – in fact, particularly badly at one point. Having said that, the pair lead quite separate lives a lot of the time: Francis at his club or attending a shooting party, and Lady Pamela immersed in a social whirl of glamorous parties and fancy dinners in which a never-ending supply of cocktails and cigarettes is the order of the day.
The Socialite Spy is a really entertaining read but one with a nugget of something more weighty at its heart. A luxury Charbonnel et Walker chocolate with a praline centre, if you like. Judging by the book’s conclusion I get the feeling this is not the last we’ve heard of Lady Pamela. How absolutely delightful, darling, let’s have another martini to celebrate.
I received an advance reader copy courtesy of Lume Books via NetGalley.
In three words: Lively, engaging, intriguing
Try something similar: The American Agent by Jacqueline Winspear
About the Author
Originally from Chicago and based in London, Dr Sarah Sigal is a freelance writer, dramaturge, director and researcher working across fiction, theatre and opera. Sarah received her PhD from Goldsmiths, and has taught at a number of British universities. (Photo: Goodreads author page)
Connect with Sarah
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