Book review for: "Mr. and Mrs. Spy"
Book Review for: Lord and Lady Spy
Written by: Shana Galen
Reference books Casablanca
ISBN: 978-1-4022-5907-4
Available as: eBook and print
5 stars
Galen creates a sharp and witty story full of action, adventure, mystery and romance with “Lord and Lady Spy.” It’s 1815 in England and Adrian Galloway, Viscount Smythe, works for the top-secret Barbican group, headed by Lord Melbourne. Now, however, the war is over and Adrian has nothing to do but go home to his wife.
Sophia Galloway, Viscountess Smythe, is Agent Saint, one of the Barbican Group’s top spies. She is not afraid, she is full of adventures and strongly believes in following her intuition. Unfortunately, the war is over and she must go home to her husband.
Although Adrian and Sophia are the best spies in England, their marriage is filled with loneliness. Sophia dresses up in scruffy dresses and Adrian uses his gentlemen’s club as an excuse to stay away from him. Adrian and Sophia have suffered several miscarriages that have put distance between them.
When a mission to solve a murder of Lord Liverpool is presented, Adrian and Sophia go separately to the meeting, but soon discover the others’ Barbican identity. They are both shocked to learn that the other is a spy and both are equally impressed. Realizing they have more in common than they thought, can they team up to solve the mystery of Liverpool and save his marriage?
Galen’s fast-paced, action-packed plot has the reader perched on the edge of their seat, eager to find out what will happen next. Galen’s voice is crisp and witty, effortlessly drawing the reader into the story with his humor. Galen’s writing style is easy to read and enjoy.
The best thing about the novel is the rich characterization. Adrian is driven to prove his loyalty to his county, partly because of his father’s sins and partly in an attempt to heal the void left by Sophia’s miscarriages. Adrian truly loves his wife, but it’s not until he discovers her true identity that he realizes that she truly is an incredible gem.
Sophia lives for the thrill of being a spy, hiding behind scruffy skirts. She loves Adrian with all her heart, but is terrified to give him an honest shot at marriage once Adrian knows who she really is.
Galen uses a good economy of words to paint a wonderful canvas for Adrian and Sophia’s escapades. The mystery and sense of danger totally draw the reader into the story.
The love scenes are deliciously spicy and full of emotion. Galen delights and entertains with “Lord and Lady Spy.”