Two otherwise ordinary women become female spies in WWII France in this sweeping new novel of historical suspense by New York Times bestselling author Kelly Rimmer.
Twenty-five years after the end of the war, aging British SOE operative Noah Ainsworth is reflecting on the secret agent who saved his life when a mission went wrong during his perilous, exhilarating years in occupied France. He never knew her real name, nor whether she survived the war.
His daughter Charlotte begins a search for answers. What follows is the story of Fleur and Chloe, two otherwise ordinary women who in 1943 are called up by the SOE for deployment in France. Taking enormous risks with very little information or resources, the women have no idea they’re at the mercy of a double agent within their ranks who’s causing chaos.
As Charlotte’s search for answers continues, new suspicions are raised about the identity of the double agent, with unsettling clues pointing to her father.
From the bestselling Australian author of The Warsaw Orphan, this emotionally compelling novel is inspired by real-life female WWII agents including Violette Szabo and Diana Rowden, whose incredible stories have never before been brought to readers.
Buy a copy of The Paris Agent here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
A captivating novel that effortlessly transports readers to the enchanting streets of Paris. Rimmer’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions create a rich and immersive experience that will leave you captivated from start to finish. The protagonist, a talented and determined female agent, takes centre stage as she unravels a web of secrets and intrigue. Her journey through the glamorous world of espionage is filled with suspense, heart-pounding action, and unexpected twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. What sets The Paris Agent apart is Rimmer’s ability to balance thrilling plotlines with deep emotional connections. The characters are well-developed and relatable, their vulnerabilities and strengths intertwining seamlessly. As the story unfolds, you become emotionally invested, rooting for their triumphs and feeling their heartaches. Rimmer’s writing style is elegant and evocative, transporting readers to the beauty and charm of Paris. From the iconic landmarks to the hidden corners of the city, every setting is vividly brought to life, immersing you in the ambiance and adding an extra layer of enchantment to the story. The Paris Agent is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, espionage and heartfelt narratives. With its impeccable blend of suspense, romance and richly detailed storytelling, it is a literary gem that will leave a lasting impression. Prepare to be swept away on a thrilling adventure through the streets of Paris with Kelly Rimmer’s mesmerizing novel. Kerrie, NSW, 5 Stars
Absolutely love reading Kelly Rimmer’s books and The Paris Agent, her latest book, was a delight to read. Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and a great way to learn our history through the storytelling of an author. Charlotte Ainsworth learns from her father Noah that he hasn’t told her who he really was during the second World War. She always thought he was a mechanic but he was a British agent working in France. One summer, 25 years after the war, Noah tells her the truth; she really can’t imagine her father being SOE. Noah only told her because he wanted to find a man called Remy who risked his life to help him survive. I loved how the narrative has a dual timeline alternating from 1944 to the 1970s and told from the view of Chloe and Fleur while they were serving in France and on leave in England. Reading how women field agents worked during the war is always fascinating because for many years we only read about men. These ladies did more than just being used as couriers and wireless operators in the field. Learning what they had to do just made me keep reading. If you like historical fiction based around the Second World War this is a book to read. I am looking forward to many more Kelly Rimmer books in the future. Maria, SA, 5 Stars
Another great read by Kelly Rimmer. Charlotte Ainsworth agrees to help her father find someone who helped him during the war, and we take this journey across two timelines – 1944 and the 1970s. A Paris Agent is a captivating read – once I started I needed to keep reading. Add this to your list. Leticia, QLD, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed reading this story about a daughter’s search for the secret agent who saved her father’s life in France during WWII. Noah was injured and his memory of that time is lost to him. The story switches between present-day and 1940s France as Charlotte attempts to find answers for Noah. I was amazed to realise that so many previously ordinary British men and women displayed such incredible bravery and ingenuity as secret agents assisting the Allies in their struggle to defeat the enemy. The book moves between the two time periods so kept me turning the pages until late at night while hoping they could avoid the enemy who were everywhere in Paris. I thoroughly enjoyed The Paris Agent and am keen to read other books by this author. Liz, NSW, 5 Stars
The novel begins with Noah Ainsworth, who 25 years ago was a British SOE (Special Operations Executive) who helped resistance movements in enemy areas, as well as conducted espionage and sabotage operations. He is at home thinking back. One particular operation stands out above all others: a secret agent saved his life when a mission went wrong during his perilous, exhilarating years in occupied France. Noah never knew her real name (they all worked under an alias), nor whether she survived the war. Noah’s daughter, Charlotte, begins a search for answers. Thus began the story of Fleur and Chloe, two female spies, deployed to France in 1943. A riveting, powerful story. Full marks to Kelly Rimmer. Edith, SA, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book by Kelly Rimmer. She takes you to France and you experience the worlds of spies and the Second World War. This is Historical Fiction at its best. It is a must-read for those who like Kelly Rimmer. This book captivated me right to the end. Kay, NSW, 5 Stars
Thrilling and encapsulating! Following the journey of Chloe and Fleur, two SOE agents during WWII, and reading the challenges they faced, then meeting Noah and Charlotte – Charlotte who has just learnt her dad was a British spy. She agrees to assist him in trying to track down an old agent. The tension mounds as twists and turns unravel along their journeys, and learning that things weren’t necessarily as they first appeared. This story will pull on your heartstrings. Sarah, QLD, 5 Stars
Wow!!! Kelly Rimmer is a fantastic author. The Paris Agent is set in WWII and tells the story of several SEO agents and how their time as agents shaped their future lives. The twists and turns make this book a real page-turner. Heather, NSW, 5 Stars
Kelly Rimmer has done it again. I have loved all her books and this one does not disappoint. A very well-researched and written book that kept me turning the pages quickly. Highly recommend. Claire, VIC, 5 Stars
Riveting, emotional tale of the heroics performed by ordinary people during times of war. I found it a little difficult to keep track of people and who they were to start with but soon became immersed. Overall a great read. Ebony, WA, 5 Stars
It is twenty-five years since the end of World War II and aging British SOE operative Noah Ainsworth is reflecting on the secret agent who saved his life when a mission went horribly wrong during his years in occupied France. He never knew her real name or whether she survived the war. Moved by her father’s frustration, Noah’s daughter Charlotte helps her father in his search for answers. What follows is the story of Fleur and Chloe, two otherwise ordinary women who in 1943 are called up by the SOE for deployment to France. This is a tremendous story of the women involved in the war and the roles they played. It is such an important story in bringing the efforts of women during times of war to light as it is unfortunate that until recent times their roles have been all but forgotten. Carolyn, WA, 5 Stars
The Paris Agent by Kelly Rimmer is a thought-provoking tear-jerker of a novel. It investigates the work of female secret agents in World War II and the sacrifices they made to help protect their countries. Janelle, NSW, 5 Stars
The Paris Agent had me hooked from the very start. I loved the flow of the storyline, and how it jumped through time. I loved how the reader could piece the story together and watch it unfold before the characters themselves did. In this book, you know what’s coming but you need to keep reading to find out how. I found the three central characters absolutely inspiring. The fact that it is inspired by true events is fascinating as well as terrifying. This book left me feeling both heartbroken and uplifted at the same time. Lovers of historical fiction and war stories will adore this book. I have Kelly Rimmer to thank for a very late night and very groggy morning because I simply could not put this book down. Chloe, VIC, 5 Stars
Noah Ainsworth, a SOE (Special Operations Executive), is looking for answers to a mission he was on that went wrong. Twent-five years later, after WWII, he goes in search of information on two women he worked with – Fleur and Chloe. Noah’s daughter Charlotte was unaware of what her father was involved in during the war and helps to find him closure. This book tells the untold story of Fleur and Chloe. Amazingly told, and the ending was worded so well it brought tears to the eyes. So make sure you have the tissues at the ready. Although not the ending Noah was expecting to hear, it brought the truth and closure to the families that it most impacted. New friendships and relationships develop a bond that is like no other. Annette, NSW, 5 Stars
A beautifully written historical novel. The characters are written with such passion that I could feel them in the room with me while I read. Kelly Rimmer has delivered an outstanding novel I recommend to anyone looking for the perfect winter read. Dianne, SA, 5 Stars
Noah Ainsworth is a man haunted by guilt. As a Special Operations Executive in WWII, he worked alongside some of the best agents in France – Chloe: bright and determined, with whom he falls in love; and Fleur: beautiful and sassy, she joins the SOE after her husband’s death, believing that freedom for her baby son is worth fighting for. Their lives are all intertwined, firstly by the war, then again in their present. When Noah is hurt in an accident, Chloe disappears. Noah returns home from war, marries, and has a family. When his wife dies, he looks for the person he believed saved his life that day. What he uncovers rocks his whole belief system as secrets and lies from corrupt government officials are revealed along with Chloe’s fate. The dialogue throughout is exquisite – the final scenes of Chloe and Fleur had me on the edge of my seat. It was like a car crash: you just can’t look away, even though it was one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever read. I was so sad, even as I was so proud of them all for their bravery. Read this book. These characters will touch your soul. Kathy, VIC, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed The Paris Agent. It explores the heartbreaking atrocities of WWII through the experiences of the SOEs (Special Operations Executive), whilst telling the stories of the loved ones left behind. The Paris Agent is a powerful read told in a dual timeline and exposes the secrets, lies and betrayals that are brought to the surface many years later in the 1970s, and the eventual healing power of love and loyalty of family. This is an emotional story which, true to Kelly’s previous historical fiction novels, continues to bring us the experiences of war that should make us so grateful for our freedoms today. I love how Kelly creates these believable, strong characters and storylines that are a gift to the reader. A must-read for historical fiction lovers as well as those new to Kelly’s novels. Helen, NSW, 5 Stars
Kelly Rimmer’s new read, The Paris Agent, is a captivating historical fiction story inspired by real-life events. Set across dual timelines, the war-stricken 1940s and the 1970s, The Paris Agent delves into the harrowing work of the women and men of the SOE deployed in German-occupied France. After only minimal training, agents Fleur and Chloe are tested by unimaginable feats in their missions, while dealing with the personal emotional toil of love, loss and kinship. Almost three decades later, Noah, who is grieving the sudden loss of his wife, begins to take his mind back to his time as a former SOE operative and his unanswered questions and unsettling feelings surrounding this time. Together with his daughter, Charlotte, they journey back in time to unravel the past events. I loved this story and couldn’t put it down. Rimmer’s writing is so compelling. I finished the story feeling emotional and forever grateful to the women of the SOE. Tamara, SA, 5 Stars
Loved this book! It took a little while to get my head around the different characters but their stories were woven together brilliantly. And it was great to read about heroes who had genuine failings and real-life problems, rather than the usual Hollywood painting of WWII characters as invincible superheroes. I enjoyed seeing fiction woven with fact and then being pushed afterward to go online and find out more about the famous British spies. Would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a book slightly different to the usual modern history fiction out there. Frances, NSW, 5 Stars
Another great read from Kelly Rimmer. She is an amazing storyteller! The Paris Agent is an emotional read that highlights the risks and sacrifices made by the special agents who went to France during World War II. Their story is told through three main characters with an awareness and insight, not only as to the impact during their time in service, but also the lifelong memories that affect survivors. This is a beautifully written story that leaves the reader with much to ponder and be grateful for. Annette, SA, 5 Stars
Wonderful emotional journey into history. Sally, VIC, 5 Stars
Set with a dual timeline, between 1970s and WWII, The Paris Agent by Kelly Rimmer is a search for information and truth, with a little love thrown in. It is a historical fiction novel, highlighting the work of SOE operatives, and moves easily between England, France and Germany. The reader is swept along with the narrative of ordinary people achieving extraordinary outcomes under appalling conditions. You witness the friendships, hazards, tension, triumphs, despair, betrayal and pain of these individuals and their torturous treatment. Wonderful intense visual descriptions given from the main characters’ viewpoints and experiences. It took a while to become familiar with Fleur, Chloe and Noah due to the use of multiple code names but I really loved these courageous, vulnerable, highly capable people. I appreciated their sacrifices for a better future though I unrealistically wished for a happier happy ending. I highly recommend reading The Paris Agent. Sandra, NSW, 5 Stars
I began reading yesterday morning, and literally couldn’t go to bed without finishing it. The story of some agents of the SOE, working behind the lines in occupied WWII France, invokes the reader immediately with intrigue, danger and bravery. Years later, in 1970, one surviving agent decided he was going to “face his demons” and seek out the man he believed saved his life during his final assignment. However, it isn’t that simple, and as he and his daughter try to find answers, they reveal secrets buried for years and perhaps even help others in the process. Kelly Rimmer has written a wonderful story and also educates us about a crucial organisation helpful in winning the War. Marilyn, NSW, 5 Stars
I absolutely love Kelly Rimmer’s books! The Paris Agent is another cracker. It is a fascinating and engrossing read. It’s full of her trademark compassion, empathy and strong female characters. The story starts in the 1970s with a young woman discovering that her father, Noah, was part of the Special Operations Executive (SOE). The SOE was a secret British WWII organisation that carried out espionage, sabotage and reconnaissance in Europe. The story then shifts to two female agents who serve in the SOE too. What these women do with little resources is incredible and there is constant danger in occupied France. The courage and resilience of these women are awe-inspiring. There are many stories of the Resistance in France but little is written about the SOE. To learn about these amazing men and women was such a pleasure. As always, the author has done extensive research and the book has plenty of historical detail but it never detracts from the flow of the narrative. There is also a mystery to be solved. Be prepared for some heart-pounding and heart-wrenching moments. If you have enjoyed Kelly Rimmer’s other historical novels, you’ll love this! Thank you Ms Rimmer for a phenomenal story. Kecia, NSW, 5 Stars
What a fantastic read. A really interesting way to learn about the role of patriotic civilians in the war against the Germans in the Second World War. The story follows two central women characters who risk their lives to deter the Germans in their quest to overtake France. Back to the 70s and Charlotte’s quest to help her father with his memories of being a spy in the war and its consequences. A thoroughly believable story and a great insight into the French resistance and how people suffered or survived. Recommend highly. Di, NSW, 5 Stars
A tale about extraordinary situations that ordinary people put themselves in to ensure a future for their country and its people. The story follows the journey of secret agents in WWII. along the way there is bravery, loyalty (although somewhat misguided at times), love and great losses and discoveries. The Paris Agent once again highlights the impact war has on not only those who lived through it but also those who came after. A beautifully written story that keeps you glued to each page. Louise, NSW, 5 Stars
I enjoyed this book and would recommend. As I read through it, I built up an idea of how it would finish and the characters would follow a certain path, but it didn’t happen. Rowena, NSW, 5 Stars
Lovely story. Well written and highly recommended. Kathleen, NSW, 5 Stars
The Paris Agent is a fast-paced historical thriller. It is set in 1970 and World War II. It is about love, friendship, loyalty and the will to go on! It is a beautiful book. Be warned: you may need tissues. Litsa, VIC, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this book! Switching between 1970 and the war years set the scene for some interesting characters and developments to reveal what we are capable of in extreme times and situations. Lina, VIC, 4 Stars
My interest in The Paris Agent had been piqued by the brief blurbs I had read, so the opportunity to read and review an early copy was great. Having never read any previous books by Kelly Rimmer I had no idea I was about to read a book that I could not put down! I was completely drawn into the story of Noah and his daughter Charlotte as they seek to discover the answers long hidden to Noah about the end of his time as a British agent in war-torn France. Through this, we are vividly drawn in by Kelly’s skillful writing, into the world of Chloe and Fleur, female British agents who, alongside Noah, risked so much. A story of family, love, loss and finding the answers even if they are not what we expect. Michelle, NSW, 4 Stars
A powerfully written story of love and loss during the war. Fast forward to the 70s: Noah is dealing with his memory loss caused by a war injury. Two brave women who were British spies will have their stories told and their families get closure when Noah confronts his past. Deanne, VIC, 4 Stars
This is a story of two strong women entering a terrifying wartime environment, in a world of handwritten notes, treachery and sabotage. The SOE were volunteers of WWII, having limited training and showing tremendous bravery and courage. This is Chloe and Fleur’s story. Told in dual timelines, we see the carnage of war, the result of families torn apart with the unknown, and the effect war has on the survivors. Charlotte is the daughter of the now aging British Noah SOE operative, and in 1970 she helps him locate the agent responsible for saving his life. This leads us to a serious story interspersed with love and hope, finding the truth behind the history of these wonderful women. We learn about falling into a forbidden love and a fractured mother-daughter relationship, and of a widow leaving her toddler son behind, completely unsure of his fate while risking her life for this cause. We see a man attempting to rebuild a life in the ‘after’ war with a wife who could never seem to try and understand his grief. The sleuthing in 1970 slowly teases out the women’s stories. The writing shows solidarity and truth such that the reader senses the atrocities, believes them and feels they are in the room with this duo, while still maintaining a hopeful heart. At the cusp of their lives, only in their third decade, this provides another layer to the heartbreak. The author has created great potency in her delicate, wise, gentle and otherwise powerful writing. Poignant, full of heart and zest. Brendan, NSW, 4 Stars
The Paris Agent is an incredibly well-researched and written historical fiction. It included many elements such as suspense, intrigue, raw details about the war and surprise that easily kept me captivated. Whilst I enjoyed the story as it progressed, I must say though, at times I felt that the conversation between characters felt somewhat stilted; however, this was towards the start of the novel. Perhaps this was due to the early acquaintance of the characters, before they had developed. Overall, I would be very interested to read further novels by Ms. Kelly Rimmer. She conveyed a fantastic story that kept me engrossed. It is one that I would definitely recommend to others who are interested in the historical fiction genre. Katherine, VIC, 4 Stars
The Paris Agent is well written. It describes how bad conditions were during wartime. Although the storyline is fiction, there are true elements of the suffering of so many. The story is brought to life through the dialogue and flow of the writing. The plot carried through the story exhibits a strong will and strength from those willing to make any sacrifice necessary to help others keep or gain freedom from the enemy. It is hard for them to leave behind family and loved ones to pursue their goal of helping to secure an end to the war. The female agents in this story show amazing braveness as they do whatever is required or asked of them, knowing full well what the consequences are if caught. Horrific treatment from the enemy would be the result. Kelly Rimmer has written a very thought-provoking book. It describes how so many endured such unbelievably hard conditions through wartime. It also tells of the countless loss of lives affecting so many left to endure their grief. Also those who survived war and returned with torturous memories of what they saw and were forced to do. Cherylene, QLD, 4 Stars
I have never read anything by Kelly Rimmer before, but if they are all as good as The Paris Agent then I will in the future. I enjoyed the complex, though easy to read, story of hastily trained agents, dropped behind enemy lines in France. How brave were the people who became agents during WWII, knowing that their chance of making it back alive was low, whilst the chance of being caught and tortured was so high. I like that Kelly Rimmer split the story in two, one foot in the war, the other, twenty-five years later, trying to untangle a memory a man had lost: who was it who had saved him back in the war? The war was harrowing. A scene near the end was so painful I cried. Yet I needed to know who had survived, who had not, and who was the double agent who damned them all. Rimmer kept me reading avidly to the end. What more could I ask of a novel?? Daniella, QLD, 4 Stars
Excellent story. Kept me on my toes wanting to finish. Kathleen, NSW, 4 Stars
I was already a fan of Kelly Rimmer when I received this book. I really enjoyed the tale of two female spies (SEO agents) during the war in a time when previously women who were not expected to do much of any importance now stepped up ‘for their country’. I also appreciated the mystery of how the life of Noah intersected with these women, as he was the one who started to research his history during the war years. The timelines jump between the 1940s (WWII) in France and the 1970s in England, and contain war atrocities that are at times hard but necessary to read. I loved the character development of these strong women, and I definitely needed tissues while reading this book! At times heartbreaking but also uplifting, this is an insightful tale that is engaging right to the end! I would highly recommend this book to anyone. My only criticism was I found it hard to keep track of the narrator as the book is written from different characters’ points of view (using at times the agents’ real names and at other times their field names), so sometimes I found myself having to reread sections. Debra, NSW, 4 Stars
I was intrigued to follow the two timelines that I knew would take me on a journey to reveal the secrets of the characters. One timeline was in 1944, when two courageous women from Britain were recruited to join the Special Operations Executive (SOE). They only had three months of training and then were released into occupied France to spy and conduct sabotage operations. It was dangerous work and I marvelled at the courage of these women. The other timeline was set in 1970 with a father, Noah, who was troubled about his memory of when someone saved his life in the war. His daughter helped him find answers. It was this relationship I felt most empathy for. I was willing for them to find answers, even though I knew there would be grief and loss. Yet the theme of love was evident throughout: that it is often complex when in exceptional circumstances. I was swept along with the storyline and curiosity about how the SOE operated, how they had to be creative, and just how dangerous it was, sometimes not knowing who to trust. It is through books like this I learn more about the personal sacrifice that people made and the important work that women played in WWII. I like the human stories within the war and through novels like this I gain respect and gratitude for the sacrifices that were made. Thank you to Better Reading for sending me this gift of a book to review. Glenda, VIC, 4 Stars
I have often wondered about female WWII agents as stories are usually about the men, but after reading Kelly Rimmer’s latest novel The Paris Agent I now have a better idea. It portrays the strength of women and brings to light a little-known part of World War II. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It had me hooked from the very first page and gave me an insight into a time when horror was a daily occurrence, but with these female characters with their strengths, beliefs and sometimes failures it gave me a sense of hope. A powerful and captivating read. Chris, SA, 4 Stars
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