Generally speaking, this was an excellent book, with plenty of twists and turns and a few surprises. I like the perspectives of the main character juggling her roles as a new mom and her former profession as a spy. That the spy was more "freelance" than normal governmental was an interesting twist. The characters were compelling and seemed realistic and fairly relatable. I did not that the book could use some proofreading, as there were a lot of typos and places where something seems like it was changed but the tense, or something similar, was not adjusted. But these are nits, which did not detract from my enjoyment of the book. I hope we can look forward to more of this character from the author.

I Spy is a technically tempting read involving spies around every turn that keeps one guessing throughout as to who will be involved on the dark side next. And then wondering am I next in this computer driven world. Great first novel.

I loved this story - the idea of a mom and retired spy trying to raise her child in a bubble of safety was fascinating. Kendall is an intriguing character, and her story was well told.

Some characters were written inconsistently, and it was hard to tell whether it was intentional foreshadowing or just indecision about who they were.

Overall it was a fabulously fun read, and I would love to read more of Kendall’s journey!

I really enjoyed this spin on the typical spy story, and will definitely be reading more if the author follows up and turns this into a series! I was a little lost at the beginning with all the jargon and agencies, but once I got my bearings and the pace picked up, I couldn’t put this book down. The interaction between Kendall and Rosie was sweet, and I loved the social politics of the school mom set. The side characters were interesting and entertaining, and I hope that if there’s another book set in this world, we’ll get to see even more from Fini, Joe, and Pete.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC and provide an honest review!

Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley

Kendal Carter has spent the last four years of her life hiding in plain sight in a nondescript Swiss neighborhood. She left her life as an intelligence agent behind her and is happily raising her four-year-old daughter, Rosie.

But when she spots two strangers at the park, she opts for caution; later, a dumpster fire and the breaking into of several apartments put her on high alert. And then someone tries to break into her apartment, forcing her to call her former boss for assistance. She and Rose get away safely, but what is next for them?

Will Kendal be pulled back into spying? Or will she resist, opting for motherhood?

=========

First in a series, this story of a one-time intelligence agent, retired to raise her four-year-old daughter, pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. The plot twists and turns in some unexpected ways, keeping the pages turning. Readers should expect lots of action and family drama as Kendal finds herself torn between the excitement of her work as an agent and the joys motherhood and daily life with Rosie.

This fast, easy read is difficult to set aside and will keep readers involved in Kendal’s story. Her struggles are believable; readers will find it difficult to set this one aside as Kendal makes decisions that affect both her and her daughter.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#ISpy #NetGalley

A fun read - fast paced, full of twists for a former spy who thought she had safely retired with her young daughter. Highly recommend for those who like smart capable heroines who can take care of themselves while solving mysteries.

This was a really fun, fast read! The story kept me hooked from the start and I loved the spy/action vibe. There were some twists that surprised me and kept things exciting. Overall, a super entertaining and easy to read book!

Who am I today? A question you may ask yourself if you are a career spy that changes identity at the drop of a hat, with a four year old daughter that doesn’t miss a thing. You don’t know who you can trust and what a surprise when you find out. This book is a little dramatic, a little surprising, a little heartbreaking and a little fun. I loved this book and I can’t wait to read the next. I hope this is just the beginning of a new series.

Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the Publisher. All of the above opinions are my own.

L. M. Kemp’s I, Spy detonates the illusion of control and then calmly asks the reader to pack a lunch, check the exits, and keep reading.
Published by St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books, with thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC.

This novel understands chaos on an intimate level. It presents itself as a spy thriller, but what it’s really interested in is the friction between who someone used to be and who they are now. Kendal Carter is a former operative who has successfully disappeared into motherhood, and the book never treats that transition as a joke or a weakness. Instead, it frames parenting as the most convincing cover she’s ever maintained and possibly the most dangerous.

What makes the reading experience so satisfying is how naturally the tension unfolds. There’s no rush to prove how clever or twisty the plot can be. The story trusts its characters to carry the weight, and they do. Kendal moves through the world with the hyper-awareness of someone who has survived too much, and watching her apply those instincts to school gates, playdates, and parent politics is both sharp and quietly hilarious. The espionage elements simmer rather than explode, creating a constant undercurrent of unease that mirrors Kendal’s internal state.

Emotionally, the book lands with surprising warmth. The relationship between Kendal and her daughter Rosie is written with restraint and respect. Rosie isn’t there to be precocious for effect or cute on command. She’s simply a child whose presence raises the stakes of every decision. One line in particular captures the heart of the novel: “Motherhood was the most convincing cover I’d ever worn.” That sentence alone explains why this story works so well.

The supporting cast adds texture without overcrowding the narrative. Rico, the ex-handler, brings tension and familiarity in equal measure, while the other parents orbiting Rosie’s school are rendered just ambiguously enough to keep suspicion alive. The reader is encouraged to look twice at everyone, which makes the quieter moments feel just as suspenseful as the overtly dangerous ones.

This is a book that moves quickly but lingers emotionally. It’s easy to keep turning pages, yet certain scenes invite a pause simply to sit with what’s been said. The humor is dry and well-timed, the danger feels personal rather than performative, and the emotional beats are never overstated. As a reading experience, it feels confident and assured.

The overall impression lands at about four and a half stars. It’s not flawless, but it’s engaging, smart, and memorable in a way that matters. The ending leaves enough threads to suggest more without undermining the satisfaction of what’s already been told, and it’s difficult not to imagine this as the start of a longer journey with Kendal and Rosie.

This book will especially appeal to readers who like their thrillers character-driven, readers who appreciate wit threaded through tension, and anyone drawn to stories about women navigating reinvention under pressure. It’s also a strong match for those who enjoy suspense that doesn’t sacrifice heart for momentum.

If the past knocked on your door wearing a friendly face, would you answer… or change your name and disappear again?

#ISpy #LMKemp #BookReview #MysteryThriller #SpyFiction #NetGalleyARC #MinotaurBooks #StMartinsPress #ThrillerReads #2026Books

As always, a big "thank you" to NetGalley and the publisher for inviting me to read and review this book.

I will not attempt to equal the detailed synopses left by other reviewers. Suffice it to say, it's a fast-paced romp with a lot of humor, and a few surprises, one of which at least I had guessed was pretty obvious. Another surprise did, well, surprise me. I will not divulge it here as it would be a major spoiler. But as another reviewer mentioned, there were enough threads left by the end of this book that could be pulled and made into a sequel. Perhaps even multiple sequels. I for one would enjoy seeing Rosie (the protagonist's young daughter) grow up.