Maggie Flynn is back and better than ever.

"The Spy and the Snake" opens in Spring 1968, some three years after the events of "Mrs Spy". Maggie Flynn been promoted to a desk job in MI5 - she's no longer a Watcher, following suspicious characters through the streets of London. But she's bored. So when her boss, Guy Standing, offers her the opportunity to carry out a simple exfiltration job, she doesn't need much convincing. Her job will be to fly to Budapest and smuggle notorious British defector Fitzroy Carver back to the UK. It's behind the Iron Curtain, but really, how hard can it be?

Quickly both Maggie and the reader are drawn into a fast-moving story which takes her and her less-than-enthusiastic ex-spy across Europe in a race to stay ahead of her enemies, known and unknown. If Maggie showed her natural aptitude as Watcher before, she positively shines here, as from her first day in Hungary, she has to think on her feet, improvising like never before. Lifted from the familiar streets of London, she still has to employ her Watcher skills, while finding new ways to achieve her increasingly difficult mission. Along the way she recruits assets, and collects the resource she needs to get the job done. It's tremendously rewarding to watch her grow into a competent, accomplished spy, while still retaining her "middle-aged woman, questioning herself" demeanour. When she meets, and slightly falls-for, a smooth, aging-gracefully Englishman who seems too good to be true, she really has her work cut out for her.

If 1960s London was the star of the show in "Mrs Spy". this time it's Budapest, and Europe which form the backdrop to the story. The city is painted in all its glory - buildings, people, and cake. There's lots of cake. There's also still that lovely 1960s vibe, with fashion and music nicely acknowledged here and there. And a special mention for the various people Maggie recruits along the way - the citizens of Budapest, who live under a harsh regime, who hope by helping her, to bring about better days. We see some of them fleetingly, but they stay in your head.

This book really is the perfect follow up, and I sincerely hope it's not the last we see of Maggie Flynn. Heartily recommended.

I haven't read the previous book with Maggie in, but now am eager to do so. What an intriguing plot this book has. It's 1968 and Maggie, a woman who has been in the Secret service for a while is suddenly given 'promotion', and talked into doing a job she hadnt expected. Having to bring back an ex spy from Budapest gives her plenty to plan, especially as she's not sure who she can trust. I loved the way her late husband gives her confidence and back up! It's a book you cant put down, running from KGB men, driving an ancient VW through country after country, and trying to keep a boozy ex spy from getting them all into trouble. The characterisation is perfect, from Zoltan through Fitzroy to Tom Bredon.
Thank you fro the chane to read and review this book which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Maggie is back and in better form than ever. It's a spy master 60s mystery and it had me intrigued. I love Maggie and all that she does. I couldn't put it down for fear of missing out!

Another great espionage novel by Mandy Robotham, with the lovely Maggie Flynn and her slightly wicked sense of humour. An assignment for the hardened MI5 ex-watcher takes Maggie to Budapest in search of a double agent and get him out of Hungary. Her task is made harder by finding Fitz Carter’s union with alcohol virtually unbreakable. An amusing, page turning novel, complete with suspense, a smattering of romance and great characters, particularly Zoltan the café owner in Budapest.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

Having read the first book in this series, I had an expectation of how the book would go, however it appears the writing style has evolved some since the first book, not in a bad way, just different. There are vivid descriptions of Hungary, which at times became a bit tiresome as they clogged up the pacing of the story, but the character development of all the new characters was very well done. I grew to love Zoltan and all the other characters who played a supporting role, and was very happy that the author saw fit to give them an ending in the story too. Although this is a spy story, it’s not written in such a way that you constantly feel on edge, rather there are action packed segments interspersed with comedic elements and heart warming moments that can’t help bring a smile to your face whilst you’re egging Maggie on with her latest escapade. If you’ve not read the first book in this series, there isn’t really a need to as it does stand alone quite well, though it would be useful so you can understand who the people are Maggie references, plus it’s an awesome book so definitely worth checking out. I would recommend this book wholeheartedly. 10/10

What a fantastic story! The head of MI5 has been told he needs to send a female to bring home a double agent. Maggie Flynn, currently in a desk job at MI5 after her time as a watcher, is chosen to retrieve a traitor who desires to spend his final years in the UK.

Fritz is in Budapest, and Maggie needs to get him out. The setting in Budapest with the local characters is perfect, so what could go wrong with the escape plan? All is revealed in this superb story as Maggie, along with her subconscious inner voices steer her along, together with some humour. The time setting in the 1960’s works well, and the backstory is well researched.

For those who like spy stories with half-truths, lies and deep suspicion, this book is for you! This is the first book I have read by the MJ Robotham, but as soon as I finished this one, I bought the first one in this series – Mrs Spy, where I may glean some of the background used within this book.

This is my number 1 read for 2026 out of 9 books read so far. My advice – get it asap as its 5 star read.

The second book in the “Mrs Spy” series, this Cold War espionage novel is set mostly in the beautiful city of Budapest which the author most likely knows very well. The plot moves along at a good pace, with excellent character development and just the right amount of humour and love interest. I am already looking forward to Mrs Spy’s next adventure.

The second book about Maggie Flynn and her work in MI5, if you enjoyed the first book, you won’t be disappointed with this follow up. Set in 1968, this time Maggie is tasked with helping a British defector who is currently in Budapest, return to the UK. But is everyone telling her the truth or do they have their own agendas and there are also the KGB and Hungarian secret service to contend with. What’s her plan and will she succeed?
A good read and lots of interesting descriptions of Budapest, I enjoyed this book and recommend it. My thanks to NetGalley and the author for an ARC.

The Spy and the Snake by M.L Robotham due for publication 9 July 2026

Maggie is back and given the job of smuggling an old defector out of Budapest and back to the UK. Not an easy challenge but one Maggie is determined to fulfil.

Despite Maggie's worries she comes into her own and by befriending various people she meets manages with their help to get over the border in an old campervan secreting Fritz inside. Not easy babysitting this rather rude obese alcoholic. It is not of course plain sailing and Maggie encounters numerous obstacles on the way. Her watcher skills and inner voices come in useful trying to keep her and Fritz safe from the KGB as she winds across a number 0f Europe's borders back to the UK. Will she manage this and what double dealings await her.

Despite missing Frank and colourful Gilda this was once again a cracking spy story set in the swinging 60's and at last Maggie gets a bit of romance.

I loved it and am looking forward to more of Maggie's adventures.

Thanks to Netgalley for a preview copy.

Life has changed for ‘Mrs Spy’ and not necessarily in a good way as Maggie returns for her second book outing three years later. Life is quieter. Maggie’s promotion to a desk job lacks the camaraderie and autonomy of her previous life as a ‘watcher’, her extroverted mother Gilda is living a fabulous new life in Tenerife and daughter Libby now an adult has embraced a semi nomadic life in the protest movement. Although terrace gardens and delicious espresso are compensations, Maggie is intrigued when her big boss sends her on secret assignment to Budapest.

The charm of Mrs Spy very much included the warm cast of supporting characters and Maggie finds a new crew in Budapest. Maggie still talks to her dead husband Davy - but less - and there may be a new love interest but he may be a dud. Jury is out for this reader!

I loved the slightly old fashioned quality of M J Robotham’s prose. It definitely helps recreate the late ‘60s world of the book. Maggie’s an engaging protagonist and the story is involving.

The Spy and the Snake is a thrilling, fast-paced follow-up that shows Maggie Flynn stepping fully into her role as a skilled and clever spy. From the streets of Budapest to a tense European chase, Maggie improvises, recruits allies, and navigates danger with wit and grit. The 1960s setting—fashion, music, and plenty of cake, adds charm, while Maggie’s personal growth and budding romance make her journey all the more rewarding. A gripping, stylish spy adventure that fans of espionage tales won’t want to miss.

The Spy and the Snake’ by M.J. Robotham, is the follow up novel to The Spy, which I loved. I didn’t know what to expect when I read the first novel and was surprisingly impressed by how much I enjoyed it. This time I was ready for it, and although I was entertained it didn’t have quite the same affect as the first novel.

Maggie Flynn has achieved what most MI5 officers dream of, a promotion to the upper echelons of the service. But as she quickly learns, “promotion comes with paperwork.”, with her daughter at university and her mother off on her own adventures, London feels a little too silent. So, when the call comes to head to Budapest, she once again felt excitement.

Maggie must fly to Hungary and pose as the wife of a notorious British defector and smuggle him back to the UK. The instructions sound straightforward, but in a city like Budapest, nothing is ever routine.

This is a cosy spy thriller, often humorous and full of action. Maggie Flynn is a woman trying to reclaim her identity by putting her life on the line for her country.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Aria & Aries for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

What a pleasure to be reunited with Mrs Spy in this second novel! I loved the characters, humour, suspense and the setting in Budapest. I felt as if I knew Maggie, loved the irrepressible Zoltan and despaired of the slovenly Fitzroy. A real treat - I hope we get to hear more of Mrs Spy’s escapades.

Loved this book! Late 1960sspy novel with great characters and a good paced plot. To quote from the book itself, : "A mixture of fact and fiction". Highly recommended.
My thanks to NetGally and Aria & Aries for this arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

It’s a real treat to be back with Maggie Flynn, aka Mrs Spy.
Set in the late 1960s, this installment takes Maggie to Budapest on a secret mission to bring a British defector home. What sounds simple soon becomes dangerous.
Maggie is brave, smart, and easy to like. I loved the side characters too, especially Zoltan. There are car chases, lies, and moments where you’re not sure who to trust. You don’t have to read the first novel to enjoy this one but I would recommend it!!!
An exciting and enjoyable spy story.

Another great Maggie Flynn book by the author. I love that this time Maggie has been sent "into the field" even if off the radar. It was really interesting that many of the famous places that I have visited in Budapest featured in the book. A great thriller that keeps you gripped from start to finish.

The Spy and the Snake is a fantastic sequel to Mrs Spy. Maggie Flynn is sent on her first big assignment from MI5 to bring a defector from Budapest back to London.

Maggie is such a fantastic character and I hope we get more of her adventures in the future.

The Spy and the Snake is a worthy sequel to Mrs Spy. MJ Robothom sends her heroine to Budapest in 1968 and succeeds in evoking that beautiful city and creating a twisting turning gentle spy thriller, Maggie Flynn arrives in the Hungarian capital knowing no-one and without contacts. The mission to exfiltrate a triple-agent is complicated further by the agent's alcohol dependency and petulant nature. But Maggie listens to her gut and the voices in her head and comes up with a if not a plan (she's learned the futility of them) at least a possible way forward. Now she just has to work out who she can trust.

This is brilliant and I hope Maggie will return.

[But don't believe the blurb. I think it must have been written before the book!]

A great second outing for Maggie Flynn, novice spy extraordinaire. After solving her late husband’s murder, Maggie is now working for MI5 at a desk job and babysitting Oleg, a Russian defector.
When her boss offers her the opportunity to progress her career she is not sure whether the mission is worth going for or whether it is a poisoned chalice.
He asks her to go undercover to Budapest and bring home a double defector spy, Fitzroy Carver but with no backup, and completely on her own.
After a bit of research she decides to take on the mission but is shocked to discover the agent is an old drunk who makes it very difficult to be rescued.
Dodging danger behind the iron curtain during the Cold War, Maggie must use all her espionage skills to escape alive and with the help of some new Hungarian friends she decides to drive Carver through Europe in a VW camper van.
This was a great novel, very exciting with some fabulous new characters whom I really warmed to. There is even a possible love interest for Maggie despite her loyalty to her dead husband who still whispers encouragement in her ear.
Frank, an old retired spy who was in the previous book, also talks to Maggie inside her head, even though he is now retired and living in the Canary Islands.
I liked the setting of Budapest and the period descriptions of Soviet Hungary as well as all the 1960s references including The Beatles and Sean Connery as Bond. The latter reminded me of my childhood and my teenage love of James Bond books!
This is a fantastic read which I whizzed through in a few days- I definitely recommend “The Spy and the Snake” and look forward to Maggie’s next adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

An absolute page turner of a story! Set in the late 60s during the Cold War, middle aged Maggie is sent to Budapest to extricate a defector, but there is more going on than meets the eye. Firstly, women are typists, not operatives, in MI5, secondly, why is this mission off the books, and thirdly, how can she keep her target out of the pub long enough to get him out of the country? Written with warmth, humour, suspense, drama and lots of great twists and turns. You don't need to have read the first in this series to enjoy this story, but you will want to order it as soon as you can!

An excellent pacey thriller with a human side.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book of this series, Mrs Spy, and started reading this sequel with a high level of anticipation. It completely lived up to me expectations.
It's three years on from Maggie Flynn's last outing where readers will find her still in MI5, but promoted from her Watcher role to a desk job. She is surprised to be selected by her Director General for an "off the books" field operation. She has to travel to Budapest, inside the then Iron Curtain. She is to bring back an ex agent who had defected to the Russians but now wants to return to the UK, and has information to trade. A novice with no field experience, sent behind the Iron Curtain - what could go wrong?
The book is beautifully written. Some may find the "help" she gets from hearing the voices of an ex colleagues and her dead husband amongst others, but it worked for me. The characters are compelling and the descriptions of Budapest in 1968 gel with my own more current viewings of the city. It happens to be a favourite of mine.
This book is well worth a read.

The spy and the snake is the sequel to Mrs Spy by Mandy Robotham. I enjoyed the original tory o I couldn’t wait to hear how the story enfolds.
Maggie Flynn is now working as a watcher for the M15. Her day consists of lots of paperwork so when they ask her to go to Budapest to bring back Fitz Carver and an old M15 agent who defected, back to the UK she jumps at the chance to prove herself that she can do the job and be better than the old boys. She think will be a simple task and straightforward, but she realises when she gets here that this is not the case. But that doesn’t frighten her. It makes her more determined to succeed.
Once again Mandy Robotham has written another intriguing spy thriller in the time of the swinging 60’s. With the music of The Beatles etc fashion and don’t forget the cake. This is another great page turner and got me routing for Maggie all the way through. This is not your ordinary spy thriller it has some humour in it between the characters and some romance in it too. I can’t wait to read more. 5 stars from me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.

I was delighted to read the second book about Maggie Flynn and it does not disappoint. Possibly not quite as good as the first book because that one had the "shock of the new" but it is great to follow Maggie in her new role as a case officer and more.

The adventure is exciting and fairly believable. You get a bit of a feel of Budapest and although old favourites from the first book are only with us in Maggie's mind, there are promising new characters. I suspect we will see more of Tom although I am not sure of him. That is what I like about spy books, you don't know who to trust or who is double crossing whom! I did guess who the leak was but then I have read quite a few spy books.

The author has said that she was surprised when the publisher asked for a sequel. I only hope that she is asked for book 3 and I am sure it will be just as good as these first two.

This could be good on TV as long as they don't spin it for laughs like they did with Agatha Raisin and Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple.

I thoroughly enjoyed this second outing for female “spy” Maggie Flynn.
I loved the first one and was delighted to get an earlier read of this latest episode.
It is on a par with the brilliant ‘Mrs Spy’ but I have given this 5 stars as the brief for a second novel is always so difficult. The author has overcome all those problems with a change of location, fresh characters and the same indomitable protagonist.

Maggie is a force of nature. Full of personal doubts but with lifelong work experience and an ability to read and get the best from people.

In 1968 the Beatles were still the vibrant soundtrack; James Bond was the spy of choice and the Cold War was chilly. It was still a male dominated world, with limited equality or recognition of the role of women. This is the world that Maggie Flynn inhabits and the author chooses this reality to explore an unassuming woman’s place in MI5 beyond a case officer to become an active agent behind the Iron Curtain.

Budapest was a great location to set this story.
A tale of a rogue double agent wanting to return to the U.K. To be brought “in from the cold”. To escape the hold over him by the KGB.
The almost insurmountable problem being that he will only flee Hungary in the company of a female operative.

Maggie goes under cover to extract this Russian deflector from under the noses of his hosts but her mission is compromised it seems from the very beginning.

A great book. A refreshing alternative approach to the spy thriller. I love Maggie. Her tenacity, her drive and determination to achieve her goals. I find her trust in others warming as is her courage amid all her anxiety and fears of failure. She displays wonderful tradecraft and uses her personal skill set throughout to maintain an edge.

This is a series as strong as Ludlum’s Jason Bourne. Yet so more realistic with something unique to say to readers of this genre.

Maggie Flynn returns in M J Robotham’s The Spy and the Snake and it is another enjoyable spy caper with Maggie sent overseas to extract a defector.

There is some humour in the writing but underlying it is a good story and one that moves at a good pace.

An enjoyable read

The second in the series featuring Maggie, a housewife/store detective turned Spy. She has moved up the ranks and is now on her first mission on the continent rather than just being a spook tailing people. Her task is to exfiltrate a double agent from Budapest for MI5, however her job has been made difficult owing to the presence of a mole in the service so it has to be a one person job with no support. The book brings to life the Cold War and depicts the suspicion that an agent must possess in order to survive really well. The book builds tension and suspense really well and is quick moving with great characters within, especially the indefatigable Maggie. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

The Spy and the Snake, the second instalment in what I hope becomes a long-running series, picks up where Mrs Spy left off. Maggie Flynn is still working for MI5 as an assistant case officer, dealing with everything from missing drunken defectors to suspect surveillance and endless paperwork. Then she is handed the assignment of a lifetime: unofficially extracting an agent from Communist Hungary and bringing them safely back to Britain.
What follows is a madcap adventure across Europe involving a spectacularly drunk defector, a clapped-out campervan, and the ever-present threat of the KGB.
I absolutely love this series. Maggie Flynn is a wonderfully relatable protagonist—someone who feels like she could easily be a friend. I particularly enjoy the way the author weaves in her inner thoughts as she seeks guidance, real or imagined, from friends and family who have faced similar challenges before her.
The story races along at a cracking pace, balancing laugh-out-loud comedy with an ever-growing sense of danger and suspense. The humour never undermines the stakes, making the thrilling moments all the more effective.
A thoroughly entertaining and highly recommended read.

I loved Mrs Spy so I was really looking forward to the second book in the series, The Spy and the Snake and it was so enjoyable. Maggie is still working for MI5 and is given the opportunity to extract a double agent from Communist Hungary and bring them back to the UK. What follows is a fast paced trip of a lifetime across Europe in an old camper van with Maggie having to deal with a worse for wear defectors and the ever threatening worry of the KGB.
I love the writing of these books, there is always a fun element to the story as well as the background of the Cold War and all its implications. Maggie is a great character, well rounded and full of life. The European setting is perfect for the story and the 60’s setting is done really well. I hope M.J.Robotham continues with this series again and again.

I enjoyed Mrs Spy so it was lovely to return to Maggie Flynn and the other characters from that novel. This second book in the series has Maggie tearing off to Budapest on a secret mission for MI5. Subtle danger is clearly lurking around every corner, however there is humour throughout. A great escapist read that had me hankering for a trip to Budapest!
With thanks to Aria, M J Robotham and NetGalley for my advance copy of the e-book in exchange for an honest review.

This cold war spy thriller was a top hit for me, I ate it up quicker than Maggie devoured a slice of torta!

What a wonderful breath of fresh air Maggie is, I was instantly hooked by her charm and her practical no nonsense attitude. She's middle aged, resilient and clever but fragile inside too. I love her inner monologues with those that give her advice in her mind.

The story is fast paced, clever and twisty in the way a good spy thriller should be. Always throwing in doubt and having us look over our shoulders to see if we are being followed. The writing is vivid with Budapest really lighting up the pages, the characters larger than life and the story engaging. I am going to have to go and read the first book in this series as I enjoyed this one so much. And then the frisson of excitement that the blue eyed stranger adds to the mix, yummy yum yum!

Thank you to the M Robotham, Head of Zeus and Netgalley for my copy

What a fantastic book. Follows on from where Mrs spy left off but can be read as a standalone.
Maggie is in Budapest to bring back a double agent who wants to return to the UK.
Trusting her instincts and spy craft leads to a journey through Europe dodging the KGB and AVH.
I cheered Maggie on and crossed my fingers for her in sticky situations. A character that I have taken into my heart and look forward to new books about her adventures

The Spy and the Snake sees the return of Maggie Flynn fresh from an encounter with her husband's killer and some very untrustworthy spies.

Maggie is on her own since her partner, Frank, has retired and gone to live with Maggie's mother in Spain. Then theres daughter Libby making her own way in the world so its lucky that Maggie gets a call from the Director-General of MI5, Guy Standing. And since she's expecting to get sacked its an even nicer surprise to be sent on her very first mission to bring an errant detector back home.

However, she doesn't speak Hungarian, she'll be all alone with no back-up and the man she has to bring back is a triple agent with a penchant for the booze and well known for his belligerence. Quite why he's demanded a female operative to help him back to the west is anyone's guess.

But Maggie is nothing if not resourceful and as she plans the way across multiple borders she picks up tradecraft and contacts along the way. But will she be able to get the old spy back to MI5 or is this one step too far for a complete novice, a drunken spy and an ancient vehicle?

I really enjoyed Mrs Spy and Maggie has not let me down in her latest adventure. MJ Robotham writes great characters and, whilst the action can stretch your belief somewhat, it is nonetheless very entertaining.

I particularly liked Lida and Zoltan in this book. The only thing that soured my enjoyment (and it is the smallest of niggles) is the introduction of a little romance. However it isn't some salacious affair - Maggie is far too classy for that. I do miss Frank - even though Maggie still invents his advice in her head along with that of her late husband, Davy.

Definitely recommended. You can read this as a stand alone but I'd urge you to read Mrs Spy too, its very entertaining.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Aria and Aries for the digital review copy. Most appreciated.

Following the success of M.J. Robotham’s excellent Mrs. Spy, The Spy and the Snake elevates the stakes for Maggie Flynn, who I would say has quickly become one of the most refreshing and grounded protagonists I’ve read of late.

Ms. Robotham balances the high-octane intrigue of a Budapest operation with the deeply human reality of Maggie’s life. She is a brilliantly realized character: a smart, intrepid, middle-aged spy whose acute instincts are matched only by her relatable vulnerabilities… yes, including those infamous aching bunions. It is a rare treat to follow a hero who isn’t a flawless archetype but a woman whose invisibility is her greatest asset.

The narrative is a perfectly constructed web of half-truths, deep suspicion, and mounting tension, and the pacing is pretty relentless! Once Maggie arrives in Budapest to pose as the wife of a British defector, the story transforms into a fun, page-turning experience. The setting is atmospheric and evocative (the author has been there many times, she explains in the back matter, and it shows), serving as a super backdrop for a mission that is anything but straightforward. Enjoy the blend of humor and suspense, which gives the story a sophisticated, delicious edge that keeps you hooked.

The Spy and the Snake is witty, alluring, and thoroughly entertaining, in fact a testament to the author’s talent that she manages to make a spy novel feel both high-stakes and genuinely heartwarming. If you’re looking for a thriller with great characters, sharp detail, and an irresistible plot, this could be the one for you! But do read the first series entry as a lot of things here will resonate far more. Besides, the first entry slightly shades this one, as good as it is.

Thank you to the author and publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to be dropped into 1968 for a few days with this ARC.

Set in 1968, now 3 years passed since Maggie Flynn discovered who murdered her husband and she got involved with MI5. Now with 48 she is an assistant case officer.
She gets an assignment to fly to Budapest to bring back an agent which switch sides, to the Russians but now wants back. It is supposed to be easy to get him across the curtain back to England
What is waiting for Maggie is anything from easy or routine and whom can she trust when she is soon on the KGB and AVH radar.

I loved this book!
I really enjoyed reading how Maggie is doing yet and how she handles her first assignment.
I really enjoy the sense of humour used her and how wonderful the former times gets described here. I really had the feeling to be back in time.
I really enjoy reading this book as the balance between action, danger but also normal interactions is for me wonderful balanced. This is not a hard spy novel, no this is about using your skills, finding solutions without James Bond gadget and believing you can manage it.
I really liked how wonderful Budapest gets described here.
The idea how she crosses the Iron Curtain is great and I really enjoyed reading about it.

Maggie is a wonderful character for me. Now she is on her own but hears her former colleague Frank, her des husband or her mum with good advices, whenever she needs a pep talk. I really like this idea. She is on her own on a mission which is not at all what she expected. The risks are much higher and I really like how she meets local Hungarians and the relationship she has with them.

How all comes together in the end, when we are seeing the whole picture of this story, is well done. It is a great idea and for me well written

Once again I really enjoyed reading about Maggie and how the spy story is written here.
For me a wonderful character and I hope there will be more books about here for us to read.

had a great time with this one! It was so much fun to see Maggie back in the field, and the fake husband mission made for a really entertaining story. I loved the Cold War setting, especially Budapest, which added plenty of atmosphere, intrigue and suspense.

Maggie is such a likeable, resourceful character, and the mix of espionage, action, humour and a touch of romance kept me turning the pages. A thoroughly enjoyable spy adventure, and I'm looking forward to Maggie's next mission!

This is the second in the series featuring Maggie Flynn who we first met in Mrs Spy and you could do yourself a favour, if you haven't already, and go back and meet her properly by reading that one first. I think you'll have a better time with this one if you do and it's only one book to catch up with so...
Anyway... in this book, we catch up with Maggie as she is feeling a bit lonely and bored. After her recent shenanigans, things are a little quiet. So when she is asked to travel to Budapest to assist with the repatriation of a British Defector who has decided to come home, she jumps at the chance to put all her training to good use. Ok so full disclosure, it's only her doing it cos he insisted on it being a woman and they are few and far between. But a chance is a chance and definitely for the jumping at.
And tbh, that's all you need to know going in. What should be simple, the plan is great, turns out to be anything but. With peril, and indeed danger coming at Maggie from many sources. Including the man she is trying to help!
I loved this book. I loved the first in series and I connected to Maggie in it right from the off. That connection only being strengthened more throughout my time with here in this book. She's so smart and able to transfer that intelligence practically in the field, despite all that is thrown at her. And believe me, there's a lot of that! All of which makes this a fast paced and fun book. With some cracking humour peppered throughout and a wee bit of romance on the side too. The plotting is sublime and said plot well executed, with a plethora of cracking characters who all do their bit - however small a part they play in the whole.
But I guess the best thing I love is that this is almost Maggie's coming of age. Or maybe better phrased her awakening. How she is rediscovering herself and, boy is she blossoming. And I for one can't wat to see what happens to her in book three.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.