The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel

The Starlet Spy
by Rachel Scott McDaniel

ISBN-13: 9781636096131
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Released: August 1, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
In 1943, Movie producer Henrik Zoltan approaches Amelie Blake under the guise of offering the Hollywood star a leading part in his upcoming film, but he has a more meaningful role in mind. Amelie’s homeland of Sweden declared neutrality in the war, but Stockholm has become the ‘Casablanca of the North.’ When top-secret atomic research goes missing in Sweden, the Allied forces scramble to recover the files before they fall into Nazi hands.

The United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS) needs someone who’s subtle enough to spy on the Swedish elite without triggering suspicion. Who better than the “all beauty, no brains” Scandinavian starlet? Fluent in three languages and possessing a brilliant memory, Amelie loathes being labeled witless but uses the misconception as her disguise. She’s tasked with searching for the crucial files, but Finn Ristaffason keeps getting in her way. Is the charming shipping magnate after the missing research? Or does he have other reasons for showing up at her every turn?

Amelie must rely on her smarts in addition to her acting skills to survive a world of deadly spies and counterspies.


My Review:
The Starlet Spy is a romantic suspense set in 1943, mostly in Sweden. The historical details drove the story and immersed me in the time period and location. The main characters were also engaging and had an interesting adventure.

Amelie's always cast as the dumb damsel-in-distress, but she wistfully wishes that someday she would be allowed to do her own stunts or help take down the bad guy. She's both nervous and excited by the idea that she can help the war effort as a spy but disappointed that she's to play the dumb blonde while doing so. She used her intelligence and intuition to solve the mystery of who had the missing suitcase but also realistically made some minor mistakes due to inexperience.

Finn's initially distressed by her willingness to run into dangerous situations (like a burning building) but soon realized that she had good reasons. She appreciated his support, and he was respectful and caring (in his own way). She slowly came to care for him through spending time with him but didn't fully trust him until she uncovered if he really was a double-spy or not. They were good for each other. The suspense was created by the danger involved in being a spy and her doubts about who could be trusted.

Amelie had moments were she felt that God was helping to guide her. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical romance.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


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