42117372. sx318 I Spy: A Novel by Claire Kendal, Imogen Church (Narrator)

Published August 6th 2019 by HarperAudio, Harper Collins

3.5 Stars: 

The description of the book states, “A psychological thriller unlike anything you’ve read before…” and that is certainly true. I had a hard time getting into this story and had to start over after listening to a few chapters. That allowed me to get my bearings and follow the story. It is told in two timelines a couple of years apart. Holly narrates the story sharing her experiences as a spy for M15, which cost her something very dear.

She wanted a job with M15, but after her initial interview she is turned down and gets a job as a ward clerk in a local hospital. At this time, she is approached by M15 to work for them, spying on her then boyfriend, a doctor at the hospital. Holly does not know why, but does what she is asked. Zach becomes abusive with her and she feels like a prisoner. When she becomes pregnant he becomes even more controlling and she wants out. M15 promises to get her to freedom, but needs to take time to do it properly. Unfortunately, they are too late for her unborn child. When she finally gets out, she is in hiding from Zach, but someone walks into her life that causes her to rethink everything she has been told.

This was a story that could be true, which is why it is a bit scary. Holly was an unreliable narrator for me. I never knew what to believe or what she would do next. All her various contacts and friends seemed to have their own agenda. Her contacts in M15 were very unlikable and seemed to be using her to reach their goal, not really seeming to care what was going to happen to her and others. The chapters in the book went from the present to her life before she went into hiding, so it is important to pay close attention to the story. When it all ended, parts were satisfying, but there were still some unanswered questions for me.

I listened to the audiobook of this story narrated by Imogen Church. I have listened to other books she has narrated and always enjoy her performance. She gives each character their own voice as well as adding expression to the story to make it come alive. Her narration made I Spy a very entertaining and enjoyable story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

43550982. sy475 About the Book: Someone is watching your every move…

Holly Lawrence always wanted to be a spy, but the experience proved more dangerous than anything she imagined. Now, Holly lives in hiding under an assumed name. She avoids relationships and trusts no one.

But Holly’s new life begins to unravel when she encounters a young mother and her two-year-old child… a child who reminds her of a past she has tried hard to forget. This time, someone is spying on her, and Holly will need to decide how far she is willing to go to survive.

A psychological thriller unlike anything you’ve read before…

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