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  • The Librarian Spy

  • A Novel of World War II
  • Written by: Madeline Martin
  • Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
  • Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (53 ratings)

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The Librarian Spy

Written by: Madeline Martin
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
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Publisher's Summary

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London comes a moving new novel inspired by the true history of America's library spies of World War II.

Ava thought her job as a librarian at the Library of Congress would mean a quiet, routine existence. But an unexpected offer from the US military has brought her to Lisbon with a new mission: posing as a librarian while working undercover as a spy gathering intelligence.

Meanwhile, in occupied France, Elaine has begun an apprenticeship at a printing press run by members of the Resistance. It's a job usually reserved for men, but in the war, those rules have been forgotten. Yet she knows that the Nazis are searching for the press and its printer in order to silence them.

As the battle in Europe rages, Ava and Elaine find themselves connecting through coded messages and discovering hope in the face of war.

©2022 Madeline Martin (P)2022 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

What listeners say about The Librarian Spy

Average Customer Ratings
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A compelling story.

The story was compelling, though it did seem to drag on a bit towards the end. there were several points in the last few chapters where the story could have concluded. Nevertheless, all the loose ends were resolved in the end, and the story was a good one. I didn't entirely enjoy the performance of it. the male voices all sounded the same and seemed a little predictable. There were moments I wished I had just found the book at a library to read, so that the voices would have been of my own imagination. Still, it's a worthwhile book.

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2 people found this helpful

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  • LK
  • 2022-09-14

A Peculiar Book

Having listened to or read dozens of books of the historical fiction genre I assure you that this novel is worth adding to your collection. As expected the narration is outstanding as is the writing. I also enjoyed the characters - all were credible. This is the first novel I have come across which is primarily centered in Portugal.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Thrills, Chills and the Human Spirit

Brilliantly written by Madeline Martin and superb narration by Saskia Maarleveld. Meet the bravery of the French Resistance and the fascinating librarian spies of WWII through a story of those who risked their lives to help bring down the Nazi Regime. Rich description, gut wrenching emotions and heart pounding action alternate the stories of a library spy (Ava) and a member of the Resistance (Helene/Elaine). Spies and Nazis fill these pages as well. Individual bravery and love vignettes humanize the story for us and the author gives us a satisfying ending.

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Awesome

The research was so well done for this book it came across as so real, and the pain of each character was so intense. I think it was a real glimpse into what war must’ve been like, but just a glimpse. I was drawn and right from the start and kept on till the end.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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WoW... What Bravery Against The Nazi Regime ...

Loved it! I highly recommend as an amazing read... I thought, many main characters 'fleshed out'...I developed an attachment to them...

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Held my interest until the last word

Compelling story of brave women and men, fighting for the freedom of many. I thoroughly enjoyed, laughed and cried while learning about Portugal’s involvement in WWII.

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Portugal as part of WWII

I’m very satisfied to listen/read a book about other countries that assisted the persecuted people of WWII. As a traveler of many European countries, this is the first that I’ve listened to with Portugal being a key site…well done ! The sacrifices of so many people during the war, plus Germans who were not of the Hitler mentality always inspire me, even in historical fiction writing…it gives me hope & positivity in humanity.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyed Immensely!

Loved this heartbreakingly beautiful story! The narrator was amazing, I enjoyed listening to her reading!

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  • John
  • 2022-09-22

Good story, disturbing narration.

The book was good, but the narrator had a way of speaking in undertones, as if telling secrets. This continued throughout the book, creating tension, even during happier sections.
My throat is still tense from listening.

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25 people found this helpful

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  • Joy
  • 2022-08-15

incredible story

I abhor romance novels, and was amazed, after reading Madeline Martin's book, "The Last Bookshop in London", that she writes romance novels! I have eagerly awaited reading "The Librarian Spy", and found it even better than "Bookshop". As a lover of historical fiction and WWII in general, I was delighted to find this new novel gripping and compelling. I highly recommend it.

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22 people found this helpful

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  • Yoli Elena Johnson
  • 2022-11-03

Heart wrenching but beautiful

I enjoyed this historical fiction novel of World War II because of the beauty of the people who fought to survive and those who fought bravely to protect the innocent. Ms. Martin does a beautiful job in the writing of this book. I appreciate her diligent research, and providing her readers with a unique perspective of brave women during this horrific period of history.

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19 people found this helpful

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  • Amazon customer
  • 2022-10-08

Well done

This is a well crafted blend of facts from the tragic history of WWll and fiction. Very intense without excessive detail of the gruesome violence. Excellent narration.

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17 people found this helpful

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  • MM
  • 2022-09-22

Slow, shallow plot

After listening to this book for nearly 4 hours, I had to move to another book. It is so so slow and there’s really no plot developing. I cannot recommend this book

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17 people found this helpful

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  • Hiker chick
  • 2022-09-28

Perfection

This story had me changing plans to keep listening. Beautifully written and perfectly performed. Well Done!

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15 people found this helpful

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  • Lisa
  • 2022-10-11

Feel like I’ve already read this

You may enjoy this if you haven’t read all the Woman Spy during War novels that have deluged the market over the past decade. I’m just tired of this genre.

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14 people found this helpful

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2022-12-12

interesting read

Good story and well narrated. I really recommend it. A fresh angle on the war.

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12 people found this helpful

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  • Barbara or Jerold Gendler
  • 2022-08-19

Emotional

Wonderful historical fiction of 2nd world war whic I among so many others cannot get enough . There is a mixture of tragedy and joy that is so factual . Beautifully narration with authentic accents make this a novel worth while listening !

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9 people found this helpful

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  • Lynne Denena
  • 2022-10-23

Excellent !

With deep research, the author has presented a riveting story with sorrow but triumph ! Narration was excellent.

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7 people found this helpful