When contacted to retrieve the contents of her late grandfather’s safety deposit box, history professor Amy Greenberg finds that her inheritance is an unpublished, long-hidden account of spying during the Second World War. And, to her astonishment, she discovers the author is none other than James Bond creator Ian Fleming.

Although Fleming had believed no one would read the manuscript before everyone included in the story was dead, the early closing of Ireland’s Ansbacher Bank brought the manuscript to light some ten years earlier than Fleming had planned.

And, as soon as the manuscript was in her possession, Amy became a target for killers determined to keep the contents of the manuscript from seeing the light of day.

A captivating premise, weaving both fact and fiction into a mesmerizing tale, this quick read unfolds in chapters alternating between present and past. Although some events are more plausible than others, the story carefully weaves together politics, elite society, and the shadowy world of spies with the author’s meticulous research being a highlight of the narrative. However, character development is minimal and readers may find it hard to connect with the heroine.

Despite a few plot points that seem to drift away without resolution, intrigue remains in the telling of the tale. Readers will find a tenuous connection late in the story comes off as a transparent, unnecessary ploy; nevertheless, this spy-filled tale is a delightful romp guaranteed to keep the pages turning.

Recommended. ( )

First ever review here. The book sets you off in the shoes of an American university Art teacher, Dr Amy Greenburg, when she received a letter to head to Ireland to collect an unknown item, to be inherited by her late grandpa. When she got hold of the item, she thought it was just some pieces of paper only to realize that it was an invaluable manuscript with hidden secrets dating the World War. That's where the adventure starts when mysterious people started to go after Greenburg for the manuscript. What's next ? It's all about hidden mysteries and the chases which will keep you awake. However, I just find the action pretty short. Plus, the ending just does not make sense. Still, I'll consider this a 3.5/5 rating for Mitch Silver's debut historical fiction novel. ( )

I really wanted to like In Secret Service (I suppose due to my affinity for James Bond's creator Ian Fleming who is a major character in the story). However, the story just didn't work. Silver tells his tale in two parts: The "wrapper" follows a Yale professor as she reads a manuscript bequeathed to her by Ian Fleming while she tries to escape those who want the manuscript. The meat of the story is Fleming's story about bad deeds among the British royal family prior to and during World War II. There is even a tease that gives the reader the impression that the death of Princess Diana is somehow involved. Unfortunately, Fleming's narrative is simply not interesting (nor does Silver's writing style do much to emulate Fleming) and the modern portion of the "thriller" is simply not ... well ... thrilling. ( )

A fast and ADULT-themed read, it was quite choppy at points but with some interesting plot twists. The central character at times seems dumber than a stump but in the space of barely a couple of days is world-wise and amazingly savvy. You'll need to suspend a LOT of beliefs to get through this one but it was a fun read nevertheless. ( )

fun, fast read...sspend your belief about Wallis Simpson though..... ( )