Mother Daughter Traitor Spy

A Novel

By: Susan Elia MacNeal

Narrated by: Caroline Hewitt

Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Maggie Hope series comes a tantalizing standalone novel inspired by a real-life mother-daughter duo who stumble upon an underground Nazi cell in Los Angeles during the early days of World War II—and find the courage to go undercover.

“Stirring standalone thriller . . . Susan Elia MacNeal’s page-turning prose is as entertaining as ever—I was riveted from beginning to end.”—Kate Quinn, author of The Alice Network

June 1940. France has fallen to the Nazis, and Britain may be next—but to many Americans, the war is something happening “over there.” Veronica Grace has just graduated from college; she and her mother, Violet, are looking for a fresh start in sunny Los Angeles. After a blunder cost her a prestigious career opportunity in New York, Veronica is relieved to take a typing job in L.A.—only to realize that she’s working for one of the area’s most vicious propagandists.

Overnight, Veronica is exposed to the dark underbelly of her new home, where German Nazis are recruiting Americans for their devastating campaign. After the FBI dismisses the Graces’ concerns, Veronica and Violet decide to call on an old friend, who introduces them to L.A.’s anti-Nazi spymaster.

At once, the women go undercover to gather enough information about the California Reich to take to the authorities. But as the news of Pearl Harbor ripples through the United States, and President Roosevelt declares war, the Grace women realize that the plots they’re investigating are far more sinister than they feared—and even a single misstep could cost them everything.

Inspired by the real mother-daughter spy duo who foiled Nazi plots in Los Angeles during WWII, Mother Daughter Traitor Spy is a powerful portrait of family, duty, and deception that raises timeless questions about America—and what it means to have courage in the face of terror.

©2022 Susan Elia MacNeal (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Susan Elia MacNeal’s novel is not just a terrific read, it illuminates an aspect of World War II history that deserves to be more widely known.”—Mystery Scene

“Mother Daughter Traitor Spy is a first-class combination of espionage, historical and domestic drama.”—South Florida Sun Sentinel

“Entertaining and intelligent, Mother, Daughter, Traitor, Spy takes a bold look at a forgotten corner of American history. This is Susan Elia MacNeal at her best as she explores the Nazi party in World War II Los Angeles and the relationship between a mother and daughter as they confront the dangers of being true to themselves while doing the right thing.”—Kim Fay, national bestselling author of Love & Saffron

Another MacNeal Hit!

I love all of MacNeal’s books! This one I had to read at 1.25 speed because for some reason the normal speed was painfully slow and speeding it up just a notch put it to where I think the normal should be. The story is great, if you like her other books you’ll enjoy this one as well!

Fascinating

Really entertaining book with a fascinating history behind it. Well done! I had no idea—but don’t want to spoil it for you. Glad I read!

Suspenseful, authentic story-with parallels

Well researched story with intrigue and powerful portrayal of a small part of history that gave me moments of anxiety, because I became so tied up in the unfolding... Authentic characters which were deftly portrayed and woven together... Very enjoyable and fulfilling use of my time.

History more compelling than fiction

MacNeal makes a grim but vital to remember part of our US history come alive in this novel, in which a foreword and postscript give context on the actual historical figures & events that inspire the story. This is a great read, extremely well narrated

Exquisite narration

This was a riveting read and I really loved the real love inspiration behind the story. Hewitt did such an amazing job on the narration, not only with her pronunciation, but also differentiating the characters. Great book with exquisite narration!

Love the historical references

Love the historical aspects of this book.
Since I listen to most audio books in the car, I found it difficult at times to follow along with so many names are similar. I wish could alter the character voices a bit more to make it easier to catch the change. Her accents however are wonderful!
Other than that all of MacNeal’s books make me want to research history more and find out what was going on. Fantastic!

history lesson

entertaining.. the history lesson afterwards great as it educated me.
t thought the narrator did great.

Amazing story

This was a wonderful, suspenseful and educational story. I loved the “afterward” giving the basis f the characters and the history of the time.

Eye-opening

Excellent book, based on numerous real events in 1940’s California. And a cautionary tale regarding current events. Beautifully performed, this SEMacNeil non-Maggie Hope book is a top-notch WW2 story.
Highly recommended.

Never thought of this war!

I've read WWII books from all angles but between the author's story and the narrator's ability to bring it all to life, I was introduced to a completely new aspect of what was happening via Germany, without the US. Most books talk about waiting for the US to join up, but to listen to Nazis in CA and the bravery of the two women characters.... this was frightening and amazing. I look for books narrated by Caroline Hewitt due to her clarity as she defines the author's characters. The German language made that separation of personalities and beliefs stand out starkly. Great book!