To Be a Spy

By: Jessie Clever

Narrated by: Rachael Beresford

Length: 1 hr and 3 mins

Publisher's Summary

Samuel Black must make a decision: to be a spy like his father or follow his heart.

Either is likely to give his mother chest pains.

For Samuel is no longer a lad with the ambitious and noble wish of being a lamplighter to keep the seedy streets of London safe. About to embark on university, his mind stirs with the thoughts of creating a policing force in London to safeguard its citizens. Held back by his family's legacy as spies, Samuel does not make his ideas known.

But when he stops a would-be purse-snatcher, his path unexpectedly veers into that of one Miss Penelope Paiget, and suddenly, Samuel must make a choice.

To Be a Spy picks up eight years after the conclusion of the Spy Series, a historical romantic suspense series following the adventures of a family of spies during the Napoleonic Wars.

©2015 Jessica A. McQuaid (P)2016 Jessica A. McQuaid

The beginning of London's Scotland Yard?

Any additional comments?

To Be a Spy by Jessie Clever is fast paced short story in the Spy Series, which is a historical romantic suspense series following the adventures of a family of spies during the Napoleonic Wars. Not having read or listened to any of the previous Spy Series books (I think there have been 4 published so far), none of the characters were familiar to me. However, I didn't feel lost or confused at any time. Like the title implies, this is a very short story, which lasted about an hour on audio. I listened to it twice to make sure I didn't miss anything!

The story centers around18 year old Samuel Black who has always desired to make the world a better a place. The story begins when Sam stops a thief who just stole a reticule from Penelope Paiget — the most breath-taking woman he's ever met. Sam is about to go off to college and, like most new college students, he is struggling with what should he do with his life. Should be become a spy like his father? Or should he seek to create a police force like the Bow Street runners, but with some authority behind it? I have a feeling that the fine Miss Penelope will feature prominently in a future story involving Samuel and his quest to make the citizens of London feel safe on its city streets.

I listened to the Audible version of this story narrated by Rachael Beresford who did an admirable job. I especially enjoyed listening to this audiobook after increasing the speed to double time. I enjoyed it so much, I intend to seek out and listen to the other books in the series. I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

"Quick. Cute. Sweet. Engaging.

I had fun with this one. I didn't have to wait a long time to have fun or and adventure. Samuel Black was young and in the prime of his life and it was time to make a decision. One day, one event, one chance meeting may change the future that he saw for himself.

Great beginning

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No, I like a little more meat in my story.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

We were just getting introduced to the characters, I'd like some more depth in them.

What three words best describe Rachael Beresford’s voice?

Light, easy, pleasant.

Did To Be a Spy inspire you to do anything?

Yes, to see what else this author has written.

Any additional comments?

I received this audio book for free from the author or narrator in exchange of an honest review.

A lovely introduction to the series

Would you listen to To Be a Spy again? Why?

Yes, it is a short listen and easy to fit in to a busy day or to wind down at the end of a busy day!

What did you like best about this story?

This short prequel introduces us to the characters of the series. The characters are quite endearing and the fact that they are a family of spies just makes it all that more exciting. I can't wait to read how the series unfolds.

What does Rachael Beresford bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I thought that the narration was very well done and easy to listen to, allowing me to lose myself in the story.

Any additional comments?

I voluntarily received a review copy.