The Lost Girls of Paris
The Lost Girls of Paris is uniquely told in alternating voices and timelines between 1946 and 1943. In 1946, Grace Healey is passing through Grand Central Station when she discovers an abandoned suitcase. Curiosity overcomes her, and she opens the suitcase, discovering a folder with a dozen pictures of different women. Grace investigates the owner of the suitcase and photographs. She discovers they belonged to a woman named Eleanor Trigg, who had that same morning been tragically killed in a motor car accident. She also finds out that Eleanor had been the leader of an elite group of women spies, sent to France during the war. Grace becomes determined to find out what happened to the women, as no trace can now be found, and their secret mission seems most intriguing.
In 1943, Eleanor Trigg is in charge of a group of women, determined to help win the war and do their bit. Training her women to become couriers and radio operators is no easy task, especially as each woman has her own worries and issues. One of these women is Marie, who is sent to France to infiltrate and spy on the enemy.
Occupied France becomes a real place, with real people and real dangers as Jenoff weaves fact with the historical fiction. Different chapters trace the path of these women, intricately detailing their backgrounds and circumstances that lead readers, and Grace, to their final fates. Mystery fans will appreciate the finely woven intrigue; adventurers will love the daring deeds of these women; history fans will appreciate the war-torn countryside and historical accuracy; romance fans will also not be disappointed. This really is a book for all. Highly recommended.
