The Princess Spy

The True Story of World War II Spy Aline Griffith, Countess of Romanones

By: Larry Loftis

Narrated by: Kate Reading

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER

“As exciting as any spy novel” (Daily News, New York), The Princess Spy follows the hidden history of an ordinary American girl who became one of the OSS’s most daring World War II spies before marrying into European nobility. Perfect for fans of A Woman of No Importance and Code Girls.

When Aline Griffith was born in a quiet suburban New York hamlet, no one had any idea that she would go on to live “a life of glamour and danger that Ingrid Bergman only played at in Notorious” (Time). As the United States enters the Second World War, the young college graduate is desperate to aid in the war effort, but no one is interested in a bright-eyed young woman whose only career experience is modeling clothes.

Aline’s life changes when, at a dinner party, she meets a man named Frank Ryan and reveals how desperately she wants to do her part for her country. Within a few weeks, he helps her join the Office of Strategic Services—forerunner of the CIA. With a code name and expert training under her belt, she is sent to Spain to be a coder, but is soon given the additional assignment of infiltrating the upper echelons of society, mingling with high-ranking officials, diplomats, and titled Europeans. Against this glamorous backdrop of galas and dinner parties, she recruits sub-agents and engages in deep-cover espionage.

Even after marrying the Count of Romanones, one of the wealthiest men in Spain, Aline secretly continues her covert activities, being given special assignments when abroad that would benefit from her impeccable pedigree and social connections.

“[A] meticulously researched, beautifully crafted work of nonfiction that reads like a James Bond thriller” (Bookreporter), The Princess Spy brings to vivid life the dazzling adventures of a spirited American woman who risked everything to serve her country.

the details are amazing!!!

The detail to history was wonderful. The characters just came alive. I recommend this losten

Dull

I was disappointed. Rather than intrigue, it focused mainly on Spanish high society and nobility.

An historical biography of a fascinating women

I listened to the story of Aline Griffith in her historical context twice. The historical side- stories, such as about the Generals’ Plot of 1938, are welcome, independent additions. The book portrays several brilliant and intriguing characters besides Aline. I found many photographic portraits of Aline online. She was beautiful and regal.

Excellent!

Enjoyed it even though I've read the spy wore red
anti communists book for sure.

A great read after The Spy Wore Red

This book was clear and entertaining. It helped filter the facts from the embellishments of Aline Griffith’s own “non-fiction”. It think it actually supported a surprising amount of incredulous bits from The Spy Wore Red. I enjoyed the notes sprinkled through out.