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The Undercover Secretary

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The Undercover Secretary

By: Ellie Midwood
Narrated by: Annette Chown
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About this listen

France, 1942. “With tremendous effort, I forced myself to hold his gaze. My heart was thrashing inside my chest like a bird battering its wings. The room was suddenly devoid of air. Time itself stood still. They knew who I was. They knew what I’d done.” This heartbreaking World War Two story tells the incredible true story Dora Schaul, one of history’s most courageous women.

It was a misty Wednesday morning. Inside the Gestapo headquarters, you could cut the tension with a knife. There was a traitor in their midst: Someone had leaked a list of the SS to the British press.

The head of the Gestapo called me into his office. Paneled oak walls, a grand piano in the corner, rugs lining the floor—the place where he ordered executions every day.

I sat at the desk, reaching for the typewriter and adjusting the paper. On the wall, the clock ticked loudly.

He stood over me; I could almost feel his breath on my neck. “I don’t know where the leak came from. Do you?” he asked.

I couldn’t stop my hands from trembling. I was sure he could hear the thrashing of my heart.

Because I wasn’t just a secretary: I was an undercover Jewish girl. The person who fetched them tea, typed their letters, and made them laugh was their enemy. And my day of reckoning had arrived....

Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network, and The Lilac Girls will be utterly swept away.

©2023 Ellie Midwood (P)2023 Bookouture, an imprint of Storyfire Ltd.
20th Century Historical Historical Fiction Mystery Fiction Heartfelt
All stars
Most relevant  
The story really uncovered the life of and difficulties of Jewish woman for no fault of their own got involved in under cover resistance work.

Strong brave woman

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It is a rare and cleverly written story based on an actual hero of WW2
It certainly illustrates how ordinary people can follow their own conscience amid the evil around them
Dora was not a follower or a silent participant in the mob mentality that allows man’s inhumanity to man
A brilliantly crafted book on all levels
Very sad but not one to be missed
Thanks for the journey

A truly magnificent story

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Based on a true story, sad & chilling well written giving an good insight to her life through the war years - loved it

A true heroine

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I enjoyed this book which is based on a true story. Dora is indeed a brave and resourceful woman and Ms Midwood's obvious talent brings her to life. I had the audio version and found the narrator easy to listen to which is not always the case with audio books. I strongly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good story that will keep you engrossed to the end. I shall be reading more of Ms Midwood's book.

A gripping story

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The narrators voice was too light and lively and not appropriate for the seriousness of the topic. there was no light and shade and it made the book very boring for me. The way it was written the tragicness didn’t come across. I think reading audio books changes the feel of books

Narrator made it sound frivolous

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I chose this book because of its five star rating and it is terrible. Very difficult to follow and listen to. Badly written and narrated. I should be given my money back.

How does this have a five star rating with only two reviews

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