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

Written 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Feb 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781797117980

Larry Loftis

Larry Loftis is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and international bestselling author of four nonfiction spy thrillers: The Watchmaker’s Daughter; The Princess Spy; Code Name: Lise; and Into the Lion's Mouth. A three-time winner of the Florida Book Award, his books have been translated into numerous languages and can be found in Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Italy, Serbia, Czech Republic, Taiwan, India, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and throughout the UK. Before becoming a full-time writer, Larry was an AV-rated corporate attorney and adjunct professor of law. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida, where he served on the Law Review as the Senior Executive Editor and Senior Articles Editor.  

Reviews for The Princess Spy

[Pedro Jose Cruz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book. Full of good ideas and stories. Great book to relax.

[Brenda Lipsys · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very interesting indeed; even though the latter part of the book is mostly about how she came to marry a Spanish count and her life jet setting around the world with him.

[jean Campbell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful especially for all of us history lovers. Much more detailed than woman in Red writtten by the real Countess.

[Mary Guy Mendini · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I like how Larry Loftis painstakingly researches the people he writes about and gives notes of explanation. Please, Scribd- more of his titles!

[Jon Molnar · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very interesting story about a very remarkable American woman living and working in WW2 Spain as an OSS coder and field agent. The author provides a lot of information about life and customs in Spain, which provides a great setting for the life of Alene Griffith. My wife and I both really enjoyed the book and highly recommend ut to anyone interested in the OSS and/or WW2 Spain.

[UmiMare · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very well written and interpretated. A must read for espionage fans.