RELEASED MARCH 2022!
THE MODEL SPY is based on the true story of Toto Koopman, who spied for the Allies and Italian Resistance during World War II. Toto was arguably the first woman to spy for the British Intelligence Service. Operating in the hotbed of Mussolini's Italy, she courted danger every step of the way. As the war entered its final stages, she faced off against the most brutal of forces—Germany's Intelligence Service, the Abwehr.
Watch the book trailer!
Now available in paperback and Kindle:
Bookshop.org (10% of sales go to indie bookstores)
Sunbury Press
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Praise for THE MODEL SPY
A BookTrib selection: 10 Novels About Women Overcoming Societal Barriers in the 1900s.
“A sweeping, emotional novel about Toto Koopman, a beautiful model at the height of her allure and fame, who finds herself in the crosshairs of history. Toto Koopman deserves to regain her spot in history. Maryka Biaggio delivers a story of intrigue, adventure, and heart, and gives Toto–finally—her due.”
~Kim Taylor Blakemore, Amazon bestselling author of After Alice Fell
"In this impressive biographical novel, Maryka Biaggio presents World War II spy Toto Koopman as the remarkable woman she proved herself to be. Through engaging first-person narrative, the reader is immersed in the bi-racial Toto’s childhood in Java, her experiences as a model and socialite in pre-War Britain and Europe, and her affairs with the sons of two prominent men, both of whom have the power to save or destroy her—newspaper magnate Lord Beaverbrook and Benito Mussolini. Moving and illuminating, this dramatic depiction of an intrepid individual is an admirable blend of fascinating fact and wonderfully conceived fiction."
~Margaret Porter, award-winning author of The Limits of Limelight and Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr
"The story of Toto Koopman is utterly fascinating. Maryka Biaggio’s riveting novel is both heartbreaking and inspiring. With well-researched detail and gripping drama, Biaggio brings to life this audacious, brave, and ultimately enduring woman."
~ Liza Nash Taylor, author of In All Good Faith and Etiquette for Runaways
Did you enjoy THE MODEL SPY? Want to read more books like it? Check out my recommendations for "The Best Books about Intrepid Women Spies of World War II" at Shepherd.com or Bookshop.org.
See photos about Toto Koopman and THE MODEL SPY on my Pinterest Page.
