Paris 1989. A cold war is ending. A new family is beginning. And one dog is about to save the day.
RED LILY
Coming May 26, 2025
A a delightfully funny and tender tale of family secrets, reluctant spies, and one unforgettable woman!
PARIS 1989. The Final days of the Cold War.
Carl Box has never met his Aunt Lily. She was the family scandal — exiled, disgraced, and never spoken of. So when he’s named the heir to her Paris estate, he packs a bag (and his two-legged dog, Billy) and prepares for paperwork, not espionage.
But Lily is very much alive. And very much in trouble.
What begins as a simple inheritance turns into a Cold War caper filled with coded messages, eccentric operatives, and secrets that could still get people killed. Carl soon finds himself in the role of spy — dodging agents, covering for Lily, and wondering what exactly she’s been hiding all these years.
Red Lily is a warm, witty historical suspense about unexpected heroism and the mysteries of family ties — perfect for fans of Killers of a Certain Age, Beatriz William’s Woman in Moscow, and Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club.
Available Worldwide on Amazon
What Reviewers Are Saying About Red Lily
Janice Graham turns the thriller genre on its head with this captivating tale of clueless heroes and unlikely spies.” – Diane Johnson, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of Le Divorce
“…a masterfully written, whimsical spy thriller set in Paris just before the Cold War fizzles and the Berlin Wall crumbles….With its firm grasp of the period and punchy, believable dialogue, Red Lily is an irresistible offering….Highly recommended for fans of Mick Herron’s Slow Horses and Linwood Barclay’s Never Saw It Coming.” – BlueInk Reviews (starred review)
“…Graham does a remarkable job of building suspense throughout her novel….a striking balance of excitement, humor, and sincerity, perfect for anyone seeking a lively, twisty adventure.” – Kirkus Reviews
“… an intoxicating blend of espionage, family intrigue, and historical reflection….Graham weaves a story that is both thrilling and deeply human….One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its protagonist, Lily—a woman whose past is as layered and complex as the secrets she has spent a lifetime guarding. Though she fits into the tradition of the wily older female sleuth, à la Miss Marple or Jessica Fletcher, Lily’s story is uniquely her own….This is historical suspense at its finest.” – Los Angeles Book Review
“Janice Graham gives us all the quixotic delights of Paris as she takes us and Carl on a hilarious (and increasingly dangerous) romp that leads to a breathtaking finale. Red Lily is the celebration of freedom and love in the face of tyranny that we need right now.” – Carol Goodman, two-time winner of the Mary Higgins Clark Award and author of Writers and Liars.
“Red Lily offers both fast-paced intrigue and a warm, cozy atmosphere, no easy task given the novel’s clandestine dealings. Graham (The Tailor’s Daughter) explores important themes of forgiveness and redemption while probing tricky family dynamics that give the mystery a deeper edge, all depicted through the vulnerable eyes of Carl, who slowly realizes that Paris—and Lily—may offer him more connection and fulfillment than he thought possible. Fans of mysteries with depth and meaning will be pleased.” – BookLife Reviews
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