Code Name Hélène Audiobook By Ariel Lawhon cover art

Code Name Hélène

A Novel

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Code Name Hélène

By: Ariel Lawhon
Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik, Peter Ganim
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$8.99/mo. after 3 months. Cancel anytime. Offer ends July 5, 2026 at 11:59pm PT.

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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Frozen River, this thrilling novel about a daring socialite spy chronicles the true wartime exploits of a woman who deserves to be a household name.

"Will fascinate readers of World War II history and thrill fans of fierce, brash, independent women." —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

It is 1936 and Nancy Wake is an intrepid Australian expat living in Paris who has bluffed her way into a reporting job for a Hearst newspaper when she meets the wealthy French industrialist Henri Fiocca. No sooner does Henri sweep Nancy off her feet and convince her to become Mrs. Fiocca than the Germans invade France and she takes yet another name—a code name.

Told in interweaving timelines organized around the four code names Nancy used during the war, Code Name Hélène follows Nancy’s transformation from journalist to one of the most powerful leaders in the French Resistance, known for her ferocious wit, her signature red lipstick, and her ability to summon weapons straight from the Allied forces. But with power comes notoriety, and no matter how careful Nancy is to protect her identity, the risk of exposure is great—for herself and for those she loves. 20th Century Biographical Fiction Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Women's Fiction Biography War Inspiring
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Critic reviews

"Ariel Lawhon delivers in Code Name Hélène. This fully animated portrait of Nancy Wake— underground operative, charmer in red lipstick, loving wife, and hard-hitting woman of her times, will fascinate readers of World War II history and thrill fans of fierce, brash, independent women, alike. A stark exploration of the remarkable difference one person, willing to rise in the face of fear, can make." –LISA WINGATE, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

"Fascinating"
—NEW YORK POST "REQUIRED READING"

“A spellbinding work of historical fiction. . . [and] one of the most sensual romance novels you’ve ever read. . . She is real, this really did happen is the mantra you may find yourself repeating, in awe of every page.”—BOOKPAGE, *STARRED*

"A compulsively readable account of a little-known yet extraordinary historical figure—Lawhon's best book to date." –KIRKUS REVIEWS, *STARRED*

“Magnificent. . . Lawhon carries us into the heart of the French resistance [and] into the mind of a badass heroine with uncanny instincts who takes on the Nazis and men’s arrogant sexism with uncommon bravado. . . Even long after the last page is turned, this astonishing story of Wake’s accomplishments will hold readers in its grip.”—BOOKLIST, *STARRED*

"Readers will be transfixed by the story of a woman who should be a household name."–LIBRARY JOURNAL *STARRED*

“Riveting. . . [A] stunning, moving story.”—BOOKREPORTER.COM
“Masterful. . . Exhaustively researched and vividly woven. . . As much an epic love story as an engrossing narrative of an unlikely anti-Nazi combatant. . . Lawhon has proven herself a master at her craft, and she does readers a great service with Code Name Hélène.”—CHAPTER16

“Captivating. . . [Lawhon] sweeps readers into Nancy’s wry, fast-talking, first-person account of her adventures. . . While Nancy cuts a vivid, stylish figure through the novel’s pages, her supporting case is also well drawn [and] Lawhon’s elegant plotting makes them shine. . .Lawhon’s gripping narrative gives ‘Hélène’ her due.”–SHELF AWARENESS

"Gripping…Lawhon throws readers into the middle of the action… Lawhon’s vivid, fast-paced narrative will keep readers turning the pages, and a detailed afterword makes plain how much of the account is factual. This entertaining tale does justice to Lawhon’s larger-than-life subject.”
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Compelling Narrative • Emotional Depth • Strong Heroine • Educational Value • Gripping Story • Impressive Accents

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This story was so compelling but I was even more impressed when I learned that the essential story is true. A wonderful narration by a gifted narrator. How many accents and personas could one person inhabit? Endless it seems. Three cheers for Barrie Kreinik. Male narrator Peter Ganim also lent a perfect gravitas to this excellent story. I will listen a second time.

Incredible narrator

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Great story. Be sure to pay attention to the chapter call outs so you know what year and location the story is heading into. Otherwise you will be a bit confused.

Excellent historical fiction.

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One of the best WW II books we have read. Great story, great main character. You really grow to like, admire and respect Nancy Wake

Outstanding!

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I enjoyed this book for its cultural and historical aspects. I don’t really care for love stories, which was woven into this book; however, these parts did not take away from the overall affect for me. I can see why the author’s friend asked her to write a book about this courageous woman. Some sections were disturbing but whenever you read books or watch things related to the Holocaust, this is to be expected. I would recommend this book to others who appreciate historical fiction.

Wonderful Read

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Great narration and great storytelling. I read a lot of historical fiction and this fiction based on fact was excellent. It was very hard to put down and I found myself listening to the audible book almost continuously for a couple days.

Heart warming. Heart stopping.

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