The Lipstick Bureau

Set in 1944 Rome, this compelling novel follows newlywed Niki Novotná, a multilingual woman recruited by an American spy agency to establish a secret operations branch amidst the chaos of war. As she and her diverse team undertake covert missions to destabilize enemy forces, Niki navigates the demands of her dangerous work while confronting personal truths and unexpected emotions. The story explores themes of bravery, identity, and the costs of espionage in a richly depicted wartime setting.