RED LILY: A Novel

Janice Graham’s Red Lily is an intoxicating blend of espionage, family intrigue, and historical reflection that transports readers from the shadowed streets of Paris to the depths of Cold War secrets. With a deft hand and a sharp eye for detail, Graham weaves a story that is both thrilling and deeply human, examining the complex intersections of personal identity, political betrayal, and long-buried family secrets.

At the heart of the novel is Carl Box, a reluctant hero drawn into a labyrinthine mystery surrounding his enigmatic Aunt Lily. When he receives a letter revealing that his aunt has died—or so he is led to believe—Carl embarks on a journey that will upend everything he thought he knew about his family. The novel’s opening is a masterclass in setting and mood: “Paris languished in the August heat, the streets deserted except for the usual tourists and a few remaining Parisians plodding slowly along their routine paths.” From the first page, Graham immerses readers in an atmospheric world that feels both exotic and intimate.

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. She is not merely solving a puzzle; she is an active participant in a high-stakes game of international espionage. Graham’s prose captures her wit and defiance beautifully, such as in her wry exchange with Carl: “Oh, Carlito, you know how I love it when you do the thinking.”

The novel is rich with historical texture, touching on the impact of the polio vaccine, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the shadowy dealings of Cold War intelligence. The influence of the Mitrokhin files, which inspired the plot, adds a layer of authenticity that makes the intrigue all the more compelling. As Carl peels back the layers of deception surrounding his aunt’s past, he is forced to reconsider not only who she was but also his own place in the world. In one of the novel’s most poignant moments, he reflects: “Before meeting my Aunt Lily and the Rue Tonton gang, I always thought there was only right and wrong… But what if ‘good’ doesn’t necessarily equal ‘right’?”

Graham also excels at balancing suspense with humor, an element that brings levity to an otherwise intense narrative. The dialogue is crisp and often laced with dry wit, making the characters feel all the more real. The relationship between Carl and Lily is particularly well-drawn, evolving from guarded skepticism to mutual respect and admiration.

If there is one minor critique, it is that the plot’s complexity requires careful attention—this is not a novel to be skimmed. But for readers who appreciate layered storytelling and intelligent intrigue, Red Lily is an absolute triumph.

In the end, Red Lily is more than a spy thriller; it is a meditation on truth, loyalty, and the ties that bind us across generations. Graham has crafted a novel that lingers long after the final page, much like the secrets her characters so desperately guard. This is historical suspense at its finest.

Available in the following formats:

eBook ePub (Kindle & B&N)

979-8-9921747-0-0

List price: USD 12.99

Paperback

979-8-9921747-2-4

List price: USD 17.99

Hardback

979-8-9921747-1-7

List price: USD 21.99