A Double Life

Charlotte Philby worked for the Independent for eight years, as a columnist, editor and reporter, and was shortlisted for the Cudlipp Prize at the 2013 Press Awards for her investigative journalism. Founder of the online platform Motherland.net, she regularly contributes to the Guardian and iNews, as well as the BBC World Service, Channel 4 and Woman's Hour. She has three children and lives in London. Charlotte is the granddaughter of Kim Philby, Britain's most famous communist double-agent.

"Superbly crafted with heart-stopping twists and chills galore. A new star has arrived in the thriller firmament" The Times, Thriller of the Year

"A seriously stylish, hugely compelling mystery: Charlotte Philby redefines a male-dominated genre with her brilliantly complex female characters. I was utterly gripped." LUCY FOLEY

"I fell into the vivid, frightening world Charlotte Philby creates so skilfully and didn't resurface until long after I'd turned the last page. Her characters are so real you genuinely fret over their safety in their jobs and personal lives. Everything about this book feels as plausible as if it might happen tomorrow. She is a hugely original and talented writer." JANE CASEY

"A Double Life confirms Charlotte Philby as the master of a sub-genre she basically invented, dealing in the dangerous area where working motherhood and international espionage collide. Heart-breaking, gripping and always beautifully written, I can't wait to see what she does next." ERIN KELLY

"Philby is creating her own niche of beautifully observed, fast-paced, multi-layered novels... In Gabriela and Isobel, Philby develops two fascinating characters who have to face challenges that women the world over will recognise, but rarely get to read about on the page. A Double Life is a wonderful novel." HOLLY WATT, winner of the 2019 CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger.

'Brilliantly executed and tense' Sunday Times

'Terribly compelling... persuasive and absorbing.' The Observer

'A pacy, gripping read that kept us on the edge of our seats' The Independent

'Dark and compelling' Bella

'I like a novel where the intrepid investigative journalist and the Foreign Office rising star are both women. And where two separate stories eventually converge around a conspiracy that touches the very top of the establishment and destroys everything' Evening Standard