The Women of Arlington Hall: A Novel by Jane Healey (Paperback)

Discover The Women of Arlington Hall: A Gripping Cold War Spy Novel About Codebreakers, Courage, and Love

About the Book

When Catherine “Cat” Killeen walks away from her wedding and traditional expectations in 1947, she steps into a world most Americans never knew existed. Recruited for her exceptional skills in cryptoanalysis, Cat joins the elite team of “government girls” at Arlington Hall in Virginia, where brilliant women work in secret to crack Soviet codes and unmask spies threatening American security. But nothing prepares her for the dangerous game of espionage she’s about to play, or for the unexpected reunion with Jonathan Dardis, her infuriating Harvard rival who now works for the FBI.

From the Back Cover

In the shadows of the Cold War, one woman’s courage could change everything. Cat Killeen traded wedding bells for cipher wheels, but the price of protecting her country might be higher than she ever imagined.

About the Author

Jane Healey is a Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestselling author whose novels bring forgotten women’s stories to vivid life. The author of The Saturday Evening Girls Club, Goodnight from Paris, The Secret Stealers, and The Beantown Girls, Jane combines meticulous historical research with page-turning storytelling. She hosts the Historical Happy Hour podcast and lives north of Boston with her family. Her deep respect for the unsung heroes of history shines through every carefully crafted page.

Who Is This Book For?

This novel speaks directly to readers who love strong female characters facing impossible choices. If you devoured The Rose Code or books by Kate Quinn, this story will feel like coming home. History enthusiasts fascinated by Cold War espionage, the Venona Project, and women’s contributions to intelligence work will find themselves completely absorbed. Anyone who appreciates smart romance woven through historical drama, or who simply loves a heroine who refuses to settle for the life others planned for her, will treasure this book.

What You’ll Gain From This Story

Through Cat’s eyes, you’ll experience the thrill of codebreaking and the weight of keeping national secrets while navigating friendship, betrayal, and unexpected love. You’ll discover the real history behind Arlington Hall and the brilliant women who helped protect America during its most vulnerable moments. Beyond the suspense and romance, you’ll find yourself inspired by Cat’s determination to forge her own path in a world that expected women to simply follow the rules. This story celebrates female friendship, intellectual courage, and the power of choosing your own destiny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Women of Arlington Hall based on real events?
Yes, the novel is extensively researched and based on the real Arlington Hall facility where women codebreakers worked on the Venona Project to identify Soviet spies in the late 1940s. While Cat and her story are fictional, many historical figures and events appear throughout the book, including references to Julius and Ethel Rosenberg and Klaus Fuchs.

Do I need to know about cryptology or codebreaking to enjoy this book?
Not at all. Jane Healey expertly weaves the technical aspects into the story in an accessible way that enhances the plot without overwhelming readers. You’ll learn fascinating details about codebreaking naturally through Cat’s experiences, making you feel like you’re solving puzzles alongside her.

Is this more of a spy thriller or a romance novel?
It’s a beautiful blend of both. The espionage and codebreaking drive the main plot with genuine suspense and intrigue, while the romance between Cat and Jonathan adds emotional depth and chemistry. Readers who enjoy historical fiction with multiple layers will appreciate how seamlessly these elements work together.

What other books is this similar to?
Fans of Kate Quinn’s The Rose Code, Kristina McMorris’s historical novels, and Susan Elia MacNeal’s Maggie Hope series will love this book. It shares the same combination of well-researched history, compelling female protagonists, wartime intrigue, and satisfying romance.

Can I read this as a standalone or is it part of a series?
The Women of Arlington Hall is a complete standalone novel. While Jane Healey has written other beloved historical fiction books, each tells its own independent story. You can start with this book and enjoy it fully without reading her previous works.