Books Like The Alice Network
In this list of books like The Alice Network. I wanted to include books that take place during WWI, WWII, and books with female spies! The common theme in all these books is that men underestimated women.
The minute I read The Alice Network, I loved it. It is a work of fiction about a real network of female spies during WWI. The book is gripping and unputdownable. If you haven’t read it, it needs to move to the top of your list. And if you have, you will want more books like it.
While WWII books have dominated historical fiction book lists for years, it was so nice to see this change. I also love that this book showcases the contribution of women during the Great War.
I like to think a lot of the reason is because of the extreme popularity of The Alice Network, which is soon to be made into a movie. The project is still in the development stage, so I do not have any more information right now.
The Best Books Like The Alice Network
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best WWI Book Like The Alice Network
Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig- Jump to Section
The Best WWII Book Like The Alice Network
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn- Jump to Section
The Best Female Spy Book Like The Alice Network
Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawson- Jump to Section
The Best Nonfiction Book Like The Alice Network
Code Girls by Liza Mundy – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
WWI Books Like The Alice Network
Plot
This is an incredible novel about the women of Smith College who went to help French war victims on the war front. The band of 15 women in this novel is based on the 18 real-life heroes of Smith College.
These ladies started from scratch to help those ravaged by war only to have the war come back and destroy the lands around them again. But they never faltered in their quest to help the war-torn villages of women and children impacted by the war.
The book gives a well-rounded feeling of what these women needed to do to save the lands and the people and is an emotional pick from books about friends.
Why Kirsten loves it
This historical fiction is based on real events and had me captivated from the first page. I love the bravery and camaraderie of these amazing women.
Why Jackie loves it
The role of women is so often overlooked and so this story about the women of Smith College was enlightening. I loved the characters and the story, but the fact that it was based on real events of WWI made it even better.
Find this book in: Friendship Books / Books About Sisters and Sisterhood / Books Set in France / Best Book Club Books / Books Like The Alice Network / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021 / Best Books of 2021 / WWI Novels
Switchboard Soldiers
Author: Jennifer Chiaverini
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I’ve been reading WWI books non-stop because I’m fascinated by the way modern warfare met traditional tactics in the Great War. I’m particularly interested in the role women played in helping the Allies.
Chiaverini brought the Switchboard soldiers (the women who operated the telephone lines) to life in the most interesting way.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved their bonds of sisterhood, how they stayed cool under pressure, and learning just how crucial they were to the war effort.
Why Jackie loves it
This book fascinated me. I loved learning about these women who had such a pivitol role in WWI
Find this book in: Historical Fiction Books / Books Like Lessons in Chemistry / Best Books of 2022 / Books Like The Alice Network / WWI Novels
The War Librarian
Author: Addison Armstrong
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This dual-timeline story is about both a librarian during WWI and a female cadet in the first class of women at the U.S. Naval Academy. There are so many strong women in our list of books like the Alice Network.
Both women in this story are connected in multiple ways, including being females in a trailblazing role customarily reserved for men.
Trigger Warnings
War, Sexual Harassment
Why Kirsten loves it
While I found Librarian, Emmaline’s story to be more engrossing, I found Kathleen Carre’s struggles in the male-dominated school fascinating too. I wouldn’t mind reading a book just about the first few classes of women in various military academies.
Find this book in: Books Set in France / Books Like The Alice Network / Books About Librarians / WWI Novels
WWII Books Like the Alice Network
The Rose Code
Author: Kate Quinn
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author of The Alice Network
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
While the main portion of this story features 3 code breakers at Bletchley during WWII, one of the main characters is dating Prince Philip. You know, the same Prince Philip who eventually marries the queen?
It’s a dual-timeline story and one of those storylines is set against the backdrop of Philip’s wedding to QE2.
Trigger Warnings
Death, child death, forced institutionalization
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a Kate Quinn royal novel, so the writing and story are both top-notch.
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Mystery Books / Books Like The Alice Network / Royal Reads / Books With Color in the Title / Best Books of 2021 / Books With Flowers in the Title / Books About Women in STEM
The Nightingale
Author: Kristin Hannah
Year: 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: March 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is a remarkable story of two sisters who live in France. As historical fiction goes, this one set the standard for me. It is one of my all-time favorite books. It details how they survive the Second World War under Nazi Occupation. The sisters are separated by time and have completely different experiences in the war.
This book is one of the books that should be read in a lifetime. It is a total tear-jerker and should be essential reading! If you have not read this book and are looking for a pick for your next book club, you should consider this one. I will also point out that this is a book about WWII, not the Holocaust. While there is a subplot with a Jewish character, this by no means is a book about the Jewish experience during the war.
Trigger Warnings
WWII
Why Jackie loves it
The powerful story and the bonds of sisterhood in this book make it an unforgettable book. I cannot wait to see the movie adaptation
Why Kirsten loves it
I love historical fiction and read them all the time. This book was still filled with surprises and the writing grabbed me from the first page.
Adaptation Information
Elle and Dakota Fanning are set to produce and star in the film adaptation of this book which has been in the works for quite some time! February 12, 2027 is the current projected release date.
Find this book in: Books about WWII / Books Set in France / Books About Sisters and Sisterhood / Books About Female Spies / Books Becoming Movies / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2023 / Books Like The Alice Network
The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club
Author: Martha Hall Kelly
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is a dual-timeline narrative that takes place in 2016 and 1942. Mari Starwood has gone to Martha’s vineyard from Califonia after the death of her mother. She is looking for answers with only the name of a famous painter as a clue.
The Smith girls are trying to hold their family together during WWII. Cadence and her best friend Bess start a book club which grows in members and popularity, while Cadence’s sister, Briar, is off snooping and spying. When a man washes ashore, he says there is a spy among them and the girls don’t know who to trust.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved learning about the impact of WWII on Martha’s Vineyard. I had no idea about the D-day drills or what life was like for the women on the island with the men off at war. Each character’s storyline was intriguing, though the 2016 narrative didn’t add much to the story, it DID help resolve a few wartime secrets in the present day. #gifted by PRH Audio
Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2025 / WWII Books / Books Like The Alice Network
Female Spy Books Like The Alice Network
Plot
This book is based on the life of Nancy Wake, a nurse and journalist who became a Special Operations Executive during WWII.
She was an amazing woman and I had never heard of her before this fictional biography. It has wonderful characters, a fabulous story, romance, adventure, and the terrifying reality of life during WWII.
Trigger Warnings
Torture, War
Why Jackie loves it
It is so beautifully written, amazingly researched, and absolutely enthralling. I could not put it down. I recommend it often and have never heard anyone not love it.
Find this book in: Historical Fiction Books / 20 Best Books of 2020 / Jackie’s Favorite Books/ Books Like The Alice Network / Novels About WWII
The Goddess of Warsaw
Author: Lisa Barr
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The story opens in 2005 with legendary actress Lena Browning, telling her dark, daring past to an actress who wants to star in and direct a biopic about Lena. It then flashes forward to Lena’s time in the Warsaw Ghetto.
There, Bina Blonski as she was known at the time, narrates a story of persistence and sacrifice within the Ghetto walls. Torn between two brothers and with a survival instinct, Bina uses her Arayan looks and skills as an actress to work for the resistance.
Eventually, the story returns to 2005 and post-war Hollywood where we learn how Bina became Lena and how Lena has always continued the fight against those who seek her annihilation.
Trigger Warnings
War, death
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the best story I’ve ever read about the Holocaust because it depicts Jewish people, particularly women, as fierce fighters determined to prove their right to exist. I was inspired and awed by both the writing and the characters.
I laughed, cried, screamed in frustration, and was on the edge of my seat throughout. The tension was so high at times I found myself fidgeting, walking around, and wringing my hands. I’ll be recommending this book for years to come. It’s an absolute must-read. #Gifted
Why Jackie loves it
I love that this story takes place in multiple time periods. Lena is a great character and I loved reading her story. I called Kirsten yelling and needing to know the ending- which she would not spoil for me. At the end of the book, I was yelling with joy.
Find this book in: Books about the Holocaust / World War II Books / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2024 /Ultimate List of Best Historical Fiction Books/ Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Old Hollywood Books / Hollywood Novels/ Books Like The Alice Network
The Secrets We Kept
Author: Lara Prescott
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: September 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:16+
Plot
At the height of the Cold War, Irina is chosen by the CIA and given a mission: help smuggle Doctor Zhivago into the USSR.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten likes it
This was an interesting look at the subversive tactics the CIA took during the Cold War. I had no idea that they engaged in cultural espionage. As always, it’s fascinating to see the role that females play within a spy network. It’s crazy to me that after WWII, many former female spies were sent to the typing pool while their male counterparts got to remain active in the spy community.
Find this book in: Books With Secrets in the Title / Books About Female Spies / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2019 / Books Like The Alice Network
Nonfiction Books Like the Alice Network
Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II
Author: Liza Mundy
Year: 2017
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This fascinating book tells the story of the code girls, the women who worked to decode messages during WWII. They worked incredibly hard to save the men on the frontlines, yet their work has been largely overlooked. Mundy shines a light on their story, which was almost lost completely.
Trigger Warnings
War, Sexism
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m not generally a huge non-fiction reader unless the topic is of particular interest to me. Having seen the Imitation Game and read quite a few non-fiction books about coding in war times, I thought this one would be interesting and it did not disappoint. I loved finding out about the trials and tribulations of the real-life heroes of the war that we rarely hear about.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Books like Lessons in Chemistry / Books about WWII / Books about Female Spies / Books About Women in STEM / Books Like The Alice Network
Propaganda Girls: The Secret War of the Women in the OSS
Author: Lisa Rogak
Year: 2025
Genre: History
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is the true story of four women whose bravery helped win World War II. Betty Macdonald was a reporter from Hawaii, Zuzka Lauwers grew up in Czechoslovakia, Jane Smith-Hutton was the wife of a naval attaché, and Marlene Deitrich was a German American actress and singer.
Together, as part of the OSS, they forged “official” letters, scripted radio broadcasts, and developed rumors for double agents to spread to the enemy.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Kirsten loves it
I am always interested in how women have shaped the wars of the past. Often unacknowledged, these women made a profound impact on the war efforts for their country and were truly instrumental in the downfall of Hilter and the Nazis. It’s wonderful that their story could be highlighted and their heroic actions get the recognition they deserve. Gifted by St. Martins Press
Find this book in: WWII Books / Books Like The Alice Network
Plot
In this delightful book, I learned about uniforms, training, frolicking adventures, and the glamorous life in the air that had me picturing Gwyneth Paltrow in View From the Top. It also discussed far more serious topics like hijackers, Vietnam War flights and rescues, and issues of discrimination toward women.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Kirsten loves it
I learned so much while reading this book and I was swept into the story. Jackie and I talked with Julia about the research of this book, what surprised her most, and other fun things over on IG. Be sure to check it out.
Find this book in: Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Plane Books / Books set in the 70s / Best Nonfiction Books / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021 / Books Like The Alice Network / Nonfiction Travel Books
Expert Tip
I think The Alice Network became so popular because it crosses a number of subgenres. Obviously, it is a historical fiction, but it is also a book about World War I and female spies. While the book is so unique, its popularity sparked interest in similar books. I have some tips to help pick your next read.
- What did you love about The Alice Network? I divided this list into three sections. Pick a book that touches on your favorite part of this novel.
- Jackie and I have read all the books on this list. We included a brief summary of the book and why we loved it. Take a look at the books to see which appeals to you the most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Alice Network being made into a movie?
Yes! The Alice Network will be made into a mini series. I do not have more information now because the project is still considered “under development.”
Related Content
Epilogue
Are you planning to add any of these WWI books like The Alice Network to your to-read list?
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