Winner Polly corrigan book prize 2025

14 May 2026

I am thrilled to announce that my debut book, Her Secret Service: The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence, published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson in 2024, has won the Polly Corrigan Book Prize 2025.

Sponsored by The King's Centre for the Study of Intelligence, the Women in Intelligence Network and the Journal of Intelligence and National Security, the Prize recognises scholarship within the realm of intelligence and security, written by female scholars and/or about women.

I wrote this book to honour the women of British intelligence who served quietly in the shadows without expectation of recognition. Their names are now known and their voices heard. Thank you so much for appreciating these women! The book began with the support and guidance of the brilliant team at Northbank Talent Management, who kick-started my writing journey (including Martin Redfern, who was there at the start). I couldn't wish for better representation!

Her Secret Service found the perfect home with Weidenfeld & Nicolson, a distinguished and dynamic powerhouse with a long tradition of publishing excellent spy non-fiction & memoir. Thank you to all involved in getting the book to print, promotion & marketing, with a special note of thanks to my W&N editor Maddy Price and Nina Sandelson, who took the reins at the end. Katie Tooke designed an incredible book cover. Jilly Bond (UK) and Anne Flosnik (USA) did an amazing job narrating the audiobooks.

Lastly, the book would not have been possible without the support of the families and friends of the women whose stories are told for the first time. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Here's to more incredible spy stories waiting to be told.