Three Hours in Paris by Cara Black
Book #5 of 30 in my 2025 Reading Challenge
I’m challenging myself to read 30 books in 2025 as part of my journey to reclaim “me time” after years of being a workaholic—and a recent cancer diagnosis that changed everything. Reading has become a lifeline for joy, comfort, and escape. Find out more about my 2025 Reading Challenge.
Why I picked this book
I’ve always enjoyed thrillers, but historical ones aren't usually my go-to. However, as a fan of The Rest Is History podcast, I’ve learned so much from Dominic and Tom about World War II, and the premise of Three Hours in Paris really caught my attention—what if a female assassin had the chance to kill Hitler during this critical time in history? The idea was thrilling, and I was eager to see how this action-packed scenario would unfold. Plus, I’d been craving a fast-paced, suspense-filled read, so this book seemed like the perfect choice to dive into.
What’s it about?
In June 1940, Kate Rees, a young American markswoman, is recruited by British intelligence for a daring mission: assassinate Adolf Hitler during his brief three-hour visit to Paris. Armed with only a rifle and a vendetta following the loss of her family in a Luftwaffe bombing, Kate is thrust into the heart of Nazi-occupied France. With minimal training and no backup, she faces a perilous cat-and-mouse game across the city, where every move could be her last.
Escape Index
World: Vivid Yet Fleeting
The setting of Nazi-occupied Paris is captivating, with tension in every corner of the city. The descriptions are vivid and help set the stage, but the fast pace of the novel means it doesn’t allow for deep immersion into the world—it’s more about the action than the atmosphere.Vibe: High-Stakes Suspense
This is a high-tension, adrenaline-fueled thriller. It’s perfect for those who love espionage and danger but doesn’t provide the same type of emotional resonance or world-building you might expect in more leisurely historical fiction.Pace: Fast & Engaging
The short chapters and quick twists kept me turning the pages. The action was non-stop, which kept me engaged, but the rapid shifts in characters and locations occasionally left me a bit disoriented.Feels: Superficial Connection
While the plot is thrilling, I didn’t form a deep emotional bond with the characters. The focus is more on the action and suspense, which kept me entertained, but I didn’t connect with the protagonist’s motivations on a deeper level.Escape Factor: A Thrilling Ride
Though I wasn’t fully immersed in the world of wartime Paris, the suspense and danger made for an exciting mental getaway. It’s a solid escape, but not the kind that sweeps you completely into the setting.
“Three Hours in Paris is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller with a compelling premise, but its quick pace and lack of emotional depth may leave readers craving a more immersive or emotionally engaging experience.”
My takeaway
What I enjoyed most about Three Hours in Paris was its unique premise and the constant action. The idea of a female assassin attempting to kill Hitler during World War II is intriguing, and the suspense-filled narrative kept me hooked. The rapid pacing, with short chapters, made it easy to race through the book, though it sometimes left me feeling disconnected from the world and characters.
The vivid wartime Paris setting provided plenty of tension, but I didn’t feel fully immersed in the time and place. While the action and suspense were gripping, the story felt more focused on the thrill of the chase than on building emotional depth or connection with the characters.
Overall, Three Hours in Paris is an exciting, fast-paced historical thriller that’s perfect for fans of espionage and suspense. While it kept me engaged with its twists and turns, it could have benefited from more emotional depth and world-building for a more complete experience.
Is this book for you?
Perfect if you’re looking for:
a high-stakes, fast-paced thriller with espionage and danger
an action-filled story set in a historical context
a gripping plot that keeps you hooked, but don’t mind less character depth or emotional immersion.
Great for a quick escape into wartime Paris or when you're craving an adrenaline-filled read.
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Let’s chat
Have you read Three Hours in Paris? What did you think of the high-stakes premise? Leave a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts or any other historical thrillers you’d recommend!