WWII was a time of tremendous opportunity for women. LIPSTICK AND LIES's protagonist, Pucci Lewis, was inspired by two sets of heroines of the times, the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) and the women in intelligence. In creating this story, I wanted to showcase these spirited women by weaving Pucci into an actual home front spy case involving a countess-counteragent. The idea for LIPSTICK AND LIES was born in the National Archives in Washington with my discovery of a Department of Justice letter from the Detroit FBI field office chief to the Director, Washington DC. The letter's contents referred to a 34 year old self-styled countess, trained as a spy in Berlin, who entered the U.S. in October 1941, posing as a professional lecturer. A line, deep into the text, identifying her as "a known espionage agent who is also working for us," gave me goose bumps. A countess-counteragent. I had found the spine of my plot! The final chapters of the countess's life remain a mystery. Correspondence and news articles culled from my archives that bear on this point can be read by clicking the links below. I would enjoy hearing your speculations. Discovery Spy Trap Cracking High Society Counteragent The Party's Over Trial Verdict Hard Time Deportation