Bestselling novelist unveils spellbinding new WWII series about America’s female spies in North Africa
Winchester, VA – Bestselling author of “The Wiregrass”, Pam Webber, is back with the first novel in a new series about the American women who changed the tide of World War II by working as spies in North Africa and the Red Sea: “Massawa: A Tale of Illusion, Espionage, and Love” (She Writes Press, June 23, 2026).
About the book: In 1942, at the height of World War II, “Wild Bill” Donovan—the director of the United States’ first spy agency—believes women are the key to winning the intelligence battle against the Nazis. He partners fledgling agent Kit Thomas with British MI6 agent Mark Williams and sends them to one of the most perilous places in the world—Massawa, Eritrea—to investigate the theft of millions in military payroll funds.
In Massawa, Kit and Mark discover a conspiracy by Nazi sympathizers, known as the Vichy, to shut down the only Allied naval base on the Red Sea—which is an essential resource in stopping the Nazi invasion of North Africa. As they work to reveal the conspirators, Kit and Mark engage in a dangerous and tempestuous dance of trust versus mistrust.
“Massawa: A Tale of Illusion, Espionage, and Love”
Pam Webber | June 23, 2026 | She Writes Press | Historical Fiction
Paperback | ISBN: 979-8-89636-098-8 | $17.99
Ebook | ISBN: 979-8-89636-099-5 | $12.99
Distribution: Simon & Schuster
Praise for Pam Webber…
“For this reviewer, ‘The Wiregrass’ was reminiscent of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ ‘Tom Sawyer,’ and ‘Of Mice and Men,’ yet, all the while, it was its very own unique story written with a large measure of tenderness and grace.”
—Story Circle Book Reviews
“With empathy and care, Webber brings to life the hidden world of ‘The Wiregrass’ in the 1960s. This is a coming-of-age story that will move you profoundly.”
—Susan Breen, author of “The Fiction Room”
“‘Moon Water’ is a flood of love and tragedy. There is intense action and humor, soul satisfying courage and redemption, and throughout, Webber’s knowing, authoritative hand with setting and character.”
—David L. Robbins, New York Times-bestselling author
“[‘Life Dust’ is] a testament to the heroes of the Vietnam War and an eye-opening experience for readers… Highly recommended.”
—Historical Novel Society
“‘Life Dust’ had everything I could wish for in a novel…romance, suspense, great characters, and an intense story.”
—Readers’ Favorite
“[‘Life Dust’ is] a character-driven book where love, war and humanity attempt to co-exist. A brilliant piece of writing to be enjoyed by many.”
—Southern Literary Review
“[‘Massawa’ is] a thoughtful and engaging adventure, generously enriched with fascinating historic and geographic details”
–Christine Echeverria Bender, author of “The Far Reach of Yesterday”
“To unravel mysteries of corruption, the old wisdom is to ‘follow the money.’ In ‘Massawa,’ Pam Webber has found that rare gem, an untold adventure in an out-of-the-way World War II setting that will fling you into a maze of intrigue, style, and danger. The African desert is hot, the history is cool, and you’ll find yourself clutching the book as you follow every twist and turn.”
–David L. Robbins, New York Times bestselling author of “War of the Rats”
Interview with Pam Webber
- What inspired you to start writing, and how did your journey as an author begin?
I’ve always enjoyed writing: poems in high school, research and textbooks as an academic, and finally, creative writing as a second career. And just for the record, creative writing in the literary sense, is the hardest and most challenging of all!
- Can you share a little about your latest book and what readers can expect from it?
Massawa is a work of historical fiction based on a little-known event, called the Miracle of Massawa, which took place during World War II in North Africa. This event coincided with the United States’ formation of its first official spy agency, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), and the formal entry of American women into organized espionage. Combining these two events provided the impetus for a story that the Kirkus, in a starred review, described as a “…heady mix of adventure, romance, and surprising revelations, all amplified by the high stakes of wartime espionage.”
Synopsis: In 1942, during the height of World War II, fledgling OSS agent Kit Thomas is sent to North Africa to investigate the theft of millions of military payroll dollars. Partnered with British MI6 agent Mark Williams, the two spies commence a tempestuous dance of trust versus mistrust as they unravel a conspiracy by Nazi sympathizers, known as the Vichy, to shut down the only Allied naval base on the Red Sea, an essential resource in stopping the Nazis from capturing the Suez Canal and the oil fields of the Middle East. Whoever controlled these resources would win the war.
- Which character has been the most challenging (or rewarding) for you to write, and why?
It would have to be Jacque Dumas. I can’t tell you why without giving away a key storyline, but suffice it to say he is a fascinating, French chameleon who readers will love one minute, hate the next, and be astounded by in the end.
- Did you encounter any surprises or unexpected turns during the writing process of your newest book?
Not in the writing per se, but in the research process, especially when delving into the declassified documents related to Massawa at the National Archives. I was astounded that the world knew so little about this pivotal WWII theater before now.
- How do your personal experiences or background influence your storytelling?
One of my most influential mentors, a NYT bestselling author, told me to put the reader in each scene¾have them see, hear, touch, and feel everything the characters are seeing, hearing, touching, and feeling. If a character is sad, the readers should be crying, if a character is cold, the readers should be shivering, and if a character is in danger, then the hearts of the readers should be racing. If an author can do this well, then readers have a better chance of developing empathy for the characters, which will ultimately keep them reading.
- What’s one piece of writing advice you wish you’d received when you were starting out?
Learn the craft of literary writing first. Just because you have a good story to tell doesn’t mean you understand the craft and rules of literary writing. With my first book, I managed to hit most of the literary marks, but it was by accident not by design. Creative writing is an art form that has rules and structure. Most novice writers do not understand this, at least when they start out.
- Are there any authors or books that have especially influenced your work?
Harper Lee, Mark Twain, Fannie Flagg, Katherine Neville
- How do you balance research and creativity—especially when writing about complex or unfamiliar topics?
I start out doing the research, reading everything I can get my hands on about people, places, and events that I think will be included in the story. Once I start writing, the research becomes concurrent and as needed.
- What do you hope readers take away from your stories?
A story that stays with them a lifetime and characters who become lifelong friends they want to visit again and again.
- Can you give us a sneak peek at what you’re working on next?
I’m working on the sequel to Massawa. For a real sneak peek, pay attention to the last chapter of Massawa; a lot of foretelling takes place.
About the Author…
PAM WEBBER is a second career, bestselling author of historical fiction. Her novels, “The Wiregrass,” “Moon Water,” and “Life Dust” have garnered multiple regional and national awards from organizations such as the Historical Novel Society, the Southern Literary Review, and the Military Writers Society of America.
In her personal life, Pam is an internal medicine nurse practitioner, an avid traveler, and nature lover. She and the love of her life, Jeff, live and work in Northern Virginia. Learn more about Pam at: www.pamwebber.com
Follow Pam Webber on social media:
Facebook: @AuthorPamWebber | Twitter: @PamWebber1 | Instagram: @PamWebber1