Nicollette Beverley: The Evolution of a Series

In 1983, while visiting England, I was talking with a family member about politics and current events. Normally, socially, these are topics to avoid, but I was curious about how our friends ‘across the pond’ viewed Americans. I’ve always had an interest in world events and foreign politics, so this was a great opportunity to interact. Our conversation was very interesting—until I asked about the Falklands War. I questioned the expense in both men and treasure to regain control of the Islands. I pointed out the limited value economically to England. His response was simple and straightforward:“Because it is ours and the people there want to be British.” And that was it. End of discussion. That answer still resonates with me.

As time went by, something inside me kept insisting that that answer was too easy and that there had to be more to it than, “Because it is ours.”

In 1979, I had read a small article in the International Section of The Washington Post, about ‘The Vela Incident’—the flash of a nuclear bomb test off the coast of South Africa picked up by satellite. The incident was attributed to an Israeli test of a nuclear device. Israel denied involvement. Maybe, or maybe not. However, if I could somehow tie the Falklands War to this nuclear test, I would have a story.

I knew I needed a leading character, and I wanted the story to be primarily about women, so I started to formulate ideas from the people I met in England and came up with Nicollette Beverley, a young woman from a small Cotswolds’ village.

My original thoughts about Nicollette’s role were to highlight the support people behind the scenes—the mission planners, communicators, and logistics specialists—all needed to get the assignment accomplished. But as I was writing, I decided to make Nicollette the focal point: the agent in the field. The vast majority of special agents I knew about, mostly through books and media, were men; James Bond and the like. Why not have a woman be an Agent in the field?

So there it is. Come share Nicollette’s journey from 1976 on, as she encounters obstacles—both internal and external—all the while growing and gaining more responsibility each step of the way. I hope you enjoy Nicollette’s trip into the world of secrets as she develops into the role of ‘Special Agent in Her Majesty’s Secret Service’.