In 1944, Hitler’s forces had conquered much of Europe. As the Allies planned what would become the largest amphibious invasion in history, it became imperative to keep the timing and location of their landing a secret from the Nazis. Key to the success of the mission was a handful of spies recruited by the Germans who then became double agents. Macintyre’s account of the deception—and the flamboyant band of eccentrics at its center—is both frightening and funny. As the tension mounts in the final hundred pages, the book becomes almost unbearably gripping. This is a model of narrative history, propulsive and timely.