What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

I read a spy novel about 30 years ago. I liked it very much and want to read it again. Ha! I don't remember the name of the author or the book, but I think it showed a huge clock on the cover. A spy is set up with a woman he has never met before who will act as his wife. They share a room in a small hotel maybe in Paris. He is in touch with his enemy contacts by phone making demands of him, I dont remember why, but as days go by he is falling in love with his fake wife and his demands become less and less onerous.

A few long shots:

- Call After Midnight (1987) by Tess Gerritsen?

- "The Troubled Midnight" (1945, 1962) by John Gunther? Subjects: World War, 1939-1945; Women spies - Fiction. One cover and review on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Troubled-Midni...

Kris, thank you for your suggestions, but I am sure the author of this book was a man and not as famous as John Gunther. Besides, the plot is not similar to the book I'm seeking. Thanks for your efforts.

This is ringing a loud bell for me. I'll try to get it to ring louder and will let you know...

There's Seven Minutes Past Midnight by Walter Winward but the description doesn't sound much like yours either.

I found that one and was sure it was it! But the plot doesn't match. What intrigued me about the novel I am looking for was you see how the man's feelings for the woman slowly change and how his demands of his contacts change and lessen and they, his enemies, feel it too. That's the whole plot.

Ayshe and Cathy, thanks for your efforts. I'm sure we'll find it.

Can't find anything on this book, but it does have a clock face on the cover.
Edited to add that I found some information about this book. It's a religious book and not the book you're looking for.

https://www.amazon.com/Five-minutes-m...


Also found this book:
Three Minutes to Midnight by Mildred Davis

Flo, are you still looking for this or did you find it?

I am still looking for it.

Flo, I added a few plot details to the topic header, so your book might be recognized from the header alone. Feel free to update it by clicking the small "edit" link after the header. This only works on the full Desktop website – not the Mobile website or app.

Would you call this a spy thriller romance?

What is the story's time period? Is a war mentioned?

Who do the couple work for (e.g., Britain, U.S.)? Is the woman a professional spy?

This is definitely taking place in Paris. Both of them are spies and both work for Britain. I would not call it a romance at all even though the plot hinges on their romance.
Thank you for helping me.

It is during WW II.

Never read/heard of this before but it sounds so interesting. Now I want to read this too - will be following this thread

Can we rule out Alan Furst?