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Tom Wilde #4
Hitler's Secret
In the Autumn of 1941, the war is going badly for Britain and its allies. If the tide is going to be turned against Hitler, a new weapon is desperately needed.
In Cambridge, brilliant history professor Tom Wilde is asked by an American intelligence officer to help smuggle a mysterious package out of Nazi Germany - something so secret, even Hitler himself doesn't know of its existence.
Posing as a German-American industrialist, Wilde soon discovers the shocking truth about the 'package', and why the Nazis will stop at nothing to prevent it leaving Germany. With ruthless killers loyal to Martin Bormann hunting him down, Wilde makes a desperate gamble on an unlikely escape route.
But even if he reaches England alive, that will not be the end of his ordeal. Wilde is now convinced that the truth he has discovered must remain hidden, even if it means betraying the country he loves . . .
In Cambridge, brilliant history professor Tom Wilde is asked by an American intelligence officer to help smuggle a mysterious package out of Nazi Germany - something so secret, even Hitler himself doesn't know of its existence.
Posing as a German-American industrialist, Wilde soon discovers the shocking truth about the 'package', and why the Nazis will stop at nothing to prevent it leaving Germany. With ruthless killers loyal to Martin Bormann hunting him down, Wilde makes a desperate gamble on an unlikely escape route.
But even if he reaches England alive, that will not be the end of his ordeal. Wilde is now convinced that the truth he has discovered must remain hidden, even if it means betraying the country he loves . . .
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
About the author
Rory Clements
27 books441 followersRory Clements has had a long and successful newspaper career, including being features editor and associate editor of Today, editor of the Daily Mail's Good Health Pages, and editor of the health section at the Evening Standard. He now writes full-time in an idyllic corner of Norfolk, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
November 18, 2019
This is the 4th addition to Rory Clements exhilarating WW2 historical espionage series featuring American Cambridge don Tom Wilde, once again called up for a perilous mission. It is 1941, and the war is not going well with Germany making advances on the Eastern Front heading towards Russia and Moscow and doing well on the Western Front too. Tom is living with Lydia Morris in Cambridge and they now have a young son, Johnny, when he is asked to retrieve a valuable package from Berlin by Philip Eaton and the British security services in a joint operation with Bodie Cashman, and the US. Tom now has far more to lose, but Lydia understands who he is, and tells him to just make sure he comes back to them. So Tom arrives in Berlin as the Nazi sympathiser, Tomas Esser, a US businessman looking to make a profitable trade deal with the regime.
Tom is under surveillance and monitored, as indeed is the American embassy where his friend, Jim Vandenberg, is part of the diplomatic team. Jim helps Tom connect with Sunny, a widow of a Luftwaffe hero, who will aid him in getting the package and smuggling it out of the country. A package that Hitler's right hand man, the powerful Martin Bormann is determined will never leave Germany. As the body count rises, Tom and Sunny find danger around every corner, but helped by those unhappy with the Nazi regime. Even when Tom and Sunny manage to finally arrive in Sweden, their problems follow them. After arriving at a safe house in Britain, Tom is dismayed to discover the American plans for the 'package', plans he just cannot get on board with. With Britain needing US support, will Tom be able to find an alternative solution for the package, and even if he does, can he survive the dangers that have followed him to Cambridge?
Rory Clements latest addition is a riveting and gripping affair, full of tension and suspense, giving a picture of the nature of the Nazi regime in Berlin, such as the disinformation and propaganda being spread amongst children in schools. There are various key Nazis that inhabit the novel, including Martin Bormann, Fritz Todt and Hermann Goering and his wife, Emmy, with the bitter Nazi power struggles and their domestic rivalries. This is a wonderfully entertaining read, set in a historical period where the war is not going well, and includes the attack on Pearl Harbour, responsible for the entry of the US into the war in Europe and beyond. Great read. Many thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for an ARC.
Tom is under surveillance and monitored, as indeed is the American embassy where his friend, Jim Vandenberg, is part of the diplomatic team. Jim helps Tom connect with Sunny, a widow of a Luftwaffe hero, who will aid him in getting the package and smuggling it out of the country. A package that Hitler's right hand man, the powerful Martin Bormann is determined will never leave Germany. As the body count rises, Tom and Sunny find danger around every corner, but helped by those unhappy with the Nazi regime. Even when Tom and Sunny manage to finally arrive in Sweden, their problems follow them. After arriving at a safe house in Britain, Tom is dismayed to discover the American plans for the 'package', plans he just cannot get on board with. With Britain needing US support, will Tom be able to find an alternative solution for the package, and even if he does, can he survive the dangers that have followed him to Cambridge?
Rory Clements latest addition is a riveting and gripping affair, full of tension and suspense, giving a picture of the nature of the Nazi regime in Berlin, such as the disinformation and propaganda being spread amongst children in schools. There are various key Nazis that inhabit the novel, including Martin Bormann, Fritz Todt and Hermann Goering and his wife, Emmy, with the bitter Nazi power struggles and their domestic rivalries. This is a wonderfully entertaining read, set in a historical period where the war is not going well, and includes the attack on Pearl Harbour, responsible for the entry of the US into the war in Europe and beyond. Great read. Many thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for an ARC.
April 12, 2020
This suspenseful engaging spy thriller is the 4th volume of the tremendous "Tom Wilde" series from the great author, Rory Clements.
Story-telling from this author is of a top-notch quality, all figures featuring in this spy thriller, whether they are real historical or great fictional, come vividly to life within this war story, and the historical details, which are explained at the end of the book, as well as the dark and menacing atmosphere and times of Nazi Germany come superbly off the pages.
It's for certain a spy thriller that will keep you spellbound from the very start until right to the end.
This book starts off in the Autumn of the year 1941, and Tom Wilde is sent on a secret mission to Nazi Germany to collect a package, and get that package safely to Britain.
That same package turns out to be the supposed unknown (lost) daughter of Adolf Hitler and his niece Angelica (Geli) Raubal, who has been named Klara Wolf, but now lives under the name Klara Rieger with her adoptive parents.
The man behind the hunt and search for Klara on the Nazis side is the insalubrious dangerous, Martin Bormann, the probable murderer in 1931 of Geli in an attempt to discover more about the mystery behind that child, when all of a sudden that same mystery has now somehow turned up, and so he's determined to do everything he can to keep it covered up from Adolf Hitler, if he wants to stay secure and alive himself.
What is to follow is a rollercoaster ride that will start in Berlin and will more or less end in and around Cambridge for Tom Wilde, Sunny Somerfeld and ten-year-old Klara, in an attempt to try and stay ahead from deadly enemies from Nazi Germany, and all along with Klara Wolf (Rieger) being used as a pawn in a devious deadly Nazi chess-game between on the one hand, Hermann Göring, and on the other, Martin Bormann, and each with their own agenda for power.
Highly recommended, for this is a fantastic fast-paced and action-packed spy thriller from a master author, and what this book is concerned I want to call it: "A Masterly Crafted Spy Thriller"!
Story-telling from this author is of a top-notch quality, all figures featuring in this spy thriller, whether they are real historical or great fictional, come vividly to life within this war story, and the historical details, which are explained at the end of the book, as well as the dark and menacing atmosphere and times of Nazi Germany come superbly off the pages.
It's for certain a spy thriller that will keep you spellbound from the very start until right to the end.
This book starts off in the Autumn of the year 1941, and Tom Wilde is sent on a secret mission to Nazi Germany to collect a package, and get that package safely to Britain.
That same package turns out to be the supposed unknown (lost) daughter of Adolf Hitler and his niece Angelica (Geli) Raubal, who has been named Klara Wolf, but now lives under the name Klara Rieger with her adoptive parents.
The man behind the hunt and search for Klara on the Nazis side is the insalubrious dangerous, Martin Bormann, the probable murderer in 1931 of Geli in an attempt to discover more about the mystery behind that child, when all of a sudden that same mystery has now somehow turned up, and so he's determined to do everything he can to keep it covered up from Adolf Hitler, if he wants to stay secure and alive himself.
What is to follow is a rollercoaster ride that will start in Berlin and will more or less end in and around Cambridge for Tom Wilde, Sunny Somerfeld and ten-year-old Klara, in an attempt to try and stay ahead from deadly enemies from Nazi Germany, and all along with Klara Wolf (Rieger) being used as a pawn in a devious deadly Nazi chess-game between on the one hand, Hermann Göring, and on the other, Martin Bormann, and each with their own agenda for power.
Highly recommended, for this is a fantastic fast-paced and action-packed spy thriller from a master author, and what this book is concerned I want to call it: "A Masterly Crafted Spy Thriller"!
February 17, 2020
8/10
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this. I was expecting similar to the previous Tom Wilde novels I read where they were decent enough and the setting was great but the story was just ok. In this outing things are shaken up a bit and we’re removed from war time Cambridge and sent behind enemy lines into Germany on a secret mission.
Admittedly, it seemed a bit forced to be sending Wilde on this mission and in afterthought it could have been any new character set away from this series but if you get past that then there was plenty of excitement and suspense whilst trying to stay hidden in sight with those pesky Nazi’s snooping around every corner.
This is where I thought the novel excelled; the atmosphere was terrifying and the fear that at any moment you could be sent off and never seen again depending on who you knew or what your beliefs were. I guess the period has to be one of the darkest in modern history and the author portrays it well and weaves a decent story through it.
I’d say this was a cut above from your normal thriller and I would recommend to anyone who wanted a taste of the era and a suspense ride.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this. I was expecting similar to the previous Tom Wilde novels I read where they were decent enough and the setting was great but the story was just ok. In this outing things are shaken up a bit and we’re removed from war time Cambridge and sent behind enemy lines into Germany on a secret mission.
Admittedly, it seemed a bit forced to be sending Wilde on this mission and in afterthought it could have been any new character set away from this series but if you get past that then there was plenty of excitement and suspense whilst trying to stay hidden in sight with those pesky Nazi’s snooping around every corner.
This is where I thought the novel excelled; the atmosphere was terrifying and the fear that at any moment you could be sent off and never seen again depending on who you knew or what your beliefs were. I guess the period has to be one of the darkest in modern history and the author portrays it well and weaves a decent story through it.
I’d say this was a cut above from your normal thriller and I would recommend to anyone who wanted a taste of the era and a suspense ride.
March 13, 2020
This was a very exciting book to read. It was full of chases and wartime exploits just like watching a film which is why I finished it so quickly.
It had the usual twists and turns which kept you guessing as to who was on who’s side. Some of the descriptions were a bit gruesome but, it’s nothing I hadn’t read before.
My thanks to Readers First and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
It had the usual twists and turns which kept you guessing as to who was on who’s side. Some of the descriptions were a bit gruesome but, it’s nothing I hadn’t read before.
My thanks to Readers First and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 19, 2020
thanks to netgalley and publishers for a free copy in return for open and honest review
The latest in the series is slightly different to the others but liked the idea of the plot being send behind enemy lines to obtain a package and the double dealings and the red herrings in the novel.
liked the novel as it kept me interested and wanting to know the next twist or turn.
The latest in the series is slightly different to the others but liked the idea of the plot being send behind enemy lines to obtain a package and the double dealings and the red herrings in the novel.
liked the novel as it kept me interested and wanting to know the next twist or turn.
January 23, 2020
To my mind, it’s always cause for celebration when a new book by Rory Clements is published, especially when it’s an addition to his terrific spy thriller series set in World War 2 and featuring Cambridge history professor, Tom Wilde.
Hitler’s Secret sees Tom transported from his usual Cambridge haunts to unfamiliar – in fact, enemy – territory in order to carry out a dangerous task that will see him become involved in political and personal intrigue that goes to the very top of the Third Reich.
The atmosphere of suspicion amongst the population of Germany is vividly evoked – informants everywhere, fear of denunciation or falling foul of the petty bureaucracy of permits. Words you definitely don’t want to hear – “Papers, please” and “Trust me”. And if that isn’t terrifying enough, the bad guys in the book are really bad (and they’re not all guys).
OK, the secret’s not a secret for very long and there are quite a few convenient coincidences and lucky escapes. However, as John Buchan wrote about his own spy thriller The Thirty-Nine Steps, it’s a genre ‘where the incidents defy the probabilities, and march just inside the borders of the possible’. And the plot of Hitler’s Secret progresses at such pace you don’t have time to ponder on the probabilities, you just get carried along wondering what’s going to happen next. Among the best bits of the book are when the action switches swiftly between the parallel storylines of different characters. Come to think of it, Tom Wilde is a rather Buchanesque hero with his facility for languages, for adopting disguises and operating deep undercover. His boxing training comes in useful as well.
Just when Tom believes he’s achieved his mission troubles – and further danger – await closer to home, sometimes from the most unlikely of sources. Plus he’s faced with a moral dilemma made more difficult by his own position as a new father. Is, as the saying goes, all’s fair in love and war?
I was missing the involvement of Tom’s partner, Lydia, up to this point but was pleased to see her play more of a role as the book builds to its nail-biting climax. And it wouldn’t be a Tom Wilde book without an appearance by his beloved Rudge Special motorcycle.
Hitler’s Secret is another terrific addition to the series and a thrilling and immersive read.
Hitler’s Secret sees Tom transported from his usual Cambridge haunts to unfamiliar – in fact, enemy – territory in order to carry out a dangerous task that will see him become involved in political and personal intrigue that goes to the very top of the Third Reich.
The atmosphere of suspicion amongst the population of Germany is vividly evoked – informants everywhere, fear of denunciation or falling foul of the petty bureaucracy of permits. Words you definitely don’t want to hear – “Papers, please” and “Trust me”. And if that isn’t terrifying enough, the bad guys in the book are really bad (and they’re not all guys).
OK, the secret’s not a secret for very long and there are quite a few convenient coincidences and lucky escapes. However, as John Buchan wrote about his own spy thriller The Thirty-Nine Steps, it’s a genre ‘where the incidents defy the probabilities, and march just inside the borders of the possible’. And the plot of Hitler’s Secret progresses at such pace you don’t have time to ponder on the probabilities, you just get carried along wondering what’s going to happen next. Among the best bits of the book are when the action switches swiftly between the parallel storylines of different characters. Come to think of it, Tom Wilde is a rather Buchanesque hero with his facility for languages, for adopting disguises and operating deep undercover. His boxing training comes in useful as well.
Just when Tom believes he’s achieved his mission troubles – and further danger – await closer to home, sometimes from the most unlikely of sources. Plus he’s faced with a moral dilemma made more difficult by his own position as a new father. Is, as the saying goes, all’s fair in love and war?
I was missing the involvement of Tom’s partner, Lydia, up to this point but was pleased to see her play more of a role as the book builds to its nail-biting climax. And it wouldn’t be a Tom Wilde book without an appearance by his beloved Rudge Special motorcycle.
Hitler’s Secret is another terrific addition to the series and a thrilling and immersive read.
October 1, 2019
I wasn't expecting a fourth Tom Wilde novel so this is an absolute treat! This is a wonderful series and now we're in the midst of war - 1941 - and Tom is sent on a deadly mission behind enemy lines to no less fearsome a city than Berlin. This is more linear and more straightforward a thriller than the others in the series (hence 4 and not 5 stars) but it is nevertheless excellent and very well told. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
October 7, 2019
The 4th book in the Tom Wilde series is set in Autumn 1941, with Nazi Germany triumphant throughout Western Europe and its invasion of the Soviet Union bringing nothing but success. Cambridge University history professor Tom Wilde is contacted by his British intelligence contact Philip Eaton who passes him on to an American intelligence officer, Bodie Cashbone. Cashbone wants Tom to go to Germany and smuggle out a special package which could change the course of the war.
Once in Berlin, Tom discovers what the mystery package is and that Hitler's private secretary, Martin Bormann, will do anything to prevent it from leaving the country. As Hitler's right hand man, Bormann has unlimited power and sends two ruthless killers to hunt down and kill Tom and anyone else who has learned the secret of the mysterious package.
Tom is aided in his bid to escape from Germany by the widow of a Luftwaffe hero, and his old friend from the American Embassy in Berlin, Jim Vandenberg.
The fast-moving action switches between Berlin and various parts of the German countryside as Tom makes a desperate bid to return home. But, gradually, he realises that the secret he has uncovered must never be revealed, even if it means him foiling the plans of American intelligence. He begins to worry about who he can really trust. As the body count rises, another vicious killer joins the hunt for Tom. It's hard to give more details about the plot because that would involve a major spoiler. At times the story stretches credulity a little too far, but this is fiction and the book deals with matters which deal with Hitler's personal history rather than his politics and the events of World War 2.
As usual, author Rory Clements has done his research and throughout the book there is a wealth of historical detail. Various senior Nazis such as Fritz Todt, Heinrich Himmler, Herman Goering and his wife Emmy, as well as Martin Bormann, make an appearance and Clements perfectly captures the atmosphere of the paranoia rampant in Germany in 1941 with different individuals and intelligence departments vying with each other to gain the upper hand. Despite the Nazis' iron grip on the people of Germany, we find that there are still ordinary people doing their best to fight against the ruthless murderers who now rule their country. This a gripping spy thriller with unusual plot twists right from the start.
Thanks to Bonnier Zaffre and NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
Once in Berlin, Tom discovers what the mystery package is and that Hitler's private secretary, Martin Bormann, will do anything to prevent it from leaving the country. As Hitler's right hand man, Bormann has unlimited power and sends two ruthless killers to hunt down and kill Tom and anyone else who has learned the secret of the mysterious package.
Tom is aided in his bid to escape from Germany by the widow of a Luftwaffe hero, and his old friend from the American Embassy in Berlin, Jim Vandenberg.
The fast-moving action switches between Berlin and various parts of the German countryside as Tom makes a desperate bid to return home. But, gradually, he realises that the secret he has uncovered must never be revealed, even if it means him foiling the plans of American intelligence. He begins to worry about who he can really trust. As the body count rises, another vicious killer joins the hunt for Tom. It's hard to give more details about the plot because that would involve a major spoiler. At times the story stretches credulity a little too far, but this is fiction and the book deals with matters which deal with Hitler's personal history rather than his politics and the events of World War 2.
As usual, author Rory Clements has done his research and throughout the book there is a wealth of historical detail. Various senior Nazis such as Fritz Todt, Heinrich Himmler, Herman Goering and his wife Emmy, as well as Martin Bormann, make an appearance and Clements perfectly captures the atmosphere of the paranoia rampant in Germany in 1941 with different individuals and intelligence departments vying with each other to gain the upper hand. Despite the Nazis' iron grip on the people of Germany, we find that there are still ordinary people doing their best to fight against the ruthless murderers who now rule their country. This a gripping spy thriller with unusual plot twists right from the start.
Thanks to Bonnier Zaffre and NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
January 18, 2020
A good read which kept me reading well into the night. It takes you right back to the reality of Hitlers reign - the descriptions of the time, the nazis, the hierarchy. The story centres around secret agents and spies rather than military and war time specifically. It shows the mix of friendships and relationships across nationalities which was a little unexpected, and shows not all Germans were bad but rather living life under a tyrant. . A recommended read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 26, 2020
The fourth in the highly acclaimed Tom Wilde series.
It is now 1941, the Germans are making advances on the Eastern front, Tom who is now living with Lydia and their son in Cambridge is contacted by Philip Eaton in conjunction with the Americans and asked to go into Germany and retrieve and return a package. Unbeknownst to Tom at the time the package is actually a girl believed to be Hitlers daughter.
The only problem is that Hitlers right hand man Martin Bormann is equally determined that that doesn’t happen.
Entering Germany under an alias, Tom soon meets up with his old friend Jim Vandenberg and is told to contact Sunny Somerfeld who will help lead Tom and the girl to safety.
So begins a cat and mouse chase with Bormanns henchmen not far behind and at times in front of Wilde and getting the girl out of Germany will only be half of the problems Tom will encounter.
Rory Clements manages to produce a masterpiece in a suspenseful, tension filled thriller, combined with the plenty of research to make this a highly compelling read a wonderful mix of fact and fiction.
As you would expect from a novel set during the war there are unpleasant scenes but these only add to tension, the horrors and risks that people undertook and endured are wonderfully dealt with, the violence is not there just to glorify the story but to add a depth and realism. The risks that people undertook should never be underestimated.
Obviously you have a mix of real and fictitious characters all superbly brought to life on the page, with a clever mix of deception it is difficult to know at times who you can trust and just whose side who is on.
The book is to some degree split into two parts, however, the plotting and pace of the story is spot on.
Overall this is a cleverly constructed and intelligent, thriller engaging and fast paced.
It is a book that draws the reader in once there it is hard to put down
One of those books where you want to take in every word and thanks to the authors creativity and writing you can feel yourself there as the action unfolds.
I must admit that I have been a fan of this series from the first book and whilst this is the fourth in the series it can easily be read as a stand-alone, it is a series that goes from strength to strength.
This will definitely be one of my top reads of 2020 and one that I heartily recommend
It is now 1941, the Germans are making advances on the Eastern front, Tom who is now living with Lydia and their son in Cambridge is contacted by Philip Eaton in conjunction with the Americans and asked to go into Germany and retrieve and return a package. Unbeknownst to Tom at the time the package is actually a girl believed to be Hitlers daughter.
The only problem is that Hitlers right hand man Martin Bormann is equally determined that that doesn’t happen.
Entering Germany under an alias, Tom soon meets up with his old friend Jim Vandenberg and is told to contact Sunny Somerfeld who will help lead Tom and the girl to safety.
So begins a cat and mouse chase with Bormanns henchmen not far behind and at times in front of Wilde and getting the girl out of Germany will only be half of the problems Tom will encounter.
Rory Clements manages to produce a masterpiece in a suspenseful, tension filled thriller, combined with the plenty of research to make this a highly compelling read a wonderful mix of fact and fiction.
As you would expect from a novel set during the war there are unpleasant scenes but these only add to tension, the horrors and risks that people undertook and endured are wonderfully dealt with, the violence is not there just to glorify the story but to add a depth and realism. The risks that people undertook should never be underestimated.
Obviously you have a mix of real and fictitious characters all superbly brought to life on the page, with a clever mix of deception it is difficult to know at times who you can trust and just whose side who is on.
The book is to some degree split into two parts, however, the plotting and pace of the story is spot on.
Overall this is a cleverly constructed and intelligent, thriller engaging and fast paced.
It is a book that draws the reader in once there it is hard to put down
One of those books where you want to take in every word and thanks to the authors creativity and writing you can feel yourself there as the action unfolds.
I must admit that I have been a fan of this series from the first book and whilst this is the fourth in the series it can easily be read as a stand-alone, it is a series that goes from strength to strength.
This will definitely be one of my top reads of 2020 and one that I heartily recommend
January 3, 2020
When I requested this on NetGalley I was fascinated by the idea of the story, and had no idea this was part of a series. I was concerned that it would make little sense on its own - and I’m sure some of these characters and their relationships would be clearer if you knew the previous books - but I worried needlessly.
In this book, Tom Wilde is called upon to carry out what can best be described as a foolish mission: to travel to Germany and remove a package of extreme importance. What nobody tells him is that the package is actually a ten year old girl thought to be the secret daughter of Adolf Hitler.
From the outset we are witness to some unpleasant events. This is a regime built on terror, and some of the behaviours shown are chilling. There’s still good guys, and though we’re not always sure of the boundaries we have to place our trust in them.
The book takes us through a number of terrifying scenarios. It’s enough to make anyone applaud the bravery of those who risk their life for such situations, even if we’re also shaking our heads in sorrow at the brutality and callousness shown by some inherently selfish characters.
The backdrop to the story seemed plausible, and the blending of fact and fiction creates an interesting atmosphere. I was pleased that we were offered another viable reality for Klara at the end of the book, but I’m guessing there’ll be more to come from Wilde.
In this book, Tom Wilde is called upon to carry out what can best be described as a foolish mission: to travel to Germany and remove a package of extreme importance. What nobody tells him is that the package is actually a ten year old girl thought to be the secret daughter of Adolf Hitler.
From the outset we are witness to some unpleasant events. This is a regime built on terror, and some of the behaviours shown are chilling. There’s still good guys, and though we’re not always sure of the boundaries we have to place our trust in them.
The book takes us through a number of terrifying scenarios. It’s enough to make anyone applaud the bravery of those who risk their life for such situations, even if we’re also shaking our heads in sorrow at the brutality and callousness shown by some inherently selfish characters.
The backdrop to the story seemed plausible, and the blending of fact and fiction creates an interesting atmosphere. I was pleased that we were offered another viable reality for Klara at the end of the book, but I’m guessing there’ll be more to come from Wilde.
December 30, 2019
Received this as an ARC from Netgalley.
I hadn’t realised this was in a series or I would have started at the beginning.
I’ve always liked ‘what if’ stories and always been fascinated by the way Hitler acquired such support back in the 1930s. I understand a little better as we see the growth of populism in the world today. Simple solutions for complex problems and target scapegoats. We see a well established Nazi Germany and the detail is very convincing. However I struggled with is as it seemed to meander.
This book just never worked for me. Boorman remained an inexplicable monster.
The other characters generally never came to life and the plot lacked real substance. It’s well written, but I think it could have done with some judicious editing to tighten it all up.
I hadn’t realised this was in a series or I would have started at the beginning.
I’ve always liked ‘what if’ stories and always been fascinated by the way Hitler acquired such support back in the 1930s. I understand a little better as we see the growth of populism in the world today. Simple solutions for complex problems and target scapegoats. We see a well established Nazi Germany and the detail is very convincing. However I struggled with is as it seemed to meander.
This book just never worked for me. Boorman remained an inexplicable monster.
The other characters generally never came to life and the plot lacked real substance. It’s well written, but I think it could have done with some judicious editing to tighten it all up.
November 15, 2019
1941 and (as featured in two previous books) a professor and part time spy is sent to Germany to retrieve a package which turns out to be a young girl. So we have a chase across Germany and then the action moves to England.
Hmm, an odd one this. The bad guys have been shipped straight out of “evil bad guys” central casting and the dialogue I found to a little formulaic and stilted. Perhaps things could have improved with a clever plot or premise, but that didn’t really work either. There is a good story trying to get out but it doesn’t quite make it.
Hmm, an odd one this. The bad guys have been shipped straight out of “evil bad guys” central casting and the dialogue I found to a little formulaic and stilted. Perhaps things could have improved with a clever plot or premise, but that didn’t really work either. There is a good story trying to get out but it doesn’t quite make it.
August 31, 2021
Very good read. Basically a chase throughout as Tom Wilde is sent to Germany to bring back a package that could change the course of WW2. The basis is a little implausible but the chase is compelling as various agencies from the Nazis and the Allies try and exploit, or terminate, the package. High body count and just a great little adventure story. Worth a place on your book shelves.
September 19, 2023
Another great slice of alternative history from Rory. I love how this author takes a little know fact from history and runs with it. He wraps it up into a great package that grips the reader and doesn't let go. Recommended
April 7, 2020
Would probably not recommend this book - it was very easy to read and had several connected storylines, which was good, because the main one was boring on its own! The author used good language, and a good mix of dialogue and description - but I could have done without ‘considerable girth’ being used quite so much as an indicator of a person’s weight.
The characters were dull, stereotypical, and the author didn’t make any attempt to add interesting or unexpected features to them - the men were violent sex-driven and strong, and the women were vulnerable at best, and pathetic at worst - and always in need of saving... by men, of course.
The main storyline itself was not entirely convincing - would any government really care about one child that much? Especially as, up until now, she had not been perceived as a problem. Also, would the Germans have really been that easy to shake off? Lots of conveniences throughout - there happens to be a handy underground hiding place, an empty house at their disposal, and a conveniently timed mystery virus.
The unambitious plot was the main issue for me: the so-called ‘catastrophic consequences’ of this girl’s existence were not properly explored or explained. I don’t believe therefore that the main ‘problem’ of the story was really thought about by the author and was instead just a fairly flimsy way of creating an exciting game of cat and mouse across Europe.
I was left struggling to sympathise for the main characters, and the urgency of saving one child - in a wartime era where millions were dying was entirely lost on me. Why would Hitler’s conscience-lacking supporters care that he knocked up his niece? And Karla wasn’t even a very pleasant character to boot! Further, this storyline gave me an uncomfortable feeling; to portray saving one privileged white nazi child as a world-changing act of heroism, whilst 20 million Jewish people were being killed just doesn’t sit well with me and I couldn’t whole-heartedly root for the success of the mission.
Even the attempt at a plot twist at the end of the story where we’re left to consider that the initials AH could have been for a different father, was not done with any conviction or with any real significance to any of the characters.
This was a fairly shallow, easy-reading, fast paced story, full of action and movement, with boring characters who I did not empathise with. The simple storylines unfolded in parallel to one another and came together at the end, conveniently.
Overall, I was pretty happy when it was finished, disappointed with the ending, and pleased to be moving onto something else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2020
This is Rory Clements on top form, and he certainly gives you a run for your money.
Tom Wilde is back, and the year is 1941. Settled with Lydia and their young son, he must be mad to accept any kind of assignment which takes him to Germany - but being Tom, of course he does.
I couldn't put this down. Beautifully written and well researched, it probes deeply into the disturbing truth of Germany and its people during that time, with a very credible yet audacious plot. I can't say any more without giving anything away. Highly recommended.
Five stars, well earned. Would I read it again? You bet!!
Tom Wilde is back, and the year is 1941. Settled with Lydia and their young son, he must be mad to accept any kind of assignment which takes him to Germany - but being Tom, of course he does.
I couldn't put this down. Beautifully written and well researched, it probes deeply into the disturbing truth of Germany and its people during that time, with a very credible yet audacious plot. I can't say any more without giving anything away. Highly recommended.
Five stars, well earned. Would I read it again? You bet!!
February 2, 2020
In 1941 a professor called Tom Wilde is asked by American intelligence to smuggle a mysterious "package" out of Germany that might just topple the Third Reich.
He has no idea what the package is and only discovers what it is once behind enemy lines and it is now crystal clear why the Germans must stop him at all costs from delivering it into allied hands.
So starts an epic race across Europe to compete his mission with ruthless murderers got on his tail who will stop at nothing to see him fail.
This was incredible and one of the most exciting war stories I have read in a while.
I have never read this author before but have already followed his FB page and will be looking out for more oh his work in future!
He has no idea what the package is and only discovers what it is once behind enemy lines and it is now crystal clear why the Germans must stop him at all costs from delivering it into allied hands.
So starts an epic race across Europe to compete his mission with ruthless murderers got on his tail who will stop at nothing to see him fail.
This was incredible and one of the most exciting war stories I have read in a while.
I have never read this author before but have already followed his FB page and will be looking out for more oh his work in future!
July 10, 2021
It's late 1941, the war is not going well, and Tom Wilde is called upon by an American intelligence officer to undertake a mission both dangerous and mysterious: He is to travel to Germany in the guise of an American businessman and retrieve a package to smuggle back to Britain. What he doesn't know is that the package in question is a little girl - one whom Martin Bormann is determined to have killed.
The plot in this one rests on some very intriguing speculation, and the book was just as relentlessly gripping as I've come to expect from this series. Might just be the best one yet.
The plot in this one rests on some very intriguing speculation, and the book was just as relentlessly gripping as I've come to expect from this series. Might just be the best one yet.
October 22, 2023
Another solid 3.5 stars and enjoyable read about the continuing exploits of Professor Tom Wilde as he continues to thwart the dastardly Nazis and their diabolical plans.
Difficult to comprehend how grim and anxious life under that regime in their home country and sphere of influence must have been for so many of the population. A truly dreadful time that rippled out violently across much of the globe.
Difficult to comprehend how grim and anxious life under that regime in their home country and sphere of influence must have been for so many of the population. A truly dreadful time that rippled out violently across much of the globe.
May 1, 2023
After a trip to Berlin I decided to read this book with the idea of submerging myself into the History of Germany. All I can say is that Rory Clements has introduced me in the darkest side of the Second World War: espionage, corruption, agreements between members of the highest positions, betrayal, etc.
As a “but”, I would mention that I didn’t understand some chapters that were mainly written using very specific war-related vocabulary.
In my opinion, this is a very entertaining book that leads you to the knowledge of the cruellest reality of Europe.
As a “but”, I would mention that I didn’t understand some chapters that were mainly written using very specific war-related vocabulary.
In my opinion, this is a very entertaining book that leads you to the knowledge of the cruellest reality of Europe.
March 16, 2023
Given that so much has been written about Herr Hitler, and so much is known, it is surprising to find an author basing a story around the idea of a hitherto unknown daughter. Obviously if you feel comfortable with that starting point then you are in with a chance of enjoying this book. I struggled with a scarcely believable story line which was heavy on cliche and unconvincingly written. Elements of the plot required a huge suspension of belief and eventually the whole thing collapsed like a pack of cards in a poorly constructed pyramid.
January 22, 2020
Not only am I a book geek, but I am also a history nerd. I find the Second World War particularly fascinating and I love to read books set during that time. I have a little confession to make. Although I have all of the previous books in the Tom Wilde series on my ever increasing 'to be read' mountain, I haven't actually got round to reading them yet...until now. Now I have discovered how fantastic a writer Rory is, I can guarantee that those books will not be on my 'TBR' mountain for that much longer. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Hitler's Secret' but more about that in a bit.
It didn't take me long to get into this story. Without giving too much away, I was intrigued to find out just what 'Hitler's Secret' was. Let's just say that it is something which has been a rumour for quite a while. I made the fatal mistake of starting to read the book shortly before I went to bed. Let's just say that sleep was delayed for quite some time because I couldn't bear to put the book down. I had to force myself to switch the lamp off. Whilst reading this book, the pages turned at a furious rate. The more of the book I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I binge read the book over the course of a couple of days, which helped me to get a sense of the urgency of Wilde's mission.
'Hitler's Secret' is superbly written. The author has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. The author drew me into the book from the synopsis alone and the story sealed the deal as it were. I loved the way in which the author has taken real life events and real life characters and turned them into such a fantastic book. As I mention above the secret is something that has been a rumour for years and I loved the way in which the author has taken that rumour and turned it into a compelling and believable thriller. The author described the story so well that as I was reading the text, I was imagining the story playing out in my head. The author uses such vivid and powerful descriptions that I felt that I had borrowed the Tardis and flown back to the Second World War. The author has perfectly captured the brutality of the Nazi regime as it was back then.
Reading 'Hitler's Secret' was like being on one hell of an unpredictable and scary rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Just when you thought that you could catch your breath and reclaim your stomach then off the action would go again. On several occasions I almost had to read through my fingers as I feared what was going to happen next. Certain parts of the book made me wince as if I was the one being tortured or chased. If you like to read books that make your heart rate soar, your blood pressure rocket and make you bite your nails then 'Hitler's Secret' is the book for you.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Hitler's Secret' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. Now I have discovered just how great an author Rory Clements is, I will be reading the other books in the 'Tom Wilde' series just as soon as I can. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It didn't take me long to get into this story. Without giving too much away, I was intrigued to find out just what 'Hitler's Secret' was. Let's just say that it is something which has been a rumour for quite a while. I made the fatal mistake of starting to read the book shortly before I went to bed. Let's just say that sleep was delayed for quite some time because I couldn't bear to put the book down. I had to force myself to switch the lamp off. Whilst reading this book, the pages turned at a furious rate. The more of the book I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I binge read the book over the course of a couple of days, which helped me to get a sense of the urgency of Wilde's mission.
'Hitler's Secret' is superbly written. The author has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. The author drew me into the book from the synopsis alone and the story sealed the deal as it were. I loved the way in which the author has taken real life events and real life characters and turned them into such a fantastic book. As I mention above the secret is something that has been a rumour for years and I loved the way in which the author has taken that rumour and turned it into a compelling and believable thriller. The author described the story so well that as I was reading the text, I was imagining the story playing out in my head. The author uses such vivid and powerful descriptions that I felt that I had borrowed the Tardis and flown back to the Second World War. The author has perfectly captured the brutality of the Nazi regime as it was back then.
Reading 'Hitler's Secret' was like being on one hell of an unpredictable and scary rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Just when you thought that you could catch your breath and reclaim your stomach then off the action would go again. On several occasions I almost had to read through my fingers as I feared what was going to happen next. Certain parts of the book made me wince as if I was the one being tortured or chased. If you like to read books that make your heart rate soar, your blood pressure rocket and make you bite your nails then 'Hitler's Secret' is the book for you.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Hitler's Secret' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. Now I have discovered just how great an author Rory Clements is, I will be reading the other books in the 'Tom Wilde' series just as soon as I can. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
April 10, 2020
I love most books set in the Second World War so this instantly appealed. I was not let down.
Rory Clements has created an intriguing character in the form of Tom Wilde. At first appearance he is a professor at Cambridge and not someone you would think capable of a secret spy mission right into the heart of Germany during the Second World War. However, Clements slowly unveils layer after layer of Tom.
Tom is joined, on his mission to remove Hitler's secret love child from Germany, by Sunny Somerfeld, an American/German woman who has friends in high places within the Third Reich.
Klara, Hitler's suspected child, is what I would think of if I had to think of a child in Germany during that era. She blindly believes in what she is taught at school and through her involvement in the female version of the Hitler Youth. Her adoptive parents disagree but in Third Reich Germany they cannot risk Klara saying anything against the regime, particularly given who she is and their aim to hide her.
Klara does not know who her father may be so Tom and Sunny have to get her cooperation to leave the country while dealing with her complete faith in that country. It is a very precarious position and it comes across very well in the novel.
Some well known characters feature in the novel and they felt authentic in their actions and attitudes so it is clearly well researched.
The other characters range from American spies, British diplomats, a wealthy British man who has interests in the Third Reich, local friends of Tom and his partner Lydia and so on. There is a real range of characters here and they all fit their roles perfectly.
The plot, although initially could be seen as far fetched, actually felt so realistic that it made me wonder 'did Hitler have a child that no one in the general public ever found out about'? It also made me question the power dynamics at the top of the regime and piqued my curiosity about this period of History even more than it was already.
Great for fans of Robert Harris' Fatherland or Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther series.
Thanks to Zaffre, Netgalley and the author for the chance to read this ARC. I will definitely be recommending Tom Wilde's escapades to others and will keep up with him in future titles from Rory Clements.
Rory Clements has created an intriguing character in the form of Tom Wilde. At first appearance he is a professor at Cambridge and not someone you would think capable of a secret spy mission right into the heart of Germany during the Second World War. However, Clements slowly unveils layer after layer of Tom.
Tom is joined, on his mission to remove Hitler's secret love child from Germany, by Sunny Somerfeld, an American/German woman who has friends in high places within the Third Reich.
Klara, Hitler's suspected child, is what I would think of if I had to think of a child in Germany during that era. She blindly believes in what she is taught at school and through her involvement in the female version of the Hitler Youth. Her adoptive parents disagree but in Third Reich Germany they cannot risk Klara saying anything against the regime, particularly given who she is and their aim to hide her.
Klara does not know who her father may be so Tom and Sunny have to get her cooperation to leave the country while dealing with her complete faith in that country. It is a very precarious position and it comes across very well in the novel.
Some well known characters feature in the novel and they felt authentic in their actions and attitudes so it is clearly well researched.
The other characters range from American spies, British diplomats, a wealthy British man who has interests in the Third Reich, local friends of Tom and his partner Lydia and so on. There is a real range of characters here and they all fit their roles perfectly.
The plot, although initially could be seen as far fetched, actually felt so realistic that it made me wonder 'did Hitler have a child that no one in the general public ever found out about'? It also made me question the power dynamics at the top of the regime and piqued my curiosity about this period of History even more than it was already.
Great for fans of Robert Harris' Fatherland or Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther series.
Thanks to Zaffre, Netgalley and the author for the chance to read this ARC. I will definitely be recommending Tom Wilde's escapades to others and will keep up with him in future titles from Rory Clements.
January 22, 2020
I enjoyed Rory Clements’ first book in his Tom Wilde series, Corpus so much that I decided to look out for more of his books. But somehow I missed the next two books as Hitler’s Secret is the fourth book in the series. Luckily for me, it reads perfectly as a standalone, although at some point I would like to read the books I missed.
This is a complicated novel and I am not going to attempt to describe all the details. Just before the USA’s entry into the Second World War, Cambridge professor Tom Wilde, an American, is smuggled into Nazi Germany at the instigation of an American intelligence officer to collect a mysterious package from Berlin. He isn’t told what is in the package, but I thought it was obvious from quite early in the book what it was. I think that increased the tension and suspense throughout the book and at several points in the story, I just couldn’t imagine how Tom would succeed in his mission as he is pursued by numerous people including the powerful Nazi, Martin Borman and his agents. Hermann Goering and his wife Emmy also play an important role in the story as does the internal struggle for power under Hitler, whereas Hitler himself does not appear.
I enjoyed all of it – the somewhat predictable plot, the amazing coincidences, the chase across Germany and the Baltic, the doubtful characters, as well as all the twists and turns and seemingly impossible situations that they encounter. It’s fast paced, full of action, danger, violence and double-cross – a most satisfying and compelling thriller. The ending in England is also intriguing, full of heart stopping moments in scenes that had my head whirling. Needless to say really, but I was gripped by this book and I just had to find out what happened. I think the last final twist about Hitler’s secret was very well done.
My thanks to the publishers for my review copy via NetGalley.
This is a complicated novel and I am not going to attempt to describe all the details. Just before the USA’s entry into the Second World War, Cambridge professor Tom Wilde, an American, is smuggled into Nazi Germany at the instigation of an American intelligence officer to collect a mysterious package from Berlin. He isn’t told what is in the package, but I thought it was obvious from quite early in the book what it was. I think that increased the tension and suspense throughout the book and at several points in the story, I just couldn’t imagine how Tom would succeed in his mission as he is pursued by numerous people including the powerful Nazi, Martin Borman and his agents. Hermann Goering and his wife Emmy also play an important role in the story as does the internal struggle for power under Hitler, whereas Hitler himself does not appear.
I enjoyed all of it – the somewhat predictable plot, the amazing coincidences, the chase across Germany and the Baltic, the doubtful characters, as well as all the twists and turns and seemingly impossible situations that they encounter. It’s fast paced, full of action, danger, violence and double-cross – a most satisfying and compelling thriller. The ending in England is also intriguing, full of heart stopping moments in scenes that had my head whirling. Needless to say really, but I was gripped by this book and I just had to find out what happened. I think the last final twist about Hitler’s secret was very well done.
My thanks to the publishers for my review copy via NetGalley.
January 24, 2020
This is part of the Tom Wilde series, although it was my first outing with him. Tom Wilde is a Cambridge History Professor and the setting for this story is Autumn 1941.
The war isn't going particularly well for us against Germany so when an American Intelligence Officer approaches Tom, he persuades him that he is the right man to travel to Germany and retrieve a package, one that has been well hidden for the last ten years. The package is a game-changer that even Hitler is unaware of. Tom is given a new identity and says farewell to his wife Lydia and young son.
As soon as Tom sets his foot on Germany soil the story becomes one almighty intense hold your breath adrenaline rush. He speaks some German and some French but neither enough to be a native of either country. His accomplice in Germany is a fabulous character. Meanwhile, Bormann, Hitler's righthand man who is feared by anyone that knows him and those that only know his name, is also trying to get to the package at the same time. His psycho thugs enjoy their work a little too much, in order to get the information that they need.
What an absolutely top-class book this is, Tom Wilde is a superb character, a truly good guy that just doesn't follow an order because it came from the side he is fighting for, he is a rebel that does the right thing. The story doesn't lose its high level of action after he leaves Germany but follows him home to Britain. Heart in my mouth moments increased on every turn of the pages. Brilliant ending.
I have been left wanting more from this author and Tom Wilde so the good thing about coming in at the fourth book is I have three more to go at. Very highly recommended.
The war isn't going particularly well for us against Germany so when an American Intelligence Officer approaches Tom, he persuades him that he is the right man to travel to Germany and retrieve a package, one that has been well hidden for the last ten years. The package is a game-changer that even Hitler is unaware of. Tom is given a new identity and says farewell to his wife Lydia and young son.
As soon as Tom sets his foot on Germany soil the story becomes one almighty intense hold your breath adrenaline rush. He speaks some German and some French but neither enough to be a native of either country. His accomplice in Germany is a fabulous character. Meanwhile, Bormann, Hitler's righthand man who is feared by anyone that knows him and those that only know his name, is also trying to get to the package at the same time. His psycho thugs enjoy their work a little too much, in order to get the information that they need.
What an absolutely top-class book this is, Tom Wilde is a superb character, a truly good guy that just doesn't follow an order because it came from the side he is fighting for, he is a rebel that does the right thing. The story doesn't lose its high level of action after he leaves Germany but follows him home to Britain. Heart in my mouth moments increased on every turn of the pages. Brilliant ending.
I have been left wanting more from this author and Tom Wilde so the good thing about coming in at the fourth book is I have three more to go at. Very highly recommended.
July 29, 2021
Fourth in Rory Clements series following American Cambridge University History Professor, and part-time spy Tom Wilde.
This is a bit of a different book to the previous titles in the series - set in 1942, Wilde is commissioned by the intelligence services to smuggle ‘a package’ out of Germany. Rather than the more subtle espionage thriller, this is book is much faster paced, largely set in Nazi Germany and less focussed on Wilde and his close circle.
It’s a great book though, as always with this series, creating fiction from historical facts and event. It’s at times uncomfortable, showing the brutality of life in Nazi Germany - but the setting really makes this book.
It’s a great read - I’m really enjoying this series.
This is a bit of a different book to the previous titles in the series - set in 1942, Wilde is commissioned by the intelligence services to smuggle ‘a package’ out of Germany. Rather than the more subtle espionage thriller, this is book is much faster paced, largely set in Nazi Germany and less focussed on Wilde and his close circle.
It’s a great book though, as always with this series, creating fiction from historical facts and event. It’s at times uncomfortable, showing the brutality of life in Nazi Germany - but the setting really makes this book.
It’s a great read - I’m really enjoying this series.
October 10, 2023
My second Rory Clements book featuring the WW2 spy Tom Wilde. Once again a very engaging story, so much so that I couldn't stop reading. This time he is sent off to retrieve a 'package' and his mission is extremely dangerous. It is 1941 and the Germans have the upper hand in the war. Tom is given an alias in order to find out information. There are some very harrowing scenes described as the story progresses and the cruelty and determination of the Nazis is very graphic. There are many real life people in the book, such as Martin Bormann and Herman Goering. Some of the events are implausible and there are many coincidences but it still makes for a thrilling read. For me this series is a cut above the average thriller and I already have another book featuring Tom Wilde to read.
January 1, 2020
Interesting premise and a good story.
A "What If" thriller setting an alternate narrative for World War 2. The setting is 1941 and we're in the period not long before the Americans join the War.
Britain s not faring too well, and Tom Wilde is sent on a mission to Germany to collect a package and escape with it and bring it home to Britain. It's not till he arrives in Germany that he finds the package is something quite different to what he was expecting.
A "What If" thriller setting an alternate narrative for World War 2. The setting is 1941 and we're in the period not long before the Americans join the War.
Britain s not faring too well, and Tom Wilde is sent on a mission to Germany to collect a package and escape with it and bring it home to Britain. It's not till he arrives in Germany that he finds the package is something quite different to what he was expecting.
March 23, 2022
Hitler’s Secret was a book of two halves (Brian). It began in Germany with Tom Wilde on a secret mission to collect a package. This first part was predictable and dull and littered with real characters like Boorman and Goering’s wife.
The second half was back in Cambridge and was thrilling with a very exciting and satisfying climax.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of ‘39, all published by sacristy Press.
The second half was back in Cambridge and was thrilling with a very exciting and satisfying climax.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of ‘39, all published by sacristy Press.
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