3.5
I was fully engaged in this yarn from the start. It is basically a romance set against the background of the Second World War, but it covers aspects of the conflict that I was only vaguely aware of. So, at the same time as naturally hoping boy gets girl (because we do, don't we?), there was all this other stuff going on. It was well-researched and an easy read - actually did it in a few hours one day when I was ill. The main criticisms I have are with the characters, which didn't always ring true; the male lead, for example, seemed inconsistent and his dad's behaviour was somewhat bizarre. But it's still a good read!

Having previous read John Buchan and George Bellairs crime novels set in either World War, but generally confined to the British shores, I was intriged by this book taking place in the period one year before the major conflicts started.
The writing was very compelling with many historical characters involved in the plot.
Highly recommended read.

In this book, Detective Inspector Cameron Ross reluctantly takes on an investigative assignment for his father, who works for British intelligence, placing him in 1938 Berlin. While on the job there, he meets a young woman musician, Ulrike, and is also recruited to do some intelligence work of his own. Both of these events alter his world in far-reaching ways. I was pleased to read a copy of this book through Netgalley. I found the writing to be compelling, with well-paced action, an interesting setting and a far reaching plot. I was also impressed with the character development portrayed throughout the book. Highly recommend.

A bit too contrived for my liking

Having read Robert Ryan’s Dr John Watson’s WW1 series I was looking forward to this, however I sorry to say I found it little too contrived.

The period detail and historical facts are sound, but there were a few too many implausible coincidences for me.

It’s an entertaining read that progresses at quite a pace, but not credible enough for me.

I have read everything Ryan has written. This book reminds me of an Alan Forest thriller but much more accessible, but no less intelligent. WWII thriller - well written , smarty and genuinely thrilling. Read this and all his books.