Cover Image: The Kaiser's Web

The Kaiser's Web

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Member Reviews

Steve Berry gives us another good tale. There is suspense - will Germany replace their dedicated Chancellor with a right wing candidate?
Is there skulduggery behind the scenes? Are there secrets from the past, the post War nazi past? Of course there are and Steve Berry will reveal all in a thrilling tale.

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I am a big Cotton Malone fan and this book doesn’t disappoint. I enjoy all the countries and places that are described in Steve Berry’s books. The pictures he describes in Germany, Switzerland and Bavaria make me want to travel there. This book was fast moving and kept you thinking. I enjoyed this book and the plot. Cotton Malone fans will love it. Thank you to NetGalley, St Martin’s Press and Minotaur books for the free advance copy of this book.

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As much as I enjoy Cotton Malone's adventures, this one felt like I was plodding through too much information. Mr. Berry seems to want to teach more than entertain.

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I truly enjoyed reading this book. The fact that Steve Berry can so deftly marry history and fiction to make his books so enjoyable is a credit to his abilities. I had a great time sipping my coffee and reading this latest book in the Cotton Malone series. I own most of the books in this series. I plan on adding this one to my collection.

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Two candidates are vying to become Chancellor of Germany. One is a patriot having served for the past sixteen years, the other a usurper, stoking the flames of nationalistic hate. Both harbor secrets, but only one knows the truth about the other. They are on a collision course, all turning on the events of one fateful day — April 30, 1945 — and what happened deep beneath Berlin in the Fürherbunker. Did Adolph Hitler and Eva Braun die there? Did Martin Bormann, Hitler’s close confidant, manage to escape? And, even more important, where did billions in Nazi wealth disappear to in the waning days of World War II? The answers to these questions will determine who becomes the next Chancellor of Germany.

Former agent Cotton Malone is tasked with finding out the truth before it is too late to alter the course of history. As he tracks down rumors, he is shadowed by people determined to keep Nazi connections and secrets buried. Steve Berry is adept at weaving real historical events into his fiction to create believable and propulsive narratives. In The Kaiser's Web, we are drawn back to that time of turmoil, but also drawn deeper in Cotton Malone's relationship with, and feelings for, Cassiopeia Vitt. This is the 16th Cotton Malone adventure, and probably Berry's best. Highly recommended.

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The Kaiser’s Web is the 16th installment in the Cotton Malone series, and finds him and Cassiopeia Vitt embroiled in elections in Germany. This all revolves around what happened in Hitler’s bunker, and provides the backdrop for an intriguing story that details the ugly past of Nazi Germany. Another solid read in this series, the plot is easy to follow (and less complicated that some previous books in the series). It’s heavy on the chase and less on the violence, and I think it’s the best Malone book in a while. Definitely a 5 star read. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Kaiser's Web is Steve Berry at his finest. It is a story that seeks the truth about WWII secrets while cautioning against real modern issues and how we reconcile with the past. It is always fun to see how Berry combines fact and fiction to create a plausible reality. Outstanding!

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This is my favorite Steve Berry novel. One of his strongest entries to date in the long-running Cotton Malone Series.. It seems like Berry improved alot with this one. His sentences are shorter and more on point instead of long descriptions when describing a place. With every book he improves. Berry picks an interesting subject: Adolf Hitler'. This explores a new angle on the dictator with a mystery that impacts present day Germany. Very action-packed thriller. Featuring cool locations, and interesting supporting characters, including a ex-president who calls Cotton for a favor and an deadly assassin as Cotton's partner. This is a roller-coaster ride that you won't forget for a long time. For fans of WWII history buffs would love this.

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Let me give a big thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for providing me with a free advance copy of this book.
For his 16th Cotton Malone novel, Steve Berry starts off in Belarus, goes to Poland and then spends much of the rest of the book traveling around Germany, Chile and South Africa. It is a whirlwind of action, and as always Berry does it as well as anyone in history/thriller genre.
Cotton and his girlfriend Cassiopeia Vitt are retired yet are still on call for special requests from the former President of the United States. This time they get involved in the upcoming German election and Berry uses this event to really give us a great insight into the rise of the Nationalist Right in Europe, as well as lingering devotees of the Nazi’s. Due to the sudden death of a messenger, these two now are at the heart of the campaign by the current Centrist Prime Minister of Germany and her Right Wing challenger.
What I enjoyed about this book is how Berry splits up Malone and Vitt. One stays in Germany while the other heads to South America. They both are trying to investigate whether the challenging candidate has ties to Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun, and along the way we are treated to a history and mystery lesson as to those two and Martin Bormann. Did they really die in the bunker? Did any escape, and if so where did they go? Did they have children? And, what about the stolen Nazi golden bounty?? Oh, Berry knows how to intertwine a great fictional plot with loads of historical accuracy and once again weaves a tale that is believably true.
Getting lots of help from siblings, one in Chile who is in her 90’s and her brother in South Africa who is in his 80’s, Malone and Vitt are actually being led by the challenger to find evidence that will incriminate the Prime Minister and lead to his election which will usher in the New Right in Germany and hopefully lead to an overthrow of the makeup of the European Union. Time is of the essence in this chase to find the truth, as campaigning heats up and the election is only days away. The candidates are tied in the polls and whatever Malone can uncover will probably sway the election.
If you have not read many of Berry’s books there is no fear that you will feel out of sorts. He does not have to deal extensively with background material on Malone or Vitt, and that is also what makes his a wonderful author. Without even knowing it, you will pick up bits and pieces of their past adventures, and pieces are nice to know but they are not vital to this books plot, but lets you know these two have a good history together.
Filled with mystery, history and intrigue, twists and turns that keep your head spinning until the very end, Steve Berry has written a wonderfully informative, entertaining and fast-paced novel, a novel that is a worthy new chapter in the Cotton Malone series! This review was previously published at mysteryandsuspense.com

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Book number sixteen in the Cotton Malone series. This is the best Cotton Malone book out of last few. As with all of Mr. Berry’s books, it centers around a mystery from history. In this case, it is the mystery surrounding what happened in Hilter’s bunker as the allies defeated the Germans. Is it possible someone survived? Can that survival change the outcome of the current German race for Chancellor in present day? Cotton Malone is the main character, but his partner/girlfriend, Cassiopeia Vitt, is along for the ride on this adventure. Former President Danny Daniels makes an appearance, but this book does not have Stephanie Nell or Danny’s nephew, Luke Daniels. That is a minor disappointment as I really enjoy those characters, but even without them this book is a page turner.

I love the World War II aspect of this book and the mystery surrounding Hitler’s bunker. What happened if a death was faked and someone escaped to South America? The chase to figure out what happened, sort of reminded me of the History Channel Series, Hunting Hitler. While I really enjoyed Cotton’s time solving America’s mysteries, it is nice to see Cotton branch back out to world mysteries. Cotton and Cassiopeia venture to three continents trying to solve the mystery. I really enjoyed the supporting character for this book. They were well thought out and had interesting backstories. This installment had a little less action than the series typically seems to have, but it didn’t seem to take away from the novel as Cotton and Cassiopeia raced to get to the bottom of the mystery. The only real negative I had with this story was I felt the final answer to the mystery seemed somewhat obvious. That being said, it didn’t ruin the story or take away from my enjoyment reading the novel.

Overall an excellent thriller. While it is part of the series and there are some references to previous novels, it is not necessary that you read the others in the series first. Wether you are a history buff or just love a good thriller, I totally recommend this book. You won’t be disappointed!

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I've been a fan of the 'Cotton Malone' since The Templar Legacy and I'm happy to report The Kaiser's Web is one of the strongest in the series! Steve Berry has done an excellent job in creating an alternative history which raises concerns about some of the events taking place in our real world today. Whereas The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick gave us a view of a world where the Axis powers won WWII, Berry gives us a world where some historical figures from that era survived the war. The story is gripping. It truly is one of those books that engages the readers from the start. It is an exciting tale which reminds us why Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt are such a dynamic duo. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy. #TheKaisersWeb #NetGalley

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Big fan of Steve Berry and his historical fiction. I loved this book! It's fast paced and easy to read. I highly recommend this book and any other book by Steve Berry.

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For lovers of alternative history, make room for this book. The author has had a string of hits with his Cotton Malone series, and this book just may move to the top of the list. Malone and Cassiopeia play important roles in this novel involving an election in modern day Germany. But the story really goes back decades to WWII Germany. Plots, sub-plots, and conspiracies abound in this great action tale.

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Once again Cotton Malone saves the day and Germany from disaster. Cotton just keeps getting better and better. This was a thrill ride!!

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With a skillful blend of historic and fiction detail, the author weaves a story that leaves one wondering whether it could truly have happened or not. Set in Germany, South America, and South Africa, we globetrot with Vitt and Malone to see what the game is.....which candidate for Chancellor is telling the truth? Which will be victorious? As a long-time Cotton Malone fan, I guessed the ending about 2/3 way through the book, but unless you've read all of the other books in this series (totally not necessary, each is a stand alone), you'll be left wondering what's going on right up to the very end!

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Wow, plot twists even at the very end! Fascinating story as the latest Cotton Malone series. Plenty of history for those who enjoy reading about Hitler (the "fact/fiction" piece at the end of the book is always interesting). Thank you to St. Martin's Press & NetGalley for the chance to pre-read The Kaiser's Web as an e-book. A definite must read for those who have been reading the series.

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Steve Berry has once again made a book I am unable to put down. Cottons adventures grab you from page one and never let go. Also I loved the Amazing historical references offered.

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What an adventure from start to finish! Real exciting tale with tons of twists and turns, and quite a surprise ending! Not only did this have a lot of excitement from the get go, but it also had a lot of great history and "what if" moments. I think that is what i love so much about the Cotton Malone series. while the stories are fiction, it is sometimes fun (or in this sense, scary) to think about all these mysteries that surround our world. I can't wait to dive further into the Cotton Malone world in the next chapter.

Thanks to Steve Berry, Netgalley, and Minotaur Books for providing me with an advanced reading copy.

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I have skipped the last several of this series for various reasons, but I'm glad I didn't this time.

Cotton Malone is back helping the ex-president of the U. S. with a tricky situation in Germany. The current Chancellor is in a race for her life and with an opponent that has all the hallmarks of a right-wing fanatic. Sound familiar? I have to admit while reading this book I found frightening parallels to our current situation in this country today. All the hallmarks are there from nationalistic tendencies, to immigration control and the economic situation. The only thing not there is this virus.

Did I mention the Nazi connection? That will keep you wondering long after the book is finished. Enjoy all the twists and turns and be ready for a startling surprise at the ending.

Highly recommended!

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432 pages

5 stars

First I must admit that I am a sucker for “alternate” history. This is a wonderful “what if” story.

Cotton Malone and girlfriend, Cassiopeia Vitt are involved in German politics in this story along with former president Danny Daniels.

What if Martin Bormann and Eva Braun Hitler survived the war? How about Hitler himself? What proof do we really have that they died in the bunker in Berlin?

Cotton and Cassiopeia get involved in a duel between two candidates for German Chancellor. Both elderly, the current Chancellor Marie Eisenhuth has received intelligence that her opponent is really the son of Martin Bormann. Theodor Pohl is a very right wing isolationist, vociferously opposed to immigration and stoking the flames of violence in his followers.

This book is intense. Cotton and Cassiopeia's quest take them on a trip around the globe in search of answers about Bormann and Braun Hitler. There is drama, betrayal, tension and surprises. It is a very good novel and I truly enjoyed the twists and turns in the what if scenario. This turns out to be a story for our times. A cautionary tale if you will. As does Mr. Berry, I, too, see the way the lie of the land is ever changing – and not for the better. And I fear for our own nation here in the US.

I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for forwarding to me a copy of this possibly prophetic book for me to read, enjoy and review.

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