Target Churchill

A really interesting look at the development of Churchill's Iron Curtain speech - and a good reminder that in the immediate aftermath of WWII, the cold war had not yet begun. Lots of plot twists that make this a good read, leavened with enough history to help you learn along the way.

Simply one of the best historical fiction novels I have ever read. The pages spring to life with action, character development and intrigue. I couldn't wait to turn each page of this emotional roller-coaster ride.

Princess Fuzzypants here: This book was almost too successful. The Nazi villain is so despicable when he is introduced at the beginning of the book, I was almost tempted to put it aside. He was that disturbing. However, I did not and I am so glad I continued because what came after was a corker of a historical thriller that, even though the reader knows the outcome, it still has us on tenterhooks throughout.

The characterizations were superb. Being a student of Churchill, I admired how the author captured his essence. Rather than being a one-note character, there were layers upon layers and it was delightful to read. I am not as well acquainted with Truman but came away with both a respect and affection for him, much like Churchill did himself. There were some lovely little tidbits interwoven throughout the story. If you are not yet a fan of Churchill, before reading this, I defy you not to admire him afterwards.

But at the base of the story is the power play at the end of WW II where the Soviets were determined to rule the world and the democracies were still in the honeymoon stage with the Russians and could not or would not see the machinations that were taking place. It was only with this speech did Churchill issue the first warnings of “The Iron Curtain” that was about to cover much of Europe. Once more Cassandra got it right.

Tight, taut and thrilling, if you are a fan of the genre, read this book. It is a reprint and sadly the author is no longer with us but it is worth the read. Five purrs and two paws up.

An interesting read. A good storyline set within the real historical events of the time. The characters were well developed and the plot kept you interested. A good read.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The combination of what is fact and what is fiction makes for a strong thriller. Full of intrigue, Target Churchill is a fast paced thriller full of cloak and dagger. If you follow Churchill, you won't be able to put this one down. In many ways it reminded me of the intrigue that was found in novels like Day of the Jackal.

World War two is over. Churchill has been voted out as Prime Minister and is feeling the loss. The new administration seems not to take the Soviet threat seriously so when Churchill is invited by President Truman to speak at Westminster College in the Midwest to receive an honorary degree and make a speech after being introduced by President Truman, he decides that it would be a good platform to espouse his views on the evils of Russia a platform, not unlike those he had as PM.
The Soviets get wind of his speech through subterfuge and a mole in the British Embassy and hire a former SS officer who was born in the U.S. to go to Fulton, Missouri to assassinate the former Prime Minister.
The assassin enters the U.S. and blends into Washington D.C. while awaiting orders he is a sleeper. Finally, he is activated and drives to Fulton to carry out the assassination.
The book is well crafted and riveted and is rather in the “What if…” category. Churchill did indeed speak at Westminster College and was introduced by Harry Truman this novel takes the factual incident and turns it into a well-written captivating thriller.
The reader is completely engaged in the narrative and the characters are very real.

Churchill was been voted out of office and is miserable in his reduced role in parliament and basic semi-retirement. Truman has invited Winston Churchill to give a talk at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri.

The authors cite the relationship of Josef Stalin and Churchill as respectful allies who were working with a nearly inept Franklin Roosevelt. Harry Truman is portrayed as nothing more than a poor replacement for Roosevelt at the end of the war but is tolerated by Stalin and Churchill.

A plot is hatched to assassinate Churchill during the speech in this small town. A former SS officer who was born in the United States is chosen for the task. Beria, the head of the secret service in Russia has recruited the killer, a former SS officer born in the US.

The intrigue is well written and exhibits many twisty machinations.

Weaknesses are shown in the procedures set up to protect both Truman and the former Prime Minister. The U.S. Secret Service is portrayed as a loose knit group of dunderheads. One wonders how they could ever protect a president or other political official with their haphazard procedures, but there is a close confidant of Churchill who accompanies him on his travels and speaking tours.

I found the book interesting but aggravating. Hopefully, our Secret Service and institutions cannot be as ineffectual as portrayed by these writers. 4.5 stars - CE Williams