Crimson Wing
July 4, 2024
Who Killed Nina Rossi? (pre-order coupon)
July 6, 2024
Valentines Cup
£3.99
1943 Austria. Undercover agent Alistair Valentine overhears a few words that will change the course of the war…
Alistair Valentine is a British agent working in deep cover as a German chauffeur. In a limousine outside the Führer’s mountain retreat in Austria, he overhears a snippet of conversation between Admiral Canaris and Field Marshall Rommel that will alter the course of the war.
In the chilling opening chapter of this World War II espionage novel, Robert Wallace masterfully captures the clandestine atmosphere of 1933 Germany, six years before Britain’s declaration of war. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of frosty landscapes and clandestine meetings, where ten powerful industrialists, their identities shrouded in mystery, navigate a delicate dance with the emerging Nazi regime.
The dialogue between the industrialists and the Nazi leaders is laden with intrigue, presenting a chilling business transaction with profound implications. The depiction of the industrialists as “silent cash registers” waiting for the gates of hell to open foreshadows the complex web of alliances and betrayals that will unfold.
The character of Erich Spengler, an elite engineer with a haunted past, adds an intriguing layer of mystery and menace to the narrative. His interaction with Goering, negotiating the cost of re-arming Germany for war, reveals the novel’s thematic richness. The dialogue is sharp, the pacing intense, and the stakes are raised as Spengler hints at deeper, more clandestine operations.
The atmospheric descriptions evoke a sense of tension and fear as Hitler makes his entrance. The author’s portrayal of the Führer captures not only his physical appearance but also his commanding presence and persuasive rhetoric. The narrative adeptly explores the inner workings of Hitler’s elite entourage.
As Hitler introduces Führer Memorandum 267, the suspense builds, and the author skilfully maintains the momentum throughout the meeting. The inclusion of real historical figures like Karl Doenitz, Hermann Goering, Erwin Rommel, and Wilhelm Canaris adds authenticity to the narrative, grounding the story in the historical context of World War II.
The revelation of Operation DAS SCHLOSS, a secret plan involving aerial attacks with lethal nerve gas on strategic targets in England, adds a new layer of complexity to the plot. The author’s meticulous research is evident in the details of the operation, from the adapted aircraft to the use of Tabun nerve gas. The stakes are raised as the characters grapple with the moral and strategic implications of the plan, providing a thought-provoking exploration of the ethical dilemmas faced by those entwined in the machinations of war.
The dialogue between the members of the Presidium is sharp and compelling, revealing their individual perspectives and concerns. The author effectively captures the internal dynamics of the group, showcasing the subtle power plays and alliances that shape their decisions.
The narrative takes an unexpected turn as Hitler unveils the symbolic target of the operation – Windsor Castle. The strategic significance and the audacious plan to land German boots on British soil add a layer of intrigue and urgency to the story. The subtle exchange between Hitler and Himmler, further enhances the dramatic impact of this revelation.
The author’s prose is evocative, transporting readers to a bygone era, skilfully balancing historical accuracy with narrative flair. As the opening chapters unfold, the promise of espionage, political intrigue, and the looming spectre of war leave readers eager for more. This espionage thriller, with its meticulous research and engaging storytelling, promises to be a riveting journey through the shadows of history, appealing to those who crave historical authenticity woven into a gripping narrative.
Rodney J. Little, Charlotte, NC –
‘Surely this will make a great film!’
‘When war or the threat of war is “over there”, we care, sure, but then we grab an ale and decide on dinner. When we face an invasion HERE, though, every citizen becomes a bit of a hero. The boy delivering an apple to the old woman next door. The young girl helping to sew blackout curtains. The lorry driver making his or her vital rounds under threat of another bombing run. This is a novel with a hero, or two, but the large picture is that every man and woman had a part to play in preserving the freedom of a country and a continent.’
‘From the start, this story conveys that sense of time and place, blending actual characters from our history with fictional, but wholly plausible, characters. It does not detail the horrors of war; there are no close ups of trauma, so to speak. We have seen enough, I say. A great beauty of Robert Wallace’s writing is that those details aren’t required. This not to say that the trauma isn’t there. It is, but we are placed in a world where wartime is implicit, along with an optimism that simply must exist.’
‘As you read this book, try to imagine what actors could play the lead roles in a major motion picture release. Surely this will make a great film.’
Rodney J. Little
Charlotte, NC
Nigel Clarke, Goodreads –
A fast paced WW2 spy thriller that combines credible characters with the Nazi notorious. Chapter 2 of the book is called “hooked” and by then I was! The twists and turns in the plot kept me engaged throughout.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Nigel Clarke
Goodreads
Bernard Johnson, Freelance Reviewer –
‘5 out of 5 stars Can’t wait for the next book!’
‘I really enjoyed the book , the brothers characters were convincing and likeable. The way the story draws you in and the terrible plan that starts to unfold makes it an exciting read.’
‘I’m looking forward to reading Crimson Wing. the next book in the Valentine Series.’
Bernard Johnson
Freelance Reviewer