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Chris Bronson #5
Echo of the Reich
Chris Bronson is back in this edge-of-your-seat thriller involving a secret Nazi WW2 weapon and a plot against the 2012 London Olympics.
Berlin, 1936: Hitler is determined to hold the best Olympic Games the world has ever seen. German athletes have trained full-time to ensure that 'Aryans' take all the top honours. Unfortunately, the African-American Jesse Owens spoils their plan, winning four gold medals. In a secret Nazi underground laboratory, scientists are at work on a devastating revenge.
London, 2012: Chris Bronson is working undercover for the Metropolitan Police, infiltrating a group of anarchists who have been smashing windows, sabotaging machinery and even digging tunnels under some of the Olympic sites in attempts to disrupt the Games. But he uncovers a plot that hints at a much more sinister plan and will lead him on a chase into the dark corners of German's Nazi past.
This is the fifth novel in the bestselling series featuring police detective Chris Bronson and archaeologist Angela Lewis, which combines historical detail with fast-paced action.
Berlin, 1936: Hitler is determined to hold the best Olympic Games the world has ever seen. German athletes have trained full-time to ensure that 'Aryans' take all the top honours. Unfortunately, the African-American Jesse Owens spoils their plan, winning four gold medals. In a secret Nazi underground laboratory, scientists are at work on a devastating revenge.
London, 2012: Chris Bronson is working undercover for the Metropolitan Police, infiltrating a group of anarchists who have been smashing windows, sabotaging machinery and even digging tunnels under some of the Olympic sites in attempts to disrupt the Games. But he uncovers a plot that hints at a much more sinister plan and will lead him on a chase into the dark corners of German's Nazi past.
This is the fifth novel in the bestselling series featuring police detective Chris Bronson and archaeologist Angela Lewis, which combines historical detail with fast-paced action.
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2012
66 people are currently reading
684 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 7, 2020
I have loved all these books thus far, but this one had a slightly different style / structure; that being that at the start of the book Chris Bronson is already on a case that seems not connected to the prolog, but as things unfold it is woven in, and with a few twists and turns he becomes more and more embroiled. Because of this, and working undercover, other things are not involved so much with the story.
That said, it is still a great read and I look forward to the next in the series;
That said, it is still a great read and I look forward to the next in the series;
October 25, 2012
A great and timely book that pairs the Olympic Games in London with the Nazis and the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, dispelling rumours and myths along the way. Becker does a fabulous job telling a story, rich in history, and yet keeping it both modern, and action-packed. While he continues to steer away from his biblical mysteries, Becker is able to grab the reader's attention and really get to the heart of the matter.
Filled with action, the story brings back our favourite cop in a new role (specifically for the Olympics) and sends him on a few branching out adventures. I was quite impressed with how well the story weaves between the different plots and how history plays such an integral role in the momentum of the piece of fiction.
The ending is quite something and it kept me reading from start to finish.
Excellent work and a handful of kudos to you, Mr. Becker.
Filled with action, the story brings back our favourite cop in a new role (specifically for the Olympics) and sends him on a few branching out adventures. I was quite impressed with how well the story weaves between the different plots and how history plays such an integral role in the momentum of the piece of fiction.
The ending is quite something and it kept me reading from start to finish.
Excellent work and a handful of kudos to you, Mr. Becker.
November 14, 2014
What is slightly baffling for me is how Chris Bronson (the main character and hero of this series) regularly foils international gangs of terrorists and criminals bent on world destruction and all kinds of naughty things but he is still a policeman in Tunbridge Wells. No disrespect to the crime mavericks of Kent but as far as I know it is not famous for its mafia connections, its drug runners or its organised crime syndicates. [CSI: Tunbridge Wells Coming soon to a screen near you].
Having said all that this book IS exciting, the Olympics are saved, London is safe (Hooray ....all of us northerners cheer). I think Angela Bronson is the brains of the outfit and she works in the British Museum so perhaps she should take over centre stage and Chris can go potter about in his garden in Kent. It is a very beautiful part of England.
Having said all that this book IS exciting, the Olympics are saved, London is safe (Hooray ....all of us northerners cheer). I think Angela Bronson is the brains of the outfit and she works in the British Museum so perhaps she should take over centre stage and Chris can go potter about in his garden in Kent. It is a very beautiful part of England.
June 10, 2018
This was a great book.
Read
October 14, 2013Why oh why do I like Nazi stories? Is it because good triumphs over evil? Right over wrong?
I know. It's because you know the Nazi's are gonna get a good whuppin' by the time the book ends, and this is an excellent one. No Nazi character with a name survives the story, and that's how it should be.
I know. It's because you know the Nazi's are gonna get a good whuppin' by the time the book ends, and this is an excellent one. No Nazi character with a name survives the story, and that's how it should be.
February 20, 2021
It's 1945 and the Germans have almost been defeated. They have one last plot to try and turn their defeat into a sort of victory, but they need their very secret weapon. This has been constructed underground, and a crack SS commando unit is dispatched to liberate the device, known as Die Glocke. The device and a few of the scientists working on the project disappear, possibly ending up in South America.
Fast forward to 2012. London is hosting the Olympic Games and the eyes of the world will be on the city for a few short weeks. The sites of the Olympic stadia are almost completed, but the machinery is being targeted by vandals.
Enter Chris Bronson, a Kent detective who goes undercover to discover what's going on. Despite the interference of his London superiors, Chris eventually finds out that there is more to the vandalism than wanton destruction. There is a deeper plot planned that will have the severest repercussions for London if it comes to pass.
There is a modern day version of Himmler's SS who want to make sure that Hitler's plan for world domination comes to fruition. The plan is to lay waste to a vast area of London by detonating Die Glocke during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics.
Bronson's senior officers don't believe him as there is no concrete proof that the 'terrorists' are planning any sort of attack. Bronson and an associate locate the device and manage to prevent the detonation.
Fast forward to 2012. London is hosting the Olympic Games and the eyes of the world will be on the city for a few short weeks. The sites of the Olympic stadia are almost completed, but the machinery is being targeted by vandals.
Enter Chris Bronson, a Kent detective who goes undercover to discover what's going on. Despite the interference of his London superiors, Chris eventually finds out that there is more to the vandalism than wanton destruction. There is a deeper plot planned that will have the severest repercussions for London if it comes to pass.
There is a modern day version of Himmler's SS who want to make sure that Hitler's plan for world domination comes to fruition. The plan is to lay waste to a vast area of London by detonating Die Glocke during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics.
Bronson's senior officers don't believe him as there is no concrete proof that the 'terrorists' are planning any sort of attack. Bronson and an associate locate the device and manage to prevent the detonation.
August 6, 2017
One of the better of the series, primarily due to it not being like the rest of the series. What's more Chris Bronson - the hero - actually comes out like a real person, rather than just a plot device so someone else - usually his ex wife - can explain the history behind everything. She still does that in this book, but only for a short period about 3/4 of the way through.
Don't get me wrong I love the little known historical aspects of the earlier books, just not the way they are lectured out, often more than once. The author's own explanations at the end of the book are always oddly better, anyway.
Anyway, some good plot points here, along with the normal cliches allowing for the heroes and villains to always end up at the same place at the same time, often pointlessly.
Don't get me wrong I love the little known historical aspects of the earlier books, just not the way they are lectured out, often more than once. The author's own explanations at the end of the book are always oddly better, anyway.
Anyway, some good plot points here, along with the normal cliches allowing for the heroes and villains to always end up at the same place at the same time, often pointlessly.
March 4, 2024
Enjoyable, absorbing well written read with interesting plot and believable characters. Comes across as well researched which always helps the reader feel as if along on the journey, I do like the way James Becker weaves history into contemporary fiction and the continuing chemistry between Chris and Angela keeps the series going nicely. Perhaps how Chris extricates himself from one or two of the challenging situations he finds himself in can come across as a little unrealistic, but then all action-adventurers need to ride their luck! All in all, did find hard to put down and very much looking forward to picking up the next adventure.
May 23, 2021
So this starts off mainly as a Bronson book as ex wife Angela doesn't join until halfway thru. He is tasked to an undercover job to prevent vandals from damaging Olympic venues for the game in London. It is only after he finds a wide ranging terror plot that he is forced to consult his ex wife about a possible secret weapon dating back to WWII. Ok but didn't have the ancient treasure hunt type atmosphere of the prior books.
June 10, 2023
A bit better than the previous one. Still suffers from exposition and two dimensional characters. However the pacing was good and a decent plot, if a bit cliched - Undiscovered Nazi weapons isn’t exactly original.
November 1, 2020
This was a very predictable plot.
March 9, 2021
A good action packed read. Not my usual preferred genre, but interesting even so.
August 24, 2024
Entertainingly bad, so much so I still remember it years after reading so I should probably give it an extra star.
February 10, 2013
Echo of the Reich by James Becker
Wow! Is all I have to say in talking about the Novel Echo of the Reich. This books premise, and genre just made me fall in love with it as soon as I read the first page. Not merely because the book cover was extremely intriguing, but because the integrity and base on which this book was upon seemed to interest me. To start things off, first the book takes place in July of 2012 London, England. The Olympic Games were just around the corner and the city had problems with people damaging Olympic property and equipment. Chris Bronson who is a London police officer, is given the duty of trying to get a lead on who these people are, and why they are committing these acts. In conclusion, he goes undercover and discovers a deep hidden secret among these people. Becker does a marvelous job telling a story, rich in history, and yet keeping it modern, and action-packed. I was most impressed with how well the story weaves between the different plots, and how history plays such a grand role in the momentum of the piece.
Furthermore, Becker is able to snatch the reader’s attention, and really get down to the core of the mystery. Another one of the elements I enjoy so much about Becker’s writing style is the way he uses descriptive words, and gives the reader a clear view of what is going on in that scene. For example: Becker states, “The moment the first cloud blotted out of the faint light, Bronson stepped back onto the edge of the track.” Also, another element of Becker’s writing that I deeply found comforting was his way to connect Chris Bronson with the reader. It felt as if I were in the intelligent and muscular cops’ situations trying to evade the group of terrorists.
Moving on, my favorite part of the book was when Bronson was trying to somehow sneak up to the terrorists’ barren and old house. It was exquisitely the tensest, and most tauten part in the whole novel. “He was about twenty yards from the back wall of the house, and the first thing that struck him was how quiet it was.” This quote signifies the utmost attention that Bronson had to have had to keep quiet, and prone from all threats. I can connect this book to my life because the struggles, opposition, and adversity Bronson faced are much like that of mine when I have to juggle basketball, and golf, along with keeping my academics to what I believe is acceptable.
In addition, this book did definitely exceed my expectations, and I rather enjoyed reading a good mystery, adventure thriller. I would at any time and any place recommend this book to any of my peers or classmates, and to people who love a good WWII historically based novel. The exposition is quite a work of literature and it kept me reading from start to finish.
Wow! Is all I have to say in talking about the Novel Echo of the Reich. This books premise, and genre just made me fall in love with it as soon as I read the first page. Not merely because the book cover was extremely intriguing, but because the integrity and base on which this book was upon seemed to interest me. To start things off, first the book takes place in July of 2012 London, England. The Olympic Games were just around the corner and the city had problems with people damaging Olympic property and equipment. Chris Bronson who is a London police officer, is given the duty of trying to get a lead on who these people are, and why they are committing these acts. In conclusion, he goes undercover and discovers a deep hidden secret among these people. Becker does a marvelous job telling a story, rich in history, and yet keeping it modern, and action-packed. I was most impressed with how well the story weaves between the different plots, and how history plays such a grand role in the momentum of the piece.
Furthermore, Becker is able to snatch the reader’s attention, and really get down to the core of the mystery. Another one of the elements I enjoy so much about Becker’s writing style is the way he uses descriptive words, and gives the reader a clear view of what is going on in that scene. For example: Becker states, “The moment the first cloud blotted out of the faint light, Bronson stepped back onto the edge of the track.” Also, another element of Becker’s writing that I deeply found comforting was his way to connect Chris Bronson with the reader. It felt as if I were in the intelligent and muscular cops’ situations trying to evade the group of terrorists.
Moving on, my favorite part of the book was when Bronson was trying to somehow sneak up to the terrorists’ barren and old house. It was exquisitely the tensest, and most tauten part in the whole novel. “He was about twenty yards from the back wall of the house, and the first thing that struck him was how quiet it was.” This quote signifies the utmost attention that Bronson had to have had to keep quiet, and prone from all threats. I can connect this book to my life because the struggles, opposition, and adversity Bronson faced are much like that of mine when I have to juggle basketball, and golf, along with keeping my academics to what I believe is acceptable.
In addition, this book did definitely exceed my expectations, and I rather enjoyed reading a good mystery, adventure thriller. I would at any time and any place recommend this book to any of my peers or classmates, and to people who love a good WWII historically based novel. The exposition is quite a work of literature and it kept me reading from start to finish.
July 22, 2012
This is the first book i have read by James Becker and it was the title and synopsis that won me over. (i love a good WW2 based thriller)
Mr Becker has written the following:
Chris Bronson
1. The First Apostle (2008)
2. The Moses Stone (2009)
3. The Messiah Secret (2010)
4. The Nosferatu Scroll (2011)
5. Echo of the Reich (2012)
and no-one who has this many books published can be a bad read. This book isn't either, but its also not one i think i would consider reading anywhere but by the pool in the sun when i want a light read that isn't going to tax my brain (at all).
If i was honest i would say the plot is a little cliched, there are too many convenient leaps for Bronson to keep the plot on track. To much trust in a no-body out side the Nazi group, late in the day with all the planning already complete. There is no way he would have been allowed near the group in Berlin.
I think the super weapon was fine, the Nazi group was fine. It was the speed in which Bronson insinuated himself and the acceptance. if there had been less trust more investigation more action it would have worked. If the London group had come across as a bit more than bad football hooligans they would have worked. But the convenience of how Bronson gets onto the weapon and the research into it jarred. I think the convenience was replacing a more gritty dirty nasty plot method that could be used, but wouldn't fit with this "light" poolside thriller
But don't be too put off, the above is because i was more than just reading the book i was taking the plot apart deliberately to review it. If i had been sat by the pool, beer in hand sun blazing down relaxed, then i know i would have enjoyed it much more.
So sometimes you really need to not over analyse things. Also remember just how hard it is to write a book, write it clearly and well, this isn't bad, it just could be better. I doff my hat to James Becker for hitting book number 5.
Oh i did really enjoy the author notes at the end of the book.
Would i get another Becker novel? possibly something on my kindle for the pool. And if you are a fan of his work and think books 1 -4 are worth a read i will be happy to read any comments.
(Parm)
Mr Becker has written the following:
Chris Bronson
1. The First Apostle (2008)
2. The Moses Stone (2009)
3. The Messiah Secret (2010)
4. The Nosferatu Scroll (2011)
5. Echo of the Reich (2012)
and no-one who has this many books published can be a bad read. This book isn't either, but its also not one i think i would consider reading anywhere but by the pool in the sun when i want a light read that isn't going to tax my brain (at all).
If i was honest i would say the plot is a little cliched, there are too many convenient leaps for Bronson to keep the plot on track. To much trust in a no-body out side the Nazi group, late in the day with all the planning already complete. There is no way he would have been allowed near the group in Berlin.
I think the super weapon was fine, the Nazi group was fine. It was the speed in which Bronson insinuated himself and the acceptance. if there had been less trust more investigation more action it would have worked. If the London group had come across as a bit more than bad football hooligans they would have worked. But the convenience of how Bronson gets onto the weapon and the research into it jarred. I think the convenience was replacing a more gritty dirty nasty plot method that could be used, but wouldn't fit with this "light" poolside thriller
But don't be too put off, the above is because i was more than just reading the book i was taking the plot apart deliberately to review it. If i had been sat by the pool, beer in hand sun blazing down relaxed, then i know i would have enjoyed it much more.
So sometimes you really need to not over analyse things. Also remember just how hard it is to write a book, write it clearly and well, this isn't bad, it just could be better. I doff my hat to James Becker for hitting book number 5.
Oh i did really enjoy the author notes at the end of the book.
Would i get another Becker novel? possibly something on my kindle for the pool. And if you are a fan of his work and think books 1 -4 are worth a read i will be happy to read any comments.
(Parm)
January 7, 2013
This took some time to get going for me and at one point i contemplated giving in. The writing does feel overwritten and for that reason the first quarter of the book has a slow pace.
Bronson spends too much time stuck in London messing with 'goons' during the first half. The plot only picks up when he pays the inevitable visit to Germany.
The necessity to explain quantum mechanics in fine detail was well overdone and the part Angela plays in having to explain all the science feels completely false. Having read a few books in 24/48 hours we are expected to believe that she has miraculously gone from museum-based archaeologist to a leading physicist!
The book does pick up with a lively plot and ending but the time it takes to get to that ending is rather painful.
Overall, a decent read but i won't pick rushing out to read another.
Bronson spends too much time stuck in London messing with 'goons' during the first half. The plot only picks up when he pays the inevitable visit to Germany.
The necessity to explain quantum mechanics in fine detail was well overdone and the part Angela plays in having to explain all the science feels completely false. Having read a few books in 24/48 hours we are expected to believe that she has miraculously gone from museum-based archaeologist to a leading physicist!
The book does pick up with a lively plot and ending but the time it takes to get to that ending is rather painful.
Overall, a decent read but i won't pick rushing out to read another.
January 20, 2013
Echo of the Reich is the 5th Chris Bronson book by James Becker. I thought it started a little slow.... in reality because Chris' girlfriend , Angela didn't make an appearance until the middle if the book. I just like the combination of those 2 characters together.
Old Nazis never die- their warped ideals are simply passed to a new generation of bigots. During WWII , one of the most secret and important developments being worked in in Germany was Die Gloke ( the Bell). No one knows to this day exactly what it could donor it's purpose.
The story jumps ahead to London and the up coming Olympics. Chris, a member of the police force, is undercover and quickly becomes untangled in the Nazi plot to kill many at the opening ceremony and blame it on Israel.
Great research on the history of the Die Glocke, WWII and history of the Olympics.
Old Nazis never die- their warped ideals are simply passed to a new generation of bigots. During WWII , one of the most secret and important developments being worked in in Germany was Die Gloke ( the Bell). No one knows to this day exactly what it could donor it's purpose.
The story jumps ahead to London and the up coming Olympics. Chris, a member of the police force, is undercover and quickly becomes untangled in the Nazi plot to kill many at the opening ceremony and blame it on Israel.
Great research on the history of the Die Glocke, WWII and history of the Olympics.
October 17, 2012
I liked it. Fast paced, action packed: I like Chris and Amanda. I read it while stuck out in bad weather in Lowell, Indiana. Yup: and this book made it all bearable. Plus I finished it while watching The Pres Debates. This book made that bearable as well. Thanks James for your writings.
BTW: I found the book on the paperback racks in Lowell, IN for $10(gasp!)and snatched it up cuz of the WW2 slant. I just finished an 18 month study of that time period.
Three of his books I have coming in from neighborhood libraries. The one that I can't get that way, I'll see if I can get it on my Nook.
Yes, I am a happy camper :)
BTW: I found the book on the paperback racks in Lowell, IN for $10(gasp!)and snatched it up cuz of the WW2 slant. I just finished an 18 month study of that time period.
Three of his books I have coming in from neighborhood libraries. The one that I can't get that way, I'll see if I can get it on my Nook.
Yes, I am a happy camper :)
January 27, 2013
I usually enjoy historical thrillers, but this one reads like the first draft of a good idea. Lots of exposition clumsily put into the mouths of the characters. I understand this is number five of a series but, for those who do not know the characters, there is very little to help the reader get to know them. The hero is one-dimensional, the villains are cardboard cut-outs. The narrative is jumpy and the dialogue is stilted.
A lot more could have been done with the premise. I was disappointed.
A lot more could have been done with the premise. I was disappointed.
May 20, 2014
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book in the Chris Bronson series. Perhaps it was because it was set in recent history and people can remember about the 2012 London Olympics. Even the threat seemed quite feasible the way that the author had laid it out, as did the group based in Berlin. The London based group didn't really seem to achieve much apart from Bronson gaining rather easy admitance to their number. There were some gaps in the storyline, but they did seem quite minor, and for once the former Mrs Bronson did seem to take a lesser role in things.
October 17, 2012
Yet another historically-based thriller, and as such, it contains an intriguing--if unrealistic--central threat. The problem is that the characters seem like they've been imported from an old movie serial, with the bad guys all but twirling their mustaches (nya-ha-ha!) and the writing is overwritten in the extreme, with exposition falling like rain. If you read silver age comic books for their realism, you'll probably like this.
Want to read
November 19, 2013Although I enjoyed the first Chris Bronson books, I found this a very difficult book to get in to and have set it aside (which I seldom do). I don't know if I find the topic uninteresting (a Nazi superweapon that I believe was also used in a James Rollins' novel), I didn't enjoy the main character going under cover, or if something in the style has changed, but not enjoying it currently. Will try again at a later date.
February 25, 2015
A group of Nazis plan on taking revenge on Britain for winning the war. They intend on using a weapon that was being developed by the Reich but not finished before the end of the war. This group completes and improves it and plans on using it at the 2012 Olympics in London.
It was a good premise however it was wordy and boring. It had more to do with terrorists than historical drama that Mr. Becker usually writes about. I found it to be slow reading and dull.
It was a good premise however it was wordy and boring. It had more to do with terrorists than historical drama that Mr. Becker usually writes about. I found it to be slow reading and dull.
May 20, 2021
I finally finished the book. Got through 10 chapters and quit. Resumed after several months and plodded through. Chris Bronson is a local copper working an undercover assignment in London just before the start of the 2012 World's Fair. He is secreted to a manor outside Berlin and meets the mastermind behind a massive attack on London, Marcus Wolf. Angela joins Bronson and the race is on to stop the German from destroying Britain.
February 26, 2013
I found this book as I was looking for a mindless diversion to enjoy over the Holidays. Becker clearly shares some of my personal interests - mystery, thriller, action and history - a rare combination all in one. It may not be great literature but I can recommend it to anyone looking for enjoyable entertainment. It is a "good read" indeed!
May 5, 2015
Just didn't grab me, predictable, and to be honest why wait 60 odd years to perfect a Nazi bomb when you can so much easier use a dirty bomb to do the same thing without all the extra twiddly bits to make their bomb blow up. Wish the bomb had worked then the end of the story might have been a bit more interesting. Wont be reading any more of Mr Becker's books sorry.
July 9, 2012
A good story based on good research and very current due to the 2012 Olympics being about to start. I really like the main characters Chris and Angela and think they make a good and different team look forward to the next installment.
July 8, 2012
Standard terrorist fayre, no big surprises. Not a bad book but not brilliant either, wasted a few hours away if nothing else.
November 2, 2012
Another good book from Mr. Becker but not to my taste. I do enjoy a good hisoty novel the modern warfare weapons have nothing interesting about them.
December 10, 2012
Book was fantastic really enjoyed it and read it in just over a day! Just couldn't put it down not had a book like that for ages! Great work of fiction but draws you in as though it is real.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews