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Wolf Hook
Jim Heydrich is the Canadian-born nephew of one of the most feared men in the Gestapo. When his family returns to Germany just before the war, Jim arrives in the Third Reich as a young, sensitive theater student, both protected by and encumbered by his famous relation. Resisting an invitation to join the Nazis, he instead finds himself a member of an English-language theater troupe working in Occupied Europe. Unbeknownst to Jim, the leaders of the theater troupe, Nigel Burnside and his sister Margaret, are not the English fascists they appear, but members of the British Secret Service, using the theater troupe to recruit spies from among the Anglophile German officers who come to their productions.
Disillusioned with both sides of the war, Jim is trying to defect to neutral Ireland when he stumbles into one of Nigel and Margaret’s most closely held secrets—a Hungarian physicist they are smuggling out of Europe. While trying to extricate himself from this unwelcome knowledge, he both manages to draw the attention of the Gestapo and to convince the British Secret Service that he is a Nazi spy, a threat to their plans who must be eliminated.
Disillusioned with both sides of the war, Jim is trying to defect to neutral Ireland when he stumbles into one of Nigel and Margaret’s most closely held secrets—a Hungarian physicist they are smuggling out of Europe. While trying to extricate himself from this unwelcome knowledge, he both manages to draw the attention of the Gestapo and to convince the British Secret Service that he is a Nazi spy, a threat to their plans who must be eliminated.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2013
449 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Michael Wallace
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Michael also welcomes email from readers at m.wallace23(at)yahoo(dot)com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 23, 2017
Full review to come. Hovering between 2-3 stars, we'll see what it ends up being after I put down my thoughts on it.
Full review written 6/23/17:
In this WWII spy book, we have the (fictional) nephew, Jim Heydrich, of the (factual) ruthless Reinhard Heydrich who finds himself caught up in much deeper waters than a simple acting troupe authorized to travel around the Reich performing an English-language play. He is torn with his loyalties to Canada where he grew up, and the German state which he was born to. Acting isn’t just going on onstage, however, and Jim will have to learn fast or risk realizing that he is not only up a creek, but there are no paddles in sight.
Characterization-wise, I didn’t feel any particularly strong ties to any of the people. A little more active introspection from Jim would have been helpful to flesh him out and how he came to his conclusions – though it was refreshing to see how he fumbled his way around once he learned what was going on, and never once did he suddenly seem to “just get it” and be able to act accordingly, no problems. Margaret was most interesting in the beginning, when she was more mysterious, but as she revealed more of herself to Jim she became less so, and not for the obvious reasons: she revealed much more weaknesses, to the point where it seemed she was relying too heavily on him given her experience and his lack of it. Basically, she was a stronger woman when she was not around Jim very much; even when she was around Nigel, she maintained her strength of presence, calm collectedness, and mental training. Of note also is the Countess, who was simply fabulous, and so very, very human despite her “fortunate” social position in Italy which allowed her many more comforts than the average citizen during the war. Nigel rested mostly an enigma through the book, which was fine – after all, you can’t have all your spies revealing what they get up to when you’re not looking!
Despite this being categorized a “thriller”, I never got a real sense of urgency – even though there were plenty of occasions where they were running to the wire on something. Maybe it was because of a few too many fortunately-timed good occurrences, or maybe it was just because from the tone of the book, I never really felt it from either the writing or the way the characters expressed their anxiety.
To close on a more positive note: Where this book is strongest is in the historical details – they are thick, and believable, and really show a good amount of the research that Mr. Wallace put into it. I did feel like I was in the various occupied cities during WWII, and that the way the characters had to navigate the world was appropriate to the time period. Right down to the various control check points within the Reich-controlled countries.
Quotes of Note (mostly with commentary):
A man haggled with a frail little woman bundled in so many clothes that Jim wondered if you started removing coats and scarves and gloves whether you would find anything underneath or if she was nothing but layers of clothing all the way down. – page 133 – JULIE, this reminded me of that West Side Story character, the one bundled in all the clothes!
“[…] If you take two attractive people of the opposite sex, throw them into close proximity, add danger, stress, it’s natural for certain feelings to stir. There’s nothing real about those feelings, that’s the key. You have to remind yourself that until it sinks in.” – page 178 – Not entirely true; of course, she could be saying it just as much to him as she is to herself.
The girl gave Katterman a charming smile. She had big brown eyes, a tiny waist and breasts that swelled to fill her blouse. “This way, signore.” – page 168 – Didn’t consider it in character for Katterman to note body type over other things to note – like emblems on her clothing, or hair styled in a Nazi woman’s hair style, etc.
Jim felt like a rat. Did he think she wasn’t a person, because she was rich? – page 250 – Things to think about, eh? And the road goes both ways.
Typos:
It loud enough even…. – page 101 – Should be, It was loud enough even…
…help me make on more phone call. – page 191 – “one” not “on”
Withing moments – page 256 – “Within” not “withing”
The streets were coming awake. – page 290 – for some reason, this was a standalone paragraph. Should have been connected to the paragraph that follows it, really.
Full review written 6/23/17:
In this WWII spy book, we have the (fictional) nephew, Jim Heydrich, of the (factual) ruthless Reinhard Heydrich who finds himself caught up in much deeper waters than a simple acting troupe authorized to travel around the Reich performing an English-language play. He is torn with his loyalties to Canada where he grew up, and the German state which he was born to. Acting isn’t just going on onstage, however, and Jim will have to learn fast or risk realizing that he is not only up a creek, but there are no paddles in sight.
Characterization-wise, I didn’t feel any particularly strong ties to any of the people. A little more active introspection from Jim would have been helpful to flesh him out and how he came to his conclusions – though it was refreshing to see how he fumbled his way around once he learned what was going on, and never once did he suddenly seem to “just get it” and be able to act accordingly, no problems. Margaret was most interesting in the beginning, when she was more mysterious, but as she revealed more of herself to Jim she became less so, and not for the obvious reasons: she revealed much more weaknesses, to the point where it seemed she was relying too heavily on him given her experience and his lack of it. Basically, she was a stronger woman when she was not around Jim very much; even when she was around Nigel, she maintained her strength of presence, calm collectedness, and mental training. Of note also is the Countess, who was simply fabulous, and so very, very human despite her “fortunate” social position in Italy which allowed her many more comforts than the average citizen during the war. Nigel rested mostly an enigma through the book, which was fine – after all, you can’t have all your spies revealing what they get up to when you’re not looking!
Despite this being categorized a “thriller”, I never got a real sense of urgency – even though there were plenty of occasions where they were running to the wire on something. Maybe it was because of a few too many fortunately-timed good occurrences, or maybe it was just because from the tone of the book, I never really felt it from either the writing or the way the characters expressed their anxiety.
To close on a more positive note: Where this book is strongest is in the historical details – they are thick, and believable, and really show a good amount of the research that Mr. Wallace put into it. I did feel like I was in the various occupied cities during WWII, and that the way the characters had to navigate the world was appropriate to the time period. Right down to the various control check points within the Reich-controlled countries.
Quotes of Note (mostly with commentary):
A man haggled with a frail little woman bundled in so many clothes that Jim wondered if you started removing coats and scarves and gloves whether you would find anything underneath or if she was nothing but layers of clothing all the way down. – page 133 – JULIE, this reminded me of that West Side Story character, the one bundled in all the clothes!
“[…] If you take two attractive people of the opposite sex, throw them into close proximity, add danger, stress, it’s natural for certain feelings to stir. There’s nothing real about those feelings, that’s the key. You have to remind yourself that until it sinks in.” – page 178 – Not entirely true; of course, she could be saying it just as much to him as she is to herself.
The girl gave Katterman a charming smile. She had big brown eyes, a tiny waist and breasts that swelled to fill her blouse. “This way, signore.” – page 168 – Didn’t consider it in character for Katterman to note body type over other things to note – like emblems on her clothing, or hair styled in a Nazi woman’s hair style, etc.
Jim felt like a rat. Did he think she wasn’t a person, because she was rich? – page 250 – Things to think about, eh? And the road goes both ways.
Typos:
It loud enough even…. – page 101 – Should be, It was loud enough even…
…help me make on more phone call. – page 191 – “one” not “on”
Withing moments – page 256 – “Within” not “withing”
The streets were coming awake. – page 290 – for some reason, this was a standalone paragraph. Should have been connected to the paragraph that follows it, really.
April 17, 2013
Although the book started off a little slow, I quickly found myself wrapped in the adventure. I won't be a spoiler for those of you yet to read it, but Wallace stays very true to the history of the period and it's very easy to believe the story could be a combination of fiction and non fiction. It was a very enjoyable read and I finished in 2 days. I hope there will be more adventures with this cast of characters.
June 5, 2013
Intersting supposition using a nephew of Hitler's hangman, Reinhard Heydrich for a hero in a book. It was a very interesting story as a group of actors/spies travel through Germany and Italy while avpiding exposure to the Gestapo and the SS.
May 17, 2013
This is not a genre that I normally read, but I really enjoyed Wolf Hook. It is well written and suspenseful (I can definitely see it as a movie), and I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 30, 2017
More than a generalization
This is a story of considerable detail. With several interesting characters. The plot grew steadily more in grabbing and holding my attention. I was particularly impressed with the character of the local detective and his being recruited into the SS. And his feelings about it. How would he deal with the kind of at atrocities he would be expected to commit. This was the feeling I came away with.
This is a story of considerable detail. With several interesting characters. The plot grew steadily more in grabbing and holding my attention. I was particularly impressed with the character of the local detective and his being recruited into the SS. And his feelings about it. How would he deal with the kind of at atrocities he would be expected to commit. This was the feeling I came away with.
June 22, 2017
Downloaded this for free, so my review may be skewed a bit. But for a free download this book kept me entertained. First chapter was slow, but after that I was intrigued and curious to see what would happen next. If I would have paid for this book I may have knocked it down to 3 stars. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, quick, and easy read!
April 26, 2019
Good book
Never a dull moment would aptly describe this book. There was just enough mystery to make it very interesting. Looking forward to reading some more of this author's work. This book sure does need a sequel, I think it would be well received. I will recommend this book.
Never a dull moment would aptly describe this book. There was just enough mystery to make it very interesting. Looking forward to reading some more of this author's work. This book sure does need a sequel, I think it would be well received. I will recommend this book.
May 31, 2021
3 1/2 stars. Enjoyable, well-paced WW11 espionage thriller. My main criticism was that the characterisation and story didn't really have the depth to deal with some of the issues raised; such as the fictional Jim's divided loyalties and monstrous real-life uncle, Reinhard Heydrich, or Katterman's progression from small town cop to SS Officer.
June 18, 2017
WW II spy thriller
Interesting and creative premise...can a German actor performing English plays in Occupied Axis countries
during WWII be a spy? Mostly believable, but sometimes I had to check reality at the door.
Interesting and creative premise...can a German actor performing English plays in Occupied Axis countries
during WWII be a spy? Mostly believable, but sometimes I had to check reality at the door.
July 26, 2017
Pay close attention
A good, seemingly accurate account of war times. The difficulty was in keeping up with all the characters and their roles. It was made somewhat easier by the author's recounting of events in the next chapter. A lot of surprises.
A good, seemingly accurate account of war times. The difficulty was in keeping up with all the characters and their roles. It was made somewhat easier by the author's recounting of events in the next chapter. A lot of surprises.
July 28, 2017
Page-turning thriller
Michael Wallace has written an entertaining, edge-of-your-seat, twist-and-turn WWII spy thriller. I read it over a couple of days, but it took me that long only because I had to put my tablet down to sleep and eat.
Michael Wallace has written an entertaining, edge-of-your-seat, twist-and-turn WWII spy thriller. I read it over a couple of days, but it took me that long only because I had to put my tablet down to sleep and eat.
August 13, 2017
Wolf Hook, something I could not hook up to
I thought from the title that this was something to sink my teeth in and enjoy. Not the case, first I would not classify this as a thriller it was too predictable and at times I found myself wondering, not the authors best work
I thought from the title that this was something to sink my teeth in and enjoy. Not the case, first I would not classify this as a thriller it was too predictable and at times I found myself wondering, not the authors best work
September 3, 2017
Not bad for historical fiction
I usually read civil war or WW2 history. So this is different that what I normally read. But I'm glad that I did. The plot was plausible and there was good interactions between the characters. This was a good read.
I usually read civil war or WW2 history. So this is different that what I normally read. But I'm glad that I did. The plot was plausible and there was good interactions between the characters. This was a good read.
June 19, 2017
I quite enjoyed this book and read it on my Kindle iPad reader. I
July 5, 2017
A good read
A worthwhile read for sitting on the beach
The story line was almost believable but thought of an English touring group in Nazi Germany?
A worthwhile read for sitting on the beach
The story line was almost believable but thought of an English touring group in Nazi Germany?
August 1, 2017
If you like a mystery with a major war thrown in this is the book to read it great read and has it moments of humor all though very subtle. It spies and gun battles to hold the interest of anyone.
August 4, 2017
Really interesting
Even though the beginning of t,he story was rather dull, it started getting enjoyable from the middle of the book . On the whole it was time well spent
Even though the beginning of t,he story was rather dull, it started getting enjoyable from the middle of the book . On the whole it was time well spent
August 8, 2017
The chase is on.
A novel full of intrigue and action, a chase through Europe by a theatre company who are not what they seem to be, are the pursuers what they appear to be?.
A novel full of intrigue and action, a chase through Europe by a theatre company who are not what they seem to be, are the pursuers what they appear to be?.
September 7, 2017
I like reading a bood based on historical events. This book was very enjoyable. The author kept you guessing all the time as to what would happen next, it was never predictable.
September 8, 2017
Book is slow to start, but don't give up once it gets going it's captivating. Great descriptive story telling of WW2. Easy to feel this was a non-fiction read even though it was fiction.
February 16, 2018
Enjoyed this account from World War II. What a sad time in our world. This book used some historical figures and fictionalized others to develop an interesting story of sacrifice and of love.
September 7, 2018
Engrossing
Well written story with twists and turns to the last page. Once the excitement starts I found it hard to put down.
Well written story with twists and turns to the last page. Once the excitement starts I found it hard to put down.
Read
April 29, 2020Intricate Frederick Forsyth type novel. I got into the main character quite a bit.
November 9, 2020
Excellent Spy Novel
A young actor, nephew of one of the most cruel Nazis in Germany, innocently falls in with British spy agents.
A young actor, nephew of one of the most cruel Nazis in Germany, innocently falls in with British spy agents.
November 12, 2021
A second world war spy story
Reads like a movie script with lots of action. A troupe of actors entertain invading Germans as they deal in secrets and smuggling.
Reads like a movie script with lots of action. A troupe of actors entertain invading Germans as they deal in secrets and smuggling.
January 29, 2019
A Nazi book. The hero is the nephew of a high-ranking Nazi. His acting troupe is set to get someone smuggled out of Germany.
August 9, 2014
Great Suspense! Jim Heydrich doesn’t know where his sympathies lie as his uber-powerful uncle, his German-Canadian family members, and an English-speaking, German-sponsored theater company all vie for his loyalty in the midst of the chaos of Germany and Italy in the first half of World War II. All Jim wants to do is survive, but he would rather do that anywhere but where he finds himself through most of this fast-moving story. From the suspense of whether there’s a green or a yellow tie on the Irish diplomat throughout the code deciphering search in the Oscar Wilde play’s script at the Italian contessa’s villa near Florence, we are wondering which of the major players are villains and which are heroes, the German police officer in search of the truth, the leader of the thespian troupe, the beautiful leading actress, the SS officer, the Italian policeman Rosario, the bandito Nicolo, and several others with even less clues for us in their behaviors. Jim finally figures out where he should place that loyalty, just as the fog is dissipating and those shadowy figures rise up shooting!
October 15, 2014
I thought this author sounded familiar and recalled that I red his "Red Rooster" several years ago and remembered that it was an okay read. This book too was just okay. It did fill a time when I wanted an easy read and I thought it would be fun but I forgot, I read his Red Rooster. the book was fair to midland and too many language issues as it is evident the author writes with British frames of reference. Fast read but I have to put this author on hold for a while as his writing style was not the most comfortable I have read. The book is fast pace but the threshold of believability was too high for me. I would not recommend this book to any of my reader friends.I gave it three stars for the author's effort.
June 18, 2013
nook edition I would have given this book four stars, but I noticed some glaring typos such as using roll instead of role, grill instead of grille, and my all time bugaboo--close proximity--redundant--like saying pizza pie. Nitpicking aside, it was an interesting yarn--supposing that Reinhard Heydrich's nephew was touring in Europe with a troupe of actors during World War II. Various actors make up the cast of the two plays--an Oscar Wilde and Hamlet. There is some humor among the drama and the author mentions at the end that he has other novels including a World War II thriller, The Red Rooster.
July 27, 2014
Didn't like it
Didn't like it
didn't like it..couldn't stay interested in the story...it was a struggle to get the book finished. I will never read another book by the author
Didn't like it
didn't like it..couldn't stay interested in the story...it was a struggle to get the book finished. I will never read another book by the author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews