Splinter

by Paul McHugh

A sudden attack, a daring response...
On the shore of Oslo Fjord, teenagers Kristian Thorsen and Helene Berg watch in shock and horror as their world is upended by a Nazi invasion.
Driven apart by tragedy and trauma, Helene and Kristian take different paths to join the Resistance, but fate soon swirls them back together. Like many who rebel against the invaders, they must become spies and covert warriors on the fly, making huge mistakes along the way. Yet even on such a tortuous path, they are surprised by moments of grace.
When Helene manages to steal secret Nazi plans for precision bombing of England, Kristian launches a life-or-death mission to get this crucial intelligence across the North Sea and into Allied hands. He'll try anything to defeat the fascist occupiers-and to win Helene's heart.

Genres: Fiction

370 pages, Hardcover

Published July 11, 2023

About the author

Born near the Everglades,I started my education in Catholic schools, and finished it up on the open road and in big city newsrooms. I was a reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle for 22 years. My new novel, the mystery, "Deadlines," is based on a front-page investigative series I did there. I have one other novel to my credit, "The Search for Goodbye-To-Rains," and a non-fiction travelogue, "Wild Places.""

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 2 out of 5]

I requested this book knowing that it was about WW2, and therefore would not be humorous and uplifting. It turned out to be much more graphic than I expected, since it was geared toward a Y.A. audience. The storyline was interesting, but page after page of descriptions of exactly how the protagonist’s enemies were killed got to be too much after a while. I just couldn’t bring myself to push and keep on reading.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

Germany needs Norway’s fjords to hide and protect its mighty warships. Hitler offers to shield the citizens of Norway with Germany’s mighty warships. They send in the SS and other secret police to round up and dispatch any saboteurs that may be hiding in plain sight.

The Germans attack and even try to sink Norway’s fishing fleet. Kristian and his friend Helena believe that the occupation of their homeland by the Nazis is in fact an act of war against their country. Norway clings to its’ position of neutrality despite the presence of so many soldiers and naval troops.

Kristian decides to assist the Allies by providing troop and naval exercise information to the British. Having access to this information is vital to the ongoing war effort. This is accomplished by rowing a small kayak hundreds of kilometers across the North Sea to Allied forces. The voyages are harrowing and illuminate the tough and heroic conditions encountered by the patriots.

This story is very illuminating and reveals the tenacity of the Norwegians. The read is fast and satisfying. 4.5 stars – CE Williams

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Harvey]

I have read many books set in various Nazi occupied territories but never one set in Norway. The author's defiitive research and descriptive writting made learning about the country, the culture and norms of the Norwegian people highly interesting. The author's account of the life and possible death adventures of the British trained Norwegian spy character kept me up late at night reading when I should have been sleeping. McHugh's book is a worthy look at history as well as a fast moving and entertaining story. Five stars!

[Russell Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging And Thrilling And Fully Norwegian

Paul brings us espionage Norwegian fisherman style. From the fjords of the North Sea to the night bombings of London, this book brings us World War Two from a new perspective. I had to take a break in the middle of reading to study the German occupation of Norway as this book touched on a rare aspect of the war for me. The engaging personalities and steady action throughout this book make it an excellent read. It reminded me of the Alistair McClean books I read growing up. I highly recommend it.

[MD · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plenty of action but not much plot. Then a total non-ending.

Also, was any of this real at all? I wish there had been an afterward because if this “secret” was real it seems like things would be different than they were. And if it wasn’t real, seems weird to have made up something that seems like it would make such a difference. I’d have liked to know.

p.s. This book contains a very explicit sex scene which seemed odd in a book that otherwise seems to be YA.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly excellent book. Well researched and shows the character of the Norwegian people and culture during the occupation. My only disappointment was the ending. It just ended. Unless there is a sequel, the ending was disappointing...

[Patricia Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all of McHugh's books, this one -- set in Norway at the beginning of World War II -- takes off fast and locks readers into the incredible action and atmosphere. It's a great story and the plot will keep you reading until it's resolved. The oft-forgotten episode of Norway's occupation by and resistance to the Nazis adds a fascinating historical angle to a book that is entertaining and easy to read.