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Swiss Agents
The Swiss Courier
It is August 1944 and the Gestapo is mercilessly rounding up suspected enemies of the Third Reich. When Joseph Engel, a German physicist working on the atomic bomb, finds that he is actually a Jew, adopted by Christian parents, he must flee for his life to neutral Switzerland.
Gabi Mueller is a young Swiss-American woman working for the newly formed American Office of Strategic Services (the forerunner to the CIA) close to Nazi Germany. When she is asked to risk her life to safely "courier" Engel out of Germany, the fate of the world rests in her hands. If she can lead him to safety, she can keep the Germans from developing nuclear capabilities. But in a time of traitors and uncertainty, whom can she trust along the way?
This fast-paced, suspenseful novel takes readers along treacherous twists and turns during a fascinating--and deadly--time in history.
Gabi Mueller is a young Swiss-American woman working for the newly formed American Office of Strategic Services (the forerunner to the CIA) close to Nazi Germany. When she is asked to risk her life to safely "courier" Engel out of Germany, the fate of the world rests in her hands. If she can lead him to safety, she can keep the Germans from developing nuclear capabilities. But in a time of traitors and uncertainty, whom can she trust along the way?
This fast-paced, suspenseful novel takes readers along treacherous twists and turns during a fascinating--and deadly--time in history.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2009
63 people are currently reading
1191 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Goyer
163 books1,675 followersTricia Goyer is a busy mom of ten, grandmother of two, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites.In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
October 12, 2018
2.5 stars
Well, this one was my least favorite Goyer book, and I'm going to blame it on the coauthor. Awkward sentences, two German profanities, and a coarse bathroom joke were just the surface of my dislikes. The amount of short pieces of a dozen or so POVs left my head spinning and it was hard to make sense of the clues because the POVs left the story fragmented rather than linear. There was a great deal of telling rather than showing and an annoying amount of technical detail instead (hey, make these characters come to life before you add all that stuff about cars and planes and such).
Just as it hit a good stride at the end, and I was enjoying the last third, it was over. And the violence was too descriptive for me...telling me things about the characters instead of showing them to me, but then showing me the violence instead of telling me, left the story-scenery lopsided toward the blood and shootings.
Well, this one was my least favorite Goyer book, and I'm going to blame it on the coauthor. Awkward sentences, two German profanities, and a coarse bathroom joke were just the surface of my dislikes. The amount of short pieces of a dozen or so POVs left my head spinning and it was hard to make sense of the clues because the POVs left the story fragmented rather than linear. There was a great deal of telling rather than showing and an annoying amount of technical detail instead (hey, make these characters come to life before you add all that stuff about cars and planes and such).
Just as it hit a good stride at the end, and I was enjoying the last third, it was over. And the violence was too descriptive for me...telling me things about the characters instead of showing them to me, but then showing me the violence instead of telling me, left the story-scenery lopsided toward the blood and shootings.
October 31, 2009
Give me a good historical fiction novel and you will suck me in every. time. This book (while definitely it's own creation and original work) reminded me so much of the Brock and Bodie Thoene series that came out almost 20 years ago. Full of history yet with well-developed and written characters, this is the kind of book that I want to be able to hand to my teenage girls as we study World War II (after we have done the factual study). Two thumbs up on this one. :)
April 18, 2018
This was well done and mild on the romance. There are some mentions of torture and immorality so I wouldn't recommend it to sensitive readers or young children. The story kept me guessing, and the ending was a lot of fun.
February 13, 2012
The characters aren’t perfect, but they’re believable and likeable. The heroine, Gabi, is not portrayed as a superwoman but as a fairly vulnerable woman with legitimate fears, but whose desire to do the right thing propels her toward danger anyway.
I found the settings of the book fascinating, from the underground church in Germany to life as a dairy farmer or an interned American soldier in Switzerland. I also appreciated reading about German resistance spies. Not every German supported Hitler.
If you enjoy World War 2 suspense/thrillers, you’ll love The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey, released just last month by Revell. (Thanks to the publisher for sending me a free copy to review.)
I found the settings of the book fascinating, from the underground church in Germany to life as a dairy farmer or an interned American soldier in Switzerland. I also appreciated reading about German resistance spies. Not every German supported Hitler.
If you enjoy World War 2 suspense/thrillers, you’ll love The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey, released just last month by Revell. (Thanks to the publisher for sending me a free copy to review.)
October 25, 2009
I am with Michelle Sutton's comment " It was a compelling read with a lot of twists and turns. In many ways the story resembled a pure Goyer novel but this book had a slightly different voice. I enjoyed it, though I think I prefer Goyer's voice when she writes solo. The writing in this novel flowed smoothly, though, so that was well done. "
I really enjoyed this book. it remind me of what I was born in Heidelberg Germany.. I never know how the history has been made of in durning world war 2 in Germany.. I think Trica had done wonderfully job on this book.
I really enjoyed this book. it remind me of what I was born in Heidelberg Germany.. I never know how the history has been made of in durning world war 2 in Germany.. I think Trica had done wonderfully job on this book.
January 6, 2016
This is absolutely one of my very favorite books ever! Set in the WWII era you are immediately drawn into a web of secrets, mystery, and intrigue. I was forever trying to figure out how in the world it would all end! And those twists! Just when I thought I had it all figured out about 20 pages from the end. . . you get completely shocked!
The romance was very light, but it was still there which made the story all the more endearing.
So yeah, I loved it. :) Not sure what else I can say; just read it!!
The romance was very light, but it was still there which made the story all the more endearing.
So yeah, I loved it. :) Not sure what else I can say; just read it!!
May 7, 2021
Fabulous book! Such extra insights into the war situation in lesser known areas...the despair that the inhumanity of those evil ones caused..It stayed with me how many Jewish people were so desperate yet some with their "neutrality" sadly didn't offer sanctuary.......Deep and thought provoking!
October 31, 2018
An exciting historical adventure!
March 30, 2010
Gabi Mueller is an idealistic Swiss-American working in the translation pool at the local office of the recently formed American Office of Strategic Services (forerunner to the CIA) in Basel, Switzerland. She’s happy to do her part, but longs to make a more exciting, significant impact on the Allied war effort. When she’s recruited by her handsome supervisor to participate in an undercover operation, she’s thrilled – but the increased responsibility comes with a price. Committing to work as a spy brings far more personally imminent dangers home than her old desk job. She must shield her family and would-be admirer from all knowledge of her dangerous work. Thanks to Switzerland’s neutral status, the country is a veritable hotbed of wartime intrigue, and carrying a Swiss passport is no guarantee of protection if one falls afoul of the Nazi government just across the border. In Germany, Joseph Engel is a dedicated physicist, driven by a thirst for knowledge. The military and government pressure on Engel and his fellow researchers to produce a “wunderwaffe” (miracle weapon) that will turn the tide of the war in favor of Germany increases by the day, especially in the wake of the failed Valkyrie assassination plot. When an overeager Gestapo officer uncovers the buried truth about Engel’s past, the academic suddenly becomes the most wanted man of the war on both sides of the conflict. Gabi is given the assignment of “couriering” Engel to safety, a job which will require all of her courage and ingenuity in order to avoid the clutches of the Gestapo.
I’ve read a couple of Tricia Goyer’s previous World War II novels, so I was curious to see how this collaboration with Mike Yorkey would play out. The Swiss Courier’s pages are filled with Goyer’s trademark passion for history, with characters testing their faith in the midst of tumultuous times. She also has a real gift for crafting characters that are true to the time period in which the story is set. What sets this novel apart is that it is quite simply one of the most tightly plotted, suspenseful historicals I’ve ever read. In that respect it reminded me of the film Valkyrie (Courier picks up where that film leaves off). Once the clock starts ticking on the unfolding drama, the story doesn’t relinquish its hold on the reader until the mission’s completion. Filled with an international cast of well-drawn characters (including a couple of surprising hidden identities!) and break-neck plot twists, The Swiss Courier is a thoroughly absorbing, suspenseful read. The action made me feel just the slightest bit gypped when it comes to Gabi’s character development – particularly her 180-turn in how she views her boss – but that didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. Goyer and Yorkey’s contributions are seamlessly blended, resulting in a page-turning novel rich in historical detail.
As a devout fan of World War II-era fiction, I happily now rank The Swiss Courier among my favorites in the genre. Goyer’s first collaboration with Yorkey completely exceeded my expectations, and (in my experience, anyway) fills a niche within my reading about the time period. I loved the glimpse inside wartime Switzerland – the official stance of maintaining neutrality between warring factions lends the story a fascinating dynamic. I also enjoyed reading about how downed Allied fighters were interred in Switzerland for the duration of the conflict – it was an interesting historical nugget that I’ve never seen explored in WWII fiction. It’s also heartbreaking to witness the plight of Jewish refugees denied asylum because of Switzerland’s neutrality – to know freedom, only to have it snatched away by political expediency is an unconscionable circumstance the authors drive home through Gabi’s experiences. Don’t let the female-centric cover fool you – The Swiss Courier is a tightly plotted spy thriller with enough twists and turns and surprise reveals to give a reader whiplash. Here’s to hoping for many more collaborations from this stellar writing team!
I’ve read a couple of Tricia Goyer’s previous World War II novels, so I was curious to see how this collaboration with Mike Yorkey would play out. The Swiss Courier’s pages are filled with Goyer’s trademark passion for history, with characters testing their faith in the midst of tumultuous times. She also has a real gift for crafting characters that are true to the time period in which the story is set. What sets this novel apart is that it is quite simply one of the most tightly plotted, suspenseful historicals I’ve ever read. In that respect it reminded me of the film Valkyrie (Courier picks up where that film leaves off). Once the clock starts ticking on the unfolding drama, the story doesn’t relinquish its hold on the reader until the mission’s completion. Filled with an international cast of well-drawn characters (including a couple of surprising hidden identities!) and break-neck plot twists, The Swiss Courier is a thoroughly absorbing, suspenseful read. The action made me feel just the slightest bit gypped when it comes to Gabi’s character development – particularly her 180-turn in how she views her boss – but that didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. Goyer and Yorkey’s contributions are seamlessly blended, resulting in a page-turning novel rich in historical detail.
As a devout fan of World War II-era fiction, I happily now rank The Swiss Courier among my favorites in the genre. Goyer’s first collaboration with Yorkey completely exceeded my expectations, and (in my experience, anyway) fills a niche within my reading about the time period. I loved the glimpse inside wartime Switzerland – the official stance of maintaining neutrality between warring factions lends the story a fascinating dynamic. I also enjoyed reading about how downed Allied fighters were interred in Switzerland for the duration of the conflict – it was an interesting historical nugget that I’ve never seen explored in WWII fiction. It’s also heartbreaking to witness the plight of Jewish refugees denied asylum because of Switzerland’s neutrality – to know freedom, only to have it snatched away by political expediency is an unconscionable circumstance the authors drive home through Gabi’s experiences. Don’t let the female-centric cover fool you – The Swiss Courier is a tightly plotted spy thriller with enough twists and turns and surprise reveals to give a reader whiplash. Here’s to hoping for many more collaborations from this stellar writing team!
July 30, 2014
18+ for some adult subject matter and violence
3 stars
Having read "Chasing Mona Lisa", I was eager to delve into this book. However, I found myself with very mixed feelings.
On the positive side, I loved the rich history. Authentic phrases and period-correct cliches, different languages, and historical detail made this story great for history and WWII buffs. The varying viewpoints of the Swiss, Germans, and Americans were all expounded upon. I particularly appreciated the efforts to show some of what was happening during the Holocaust and the viewpoints of a Jew.
There was plenty of action. Most of it was great and not overly-depicted, but I do advise caution for younger readers. Gestapo torture, executions, and battle scenes are included. Some scenes are grim and lack the glimmer of hope.
I found myself disappointed with the lack of faith. God and Christianity seemed like add-ons, inserted every now and again for the sake of keeping the book "Christian". Gabi was a believer, but she rarely spoke of her faith, rarely prayed, and God didn't seem overly-important to her. Other characters were even less involved in their faith.
There was one scene that made me hesitant to recommend the book to others. While I understand that the authors were endeavoring to show the extreme wickedness of the Nazis, the scene could have been avoided or more cautiously handled. Most people would say I am being extreme, but I believe sensitivity to our brothers in Christ in important. Descriptions that may cause them to stumble should be avoided at all costs.
This was a good historical read, but I can't say I recommend it to anyone under 18. And, even then, I would not recommend it to young men without precautions taken concerning that one scene. "Chasing Mona Lisa" was a good stand-alone, so I'd recommend that one instead.
3 stars
Having read "Chasing Mona Lisa", I was eager to delve into this book. However, I found myself with very mixed feelings.
On the positive side, I loved the rich history. Authentic phrases and period-correct cliches, different languages, and historical detail made this story great for history and WWII buffs. The varying viewpoints of the Swiss, Germans, and Americans were all expounded upon. I particularly appreciated the efforts to show some of what was happening during the Holocaust and the viewpoints of a Jew.
There was plenty of action. Most of it was great and not overly-depicted, but I do advise caution for younger readers. Gestapo torture, executions, and battle scenes are included. Some scenes are grim and lack the glimmer of hope.
I found myself disappointed with the lack of faith. God and Christianity seemed like add-ons, inserted every now and again for the sake of keeping the book "Christian". Gabi was a believer, but she rarely spoke of her faith, rarely prayed, and God didn't seem overly-important to her. Other characters were even less involved in their faith.
There was one scene that made me hesitant to recommend the book to others. While I understand that the authors were endeavoring to show the extreme wickedness of the Nazis, the scene could have been avoided or more cautiously handled. Most people would say I am being extreme, but I believe sensitivity to our brothers in Christ in important. Descriptions that may cause them to stumble should be avoided at all costs.
This was a good historical read, but I can't say I recommend it to anyone under 18. And, even then, I would not recommend it to young men without precautions taken concerning that one scene. "Chasing Mona Lisa" was a good stand-alone, so I'd recommend that one instead.
April 16, 2016
Are you ready for historical fiction that will grip you and make stay up all night reading? This is the book of the year for that! Gabi Mueller is a young woman who works in a newly formed office of strategic Services for the American’s, in Switzerland. She is asked to put herself in a position where it would be dangerous she takes it, because she wants to help the good guys……but did she pick the good guys or the bad ones?? Throughout this book, I was deeply impressed at the amount of careful research and facts that were done so well. Tricia and Mike had to have spent a very long time carefully researching so many things in this book. I loved so many things about this book, but one was the many different heroes of the book that were not the likely ones. You are taken through twists and turns, and you get to see many different parts of world War two, from many different people’s eyes. American’s in captivity, the swiss underground as well as other aspects that you may not have known about. I love the facts behind the book and knowing this was well researched and it had my wondering throughout the book….how do two authors write such a book together? I was able to go to a book signing with Tricia Goyer recently (if you look in past posts, I have a picture) and I asked her this question. She was explaining how they write the book, then the other goes over it and re-writes, adding and editing more to it. It sounded like an interesting process!!! Are you ready for the first chapter? Hang onto your hat….read and run out and buy a copy!!-
October 24, 2009
The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey is a fast-paced suspense novel of World War II. Gabi Mueller, a Swiss-American living in Switzerland, has been working for the OSS in helping to translate messages from the Germans when she is recruited to use her special abilities at safecracking. She's quickly pulled into a dangerous world of secret identities and risky escapes when she's asked to help rescue Joseph Engel , a German physicist who holds the secret to the Nazi atomic bomb before the Gestapo finds and executes him. The authors make the taut atmosphere of spies come to life where every word may have a double meaning, and you can truly trust no one. I was thrilled with how they avoided all cliched pitfalls of suspense novels making it fresh and enjoyable. There is literally no time to breathe as the rescuers race from sabotage, gunfire, and betrayal; I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I hope that these authors pair up again soon!
June 3, 2010
When I interviewed the authors, Goyer told me she hoped readers would have a “sleepless night” or two when they read the novel.
Well, in my case, Goyer was right! I started reading the book the evening it arrived in the mail. Two days later (yes, I stopped to go to work) I finished the novel – the first time.
I love books that make me think. The Swiss Courier accomplished that with abundance. I’ll admit, I’ve read it a couple of times…and even found myself Googling the characters to see who was “real” and who only reside in Yorkey and Goyer’s minds.
I think it’s a great read – especially if you like historical fiction.
Well, in my case, Goyer was right! I started reading the book the evening it arrived in the mail. Two days later (yes, I stopped to go to work) I finished the novel – the first time.
I love books that make me think. The Swiss Courier accomplished that with abundance. I’ll admit, I’ve read it a couple of times…and even found myself Googling the characters to see who was “real” and who only reside in Yorkey and Goyer’s minds.
I think it’s a great read – especially if you like historical fiction.
October 13, 2022
Gabi Mueller is a translator at the OSS office in Switzerland. She speaks English, Swiss-German, and German fluently. When her boss asks her to be a courier, she agrees and does an excellent job which leads to him asking her to help smuggle Joseph Engle who is working on the German project to create a nuclear bomb out of Germany and into Switzerland as it has been discovered that his biological parents were Jewish. Will Gabi and others in the Swiss resistance accomplish their goal?
This is a fast-paced World War II suspense novel that takes a look at how Switzerland, a neutral country in the war, both helped and hindered the Jewish problem. I was quite surprised that they were required to turn Jews that fled to Switzerland back to Germany. Because of the presence of some German military higher-ups, if they were caught harboring Jewish refugees, they could be sent to an interment camp.
The main problem I had with this book is the plethora of characters at the very beginning. I had a difficult time keeping them straight.
This is a fast-paced World War II suspense novel that takes a look at how Switzerland, a neutral country in the war, both helped and hindered the Jewish problem. I was quite surprised that they were required to turn Jews that fled to Switzerland back to Germany. Because of the presence of some German military higher-ups, if they were caught harboring Jewish refugees, they could be sent to an interment camp.
The main problem I had with this book is the plethora of characters at the very beginning. I had a difficult time keeping them straight.
March 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It is full of history, drama and suspense. I had problems following the story line of the first half at times but the history was so good that I continued to read and I am so glad I did. The second part of the book was wonderful, it kept me interested and sitting on the edge of my seat.
November 20, 2024
I’d not read a WWII book set in Switzerland before. It was interesting to read about the areas bordering Germany and how those citizens interacted with the Germans. I found the book title to be curious as the main character’s position itself was not a courier. The story was not very believable but it was fiction. Couldn’t really see Becker being able to successfully do what he did nor couldn’t believe that the OSS would have used so many related individuals in one mission.
May 11, 2025
Great WWII historical fiction, set in northern Switzerland. Read before and during a great trip to the Alps.
November 17, 2012
Overall, this was an OK look at some of the Swiss involvement in World War II and for a gentle read (i.e. Christian fiction) this was better written than many of the gentle reads I have read. But, seriously! The plot problems!
Gabi Mueller is the daughter of an American father and Swiss mother who live in Basel, which, for those of you not familiar with your Swiss geography, is right in the northwest corner of Switzerland, very close to both France and Germany. So, Gabi speaks English and is fairly familiar with American culture, which she puts to use in her position as a translator for the Office of Strategic Services.
Here's a question I have: since Gabi's father, her two brothers, and she all have American citizenship, why are they still in Switzerland when they can see what a hot mess Europe has turned into? There was little to no mention of her mother's family, so I am not sure why they decided to stay in a war-torn area. So, to me, the only issue they would perhaps have in moving back to America would be whether Mrs. Mueller could get into the country.
Another question: how did Gabi become so proficient in safe-cracking? Her father is a clean-living pastor. I think it's mentioned that she had a clockmaker relative (grandfather perhaps? I don't remember offhand), but I was unaware that safe-cracking skills were an inheritable trait. Perhaps it's a recessive gene for those whose ancestors were clockmakers??
Surprise! Another question: was the U.S. that incredibly desperate for spies that they would allow a young woman who worked only as a translator and showed some skills as a safecracker (yes, ridiculous, I know) to be a courier for a young scientist escaping Nazi Germany? Did I mention that Gabi received no covert operations training WHATSOEVER? NONE.
I also had trouble with NUMEROUS instances of dialogue that felt like a history lesson/lecture. Yes, thank you for sharing with the readers all of the awesome information you found while researching this book. Really, please do share. It's informative. But, please figure out how to convey this information in a way that does not sound like a lecture, especially like a lecture to those characters who should already be familiar with the history and current events of the area. I found it hard to believe that an officer--a major--in the Gestapo would have no idea what the Confessing Church was (clergy who opposed Hitler and the Nazification of the church).
Another specific conversation that struck me was when Gabi expressed surprise that captured American pilots were not allowed to leave the Swiss town that they were interned in. Um, her brothers are in the Swiss army and work in that town; she also visits them occasionally. How does she not know what is going on there?
I could keep pointing out instances where seemingly uninformed characters thankfully had other characters around to give them a lecture about current events or local history, but geesh.
Also, another fact-check: the authors imply that Neuschwanstein Castle was the inspiration for Disney's Snow White's castle--nope. It was inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's, a Disney movie that was made in 1959.
Gabi Mueller is the daughter of an American father and Swiss mother who live in Basel, which, for those of you not familiar with your Swiss geography, is right in the northwest corner of Switzerland, very close to both France and Germany. So, Gabi speaks English and is fairly familiar with American culture, which she puts to use in her position as a translator for the Office of Strategic Services.
Here's a question I have: since Gabi's father, her two brothers, and she all have American citizenship, why are they still in Switzerland when they can see what a hot mess Europe has turned into? There was little to no mention of her mother's family, so I am not sure why they decided to stay in a war-torn area. So, to me, the only issue they would perhaps have in moving back to America would be whether Mrs. Mueller could get into the country.
Another question: how did Gabi become so proficient in safe-cracking? Her father is a clean-living pastor. I think it's mentioned that she had a clockmaker relative (grandfather perhaps? I don't remember offhand), but I was unaware that safe-cracking skills were an inheritable trait. Perhaps it's a recessive gene for those whose ancestors were clockmakers??
Surprise! Another question: was the U.S. that incredibly desperate for spies that they would allow a young woman who worked only as a translator and showed some skills as a safecracker (yes, ridiculous, I know) to be a courier for a young scientist escaping Nazi Germany? Did I mention that Gabi received no covert operations training WHATSOEVER? NONE.
I also had trouble with NUMEROUS instances of dialogue that felt like a history lesson/lecture. Yes, thank you for sharing with the readers all of the awesome information you found while researching this book. Really, please do share. It's informative. But, please figure out how to convey this information in a way that does not sound like a lecture, especially like a lecture to those characters who should already be familiar with the history and current events of the area. I found it hard to believe that an officer--a major--in the Gestapo would have no idea what the Confessing Church was (clergy who opposed Hitler and the Nazification of the church).
Another specific conversation that struck me was when Gabi expressed surprise that captured American pilots were not allowed to leave the Swiss town that they were interned in. Um, her brothers are in the Swiss army and work in that town; she also visits them occasionally. How does she not know what is going on there?
I could keep pointing out instances where seemingly uninformed characters thankfully had other characters around to give them a lecture about current events or local history, but geesh.
Also, another fact-check: the authors imply that Neuschwanstein Castle was the inspiration for Disney's Snow White's castle--nope. It was inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's, a Disney movie that was made in 1959.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2012
I got this in one of the free book days on Amazon: This is a really exciting read with lots of historical info on WWII. I especially liked the visual descriptions of Switzerland and Germany as I've been to both of these lovely countries.
I was disappointed that this was billed as a historical romance when there wan't much in that department. Considering that the book starts with some gruesome torture scenes, I was looking forward to some strong emotions on the other side to balance the story.
I had to wonder if the authors felt compelled to hold back on the side of descretion simply because this book has at its core a strong Christian message of what the Free Church Christians were trying to do to save both Jews and others escaping Nazi Germany.
Then too, this may be because it was a collaboration by two people. If so, I suspect that Tricia Goyer can rise to the challenge of balancing romance with the a strong story line all by herself. All in all, a book worth reading.
I'd like to recommend another author's series on WWII: Rebecca Cantwell's, Night of Long Knives
A Night of Long Knives(see my review)
RP Dahlke, Good Reads Author
A DEAD RED CADILLAC
A DEAD RED HEART
A Dangerous Harbor
I was disappointed that this was billed as a historical romance when there wan't much in that department. Considering that the book starts with some gruesome torture scenes, I was looking forward to some strong emotions on the other side to balance the story.
I had to wonder if the authors felt compelled to hold back on the side of descretion simply because this book has at its core a strong Christian message of what the Free Church Christians were trying to do to save both Jews and others escaping Nazi Germany.
Then too, this may be because it was a collaboration by two people. If so, I suspect that Tricia Goyer can rise to the challenge of balancing romance with the a strong story line all by herself. All in all, a book worth reading.
I'd like to recommend another author's series on WWII: Rebecca Cantwell's, Night of Long Knives
A Night of Long Knives(see my review)
RP Dahlke, Good Reads Author
A DEAD RED CADILLAC
A DEAD RED HEART
A Dangerous Harbor
October 14, 2009
This story takes place in Europe, 1944. The Gestapo is mercilessly rounding up suspected enemies of the Third Reich. Bruno Kassler, the fast-rising head of the Gestapo Regional Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany, discovers a secret about one of the scientists working to create the atomic bomb. Physicist Joseph Engel was born a Jew and adopted by Christian parents at birth. Kassler is convinced that Engel is a spy and that his discovery will earn Kassler a great promotion.
Gabi Mueller is a young Swiss woman working for the forerunner to the CIA. She has a great talent for breaking into safes that impress her employers. She is asked to take on a special mission to escort Joseph Engel out of Germany before the Gestapo can catch him. The Americans believe that Engel is the key to Germany’s development of this super weapon. If they can get Engel out of Germany, his wisdom will be of great use to the United States and the Allied forces.
There is something fascinating and heroic about the stories from this historical period. Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey have added to that list. Each character hooked me into their world and agenda. I couldn’t wait to see how all the threads would weave together. The Swiss Courier is a unique look at the front lines of World War II and what everyday people sacrificed to stand up against the evil surrounding them. Everyday farmers, shopkeepers, and soldiers alike risked their lives to do what was right. This was an unexpected and thrilling adventure. I highly recommend this book for readers ages 16 and up.
Gabi Mueller is a young Swiss woman working for the forerunner to the CIA. She has a great talent for breaking into safes that impress her employers. She is asked to take on a special mission to escort Joseph Engel out of Germany before the Gestapo can catch him. The Americans believe that Engel is the key to Germany’s development of this super weapon. If they can get Engel out of Germany, his wisdom will be of great use to the United States and the Allied forces.
There is something fascinating and heroic about the stories from this historical period. Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey have added to that list. Each character hooked me into their world and agenda. I couldn’t wait to see how all the threads would weave together. The Swiss Courier is a unique look at the front lines of World War II and what everyday people sacrificed to stand up against the evil surrounding them. Everyday farmers, shopkeepers, and soldiers alike risked their lives to do what was right. This was an unexpected and thrilling adventure. I highly recommend this book for readers ages 16 and up.
November 17, 2009
When I picked this book up, I wasn’t sure what to think… I’m not a big historical reader BUT I really enjoyed this books. I had a difficult time putting it down. The combination of Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey brought the history together and entwined it to make it fast moving, suspenseful and entertaining. I was drawn in right away to the characters and couldn’t help but like the lead female Gabi right away. She was strong and likeable. I felt like I was swept off into their world of days gone by. I like how it covers WWII — it tells the story with real heart and emotions. It provided enough details without overkilling or dragging the story down (I’ve read books like that all too often.. or rather tried to read books like that lol).
I think this is a great book for anyone who loves history and looking for a more emotional side of it. A great choice for anyone looking to escape and experience the radical part of history.
I think this is a great book for anyone who loves history and looking for a more emotional side of it. A great choice for anyone looking to escape and experience the radical part of history.
July 14, 2011
It took me a bit to get into this one, it kept going back and forth between Switzerland and Germany at different times throughout several days time. But once I got into it and the hang of it I ended up really enjoying it! I wish I could have read it in one or two sittings.
I've always enjoyed reading about WWII and this one had some suspense added in that kept my attention. A German physicist finds out he was a Jew at birth and must flee for his life to neutral Switzerland. A young Swiss-American woman is asked to safely courier him out but she's not sure who she can trust.
I sorta figured early on who the bad guys might turn out to be and had figured that the guy in love with her would turn out to be an undercover agent also. But the other twist at the end, the mentor agent to her guy I didn't see coming! That was a nice touch!
I've always enjoyed reading about WWII and this one had some suspense added in that kept my attention. A German physicist finds out he was a Jew at birth and must flee for his life to neutral Switzerland. A young Swiss-American woman is asked to safely courier him out but she's not sure who she can trust.
I sorta figured early on who the bad guys might turn out to be and had figured that the guy in love with her would turn out to be an undercover agent also. But the other twist at the end, the mentor agent to her guy I didn't see coming! That was a nice touch!
December 6, 2009
I didn't realize this was a Christian book when I threw my name in the hat for the book giveaway. I was a little worried that the book would be lack-luster and preachy (as other Christian books I've unknowingly checked out have been) but that wasn't the case at all. The story was action-packed, Gabi and her circle of family and friends were lovable and fun to read about, and I loved having the different perspectives of the Germans, the Americans, and the Swiss during WWII. I haven't read a lot of fiction about WWII, let alone a story about a group of people set right into the thick of things. The way that everything came together at the end was well-thought out, and even unpredictable in some ways. I'll be recommending this book to others for sure.
June 30, 2021
Excellent book; a real page-turner. I was a little disappointed with the ending, as Dieter's role was not explained to my satisfaction. But I really like this book.
Re-read:
I did not remember any of the major plot twists or details so it was like reading this again for the first time :) What was so cool to me was how Martin Niemoller, the Confessing Church, and Karl Friedrich and Dietrich Bonhoeffer were all mentioned. I did not know about them the last time I read this and now I know so much! Dietrich is someone I greatly admire. The inclusion of them really places this book into history, even though it is fiction. (And I stayed up until 11 to finish this book because it was the intense, stressful part!)
Re-read:
I did not remember any of the major plot twists or details so it was like reading this again for the first time :) What was so cool to me was how Martin Niemoller, the Confessing Church, and Karl Friedrich and Dietrich Bonhoeffer were all mentioned. I did not know about them the last time I read this and now I know so much! Dietrich is someone I greatly admire. The inclusion of them really places this book into history, even though it is fiction. (And I stayed up until 11 to finish this book because it was the intense, stressful part!)
October 19, 2010
Gabi Mueller is living in Switzerland during WWII. Her boss at the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) is not all that he seems. Joseph Engel, a brilliant scientist working on the atomic bomb, is wanted by both the Gestapo and the American forces. In the end it will be up to Gabi to take part in a dangerous rescue mission to courier Joseph Engel out of Nazi Germany and safely into Switzerland. ..A mission she may not survive. The last few chapters of this book kept me on the edge of my seat..Benjamin Becker's bravery, the Junkers, running on fumes, Waldshut, and the Rhine River. I especially enjoyed discovering the true identities of Jean-Pierre and Pascal!
February 14, 2012
Excellent! Thrilling, page-turning, mysterious and breath-taking. Centered on the church underground anti-Nazi resistance in Switzerland, just after the failed assassination attempt of Adolf Hitler. Gabi is assigned increasingly dangerous missions by her handsome and mysterious boss, Dieter. She is thrilled by his trust and personal attention, but can she trust him? Then she's handed her most important mission yet: shepherd Prof. Engel, who's been working on the famed "Wonder Weapon" of Germany, out of the Nazis' clutches and into Allied protection. She'll need all her abilities, courage, faith, friends, and a few small miracles to pull this off...
May 27, 2011
Well done historical fiction! I learned more about WWII: specifically the assassination attempt on Hitler and how Switzerland maintained a neutrality position. The characters were well developed and intriguing, with a defining message of those motivated by self-preservation as compared to those who were willing to act for the benefit of others. The theme of trust was prominent. Do you trust in God's leading and ultimate protection, provision, love? How do you know when to trust another individual?
February 11, 2012
I have never read anything by Tricia Goyer before and wondered if I would enjoy it. To my surprise, I did!
The plot developed well and the tension built steadily to a satisfying climax at the end. There were a few twists and turns that surprised me and kept me guessing the whole way. It was well done.
My only complaint was it tried a bit too hard to show it was well-researched with the technical terms and German or Swiss/German language. I found my intelligence a bit insulted, but it wasn't too bad.
The plot developed well and the tension built steadily to a satisfying climax at the end. There were a few twists and turns that surprised me and kept me guessing the whole way. It was well done.
My only complaint was it tried a bit too hard to show it was well-researched with the technical terms and German or Swiss/German language. I found my intelligence a bit insulted, but it wasn't too bad.
August 7, 2011
Parts of this book were very good and parts I skimmed over because I was bored with it. Parts were a bit religous and preachy. Pay close attention to the beginning because that part of the story is talked about again at the end and I had to go back and read the first chapter because I totally forgot about the things that had happened in the first chapter and had to go back and re read it. overall I would have given the story line 5 stars but the filler really distracted from the main story.
October 20, 2014
I liked this book. It was well written and flowed fairly smoothly. It could be a little disorienting the way it jumped between locations but it was necessary for the story line. I enjoyed the little bit of romance there was and it definitely had enough suspense to keep my attention. I have to admit I was a little surprised at some character reveals toward the end. I had suspected one but not the other. I enjoyed the ending and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
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