Rescue Run: Capt. Jake Rogers' Daring Return to Occupied Europe

by John Winn Miller

COMING MARCH 4, 2025

In an exciting sequel to “The Hunt for the Peggy C,” Capt. Jake Rogers returns to the North Atlantic as commander of a US Liberty ship with some of his crew from the sunken Peggy C.

But disaster strikes, and they end up shipwrecked in Ireland. There Rogers learns from Dutch sailors that the Nazis have arrested the father of the love of his life, Miriam Maduro, and are about to deport him to a concentration camp.

They sneak back into Holland aboard a gun-running ship from neutral Ireland and contact a resistance group to help them. Everything goes according to plan until a shocking discovery leaves them stranded in Holland and forces them to flee for their lives across Nazi-occupied Europe.

They struggle to find other resistance groups and escape organizations to help them. But informants, imposters, and double agents are everywhere. And with a huge reward on their heads, they can never be sure who to trust. To make matters worse, a giant Dutch bounty hunter is in hot pursuit.

As they get close to their goal, another shocking surprise blocks their way. Rogers has to come up with one more crazy scheme to save them. It has little chance of working.

(Although a sequel it is not necessary to have read “The Hunt for the Peggy C.”)

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Historical, Action

342 pages, Hardcover

Published March 4, 2025

About the author

John Winn Miller is an award-winning investigative reporter, foreign correspondent, editor, newspaper publisher, screenwriter, movie producer, and novelist.

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Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast pace, page turner from author, John Wynn Miller. It was a very smooth transition to this sequel, and although it was a not perfect fit, it also worked very well on its own.

A key to the strong storytelling was a reader could pick up this book without knowing about the original.

Like the original, the characters were relateable. I have come to be a true fan of Captain Jack.

Fast fun all the way.

I recommend highly.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: Rescue Run: Capt. Jake Rogers' Daring Return to Occupied Europe (Peggy C Saga)
AUTHOR: John Winn Miller
PUB DATE: 03.04.2025

I love reading historical fiction, and my first thoughts in picking up this book was that I will finally have a book to read with my husband and son who are historical buffs. I was certainly right. As soon as I finished the book, it was immediately whisked off my fingers. I love the writing by Miller who made this quite an exciting read, based on true characters and events.

I loved the thrilling elements of this book from the use of disguises and outsmarting the enemy, it was a great read from the start to an even more exciting conclusion.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was honestly one of the most intense and suspenseful WWI historical books I've ever read. I was drawn into the story almost immediately and couldn't wait to get back to it every night to find out what was going to happen next. It opens with Captain Jake Rogers heading back to the North Atlantic with some crew members from a previous venture there on a ship called the 'Peggy C', but disaster hits his new Liberty ship and they end up stranded in Ireland. As they are trying to figure out their next move, Rogers learns from some Dutch seamen that the Nazis have arrested the father of the woman he loves and are about to send him off to a concentration camp. And with that, the perilous adventure begins. Captain Rogers and his crew manage to sneak in Holland and start to try and connect with a resistance group to aid them. The story takes many fascinating, and sometimes shocking, twists and turns from there as they struggle to connect with people who are trustworthy and truly want to help them. To further complicate things, there is a very menacing, one-armed bounty hunter who is hot on their trail. It was very clear that the author has put a lot of time in researching the history of that time. I was especially impressed with the chapter-by-chapter information at the end of the book, which further explained many of the characters who were real people, as well as the information about the ships, weapons and terminology of that time. I would highly recommend this book!

[April B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review Day!

Rescue Run

By

John Winn Miller

A worthy war time thriller!

Rescue Run: Capt. Jake Rogers' Daring Return to Occupied Europe is a sequel to the previous book The Hunt for the Peggy C.

I didn't know this was sequel novel going into it, but even so this book was very easy to settle into because the author provides you with enough backstory that you don't feel lost and Rescue Run really stands on its own!  Man!  This book is fast paced, it takes no time to get these characters into the thick of it and this book really captured my complete attention, putting it down was almost impossible!  I love historical fiction and this is one of the best I have read in quite awhile. 

The cat and mouse suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat, every turn the characters are thrown another impossible challenge with a large bounty hunter hot on the trail!  The twists and turns are deeply fascinating and the author has definitely shown he has done his research because the historical accuracy is right down to the detail and blends with the fictional characters seamlessly!  If you like historical fiction, drop what your doing and pick this up, once you start you won't be able to start! 

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Rescue Run: Capt. Jake Rogers' Daring Return to Occupied Europe”
by John Winn Miller is an action-packed World War II thriller that feels like a mix between a history lesson and a Hollywood blockbuster. It follows Captain Jake Rogers, who, after losing his ship, finds himself on a chaotic journey through Nazi-occupied Europe, facing danger at every turn. His mission? Rescue his love interest’s father, avoid capture (or worse), and somehow make it out alive.

I’d rate this 3.5/5 ⭐. The action is intense, and you can tell the author did his research—the historical details make everything feel immersive. But at times, the plot stretches believability just a bit too far. Every time you think, "Ah, this is it. No way they make it out of this one", they do. Again. And again. It’s like Captain Rogers has some kind of plot armor, surviving impossible situations no matter how high the stakes get.
That said, if you like war stories with intense action, smart strategy, and historical accuracy, you’ll probably love this. It’s a solid book with a gripping plot.

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rescue Run: Capt. Jake Rogers' Daring Return to Occupied Europe (Peggy C Saga Book 2)
By: John Winn Miller
Publisher: Bancroft PressRelease
Date: March 4, 2025
Length: 426 pages
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Thrilling WWII Sequel Full of Espionage, Action, and Intrigue

John Winn Miller’s Rescue Run is an exhilarating follow-up to The Hunt for the Peggy C, once again plunging readers into the perilous world of Captain Jake Rogers. With high stakes, relentless tension, and masterful historical detail, this novel delivers a heart-pounding journey through Nazi-occupied Europe. Fans of WWII thrillers, espionage adventures, and historical fiction will be captivated.

A Dangerous Mission Behind Enemy Lines
After surviving the loss of his beloved ship, Rogers takes command of a U.S. Liberty ship—only for disaster to strike again. Stranded in Ireland, he learns that his love, Miriam Maduro’s father, is in grave danger. Determined to save him, Rogers and his crew sneak into Nazi-controlled Holland, where they join the resistance in a daring rescue attempt. As they navigate a treacherous landscape filled with double agents, ruthless bounty hunters, and the ever-present threat of the Gestapo, they must use every trick in the book—disguises, subterfuge, and sheer force—to survive.

Action-packed and Historically Rich
Miller’s background in journalism shines through in his meticulous historical research. Every detail, from the ships to the resistance networks, adds authenticity without slowing the pace. Readers who appreciate immersive historical settings will find themselves transported to the tense, dangerous world of WWII Europe. The novel’s rich character development ensures that Rogers, while courageous, remains human—flawed, vulnerable, and improvising his way through impossible situations.

What Sets This Book Apart
A High-Stakes WWII Thriller: Nonstop action, espionage, and suspense keep the pages turning.

Realistic Characters and Twists: Rogers isn’t a superman, and his allies and enemies are just as complex and unpredictable.

Historical Depth: Features real historical figures and a well-researched backdrop that brings WWII Europe to life.

Memorable Antagonists: A relentless Dutch bounty hunter adds an extra layer of danger, making survival even more difficult.

Final Verdict: A Must-Read for WWII Fiction Fans
Rescue Run is a gripping, expertly crafted novel that expands the world of The Hunt for the Peggy C while delivering an unforgettable adventure. Fans of Bernard Cornwell, Ken Follett, and Indiana Jones-style thrillers will find this book impossible to put down. With twists, high-stakes action, and impeccable historical accuracy, Miller proves once again that he is a master of WWII storytelling. Highly recommended!

Series Order:
The Hunt for the Peggy C
Rescue Run: Capt. Jake Rogers' Daring Return to Occupied Europe (Peggy C Saga Book 2)

[Matt McAvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sequel but you wouldn’t particularly know that, nor is it necessary to; this book pretty much stands alone. If you like action-packed World War Two stories, this will be right up your street, about a U.S. naval commander who finds himself immersed in a dangerous mission helping the Resistance rescue and smuggle Jews out of Europe. It is that welcome mixture of just the right amount of swashbuckling with a significant amount of accurate historical detail. There are some great characters in this tale, and the plight of the Jews at the hands of the monstrous Nazi cleansing machine is made clear vividly in all its depressing detail. Author John Winn Miller knows his stuff; he is clearly a hugely credible, well-educated, informed and professional person, and that really comes across in his writing; I haven’t read the predecessor to this book, The Hunt For Peggy C, but I am in no doubt that it will be to the same quality and informative detail as Rescue Run. Miller knows how to craft a story and create genuinely likable and multi-layered characters; even the villain of the piece, Janssen, was a somewhat appealing character, despite his immorality and ruthlessness, and bizarrely I actually found myself hoping, in some way, he would be redeemed. Furthermore, there is a good deal of appendix material to help you understand perfectly in context, as the author gladly shares his vast knowledge with us.

There is something of an ensemble cast in this one, so at times it can feel a touch jammed and even convoluted at times, so you do need a degree of concentration to follow it; if you start on the back foot you might struggle a touch to play catch up, for a great deal happens, from one setting, location and story arc to the next. It is long, and at times it feels it, at others gripping and utterly engaging; there is even an epic feel to it on occasion. It holds little back in its portrayal of the unfathomable nastiness and brutality of the Nazis, Gestapo and indeed simply the traitorous population of many people in Europe, including the Nazis’ very victims and even rare opportunistic treachery perpetrated by some Jews themselves. It is a real eye-opener of a book, in many ways, and I found myself learning a great deal from it, about the war, European sociology of the time and humanity generally. Yet, throughout this, it is predominantly an action-adventure. Overall, though, it is a book and probably a series very much worth a read, whether you want to know about the Nazi death machine in Europe, the plight of refugees and the clandestine workings of the Resistance. For good measure, there is some exciting naval battle thrown in, too. Well worth a look.

[Michel van der Burg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of John Winn Miller's novel 'Rescue Run'

John Winn Miller, a veteran of investigative journalism for decades, masterfully weaves historical detail into his World War II novel 'Rescue Run'. The story follows American ship's captain Jake Rogers, who, after his U.S. Liberty ship carrying war supplies is wrecked in the North Atlantic, first lands in Ireland. He then sets out with a few of his loyal men on a perilous mission to rescue the father of Miriam Maduro, the love of his life, from the Westerbork transit camp in Nazi-occupied Holland.

A gruelling journey follows from Amsterdam across Nazi-occupied Europe to Spain – on foot, by train, and by boat – via a long series of hiding places, historical locations and events, aided by well-known and lesser-known resistance organisations and historical figures, besieged by con men, double agents, gangsters and pursued by a ruthless Dutch bounty hunter.

As a non-native English speaker, I initially struggled a bit with the first few chapters, particularly the maritime terms and rich language used in the sea adventure with the Liberty ship, besides the introduction of the many characters. However, once past those pages, the novel became a true page-turner. The gripping, almost cinematic narrative had me finishing the book in just two or three days, despite also spending some time online searching for even more historical context, for example when Rogers is helped by the Dutch resistance group "Groep 2000" led by Jacoba van Tongeren, and when characters like Etty Hillesum and Audrey Hepburn appear in the story.

Blending Fiction and Nonfiction

I rarely read fiction these days — almost exclusively occupied with non-fiction — but John Miller's work intrigued me. I was curious to see how he managed to incorporate the reality of Nazi-occupied Europe, and in particular the Westerbork transit camp, into fiction. The result is exceptional. The blend of fiction and nonfiction strengthens the narrative, bringing the past vividly to life. Miller also provides an extensive set of notes at the end of the book, offering in-depth background information on the events and historical figures featured in the story, detailing also what happened to them after the events of the novel.

I especially appreciate how John Winn Miller brings the wartime past to life in Rescue Run, with accuracy and rich detail, from multiple perspectives. His cinematic storytelling draws readers into a narrative that inspires further exploration of this history.

Michel van der Burg, filmmaker, editor of Settela•Com

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on real World War II heroes, and profoundly researched from cover-to-cover, Rescue Run is every bit as riveting and essential as anything in Clive Cussler’s body of work.

Set during World War II, Rescue Run opens as American Captain Jake Rogers’ cargo ship comes under attack from a Nazi submarine. Despite the assistance of a B-24 bomber in fending off the U-boat attack, Rogers’ battered vessel splits in half, forcing the crew to abandon ship. After attempting to save as many of his men as possible, Rogers steers his lifeboat toward Ireland. Two days later, the survivors are rescued by an Irish merchant vessel.

Soon after, Rogers gets word that Solomon Maduro – father of the love of his life, Miriam – has been arrested in Holland. Rogers is stunned by the news, as he had assumed Miram’s family were still safely in Palestine. Word that Solomon may soon be deported to a concentration camp is devastating for more than just personal reasons. As a wealthy philanthropist who has financed the evacuation of Jews and helped sailors in need, Solomon is also an extremely important figure for the resistance.


But getting Solomon out won’t be easy. Rogers will need to obtain Irish passports and licenses for the crew, then make contact through underground networks who can help them infiltrate Nazi-occupied Europe. But are Rogers’ contacts still alive? And even if they are, can they still be trusted?


Rescue Run, the second installment in author John Winn Miller’s Peggy C Saga series, delivers on visceral entertainment value, but goes the extra mile when it comes to historical heft. Real-life bios about major and minor characters are included, as well as historical notes about key chapters. Fans of naval war history will be especially gratified, as Miller delivers fascinating detail about the construction and plight of Liberty ships, so-called “plastic armor,” corvettes and more. Also included are chilling insights into German psych-ops (“To give the Jews a false sense of hope, Gemmeker allowed them to take educational classes, play in the camp orchestra, engage in sports, and travel outside the camp to purchase groceries or clothing with special camp currency”).

It’s easy to imagine Rescue Run as the basis for the next big studio World War II mini-series, ala Master of the Air or The Pacific. In the meantime, for fans of World War II naval fiction, Rescue Run is simply essential reading.

[Ed Rabinowitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Bancroft Press for this advance reader’s copy, in exchange for an honest review. “Rescue Run” is scheduled for publication on March 4, 2025.
And you can find all of my reviews on my blog site, Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com).
“Rescue Run” is the sequel to author John Winn Miller’s “The Hunt for the Peggy C”, and features the exploits of Capt. Jake Rogers. He’s now the commander of a U.S. Liberty ship in the North Atlantic during World War II. But when his ship is destroyed, he and his crew end up in Ireland where he learns the Nazis have arrested Solomen Maduro, the father of the love of his life, Miriam.
Thus begins an exhausting trek from Ireland to Amsterdam, throughout Brussels and France, and eventually ending in Spain. I say exhausting because the journey to safety seems to never end. And somehow Capt. Rogers, his small band of crewmen, the rescued Maduro, and his daughter Miriam, manage to elude the Nazis and everyone else looking for them.
And that seems a bit unrealistic. Every time they clear one hurdle and appear to reach their goal, there’s another roadblock. Another setback. It made me wonder, how many lives do these people have?
Oh, and if things weren’t challenging enough, at one point our band of heroes have to protect and also transport six children of varying ages. And somehow they do all of this completely unnoticed by the authorities? A bit unrealistic.
Of course, with all the new roadblocks that crop up there are some interesting plot twists that are not necessarily shocking, and you may even see them coming. But they at least keep the story moving at a decent pace.
I didn’t read the first book in the Capt. Rogers saga, and you don’t have to in order to understand what is happening in “Rescue Run.” But I did come away with a strong feeling that Rogers was cultivated (or could have been cultivated) from an Indiana Jones model. A youthful Harrison Ford could easily slip into the role.
Without giving anything away, there’s a provocative ending (that also shouldn’t come as a complete surprise), and clearly paves the way for a third installment in the series.
I give “Rescue Run” 3 out of 5 stars. It has its moments, and some of the characters are drawn from history, so it’s also interesting and informative. There are just too many spots where the narrative borders on the unbelievable.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

WWII Historical Fiction *Action* Book. *With A Bibliography*! Yes, you read that right. Not only do we get a kick ass action/ adventure tale set during WWII, but this one is so accurate that it actually has a bibliography longer than some nonfiction books I've read recently!

The tale itself, while technically a sequel, has enough in the story here to provide the necessary context to understanding this tale itself... *and* has a summary of book 1 at the back of the book, just before the bibliography, as well, for those that need it laid out a bit more explicitly and don't mind being completely spoiled on Book 1. For those that would rather read Book 1 first... I haven't read it, but if it is anything like this one you're in for an awesome time and apparently you'll be ready for this one pretty well as soon as you finish that one.

And what a tale it is! Yes, if you're looking for *hyper* realism... you're going to be disappointed. There are *several* times where in real life.... yeah, dead or in prison or in prison and then dead. But you don't (shouldn't) read action/ adventure tales for that level of realism, and the level of realism brought more generally, with the various units and locations and tech and such is on par with the best WWII era historical fiction tales I've come across.

With the running problem in booklandia of needing more male readers and with the "understanding" that once a male hits 40 he either becomes intently focused on WWII or on grilling... for those who, like me, went the WWII route (though admittedly I did it long before 40 due to both of my grandfathers serving in it), this book is going to be one those types of guys are truly going to enjoy.

But truly, if you're into action tales and/ or historical fiction tales set in WWII, you too are going to find a lot to enjoy here, and I really do think this one will be something you'll want to read as it brings a style not commonly seen much (if at all) anymore, and one which I believe needs to be celebrated just as much as the more women's fiction oriented tales of the period. (Which are awesome in their own right, to be clear... but they're also not this particular type of tale either, and I believe there is more than enough space on the digital shelves for both types of stories. :) )

Very much recommended.

[John Purvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Winn Miller (https://www.johnwinnmiller.com) is the author of two novels. Rescue Run was published last March and is the second book in his Peggy C Saga series. It is the 27th book I completed reading in 2025.

I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this novel as R.

The US liberty ship Charles C. Walcott, under the command of Captain Jake Rogers, is crossing the Atlantic when it is attacked by a German submarine. A heavy storm damages the hull, making it an easy target for the pursuing sub. Fortunately, a long-range liberator bomber sinks the sub, saving the ship. Unfortunately, the hull eventually fails, with the bow breaking off and the ship sinks. Rogers and his crew are forced to abandon the ship. They are picked up by an Irish steamer and taken to Ireland.

In Ireland, Rogers learns that Soloman Maduro, the father of his love interest, has been arrested by the Nazis. Rogers arranges for him and a few loyal crew members to be taken to Amsterdam in a neutral Irish ship in an attempt to save Soloman. In the first novel, Rogers delivered Soloman’s daughter Miriam to safety in Israel. After Soloman is rescued, they learn that Miriam has returned to Germany and was arrested.

Rogers devises a plan to break Miriam out. By then, the Irish ship that had brought them to Amsterdam had left. The group begins a long struggle to make it back to England. Slowly, they make their way by river barge and train through Brussels, Lyon, Marsai, and, finally, Spain. Danger at their every step as they are hounded by the Germans.

I enjoyed the 8 hours I spent reading this 426-page science fiction novel. Though this is the second novel in a series, it reads well on its own. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 3.8 (rounded to 4) out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

[2manybooks2littletime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to my partners, Suzy Approved Book Tours and Bancroft Press, and the author. I appreciate the gifted hardcover! I am leaving this review voluntarily!

1. 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 • With these novels, we get to see the terror and inner-workings of the war. I would hope that I could find that strength and bravado within myself in similar situations. The extent of bravery by so many people astounds me every time.

2. 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 • The true nature of some humans was surely brought to the forefront during these times. It continues to be unfathomable (and will always be) how one can have no remorse or guilt from the horrid treatment of other humans.

3. 𝐂𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 • It amazed me how Janssen was always able to get back on their track even when it seemed impossible. The networks of information in that time were remarkable. But how to make the decision on who was actually there to help you to safety? Just when I thought they were on their way, more undercover people came to light. Just a terrifying time.

4. 𝐀𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 • The utter anguish that I feel when I read WWII historical fiction is worth it to continue to learn more about this tragic part of history. Miller is able to detail these abominations with a spectacular level of astuteness. From the destruction to the brutalities of humans, I continue to be completely enthralled by his storytelling.

5. 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 • While not all of our beloved crew make it to the end of this novel, I feel that was relevant to the times. And WHOA!! I was not expecting that ending! I sure hope we will be graced with another installment to continue this storyline!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This historically accurate fiction/adventure starts out with a 'flash bang' in the 1st sentence.... & pretty much stays at that level/speed throughout.... In the 'Author's Note' at the beginning, he mentioned that his goal in this book was 'to portray the time's history & technology as accurately as possible in a work of fiction that educates & engages (& often appalls)'......... I'd consider that done, spot on! JWM has a background in journalism, & that really comes across in his descriptive writing....he explains/describes everything in a scene that the reader needs/wants to know...one can almost feel/see/hear/smell/dread the scene. The story line, action, real learning as it all went along...had me at 4-4.5 stars all throughout the book......& at the end....the Chapter Notes...explaining 'the reality' in various Chapters, Bibliography, Acknowledgments, & About the Author......tipped the rating easily to 5 stars! This book is sooooo worth reading from the 1st page to the last.... & is so interesting .... that I've looked up books listed in the Bibliography....to read further about this subject. I've read a lot of WWII history, & still learned something in reading this. Highly recommended....but one should acknowledge....this is real WWII history, it isn't 'light & airy'...... it's a good representation of that time.
I received a digital ARC of the book from the author & publisher Bancroft Press, giving me an opportunity to read it & offer my own fair/honest review.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Winn Miller, the Author of “ Rescue Run” “(Capt. Jake Rogers’ Daring Return to Occupied Europe”) has written an intense, captivating and intriguing Historical Thriller. This is the second sequel in a series, but can be read alone and is full of edgy adventure and danger. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, War Fiction, World War Two, War and Military Action Fiction and Suspenseful Thriller. This is an electrifying book of World War Two that includes betrayals, lies, secrets, informants, blackmail, double agents, imposters, danger and death at sea and on land.

The author vividly describes the wartime scenes and the dramatic characters. Captivating. Captain Jake Rogers is the commander of a Liberty ship with some of the original crew from the first ship “The Peggy C.” The ship becomes wrecked and Jake and his crew find themselves in Ireland. Jake hears that the father of his girlfriend, who is supposed to be in Palestine, has been arrested. Jake has to contact the resistance to help him. There are various resistance groups and organizations, but the question is whom to trust. Also, there are bounty hunters looking to capture Jewish people. In Nazi- occupied Europe, this can be a deadly mission.

I highly recommend this suspenseful book full of adventure and danger. This is a well written book, and I appreciate that John Winn Miller provides a glossary that describes the characters in this book, and what happened to them. There is a surprising climax, and I can’t wait to read Captain Jake’s next journey.

[Paul Falk · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were 2 main protagonists to support this well-written exciting tale. One of them, Captain Jake Rogers, a veteran skipper of a merchant marine ship. Most of the time he found himself smuggling war-related contraband on many hazardous ocean crossings while navigating in perilous German U-boat infested waters.

Then there was Miriam Maduro. She was a twenty something intelligent, beautiful woman who had been recruited by the notorious (SOE) - Special Operations Executive out of Britain. Her job was to sabotage, spy and report back enemy movement in occupied Europe; if caught, it would mean certain death.

Troubled times during this war-torn period of World War II kept the main characters in a constant state of high alert. As the chapters progressed, intrigue etched up to a critical level. The storyline clawed its way through safe houses, train stations and dark alleyways. Forever on the run, Miriam, a fugitive with a hefty price on her head, for the murder of three policeman, led a bounty hunter on an amazing chase throughout Europe. The nerve shattering suspense kept me perched at the edge of my seat.

There was never a dull scene with the mounting intrigue and suspense. This book has been introduced as a sequel. To get the best reading experience it is recommended to first read book one, The hunt for the Peggy C; you'll be glad you did.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not read John Winn Miller’s first book and had no idea that this book is considered a sequel as it doesn’t refer to the first book.

I choose this book because it was about WWII. The book is a quick read, it is action packed and gives the reader a terrifying view of what it was like to be in Europe and on the run from the Nazis.

Our hero, Captain Jake Rogers, is leaving the US on the latest cargo ship and bound for Europe. His ship unfortunately breaks apart in the middle of the ocean and he struggles to rescue all his men. His ship was one of the new ones build specially during the war, and they had structural problems. He eventually makes his way to Ireland. While in Ireland, he hears that the Dutch arrested the father of the women he is in love with, and they are putting him in a Dutch concentration camp. He knows he must act.

The book is terrifyingly real, and we are kept on the end of our seats to see who is going to be alive as the book is a cat and mouse game to dodge the Nazi’s, their many collaborators and get to a safe place.

There is lots of action and it is certainly suspenseful and well researched. There is even information about the IRA and their role during the war. These details make you want to read this book and it I did fact check some details and it checks out!

[Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)]

MWSA Review

John Winn Miller’s Rescue Run is a sequel to award-winning, The Hunt for the Peggy C. Rescue Run does not disappoint the reader in providing a thrilling story of spies, double agents, and danger during World War II.

Captain Jake Rogers commands a U.S. Liberty ship in the North Atlantic with some of his crew from the sunken Peggy C. They end up in Ireland after their vessel is shipwrecked in rugged seas. Finding that Nazis have arrested the father of Miriam Maduro, the love of his life, Jake springs into action to free her father before he is sent to a concentration camp and certain death, only to find that Miriam is there with the same agenda.

Jake contacts the resistance to help him. Without knowing who to trust, Jake and his crew must avoid the ruthless bounty hunters, the SS, the Gestapo, and French gangsters. Passed from resistance group to resistance group to make their way out of Nazi-occupied Europe, the ragtag group finds their lives endangered every minute of the journey.

Although Rescue Run is the second book in a series, it can be read alone and is full of edgy adventure and danger. John Winn Miller has skillfully penned another historical fiction action-packed page-turner. I can’t wait for the next book.

Review by Nancy Panko (April 2025)

[Jeanette Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚠️Please note that this is the second book in the Peggy C saga. This review might contain spoilers for you if you have not read 'The Hunt for the Peggy C'.⚠️

I am introduced to Captain Jake Rogers. He is a tad busy. They have someone on their tail.

Suddenly, before I knew it, I was on a ship, cowering, as I was not as brave as the sailors, trying to avoid whatever it was that was being launched against us. We think there are torpedos.

Miriam is safe in Palestine. However, her father was left behind in the last book, and it is now time to rescue him. Are you ready?

“It is not possible to rescue a man who does not want to be rescued.“

Of course, it is not that easy. Rogers and his team are in Europe during the Second World War, and the team needs to keep themselves safe as well. Dashing between countries, cities, and "safe" houses. Time is running out... for them all.

Betrayal is everywhere, and you can surely bet that people just do not stay where they are supposed to stay.

I can't help but to like our rescuers. Their hearts are in the right place. They are brilliant and loyal to a fault. Will they be able to rescue Miriam's father?
Will they be able to get away in one piece?

The author notes for the chapters at the back of the book are brilliant.😊

[Nicole Overmoyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested the chance to read an ARC of Rescue Run without realizing it was the second book in a series. And I forgot to read the background summary of the first book, which was at the end of the book, first. These two things could have spelled trouble for how reading the novel went, but they didn't.

Rescue Run could easily be a standalone, because the author has done more than enough to weave the background into the story of Capt. Rogers' return to Europe.

Fiction that incorporates real people and what they did can also be a complicated story to build but this novel uses the fast pace of the return and escape from Occupied Europe to highlight the roles that people played in the effort, for good and for bad, without getting into the murky waters of trying to give too detailed an explanation for their motivations.

The pace is what drives the story, and it is what makes it a good story.

And Capt. Rogers' loyalty and dedication to his crew and his found family is the undercurrent that makes him accept the pace and the risk. The same with Miriam.

And the cliffhanger at the end... now I want to read book #1 and book #3!

Thanks to NetGalley, Bancroft Press, and the author for the chance to read this novel in exchange for a review.

[Daryl P Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rollicking adventure set in World War 2 with historical background.

This is the second book featuring the fictional captain Rogers, his international crew and friends. They face many perils, often mortal in nature and suffer setbacks and betrayals. They also have some heroic, brave helpers. Action and tension abound in the telling.
Impeccable research weaves real historical characters, places and events into the story and this lends richness to the storytelling. The plot takes them from the Atlantic ocean through Ireland, Holland, Belgium and France to Spain. For a good part of this time they are pursued closely by a relentless, resourceful bounty hunter working with the fascists. Fortunately, our hero and his band are more resourceful and determined. I liked the ending in giving a conclusion to this tale, yet leaving the possibility open of hearing more of the main characters.
For anyone whose interest is piqued by the story, there is an account of the real facts in the story presented in the order if which chapter they first appear. The extent of the research is evident in giving the fate and further exploits (if any) of the real characters you encounter. An extensive bibliography used in compiling this tale rounds off the book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great detailed and action filled historical novel. With crew from the Peggy C, Captain Jake Rogers find themselves wrecked and in Ireland. While trying to figure out his next strategy, he gets word that the father of the woman he loves has been arrested by the Nazi's and is headed to a concentration camp. Having a new mission, Captain Rogers knows they must do all that they can to infiltrate with the resistance group to get him out. However, you just never know who to trust but with Miriam's background with the SOE and willingness to do anything to save her father, they might just survive this mission. A deadly mission that seems to always have something come up as they work their way through enemy lines risking everything and everyone. This novel is very detailed and I loved the chapter notes at the end that gave more information from different chapters and the characters. Although this was more a land based novel, I felt it was still well written and action packed with history woven through. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Linda Amos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake Rogers is now the captain of the SS Charles C. Walcutt, a newly-built Liberty ship and three times the size of Peggy C. Laden with war supplies the convoy is attacked by U-boats just outside the range of aircraft support. It is night-time so they have to keep on station with only dim blue lights to pinpoint their position to other crews or crashing into another ship in the convey or risk being a target for the enemy. Suddenly a huge crack opens in the upper hull along one of the welded joins. If they survive this, where will the war take Jake and his loyal crew this time?
From the first edge-of-the-seat paragraph to the last taught sentence, this is a sequel as good as the first. The huge amount of trust of, and by, the Resistance contacts is vividly portrayed, some of whom were double agents and many Allied military were either executed or sent to POW camps because of them. This series has obviously been thoroughly researched, the explanation of some of the terms used is welcome and the notes at the end make for interesting reading.

[Sue Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

RESCUE RUN by JOHN WINN MILLER is an exciting, suspenseful, well researched and documented historical novel that I just could not put down. Although it is the second book in The Peggy C. Saga it can easily stand alone. The author’s true to life descriptions of what went on in Europe during the second world war, the Nazis’ horrific treatment of the Jews and other prisoners, and the double crossing that was rife is well described.
Following Captain Jake Rogers and the three members of his crew, as they get his Jewish girlfriend Miriam Maduro out of prison after helping her father escape from Westerbork camp, and then their escape through Europe, is nailbiting suspense, especially as things are not always as they seem and bounty hunters and spies are everywhere.
I like the references to the Old Testament and the author’s obvious respect for the Jews, and the strength, courage and commitment of Rogers and his group, together with that of those who helped them on their journey.
I highly recommend this most interesting and inspirational read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bancroft Press. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

[Pat Fayo Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a sequel to the book #TheHuntforthePeggyC I have now read both books and loved them equally. Historical fiction being my favorite reading genre, I think the author does a great job with his details and research for his books. From page one until the end of the book my intrigue was so peaked I had a very hard time putting it down. While reading, you enter a world based in fact and history that keeps you enthralled into the depths of the book. I was really impressed that the author gave a quick backgroud of the previous book The Hunt for the Peggy C” to help readers lead into this book better. Also included in the back are chaptors notes which details a summary of person and things within the book. But the last sentence in the book….awesome! This book is a must read, full of character and nail biting expense. I will now be anxiously awaiting book #3! I would highly reccommend both books!

Thank you to #suzyapprovedbooktours for my ARC copy to read and review. All opinions are my own

[Zebaish James · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say that this was exhilarating is an understatement. Rescue Run takes readers on a wild adventure full of mystery and thrill. Our protagonist, Captain Jake Rogers returns for a perilous journey as his girlfriend’s father is captured by Nazis. This WWII thriller perfectly captures the readers’ attention with its amazing real life inspired historical scenarios, which I personally loved a lot as a history nerd. Jake Rogers finds himself in the heart of Nazi occupied Europe, battling forces beyond his control while dealing with life threatening situations. If you love books filled with spies, betrayal, murder and drama you’re going to love this one. In my humble opinion, John Winn Miller creates a brilliant atmosphere with his detailed descriptions and vivid imagery. I loved his writing style and his ability to magnificently describe his different characters’ feelings at specific moments. To sum up, this was such an entertaining, creative read, I felt like I was reading through a James Bond film.

[Ramona Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a harrowing story about life in Europe in World War II. Those of us in this century have no concept of what it must have been for people who lived under the Nazis. The story revolves around a liberty ship captain that is determined to rescue a friend , who was the father of his lover , from a Nazi "work" camp. Then, when he discovered that Miriam, who he thought was safe in Palestine, had returned to Europe and was in danger, he included her in his rescue mission. There were some nail biting moments as their story progressed. The narrative was based on the actions of real people, and I appreciated the historical notes and knowing what actually happened to them. A caution--the descriptive prose was well done, but the dialogue was a bit awkward. The writing of the dialogue is the reason I did not give it 5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc and no pressure for a positive review.

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captain Rogers and his crew fight their way to Europe on a rescue mission. Once the had gotten Maduro out of a concentration camp, they escape on a ship to Holland. Only their mission goes off track as they become stranded in Holland and need help from the resistance to track down another family member and survive not only the Nazi searching for them, but a bounty hunter as well. Working together and learning who they can trust is the only way they will survive and make it Barcelona safely.
This was my first historical fiction, and the amount of these that went to every single detail of this book is absolutely amazing. I am fascinated by the Holocaust and how it was even possible. So holocaust and Nazi combined with a thrilling story and amazing character detail is everything I could have asked for. The little sprinkle of romance on top of everything, chef kiss

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Rescue Run
Author: John Winn Miller
Genre: Historical World War II Fiction
Release Date: March 4th, 2025
Number of Pages: 426
Format: Ebook
Date Finished: March 30th, 2025
Stars Rated: 5 Stars

Writing Mechanics: 5
Writing Artistry: 5
Story: 5
Characters: 5
World Building: 5

To start with, I want to point out that this is the sequel to a book called The Hunt for the Peggy C. I will be honest. You don't really need to read the first book, but I strongly recommend you do so anyway. It's such a beautiful book. I read both of these books in two days. I was honestly nervous to read this one because of how strong the first book was. Sometimes sequels kind of fall flat when the first book is so strong. This was not the case with this book. Both books were absolute masterpieces. I felt like I was really there with them every step of the way!

[John Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in a WW2 story of escape from Europe, you should try Rescue Run by John Winn Miller. This is a story about an American merchant marine captain whose ship was sunk on a convoy to Europe. He and the majority of his crew are rescued by an Irish ship and taken to Ireland. He and several crew members join an Irish ship that is sailing to Amsterdam. The ship is smuggling items to Europe and bringing guns out to Ireland. He has a goal of rescuing a Jewish friend from Amsterdam. Things go wrong with the escape plan when the Irish ship sails away before he can return with his friend. This leads to an escape attempt through the Netherlands, Belgium, and France to Spain with the help of the underground. A lot of intrigue between the underground, Gestapo, and others in the escape attempt.