What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hitler Trilogy #2
W służbie Hitlera
Rok 1938. Kiedy świat zmierza ku wojnie, Klara Koch zostaje zatrudniona jako osobista kucharka Hitlera. Podczas gdy Niemcy czczą wizerunek Führera, Klara oraz cała służba poznają prawdziwy obraz przywódcy III Rzeszy – jego sekrety, dolegliwości i nałogi. Obserwując najbliższe otoczenie Hitlera, kobieta uświadamia sobie, że nie wszyscy są jego wielbicielami.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
392 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2023
3 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Steve Matthews
15 books19 followersSteve Matthews was born in the UK in 1953, migrating to Australia in 1985. At the age of fifty-five, he sold his business interests to fulfill a lifetime’s ambition to write full time. Since then, Steve’s children’s books have been published in Australia, the UK, Canada and the USA, and his work in children’s literacy at home and abroad has been acknowledged in the Australian State Parliament. Steve's first book for adults, The Skinny Girl was based upon a true story of domestic abuse and has generated over $22,000 in donations for organisations helping victims of abuse and violence. Hitler's Brothel was Steve's first venture into historical fiction, and it has become an Australian best seller, being published in several languages. Hitler's Assassins is book two in a trilogy that examines the strength of women during WWII. Book three, Hitler's Resurrection will be published in 2022.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 20, 2021
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
HILTLER’S ASSASSINS by Steve Matthews
I absolutely loved Hitler's Assassins by Steve Matthews from beginning to end. The story captivated me right from the very first page by the engaging and unique writing style to the intriguing and shocking storyline.
This clever re-imaged story of Hitler is set in 1938 and is told from the eyes of a young woman named Klara Koch who is bulldozed into becoming Hitler’s personal cook and was there at the time of his death. Klara is trapped in Hitler’s employment and devastatingly separated from her four year old child.
Here at the Berghof during World War II in Germany, Klara sees and hears personal things about the Fuhrer and his chiefs of staff. We learn about Hitler and the personalities and actions of many in his inner circle, those that were supposed to be loyal but were far from it! There is much betrayal and darkness at the top of the hill at the Berghof.
The story is intricately researched and details disturbingly real events. I believe it was a great concept for Klara to be the narrator and I highly recommend you read this, you’re in for a treat.
Publication date 29 September 2021
Thank you to the author Steve Matthews for sending me a copy of your book to read and review.
HILTLER’S ASSASSINS by Steve Matthews
I absolutely loved Hitler's Assassins by Steve Matthews from beginning to end. The story captivated me right from the very first page by the engaging and unique writing style to the intriguing and shocking storyline.
This clever re-imaged story of Hitler is set in 1938 and is told from the eyes of a young woman named Klara Koch who is bulldozed into becoming Hitler’s personal cook and was there at the time of his death. Klara is trapped in Hitler’s employment and devastatingly separated from her four year old child.
Here at the Berghof during World War II in Germany, Klara sees and hears personal things about the Fuhrer and his chiefs of staff. We learn about Hitler and the personalities and actions of many in his inner circle, those that were supposed to be loyal but were far from it! There is much betrayal and darkness at the top of the hill at the Berghof.
The story is intricately researched and details disturbingly real events. I believe it was a great concept for Klara to be the narrator and I highly recommend you read this, you’re in for a treat.
Publication date 29 September 2021
Thank you to the author Steve Matthews for sending me a copy of your book to read and review.
October 27, 2021
As the world spirals towards war, Klara Koch is employed as Hitler's personal cook. While Germany reveres the image of the Fuhrer, Klara and the household staff are privy to the real Hitler – his secrets, his ailments, and his addictions. As Klara observes those circling the Fuhrer, she realises that not all of them are his admirers. Hitler is right to be paranoid.
HITLER’S ASSASSINS is the second in @stevematthewsauthor intricately researched novels about the Nazi Uprising. I was thrilled when Steve approached me and asked if I would like to review and having thoroughly enjoyed HITLER’S BROTHEL, there was no way I was saying no.
As a huge fan of WW11 historical fiction, I like to think that I know a fair bit about the events and people, but this re-imaging of Hitler and his inner circle is incredibly compelling – to try and comprehend some of the logic and thought processes in their actions made for very interesting reading.
Learning about the backgrounds of some of the most famous men in the Nazi Party and the way that Steve writes their personalities, is so unique to other historical fiction that I’ve read.
Klara’s point of view adds a softer touch to the novel and helps the reader understand how the everyday person may have been affected by the everyday lives of these men.
HITLER’S ASSASSINS is the second in @stevematthewsauthor intricately researched novels about the Nazi Uprising. I was thrilled when Steve approached me and asked if I would like to review and having thoroughly enjoyed HITLER’S BROTHEL, there was no way I was saying no.
As a huge fan of WW11 historical fiction, I like to think that I know a fair bit about the events and people, but this re-imaging of Hitler and his inner circle is incredibly compelling – to try and comprehend some of the logic and thought processes in their actions made for very interesting reading.
Learning about the backgrounds of some of the most famous men in the Nazi Party and the way that Steve writes their personalities, is so unique to other historical fiction that I’ve read.
Klara’s point of view adds a softer touch to the novel and helps the reader understand how the everyday person may have been affected by the everyday lives of these men.
January 9, 2022
Are you a fan of well researched historical fiction? Then this book is for you!
On the cusp of the commencement of World War II, Klara Koch is employed as Hitler’s personal cook. Taken from her young daughter, she wonders what she is in for and who this revered Fuhrer really is. In her position, Klara is privy to the ‘real’ Hitler, as well as those in his inner circle - and all is not necessarily as it seems.
I am a huge fan of World War II fiction, so was excited at having the opportunity to read this book. It is so incredibly well researched, and unique in its perspective of what Hitler’s inner circle was like. I learnt so much reading this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I can’t wait to read the next in the trilogy!
Thanks to @stevematthewsauthor and @bigskypub for reaching out and providing the review copy.
On the cusp of the commencement of World War II, Klara Koch is employed as Hitler’s personal cook. Taken from her young daughter, she wonders what she is in for and who this revered Fuhrer really is. In her position, Klara is privy to the ‘real’ Hitler, as well as those in his inner circle - and all is not necessarily as it seems.
I am a huge fan of World War II fiction, so was excited at having the opportunity to read this book. It is so incredibly well researched, and unique in its perspective of what Hitler’s inner circle was like. I learnt so much reading this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I can’t wait to read the next in the trilogy!
Thanks to @stevematthewsauthor and @bigskypub for reaching out and providing the review copy.
October 13, 2021
Unlike with Hitler’s Brothel, I found I wasn’t at a complete loss for words but still deeply saddened for those who never experienced liberation nor saw their loved ones return from the Concentration Camps. I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of Hitler’s Resurrection, the third and final book in the trilogy.
Read my full review below
https://hundredacreofbooks.com/index....
Read my full review below
https://hundredacreofbooks.com/index....
April 3, 2022
A good reimagining of Hitler and his inner circle.
September 14, 2021
*Potential spoilers marked as such
So similar in structure to the first novel in Matthews’s trilogy, Hitler’s Brothel (which I love), but from entirely new perspectives. Being behind closed doors with Hitler and his relentless inner circle is just as much a treat as it is terrifying. To imagine the logic (or lack thereof) these creatures believed, their half-human moments, and their feelings towards the war, the Jews, the world, and each other, is quite the task, but this novel approached it all so well. Knowing this round of characters fairly well, I so enjoyed the interpretations of their personalities and their interactions with our civilian character, Hitler’s personal chef, who held her own in the chaotic world. Being more focused on “executive management,” rather than the camp commanders, we also walk through each step of the war, with the stressors of Churchill, various battles, and a lovely Russian winter. Not sure how this book was able to fit a story, personality studies, and a war history into 430 pages, but it was truly a treasure. Absolutely a standalone read, but reading Hitler’s Brothel first lets you in on a few nuggets that are revisited in this second installment.
*
*
POTENTIAL SPOILERS
This novel was able to give us every character perspective imaginable, while also keeping us informed of the war timeline. I often forget that aspect and each battle and conflict that happened along the way, as I get tied up in the concentration camps and Nazism, so I loved how easily that was woven into the story.
Klara’s slow realization of who Hitler and his men were, their long list of terrifying plans, and what she is unwillingly a part of, was heartbreaking yet satisfying, as she comes to a point where she stops being the blind follower and does what she can to let her voice be heard and get justice for those who can’t. All of the discussion of her as the chef was also so interesting, as I never considered who fed Hitler and how important a chef might have been in his every day life.
The touches from Hitler’s Brothel made the storyline even better. From the quick discussions of a Aldrich Fischer and Wysznica, to the mention of specific characters and events... I am so happy I read the two books in order (definitely recommend it if you can!!), although they absolutely can be standalone reads.
Knowing a good bit about Hitler’s inner circle from a ton of reading, documentaries, and an entire Hitler course in college, I was eager to see Matthews’s interpretations of them. I was not disappointed:
-Goering is forever a standout character of the Third Reich, and his portrayal was beyond my wildest dreams (or nightmares). His bratty, loud, scheming self lived to its full potential. Reading of his late and current wives and his struggling relationships with the others in the circle were some of the most enticing parts of his story.
-The overall view of everyone’s interactions, paranoia, plotting, and jealousy was also a favorite part of mine. It all showed, even more than we already knew, how fragile the construction of this Reich was from the start. Everyone so thirsty and desperate for power of their own leads to nothing but disaster. In honor of Klara, too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth.
-Finally, the showcasing of some of the Nazis’ “human sides” adds so much, as we connect with them one moment and snap back into reality the next. An important plot point that anyone can have a soft, or normal, side, but that means nothing when they are driving the world into shambles and murdering hundreds of thousands of innocent people. Hitler’s late night talks with Klara show him opening up with his emotions but then suddenly showing coldness and nonchalance as Klara brings up concerns of her own. That alone shows so much.
Finally, in both Hitler’s Brothel and Assassins, it is so appreciated that the author summarizes his writing and creative processes at the end. I formed questions throughout about certain choices and reasonings that were made, and the author’s notes answer many of them. I also find the explanations to be extremely respectful given the topics at hand and the multitude of opinions and interpretations that have come beforehand.
Thank you, Steve Matthews, for allowing me to read this novel before its release. I can’t wait for the third installment!
So similar in structure to the first novel in Matthews’s trilogy, Hitler’s Brothel (which I love), but from entirely new perspectives. Being behind closed doors with Hitler and his relentless inner circle is just as much a treat as it is terrifying. To imagine the logic (or lack thereof) these creatures believed, their half-human moments, and their feelings towards the war, the Jews, the world, and each other, is quite the task, but this novel approached it all so well. Knowing this round of characters fairly well, I so enjoyed the interpretations of their personalities and their interactions with our civilian character, Hitler’s personal chef, who held her own in the chaotic world. Being more focused on “executive management,” rather than the camp commanders, we also walk through each step of the war, with the stressors of Churchill, various battles, and a lovely Russian winter. Not sure how this book was able to fit a story, personality studies, and a war history into 430 pages, but it was truly a treasure. Absolutely a standalone read, but reading Hitler’s Brothel first lets you in on a few nuggets that are revisited in this second installment.
*
*
POTENTIAL SPOILERS
This novel was able to give us every character perspective imaginable, while also keeping us informed of the war timeline. I often forget that aspect and each battle and conflict that happened along the way, as I get tied up in the concentration camps and Nazism, so I loved how easily that was woven into the story.
Klara’s slow realization of who Hitler and his men were, their long list of terrifying plans, and what she is unwillingly a part of, was heartbreaking yet satisfying, as she comes to a point where she stops being the blind follower and does what she can to let her voice be heard and get justice for those who can’t. All of the discussion of her as the chef was also so interesting, as I never considered who fed Hitler and how important a chef might have been in his every day life.
The touches from Hitler’s Brothel made the storyline even better. From the quick discussions of a Aldrich Fischer and Wysznica, to the mention of specific characters and events... I am so happy I read the two books in order (definitely recommend it if you can!!), although they absolutely can be standalone reads.
Knowing a good bit about Hitler’s inner circle from a ton of reading, documentaries, and an entire Hitler course in college, I was eager to see Matthews’s interpretations of them. I was not disappointed:
-Goering is forever a standout character of the Third Reich, and his portrayal was beyond my wildest dreams (or nightmares). His bratty, loud, scheming self lived to its full potential. Reading of his late and current wives and his struggling relationships with the others in the circle were some of the most enticing parts of his story.
-The overall view of everyone’s interactions, paranoia, plotting, and jealousy was also a favorite part of mine. It all showed, even more than we already knew, how fragile the construction of this Reich was from the start. Everyone so thirsty and desperate for power of their own leads to nothing but disaster. In honor of Klara, too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth.
-Finally, the showcasing of some of the Nazis’ “human sides” adds so much, as we connect with them one moment and snap back into reality the next. An important plot point that anyone can have a soft, or normal, side, but that means nothing when they are driving the world into shambles and murdering hundreds of thousands of innocent people. Hitler’s late night talks with Klara show him opening up with his emotions but then suddenly showing coldness and nonchalance as Klara brings up concerns of her own. That alone shows so much.
Finally, in both Hitler’s Brothel and Assassins, it is so appreciated that the author summarizes his writing and creative processes at the end. I formed questions throughout about certain choices and reasonings that were made, and the author’s notes answer many of them. I also find the explanations to be extremely respectful given the topics at hand and the multitude of opinions and interpretations that have come beforehand.
Thank you, Steve Matthews, for allowing me to read this novel before its release. I can’t wait for the third installment!
December 18, 2021
Totally engrossing, I had a very hard time putting this book down.
A masterful blend of WWII historical fiction, mixed with well-crafted fictional characters, conversations and imagined events - that feels so real it brings this harrowing slice of the past to full technicolor life for the reader.
Seamless in its flow, the author adds layers, background and nuance to a story well-known, building a compelling picture of the very complicated essence of a hard-to-fathom man, - Hitler - along with some key members of his inner circle, together representing history’s most despised true-life characters, each deservedly regarded as the absolute epitome of all that is evil.
With a fascinating twist, the story unfolds with the introduction of Klara Koch, a humble and innocent young German woman who is forced into a position as Hitler’s private cook. The author’s depiction of Klara and her evolving view of Hitler, and her Homeland, and all the events that transpire, is pitch-perfect - as she comes to experience and understand with mounting horror what is actually being plotted and executed by the military leaders behind the closed doors of Hitler’s summer home, and what it will mean to her own life. (It’s hard for the reader not to draw parallels with terrifying realization of how close we all came to actually becoming Klara.)
As difficult as it was to read, I loved this book, - the horror and the brutality even more unbearable as we see the atrocities as they appear to “real” people and their families, in direct contrast to the absolute disregard and chilling other-worldliness exhibited by the demons spearheading the logistics of their inconceivable plans.
Klara herself could not be more relatable - a truly magical combination of heartbreaking vulnerability, and a core of steel that presents itself when it comes to protecting those she loves. No spoilers here, (you have to read the book), but it’s safe to say my heart broke completely and utterly for her, personally, as it did for the millions of Jews and other prisoners we may never meet as horrifying and disturbingly as we do between these pages.
The second in a trilogy by the author, I will definitely have to find the time to read the first in the series, and with that cliffhanger ending, can’t wait to read the sequel.
A great big thank you to the author for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
December 23, 2021
There were more than 40 attempts on Hitler’s life, and several are discussed in this book. Most of the basic historical information is established fact. However, the intriguing part is the incorporation of probable dialogue. Also the detailed characterizations of Hitler’s inner circle.
Interesting facts for me included:
Goering had numerous medals adorning his chest that seemed to have “no foundation in military terms - Goering had simply invented them to add grandeur to the collection he already owned.”
Hitler’s personal physician injected him with methamphetamines and all kinds of opioids, barbiturates, painkillers, enzymes and vitamins…and later on, belladonna and cyanide.
Albert Goering, Herman Goering’s brother, is caught snuggling Jews across the border into Switzerland.
To protect the royals in England, “rats would be left around the palace gardens to booby trap the Germans. in the event of an invasion it [a rat] would be filled with explosives and attached to a trip wire.“ MI6 also booby-trapped horse droppings, and exploding wine bottles and pens.
“Reichsfuhrer Himmler recently introduced the Sippenhaft law. It deals with what the courts call ‘blood guilt.’” The relatives of those found guilty of certain treasonable crimes are also guilty themselves…even a child if she is from the same bloodline. Either execution or a concentration camp.
Himmler solved the problem of transporting Jews to prison camps by using Freight trains/cattle cars: “An average of 120 in each cart could be achievable. There would be no room to lie down, of course, but they would only be in the wagon for four or five days at worst, and the cold in winter would produce a certain amount of spoilage.”
Eichmann mentioned the irony about Zyclon B: “the Jewish chemist Fritz Haber’s work with fertiliser led to the manufacture of the deadly gas.
As the author points out: Hitler’s “lust for power resulted in up to 60 million deaths and the devastation of most of Europe. One person started it all - we should always remember that.”
Interesting facts for me included:
Goering had numerous medals adorning his chest that seemed to have “no foundation in military terms - Goering had simply invented them to add grandeur to the collection he already owned.”
Hitler’s personal physician injected him with methamphetamines and all kinds of opioids, barbiturates, painkillers, enzymes and vitamins…and later on, belladonna and cyanide.
Albert Goering, Herman Goering’s brother, is caught snuggling Jews across the border into Switzerland.
To protect the royals in England, “rats would be left around the palace gardens to booby trap the Germans. in the event of an invasion it [a rat] would be filled with explosives and attached to a trip wire.“ MI6 also booby-trapped horse droppings, and exploding wine bottles and pens.
“Reichsfuhrer Himmler recently introduced the Sippenhaft law. It deals with what the courts call ‘blood guilt.’” The relatives of those found guilty of certain treasonable crimes are also guilty themselves…even a child if she is from the same bloodline. Either execution or a concentration camp.
Himmler solved the problem of transporting Jews to prison camps by using Freight trains/cattle cars: “An average of 120 in each cart could be achievable. There would be no room to lie down, of course, but they would only be in the wagon for four or five days at worst, and the cold in winter would produce a certain amount of spoilage.”
Eichmann mentioned the irony about Zyclon B: “the Jewish chemist Fritz Haber’s work with fertiliser led to the manufacture of the deadly gas.
As the author points out: Hitler’s “lust for power resulted in up to 60 million deaths and the devastation of most of Europe. One person started it all - we should always remember that.”
August 19, 2021
“One person started it all - we should always remember that.” Steve Matthews, Hitler’s Assassins
In this uniquely told story, we are privy to World War II Nazi Germany as seen through the eyes of Hitler’s personal cook, Klara Koch. As most of the German population seems to be in awe of the Fuhrer, we are witness to the real Hitler, a drug-addicted man completely losing control in his lust for world domination. Surrounded by his inner circle, a group of men who seem to bask in Hitler’s glory, we find they are not as loyal as Hitler believes.
As someone who gravitates to WWII historical fiction, this well written re-imagining of Hitler and his inner circle is told from a totally different perspective than I’ve ever experienced. It grants a closer look at a heartbreaking time in history that resulted in up to 60 million deaths, of which 40 million were civilians, and utter devastation throughout most of Europe. In the author’s notes, we learn that Mr. Matthews’s descriptions of Hitler, his inner circle, his employees and senior military officers are based on many hours of research and his own opinions of their personalities. I found it very fascinating learning about their lives and backgrounds. I wanted to know what kind of a mindset could ever have a person complicit with such hatred and atrocities committed against other human beings. Although Hitler’s Assassins can be read as a standalone, it is the second volume in Steve Matthews’s compelling Nazi trilogy. It is available to preorder now, and will be published September 29, 2021. I highly recommend Hitler’s Assassins, and am looking forward to reading the first volume, Hitler’s Brothel, and then the third volume, Hitler’s Resurrection, releasing in 2022.
Thank you to @stevematthewsauthor for my #gifted e-book in exchange for my honest review; all opinions are my own.
December 4, 2021
They say the sequel is never as good as the first, but I think Hitlers Assassins is the exception! Steve Matthews’ latest release is yet again another wonderfully written story that takes you on the unfathomable journey of Klara Koch and those within Adolf Hitlers’ inner circle and I could not put it down!
It is hard to imagine ourselves in amongst the trying circumstances of World War II, but Steve finds a way to put you right there! I felt as if I had a front row seat in the show of Hitler’s insanity and paranoia and I couldn’t look away.
I felt so deeply for the characters, but especially for Klara, Hitlers personal cook. I wish I could fully encapsulate how much you feel while reading about her journey. It is truly a story that keeps you wanting more and the betrayal, the secrets, the twists and turns will linger with you long after you’ve put the book down.
Whilst I expected Steve’s words to captivate me the way they did in book one ‘Hitlers Brothel’, but never did I expect to be taken on such a ride! If you’re looking for a story that keeps your eyes gripped to every page, yearning for more, then I highly recommend picking up a copy of Hitlers Assassins!
- Emma Houghton
[emmahoughton912@gmail.com]
It is hard to imagine ourselves in amongst the trying circumstances of World War II, but Steve finds a way to put you right there! I felt as if I had a front row seat in the show of Hitler’s insanity and paranoia and I couldn’t look away.
I felt so deeply for the characters, but especially for Klara, Hitlers personal cook. I wish I could fully encapsulate how much you feel while reading about her journey. It is truly a story that keeps you wanting more and the betrayal, the secrets, the twists and turns will linger with you long after you’ve put the book down.
Whilst I expected Steve’s words to captivate me the way they did in book one ‘Hitlers Brothel’, but never did I expect to be taken on such a ride! If you’re looking for a story that keeps your eyes gripped to every page, yearning for more, then I highly recommend picking up a copy of Hitlers Assassins!
- Emma Houghton
[emmahoughton912@gmail.com]
September 25, 2021
Klara Koch lives with her husband and daughter Gisela and works in a cafe. One day there is a knock on her door and soon she finds herself sitting infront of Adolf Hitler. She is now Hitler's personal cook.
The story of Nazi Germany and eventual war is told from Klara's perspective. She sees the human side of the Fuhrer and comes to admire him but as the war continues, her opinion about Hitler changes completely.
Hitler's Assassins is exceptionally well researched and the background of each person from his inner circle is described in great detail. These were the people who closely worked with him, advised him, let him unleash the terror he did and also caused his paranoia. Imagine Hitler had a person just to taste his food in case it is poisoned. A lot of people around Hitler wanted him dead but for some reason that did not happen and Hitler continued his devastation and killing millions of people.
The Hitler's Assassins comes out next week and I would highly recommend this for all history buffs.
4.5 rounded to 5
This review is also posted on www.instagram.com/stellarcupofbooks
The story of Nazi Germany and eventual war is told from Klara's perspective. She sees the human side of the Fuhrer and comes to admire him but as the war continues, her opinion about Hitler changes completely.
Hitler's Assassins is exceptionally well researched and the background of each person from his inner circle is described in great detail. These were the people who closely worked with him, advised him, let him unleash the terror he did and also caused his paranoia. Imagine Hitler had a person just to taste his food in case it is poisoned. A lot of people around Hitler wanted him dead but for some reason that did not happen and Hitler continued his devastation and killing millions of people.
The Hitler's Assassins comes out next week and I would highly recommend this for all history buffs.
4.5 rounded to 5
This review is also posted on www.instagram.com/stellarcupofbooks
September 2, 2021
Hitlers Assassins follows the journey of Adolf Hitler’s personal chef, Klara, conveying a unique insight into Hitler’s work and personal life as well as his ‘trusted’ inner circle, as seen from the chefs perspective.
The book divulges details of Hitler’s personality including his burning desire for world dominance and the devastating impacts of power in the wrong hands. It’s quite shocking to read the lengths Hitler’s admirers went to under the spell of their beloved Fuhrer.
Hitler’s assassins is full of intriguing plots and betrayals that reveal the rise to power, among Hitler’s inner circle, far outweighed their loyalty and better judgement.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who takes interest in historical events, as it dives behind the scenes of WWII including historical facts to fit the story into place. Once I started reading the book I could not stop, I just had to know what was coming next. I cannot wait to read Steve Matthew’s next book in this gripping trilogy.
The book divulges details of Hitler’s personality including his burning desire for world dominance and the devastating impacts of power in the wrong hands. It’s quite shocking to read the lengths Hitler’s admirers went to under the spell of their beloved Fuhrer.
Hitler’s assassins is full of intriguing plots and betrayals that reveal the rise to power, among Hitler’s inner circle, far outweighed their loyalty and better judgement.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who takes interest in historical events, as it dives behind the scenes of WWII including historical facts to fit the story into place. Once I started reading the book I could not stop, I just had to know what was coming next. I cannot wait to read Steve Matthew’s next book in this gripping trilogy.
September 9, 2021
I truly enjoyed this read. It's been a while since I picked up some historical fiction and this book reminded me of how much I enjoy the genre. I always know it's a good historical fiction book when I'm googling things as I read to find out if the book is describing events as they truly happened, and I was constantly looking up facts while reading Hitler's Assassins.
What makes this book so engrossing is the primary POV of a young woman, forced to become a private cook for Hitler. Her POV helped me vividly imagine what life may have been like for the average German during WWII. If you enjoy historical fiction, or if you enjoy reading snug WWII, I highly recommend this book. Happy reading!
I was given a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What makes this book so engrossing is the primary POV of a young woman, forced to become a private cook for Hitler. Her POV helped me vividly imagine what life may have been like for the average German during WWII. If you enjoy historical fiction, or if you enjoy reading snug WWII, I highly recommend this book. Happy reading!
I was given a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read
January 14, 2022You know those books that follow you around even when you finish it? Yep...this is one of those.
Where to start? Well, it's 1938 and we follow the MC Klara as she goes about her awful life. Firstly orphaned, treated terribly by everyone and then stuck married to this gross guy Bernd, the father of her daughter.
Things get even worse for her once she's sent to work for Adolf Hitler as his personal cook. She's torn away from her daughter, the only person she really loves and forced to live in the same house as Hitler and his workers.
From there the story unfolds and it's almost like the reader gets a personal front row seat to the inner workings of Adolf Hitler and his close associates. We watch as Klara hears and see's secrets, lies, stories and events that she shouldn't and we, as readers are right there with her.
What a writer Matthew's is. Could not put this down. Totally engrossed from start to finish.
Thank -you Big Sky Publishing for sending me this copy to read and review.
Where to start? Well, it's 1938 and we follow the MC Klara as she goes about her awful life. Firstly orphaned, treated terribly by everyone and then stuck married to this gross guy Bernd, the father of her daughter.
Things get even worse for her once she's sent to work for Adolf Hitler as his personal cook. She's torn away from her daughter, the only person she really loves and forced to live in the same house as Hitler and his workers.
From there the story unfolds and it's almost like the reader gets a personal front row seat to the inner workings of Adolf Hitler and his close associates. We watch as Klara hears and see's secrets, lies, stories and events that she shouldn't and we, as readers are right there with her.
What a writer Matthew's is. Could not put this down. Totally engrossed from start to finish.
Thank -you Big Sky Publishing for sending me this copy to read and review.
Read
January 3, 2023Haunting, Tragic, Surprising
I loved the character of Klara. I haven't read much historical fiction set in the second world war. I felt that this book gave me an insight into the life of Hitler's inner circle.
I can't say I knew where exactly the storyline was going. As there are a few surprises throughout. The title is quite intriguing in my opinion.
I look forward to reading the other books in the series. As this book contains real events, I will not be giving the book a rating.
Thank you for the author for a gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the character of Klara. I haven't read much historical fiction set in the second world war. I felt that this book gave me an insight into the life of Hitler's inner circle.
I can't say I knew where exactly the storyline was going. As there are a few surprises throughout. The title is quite intriguing in my opinion.
I look forward to reading the other books in the series. As this book contains real events, I will not be giving the book a rating.
Thank you for the author for a gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2022
This was a tough slog. Half way through I decided to focus my energy on learning French so this book took longer to read than anticipated. Even though I learnt a lot, I found it strange how the author painted a picture of Hitler as a well mannered, kind man. To me it seemed absurd. I enjoyed the storytelling aspect but found the storyline occasionally waffled on.
March 19, 2024
3.5/5
A solid book set pre ww2 and during ww2. An interesting story that if I had the time to just sit and read solidly I feel like I would’ve rated it higher. No where near as horrible graphic as Hitlers brothel.
A solid book set pre ww2 and during ww2. An interesting story that if I had the time to just sit and read solidly I feel like I would’ve rated it higher. No where near as horrible graphic as Hitlers brothel.
April 22, 2024
Great book. Fascinating insights into the nazi leadership. Highlights the pettiness and insecurity of those vying for favour. Truly nasty characters and how they justify their actions.
It's probably not as good as the first book in the series but highly recommended.
It's probably not as good as the first book in the series but highly recommended.
December 22, 2025
Not the type to pick up a historical novel but the unique POV of this story compelled me. I haven’t read the first book nor do i plan to read the second one but this was good enough as a stand alone book, and kept me entertained throughout.
December 26, 2025
even though his stories are 'fact-ion' (my word) what happens in his novels has you going to google and finding out surprising things that really did happen or little known facts about Hitler and his generals
another enjoyable read of the trilogy
another enjoyable read of the trilogy
January 24, 2022
a real insight to the madman and his cronies
October 17, 2023
My first introduction to WW2/interwar years literature, and a confusing one.
I used this as a vehicle to gain more knowledge of WW2 and of the lives of germans during ww2, but this book makes a lot of assumptions on the thoughts and private conversations of real historical figures that are not actually known, making it difficult in some places to tell the difference between historical fact, educated guesses and speculation.
I would have rated it 3.5/5, if it were not for the repeated use of gratuitous sexual violence that serves very little, if any narrative or historical purpose. The main character, (No spoilers) is shown at many different points in her life as being sexually assaulted and abused, with graphic scenes and descriptions that serve no real purpose. It also adds confusion, were german women actually exposed to this much sexual violence in thier lives? Did high up Nazi officials actually commit acts of sexual violence in this fashion? Or are these scenes here for the authors benefit?
Would not recommend this book to anyone.
I used this as a vehicle to gain more knowledge of WW2 and of the lives of germans during ww2, but this book makes a lot of assumptions on the thoughts and private conversations of real historical figures that are not actually known, making it difficult in some places to tell the difference between historical fact, educated guesses and speculation.
I would have rated it 3.5/5, if it were not for the repeated use of gratuitous sexual violence that serves very little, if any narrative or historical purpose. The main character, (No spoilers) is shown at many different points in her life as being sexually assaulted and abused, with graphic scenes and descriptions that serve no real purpose. It also adds confusion, were german women actually exposed to this much sexual violence in thier lives? Did high up Nazi officials actually commit acts of sexual violence in this fashion? Or are these scenes here for the authors benefit?
Would not recommend this book to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews