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The Hidden Storyteller
International bestselling author Mandy Robotham returns with a brand new tale set in war-torn Germany.
The war is over. But there are still secrets to be found amidst the ashes…
Hamburg, 1946.
The war is over, and Germany is in ruins. Posted to an Allied-run Hamburg, reporter Georgie Young returns to the country she fled seven years prior – as Chamberlain spoke those fateful words – to find it unrecognisable.
Amidst the stark horrors of a bombed-out city crumbling under the weight of millions of displaced Europeans, she discovers pockets of warmth: a violinist playing amidst the wreckage, couples dancing in the streets, and a nation trying to make amends.
But when she joins forces with local policeman Harri Schroder to solve a murder case he is working on – a woman with the word traitor engraved into her skin – she soon discovers that the darkest secrets of war haven’t been left in the past. And once again she is pulled into a world she hardly expected to see again…
The next gripping and heartbreaking WWII historical fiction novel from international bestseller, Mandy Robotham.
The war is over. But there are still secrets to be found amidst the ashes…
Hamburg, 1946.
The war is over, and Germany is in ruins. Posted to an Allied-run Hamburg, reporter Georgie Young returns to the country she fled seven years prior – as Chamberlain spoke those fateful words – to find it unrecognisable.
Amidst the stark horrors of a bombed-out city crumbling under the weight of millions of displaced Europeans, she discovers pockets of warmth: a violinist playing amidst the wreckage, couples dancing in the streets, and a nation trying to make amends.
But when she joins forces with local policeman Harri Schroder to solve a murder case he is working on – a woman with the word traitor engraved into her skin – she soon discovers that the darkest secrets of war haven’t been left in the past. And once again she is pulled into a world she hardly expected to see again…
The next gripping and heartbreaking WWII historical fiction novel from international bestseller, Mandy Robotham.
413 pages, Paperback
First published February 29, 2024
445 people are currently reading
2543 people want to read
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February 23, 2025
In a Nutshell: A historical crime fiction set in Germany in the years after WWII. Outstanding in the historical content, good in the crime parts. Has a returning character from another book, but can be read as a standalone. Much recommended to historical fiction lovers, even those tired of WWII fiction.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
This book wasn’t on my radar until a few weeks ago. When I received the ARC of ‘A Dangerous Game’, I discovered some of its reviews stating that it has a returning character from this book. That’s why I placed a hold for this title with my library. On finally getting the copy, I discovered, thanks to the author’s introductory note, that this book ALSO has a returning character from yet another work, ‘The Berlin Girl’, which is coincidentally on my TBR. But as I had to return this novel to the library, I broke the series order and went for the second book first – a rarity for me as I am a series freak and read in series order as far as possible.
However, I didn’t have any major issues comprehending this story as the author has detailed her characters wonderfully. Even when past incidents are referred to, she provides just enough details to fill us in without any break in the current flow. The only gap I felt was in getting a better understanding of Georgie’s conflicted feelings over her husband Max.
Note that the books are officially standalone and not part of a series. Georgie Young is the main character common to ‘The Berlin Girl’ and ‘The Hidden Storyteller’. Harri Schroder is the main character common to ‘The Hidden Storyteller’ and ‘A Dangerous Game.’ (Georgie has a cameo appearance in the third book.)
Bookish Yays:
🎖️ Love the author's introductory note that clearly reminds us of how V-E day didn't mean that the next day onwards, things were bright and shiny in the war-affected regions. Restoration to normalcy after something so devastating takes ages, and even the “normalcy” isn't necessarily the old normal. The story brings this point out excellently.
🎖️ The prologue in the first-person perspective of an unknown character – suitably mysterious and creepy.
🎖️ Georgie – an ethical journalist who uses her head and her heart in equal measure. At the same time, she isn't portrayed as the flawless braveheart, and that makes her arc even more realistic.
🎖️ Harri Schroder, the Kriminapolitzei (Kripo) Inspektor who does his best to serve his city despite the bureaucratic hassles, post-war restrictions, and forced interference from the British occupiers. Except for one thing (mentioned in the Nays), I found no issues with his character. I especially loved his respectful attitude towards his female colleagues. A pleasure to see a fictional police officer not be patronising towards women.
🎖️ Meta, who is a part of the trümmerkinder (the rubble kids.) She is only sixteen but her bravery and gutsiness adds a great punch to the story. Probably my favourite character of this book. I also liked Harri’s companion officer Paula and British sergeant Dawson.
🎖️ Though written in third person, the writing lets us know the inner feelings of each character intimately. There’s never too much rambling. Some might not like the frequent perspective shifts, but I love how well the three POVs worked in unison. The shift in POV happens only at the start of each chapter, so no midway muddles.
🎖️ Appreciate the clear dates given for each chapter. It's so much easier to keep track of the number of days passing by if complete dates are provided at the start of every chapter.
🎖️ Love the time period! The Post-WWII period is hardly ever explored in historical fiction. Most WWII stories stop in 1945. This novel offers an excellent glimpse at what happens AFTER a war.
🎖️ The setting of Hamburg is perfect for the story, depicting a city shattered by war and internal politics and yet forced to play host to the British, the “winners” of the war. I love how well the book captures the ethos and pathos of Hamburg in those years. I definitely didn’t expect to see swing dance parties in such a story! The author's research is evident.
🎖️ The impartiality of the storytelling deserves separate credit. This isn’t a typical British-good-Germans-bad narrative. No side is portrayed as having a moral high ground. The story also highlights the insensitive attitude of the British occupiers in Germany.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
⚔️ This might partly be due to my unfamiliarity with Georgie and Max’s relationship in the earlier book, but their strained relationship didn’t come out convincingly. I couldn’t understand why Georgie was so bent on ignoring Max’s contact attempts. Perhaps reading the earlier book would offer more clarity on this.
⚔️ The build-up to the serial killer arc was outstanding but that subplot comes only in spurts. The reveal left me with mixed feelings – great confrontation, but infodump confession.
⚔️ The main plot is more historical fiction than police procedural. Actually, it has elements of crime, suspense, action thriller, and police procedural, but all of this stays firmly in the background for most of the story. So the book works much better if read as historical fiction than historical crime.
Bookish Nays:
💣 Harri’s slightly repetitive sentiments of how good it was to enjoy the company of a woman again. Also, the overuse of the word ‘waif’ in the plot. (It pops up nineteen times!)
💣 The story gets a bit too straightforward in the final section, with too many conveniently coincidental interactions between characters.
All in all, despite a couple of issues, I enjoyed reading this book a lot. The writing captures the psychology of the characters, the struggles of post-war Hamburg, and the superior mentality of the occupiers realistically.
I had burnt myself out on WWII fiction a few years ago and hence, the minute I saw a book blurb mention any year ranging from the mid-1930s to 1945, I didn’t even read the rest of the blurb and just moved on. This closemindedness resulted in my having missed this novel when it first came out. I am so glad it entered my life in an indirect way. Though I already know what happens to Georgie Young in 1946, I am still keen to try ‘The Berlin Girl’ and know more about her life in 1938 Hamburg. I have a feeling that a relationship will be written for Harri’s arc in the next book. I just hope romance doesn’t overpower that story.
Definitely recommended to all historical fiction readers, even those who are fed up of seeing WWII stories. The unusual time and place setting and the serial killer angle make this book stand out in the WWII crowd.
4 stars.
This was a library read.
Moving on to Book Three: “A Dangerous Game”! Let’s hope it matches this experience, or perhaps, even goes beyond!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
1946. Hamburg. After seven years, freelance reporter Georgie Young is back in Hamburg. Now thirty-four, she has been sent to find stories that show the post-war horrors of the city and the positive impact of the British occupiers in setting things right for their erstwhile enemies. But her personal agenda is to report the truth about Hamburg and its denizens, both actual and immigrant, without any bias. When she learns of a serious crime – a young woman murdered and found nude with a word carved into her skin, Georgie teams up with Inspektor Harri Schroder to solve the case. This investigation leads to the tumbling out of several unsavoury secrets, and forced Georgie to confront her past as well as ponder over her future.
The story comes to us in the third-person perspectives of Georgie, Harri, and Meta – a teenaged street-dwelling thief who wants to live life on her own terms.
This book wasn’t on my radar until a few weeks ago. When I received the ARC of ‘A Dangerous Game’, I discovered some of its reviews stating that it has a returning character from this book. That’s why I placed a hold for this title with my library. On finally getting the copy, I discovered, thanks to the author’s introductory note, that this book ALSO has a returning character from yet another work, ‘The Berlin Girl’, which is coincidentally on my TBR. But as I had to return this novel to the library, I broke the series order and went for the second book first – a rarity for me as I am a series freak and read in series order as far as possible.
However, I didn’t have any major issues comprehending this story as the author has detailed her characters wonderfully. Even when past incidents are referred to, she provides just enough details to fill us in without any break in the current flow. The only gap I felt was in getting a better understanding of Georgie’s conflicted feelings over her husband Max.
Note that the books are officially standalone and not part of a series. Georgie Young is the main character common to ‘The Berlin Girl’ and ‘The Hidden Storyteller’. Harri Schroder is the main character common to ‘The Hidden Storyteller’ and ‘A Dangerous Game.’ (Georgie has a cameo appearance in the third book.)
Bookish Yays:
🎖️ Love the author's introductory note that clearly reminds us of how V-E day didn't mean that the next day onwards, things were bright and shiny in the war-affected regions. Restoration to normalcy after something so devastating takes ages, and even the “normalcy” isn't necessarily the old normal. The story brings this point out excellently.
🎖️ The prologue in the first-person perspective of an unknown character – suitably mysterious and creepy.
🎖️ Georgie – an ethical journalist who uses her head and her heart in equal measure. At the same time, she isn't portrayed as the flawless braveheart, and that makes her arc even more realistic.
🎖️ Harri Schroder, the Kriminapolitzei (Kripo) Inspektor who does his best to serve his city despite the bureaucratic hassles, post-war restrictions, and forced interference from the British occupiers. Except for one thing (mentioned in the Nays), I found no issues with his character. I especially loved his respectful attitude towards his female colleagues. A pleasure to see a fictional police officer not be patronising towards women.
🎖️ Meta, who is a part of the trümmerkinder (the rubble kids.) She is only sixteen but her bravery and gutsiness adds a great punch to the story. Probably my favourite character of this book. I also liked Harri’s companion officer Paula and British sergeant Dawson.
🎖️ Though written in third person, the writing lets us know the inner feelings of each character intimately. There’s never too much rambling. Some might not like the frequent perspective shifts, but I love how well the three POVs worked in unison. The shift in POV happens only at the start of each chapter, so no midway muddles.
🎖️ Appreciate the clear dates given for each chapter. It's so much easier to keep track of the number of days passing by if complete dates are provided at the start of every chapter.
🎖️ Love the time period! The Post-WWII period is hardly ever explored in historical fiction. Most WWII stories stop in 1945. This novel offers an excellent glimpse at what happens AFTER a war.
🎖️ The setting of Hamburg is perfect for the story, depicting a city shattered by war and internal politics and yet forced to play host to the British, the “winners” of the war. I love how well the book captures the ethos and pathos of Hamburg in those years. I definitely didn’t expect to see swing dance parties in such a story! The author's research is evident.
🎖️ The impartiality of the storytelling deserves separate credit. This isn’t a typical British-good-Germans-bad narrative. No side is portrayed as having a moral high ground. The story also highlights the insensitive attitude of the British occupiers in Germany.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
⚔️ This might partly be due to my unfamiliarity with Georgie and Max’s relationship in the earlier book, but their strained relationship didn’t come out convincingly. I couldn’t understand why Georgie was so bent on ignoring Max’s contact attempts. Perhaps reading the earlier book would offer more clarity on this.
⚔️ The build-up to the serial killer arc was outstanding but that subplot comes only in spurts. The reveal left me with mixed feelings – great confrontation, but infodump confession.
⚔️ The main plot is more historical fiction than police procedural. Actually, it has elements of crime, suspense, action thriller, and police procedural, but all of this stays firmly in the background for most of the story. So the book works much better if read as historical fiction than historical crime.
Bookish Nays:
💣 Harri’s slightly repetitive sentiments of how good it was to enjoy the company of a woman again. Also, the overuse of the word ‘waif’ in the plot. (It pops up nineteen times!)
💣 The story gets a bit too straightforward in the final section, with too many conveniently coincidental interactions between characters.
All in all, despite a couple of issues, I enjoyed reading this book a lot. The writing captures the psychology of the characters, the struggles of post-war Hamburg, and the superior mentality of the occupiers realistically.
I had burnt myself out on WWII fiction a few years ago and hence, the minute I saw a book blurb mention any year ranging from the mid-1930s to 1945, I didn’t even read the rest of the blurb and just moved on. This closemindedness resulted in my having missed this novel when it first came out. I am so glad it entered my life in an indirect way. Though I already know what happens to Georgie Young in 1946, I am still keen to try ‘The Berlin Girl’ and know more about her life in 1938 Hamburg. I have a feeling that a relationship will be written for Harri’s arc in the next book. I just hope romance doesn’t overpower that story.
Definitely recommended to all historical fiction readers, even those who are fed up of seeing WWII stories. The unusual time and place setting and the serial killer angle make this book stand out in the WWII crowd.
4 stars.
This was a library read.
Moving on to Book Three: “A Dangerous Game”! Let’s hope it matches this experience, or perhaps, even goes beyond!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
February 14, 2024
1946. Georgie Young is an English reporter, she's sent to British-run Hamburg, she visited seven years ago and she couldn’t believe it was the same city. Hamburg was bombed by the allies in July 1943, it's now a city of ruins, what’s left of the population are living underground, in cellars and bunkers, or in displaced persons camps.
Most rely on British aid to eat, they do their best but the railway lines are badly damaged and people are getting annoyed. Cigarettes are the main currency in Hamburg and followed by silk stockings, children resort to stealing to survive, and Georgie meets a girl sixteen year old girl called Meta who does this and a lady called Zofia and she's a concentration camp survivor and is now working as a translator.
Harri Schroder is in charge of the Hamburg Criminal Police, a woman’s body is found, she’s died in a similar way to other murder victims and he’s positive a serial killer stalking the streets. Georgie and Harri have experienced personal loss, they carry a lot of emotional baggage and it’s hard to overcome.
Georgie, Meta, Zofia and Harri and his small squad of police officers all start trying to find out the identity of the man before he strikes again, and they slowly join the dots together. Music and dancing is very popular in post war Hamburg, some are pop up venues like under the bridges of the Elbe River and is this how the killer finds his victims?
I received a copy of The Hidden Storyteller from Avon Books UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The author captures the despair of civilians living in post war Hamburg, Adolf Hitler maybe dead and the war has ended and life is still really hard.
A face paced historical murder mystery, with lots of twists and turns, I felt a connection and compassion for the characters and Mandy Robotham has written a really compelling book, it sucks you in from the start and five stars from me. I have been a fan of Ms. Robotham since she released her first book The German Midwife and she's one of my favourite historical fiction authors.
Most rely on British aid to eat, they do their best but the railway lines are badly damaged and people are getting annoyed. Cigarettes are the main currency in Hamburg and followed by silk stockings, children resort to stealing to survive, and Georgie meets a girl sixteen year old girl called Meta who does this and a lady called Zofia and she's a concentration camp survivor and is now working as a translator.
Harri Schroder is in charge of the Hamburg Criminal Police, a woman’s body is found, she’s died in a similar way to other murder victims and he’s positive a serial killer stalking the streets. Georgie and Harri have experienced personal loss, they carry a lot of emotional baggage and it’s hard to overcome.
Georgie, Meta, Zofia and Harri and his small squad of police officers all start trying to find out the identity of the man before he strikes again, and they slowly join the dots together. Music and dancing is very popular in post war Hamburg, some are pop up venues like under the bridges of the Elbe River and is this how the killer finds his victims?
I received a copy of The Hidden Storyteller from Avon Books UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The author captures the despair of civilians living in post war Hamburg, Adolf Hitler maybe dead and the war has ended and life is still really hard.
A face paced historical murder mystery, with lots of twists and turns, I felt a connection and compassion for the characters and Mandy Robotham has written a really compelling book, it sucks you in from the start and five stars from me. I have been a fan of Ms. Robotham since she released her first book The German Midwife and she's one of my favourite historical fiction authors.
January 11, 2024
It’s 1946 and like much of Germany, Hamburg is in chaos, desolate, devastated, with many displaced people and amongst those trying to survive amidst the rubble is Meta, a “trümmer kinder”, doing what they can to survive. It’s into this scene that journalist Georgie Young returns to Hamburg and it’s unrecognisable from the Germany she fled seven years prior. Shortly upon arrival, she meets Meta who tries to steal her suitcase. As she tours the area, trying to present a truthful picture of the situation for readers back in Britain, she also meets camp survivor Zofia Dreyfus at a Red Cross encampment. As if the situation in Hamburg isn’t bad enough it seems as if a vengeful killer nicknamed “The Puppet Master” is being investigated by Inspektor Harri Schroder of the Kriminapolitzei (The Kripo). This unlikely foursome join forces in the most inauspicious of circumstances to try to catch a killer.
Mandy Robotham always seems to be able to create such atmospheric novels and I really enjoy the Historical Fiction/Mystery Thriller crossover she has written here. She captures the situation in 1946 so vividly, delivering something a bit different which makes you think and feel. This time she focuses on the real cost of war, the impact on the citizens as they try desperately to survive. Through Georgie she navigates and highlights the “moral maze” encountered through the characters she meets. Although Germany is clearly the aggressor by 1946 the price of that is revealed with the reality of living under the watchful eye of the British peace force, the daily battle to survive, the flourishing black market, the resentment which spills over into violence, with the murders very much in the foreground. All this is presented with thoughtfulness and empathy. Especially thought provoking are conversations between Harri and Georgie but all the characters have suffered loss in some way, shape or form.
The pace is fast, there is rarely a dull moment although the author does give the chance to catch your breath. It’s dangerous, exciting, extremely tense and as the characters are so likeable you root for things to improve for them.
I especially enjoy the inclusion of swing, there are lively scenes in clubs and is presented as a sign of optimism as both sides have the chance to let their hair down and dance the night away. Another green shoot of change is the VW Beetle which demonstrates that things will improve with time and it’s not all doom and gloom.
Overall, I enjoy this very much, it’s a thoughtful, atmospheric and poignant novel.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Mandy Robotham always seems to be able to create such atmospheric novels and I really enjoy the Historical Fiction/Mystery Thriller crossover she has written here. She captures the situation in 1946 so vividly, delivering something a bit different which makes you think and feel. This time she focuses on the real cost of war, the impact on the citizens as they try desperately to survive. Through Georgie she navigates and highlights the “moral maze” encountered through the characters she meets. Although Germany is clearly the aggressor by 1946 the price of that is revealed with the reality of living under the watchful eye of the British peace force, the daily battle to survive, the flourishing black market, the resentment which spills over into violence, with the murders very much in the foreground. All this is presented with thoughtfulness and empathy. Especially thought provoking are conversations between Harri and Georgie but all the characters have suffered loss in some way, shape or form.
The pace is fast, there is rarely a dull moment although the author does give the chance to catch your breath. It’s dangerous, exciting, extremely tense and as the characters are so likeable you root for things to improve for them.
I especially enjoy the inclusion of swing, there are lively scenes in clubs and is presented as a sign of optimism as both sides have the chance to let their hair down and dance the night away. Another green shoot of change is the VW Beetle which demonstrates that things will improve with time and it’s not all doom and gloom.
Overall, I enjoy this very much, it’s a thoughtful, atmospheric and poignant novel.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
February 25, 2024
The Hidden Storyteller by Mandy Robotham
Synopsis /
The war is over. But there are still secrets to be found amidst the ashes…
Hamburg, 1946.
The war is over, and Germany is in ruins. Posted to an Allied-run Hamburg, reporter Georgie Young returns to the country she fled seven years prior – as Chamberlain spoke those fateful words – to find it unrecognisable.
Amidst the stark horrors of a bombed-out city crumbling under the weight of millions of displaced Europeans, she discovers pockets of warmth: a violinist playing amidst the wreckage, couples dancing in the streets, and a nation trying to make amends.
But when she joins forces with local policeman Harri Schroder to solve a murder case he is working on – a woman with the word traitor engraved into her skin – she soon discovers that the darkest secrets of war haven’t been left in the past. And once again she is pulled into a world she hardly expected to see again…
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Avon Books UK, Avon Publishing, and author, Mandy Robotham for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for February 29, 2024.
WWII fiction specialist, Mandy Robotham brings to the spotlight a time I must admit I've not given all that much thought to.
The story opens in Hamburg, 1946. WWII officially ended September 2, 1945.
World War II has finally ended, the German city of Hamburg was left in ruins. Over 100,000 citizens had been killed during the air raids and, in the months following the war, millions of people remained homeless and without food.
Peacetime despair and decay has replaced wartime dynamite and cordite.
We know from modern day conflict zones, that suffering does not automatically cease when the weapons of war are laid down. It takes time to rebuild. Fierce ground battles and aerial raids caused untold devastation, nations were left broken, and in the aftermath, the people left behind were left to rebuild.
The Hidden Storyteller gives us the story of those remaining and the writing will wring out tears as you read.
Miss Georgina Young, a seasoned English war reporter is sent to the British-controlled area of Hamburg to report on what's left after the war - displaced persons, those still living underground, in cellars and bunkers and refugee camps. Onto streets where the currency of the day is bargaining - food, coal, trinkets, ephemeron, and the currency on the streets most sought after - cigarettes.
Inspektor Harri Schroder of the Kriminapolitzei (the Kripo) has been charged with finding a brutal killer nicknamed, The Puppet Master".
As the story progresses, Georgina meets and befriends various secondary characters, including Meta, a young trümmer kinder, and, of course, a local policeman on the trail of a serial killer.
The author has done a wonderful job of illuminating this setting and time period, adding an extra spin on this World War II novel - with the story occurring after the war has ended.
Robotham's prose is strong, draws you in and doesn't let go until the final page.
Recommended for any fan of historical fiction and anyone who has enjoyed this author's previous works.
#NetGalley #HistoricalFiction #MandyRobotham
Synopsis /
The war is over. But there are still secrets to be found amidst the ashes…
Hamburg, 1946.
The war is over, and Germany is in ruins. Posted to an Allied-run Hamburg, reporter Georgie Young returns to the country she fled seven years prior – as Chamberlain spoke those fateful words – to find it unrecognisable.
Amidst the stark horrors of a bombed-out city crumbling under the weight of millions of displaced Europeans, she discovers pockets of warmth: a violinist playing amidst the wreckage, couples dancing in the streets, and a nation trying to make amends.
But when she joins forces with local policeman Harri Schroder to solve a murder case he is working on – a woman with the word traitor engraved into her skin – she soon discovers that the darkest secrets of war haven’t been left in the past. And once again she is pulled into a world she hardly expected to see again…
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Avon Books UK, Avon Publishing, and author, Mandy Robotham for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for February 29, 2024.
WWII fiction specialist, Mandy Robotham brings to the spotlight a time I must admit I've not given all that much thought to.
The story opens in Hamburg, 1946. WWII officially ended September 2, 1945.
World War II has finally ended, the German city of Hamburg was left in ruins. Over 100,000 citizens had been killed during the air raids and, in the months following the war, millions of people remained homeless and without food.
Peacetime despair and decay has replaced wartime dynamite and cordite.
We know from modern day conflict zones, that suffering does not automatically cease when the weapons of war are laid down. It takes time to rebuild. Fierce ground battles and aerial raids caused untold devastation, nations were left broken, and in the aftermath, the people left behind were left to rebuild.
The Hidden Storyteller gives us the story of those remaining and the writing will wring out tears as you read.
Miss Georgina Young, a seasoned English war reporter is sent to the British-controlled area of Hamburg to report on what's left after the war - displaced persons, those still living underground, in cellars and bunkers and refugee camps. Onto streets where the currency of the day is bargaining - food, coal, trinkets, ephemeron, and the currency on the streets most sought after - cigarettes.
Inspektor Harri Schroder of the Kriminapolitzei (the Kripo) has been charged with finding a brutal killer nicknamed, The Puppet Master".
As the story progresses, Georgina meets and befriends various secondary characters, including Meta, a young trümmer kinder, and, of course, a local policeman on the trail of a serial killer.
The author has done a wonderful job of illuminating this setting and time period, adding an extra spin on this World War II novel - with the story occurring after the war has ended.
Robotham's prose is strong, draws you in and doesn't let go until the final page.
Recommended for any fan of historical fiction and anyone who has enjoyed this author's previous works.
#NetGalley #HistoricalFiction #MandyRobotham
December 16, 2024
1946 and the war was over. But Hamburg was in ruins, and when reporter Georgie Young - who we first met in The Berlin Girl - had returned to the city to get first hand news and information for the readers of the world. Her first encounter was with a street waif who darted in to snatch Georgie's suitcase, and Georgie and her driver gave chase, catching the young girl whose name was Meta. Starving, light fingered and quick on her feet, Meta was part of an underworld of people trying to survive. Georgie befriended her, along with a young woman, Zofia, who'd been in Dachau, and was searching for her sister. Her well spoken German and English saw Georgie hiring her as an interpreter. And then Georgie met Inspektor Harri Schroder, in charge of the Kripo, the local police. Harri had a vicious murderer to find, one who was killing young women and Georgie came forward to help.
Small parts of Hamburg blossomed with people determined to make the best of things. A young man playing his violin in amongst the rubble, to the delight of the crowd around him. In another area, swing music set the dancers alight, where the worries of day to day living were pushed aside for a few hours while they danced and laughed. This would make good reporting for Georgie. But it was the darkness, the stalking and the murder that covered secrets and which Harri had to stop. But could he find the elusive killer?
The Hidden Storyteller is another exceptional historical by Mandy Robotham and this one includes a dark mystery which kept my heart racing. Georgie is an excellent character, as was Meta, Zofia and Harri. The strength of people who had been displaced by the war, and even though the war was over, tragedy continued, was heartbreaking. But they were determined to live, to thrive and survive. Highly recommended.
Small parts of Hamburg blossomed with people determined to make the best of things. A young man playing his violin in amongst the rubble, to the delight of the crowd around him. In another area, swing music set the dancers alight, where the worries of day to day living were pushed aside for a few hours while they danced and laughed. This would make good reporting for Georgie. But it was the darkness, the stalking and the murder that covered secrets and which Harri had to stop. But could he find the elusive killer?
The Hidden Storyteller is another exceptional historical by Mandy Robotham and this one includes a dark mystery which kept my heart racing. Georgie is an excellent character, as was Meta, Zofia and Harri. The strength of people who had been displaced by the war, and even though the war was over, tragedy continued, was heartbreaking. But they were determined to live, to thrive and survive. Highly recommended.
January 14, 2025
I read The Berlin Girl back in 2020, which was my first book by Mandy Robotham and the first one featuring Georgie as well. Then came this one which somehow wasn't on my radar, and the newest story is coming out on January 16th, so I decided to catch up before jumping into it.
I've read every other book by this author that has come out since, and enjoyed all of them, but this one didn't fully work for me, even if I loved seeing Georgie again. It just wasn't as exciting as the first book, and the serial killer storyline, which I normally like, took too long to develop.
What I did like was the historical details, learning about what life was like for people in Hamburg right after WW2, Georgie, Meta, Zofia and Harri.
I even shipped Georgie with Harri when I remembered how much Max annoyed me previously, and with the doubts Georgie had during the book, I was thinking the story might really go in that direction. (Un)Fortunately, it didn't, but I liked their interactions anyway.
And I did also feel bad for Max, so I'm not too displeased that he's still in the picture.
Meta was the most interesting character this time around, I loved her chapters and her keen sense of smell. There was a moment where I was really scared for her, but she was used to living dangerously so I knew she had to be okay.
Anyway, the next book follows Harri, so I am glad I managed to read The Hidden Storyteller ahead of time. I have faith that his book will be more up my alley than this one was.
I've read every other book by this author that has come out since, and enjoyed all of them, but this one didn't fully work for me, even if I loved seeing Georgie again. It just wasn't as exciting as the first book, and the serial killer storyline, which I normally like, took too long to develop.
What I did like was the historical details, learning about what life was like for people in Hamburg right after WW2, Georgie, Meta, Zofia and Harri.
I even shipped Georgie with Harri when I remembered how much Max annoyed me previously, and with the doubts Georgie had during the book, I was thinking the story might really go in that direction. (Un)Fortunately, it didn't, but I liked their interactions anyway.
And I did also feel bad for Max, so I'm not too displeased that he's still in the picture.
Meta was the most interesting character this time around, I loved her chapters and her keen sense of smell. There was a moment where I was really scared for her, but she was used to living dangerously so I knew she had to be okay.
Anyway, the next book follows Harri, so I am glad I managed to read The Hidden Storyteller ahead of time. I have faith that his book will be more up my alley than this one was.
February 11, 2024
Hamburg, 1946: The war is over and Germany is in ruins. Posted to an Allied-run Hamburg, reporter Georgina Young returns to the country she fled seven years ago prior - ad Chamberlain spoke those fateful words - to find it unrecognisable. Almost the stark horrors of a bombed-out city crumbling under the weight of millions of displaced Europeans, she discovers pockets of warmth: a violinist playing amidst the wreckage, couples dancing in the streets, a nation trying to make amends.
The story takes place post WWII. Georgie Young is a newspaper reporter, whose been sent to Hamburg to write a report about post-war Germany. She's also escaping from a personal tragedy that took place in England. There's also a serial killer on the loose in Germany, and Georgie is determined to help find him.
This was another interesting and well-written story. The fast-pace and the flow of the writing made this book easy to read. I liked that this story was about post-war Germany, it made a nice change.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #MandtRobotham for my ARC of #TheHiddenStoryteller in exchange for an honest review.
The story takes place post WWII. Georgie Young is a newspaper reporter, whose been sent to Hamburg to write a report about post-war Germany. She's also escaping from a personal tragedy that took place in England. There's also a serial killer on the loose in Germany, and Georgie is determined to help find him.
This was another interesting and well-written story. The fast-pace and the flow of the writing made this book easy to read. I liked that this story was about post-war Germany, it made a nice change.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #MandtRobotham for my ARC of #TheHiddenStoryteller in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2025
4.75 stars rounded up
February 18, 2024
2.5⭐️
I have read several books by Mandy Robotham and enjoyed them all. Unfortunately, this one just did not work for me. The plot was slow and felt all over the place for the first 2 thirds of the novel. All the action was packed in the last 20% of the book. I enjoyed when we were first introduced to the main character, Georgie, in Robotham’s novel “The Berlin Girl”, and I don’t think she needed another book devoted to her story.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I have read several books by Mandy Robotham and enjoyed them all. Unfortunately, this one just did not work for me. The plot was slow and felt all over the place for the first 2 thirds of the novel. All the action was packed in the last 20% of the book. I enjoyed when we were first introduced to the main character, Georgie, in Robotham’s novel “The Berlin Girl”, and I don’t think she needed another book devoted to her story.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 30, 2024
My first read by Mandy Robotham and I have to say, while not usually my genre(well half of it as technically there’s a serial killer story here too) I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Set in post war Hamburg in 1946, the story revolves around our central character Georgie, an English journalist returning to the country her and her husband fled seven years previously with the outbreak of war. She’s there to report on how Germany is coping post war and post defeat with the allies there to try and manage the ruins of war and the devastation it has left.
Along the way Georgie meets and befriends various characters including a child beggar and thief and the local policeman.
Mixed into all of this is a serial killer, targeting young German women and murdering them brutally.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It’s more historical fiction than thriller, even though the serial killer story is fairly central, it’s a more a vehicle to bring the main characters together than be the main story.
It’s a really interesting time to chose to base the story, more or less straight after the end of WW2 and it’s probably a forgotten slice of history as the normal everyday citizen is left to cope with a country and landscape totally devasted and crumbled.
The novel can be brutal but also just about skates the right side of the line of being a little bit twee. I think the author balanced the empathy and goodness of ordinary people just about right, feeling comforting to the reader without becoming sugary sweet.
All in all a hugely enjoyable experience. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC through Netgalley.
Set in post war Hamburg in 1946, the story revolves around our central character Georgie, an English journalist returning to the country her and her husband fled seven years previously with the outbreak of war. She’s there to report on how Germany is coping post war and post defeat with the allies there to try and manage the ruins of war and the devastation it has left.
Along the way Georgie meets and befriends various characters including a child beggar and thief and the local policeman.
Mixed into all of this is a serial killer, targeting young German women and murdering them brutally.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It’s more historical fiction than thriller, even though the serial killer story is fairly central, it’s a more a vehicle to bring the main characters together than be the main story.
It’s a really interesting time to chose to base the story, more or less straight after the end of WW2 and it’s probably a forgotten slice of history as the normal everyday citizen is left to cope with a country and landscape totally devasted and crumbled.
The novel can be brutal but also just about skates the right side of the line of being a little bit twee. I think the author balanced the empathy and goodness of ordinary people just about right, feeling comforting to the reader without becoming sugary sweet.
All in all a hugely enjoyable experience. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC through Netgalley.
May 3, 2024
A well deserved 5* novel! A page-turner, not only because of the plot, but mostly because of the accurate, realistic and disturbing portrait of Hamburg in 1946. What I also found excellent, is that there was a comparison between Hamburg and London, both towns facing the war destructions. This was highly interesting... This was masterfully achieved through the various characters, each with her/his personal experience of the war and its aftermath. This is for me what makes this novel very special, also on a historically/socially point of view. Highly recommended!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I willingly leave an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I willingly leave an honest review.
April 20, 2024
Once again Mandy Robotham doesn't disappoint, working historical elements combined with a murder mystery, this is a “can't put down” read.
Hamburg at the end of the war, utterly destroyed after fierce bombing, worse than had rained down on England. Millions of people are living rough, underground in cellars or bunkers and to make matters worse there is a migration of people from the camps that adds to the challenge of feeding them all. There is some debate how the English Military are living a good and overindulged lifestyle compared to those back home who are still in the grips of rationing in order to feed the defeated Germans, hatred towards them has increased as a result.
It doesn't matter what side you're on, war has an impact on everyone and so it is with Max and Georgie Young, both journalists who had covered the war and who have just begun to settle into some sort of normal life. However, when Georgie suffers a miscarriage things start to unravel a little for which finds her back in Germany, Hamburg and alone, Max remaining in England having suffered a broken leg.
Georgie’s introduction to Hamburg is in fighting to keep her precious bag in her possession that is being forcefully pulled away by a very malnourished girl who just wants the bag, not the contents. Georgie makes a deal with the girl which leads to a useful relationship, after all with the situation as it is, a journalist needs local information and so for cigarettes and food as a trade Meta becomes her informant. Georgie’s German is pretty terrible after seven years of absence and a good translator is needed, Zofia, a survivor of the concentration camps, fills the bill. Georgie arranges accommodation for her at the hotel she is staying at and a firm friendship is formed. However, like many, Zofia is hiding a secret for which doesn't come to light until well into the read.
Meeting Harri Schroder who is in charge of the Hamburg Criminal Police sees Georgie become involved with trying to solve the atrocious murders of young women. Harri has the English breathing down his neck to solve these murders but his squad is hampered by the lack of resources which adds to the difficulty as well as the unspoken undercurrent of the whole situation. Harri is attracted to Georgie’s ability to articulate clearly and to see things with a different eye, as a reporter. While nursing her own personal anguish which isn't revealed to him until later in the book, she helps him to quicken his step and to leave his own personal horrors locked down until by accident she encounters the murderer leaving Harri and his team desperately looking for her, the murderer’s identity now known to them. His relief in rescuing her sees his personal anguish come to a head.
Hamburg at the end of the war, utterly destroyed after fierce bombing, worse than had rained down on England. Millions of people are living rough, underground in cellars or bunkers and to make matters worse there is a migration of people from the camps that adds to the challenge of feeding them all. There is some debate how the English Military are living a good and overindulged lifestyle compared to those back home who are still in the grips of rationing in order to feed the defeated Germans, hatred towards them has increased as a result.
It doesn't matter what side you're on, war has an impact on everyone and so it is with Max and Georgie Young, both journalists who had covered the war and who have just begun to settle into some sort of normal life. However, when Georgie suffers a miscarriage things start to unravel a little for which finds her back in Germany, Hamburg and alone, Max remaining in England having suffered a broken leg.
Georgie’s introduction to Hamburg is in fighting to keep her precious bag in her possession that is being forcefully pulled away by a very malnourished girl who just wants the bag, not the contents. Georgie makes a deal with the girl which leads to a useful relationship, after all with the situation as it is, a journalist needs local information and so for cigarettes and food as a trade Meta becomes her informant. Georgie’s German is pretty terrible after seven years of absence and a good translator is needed, Zofia, a survivor of the concentration camps, fills the bill. Georgie arranges accommodation for her at the hotel she is staying at and a firm friendship is formed. However, like many, Zofia is hiding a secret for which doesn't come to light until well into the read.
Meeting Harri Schroder who is in charge of the Hamburg Criminal Police sees Georgie become involved with trying to solve the atrocious murders of young women. Harri has the English breathing down his neck to solve these murders but his squad is hampered by the lack of resources which adds to the difficulty as well as the unspoken undercurrent of the whole situation. Harri is attracted to Georgie’s ability to articulate clearly and to see things with a different eye, as a reporter. While nursing her own personal anguish which isn't revealed to him until later in the book, she helps him to quicken his step and to leave his own personal horrors locked down until by accident she encounters the murderer leaving Harri and his team desperately looking for her, the murderer’s identity now known to them. His relief in rescuing her sees his personal anguish come to a head.
December 11, 2024
This was a slow start for me but then turned into an excellent story with very interesting characters and a mystery to solve. It usually doesn’t take me this long ever to finish a book but when it got really going I read most of it in a day.
December 27, 2023
I have read several of Mandy Robotham’s novels set around WWII and have become a fan. Her newest novel, The Hidden Storyteller, takes place post WWII and is set in Hamburg. Returning is Georgie Young, a news reporter, who debuted in the author’s “The Berlin Girl”, which I enjoyed reading a few years ago. Georgie sets out to write a story about postwar Germany and what it’s like to be there now that the British soldiers are trying to bring about change for the better, not an easy task to say the least. Georgie is also escaping a personal tragedy from back home in England. Through her eyes we see the destruction and hunger and loss of so many things in Germany. Alongside this, there is also a serial killer on the loose. Georgie finds out about this and is determined to help find him while doing research for her articles that she is looking to write. Along the way we are introduced to several Germans, each dealing with their own loss. We hear their stories and root for them to find peace in their lives. As in other novels written by this author, the characters are well developed. I read many WWII historical fiction novels and in between usually pick up a murder mystery for a change of pace. Ironically, this book includes both. I really enjoyed it and appreciate the great storytelling of Mandy Robotham. It’s something a bit different from other WWII novels I’ve read, including what happened in Germany after the war and the role the British soldiers had there. We get to hear a bit of how the Germans felt about this and vice versa. I loved reading another book with Georgie in it and would welcome another one with her, her husband Max, and Georgie’s new German friend Harri.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 7, 2024
Thanks to netgalley for providing this advanced copy for the purpose of review.
I have read other books from this author so was looking forward to reading this. It did not disappoint and I found it be an absorbing read that had lots of interesting elements which kept me hooked.
I have read other books from this author so was looking forward to reading this. It did not disappoint and I found it be an absorbing read that had lots of interesting elements which kept me hooked.
April 11, 2025
4.5 stars rounded down. We need more people who see others the way Georgie sees them. I think this book will linger in my mind for a while.
February 19, 2024
Mandy Robotham has done it again with a narrative so gripping, you won't be able to pry yourself away. Brace yourself for a riveting journey through post-World War II Hamburg, where Georgie, an intrepid journalist, fearlessly uncovers the untold aftermath of the war. This isn't just a story; it's an immersive plunge into the shadows of history.
Georgie, in her unwavering determination, unravels the deep layers of a city haunted by the echoes of the Nazi Occupation, but soon finds herself entrenched in a serial murder investigation. As she joins forces with unlikely friends, the stakes skyrocket, and Georgie's gut instincts become her compass in a desperate search for the man wreaking chaos on the vulnerable women of Hamburg.
What sets this tale apart is its unique exploration of the overlooked aftermath of World War II, shedding light on the sad reality of the fallout that the destruction of war brings. Mandy Robotham's storytelling prowess not only captivates but also prompts profound reflection on what must be thousands of untold stories that history often sidelines or forgets.
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Avon UK for granting me early access to this literary gem. My thoughts are my own, a testament to the impact this exceptional narrative has left on me. Prepare to be transported, enthralled, and utterly captivated – because Mandy Robotham has, once again, crafted a masterpiece that refuses to be confined to the bookshelf.
Georgie, in her unwavering determination, unravels the deep layers of a city haunted by the echoes of the Nazi Occupation, but soon finds herself entrenched in a serial murder investigation. As she joins forces with unlikely friends, the stakes skyrocket, and Georgie's gut instincts become her compass in a desperate search for the man wreaking chaos on the vulnerable women of Hamburg.
What sets this tale apart is its unique exploration of the overlooked aftermath of World War II, shedding light on the sad reality of the fallout that the destruction of war brings. Mandy Robotham's storytelling prowess not only captivates but also prompts profound reflection on what must be thousands of untold stories that history often sidelines or forgets.
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Avon UK for granting me early access to this literary gem. My thoughts are my own, a testament to the impact this exceptional narrative has left on me. Prepare to be transported, enthralled, and utterly captivated – because Mandy Robotham has, once again, crafted a masterpiece that refuses to be confined to the bookshelf.
December 2, 2023
Robotham’s historical fictions are usually hit or miss for me, but I’m happy to say this one was a hit! Setting the story in post-war Germany and focuses on what and who has been lift behind after such a brutal war was a fascinating choice. The main characters were all likeable, albeit a little over dramatic at times. I really enjoyed the plot of them hunting a serial killer, I felt that really added an edge to this book. While some parts were a bit of a drag to read, overall I did really enjoy this book, it was an interesting change of pace compared to other historical fictions set in this time period, and the writing was easy to fall into.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #TheHiddenStoryteller #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #TheHiddenStoryteller #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 8, 2025
4.5*
Mandy Robotham is an auto buy for me as you are always guaranteed a great historical read. The interesting aspect of this novel is that it is post World War II, taking place a year after the declaration of peace. It was fascinating to be on the streets of Hamburg as the struggles and tensions simmered post war under British administration.
‘People have fought for years to survive Hitler’s madness, and they’re dying because we can’t feed the peace.’
For those of you familiar with Mandy’s 2020 book, ‘The Berlin Girl’, it is Georgie Young, a young British journalist sent to Berlin as a foreign correspondent in 1938, now finding herself in Hamburg post war 1946. The story is also told from not just Georgie but Meta (displaced German) and Harri (German police). The story is over the few weeks that Georgie is in Germany to write her newspaper article. Mandy’s research is once again en pointe with both characters and settings authentically capturing the various experiences of war and the fallout from it.
‘Is he destined to always have the stink of fascism steeped into the fibres of his being, never to be scrubbed away? Heinrich Himmler must be bloody laughing in his grave.’
Interestingly, this is a story of not only historic details but also incorporates a thriller detective drama. Mandy does well in combining the gripping tale of a murderer on the loose. Towards the end the pace is fast with danger and several tense moments for all involved and readers are sure to engage with characters that you want a better life and outcome for.
‘Another life lost is nothing new, even after the bombs have stopped - starvation, disease and the freezing weather are the new agents of death.’
Congratulations Mandy on yet another winning book. I have read and adored all your books and cannot recommend them highly enough. For a realistic, well written tale of what life in Germany was like directly after the conclusion of WWII, look no further than ‘The Hidden Storyteller’’.
‘I’ve been altered by a lot over the last few years, but I didn’t imagine that two weeks in a post-war German city would be quite so life-changing. For a whole host of reasons.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
Mandy Robotham is an auto buy for me as you are always guaranteed a great historical read. The interesting aspect of this novel is that it is post World War II, taking place a year after the declaration of peace. It was fascinating to be on the streets of Hamburg as the struggles and tensions simmered post war under British administration.
‘People have fought for years to survive Hitler’s madness, and they’re dying because we can’t feed the peace.’
For those of you familiar with Mandy’s 2020 book, ‘The Berlin Girl’, it is Georgie Young, a young British journalist sent to Berlin as a foreign correspondent in 1938, now finding herself in Hamburg post war 1946. The story is also told from not just Georgie but Meta (displaced German) and Harri (German police). The story is over the few weeks that Georgie is in Germany to write her newspaper article. Mandy’s research is once again en pointe with both characters and settings authentically capturing the various experiences of war and the fallout from it.
‘Is he destined to always have the stink of fascism steeped into the fibres of his being, never to be scrubbed away? Heinrich Himmler must be bloody laughing in his grave.’
Interestingly, this is a story of not only historic details but also incorporates a thriller detective drama. Mandy does well in combining the gripping tale of a murderer on the loose. Towards the end the pace is fast with danger and several tense moments for all involved and readers are sure to engage with characters that you want a better life and outcome for.
‘Another life lost is nothing new, even after the bombs have stopped - starvation, disease and the freezing weather are the new agents of death.’
Congratulations Mandy on yet another winning book. I have read and adored all your books and cannot recommend them highly enough. For a realistic, well written tale of what life in Germany was like directly after the conclusion of WWII, look no further than ‘The Hidden Storyteller’’.
‘I’ve been altered by a lot over the last few years, but I didn’t imagine that two weeks in a post-war German city would be quite so life-changing. For a whole host of reasons.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
January 21, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and to Avon for the advance copy of this novel, once again Mandy has chosen a setting which is emotive and compassionate tale. Based in the post war era full of characters who have, in different ways, survived the war years. As is usual with Mandy’s novel’s the characters come alive and the reader is able to live through the harrowing time when people were returning, seeking and trying to rebuild their lives. The central character, a British journalist has her own “emotional baggage” and a nose for a good story throws her lot in with a German policeman and together they try to solve a gruesome crime. Along with two other strong women (a waif and a translator searching for her sister) from Hamburg who have learned to rely on their own resilience to survive.
Much has been written about the war years, but this is different, this pulls together all that is happening in the post war years. Mandy’s characters are in need of being ‘build up’, and each needs the other as their lives become intertwined. As the reader becomes aware of the tensions between the British Army and the re-emerging German police force side by side with a nation struggling to find there way in the new post-Hitler era, there is hope shown in the impromptu violin solo, whose haunting sound among the wreckage inspires and the ‘pop-up’ dances in the streets, where young and the broken come together to seek fun.
Mandy Robotham is again the master storyteller bringing this story to life and airing the little shoots of hope like snowdrops appearing in the winter garden, encouraged to grow but often hampered by late winter frost… This is another must read, once started you won’t be able to put the book (or tablet) down.
Much has been written about the war years, but this is different, this pulls together all that is happening in the post war years. Mandy’s characters are in need of being ‘build up’, and each needs the other as their lives become intertwined. As the reader becomes aware of the tensions between the British Army and the re-emerging German police force side by side with a nation struggling to find there way in the new post-Hitler era, there is hope shown in the impromptu violin solo, whose haunting sound among the wreckage inspires and the ‘pop-up’ dances in the streets, where young and the broken come together to seek fun.
Mandy Robotham is again the master storyteller bringing this story to life and airing the little shoots of hope like snowdrops appearing in the winter garden, encouraged to grow but often hampered by late winter frost… This is another must read, once started you won’t be able to put the book (or tablet) down.
April 12, 2024
It was Ok and would give the book 2.5 stars. I enjoyed it more than "The Berlin Girl." I probably wouldn't have read it if I realized it was a continuation of Georgie Young's story. This book took me forever to finish. I started, stopped for quite a while and then made myself finish it. It was so hard to get into. The story felt slow and and I didn't find it very interesting. Georgie's able to find compassion for so many people except her husband. She's afraid of becoming a "frau" and doesn't want to give up her life of traipsing across Europe and writing stories. She constantly puts herself in danger. She found it hard to make time to write letters to her husband, but there was always time for unnecessary flirting with Harri. I knew right away who the killer was. I didn't know his name, but knew it would be him after he first meets Georgie.
Definitely recommend giving the book a try, it just wasn't for me. I enjoyed many of the author's previous books but Georgie Young is just not my cup of tea. I found Harri, Meta and Zofia's story to be more interesting than Georgie. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Avon Books UK through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Definitely recommend giving the book a try, it just wasn't for me. I enjoyed many of the author's previous books but Georgie Young is just not my cup of tea. I found Harri, Meta and Zofia's story to be more interesting than Georgie. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Avon Books UK through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 2, 2024
This book certainly makes you think how it was like in Germany after the war how there was a lot of displaced people and the conditions. This book has a bit of a mystery and also bringing up memories of the past.
Georgie is a journalist who comes to Hamburg to see what life is like for the people living there and wants to write an article about them. She meets Meta an orphan who lives rough on the streets and is a strong character. Georgie meets Harri who is in the Police force. There is a murderer on the loose in Hamburg and Georgie, Harri and also Meta all start investigating who it is.
I thought this book was so well written and kept on wanting to read on what was going to happen. I found the descriptive life of Hamburg so heartbreaking and how they could cope with life there.
Would recommend this book. I have read so many books of this author and she never disappoints.
Georgie is a journalist who comes to Hamburg to see what life is like for the people living there and wants to write an article about them. She meets Meta an orphan who lives rough on the streets and is a strong character. Georgie meets Harri who is in the Police force. There is a murderer on the loose in Hamburg and Georgie, Harri and also Meta all start investigating who it is.
I thought this book was so well written and kept on wanting to read on what was going to happen. I found the descriptive life of Hamburg so heartbreaking and how they could cope with life there.
Would recommend this book. I have read so many books of this author and she never disappoints.
January 30, 2025
This book was set during two weeks in February, 1946, in Hamburg, Germany. It was interesting to read a book that dealt with the conditions in Germany post WWII. People are aware that Germany was occupied after WWII by the Allied forces but probably do not give much thought to the chaos that would have existed during that time as peace was established and rebuilding began. It is just as important to learn about the after bath of a conflict as it is to learn about its origins.
August 25, 2024
Great story that sheds light on German citizens trying to rebuild their lives in 1946. Thoroughly enjoyed this author and the Audible narrator. It may seem hard to care about Germans after the atrocities of the Nazis, but this story reminds us that not all Germans were Nazis and that so many of them suffered terribly as well.
October 21, 2025
This was an audiobook that was available on my library app that i tried in between my Spotify books and i was really pleased. This story has a great plot and characters (if not somethings bot timeline correct). The narrator was excellent and kept me wanting more.
July 5, 2024
Quite a different story about post 2nd world war in Germany. It made you think about how it was for ordinary people there.
May 22, 2024
Enjoyed Georgie's character again. Found it interesting to learn about post-war Germany and the struggles had by the people there, particularly the children.
February 17, 2024
If you are familiar with Mandy Robotham novels, you may recognize the main character Georgie, a compassionate journalist, who is familiar with the atrocities of WWII (The Berlin Girl). In this story, Georgie is out to get a feel for the Germany that is left post war and experience the relationship between civilian Germans in Hamburg and the British military stationed there. What she soon learns is tragic, a city full of poverty and desperation. Georgie finds herself forging alliances with unlikely characters and learns of a serial killer attacking unsuspecting women.
This one differs from other WWII fiction in the sense that the focus was placed on the impacts and events taking place after the war was over, which we don’t typically consider. It was not enough that the war had ended, Shortages were ever present. Trust was ever lacking. Theft was on an all time high. I gained new perspective on post war, and the struggles that continued well after peace was declared. It would take years to rebuild the nation and for its civilians to feel comfort again. Things are further intensified when there is a murderer on the loose targeting lonely women.
It did take me a little while to get into this one, although beautifully written, I felt that the first half of the story was a little on the slow side. Each of the characters had an emotional hurdle to overcome, they each had a back story of some sort that had me slightly confused as to what the focus of the story was. However, it did pick up quickly and came together in the second half.
Read this if you are a fan of WWII historical fiction and interested in the aftermath of war. It was a new perspective for me!
Thank-you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the eARC!
This one differs from other WWII fiction in the sense that the focus was placed on the impacts and events taking place after the war was over, which we don’t typically consider. It was not enough that the war had ended, Shortages were ever present. Trust was ever lacking. Theft was on an all time high. I gained new perspective on post war, and the struggles that continued well after peace was declared. It would take years to rebuild the nation and for its civilians to feel comfort again. Things are further intensified when there is a murderer on the loose targeting lonely women.
It did take me a little while to get into this one, although beautifully written, I felt that the first half of the story was a little on the slow side. Each of the characters had an emotional hurdle to overcome, they each had a back story of some sort that had me slightly confused as to what the focus of the story was. However, it did pick up quickly and came together in the second half.
Read this if you are a fan of WWII historical fiction and interested in the aftermath of war. It was a new perspective for me!
Thank-you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the eARC!
March 25, 2024
“People have fought for years to survive Hitler’s madness, and they’re dying because we can’t feed the peace.”
This is the post war Germany we hear very little about. What a mess. The end of war celebrations of the Allied forces pale in the face of the German citizens who lived under Nazi rule through the war. They’ve lost parents, spouses, children, homes and jobs. Food is scarce, cigarettes are used for trade, and a constant trail of the displaced wander streets looking for soup kitchens and relief camps.
In “The Hidden Storyteller”, London reporter Georgie traveled to post war Hamburg, Germany. The allied forces there showed little sympathy for the Germans—and the Germans were not all that thankful for the presence of British troops. The British officers and troops had food and comfort—Germans did not. Allied countries still on food rations did not care if Germans were hungry. Rail lines were destroyed all around, making food delivery even more slow and difficult.
I appreciate the author’s insight and I found her characters to be real, raw and interesting. I cheered on Meta and loved revisiting Georgie’s story.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.
This is the post war Germany we hear very little about. What a mess. The end of war celebrations of the Allied forces pale in the face of the German citizens who lived under Nazi rule through the war. They’ve lost parents, spouses, children, homes and jobs. Food is scarce, cigarettes are used for trade, and a constant trail of the displaced wander streets looking for soup kitchens and relief camps.
In “The Hidden Storyteller”, London reporter Georgie traveled to post war Hamburg, Germany. The allied forces there showed little sympathy for the Germans—and the Germans were not all that thankful for the presence of British troops. The British officers and troops had food and comfort—Germans did not. Allied countries still on food rations did not care if Germans were hungry. Rail lines were destroyed all around, making food delivery even more slow and difficult.
I appreciate the author’s insight and I found her characters to be real, raw and interesting. I cheered on Meta and loved revisiting Georgie’s story.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.
September 16, 2024
Thank you to the team at AVON for allowing me to read this title ahead of its release at the end of February. This one was right up my street - it’s historical fiction, set in the aftermath of WWII and it’s a race to catch a serial killer. It had everything for me! In all honesty, I’ve never really read or learnt about the aftermath of war time in places like Germany, and the amount of displaced people coming into the cities. It’s easy to view the tragedy of war to the soldiers and civilians that were killed (which it certainly was), but I don’t think we often think of those left behind with a huge uphill battle to recoup their lives pre-war and this book really highlighted this. The addition of the police investigation, with the help of journalist Georgie, was a great part of the story and kept me guessing until the very end. I loved the style of writing from Mandy and would love to read more by her.
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