When the Germans Come

by David Hewson

1940: Dover waits for the Nazi invasion… but what if Hitler’s agents are already here, among them?

Canadian journalist Jessica Marshall is reporting from Dover as the town is on the brink of a German invasion. But her story never makes it into the paper…

Meanwhile, Louis Renard, an intelligent, damaged man and onetime Scotland Yard murder detective, is recuperating from wounds received in the Dunkirk invasion, working in Dover’s barely functioning police station.

When a dancer is found murdered in a secret underground bunker, Renard refuses to turn a blind eye, and Jessica smells a scoop.

As the mystery deepens, Renard begins to dig deeper into the background of the murdered woman, while Jessica Marshall is lured further into a dangerous scheme, just as the threat from the looming invasion gets closer…

When the Germans Come is a thriller about the murky and frightening dark heart of wartime Britain we rarely see.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

528 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2024

About the author

DAVID HEWSON was born in Yorkshire in 1953. His books range from the Nic Costa series set in Italy to adaptations of The Killing in Copenhagen and the Pieter Vos series in Amsterdam.
He's adapted Shakespeare for Audible and in 2018 won the Audie for best original work for Romeo and Juliet: A Novel, narrated by Richard Armitage.
2019 sees the release of a new, full-cast Audible drama set in New York, Last Seen Wearing, and a standalone novel set in the Faroe Islands, Devil's Fjord.

Series:
Nic Costa

Pieter Vos

The Killing

Reviews

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The first casualty of war is truth.”

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detectives, Dover and murder!

The world’s gone mad! It’s 1940 and just after the Dunkirk retreat in Dover. The place where a German invasion would surely land.
The Castle, an imposing fortress like building overlooks Dover and its harbour. The Castle houses a myriad of Ministry departments including one devoted to dirty tricks, of far fetched ideas. Dover and the Castle is a place on the defensive footing.
Into this madness comes Louis Reynard, a former Scotland Yard detective, who was wounded during the Dunkirk evacuation. He’s maybe just a little mad or lost, maybe both. His Aunt Veronica, a renowned actress of the West End, and doyen of the Dover area, has a word in the right ears. When he’d recovered Louis found himself posted to the quietness of Dover. Not that that lasted!
Now he’s dealing with murder, treason and German agents.
He’s also being haunted by a serial killer whom Renaud believes killed his fiancé. The killer is obsessed with Renaud.
Then there’s the Canadian reporter Jessica.
The pressure did not stop. The last section is a shocker.
Super read!

A Boldhound ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

1940: Canadian journalist Jessica Marshall is reporting from Dover, a town on the brink of a German attack. But her stories never make it into print. Meanwhile, Louis Renard, an intelligent, damaged man and onetime Scotland Yard detective, is recuperating from wounds received at Dunkirk and is working in Dover’s barely functioning police station. When a dancer is found murdered in a secret underground bunker, Renard refuses to turn a blind eye, and Marshall smells a scoop.
A very well written book which I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters have depth & are well portrayed. I really liked Louis & could see a series with him as the main character (hint, hint) I found the story was slow to begin with but the more I read the more invested I became & soon found it hard to put down. Not a short book but I found the pages started to fly by. A lovely mix of murder, spies & Louis trying to cope
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica Marshall is in Dover and finds her stories are being blocked by the military until she agrees to what they want. She finds herself drawn into a propaganda campaign aimed at keeping morale high after Dunkirk. Meanwhile the body of a woman has been found in a secret bunker and detective Renard finds his investigation blocked by both his superiors and the military. As the town is awaiting a potential German invasion, tension is high.
This book has the double advantage of being a great police procedural and a solid period novel. The setting is well-imagined in that time after Dunkirk when the German army was expected to cross the channel any day. There are some rather grubby aspects to the plot but they are completely believable and the scene is set for a sequel which I look forward to.

[Mike Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

* ARC review *

Plus points:
An interesting story, with some twists and turns.
Characters developed well, through the book.
Real-life locations used, which helps to visualise where things are/were.
Some nice phrasing.

Minor minus points:
The occasional Americanism (e.g. flophouse) and contemporary word.
Some clichés.
The occasional phrase that didn't quite seem right

The book got more interesting as the story unfolded, but overall, a decent enough book about WW2 life in England.

(The character names Shearer, Superintendent Chalmers and Cyril Simpson seem to have a common thread!)

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a lot of chapters to get into this book but once I did it was enjoyable. The characters didn’t capture me to begin with and I couldn’t picture them which spoilt my enjoyment of the story line. Having said that I felt the need to keep going to find out what happened next.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The time is 1940 right after the Dunkirk saving operation, the setting is Dover, the little town where everyone is sure the Germans will invade and conquered first in England. Bombs have been dropping on their town, and there are aerial fights almost every night.
Against this background we have a former Scotland Yard detective working at the local police station, a contingent of the army involved in a secret operation, a Canadian female journalist trying to break into the world of the war foreign correspondents, a secret bunker where the body of a woman is found.
The discovery of this body is just the beginning of a series of events that will left the reader guessing what will happen next. Whit the bodies count increasing our detective discovers a web of lies and spies with twists and turns that you won't be able to guess.
Add to this the appearance of a serial killer obsessed with the detective, one he thinks is responsible of killing his fiancee in France.
Will he be able to find the person or persons responsible for the death of the bunker woman and the rest of the bodies?
With great historical research and attention to detail, you'll feel you are walking along with the detective trying to solve this case and feel the anguish of the people of Dover anticipating the invasion of the Germans.
Very enjoyable read.

[Steve Cripwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canadian journalist Jessica Marshall is reporting from Dover as the town is on the brink of a German invasion. But her story never makes it into the paper…
Meanwhile, Louis Renard, an intelligent, damaged man and onetime Scotland Yard murder detective, is recuperating from wounds received in the Dunkirk invasion, working in Dover’s barely functioning police station.

This is so well written. It’s wonderfully atmospheric and draws you in to the period. England on the brink of war; of invasion. It has dour but believable characters who fit perfectly into the time. It has all the elements. A police inspector out of his comfort zone, murder, spies and a story told well. It’s a great read and hard to put down. I’d like to see more of Inspector Louis Renard.

[Samantha Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After such a satisfactory conclusion, it ended on a bloody cliffhanger! So annoying! Hope he gets a sequel published quickly.

[Jayme Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction murder mystery?! SIGN ME UP

My personal rating is a 3.5 BUT I absolutely understand why some fans of WWII historical fiction that enjoy a lot of details that add depth and atmosphere to a story would rate this higher and that’s why I rounded up to 4 stars.

The characters are complex and the story is too. The first 1/3 of the book felt like I was watching and waiting for the kettle to boil. But then you start sensing the molecules moving. And then the next thing you know you need answers and it’s past your bedtime.

Set in 1940 in Dover, England just after Dunkirk where everyone is expecting the Germans to come next. A coastal town that is gearing up the military and prioritizing the thoughts of war while doing their best to maintain some semblance of normalcy.

A journalist that is trying to catch her big break.
A former Scotland Yard detective with a bit of a mysterious past.
A police sergeant that doesn’t quite fit in.
A man that seems to have his hands in all the pots playing puppet master.
A host of other characters with paths that cross and support the complexity of the story well.

A woman is murdered in a bunker and the former SY detective is assigned to it. He refuses to let it be swept under a rug and this leads from twists and turns to lies and spies and corruption.

And then the ending leaves you with a sudden intake of air and a “how dare he end it like that” on the tip of your tongue.

ARC thanks to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story but do not like the writers style. I was unfamiliar with this author until AFTER I read this book and looked up his biography. He is an acclaimed writer with some noted books and series.

Unfortunately, he style is very hard at times to follow. He switches speakers in conversations with not indication the another person is speaking. I had to continually reread passages to understand what was being said. I also had difficulty understanding the geographic settings when they moved from place to place. The ending was ok, but only if it wasn't the ending. I have no knowledge that there might be a sequel and probably won't read it if there was. Good story but to much effort.

[Anne Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I live in Kent and have often wondered what it was like living here during the war. We have Spitfires flying overhead a lot in commemorative flights. This story is set in Dover but does move around a bit. The characters are a bit cliched - the fading actress, the country squire, the dozy policeman and the worthy townsfolk. A Canadian female reporter arrives to capture the story of the war in the front line. Murder still happens during wartime so there is plenty to report. A Scotland Yard detective is called on to take charge and he brings his own baggage. The book was interesting but not thrilling enough for me - maybe I expected too much

[Ron Baumer · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read, but one I found slow to get started. the story is intriguing but seemed to drag for me. I found that I did enjoy it, but the pace was distracting.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dover in 1940 is a town on the edge of invasion, hovering, waiting. 'When the Germans Come' by David Hewson is a World War Two story not cut from the usual cloth of wartime thrillers.
Set in the East Kent garrison town, the part of Britain nearest to France and suspected to be the landing point when the Germans come, this is a murder mystery. After the evacuation of some mothers and children, most locals stay put surrounded by the military and by chancers arriving in town to make a living from the soldiers. For the locals, determined not to be turned out of their homes by Nazis, it's a matter of when not if the Germans invade. 'No one cares a damm about anything except Jerry and when he's going to come.'
Hewson takes his time establishing the state of play in the town, who is who. The two central characters are Louis Renard, English despite the French name, he is a Scotland Yard detective who suffered a head injury during the Dunkirk evacuation and is newly arrived in Dover. Renard is living with his elderly aunt and still suffers from flashbacks to Dunkirk and a terrible case he was investigating in London. Canadian foreign correspondent Jessica Marshall arrives in town looking for an edgy story, something to make her name.
Both are treated with suspicion as foreigners, incomers, by the military and the locals, considered possible German informers or spys. Renard is restricted in his job by the lack of support, no coroner, no pathologist, just a desk, a telephone and a willing junior. Marshall is suffocated by the reporting restrictions imposed by Captain David Shearer at Dover's Ministry of Information. Renard is curious about Shearer, 'He appeared to have a remit which ran far wider than controlling information in and out of the town.' Better to do your job and don't ask questions, is the unspoken advice to Renard. Marshall is similarly limited by Shearer, allowed only to write puff pieces to raise morale.
The pace increases when the body of a woman is found in a top secret location. It is a clifftop hideout designed for use as a resistance cell if the worst happens, one of Churchill's Auxiliary Units. Renard and Marshall ignore warnings to stay clear of the site. Annoyed the body is moved and the location cleaned, both ask awkward questions, both just want to do their job. But this is wartime and in Dover there are layers of secrets, the military installations, the newcomers like Shearer and local criminals looking to make money from war. And spies. Spies for the allies, possibly spies for the Germans. The harder Renard and Marshall push for the truth, the quicker the cracks appear.
'When the Germans Come' is a detective story set during wartime when priorities are transformed. What is more important, the war or the murder of a woman? Moral dilemmas are explored as everyday dislikes and resentments intensify during wartime, movement and information restrictions imposed, prejudices reinforced. It is cauldron of rumour in which assumptions take flight. Through it all, Renard never forgets he is first and foremost a policeman. He refuses to allow war to stop him doing his job and in the process finds himself again after the horror of Dunkirk.
Slow to start, the tension tightens and tightens until I read late into the night. The ending is so abrupt, I suspect another Louis Renard installment.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...

[Tripfiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

WW2 espionage thriller set in DOVER



When The Germans Come lives and breathes Dover in 1940. The town is absolutely on the front line, softened up day and night by bombing raids and artillery from across the Channel. A full scale German invasion is expected at any moment…Some people seemingly carry on as normal, others do not. The town is a garrison controlled by the army, a local police force exists (sort of…) but the army calls the shots. Bawdy vaudeville shows and prostitution are tolerated as the needs of an impatient army are met. One David Shearer, allegedly in charge of the local branch of the Ministry of Information, has his fingers in every pie. David took under his wing a Canadian journalist, Jessica Marshall. He spiked her first copy for being too defeatist and encouraged her – with promises of syndication and fame – to write more upbeat stories. She obliged.

Louis Renard, an ex detective from Scotland Yard, appears in the local police station. He had left Scotland Yard somewhat suddenly (for reasons unknown) to fight in France, and had been evacuated back – wounded both physically and mentally – from Dunkirk. Currently recuperating with his Aunt Veronica (one of Kent’s stalwarts) she had arranged via her friend, the Chief Constable, for him to be gainfully but gently employed. She was also a friend of the Lord Lieutenant of the county (that was the way that Kent then worked). Louis was living in exalted circles.

But his work was real. A murder occurred, followed by two suspicious deaths. Getting anyone to take them seriously or properly investigated was almost impossible (after all a land invasion was expected at any moment…). Louis was largely on his own. And he had the distinct feeling that he was not getting the help or information he needed from David Shearer and his team. Was there more to the deaths than met the eye? Were they perhaps not simple murders? Could intrigue in high places and espionage be involved? Dover was a very murky place…

All is eventually revealed as Louis persists and won’t be diverted from his enquiries. The revelations are dramatic.

What is so brilliant about When The Germans Come is the sense of both time and place that David Hewson conjures up. You are in 1940 Dover… And this is typical of his work. From the Amsterdam of his Pieter Vos books, the Rome-based Nic Costa series, to the Venice of stand alone novels and the historic Arnold Clover detective series, his books are meticulously researched. He is a really good writer.

One final word. Don’t think you have finished When The Germans Come until you have read the very last page! Could be a set up for the next in a series?

[jeff popple · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been an admirer of David Hewson’s crime novels for many years, particularly his Nic Costa series and the Spanish based Semana Santa from the mid-1990s.

His latest book, When The Germans Come, takes another new direction and is set in Dover in 1940.

The war is not going well for the British. The disaster of Dunkirk is only months behind them and most of the population are readying themselves for the Germans. This is particularly the case in Dover, the possible starting point for any invasion. Bombs and aerial fights are frequent occurrences and there are persistent rumours about German spies and sympathisers. Thrust into this uncertain situation is Louis Renard, a onetime Scotland Yard murder detective who is recuperating from wounds received at Dunkirk. His new job finds him working in Dover’s barely functioning police station. It should be a quiet job until the murdered body of a dancer is found in a secret underground bunker. As the body count rises, Renard has to tangle with a web of lies, spies and secrecy, but is determined to uncover the killer. Meanwhile, Canadian journalist Jessica Marshall is keenly reporting from Dover as the ‘town is on the brink of a German invasion’. For her it is the opportunity to break into the big time, but it comes with a lot of risk.

When The Germans Come is a bit of a slow burn thriller. The plot takes a little while to come together, and the opening sections with their myriad of characters and relationships require some patience. Once the story is underway, however, the pace picks up and the final sections are very exciting.

The historical depiction of Dover is very convincing and the reactions of the various inhabitants to the pending invasion ring true. Hewson is very good at picking out the small telling detail, and the atmosphere of a town under threat is well conveyed.

Once it kicks in, the murder plot is well handled and there are some decent surprises and jolts. In all, When The Germans Come is a very enjoyable mystery-cum-thriller, and will appeal to fans of historical crime stories.

See full review at: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/n...

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the anxious summer of 1940, *When the Germans Come* weaves a suspenseful tale of espionage, murder, and survival in Dover, England, where residents brace for a Nazi invasion. Canadian journalist Jessica Marshall and recovering Scotland Yard detective Louis Renard team up to investigate the murder of a dancer found in a hidden bunker. As they delve deeper, they uncover a dark, unfolding mystery, suggesting that Hitler’s agents may already be among them.

Author David Hewson masterfully evokes the tense atmosphere of wartime Britain, blending historical detail with a compelling mystery that keeps readers turning pages. Renard’s gritty determination and Marshall’s relentless pursuit for truth make them complex, memorable characters against the chilling backdrop of imminent invasion. The novel's pacing intensifies as Dover’s suspense rises, making this both a gripping thriller and an insightful look at British wartime endurance. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and crime mysteries.

[Andy Wormald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rare but very welcome foray into these shores for David Hewson

A richly rewarding work of historical fiction, wonderfully character driven, with a thoughtfully constructed plot line, a read where you want to take it all in.

This is a read which has real depth and quality to the storytelling, an intense read where the action takes place in Dover when at the time it was thought that the Germans were only days away from invading

The tone of the book has a dark feel to it as the subject matter would suggest, though it is not without a certain warmth, however, it doesn’t sugar coat the horrors of the time but through the characters it relays differing viewpoints and ideologies

Delightfully character driven, the author captures each character perfectly in a way that befits the period, given real voice to each, their tone, mannerisms and behaviour evoke the 1940s. There is a keen eye to detail

I loved the way that the book centres around a few characters and weaves a narrative around them and the way there lives intertwine

It is a beautifully paced book where the story is allowed to flow, the plot is constructed in a way that your’e always trying to second guess what lays behind the plot line, sprinkled throughout with twists and turns and the unexpected

The whole book evokes the feeling of Britain at the time, the writing captures the tension in the air and the characters behaviour, perfectly encapsulating a feeling of dread at the thought of what they may face, you can sense that the author has researched not only the period but the landscape and geography of Kent at the time. It is a read which is not only a crime novel but paints a social historical picture of the time

A well rounded storyline, that poses question, underlying is is a thought provoking read

It is a story that stays with you long after the final page has been closed, David Hewson is a master storyteller, a gripping and engaging read that gets under your skin

David Hewson is a favourite author of mine, with each book you always get something different, but one thing you can always be guaranteed is a cracking read

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading David Hewson's excellent crime thrillers for over twenty years and never once been disappointed.
This new novel richly evokes the tension, and threat of invasion, with Dover on the front line against Hitler's Nazis.
The author brilliantly captures the atmosphere of a coastal town full of army, navy, police, prostitutes and villains, and constantly on the lookout for spies and traitors.
The plot is intricate with complex motives and clever twists and turns and the denouement is a real cliffhanger. As a curtain raiser for what I hope is going to be a series this is absolutely perfect.
The writing is intelligent and sophisticated and I was totally engrossed from beginning to end.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dover, 1940. The threat of a German invasion hangs in the air.
On the ground, the people defending the town have different feelings about what will happen when the Germans come. Some feel it might be easier to accept the invasion and get on with their lives. Others fight in the shadows to prevent an invasion, not always concerned about who gets used and manipulated along the way. And then there are those who are willing to betray their country and help the Germans.
The discovery of a body in a clandestine underground bunker sets off a chain of events that twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing who the real villain is - right to the end.
When the Germans Come is an absolute thrilling novel from a masterful author.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting WWII read! It was a spy / whodunit / drama with some commentary on mental health and PTSD.

The characters unfolded nicely over the span of the story. They were expanded and fleshed out as more of the layers of deception were peeled back.

It was particularly refreshing to read an early WWII story which is about waiting. Preparing. Planning. Of course, there were the spies and double agents, and triple agents, but being set in Dover made the invading force feel so real. Tangible.

A very enjoyable historical fiction read in the established WWII sweet spot.

[Matt Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing and original work of historical fiction set with a backdrop of an impending ww2. Whilst the War kicks off as the novel progresses this book is more a study of interpersonal relationships, familial and societal- ones which are typical and those created artificially by the coming together of unlikely compatriots as a result of the war. Both the plot and the characters are very well drawn.

[Greville Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well plotted historically accurate, atmospheric thriller that really thrilled.

The author brilliantly captures the mood of a nation awaiting the German invasion that is expected imminently after the retreat from Dunkirk.

The plot is clever and original and the characters well rounded and credible. I enjoyed this very much.

[David Jonescu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love WW2 historical fiction books so this was right up my alley! This book is a fun read. Although it starts off slow, you quickly get to like the characters and the differente stories going on! Well written and I Highly recommend.

I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Frannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

David’s book is an absolute page-turner. The clever chapter transitions and scene switches keep you hooked, while his genius twists leave you guessing. It’s richly detailed and feels historically accurate, adding depth to the gripping narrative. And, of course, the way he adds a “cliffhanger” is nothing short of brilliant—pun intended. A masterful read that’s hard to put down!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this rather long offering set in the time of the Battle of Britain, Canadian journalist Jessica Marshall is looking for a story and finds herself getting a far clearer understanding of the realities of war and espionage than she was prepared for.
Louis Renard, wounded Dunkirk veteran and police Inspector seconded from The Yard, is given a murder to investigate and a position of value to British espionage.
The story is gripping and the characters are totally believable.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected ebook file from Bloodhound Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
#WhenTheGermansCome by @david_hewson #NetGalley @Bloodhoundbook

[Mary Sue Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Read

This is a well written "who done it" , taking place in Dover, England during WW2. I liked the character of Renard, as he picked up the pieces of his life. The really interesting character is the serial killer. Why is he targeting Renard? I recommend.

[Jorgia Herrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a longggg book for me. It has 5 parts to it. It was very well written, though! I loved all of the different points of view. But the ending??? Oh man, I was bummed. I don't like books that leave you hanging, but, I spent so much time reading it, so it gets 4 stars.

[David Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely excellent read. It kept me guessing right until the end.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible listen. I couldn't stop listening and spent until the early morning hours to finish it.