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Evil in High Places
The action-packed new WW2 thriller from the award-winning author of Munich Wolf and A Cold Wind from Moscow, perfect for fans of Robert Harris, C.J. Sansom and Philip Kerr.
'Master of the wartime thriller' Financial Times
'A cracking historical thriller' Irish Independent
'Electrifying and atmospheric' Conn Iggulden, bestselling author of the Nero trilogy
HOW DO YOU CATCH A KILLER WHO BELIEVES THEY'RE ABOVE JUSITCE?
Munich, 1936. All eyes are on the Bavarian capital for the upcoming Olympic Games. As athletes fight for gold and the Nazis fight for power, Detective Sebastian Wolff faces a battle of his own.
A famous actress has disappeared and Wolff has been ordered to find her, fast. But Elena Lang is no ordinary she is the mistress of Joseph Goebbels - Hitler's right-hand-man in the party that Wolff despises.
But this is a country on the brink of war, and corruption runs deep. In a search that will take him from high society to the city's darkest corners, Wolff will soon learn just how fine the line is between justice and jeopardy...
Praise for Rory
'Atmospheric and gripping' The Times
'A dramatic, twisty thriller' Daily Mail
'A masterpiece of spies, intrigue and political shenanigans' Sunday Express
'Fast-paced, tense detective WW2 novel . . . keeps you on the edge of your seat' 5-star reader review
'5 stars isn't a high enough rating . . . one of the best novels I've read' 5-star reader review
'An unputdownable historical fiction thriller!' 5-star reader review
'One of the best writers around' 5-star reader review
'Master of the wartime thriller' Financial Times
'A cracking historical thriller' Irish Independent
'Electrifying and atmospheric' Conn Iggulden, bestselling author of the Nero trilogy
HOW DO YOU CATCH A KILLER WHO BELIEVES THEY'RE ABOVE JUSITCE?
Munich, 1936. All eyes are on the Bavarian capital for the upcoming Olympic Games. As athletes fight for gold and the Nazis fight for power, Detective Sebastian Wolff faces a battle of his own.
A famous actress has disappeared and Wolff has been ordered to find her, fast. But Elena Lang is no ordinary she is the mistress of Joseph Goebbels - Hitler's right-hand-man in the party that Wolff despises.
But this is a country on the brink of war, and corruption runs deep. In a search that will take him from high society to the city's darkest corners, Wolff will soon learn just how fine the line is between justice and jeopardy...
Praise for Rory
'Atmospheric and gripping' The Times
'A dramatic, twisty thriller' Daily Mail
'A masterpiece of spies, intrigue and political shenanigans' Sunday Express
'Fast-paced, tense detective WW2 novel . . . keeps you on the edge of your seat' 5-star reader review
'5 stars isn't a high enough rating . . . one of the best novels I've read' 5-star reader review
'An unputdownable historical fiction thriller!' 5-star reader review
'One of the best writers around' 5-star reader review
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2025
136 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Rory Clements
35 books541 followersRory Clements has had a long and successful newspaper career, including being features editor and associate editor of Today, editor of the Daily Mail's Good Health Pages, and editor of the health section at the Evening Standard. He now writes full-time in an idyllic corner of Norfolk, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 30, 2025
The second in the Sebastian Wolff detective series and Rory Clements delivers another interesting and enjoyable crime murder mystery in the heart of Nazi Germany.
Using real characters from history, including Third Reich bigwigs such as Joesph Göbbels, and a British Olympic skier, Clements creates a challenge for Wolff as he is drafted in to investigate the disappearance of a world famous German film actress.
As Wolff works to find her, he starts to uncover some strange and criminal behaviours, and then separately he gains another case from his boss to investigate the murder of a SS officer. The cases may be linked and as Wolff starts to seek clues he comes into contact with traditional German high-society and also very senior Nazis who both have their own ideas on enjoying the Winter Olympic games alongside their lifestyle of parties, the arts and access to the finer things in life.
Sebastian Wolff has his work cut out, especially as some people have no time or respect for law and order in Hitler's Germany.
Using real characters from history, including Third Reich bigwigs such as Joesph Göbbels, and a British Olympic skier, Clements creates a challenge for Wolff as he is drafted in to investigate the disappearance of a world famous German film actress.
As Wolff works to find her, he starts to uncover some strange and criminal behaviours, and then separately he gains another case from his boss to investigate the murder of a SS officer. The cases may be linked and as Wolff starts to seek clues he comes into contact with traditional German high-society and also very senior Nazis who both have their own ideas on enjoying the Winter Olympic games alongside their lifestyle of parties, the arts and access to the finer things in life.
Sebastian Wolff has his work cut out, especially as some people have no time or respect for law and order in Hitler's Germany.
August 29, 2025
When I read Munich Wolf I thought it was a standalone, sitting well alongside his Tom Wilde historical thrillers.
Image my delight hearing about Rory Clements’ latest novel which is in fact Detective Sebastian Wolff’s second outing.
We haven’t strayed from Munich. Bavarian is the seat of power for Adolf Hitler and the National Socialists. Germany is greedy for sporting heroes in the Third Reich. Even before the Berlin Olympics they were hosting the Winter Games too in that same year. Like many authoritarian States they tried to clean up their act as they welcomed their guests and fell under the spotlight of the international media.
Part of that operation involved surprising negative stories so imagine the lot of poor Wolff charged with investigating the murder of a SS officer close to and just before the Opening Ceremony. The press must not get wind of it.
The murder investigation, doomed to fail, gets more complicated. The intrepid detective finds difficulties establishing motive and interviewing persons of interest. Matters are made more difficult still when a world famous actress disappears. All is not well in the State of Bavarian.
A quite brilliant book.
Another terrific work of historical fiction based within a real environment of tension and the growth of fear within Nazi Germany.
Character driven, but at the heart of the book is the dilemma of a police officer trying to do his duty, loving his country but not political and very troubled by the corruption and power enacted by Hitler’s enforcers and the Gestapo.
We often read and watch accounts of life under occupation during the war years but this is set in 1936 within the borders of Germany. It paints a very different picture of the path to war and how the population succumbed and fell into line. How far does that make them culpable?
For you see the futility of resistance; the fear of the people to not draw attention to themselves and comply to survive. Opposition is suppressed and interned. The Jews face discrimination, loss of work and possessions and sent to camps.
This is an important historical time with modern similarities today.
The book speaks of the struggle for justice where normal law and order has broken down. The writing is deep and far-reaching about the issues of appeasement, turning the other way. Societal fear, a loss of democracy and the dangers of compliance. Interestingly bravery is displayed within these pages and compassion and brutality co-exist in some. It is moving, reflective and asks questions of you - what would you do to survive? This is a high action thriller reflecting life in Dachau, fear in public office and the pressures on family life.
It left me breathless at times; this isn’t a fair contest. We yearn for the detective to solve his case; we recognise his shortcomings and poor hand. While there is more good than pragmatism in Seb Wolff, there is evil in high places.
Image my delight hearing about Rory Clements’ latest novel which is in fact Detective Sebastian Wolff’s second outing.
We haven’t strayed from Munich. Bavarian is the seat of power for Adolf Hitler and the National Socialists. Germany is greedy for sporting heroes in the Third Reich. Even before the Berlin Olympics they were hosting the Winter Games too in that same year. Like many authoritarian States they tried to clean up their act as they welcomed their guests and fell under the spotlight of the international media.
Part of that operation involved surprising negative stories so imagine the lot of poor Wolff charged with investigating the murder of a SS officer close to and just before the Opening Ceremony. The press must not get wind of it.
The murder investigation, doomed to fail, gets more complicated. The intrepid detective finds difficulties establishing motive and interviewing persons of interest. Matters are made more difficult still when a world famous actress disappears. All is not well in the State of Bavarian.
A quite brilliant book.
Another terrific work of historical fiction based within a real environment of tension and the growth of fear within Nazi Germany.
Character driven, but at the heart of the book is the dilemma of a police officer trying to do his duty, loving his country but not political and very troubled by the corruption and power enacted by Hitler’s enforcers and the Gestapo.
We often read and watch accounts of life under occupation during the war years but this is set in 1936 within the borders of Germany. It paints a very different picture of the path to war and how the population succumbed and fell into line. How far does that make them culpable?
For you see the futility of resistance; the fear of the people to not draw attention to themselves and comply to survive. Opposition is suppressed and interned. The Jews face discrimination, loss of work and possessions and sent to camps.
This is an important historical time with modern similarities today.
The book speaks of the struggle for justice where normal law and order has broken down. The writing is deep and far-reaching about the issues of appeasement, turning the other way. Societal fear, a loss of democracy and the dangers of compliance. Interestingly bravery is displayed within these pages and compassion and brutality co-exist in some. It is moving, reflective and asks questions of you - what would you do to survive? This is a high action thriller reflecting life in Dachau, fear in public office and the pressures on family life.
It left me breathless at times; this isn’t a fair contest. We yearn for the detective to solve his case; we recognise his shortcomings and poor hand. While there is more good than pragmatism in Seb Wolff, there is evil in high places.
August 22, 2025
Evil in High Places sees the return of Sebastian Wolff who hates what Germany has become under the Nazis (surely the epitome of evil in high places) but whose sense of justice compels him to continue in his role as Captain of Detectives in the Kripo. ‘He didn’t like the present government, but that wasn’t unusual. His job was to solve crimes and bring murderers to court; their politics meant nothing to him.’ It’s not essential to have read the previous book, Munich Wolf, to enjoy this one as the author includes salient details about Wolff’s past. In fact he continues to flesh out Wolff’s back story including events from his younger days.
At times Wolff struggles to conceal his hatred for the Nazi regime and those who hang on its coat-tails such as vile Hitler acolyte Unity Mitford. The feeling is mutual in this case and you suspect she’d like nothing better than to see Wolff transported to Dachau. (He had a taste of that in the previous book.) The expected Heil Hitler salute is always something of an effort for Wolff and done only for necessity. His professional life is made more difficult by having a boss who’s more interested pleasing his superiors than bringing the real culprits to justice. His view is round up some suspects and interrogate them until they confess. Result: case closed. It’s the exact opposite of Wolff’s approach.
It’s not all rosy in Wolff’s personal life either. His relationship with his son is fraught given Jurgen is a member of the Hitler Youth and It’s not unknown for people to denounce family members for displaying anti-Nazi sentiment. Wolff is engaged to the beautiful Hexie but she’s running out of patience with him for not setting a date for their wedding. To top it all an important figure from Wolff’s past makes an unexpected, and not entirely welcome, appearance.
Wolff soon has more on his plate than just a missing persons case. Under strict orders that nothing, not even suspicious deaths, must disrupt the Winter Olympics (‘Same rule applies – no murders in Bavaria while the Games last’), he finds himself hampered in his investigation at every turn. When he does start to make progress he finds himself in dangerous territory, coming up against powerful individuals who have no compunction about silencing those who threaten them. As he observes, ‘One policeman against the might of Germany’s wealthiest family and the unchallenged power of Himmler’s SS.’ On the bright side – for readers at least – it means we get some exciting scenes and narrow escapes.
Wolff is not the only one taking risks. Sergeant Hans Winter, seconded from the Berlin Political Police, initially to keep an eye on Wolff, discovered unwelcome information about himself in the last book. Something that if made public would scupper his marriage plans, threaten his career and possibly his life. It leads him to undertake a highly dangerous undercover mission, ostensibly to obtain information about a suspect in the investigation, but really to obtain something he would be unable to get on the outside.
Evil in High Places is a terrific historical thriller with a satisfyingly twisty plot, a constant sense of jeopardy and plenty of drama. The period and setting are brilliantly evoked. And there a tantalising hint at the end that this isn’t the last we’ll see of Sebastian Wolff.
At times Wolff struggles to conceal his hatred for the Nazi regime and those who hang on its coat-tails such as vile Hitler acolyte Unity Mitford. The feeling is mutual in this case and you suspect she’d like nothing better than to see Wolff transported to Dachau. (He had a taste of that in the previous book.) The expected Heil Hitler salute is always something of an effort for Wolff and done only for necessity. His professional life is made more difficult by having a boss who’s more interested pleasing his superiors than bringing the real culprits to justice. His view is round up some suspects and interrogate them until they confess. Result: case closed. It’s the exact opposite of Wolff’s approach.
It’s not all rosy in Wolff’s personal life either. His relationship with his son is fraught given Jurgen is a member of the Hitler Youth and It’s not unknown for people to denounce family members for displaying anti-Nazi sentiment. Wolff is engaged to the beautiful Hexie but she’s running out of patience with him for not setting a date for their wedding. To top it all an important figure from Wolff’s past makes an unexpected, and not entirely welcome, appearance.
Wolff soon has more on his plate than just a missing persons case. Under strict orders that nothing, not even suspicious deaths, must disrupt the Winter Olympics (‘Same rule applies – no murders in Bavaria while the Games last’), he finds himself hampered in his investigation at every turn. When he does start to make progress he finds himself in dangerous territory, coming up against powerful individuals who have no compunction about silencing those who threaten them. As he observes, ‘One policeman against the might of Germany’s wealthiest family and the unchallenged power of Himmler’s SS.’ On the bright side – for readers at least – it means we get some exciting scenes and narrow escapes.
Wolff is not the only one taking risks. Sergeant Hans Winter, seconded from the Berlin Political Police, initially to keep an eye on Wolff, discovered unwelcome information about himself in the last book. Something that if made public would scupper his marriage plans, threaten his career and possibly his life. It leads him to undertake a highly dangerous undercover mission, ostensibly to obtain information about a suspect in the investigation, but really to obtain something he would be unable to get on the outside.
Evil in High Places is a terrific historical thriller with a satisfyingly twisty plot, a constant sense of jeopardy and plenty of drama. The period and setting are brilliantly evoked. And there a tantalising hint at the end that this isn’t the last we’ll see of Sebastian Wolff.
September 24, 2025
I'd just like to point out, that I read this in hardback, not Kindle, there was bizarrely no hardback edition from which I could switch to here on Goodreads! The only editions were Kindle or audio ffs. Sort it out people, please!
Anyway, Rory Clements's 'Evil in High Places', was certainly an improvement on the first Sebastian Wolff novel, 'Munich Wolf'. Sure, there is still some relatively patronising descriptions of the Nazis and their policies, but not a patch on the overly condescending attitude of the first book, which really did seem to treat the reader like they were ten years old, and complete Nazi novices! But here, the author does seem to have dispensed with most of that, and has realised, that most people reading an historical fiction book set in the era of the Nazis, pre WWII Nazis in particular, are probably aware of much of at least the basics of said ideology, and are in fact, quite Nazi literate already.
Since reading the first book, 'Munich Wolf', about a year and a half ago, I've also since read, Philip Kerr's, Bernie Gunther series, and although similar, the latter is by far and away the more superior. So, I was gonna label Sebastian Wolff a 'Poundshop Bernie Gunther', but after seeing the author here, trying a bit harder to treat the reader as an adult, I feel that perhaps it’s being a tad too harsh. A 'sanitized Bernie Gunther' may in fact be more appropriate haha! But hopefully, you get the picture.
The story itself was actually quite good, and extremely plausible, however, if only it hadn't been quite so predictable, it could have been so much better.
It basically centred around SS corruption, during the 1936 Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Where SS-Gruppenführer Paul Jena led a renegade group of SS troopers and a handful of local crooks in some private enterprise scheme to fleece and rob Jews of their belongings, under the auspices of avoiding the Reich's extortionate export taxes. Captain of Detectives, Sebastian Wolff certainly had his work cut out, in not only proving this, then getting a conviction against such an all powerful and high ranking SS Officer, but along with several connected murders, including that of famous actor, Elena Lang, who'd been in Bavaria filming her latest movie, was not even allowed to have the crimes acknowledged in public!
Apart from some nonsensical spiel from Seb Wolff about 'the politics of envy', regarding an extremely wealthy and reclusive family he had to interview in connection with his investigation into the initial murder in the chain of events, of SS trooper, Theodor Krieger, all was well in the book on the politics front. Wanting the redistribution of wealth and equality, does not equate to 'jealousy' in any way, shape of form! 'F*ck right off! Ya mad Wolff!'
There was actually a couple of excellent lines, that more than made up for the drivel which Seb had come out with previously. When Herr Wolff had suggested to an elderly Jew whom had been robbed by SS-Gruppenführer Paul Jena and his crew, if she would flee to the Middle East and Palestine? She more or less replied, in no way could she do that, as she was no Zionist! 'On yersel quine!'
And when Ulrike, the mother of Seb's son Jurgen turned up out of the blue, after a sixteen year absence, worried about his son's Hitler Youth membership and his egregiously fanatical Nazi politics in general, Detective Wolff asks her, 'with cold dread’, "Are you a Communist?" To which she gloriously replies,
"Of course I am, as every rational person should be!" Woohoo! And again,
'On yersel quine!' Haha!
I also appreciated the highlighting of Seb’s dilemma at having to arrest Theodor Krieger’s wife, Petra for his murder. After the miserable, torturous life of physical and mental abuse Frau Krieger and her three children had had to suffer under the SS criminal’s tyrannical and cruel rule, could anyone have really blamed her for bringing a premature end to that twisted marriage? However, after the confession of Traudl Schramm, Paul Jena and Theodor Krieger’s lover, that SS-Gruppenführer Paul Jena had ordered the killing of his henchman Krieger, Seb felt confident enough and somewhat relieved to be able to dismiss Petra Krieger’s own, rather misguided confession, and send her on her way, back to the bosom of her family.
So, all in all, although not everything wrong with the first novel has been ironed out completely, it is however, a marked improvement. If the books continue on this trajectory, we should eventually hit upon a belter at some point in the future.
Anyway, Rory Clements's 'Evil in High Places', was certainly an improvement on the first Sebastian Wolff novel, 'Munich Wolf'. Sure, there is still some relatively patronising descriptions of the Nazis and their policies, but not a patch on the overly condescending attitude of the first book, which really did seem to treat the reader like they were ten years old, and complete Nazi novices! But here, the author does seem to have dispensed with most of that, and has realised, that most people reading an historical fiction book set in the era of the Nazis, pre WWII Nazis in particular, are probably aware of much of at least the basics of said ideology, and are in fact, quite Nazi literate already.
Since reading the first book, 'Munich Wolf', about a year and a half ago, I've also since read, Philip Kerr's, Bernie Gunther series, and although similar, the latter is by far and away the more superior. So, I was gonna label Sebastian Wolff a 'Poundshop Bernie Gunther', but after seeing the author here, trying a bit harder to treat the reader as an adult, I feel that perhaps it’s being a tad too harsh. A 'sanitized Bernie Gunther' may in fact be more appropriate haha! But hopefully, you get the picture.
The story itself was actually quite good, and extremely plausible, however, if only it hadn't been quite so predictable, it could have been so much better.
It basically centred around SS corruption, during the 1936 Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Where SS-Gruppenführer Paul Jena led a renegade group of SS troopers and a handful of local crooks in some private enterprise scheme to fleece and rob Jews of their belongings, under the auspices of avoiding the Reich's extortionate export taxes. Captain of Detectives, Sebastian Wolff certainly had his work cut out, in not only proving this, then getting a conviction against such an all powerful and high ranking SS Officer, but along with several connected murders, including that of famous actor, Elena Lang, who'd been in Bavaria filming her latest movie, was not even allowed to have the crimes acknowledged in public!
Apart from some nonsensical spiel from Seb Wolff about 'the politics of envy', regarding an extremely wealthy and reclusive family he had to interview in connection with his investigation into the initial murder in the chain of events, of SS trooper, Theodor Krieger, all was well in the book on the politics front. Wanting the redistribution of wealth and equality, does not equate to 'jealousy' in any way, shape of form! 'F*ck right off! Ya mad Wolff!'
There was actually a couple of excellent lines, that more than made up for the drivel which Seb had come out with previously. When Herr Wolff had suggested to an elderly Jew whom had been robbed by SS-Gruppenführer Paul Jena and his crew, if she would flee to the Middle East and Palestine? She more or less replied, in no way could she do that, as she was no Zionist! 'On yersel quine!'
And when Ulrike, the mother of Seb's son Jurgen turned up out of the blue, after a sixteen year absence, worried about his son's Hitler Youth membership and his egregiously fanatical Nazi politics in general, Detective Wolff asks her, 'with cold dread’, "Are you a Communist?" To which she gloriously replies,
"Of course I am, as every rational person should be!" Woohoo! And again,
'On yersel quine!' Haha!
I also appreciated the highlighting of Seb’s dilemma at having to arrest Theodor Krieger’s wife, Petra for his murder. After the miserable, torturous life of physical and mental abuse Frau Krieger and her three children had had to suffer under the SS criminal’s tyrannical and cruel rule, could anyone have really blamed her for bringing a premature end to that twisted marriage? However, after the confession of Traudl Schramm, Paul Jena and Theodor Krieger’s lover, that SS-Gruppenführer Paul Jena had ordered the killing of his henchman Krieger, Seb felt confident enough and somewhat relieved to be able to dismiss Petra Krieger’s own, rather misguided confession, and send her on her way, back to the bosom of her family.
So, all in all, although not everything wrong with the first novel has been ironed out completely, it is however, a marked improvement. If the books continue on this trajectory, we should eventually hit upon a belter at some point in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
A plot to kill a famous actress twinned with another case of a dead SS officer set in the back drop of Nazi Germany and the Olympic games. No news is good news whilst the world's press is in town and old Adolf is trying to show Germany in a good light. Detective Wolff has to solve both cases without them going public and finds himself climbing the upper echelons of the Nazi regime and mingling with those at the very top of society, those with the most power, prestige and money.
It's a brilliant narrative, very noir focused thriller, the setting and circumstances are more than enough to dive in and stay invested. I really enjoyed this.
It's a brilliant narrative, very noir focused thriller, the setting and circumstances are more than enough to dive in and stay invested. I really enjoyed this.
April 19, 2025
Second book featuring Munich head of detectives Seb Wolff. Set against the backdrop of the 1936 Winter Olympics, it sees Wolff try a difficult balancing act investigating two murders with the SS taking a keen interest. Full of atmosphere and intrigue, Rory Clements is onto another top notch series.
An author at the top of his game and this ranks as one of his best novels to date.
An author at the top of his game and this ranks as one of his best novels to date.
April 2, 2025
Having read an earlier novel by this author I was keen to read his latest. I wasn’t disappointed; a thrilling read. Set in Nazi Germany during the 1936 Winter Olympics with Sebastian Wolff, the police murder detective taking the lead role investigating the murders of several people. Twists and turns as expected, but also held elements of the real world, like Unity Mitford and other prominent characters. Clements has produced another mystery thriller masterpiece with his straightforward writing style and just the right level of descriptive detail. This book can easily be read as a stand-alone but continues with the theme of historical fiction covering the lives and sufferings imposed by Hitler’s hard line for a pure Aryan race, which was evident before the outbreak of WW2.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for a review
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for a review
September 22, 2025
I enjoyed this audiobook, that I listened to via the BorrowBox app. This is the second book in the Detective Sebastian Wolff series set in Nazi Germany
This book is set in Bavaria in 1936 during the time of the Winter Olympics. I knew that the Summer Olympics had been held in Berlin in 1936, but I didn’t have a clue that Germany also hosted the Winter Olympics! This was a real eye-opener and the perfect setting for this thriller.
Just like in the first book, the claustrophobia of the Nazi regime made the investigation of the disappearance of Elena Lang almost impossible for Wolff to complete, especially with the rumours that she was Goebbels mistress!
This was a good thriller with some unexpected twists and plot developments that kept me listening, wanting to know what had happened to Elena Lang.
I can’t decide whether I enjoyed the narration by Adam Sim or not. I was glad I listened to it, because I definitely wouldn’t have got the pronunciation right for all the German words, but I didn’t enjoy the way he portrayed some of the characters.
September 20, 2025
dialogue meh 🫤
December 5, 2025
Historical thriller set in 1936 BAVARIA
Captain of Police, Seb Wolff is someone who just likes to get on with his job, minding his Ps and Qs and he generally does not like to ruffle feathers. His job is not “..to take political sides, but to try to maintain some semblance of justice in trying times.” He lives with his mother and son, Jürgen, who is about to turn 18 – Jürgen’s mother bolted when he was only a year old. Now Seb is dating Hexie, who is a bubbly and gregarious young woman, a counter to his steadiness. He works well with his sidekick, Hans Winter.
The story is set against the backdrop of the Winter Olympics 1936 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Up in the Alps, an English director has been given permission to film, and his leading lady is superstar Elena Lang. It appears, though, that she has gone missing. Seb’s girlfriend alerts him to the fact that Elena is Goebbels’ mistress, which adds a whole new dimension to his investigations. He is loath to allow himself to be pulled into the machinations of the political dragon breathing fire both over everyday life and over the Olympics, but when an SS officer is found murdered, he knows his investigations are in deep trouble. No bad publicity can be allowed to mar the games as they get underway. Meanwhile his partner Hans Winter is having an existential crisis about his provenance, which he must shield at all costs from prying eyes; he then finds himself slotted into life at Dachau in an undercover investigative capacity, and maybe something more personal. He now starts to fully understand the horrors which so many people are having to face, but then struggles to extricate himself from the hell-hole that is Dachau.
Seb has to infiltrate the aristocracy, discovering a ring of racketeers dealing in stolen artworks, including – it would seem – a Gustav Klimt. Unity Mitford is hanging out with them, “..the most dangerous woman in Munich..” and if he wants to link all the cases he has on his desk (because clearly something is going on), he will have to charm as much information as he can out of her and her friends. He is also on a path to making a great enemy of a deadly SS general, who has already set his sights on the Captain. Danger is coming at him from every direction
This is a well-penned and easy to follow story, set against a strong and colourfully constructed political backdrop. It evokes well the fine line of maintaining a professional front together with moral integrity, whilst working the system against all odds.
Captain of Police, Seb Wolff is someone who just likes to get on with his job, minding his Ps and Qs and he generally does not like to ruffle feathers. His job is not “..to take political sides, but to try to maintain some semblance of justice in trying times.” He lives with his mother and son, Jürgen, who is about to turn 18 – Jürgen’s mother bolted when he was only a year old. Now Seb is dating Hexie, who is a bubbly and gregarious young woman, a counter to his steadiness. He works well with his sidekick, Hans Winter.
The story is set against the backdrop of the Winter Olympics 1936 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Up in the Alps, an English director has been given permission to film, and his leading lady is superstar Elena Lang. It appears, though, that she has gone missing. Seb’s girlfriend alerts him to the fact that Elena is Goebbels’ mistress, which adds a whole new dimension to his investigations. He is loath to allow himself to be pulled into the machinations of the political dragon breathing fire both over everyday life and over the Olympics, but when an SS officer is found murdered, he knows his investigations are in deep trouble. No bad publicity can be allowed to mar the games as they get underway. Meanwhile his partner Hans Winter is having an existential crisis about his provenance, which he must shield at all costs from prying eyes; he then finds himself slotted into life at Dachau in an undercover investigative capacity, and maybe something more personal. He now starts to fully understand the horrors which so many people are having to face, but then struggles to extricate himself from the hell-hole that is Dachau.
Seb has to infiltrate the aristocracy, discovering a ring of racketeers dealing in stolen artworks, including – it would seem – a Gustav Klimt. Unity Mitford is hanging out with them, “..the most dangerous woman in Munich..” and if he wants to link all the cases he has on his desk (because clearly something is going on), he will have to charm as much information as he can out of her and her friends. He is also on a path to making a great enemy of a deadly SS general, who has already set his sights on the Captain. Danger is coming at him from every direction
This is a well-penned and easy to follow story, set against a strong and colourfully constructed political backdrop. It evokes well the fine line of maintaining a professional front together with moral integrity, whilst working the system against all odds.
August 10, 2025
Evil in High Places is the second book by Rory Clements that features Detective Sebastian Wolff. The first book Munich Wolf was originally billed as a stand alone but having really enjoyed it I was pleased to find that this was not the last we had seen of the detective.
Wolff has been tasked with finding a missing actress, something he thought was a bit below his pay grade, that was until he found out what her connections were. Elena Lang was not an easy person to find but she was also scared that her life may be in danger but would not elaborate from who or why, but it does catch his interest, and he wants to make sure she stays safe. Unfortunately for Wolff he doesn’t really get chance to keep that promise as he finds himself investigating the death of an SS officer. With the Winter Olympics about to start he was under strict instructions to keep everything quiet, nothing was to distract from it being a success.
His partner Winter is on his own mission. He has agreed to go undercover in Dachau to see if the father in law of the murdered SS officer had anything to do with it, but he also wanted to find someone to help him get papers that would pass muster so that he could marry his girlfriend as if it ever got our that he was part Jewish his life and career would probably be over.
Sebastian Wolff plays quite a dangerous game. He does not agree with the Nazi movement but has to be seen to work with the officers to protect his career and his family. There are times when his beliefs get him into some tricky situations and make him a target, but it does not change the way he operates but it does question just who he can trust and if anyone really wants the truth or just a version they can sell to the outside world. After a tricky start with his partner (who is actually there to spy on him and report back to officials) Wolff and Winter have formed a good working relationship and Seb is slowly starting to rub off on Winter and he is starting to become more human and question some of his previous beliefs, but it has come at a cost to him personally.
It is good to sometimes see a different view of events leading up to WW2 and Rory Clements has created characters that show that not everyone during that time was evil but followed rules to sometimes just stay alive. With real life characters woven into the story it gives the feeling of authenticity that is evident in all his books. I am hoping that there will be further outings for Wolff and Winter as I have loved seeing their partnership develop.
Wolff has been tasked with finding a missing actress, something he thought was a bit below his pay grade, that was until he found out what her connections were. Elena Lang was not an easy person to find but she was also scared that her life may be in danger but would not elaborate from who or why, but it does catch his interest, and he wants to make sure she stays safe. Unfortunately for Wolff he doesn’t really get chance to keep that promise as he finds himself investigating the death of an SS officer. With the Winter Olympics about to start he was under strict instructions to keep everything quiet, nothing was to distract from it being a success.
His partner Winter is on his own mission. He has agreed to go undercover in Dachau to see if the father in law of the murdered SS officer had anything to do with it, but he also wanted to find someone to help him get papers that would pass muster so that he could marry his girlfriend as if it ever got our that he was part Jewish his life and career would probably be over.
Sebastian Wolff plays quite a dangerous game. He does not agree with the Nazi movement but has to be seen to work with the officers to protect his career and his family. There are times when his beliefs get him into some tricky situations and make him a target, but it does not change the way he operates but it does question just who he can trust and if anyone really wants the truth or just a version they can sell to the outside world. After a tricky start with his partner (who is actually there to spy on him and report back to officials) Wolff and Winter have formed a good working relationship and Seb is slowly starting to rub off on Winter and he is starting to become more human and question some of his previous beliefs, but it has come at a cost to him personally.
It is good to sometimes see a different view of events leading up to WW2 and Rory Clements has created characters that show that not everyone during that time was evil but followed rules to sometimes just stay alive. With real life characters woven into the story it gives the feeling of authenticity that is evident in all his books. I am hoping that there will be further outings for Wolff and Winter as I have loved seeing their partnership develop.
March 19, 2025
Another solid thriller from a master storyteller.
"Evil in High Places" opens in Munich, 1936. The Olympic games are about to begin, and nothing must happen to make Hitler look bad. So when famous actress Elena Lang disappears, Detective Sebastian Wolff is ordered to find her, quickly and quietly. As he embarks on his mission, he uncovers hidden secrets and hidden motives, something he knows all about in Nazi Germany. Soon he is up to his neck in murder and plots, all the while knowing that should he fail to keep the events quiet, he will be held responsible for spoiling Hitler's major event.
As with the previous book, events move along at a brisk pace, as Wolff attempts to do his job while working under the Nazi regime he despises.
He encounters a wonderful cast of characters, most of whom would rather he just went away. Familiar faces pop up - Unity Mitford, Detective Winter, and Hexie, his fiancé, all helping or hindering as they will, and we also learn a little more of Wolff's background, making his own story more poignant. New faces appear, few of whom are what they appear, including a vastly wealthy family and an arrogant film producer. We even meet a very Bond-esque hero I'd like to see more of. BPP officer Winter is also developing nicely, and his experiences in Dachau are very well depicted.
Once again the reader is exposed to the world of pre-war Germany - the decadence, the struggles for power, and the rising tide of Nazi-ism. On the one hand, there's the elite classes, riding high on Hitler's tails, on the other, the downtrodden and persecuted. The author skilfully combines real-life events with a story of a man torn between doing his job and doing what is right.
The Seb Wolff books are a different read from the Tom Wilde series, but still have the same fast-moving excitement. This book will appeal to fans of Simon Scarrow, Chris Lloyd and Douglas Jackson. Thoroughly recommended.
"Evil in High Places" opens in Munich, 1936. The Olympic games are about to begin, and nothing must happen to make Hitler look bad. So when famous actress Elena Lang disappears, Detective Sebastian Wolff is ordered to find her, quickly and quietly. As he embarks on his mission, he uncovers hidden secrets and hidden motives, something he knows all about in Nazi Germany. Soon he is up to his neck in murder and plots, all the while knowing that should he fail to keep the events quiet, he will be held responsible for spoiling Hitler's major event.
As with the previous book, events move along at a brisk pace, as Wolff attempts to do his job while working under the Nazi regime he despises.
He encounters a wonderful cast of characters, most of whom would rather he just went away. Familiar faces pop up - Unity Mitford, Detective Winter, and Hexie, his fiancé, all helping or hindering as they will, and we also learn a little more of Wolff's background, making his own story more poignant. New faces appear, few of whom are what they appear, including a vastly wealthy family and an arrogant film producer. We even meet a very Bond-esque hero I'd like to see more of. BPP officer Winter is also developing nicely, and his experiences in Dachau are very well depicted.
Once again the reader is exposed to the world of pre-war Germany - the decadence, the struggles for power, and the rising tide of Nazi-ism. On the one hand, there's the elite classes, riding high on Hitler's tails, on the other, the downtrodden and persecuted. The author skilfully combines real-life events with a story of a man torn between doing his job and doing what is right.
The Seb Wolff books are a different read from the Tom Wilde series, but still have the same fast-moving excitement. This book will appeal to fans of Simon Scarrow, Chris Lloyd and Douglas Jackson. Thoroughly recommended.
September 1, 2025
Evil in High Places gave me everything I want in a whodunnit and much more. It's a gripping story full of menace with a multifaceted criminal element set in a dangerous era. Time and place: 1936 Nazi ruled Munich before the start of the Olympic games. Main character: Detective Sebastian Wolff. What happens: Wolff sets off looking for a missing film starlet then shifts gears into murder investigations with wider implications.
I felt very much as if I already knew Sebastian Wolff, our intrepid Detective, but am certain I have not read the previous novel, Munich Wolf. No matter, the story, to my mind, stood strong on its own merits and absorbed me without any difficulty regarding lack of previous knowledge. Though I would like to go back and read the previous novel as this is clearly a series worth reading from the start.
The atmosphere is oppressively dark, to match the times, and the strangling grip of the Nazi party. Seb has no love for Hitler, or the Nazis, but must tread carefully as disloyalty to the party can be deadly. To complicate matters his son, Jurgen, is an enthusiastic member of the Nazi youth in lieu of going to university.
Seb is a terrific hero. Driven by a faultless moral compass, he doggedly pursues his investigation whilst it blossoms into something much bigger. His instincts are sound and his manner is easy. He definitely plays the long game and tries not to let politics get in the way of his job.
At the heart of the story is the way Germany has transformed under the Nazis and the vice pinching tighter on those of Jewish belief or heritage. As much as the Nazis may want the Jews to leave, they do not allow them to take their assets outside the country. The dark malevolence of the SS and joy they take in meting out violence is wholly apparent. But can the good and just Seb Wolff find the truth and bring the criminals to justice in such trying times? Well, read it and find out.
I felt very much as if I already knew Sebastian Wolff, our intrepid Detective, but am certain I have not read the previous novel, Munich Wolf. No matter, the story, to my mind, stood strong on its own merits and absorbed me without any difficulty regarding lack of previous knowledge. Though I would like to go back and read the previous novel as this is clearly a series worth reading from the start.
The atmosphere is oppressively dark, to match the times, and the strangling grip of the Nazi party. Seb has no love for Hitler, or the Nazis, but must tread carefully as disloyalty to the party can be deadly. To complicate matters his son, Jurgen, is an enthusiastic member of the Nazi youth in lieu of going to university.
Seb is a terrific hero. Driven by a faultless moral compass, he doggedly pursues his investigation whilst it blossoms into something much bigger. His instincts are sound and his manner is easy. He definitely plays the long game and tries not to let politics get in the way of his job.
At the heart of the story is the way Germany has transformed under the Nazis and the vice pinching tighter on those of Jewish belief or heritage. As much as the Nazis may want the Jews to leave, they do not allow them to take their assets outside the country. The dark malevolence of the SS and joy they take in meting out violence is wholly apparent. But can the good and just Seb Wolff find the truth and bring the criminals to justice in such trying times? Well, read it and find out.
May 19, 2025
I can’t recommend Evil in High Places by Rory Clements highly enough. It’s a tremendous thriller set during the 1936 Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria. Hitler has decreed that the Winter Olympics have to be a huge success and not marred by any bad news or scandals.
To that end, Detective Sebastian Wolff and Sergeant Hans Winter have to investigate crimes strictly under the radar so as not to detract attention away from the Olympic Games. Wolf and Winter begin by investigating the disappearance of a famous actress, Elana Lang, who just happened to be Joseph Goebbel’s mistress. The stakes are really high and Wolff and Winter are investigating in a time where the Nazi Party is exercising fear and intimidation over its citizens.
I loved this book. It’s a pacy thriller and I found the historical backdrop fascinating. Prior to reading the book, I was aware of the 1936 Summer Olympics and how Hitler and politicised them. I did not realise that earlier in the year there were Winter Olympic Games in Germany as well.
Wolff and Winter have their own different struggles with the Nazi regime which I found utterly compelling. I also really liked that there were real-life people woven into the book including the infamous Unity Mitford, Joseph Goebbels and the British Olympic skier and British Team Captain Peter Lunn who refused to attend the Opening Ceremony in protest of the regime.
I really can’t wait to read the next instalment of the Wolff and Winter books.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Penguin General UK, for making this e-ARC available to me to read in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 31, 2025
This is the 2nd book in the series featuring Detective Seb Wolf which is set in Germany before World War 2.
Seb is an honourable man who has not joined the Party but must keep his feelings hidden under the current regime in order to preserve both his freedom and his job where he investigates murders. The irony of seeking killers in a country run by a bunch of thugs and murderers is not lost on him-“ Was that what was happening to his beloved Germany?Good men hardened by gangsters and subsumed into a world of injustice and savagery? “
Seb is asked to investigate the murder of an SS officer and the disappearance of an actress. With the help of Winter, his Sergeant who has his own secrets, Seb delves into the world of the rich echelons of society. Set before and during the Winter Olympics, the powers that be want nothing to distract from the positive showmanship of the Games so Seb is not allowed to even mention the murder to anyone, nor is the disappearance of the film star publicised.
The author portrays this dark period in history extremely skilfully and as well as invented characters there are also real life people in the novel including British skier Peter Lunn who indeed refused to join the Olympic parade in front of Hitler due to his principles and hatred of Dictatorships.
This makes the story all the more realistic and I was pleased to read Mr Clement’s notes which gave me a history of these characters.
I am now eagerly awaiting the next book in this interesting historical series and definitely recommend to all who enjoy exciting thrillers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
Seb is an honourable man who has not joined the Party but must keep his feelings hidden under the current regime in order to preserve both his freedom and his job where he investigates murders. The irony of seeking killers in a country run by a bunch of thugs and murderers is not lost on him-“ Was that what was happening to his beloved Germany?Good men hardened by gangsters and subsumed into a world of injustice and savagery? “
Seb is asked to investigate the murder of an SS officer and the disappearance of an actress. With the help of Winter, his Sergeant who has his own secrets, Seb delves into the world of the rich echelons of society. Set before and during the Winter Olympics, the powers that be want nothing to distract from the positive showmanship of the Games so Seb is not allowed to even mention the murder to anyone, nor is the disappearance of the film star publicised.
The author portrays this dark period in history extremely skilfully and as well as invented characters there are also real life people in the novel including British skier Peter Lunn who indeed refused to join the Olympic parade in front of Hitler due to his principles and hatred of Dictatorships.
This makes the story all the more realistic and I was pleased to read Mr Clement’s notes which gave me a history of these characters.
I am now eagerly awaiting the next book in this interesting historical series and definitely recommend to all who enjoy exciting thrillers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
July 18, 2025
I’ve long been a fan of the Tom Wilde series of books by Rory Clements and the new series based around Seb Wolff, a police detective in 1930s Munich, is shaping up to be just as good. Wolff is a superb character – a good back story, believable, and surrounded by excellent supporting characters – but the real hero of these books for me is the setting.
This one is set in 1936 during the Winter Olympics which are being held in Bavaria and Hitler has demanded that absolutely nothing should distract from them. Wolff is first sent to investigate the disappearance of a famous actress linked to Joseph Goebbels, but is soon dragged into the murder of an SS officer and a world of wealth, power and corruption.
The atmosphere created is frighteningly real. The tension rises throughout the book as Wolff’s investigations lead to danger for both him and his family. The threat to everybody in Germany from their own government and its supporters, the splits in families caused by political differences, the rising danger for anybody with Jewish blood, everything is portrayed perfectly and it gripped me from start to finish. The knowledge we all have about what is to come makes it all the more tense and involving and I’m looking forward to the next instalment already.
Evil in High Places can easily be read as a standalone novel but I highly recommend going back and reading Munich Wolf, the first in the series, before you do - it sets the scene very well and is a brilliant book in itself.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
This one is set in 1936 during the Winter Olympics which are being held in Bavaria and Hitler has demanded that absolutely nothing should distract from them. Wolff is first sent to investigate the disappearance of a famous actress linked to Joseph Goebbels, but is soon dragged into the murder of an SS officer and a world of wealth, power and corruption.
The atmosphere created is frighteningly real. The tension rises throughout the book as Wolff’s investigations lead to danger for both him and his family. The threat to everybody in Germany from their own government and its supporters, the splits in families caused by political differences, the rising danger for anybody with Jewish blood, everything is portrayed perfectly and it gripped me from start to finish. The knowledge we all have about what is to come makes it all the more tense and involving and I’m looking forward to the next instalment already.
Evil in High Places can easily be read as a standalone novel but I highly recommend going back and reading Munich Wolf, the first in the series, before you do - it sets the scene very well and is a brilliant book in itself.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
August 15, 2025
After thorough enjoying Munich Wolf I had high hopes with this, the second book featuring Detective Sebastian Wolff and I wasn't disappointed at all. The story is set in 1936 during the German Winter Olympics and here Wolff is asked to look into a case where an actress has gone missing and the murder of an SS Officer. All under the utmost secrecy as the Third Reich want Germany to be seen at its best as a country. I really enjoyed Evil in High Places, the title is very apt, the authors writing is very good and engaging with a believeable plot line. I like Wolff as a character, he is tenacious and goes that bit further to get justice for the victims and follows his gut instincts more than what his boss wants him to. Rory Clements writing is very descriptive at times and he brings so much tension, atmosphere and suspense into the story I could easily picture the characters and scenes in my mind when reading. He portrays the time and the fear in the country amongst Jews well. The plot line is multi layered and well thought out showing some characters in a good light - Winter is more likeable here - and others who are self serving and want to better their own interests who I just loathed. All in all a very good and entertaining read. I love the mix of crime and historical fiction, and think it works brilliantly here. I think this can be read as a standalone although you're best to read Munich Wolf first to get to know the characters and their backgrounds from the beginning. I'd highly recommend this book if you like crime thrillers.
4 stars
4 stars
April 21, 2025
Who do you trust when a stray word or action could mean a death sentence.
This is the second in a series, the first book being "Munich Wolf", which I do recommend reading before this one as it will give the reader move of an anchor for this second book. Both books are set in 1930s Germany, when the Third Reich was in the ascendant, war was not yet a reality, and the Olympic Games would be used by Hitler as an opportunity to promote his government and ideals of racial supremacy.
Into this cauldron of conspiracy, suspicion, corruption, paranoia, elitism and racism, is a solid police procedural wherein our main character, Sebastian Wolff is at odds with the party line, and his Sergeant, Hans Winter, has a secret that could end not only his career but his life.
Both men are sent to investigate the disappearance of film star Leila Lang, and are required to conduct their investigation without treading on the toes of the German aristocratic elite and the dreaded SS. Against this, the reader is confronted by the treatment and persecution of Jews, the support given to Hitler from elements of the British aristocracy, and the growing control over all levels of society that was beginning to be more forcefully exerted and enforced.
The narrative is full of " .. twists and turns as tight as the winding bend up to Schloss Stark ...".
This is a compelling work and one I would liken to by that of author Douglas Jackson, whose books are set in late 1930s Warsaw.
This is the second in a series, the first book being "Munich Wolf", which I do recommend reading before this one as it will give the reader move of an anchor for this second book. Both books are set in 1930s Germany, when the Third Reich was in the ascendant, war was not yet a reality, and the Olympic Games would be used by Hitler as an opportunity to promote his government and ideals of racial supremacy.
Into this cauldron of conspiracy, suspicion, corruption, paranoia, elitism and racism, is a solid police procedural wherein our main character, Sebastian Wolff is at odds with the party line, and his Sergeant, Hans Winter, has a secret that could end not only his career but his life.
Both men are sent to investigate the disappearance of film star Leila Lang, and are required to conduct their investigation without treading on the toes of the German aristocratic elite and the dreaded SS. Against this, the reader is confronted by the treatment and persecution of Jews, the support given to Hitler from elements of the British aristocracy, and the growing control over all levels of society that was beginning to be more forcefully exerted and enforced.
The narrative is full of " .. twists and turns as tight as the winding bend up to Schloss Stark ...".
This is a compelling work and one I would liken to by that of author Douglas Jackson, whose books are set in late 1930s Warsaw.
August 8, 2025
Evil in High Places by Rory Clements
Having read the first story to feature Sebastian Wolff entitled Munich Wolff I was very keen to read this novel. I would also say that although you can read Evil in High Places as a stand alone novel the book is enhanced by reading Munich Wolf first. It is set in Germany at the time of the winter Olympics when one word against Hitler’s regime could end in imprisonment in Dachau or worse.
Wolff who fought in the First World War does not always toe the party line and he has to tread a very dangerous path when he is sent to investigate the disappearance of film star Leila Lang who is the current beau of Herman Goering. He is working alongside Sergeant Winter and although they had their differences in the past Hansis proving himself to be a good ally as he aids in the investigations.
This investigation brings him into contact with the German aristocratic elite and with their friends amongst the English such as Unity Mitford. The discovery of a body as the Winter Olympics are about to take part make it imperative that the crime is investigated discretely and so Wolff is forced into subterfuge to unearth a killer.
The story is fast paced and with numerous twists and turns and the period is effectively evoked. I will be recommending the book at my various book groups.
Having read the first story to feature Sebastian Wolff entitled Munich Wolff I was very keen to read this novel. I would also say that although you can read Evil in High Places as a stand alone novel the book is enhanced by reading Munich Wolf first. It is set in Germany at the time of the winter Olympics when one word against Hitler’s regime could end in imprisonment in Dachau or worse.
Wolff who fought in the First World War does not always toe the party line and he has to tread a very dangerous path when he is sent to investigate the disappearance of film star Leila Lang who is the current beau of Herman Goering. He is working alongside Sergeant Winter and although they had their differences in the past Hansis proving himself to be a good ally as he aids in the investigations.
This investigation brings him into contact with the German aristocratic elite and with their friends amongst the English such as Unity Mitford. The discovery of a body as the Winter Olympics are about to take part make it imperative that the crime is investigated discretely and so Wolff is forced into subterfuge to unearth a killer.
The story is fast paced and with numerous twists and turns and the period is effectively evoked. I will be recommending the book at my various book groups.
March 21, 2025
A fantastic timely look into Nazi Germany pre-war, and the struggles of everyday men and women trying to survive - all the while murder, blackmail and sport rages around them.
This was a tense, well written story about disappearances, murders, stolen items, all while the backdrop of the 1936 winter Olympics happen around them.
It is a fantastic story, bittersweet in so many moments, downright horrific in others, as the abuse of power is played out again and again. I kept turning the pages, devouring this tale and will be hunting down the previous book to feature these characters.
Knowing what we all know of history, it hurts at times, to read about Seb Wolff, a man trying to do the right thing in impossible situations. He is not built for Nazi Germany and I shudder to imagine what will happen to him as the years go on. Or his partner, or his son, the loyal but misguided member of the Hitler Youth. Or Winter - well, I don't want to spoil Winter's arc, but I can't see any of them dealing well with what is to come.
But our past is their future and until then, enjoy these murky depths and glances at a world that is alien and yet all too familiar.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review of the book~
This was a tense, well written story about disappearances, murders, stolen items, all while the backdrop of the 1936 winter Olympics happen around them.
It is a fantastic story, bittersweet in so many moments, downright horrific in others, as the abuse of power is played out again and again. I kept turning the pages, devouring this tale and will be hunting down the previous book to feature these characters.
Knowing what we all know of history, it hurts at times, to read about Seb Wolff, a man trying to do the right thing in impossible situations. He is not built for Nazi Germany and I shudder to imagine what will happen to him as the years go on. Or his partner, or his son, the loyal but misguided member of the Hitler Youth. Or Winter - well, I don't want to spoil Winter's arc, but I can't see any of them dealing well with what is to come.
But our past is their future and until then, enjoy these murky depths and glances at a world that is alien and yet all too familiar.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review of the book~
June 21, 2025
⭐️ Book Review ⭐️
Evil in High Places - Rory Clements
Gifted by @vikingbooksuk
⬇️ Review ⬇️
Evil in High Places has been my first encounter with Rory Clements’ work, and it has left a strong impression. I’ve recently found that historical fiction has become my favourite genre. I really enjoy exploring our history and I will certainly be searching for other books by Clements now I’ve read this.
Set in 1936 Munich, the story unfolds against the backdrop of the Olympic Games and rising political tension. At its heart is Detective Sebastian Wolff, a compelling, principled figure navigating a treacherous world.
The novel blends historical depth with suspenseful pacing, pulling you into a dark investigation involving a missing actress and powerful Nazi figures. I was especially drawn to Wolff’s quiet resilience and moral complexity, as well as his ability to always do the right thing despite the dangers of his actions.
Clements crafts a vivid, tense atmosphere where danger feels ever-present and it just keeps you hooked. If you’re looking for a gripping historical thriller, this is well worth the read.
#vikingbooks #penguinbooks #roryclements #historicalfiction #bookreview #review #books #reader #readmore #bookstagram #booksta
Evil in High Places - Rory Clements
Gifted by @vikingbooksuk
⬇️ Review ⬇️
Evil in High Places has been my first encounter with Rory Clements’ work, and it has left a strong impression. I’ve recently found that historical fiction has become my favourite genre. I really enjoy exploring our history and I will certainly be searching for other books by Clements now I’ve read this.
Set in 1936 Munich, the story unfolds against the backdrop of the Olympic Games and rising political tension. At its heart is Detective Sebastian Wolff, a compelling, principled figure navigating a treacherous world.
The novel blends historical depth with suspenseful pacing, pulling you into a dark investigation involving a missing actress and powerful Nazi figures. I was especially drawn to Wolff’s quiet resilience and moral complexity, as well as his ability to always do the right thing despite the dangers of his actions.
Clements crafts a vivid, tense atmosphere where danger feels ever-present and it just keeps you hooked. If you’re looking for a gripping historical thriller, this is well worth the read.
#vikingbooks #penguinbooks #roryclements #historicalfiction #bookreview #review #books #reader #readmore #bookstagram #booksta
June 23, 2025
Evil In High Places is a highly recommended book. I didn't realise this was the second book in the Sebastian Wolff series. I have now put a hold on the first book on Libby, I hope the person in front me reads it fast! This book is set in Munich in 1936, Germany are holding the Summer Olympics. Hitler wants everything to appear perfect so all crime has to be hushed and investigated in secret. Elena Lang a famous actress has gone missing. Elena is the mistress of Joseph Goebbels, Hitler's right hand man. The search for the truth will take Sebastian to German High Society but also to its darkest corners.
Wolff and Winters both have their own struggles with the regime which I found very compelling. I liked that this book contained some real life people, such as Unity Mitford, Rudolph Hoss, Heinrich Deubel and the British Olympic skier Peter Lunn.
I really loved this book, it is a pacy, exciting and dark thriller. I honestly did not want it to end. I cannot wait to see what Wolff (who I have a book crush on) Winters, Hexi and Jürgen get up to next. But while I wait I am off to read all of Rory Clements previous books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the opportunity to read this phenomenal book.
Wolff and Winters both have their own struggles with the regime which I found very compelling. I liked that this book contained some real life people, such as Unity Mitford, Rudolph Hoss, Heinrich Deubel and the British Olympic skier Peter Lunn.
I really loved this book, it is a pacy, exciting and dark thriller. I honestly did not want it to end. I cannot wait to see what Wolff (who I have a book crush on) Winters, Hexi and Jürgen get up to next. But while I wait I am off to read all of Rory Clements previous books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the opportunity to read this phenomenal book.
July 30, 2025
Evil in High Places is a gripping historical thriller set in 1936 Munich, a city on the edge of global conflict. With Hitler tightening his grip on power and the Olympics taking place, the atmosphere is thick with fear, suspicion, and political tension.
Rory Clements’ prose immerses you in the time and place with vivid detail, painting a haunting picture of a world on the brink of war. You can feel the unease on every page. Detective Seb Wolff is a fascinating and well-drawn character—complex, honest, and utterly engaging. I loved getting the chance to follow him again.
The pacing is steady and well-balanced, matching the slow burn of a meticulous investigation. As Wolff uncovers clues and pieces together the mystery, the plot remains tight and purposeful. Every character plays a meaningful role, adding to the story without clutter. I also appreciated the shifting perspectives, which deepened my understanding and kept the narrative engaging.
Clements delivers a masterful blend of suspense and historical insight. With its richly drawn setting, clever plot, and strong central character, Evil in High Places is both thought-provoking and thrilling. A must-read for fans of historical crime fiction—Seb Wolff is a detective worth following.
Rory Clements’ prose immerses you in the time and place with vivid detail, painting a haunting picture of a world on the brink of war. You can feel the unease on every page. Detective Seb Wolff is a fascinating and well-drawn character—complex, honest, and utterly engaging. I loved getting the chance to follow him again.
The pacing is steady and well-balanced, matching the slow burn of a meticulous investigation. As Wolff uncovers clues and pieces together the mystery, the plot remains tight and purposeful. Every character plays a meaningful role, adding to the story without clutter. I also appreciated the shifting perspectives, which deepened my understanding and kept the narrative engaging.
Clements delivers a masterful blend of suspense and historical insight. With its richly drawn setting, clever plot, and strong central character, Evil in High Places is both thought-provoking and thrilling. A must-read for fans of historical crime fiction—Seb Wolff is a detective worth following.
September 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free advance copy in return for an impartial review. This is the second in Rory Clements' new series featuring Sebastian Wolff, a detective in the Munich police department. I didn’t realise it was part of a series when I received my copy and I would say it works fine as a standalone novel. It is set against the backdrop of the 1936 Olympics which puts it firmly of its time. Wolff has to navigate investigating both a murder and the disappearance of a famous film star in an increasingly hostile country.
He works alongside a sergeant - Hans Winter - though they spend most of the book apart while Winter is undercover investigating the murder and trying to get himself some forged papers.
There is plenty of plot and a lot of historical detail around the characters, some of whom are real people and some not. It is an exciting story with action and multiple storylines that keep it interesting. The interactions between Seb and his girlfriend Hexie contrast with some of the darker aspects of life in Nazi Germany. I did find their relationship perhaps a little too modern to be fully believable but was willing to gloss over that for the sake of the story.
Overall a solid detective thriller with an interesting setting and worth a read.
August 12, 2025
3.5 ⭐️, rounded up
Evil in High Places was my first Rory Clements book and I was instantly drawn in by the setting. Munich in 1936, with the shadow of the upcoming Olympic Games and the rising power of Nazi Germany, made for a tense and atmospheric backdrop. The historical detail felt rich and authentic, and I enjoyed how the political climate was woven into the story without ever overwhelming the murder mystery at its core.
Detective Sebastian Wolff was a very likeable lead. His integrity, quiet determination, and ability to navigate dangerous political waters made him an engaging character to follow. I also really liked Winter, whose harrowing experiences in Dachau were difficult but important to read, adding a layer of grit and realism to the plot. Their perspectives gave the story both heart and weight, grounding it in the brutal realities of the time.
The book read like a proper old fashioned murder mystery, but set against the high stakes of Nazi Germany. I enjoyed the twists, the atmosphere, and the mix of political intrigue with investigative work. While it did not quite grip me enough to rate higher, I still found it a well crafted, historically rich crime novel.
Evil in High Places was my first Rory Clements book and I was instantly drawn in by the setting. Munich in 1936, with the shadow of the upcoming Olympic Games and the rising power of Nazi Germany, made for a tense and atmospheric backdrop. The historical detail felt rich and authentic, and I enjoyed how the political climate was woven into the story without ever overwhelming the murder mystery at its core.
Detective Sebastian Wolff was a very likeable lead. His integrity, quiet determination, and ability to navigate dangerous political waters made him an engaging character to follow. I also really liked Winter, whose harrowing experiences in Dachau were difficult but important to read, adding a layer of grit and realism to the plot. Their perspectives gave the story both heart and weight, grounding it in the brutal realities of the time.
The book read like a proper old fashioned murder mystery, but set against the high stakes of Nazi Germany. I enjoyed the twists, the atmosphere, and the mix of political intrigue with investigative work. While it did not quite grip me enough to rate higher, I still found it a well crafted, historically rich crime novel.
August 25, 2025
The year is 1936 and Munich is preparing itself for the Winter Olympics, and the whole world is watching.
So any kind of scandal must be avoided and dealt with quickly and effectively, but that will be a tall task for Detective Sebastian Wolff.
A famous actress called Elena Lang has gone missing and it turns out she is the mistress of the second most powerful person in Nazi Germany, none other than Joseph Goebbels.
Wolff knows he must do his job and investigate, but also avoid a scandal, this is very difficult for him, as he has to go into the highest echelons of society and the darkest parts of the city to find the answers he is looking for.
Never had one man be more determined to seek the truth and find the culprit, even if this puts his life in jeopardy.
I’m a massive fan of Rory Clements and this new novel is one of his finest.
There isn’t anyone writing this period of history better than him.
The story is perfectly executed. It has a tense atmosphere and an authentic feel throughout. It’s a wonderful read and one I highly recommend.
So any kind of scandal must be avoided and dealt with quickly and effectively, but that will be a tall task for Detective Sebastian Wolff.
A famous actress called Elena Lang has gone missing and it turns out she is the mistress of the second most powerful person in Nazi Germany, none other than Joseph Goebbels.
Wolff knows he must do his job and investigate, but also avoid a scandal, this is very difficult for him, as he has to go into the highest echelons of society and the darkest parts of the city to find the answers he is looking for.
Never had one man be more determined to seek the truth and find the culprit, even if this puts his life in jeopardy.
I’m a massive fan of Rory Clements and this new novel is one of his finest.
There isn’t anyone writing this period of history better than him.
The story is perfectly executed. It has a tense atmosphere and an authentic feel throughout. It’s a wonderful read and one I highly recommend.
March 14, 2025
This is the second novel by Rory Clements featuring detective Set Wolff and it is a corker with murder and intrigue at the highest levels of the Nazi party as they prepare to host the 1936 Winter Olympics.
Wolff is a good man who detests the Nazis and simply concentrates on doing what he does best - sole crimes which he does in a thorough and dedicated manner.
I enjoyed all the Tom Wilde books and this series definitely has legs as it was well plotted and historically very accurate.
Another wonderful author in Simon Scarrow is currently writing a series featuring a similar character - a conflicted policeman in Nazi Germany in Horst Schenke and these too are excellent books as they vie to replace the much missed Philip Kerr and his magnificent Bernie Gunther series of novels.
Like many others I miss the sardonic humour and cynicism of Bernie but this is an excellent book by Rory Clements and helps fill the gap.
Wolff is a good man who detests the Nazis and simply concentrates on doing what he does best - sole crimes which he does in a thorough and dedicated manner.
I enjoyed all the Tom Wilde books and this series definitely has legs as it was well plotted and historically very accurate.
Another wonderful author in Simon Scarrow is currently writing a series featuring a similar character - a conflicted policeman in Nazi Germany in Horst Schenke and these too are excellent books as they vie to replace the much missed Philip Kerr and his magnificent Bernie Gunther series of novels.
Like many others I miss the sardonic humour and cynicism of Bernie but this is an excellent book by Rory Clements and helps fill the gap.
August 24, 2025
Munich, 1936. All eyes are on the Bavarian capital for the upcoming Olympic Games. As athletes fight for gold and the Nazis fight for power, Detective Sebastian Wolff faces a battle of his own. A famous actress has disappeared and Wolff has been ordered to find her, fast. But Elena Lang is no ordinary she is the mistress of Joseph Goebbels - Hitler's right-hand-man in the party that Wolff despises.
This is the second book featuring Sebastian Wolff, I haven’t read the first book which I need to rectify, although this is easily read on its own. A well written book which I thoroughly enjoyed. I really liked Sebastian & enjoyed getting to him both in his professional life & his personal life. The author really does portray the feelings & events of the time – quite chilling. There are twists & turns with drama & I was drawn in from the beginning
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
This is the second book featuring Sebastian Wolff, I haven’t read the first book which I need to rectify, although this is easily read on its own. A well written book which I thoroughly enjoyed. I really liked Sebastian & enjoyed getting to him both in his professional life & his personal life. The author really does portray the feelings & events of the time – quite chilling. There are twists & turns with drama & I was drawn in from the beginning
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
April 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this novel set in Bavaria in 1936. The main protagonist, Sebastian Wolff, is a murder detective investigating the mysterious disappearance of a glamorous film star but there’s also the case of a murdered SS officer. All this has to be hushed up as the Winter Olympics are starting and the Nazis don’t want anything bad to spoil it.
Wolff is a great character and he’s assisted by his sergeant, Winter, who goes undercover in Dachau concentration camp. The scenes there were some of the most gruelling in the book and the author brilliantly conveys the horror of these camps, particularly the treatment of Jewish prisoners.
It’s a gripping read with lots of excitement and action but also a thoughtful main character who has no time for the Nazis.
Thanks to Viking Penguin and Netgalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Wolff is a great character and he’s assisted by his sergeant, Winter, who goes undercover in Dachau concentration camp. The scenes there were some of the most gruelling in the book and the author brilliantly conveys the horror of these camps, particularly the treatment of Jewish prisoners.
It’s a gripping read with lots of excitement and action but also a thoughtful main character who has no time for the Nazis.
Thanks to Viking Penguin and Netgalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.
June 16, 2025
Set against the tense backdrop of Munich just before the 1936 Olympics, Evil in High Places plunged me into a world rife with danger, deceit, and political intrigue.
Rory Clements weaves a thriller that’s as much about the complex, chilling rise of the Nazis as it is about a detective’s desperate search for a missing actress with powerful—and dangerous—connections.
Detective Sebastian Wolff is a compelling protagonist, navigating a city where corruption lurks everywhere and trust is a luxury he can’t afford.
I was hooked by the way the story balanced historical detail with high-stakes suspense, showing how close to the edge society was before the war.
This book isn’t just a thriller; it’s a reminder of how power can corrupt and how courage often comes at a steep price.
If you love historical fiction with a gripping mystery and rich atmosphere, this one’s for you.
Rory Clements weaves a thriller that’s as much about the complex, chilling rise of the Nazis as it is about a detective’s desperate search for a missing actress with powerful—and dangerous—connections.
Detective Sebastian Wolff is a compelling protagonist, navigating a city where corruption lurks everywhere and trust is a luxury he can’t afford.
I was hooked by the way the story balanced historical detail with high-stakes suspense, showing how close to the edge society was before the war.
This book isn’t just a thriller; it’s a reminder of how power can corrupt and how courage often comes at a steep price.
If you love historical fiction with a gripping mystery and rich atmosphere, this one’s for you.
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