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A Secret Soldier's Confession
The story features a female protagonist, an international setting, a historical hook, and puzzle-solving escapades.
Emma and Jordan are married and recent US Naval Academy graduates who live in Annapolis. They make a trip to Rocky Mount, NC, to join the extended Miller family for Emma’s grandfather’s funeral. Following the funeral, during the reading of the will, a secret about her grandfather is revealed. This secret sets Emma and Jordan on a journey to discover her grandfather's unknown family in Germany.
They uncover another secret after meeting the family, which launches them on an adventure across Europe, the Canary Islands, and Argentina, uncovering lost Nazi treasure and other Nazi secrets. They are called upon to assist in thwarting terrorist plans by the new Nazi party. Their adventure requires solving multiple clues and codes while encountering several hazards. Their journey weaves them through historical events and WWII locations, unraveling a mystery that bridges past and present.
Emma and Jordan are married and recent US Naval Academy graduates who live in Annapolis. They make a trip to Rocky Mount, NC, to join the extended Miller family for Emma’s grandfather’s funeral. Following the funeral, during the reading of the will, a secret about her grandfather is revealed. This secret sets Emma and Jordan on a journey to discover her grandfather's unknown family in Germany.
They uncover another secret after meeting the family, which launches them on an adventure across Europe, the Canary Islands, and Argentina, uncovering lost Nazi treasure and other Nazi secrets. They are called upon to assist in thwarting terrorist plans by the new Nazi party. Their adventure requires solving multiple clues and codes while encountering several hazards. Their journey weaves them through historical events and WWII locations, unraveling a mystery that bridges past and present.
288 pages, Paperback
Published December 11, 2024
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7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 1, 2025
A Secret Soldier’s Confession is a fast-moving blend of historical mystery and modern thriller, built around the shocking secrets uncovered by Emma and Jordan about her grandfather’s hidden past. What begins as a personal family revelation soon stretches across continents and decades, tying together Nazi-era history, coded messages, and a dangerous conspiracy that refuses to stay buried.
The novel does an excellent job of weaving together past and present. The historical backdrop feels thoroughly researched, giving weight and credibility to the story’s revelations, while the modern-day investigation keeps the pace brisk and the stakes high. Barger's inclusion of real historical references grounds the narrative, and the locations—ranging from Europe to Argentina and beyond—are vividly described, offering a sense of scale and authenticity.
The puzzles and clues at the heart of the mystery are engaging, providing readers with the kind of twist-filled ride that recalls the best of classic espionage adventures. Just when it seems Emma and Jordan have reached an answer, another layer of deception or danger emerges, keeping momentum alive throughout the story.
That said, the book leans heavily on plot, sometimes at the expense of character development. Emma and Jordan are sympathetic and likable, but their inner lives and emotional journeys feel somewhat secondary to the whirlwind of codes, secrets, and action sequences around them. At times, dialogue is used more as a tool for exposition than as a reflection of character, which can make the story feel a bit formal in tone.
Still, Barger's strengths shine in the way he combines history with thriller elements. Readers with an interest in World War II legacies, conspiracy-driven mysteries, and globe-trotting adventures will find plenty to enjoy here. The revelations about Emma’s grandfather provide an emotional anchor to the narrative, and the layered connections between the past and present keep the story compelling until the very end.
A Secret Soldier’s Confession is a captivating historical thriller that will appeal most to readers who crave intricate plots, real-world history, and high-stakes suspense. While character depth could be stronger, the novel succeeds as an engaging, fast-paced adventure filled with secrets worth uncovering.
The novel does an excellent job of weaving together past and present. The historical backdrop feels thoroughly researched, giving weight and credibility to the story’s revelations, while the modern-day investigation keeps the pace brisk and the stakes high. Barger's inclusion of real historical references grounds the narrative, and the locations—ranging from Europe to Argentina and beyond—are vividly described, offering a sense of scale and authenticity.
The puzzles and clues at the heart of the mystery are engaging, providing readers with the kind of twist-filled ride that recalls the best of classic espionage adventures. Just when it seems Emma and Jordan have reached an answer, another layer of deception or danger emerges, keeping momentum alive throughout the story.
That said, the book leans heavily on plot, sometimes at the expense of character development. Emma and Jordan are sympathetic and likable, but their inner lives and emotional journeys feel somewhat secondary to the whirlwind of codes, secrets, and action sequences around them. At times, dialogue is used more as a tool for exposition than as a reflection of character, which can make the story feel a bit formal in tone.
Still, Barger's strengths shine in the way he combines history with thriller elements. Readers with an interest in World War II legacies, conspiracy-driven mysteries, and globe-trotting adventures will find plenty to enjoy here. The revelations about Emma’s grandfather provide an emotional anchor to the narrative, and the layered connections between the past and present keep the story compelling until the very end.
A Secret Soldier’s Confession is a captivating historical thriller that will appeal most to readers who crave intricate plots, real-world history, and high-stakes suspense. While character depth could be stronger, the novel succeeds as an engaging, fast-paced adventure filled with secrets worth uncovering.
March 23, 2025
There is an air of old-school espionage about this, reminiscent of the international crime and spy thrillers which enthralled and excited, on the page and on the screen; in the sixties and seventies; it certainly has that feel about it. Where it differs, though, I would say, is twofold. Firstly, of course, technology has come a long way since those days, making our protagonists’ quest that much more contemporary; secondly, as today’s writing has a tendency to do, it goes way beyond its own little world, onto a high-stakes global scene; imagine The Boys From Brazil given the Clancy treatment. The premise is a pretty decent one, about an already wealthy family discovering that their recently departed benefactor may have been a WW2 German war criminal, and along the way uncovering a nefarious plot for a fourth Reich, involving a series of terror atrocities on U.S. soil.
However, I have to be honest and say the arc it took in relation to its primary protagonists left me a little non-plussed. When not globe-trotting and dining (for many large parts, the book feels like a beer- and gastro-tasting masterclass), the parts where they are not solving the mystery of the treasure and Hitler’s biggest, ultimate secret are quite fleeting for the book’s first two thirds; I personally felt there was a great deal more room to really peel back the layers and go deep into the danger side of the story, but the real threat to our protagonists is rather token in its delivery. The book’s final third, by contrast, goes off completely on a different skew, given the full action treatment, as government agencies, presidential orders and terrorists become the focus; it feels strangely detached from the first part of the book, and honestly gives a disorienting, disjointed feel to the narrative.
That said, Dennis Barger is pretty good and knows his topic. I would like to see more emotive expression from the characters, and some of the dialogue feels unnatural, as if frequently used as a tool to drive the story forward or describe an element; for example, a character may describe another in introductory terms, as if writing rather than speaking the words. I can understand an author’s tendency to do this, and it gives the writing a rather traditional, formal English feel, but if I’m honest it isn’t really my cup of tea. There were some very interesting moments and the revelation is a good one – I don’t know how likely or credible the reveal is, not being an expert in the subject of the fall of the Reich, but the book will definitely deliver for some. I would be interested to know much more about the author’s knowledge of the subject, though wonder if perhaps non-fiction might present a more satisfying thesis from him; his use of endnotes throughout the book suggests there may be an appetite on his part to go down that path. As for those endnotes, clearly unconventional in fiction, I am in two minds: sure, they were a touch distracting, and can tend to draw your attention away from the narrative flow, but on the other hand they were also a very useful addition. I have to be honest, I didn’t read them all, but rather just scanned them, for by then their relevance to the related moment was gone; I would tend to think that, if something is important enough to include in the book, then why not write it into the story?
Worth a read, if you like the classic tone of Ludlum and Forsyth – and if you have a discerning palate.
However, I have to be honest and say the arc it took in relation to its primary protagonists left me a little non-plussed. When not globe-trotting and dining (for many large parts, the book feels like a beer- and gastro-tasting masterclass), the parts where they are not solving the mystery of the treasure and Hitler’s biggest, ultimate secret are quite fleeting for the book’s first two thirds; I personally felt there was a great deal more room to really peel back the layers and go deep into the danger side of the story, but the real threat to our protagonists is rather token in its delivery. The book’s final third, by contrast, goes off completely on a different skew, given the full action treatment, as government agencies, presidential orders and terrorists become the focus; it feels strangely detached from the first part of the book, and honestly gives a disorienting, disjointed feel to the narrative.
That said, Dennis Barger is pretty good and knows his topic. I would like to see more emotive expression from the characters, and some of the dialogue feels unnatural, as if frequently used as a tool to drive the story forward or describe an element; for example, a character may describe another in introductory terms, as if writing rather than speaking the words. I can understand an author’s tendency to do this, and it gives the writing a rather traditional, formal English feel, but if I’m honest it isn’t really my cup of tea. There were some very interesting moments and the revelation is a good one – I don’t know how likely or credible the reveal is, not being an expert in the subject of the fall of the Reich, but the book will definitely deliver for some. I would be interested to know much more about the author’s knowledge of the subject, though wonder if perhaps non-fiction might present a more satisfying thesis from him; his use of endnotes throughout the book suggests there may be an appetite on his part to go down that path. As for those endnotes, clearly unconventional in fiction, I am in two minds: sure, they were a touch distracting, and can tend to draw your attention away from the narrative flow, but on the other hand they were also a very useful addition. I have to be honest, I didn’t read them all, but rather just scanned them, for by then their relevance to the related moment was gone; I would tend to think that, if something is important enough to include in the book, then why not write it into the story?
Worth a read, if you like the classic tone of Ludlum and Forsyth – and if you have a discerning palate.
April 7, 2025
This novel is a perfect mix of history, fiction and thrill, all tied together by a man’s long buried secrets. Every clue Emma and Jordan found made me wonder how much the past can still affect the present in surprising ways.
The author did a perfect job of combining the past and present, bringing both historical and modern settings to life. The plot is exciting, with plenty of twists and puzzles to keep you guessing. Just when you think Emma and Jordan have found the answers, a new clue or enemy appears, making their journey even more dangerous.
However, the characters themselves felt a bit flat at times. While their actions moved the story forward, it was sometimes hard to connect with their personalities or emotions on a deeper level. They served the plot well, but their inner struggles and personal growth didn’t always stand out as much as the mystery and action around them.
The writing is clear and easy to follow, but still paints a vivid picture of every place they visit and every clue they uncover.
If you like stories with history, adventure, and a bit of danger, A Secret Soldier’s Confession is a book you might enjoy, especially if you love fast-paced plots more than character-driven stories.
Reviewed By Faiza
March 7, 2025
Ohhh, buckle up, because A Secret Soldier’s Confession is one heck of a ride! ✈️💣 Nazi secrets? ✔️ Hidden treasure? ✔️ Codes, clues, and heart-pounding chases? DOUBLE ✔️. Emma and Jordan are the kind of characters you instantly root for, and their journey from the U.S. to Europe, Argentina, and beyond is packed with so many twists, I had to remind myself to breathe. If you love books that feel like a mix of Indiana Jones and National Treasure but with a badass female lead, RUN—don’t walk—to grab this one. 🏃♀️📖🔥
March 17, 2025
A Secret Soldier’s Confession is a thrilling mix of history, mystery, and high-stakes adventure that kept me hooked from the very first page. When Emma and Jordan uncover shocking secrets about her grandfather, their journey takes them across Europe and beyond, filled with hidden clues, Nazi history, and modern-day threats. The blend of historical intrigue and puzzle-solving made this such a fun read, and I loved how the story balanced action, suspense, and deep family revelations. If you enjoy fast-paced historical mysteries with international twists, this one is definitely worth picking up!
March 20, 2025
What a thrilling story! This book will grab you from page one and keep you enthralled and entertained until the end! Great mystery, lots of action, tons of surprises and twists and a trip through history what more could you want? It’s a can’t miss!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2024
Be prepared to be absorbed into this story. The author has carefully crafted an exciting and compelling adventure/mystery filled with intriguing characters and historical complexity. I loved it. I figure there will be a sequel in the future. Enjoy.
March 25, 2025
is it another run at a thousand year reign? the end times? or more complex challenges?
a compelling suspense and drama and action packed bunch if adventures with clever twists.
a compelling suspense and drama and action packed bunch if adventures with clever twists.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews