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A Dangerous Game: Enthralling must read historical fiction from the USA Today bestselling author of The German Midwife, perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah
London, 1952. Seven years after the chaotic aftermath of World War II, London has is coming alive again, with jazz clubs and flickering cinema awnings lighting up the night sky.
But for widowed Helen ‘Dexie’ Dexter, she’s still a woman in a man’s world. She longs to prove herself as an officer in the London Metropolitan Police, yet she’s stuck intervening in domestics and making tea for her male colleagues.
Then Harri Schroder arrives, seconded from Hamburg to the Met. Haunted by the loss of his wife and child, Harri is unlike any man Dexie has ever known. Compassionate and sharp-witted, he sees her not as a threat, but as an intelligent, canny officer full of potential.
And when Harri is tasked with hunting down a Nazi war criminal-turned-respected-businessman, with connections to the upper echelons of British society, it’s Dexie he turns to for help.
But as their bond deepens, a deadly fog engulfs London. Dexie and Harri must expose the fugitive before he vanishes, risking everything for justice – and each other…
The new gripping and heart-wrenching historical fiction novel from international bestseller Mandy Robotham. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Kristin Hannah
But for widowed Helen ‘Dexie’ Dexter, she’s still a woman in a man’s world. She longs to prove herself as an officer in the London Metropolitan Police, yet she’s stuck intervening in domestics and making tea for her male colleagues.
Then Harri Schroder arrives, seconded from Hamburg to the Met. Haunted by the loss of his wife and child, Harri is unlike any man Dexie has ever known. Compassionate and sharp-witted, he sees her not as a threat, but as an intelligent, canny officer full of potential.
And when Harri is tasked with hunting down a Nazi war criminal-turned-respected-businessman, with connections to the upper echelons of British society, it’s Dexie he turns to for help.
But as their bond deepens, a deadly fog engulfs London. Dexie and Harri must expose the fugitive before he vanishes, risking everything for justice – and each other…
The new gripping and heart-wrenching historical fiction novel from international bestseller Mandy Robotham. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Kristin Hannah
384 pages, Paperback
Published December 2, 2025
196 people are currently reading
668 people want to read
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March 3, 2025
In a Nutshell: A historical fiction set in 1950s London. This continues Harri Schroder’s story from ‘The Hidden Storyteller’, but it can be read as a standalone. Excellent characters, decent plot, great use of the place and period, slow pace. Though not a bad read, I liked its predecessor better.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
As I mentioned in my review for ‘The Hidden Storyteller’, I meant to get to this book directly. But as some other reviews revealed that this had a returning character, I read that book first. Officially, these books are tagged as standalone novels, and having read them, I can confirm the same. The story does have some continuity across three books, but that’s mainly in terms of the character’s life continuing ahead from their earlier story. On a macro scale, the plots are independent.
FYI, Georgie Young is the main character common to ‘The Berlin Girl’ and ‘The Hidden Storyteller’. Harri Schroder is the main character common to ‘The Hidden Storyteller’ and ‘A Dangerous Game.’ Georgie has a cameo appearance in this latest novel.
Many of my points of feedback are the same as from the earlier book, because though the plot itself was new, I felt the same about the writing style, character development, and historical research. Only the storyline wasn’t as gripping to me as in the earlier novel.
Bookish Yays:
🎖️The introductory note by the author, containing details of the Great Fog of 1952. Chilling!
🎖️Harri – His character development continues well from the earlier book in almost all respects. I love that he finds healing and closure in this book.
🎖️Dexie – A woman who acts her age (thirty-three) and isn’t afraid to step where others might not. At the same time, she is also practical in her decisions and knows when to retreat. I like how she is not portrayed as a feminist more suited to the 21st century. Most of her behaviour is consistent with the era, unlike many female HF leads who are depicted either as too progressive or too aggressive.
🎖️A special Yay to Scooter, the terrier belonging to Harri's landlady. Dogs make every story better and brighter!
🎖️Harri and Dexie are excellent as a team. They get a chance to show their skills together as well as individually.
🎖️Though written in third person, the writing lets us know each character intimately. There’s hardly any internal rambling. Both the perspectives are written equally well.
🎖️Appreciate the clear dates given for each chapter. Very easy to keep track of the number of days passing by as complete dates are provided at the start of every chapter.
🎖️The depiction of 1950s London, from the roads to the people to the post-war climate to the mildly xenophobic attitude towards outsiders (especially Germans) and even the gender discrimination in the London police force: everything feels absolutely real.
🎖️The book also highlights the fate of the Nazis after the war, and the various tactics they used to escape sentencing at Nuremberg.
🎖️I had never heard of the Great Fog of 1952, so reading about it was an eye-opening [pun unintended] experience in many ways. The author writes not just the visuals but also the feeling of helplessness in a vivid manner. Her description of the fog was outstanding.
🎖️I had predicted in my review of the earlier book that Harri would be given a relationship in this book. I was right, but also wrong. It doesn’t take a genius to see that Harri and Dexie will end up together. But almost the entire book has no romance. The focus is more on the case, their professional interactions, and their friendly camaraderie. I appreciate how the author didn’t make romance the focus of the story.
🎖️It was nice to see a cameo from Georgie and Max, returning from the earlier book and in a much happier place.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
⚔️ This book also has a prologue written in first person. However, unlike in ‘The Hidden Storyteller’, the identity of the “narrator” took me a long time to figure out. I don’t think this prologue was necessary for the main story, though it does create an impact. I think the true intensity of the prologue is revealed only if you reread it after the end of the book.
⚔️ Yet again, this book straddles multiple genres: police procedural, espionage, historical fiction, suspense, and action thriller. However, the suspense is quite minimal, the procedural and espionage content is only random, and the action is limited to a few scenes. The first half is more about Harri and Dexie learning to work as a team and to go beyond their individual past traumas. The action comes quite late in the story. Most of the book reads as a general historical fiction, which isn't bad but also isn't exciting.
⚔️ For some reason, this story didn’t grip me as much as the earlier one. It might be because I’d rather read a serial killer story than one about politics and spies. Though I wasn’t bored by the book, I also wasn’t hooked onto the narrative and could also keep the book aside easily. At no point did I feel compelled to read “just one more chapter.” The slow pace didn’t help.
Bookish Nays:
💣 For some reason, Harri’s character suddenly seems obsessed with using English idioms in his conversations, appending something like “as you might say” or “as the English say” to the line. After a while, it gets annoying.
💣 At times, certain reveals and character actions felt more like a way of forcing a twist into the story than as a genuine common-sense move. Such scenes didn’t flow smoothly as the deliberate change in character stance was quite evident.
💣 Dexie was only supposed to be Harri’s local liaison and partner. It didn’t make sense to see her be a part of secret meetings with MI5 and high-ranking officials, especially considering the general attitude towards female officers.
All in all, this was still quite good, especially in the way it brought the Great Fog alive and highlighted the attitude towards women officers. However, the slow pace and the minimal action meant that this didn’t end up as captivating as ‘The Hidden Storyteller.’ This won't be my favourite Mandy Robotham work, but that’s also because I expect more of her.
Recommended to historical fiction fans looking for an unusual post-war story set during the Great Fog of 1952 and don’t mind slow pace and spies.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to Avon Books UK for providing the DRC of “A Dangerous Game” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
1952, London. Helen Dexter, aka ‘Dexie’, is a woman police officer trying to prove her capabilities to the male officers around her. However, she is stuck with basic policing duties and making tea for her male colleagues. Things change when a German officer from Hamburg arrives on some secret assignment. Inspektor Harri Schroder is the first policeman to treat Dexie as a fellow police officer, and she is immediately intrigued.
When Harri learns the details of his assignment – tracing an ex-Naxi officer masquerading as an English businessman, he asks for Dexie to be assigned as his fellow officer. Together, they need to focus on the dangerous task ahead, even as London is engulfed by a deadly fog.
The story comes to us in the first-person perspectives of Harri and Dexie.
As I mentioned in my review for ‘The Hidden Storyteller’, I meant to get to this book directly. But as some other reviews revealed that this had a returning character, I read that book first. Officially, these books are tagged as standalone novels, and having read them, I can confirm the same. The story does have some continuity across three books, but that’s mainly in terms of the character’s life continuing ahead from their earlier story. On a macro scale, the plots are independent.
FYI, Georgie Young is the main character common to ‘The Berlin Girl’ and ‘The Hidden Storyteller’. Harri Schroder is the main character common to ‘The Hidden Storyteller’ and ‘A Dangerous Game.’ Georgie has a cameo appearance in this latest novel.
Many of my points of feedback are the same as from the earlier book, because though the plot itself was new, I felt the same about the writing style, character development, and historical research. Only the storyline wasn’t as gripping to me as in the earlier novel.
Bookish Yays:
🎖️The introductory note by the author, containing details of the Great Fog of 1952. Chilling!
🎖️Harri – His character development continues well from the earlier book in almost all respects. I love that he finds healing and closure in this book.
🎖️Dexie – A woman who acts her age (thirty-three) and isn’t afraid to step where others might not. At the same time, she is also practical in her decisions and knows when to retreat. I like how she is not portrayed as a feminist more suited to the 21st century. Most of her behaviour is consistent with the era, unlike many female HF leads who are depicted either as too progressive or too aggressive.
🎖️A special Yay to Scooter, the terrier belonging to Harri's landlady. Dogs make every story better and brighter!
🎖️Harri and Dexie are excellent as a team. They get a chance to show their skills together as well as individually.
🎖️Though written in third person, the writing lets us know each character intimately. There’s hardly any internal rambling. Both the perspectives are written equally well.
🎖️Appreciate the clear dates given for each chapter. Very easy to keep track of the number of days passing by as complete dates are provided at the start of every chapter.
🎖️The depiction of 1950s London, from the roads to the people to the post-war climate to the mildly xenophobic attitude towards outsiders (especially Germans) and even the gender discrimination in the London police force: everything feels absolutely real.
🎖️The book also highlights the fate of the Nazis after the war, and the various tactics they used to escape sentencing at Nuremberg.
🎖️I had never heard of the Great Fog of 1952, so reading about it was an eye-opening [pun unintended] experience in many ways. The author writes not just the visuals but also the feeling of helplessness in a vivid manner. Her description of the fog was outstanding.
🎖️I had predicted in my review of the earlier book that Harri would be given a relationship in this book. I was right, but also wrong. It doesn’t take a genius to see that Harri and Dexie will end up together. But almost the entire book has no romance. The focus is more on the case, their professional interactions, and their friendly camaraderie. I appreciate how the author didn’t make romance the focus of the story.
🎖️It was nice to see a cameo from Georgie and Max, returning from the earlier book and in a much happier place.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
⚔️ This book also has a prologue written in first person. However, unlike in ‘The Hidden Storyteller’, the identity of the “narrator” took me a long time to figure out. I don’t think this prologue was necessary for the main story, though it does create an impact. I think the true intensity of the prologue is revealed only if you reread it after the end of the book.
⚔️ Yet again, this book straddles multiple genres: police procedural, espionage, historical fiction, suspense, and action thriller. However, the suspense is quite minimal, the procedural and espionage content is only random, and the action is limited to a few scenes. The first half is more about Harri and Dexie learning to work as a team and to go beyond their individual past traumas. The action comes quite late in the story. Most of the book reads as a general historical fiction, which isn't bad but also isn't exciting.
⚔️ For some reason, this story didn’t grip me as much as the earlier one. It might be because I’d rather read a serial killer story than one about politics and spies. Though I wasn’t bored by the book, I also wasn’t hooked onto the narrative and could also keep the book aside easily. At no point did I feel compelled to read “just one more chapter.” The slow pace didn’t help.
Bookish Nays:
💣 For some reason, Harri’s character suddenly seems obsessed with using English idioms in his conversations, appending something like “as you might say” or “as the English say” to the line. After a while, it gets annoying.
💣 At times, certain reveals and character actions felt more like a way of forcing a twist into the story than as a genuine common-sense move. Such scenes didn’t flow smoothly as the deliberate change in character stance was quite evident.
💣 Dexie was only supposed to be Harri’s local liaison and partner. It didn’t make sense to see her be a part of secret meetings with MI5 and high-ranking officials, especially considering the general attitude towards female officers.
All in all, this was still quite good, especially in the way it brought the Great Fog alive and highlighted the attitude towards women officers. However, the slow pace and the minimal action meant that this didn’t end up as captivating as ‘The Hidden Storyteller.’ This won't be my favourite Mandy Robotham work, but that’s also because I expect more of her.
Recommended to historical fiction fans looking for an unusual post-war story set during the Great Fog of 1952 and don’t mind slow pace and spies.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to Avon Books UK for providing the DRC of “A Dangerous Game” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
January 6, 2025
'A curtain has descended over the capital. Fog'.
It's 1952, and although the Nuremberg trials have delivered justice to many Nazi war criminals, many have alluded capture. Inspektor Harri Schroder, from Hamburg Police, is called to London, to track down such a criminal. A man he used to know from police cadet school. A man who, after extensive plastic surgery, is hardly recognisable. The brief quickly becomes even more complicated when a thick blanket of fog shrouds the city of London for days. However, with a helping hand from local Constable Dexie, who knows these streets blindfolded, they might just be able to pull off the impossible.
'A Dangerous Game' is an easy read thriller with a dash of romance. I enjoyed this tale of cat and mouse espionage, set within the real-life 'Great Smog' of 1952. It also served as a great reminder that even once the war ended, the problems did not stop.
It's 1952, and although the Nuremberg trials have delivered justice to many Nazi war criminals, many have alluded capture. Inspektor Harri Schroder, from Hamburg Police, is called to London, to track down such a criminal. A man he used to know from police cadet school. A man who, after extensive plastic surgery, is hardly recognisable. The brief quickly becomes even more complicated when a thick blanket of fog shrouds the city of London for days. However, with a helping hand from local Constable Dexie, who knows these streets blindfolded, they might just be able to pull off the impossible.
'A Dangerous Game' is an easy read thriller with a dash of romance. I enjoyed this tale of cat and mouse espionage, set within the real-life 'Great Smog' of 1952. It also served as a great reminder that even once the war ended, the problems did not stop.
January 19, 2025
I love how I always learn something new when reading a Mandy Robotham book. This time, I learned about The Great Smog which affected London in 1952, taking thousands of lives, and yet an event I knew nothing about.
At the start of the year (and the last few days or 2024), we had a smog problem in my city, which I couldn't help but think back to as I read A Dangerous Game. Luckily, our smog wasn't as deadly as the one described here, but it was certainly harder to breathe.
So I related to Harri and Dexie in more ways than one would expect! And Harri specifically, was a character I wanted to see more of, after reading The Hidden Storyteller, so I'm glad he got his own book, and a little romance to boot.
It was also nice to see Georgie and Max making a cameo appearance, and helping out in their own way. But Harri and Dexie were the real stars, I loved seeing their dynamic duo in action as they tracked down a Nazi hiding in plain sight, and got to know each other on a deeper level in the process.
Through Dexie, we got to see what life was like for a policewoman back in the 50s, down to the tiniest detail (yes, someone did make her fetch tea as if she were a secretary). It only made me appreciate Harri all the more, because he always praised his fellow colleagues back in Germany, and was adamant nothing would've been solved if it hadn't been for them.
He also gave Dexie the space to be herself, and treated her like a person, one more than capable of doing her job. It's no wonder she fell for him, really, I would too!
We got to explore post-war London, which I don't read about often, and see the effects WW2 had on every person we encounter.
Which reminds me, there is a moment where a character hesitates before making a decision, and even I can't say what I would've done in their place. I know my brain would've panicked and it probably would've ended exactly the same.
As that was happening, the image that flashed in this character's mind was chilling and brought tears to my eyes.
On a lighter note, there's a cute canine companion, who's one of my favourite characters in the book!
The plot was engaging and well-researched. I had no trouble following all the threads, thanks to Robotham's excellent writing.
You can read A Dangerous Game on its own, or you can start the journey with The Berlin Girl, get to know Georgie who started it all, and then follow her on a different adventure in The Hidden Storyteller where she meets Harri, and the rest is history. Hah. I had to.
Whichever book you choose to start with, you won't regret it, because Mandy Robotham is a master of historical fiction. You'll be pulled into the lives of her characters in no time.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
At the start of the year (and the last few days or 2024), we had a smog problem in my city, which I couldn't help but think back to as I read A Dangerous Game. Luckily, our smog wasn't as deadly as the one described here, but it was certainly harder to breathe.
So I related to Harri and Dexie in more ways than one would expect! And Harri specifically, was a character I wanted to see more of, after reading The Hidden Storyteller, so I'm glad he got his own book, and a little romance to boot.
It was also nice to see Georgie and Max making a cameo appearance, and helping out in their own way. But Harri and Dexie were the real stars, I loved seeing their dynamic duo in action as they tracked down a Nazi hiding in plain sight, and got to know each other on a deeper level in the process.
Through Dexie, we got to see what life was like for a policewoman back in the 50s, down to the tiniest detail (yes, someone did make her fetch tea as if she were a secretary). It only made me appreciate Harri all the more, because he always praised his fellow colleagues back in Germany, and was adamant nothing would've been solved if it hadn't been for them.
He also gave Dexie the space to be herself, and treated her like a person, one more than capable of doing her job. It's no wonder she fell for him, really, I would too!
We got to explore post-war London, which I don't read about often, and see the effects WW2 had on every person we encounter.
Which reminds me, there is a moment where a character hesitates before making a decision, and even I can't say what I would've done in their place. I know my brain would've panicked and it probably would've ended exactly the same.
As that was happening, the image that flashed in this character's mind was chilling and brought tears to my eyes.
On a lighter note, there's a cute canine companion, who's one of my favourite characters in the book!
The plot was engaging and well-researched. I had no trouble following all the threads, thanks to Robotham's excellent writing.
You can read A Dangerous Game on its own, or you can start the journey with The Berlin Girl, get to know Georgie who started it all, and then follow her on a different adventure in The Hidden Storyteller where she meets Harri, and the rest is history. Hah. I had to.
Whichever book you choose to start with, you won't regret it, because Mandy Robotham is a master of historical fiction. You'll be pulled into the lives of her characters in no time.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
January 12, 2025
It was December, 1952 when Harri Schroder arrived from Hamburg, seconded to the Met with a job ahead of him he was unaware of as yet. Constable Helen Dexter (Dexie) was told to show Harri around, give him the ways of London. Soon Harri was attending Scotland Yard, and when he was told he had to identify a former Nazi, an SS man who had connections to the upper echelons of London's government, and he only had five days to do it, he was gobsmacked. Requesting Dexie accompany him - she was an intelligent, quick witted young lady, just the sort of person to direct him through London's streets - the two of them were given the use of a car, and left to their own devices.
But when a thick, pea soup fog settled over the streets of London, with no breeze to move it on, the poisonous sulfur-laden air was dangerous, both to the elderly, and anyone trying to find their way through the city. And when Harri was kidnapped, it was up to Dexie to find him. The danger was high, with the ex Nazi too close for comfort, Russians also after him, and no one else to aid Harri and Dexie. What would be the outcome to this dreadful hunt between a war criminal and his minders, and those who were trying to find him?
A Dangerous Game is another phenomenal historical mystery by Mandy Robotham and it was great to welcome Harri Schroder back again. We first met Harri in the author's previous book - The Hidden Storyteller, which I read recently - he's an excellent character and stamped his place well and truly into A Dangerous Game. I love this author's writing, and fortunately I have a couple more of hers to read yet. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK for my digital ARC to read and review.
But when a thick, pea soup fog settled over the streets of London, with no breeze to move it on, the poisonous sulfur-laden air was dangerous, both to the elderly, and anyone trying to find their way through the city. And when Harri was kidnapped, it was up to Dexie to find him. The danger was high, with the ex Nazi too close for comfort, Russians also after him, and no one else to aid Harri and Dexie. What would be the outcome to this dreadful hunt between a war criminal and his minders, and those who were trying to find him?
A Dangerous Game is another phenomenal historical mystery by Mandy Robotham and it was great to welcome Harri Schroder back again. We first met Harri in the author's previous book - The Hidden Storyteller, which I read recently - he's an excellent character and stamped his place well and truly into A Dangerous Game. I love this author's writing, and fortunately I have a couple more of hers to read yet. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK for my digital ARC to read and review.
June 12, 2025
Listened. Kristin Atherton narrated. I won't mince words here: Kristin Atherton is probably one of the best narrators I've ever heard. EVER. If I could, I'd become a British writer just so I could have her narrate my next book. She is PHENOMENAL.
When I saw the author's name I just ASSUMED she was Michael Robotham's wife. Why did I assume such a silly thing? I guess because I didn't know it was not such a rare surname and well, HE writes masterful thrillers so I'd imagined his wife, sequestered in the office next to his, penning her own stories.
Such is the state of my brain.
It wasn't until I was partway into the book that I actually bothered to look her up. Nope. No relation.
Duh, Lisa.
Enough pre-review bluster. On to the book: If you were to take a course on how best to use "atmosphere" in your thriller novels, THIS book would be all you'd need. The setting is London. The entire plot takes place over the course of the few days in which the city experienced "The Great Smog of 1952." The air pollution was so severe, thousands of people died. Additionally, it made it all but impossible to get around. People were blind to what was in front of them. Cars couldn't move.
Into this lethal fug walk Dexie and Harri, two smart, funny, broken humans. Both of them suffered through WWII, but for entirely different reasons. Both are police--she in London, he from Germany. Quite haphazardly, they join together to root out a former Nazi villain before he can do more harm in his newly adopted country.
I loved this book. Sure, it had some cartoonish melodramatic scenes that felt like old James Bond movies, what with my wondering why the bad guy doesn't just SHOOT the good guy when he gets the chance, or with heroes who swoop in to save the day...but no matter. Once I was in for a pence, I was in for the pound. I enjoyed every minute of this spy caper and will read more of Ms. Robotham's (no relation) books in the days to come.
My forever love to Scooter. x
When I saw the author's name I just ASSUMED she was Michael Robotham's wife. Why did I assume such a silly thing? I guess because I didn't know it was not such a rare surname and well, HE writes masterful thrillers so I'd imagined his wife, sequestered in the office next to his, penning her own stories.
Such is the state of my brain.
It wasn't until I was partway into the book that I actually bothered to look her up. Nope. No relation.
Duh, Lisa.
Enough pre-review bluster. On to the book: If you were to take a course on how best to use "atmosphere" in your thriller novels, THIS book would be all you'd need. The setting is London. The entire plot takes place over the course of the few days in which the city experienced "The Great Smog of 1952." The air pollution was so severe, thousands of people died. Additionally, it made it all but impossible to get around. People were blind to what was in front of them. Cars couldn't move.
Into this lethal fug walk Dexie and Harri, two smart, funny, broken humans. Both of them suffered through WWII, but for entirely different reasons. Both are police--she in London, he from Germany. Quite haphazardly, they join together to root out a former Nazi villain before he can do more harm in his newly adopted country.
I loved this book. Sure, it had some cartoonish melodramatic scenes that felt like old James Bond movies, what with my wondering why the bad guy doesn't just SHOOT the good guy when he gets the chance, or with heroes who swoop in to save the day...but no matter. Once I was in for a pence, I was in for the pound. I enjoyed every minute of this spy caper and will read more of Ms. Robotham's (no relation) books in the days to come.
My forever love to Scooter. x
February 16, 2025
This was a very enjoyable story after the war in 1952 the time of the big fog which killed thousands of people. This read like a spy novel which made a lovely change from the usual wartime sagas. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
February 11, 2025
I didn't realize going into this, but this is book 2 in a series (duet?). Harri Schroder first appears in The Hidden Storyteller and the heroine of that book (Georgie) plays a minor secondary role. That said, even though I haven't read the first book, this one stood alone well.
It's a good story - a detective on loan from Hamburg because he has information that will help track down a Nazi war criminal and a heroine, also a cop, who keeps banging her head against the glass ceiling at the London Metropolitan Police. The hero recognizes her talents and they're soon partners. Setting this against the backdrop of the Great Smog of 1952 further adds to the atmosphere.
This is historical suspense with romantic elements and those romance bits could have used some oomph. The characters like and respect each other, but romantic attraction doesn't really come through. Also, some "telling" occasionally creeps into the narrative.
Still, an entertaining read. At some point I'll go back and read Book 1.
It's a good story - a detective on loan from Hamburg because he has information that will help track down a Nazi war criminal and a heroine, also a cop, who keeps banging her head against the glass ceiling at the London Metropolitan Police. The hero recognizes her talents and they're soon partners. Setting this against the backdrop of the Great Smog of 1952 further adds to the atmosphere.
This is historical suspense with romantic elements and those romance bits could have used some oomph. The characters like and respect each other, but romantic attraction doesn't really come through. Also, some "telling" occasionally creeps into the narrative.
Still, an entertaining read. At some point I'll go back and read Book 1.
March 5, 2025
I enjoyed this book because we see Robotham move away from the war stories that I have come to associate with this author. Instead, we are in 1950s London where Dexie and Harri are on the hunt for a suspected Nazi war criminal.
Robotham’s books are always so vivid in terms of the historical content: it does feel like I learn something new every time I read their stories. In this case, it is post-war Britain and, most significantly, the killer fog that descended onto the capital in 1952. I knew very little about this time and found I was frantically researching after completing the story, curious to know how this fog caused such devastation.
I could not begin to imagine how dense this fog was, let alone trying to work in it. For Dexie and Harri, they are trying to follow a trail to lead them to this Nazi and ensure he does not cause more chaos in the world. Harri, a police detective from Germany, teams up with Dexie to navigate around this strange city – all the more stranger for the fog.
I sympathised with Dexie’s character because of the sexism she experiences as a police officer. She is not taken seriously and instead seems to be the “token” female who is good for making cups of tea – not serious policing. However, on the case with Harri shows her grit and determination. They make such a good team – a crime-fighting duo – and I loved how their friendship develops in the story. Both characters have an interesting past and I enjoyed how Robotham gradually brings this in to the narrative, so readers can understand more about how the characters react to situations.
This was a good crime read steeped in history. I was fascinated by the weather and how atmospheric it made the story – although I wouldn’t fancy experiencing it myself. Yet, the city tries to keep going and not grind to a halt. I admired this strength that is shown by the Londoners – I don’t think we would have that same determination today. I think I was more interested in this aspect than the actual crime story, but I liked the main characters and can see that the writer could use these again for future stories.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Robotham’s books are always so vivid in terms of the historical content: it does feel like I learn something new every time I read their stories. In this case, it is post-war Britain and, most significantly, the killer fog that descended onto the capital in 1952. I knew very little about this time and found I was frantically researching after completing the story, curious to know how this fog caused such devastation.
I could not begin to imagine how dense this fog was, let alone trying to work in it. For Dexie and Harri, they are trying to follow a trail to lead them to this Nazi and ensure he does not cause more chaos in the world. Harri, a police detective from Germany, teams up with Dexie to navigate around this strange city – all the more stranger for the fog.
I sympathised with Dexie’s character because of the sexism she experiences as a police officer. She is not taken seriously and instead seems to be the “token” female who is good for making cups of tea – not serious policing. However, on the case with Harri shows her grit and determination. They make such a good team – a crime-fighting duo – and I loved how their friendship develops in the story. Both characters have an interesting past and I enjoyed how Robotham gradually brings this in to the narrative, so readers can understand more about how the characters react to situations.
This was a good crime read steeped in history. I was fascinated by the weather and how atmospheric it made the story – although I wouldn’t fancy experiencing it myself. Yet, the city tries to keep going and not grind to a halt. I admired this strength that is shown by the Londoners – I don’t think we would have that same determination today. I think I was more interested in this aspect than the actual crime story, but I liked the main characters and can see that the writer could use these again for future stories.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2024
Harri Schroeder is a police detective in Hamburg in 1952. Despite his anti Nazi proclivities, he survived World War II, although his wife and daughter did not. He is sent on assignment to London. Dexie is a widowed police constable in London. She yearns to do more than just walk the beat and be the one to bring tea to her fellow male officers.
When He arrives in London, Harri learns that his assignment is to help identify a Nazi war criminal whom he knew as a young police recruit in Hamburg. After meeting Dexie, Harri is impressed by her and requests her as his teammate. They embark on a very dangerous cat and mouse chase made more difficult by the Great London Smog of 1952.
I really enjoy Mandy Robotham’s books and have read a number of them. This adds to her exceptional body of work. Well written, atmospheric, suspenseful, with fully developed characters, this was a five star read for me….another one I couldn’t put down.
Robotham’s books are always historically accurate and I enjoyed learning more of post World War II days in London, the Cold War, and the Great Smog.
I recommend this for fans of historical fiction or anyone who just likes a good story with fascinating characters.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #AvonBooksUK for the DRC.
When He arrives in London, Harri learns that his assignment is to help identify a Nazi war criminal whom he knew as a young police recruit in Hamburg. After meeting Dexie, Harri is impressed by her and requests her as his teammate. They embark on a very dangerous cat and mouse chase made more difficult by the Great London Smog of 1952.
I really enjoy Mandy Robotham’s books and have read a number of them. This adds to her exceptional body of work. Well written, atmospheric, suspenseful, with fully developed characters, this was a five star read for me….another one I couldn’t put down.
Robotham’s books are always historically accurate and I enjoyed learning more of post World War II days in London, the Cold War, and the Great Smog.
I recommend this for fans of historical fiction or anyone who just likes a good story with fascinating characters.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #AvonBooksUK for the DRC.
January 17, 2025
In *A Dangerous Game” Inspector Harri Schroeder is yanked out of his quiet, uneventful life in Hamburg and thrust into the heart of post-war London under mysterious circumstances. Initially, he’s told he’s there to serve as a "face of diplomacy" following the war's fallout, but the real reason for his visit is far more urgent—and far more dangerous. Harri's mission? To track down a shadowy Nazi war criminal who’s been hiding in plain sight, right under the noses of London's authorities.
Teaming up with Helen “Dexie” Dexter, a fiercely independent woman navigating a male-dominated police force, They plunge into the grimy underbelly of the city. The two must contend with a labyrinth of deceit, danger, and betrayal, all while a thick killer fog rolls in, adding a complicated chill to their investigation. As they race against time, they discover that someone they thought they could trust is against them.
What truly elevates this story is the evolving partnership between Harri and Dexie. She’s a trailblazer in a world that doesn’t fully recognize her worth, and together, they form an unlikely but compelling team. The plot is brimming with unexpected twists that keep you on the edge of your seat, and the presence of old characters, like the sharp-witted Georgie, who is still making waves as a journalist, adds a rich layer of continuity.
“A Dangerous Game” is a fast-paced, unpredictable thriller that combines intricate historical detail with sharp character dynamics. Whether you’re familiar with the characters or not, this book will hook you from the first page. Harri’s return is a triumph, and the thrilling hunt for the Nazi criminal will leave you breathless until the very end.
A genuine thank you to NetGalley and Avon UK for inviting me to early access for this incredible ride of a book. All thoughts are my own though, Mandy Robotham has faithfully researched and weaved yet another riveting tale inspired by historical elements. Bravo. 👏🏼
Teaming up with Helen “Dexie” Dexter, a fiercely independent woman navigating a male-dominated police force, They plunge into the grimy underbelly of the city. The two must contend with a labyrinth of deceit, danger, and betrayal, all while a thick killer fog rolls in, adding a complicated chill to their investigation. As they race against time, they discover that someone they thought they could trust is against them.
What truly elevates this story is the evolving partnership between Harri and Dexie. She’s a trailblazer in a world that doesn’t fully recognize her worth, and together, they form an unlikely but compelling team. The plot is brimming with unexpected twists that keep you on the edge of your seat, and the presence of old characters, like the sharp-witted Georgie, who is still making waves as a journalist, adds a rich layer of continuity.
“A Dangerous Game” is a fast-paced, unpredictable thriller that combines intricate historical detail with sharp character dynamics. Whether you’re familiar with the characters or not, this book will hook you from the first page. Harri’s return is a triumph, and the thrilling hunt for the Nazi criminal will leave you breathless until the very end.
A genuine thank you to NetGalley and Avon UK for inviting me to early access for this incredible ride of a book. All thoughts are my own though, Mandy Robotham has faithfully researched and weaved yet another riveting tale inspired by historical elements. Bravo. 👏🏼
December 9, 2024
Another thriller from Mandy Robotham, this time putting events in the time frame of the 1950s during the great smog where it's estimated 4,000 or more people died. The reader will be drawn to similar foggy, smog scenes by Charles Dickens, who was a social campaigner regarding London's air quality. The scene is set even with Londoners still making mayhem after the end of the war.
Helen Dexter (Dexie) had been in the midst of the carnage during the war even putting herself into danger but now at the end of the war, as a young Police officer she has been given only menial work with the pre war chauvinism raising its ugly head with her almost relabelled as ‘tea lady’. Dexie longs to stretch her legs and her mind to prove herself beyond her present position within the London Metropolitan Police. What gives her added compunction to push for greater fulfillment; she is a war widow. While she has accepted the situation, the thought of gallavanting out like her best friend is not something she is interested in or forming new romantic attachments. She visits her mother as much as possible but remains resolute to stay at her present digs close to work.
Dexie’s life begins to change when she is introduced to an ex SS Officer, Harri Schroder, a German policeman who has been seconded from Hamburg to the Met. The whole relocation thing seems to be a bit of a ferfy before Harri is finally informed of why he is in England. All this doesn't do much for him as he is still in a deep state of despair with the death of his wife and child, however to help fill in his time in the first instance, Dexie is given the job of showing him her daily responsibilities and Police work. It's during an incident that Harri realises the potential of this quick thinking, problem solving officer giving him a partner for the main investigation that he has been brought to England to solve. He is tasked with hunting down a Nazi war criminal, turned respected businessman who has connections to those of upper British society. Harri had studied with the Nazi when both were young men but it seems his fellow student, now war criminal, has had a total face reconstruction, so how to prove he is; who he was?
I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book, many thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers
Helen Dexter (Dexie) had been in the midst of the carnage during the war even putting herself into danger but now at the end of the war, as a young Police officer she has been given only menial work with the pre war chauvinism raising its ugly head with her almost relabelled as ‘tea lady’. Dexie longs to stretch her legs and her mind to prove herself beyond her present position within the London Metropolitan Police. What gives her added compunction to push for greater fulfillment; she is a war widow. While she has accepted the situation, the thought of gallavanting out like her best friend is not something she is interested in or forming new romantic attachments. She visits her mother as much as possible but remains resolute to stay at her present digs close to work.
Dexie’s life begins to change when she is introduced to an ex SS Officer, Harri Schroder, a German policeman who has been seconded from Hamburg to the Met. The whole relocation thing seems to be a bit of a ferfy before Harri is finally informed of why he is in England. All this doesn't do much for him as he is still in a deep state of despair with the death of his wife and child, however to help fill in his time in the first instance, Dexie is given the job of showing him her daily responsibilities and Police work. It's during an incident that Harri realises the potential of this quick thinking, problem solving officer giving him a partner for the main investigation that he has been brought to England to solve. He is tasked with hunting down a Nazi war criminal, turned respected businessman who has connections to those of upper British society. Harri had studied with the Nazi when both were young men but it seems his fellow student, now war criminal, has had a total face reconstruction, so how to prove he is; who he was?
I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book, many thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers
October 29, 2025
3.5 stars
I love reading historical novels because it introduces me to events or people in history that entices me to do further research.
In “A Dangerous Game”, Ms. Robotham introduces us to the December, 1952 London fog, AKA the “Great Smog". It lasted for five days. This was a major air pollution event, caused by a combination of cold, foggy weather and high levels of industrial and domestic coal burning that created a thick, toxic smog. It trapped pollution and caused an estimated 4,000 to 12,000 deaths. The fog was so dense that it was impossible to see. Visibility dropped so low in some areas that pedestrians couldn’t see their own feet. It stopped all transportation including buses and trains. This disaster led to the passage of the Clean Air Act of 1956.
Harri Schroeder is a German police detective from Hamburg and Dexie is a widowed police constable, in London. Harri survived World War II, although his wife and daughter did not. He is sent on assignment to London, and Dexie yearns to do more than just walk the beat and bring tea to her fellow, male officers. Since Dexie knows the city like the back of her hand, Harri requests Dexie as a partner and they embark on a very dangerous cat and mouse chase made even more difficult by the Great London Smog. Harri and Dexi are such a good duo and their friendship develops in the story. Both characters have an interesting past and I enjoyed how the author, Ms. Robotham, gingerly brings this in to the narrative, so readers can understand a little more about how and why the characters reacted to certain situations.
I hope to see more of Harri and Dexie in future books. Hint, hint Ms Robotham. This is a worthwhile, enjoyable read.
I love reading historical novels because it introduces me to events or people in history that entices me to do further research.
In “A Dangerous Game”, Ms. Robotham introduces us to the December, 1952 London fog, AKA the “Great Smog". It lasted for five days. This was a major air pollution event, caused by a combination of cold, foggy weather and high levels of industrial and domestic coal burning that created a thick, toxic smog. It trapped pollution and caused an estimated 4,000 to 12,000 deaths. The fog was so dense that it was impossible to see. Visibility dropped so low in some areas that pedestrians couldn’t see their own feet. It stopped all transportation including buses and trains. This disaster led to the passage of the Clean Air Act of 1956.
Harri Schroeder is a German police detective from Hamburg and Dexie is a widowed police constable, in London. Harri survived World War II, although his wife and daughter did not. He is sent on assignment to London, and Dexie yearns to do more than just walk the beat and bring tea to her fellow, male officers. Since Dexie knows the city like the back of her hand, Harri requests Dexie as a partner and they embark on a very dangerous cat and mouse chase made even more difficult by the Great London Smog. Harri and Dexi are such a good duo and their friendship develops in the story. Both characters have an interesting past and I enjoyed how the author, Ms. Robotham, gingerly brings this in to the narrative, so readers can understand a little more about how and why the characters reacted to certain situations.
I hope to see more of Harri and Dexie in future books. Hint, hint Ms Robotham. This is a worthwhile, enjoyable read.
December 2, 2024
Fear and the unknown: it keeps the pages turning.
Two people agreed to go on a mission to identify a high-level Nazi officer who managed to escape. Inspecktor Harri Schroder from Hamburg and Constable Helen Dexter from London had a lot of experience with crime on the streets but now they were working on a new beast requiring more expertise and risk-taking. They needed to be careful or they would be headed for extreme pain and the unimaginable.
It took place in 1952, a time when WWII was still on everyone’s thoughts with loved ones who died and the devastation that occurred. One character talked about how it takes a long time to regain trust between nations. Prejudice remained everywhere. These were the days when women made tea for men at work. The kids today would ask why.
This story kept me up late at night. I wanted to read just one more chapter until I couldn’t. At one point, I had to walk away from the book as it was beginning to feel too real based on the possibility of secret negotiations. I had chills thinking about the injustice of an evil person making millions getting away with manipulating the system. And then I had chills thinking of the description of the cold London fog.
The story had a strong chain of events that kept me engaged. It was another book by Mandy Robotham that will be remembered.
My thanks to Avon and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of January 16, 2025.
Two people agreed to go on a mission to identify a high-level Nazi officer who managed to escape. Inspecktor Harri Schroder from Hamburg and Constable Helen Dexter from London had a lot of experience with crime on the streets but now they were working on a new beast requiring more expertise and risk-taking. They needed to be careful or they would be headed for extreme pain and the unimaginable.
It took place in 1952, a time when WWII was still on everyone’s thoughts with loved ones who died and the devastation that occurred. One character talked about how it takes a long time to regain trust between nations. Prejudice remained everywhere. These were the days when women made tea for men at work. The kids today would ask why.
This story kept me up late at night. I wanted to read just one more chapter until I couldn’t. At one point, I had to walk away from the book as it was beginning to feel too real based on the possibility of secret negotiations. I had chills thinking about the injustice of an evil person making millions getting away with manipulating the system. And then I had chills thinking of the description of the cold London fog.
The story had a strong chain of events that kept me engaged. It was another book by Mandy Robotham that will be remembered.
My thanks to Avon and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of January 16, 2025.
July 18, 2025
Post war London and a dangerous fog envelopes the city. Harri, a detective from Hamberg Germany teams up with Dixie a police officer from London to find a former high ranking Nazi. The Nazi has had surgery to change his facial features. Harri knew him before the war, so he has been given the assignment to identify him through mannerisms and voice. A fast paced read.
January 26, 2025
Mandy Robotham is an auto buy for me as you are always guaranteed a great read. Once again her story is from post World War II - on this occasion, 1952 London during the Great Smog. It was at times frightening to be on the streets of smoggy London as our two leads battled not only the elements but also Nazi war criminals. Who are the leads? None other than ‘your beloved grumpy Inspektor, Harri’ from Mandy’s last book, The Hidden Storyteller. Mandy states, “... in writing the closing pages of my previous book, The Hidden Storyteller, I sensed I wasn’t finished with Harri - he needed space to show us more of his unorthodox policing methods, to shed some of his cynicism, and to heal” - and we could not be happier! To read another story with Harri is reward enough - he is such an endearing character and although he berates his ‘self-conceit that he can actually right the wrongs of an entire war’, you can’t help but cheer him on!
‘You mean former Nazis - war criminals and murderers - are now employed by various security services? As agents? That governments are now rewarding these bastards for doing the Fuhrer’s bidding? You can’t be serious.’
Interestingly, this is a story of not only historic details surrounding the infamous London Smog but also incorporates a thriller detective drama. Mandy does well in combining the gripping tale of a Nazi war criminal on the loose. Towards the end the pace is fast with danger and several tense moments for all involved and readers are sure to be cheering loudly for Harri and Dexie.
‘She can’t die, not here or now, not from a bloody fog!’
Congratulations Mandy on yet another winning book. I have read and adored all your books and cannot recommend them highly enough. 'A Dangerous Game' is a fabulous thriller with a dash of romance. A tale of cat and mouse espionage during the real-life 'Great Smog' of 1952 where it's estimated some 4,000 - 10,000 people died.
‘The hunters have become the hunted.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘You mean former Nazis - war criminals and murderers - are now employed by various security services? As agents? That governments are now rewarding these bastards for doing the Fuhrer’s bidding? You can’t be serious.’
Interestingly, this is a story of not only historic details surrounding the infamous London Smog but also incorporates a thriller detective drama. Mandy does well in combining the gripping tale of a Nazi war criminal on the loose. Towards the end the pace is fast with danger and several tense moments for all involved and readers are sure to be cheering loudly for Harri and Dexie.
‘She can’t die, not here or now, not from a bloody fog!’
Congratulations Mandy on yet another winning book. I have read and adored all your books and cannot recommend them highly enough. 'A Dangerous Game' is a fabulous thriller with a dash of romance. A tale of cat and mouse espionage during the real-life 'Great Smog' of 1952 where it's estimated some 4,000 - 10,000 people died.
‘The hunters have become the hunted.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
December 13, 2024
In the 1950’s the city of London is vibrant once again.
This story brings Dexie Dexter an officer in the London Metropolitan Police presently stuck intervening in domestics cases when she is teamed up with ex Nazi, Harri Schroder, from Hamburg police. They clicked immediately and when Harri was tasked with hunting down, a Nazi war criminal. Joining him was Dexie and soon they set on a dangerous hunt for this shadowy figure….and the fun is on….enjoy.
Mandy Robotham is a stellar author. Her stories are well-written, powerful, intense, very suspenseful and historical fact-based of course to make the reading enjoyable she also uses her creative mind for our pleasure. In her latest she not only touches the hunt for Nazi war criminals but also dabbles beautifully in WW11 post war London, the Cold War as well as setting her story during the Great Smog that paralysed this bustling metropolis.
What an engaging story this turned out to be. Following Harri and Dex on their harrowing mission filled with twists and turns just kept me glued to every words. I couldn’t help but rooting for them wanting so much for them to succeed. A real page turner it turned out to be.
Well-said and well-done once again. “A Dangerous game” is a winner no doubt…
My thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for this ARC.
This story brings Dexie Dexter an officer in the London Metropolitan Police presently stuck intervening in domestics cases when she is teamed up with ex Nazi, Harri Schroder, from Hamburg police. They clicked immediately and when Harri was tasked with hunting down, a Nazi war criminal. Joining him was Dexie and soon they set on a dangerous hunt for this shadowy figure….and the fun is on….enjoy.
Mandy Robotham is a stellar author. Her stories are well-written, powerful, intense, very suspenseful and historical fact-based of course to make the reading enjoyable she also uses her creative mind for our pleasure. In her latest she not only touches the hunt for Nazi war criminals but also dabbles beautifully in WW11 post war London, the Cold War as well as setting her story during the Great Smog that paralysed this bustling metropolis.
What an engaging story this turned out to be. Following Harri and Dex on their harrowing mission filled with twists and turns just kept me glued to every words. I couldn’t help but rooting for them wanting so much for them to succeed. A real page turner it turned out to be.
Well-said and well-done once again. “A Dangerous game” is a winner no doubt…
My thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for this ARC.
January 16, 2025
I am a huge fan of Mandy Robotham and really enjoy the way she builds up her stories.
I also love that there is always a connection to WWII and how it impacted different types of people all over the world.
In this latest book, we are in London in 1952 during the week of the Great Smog with German Policeman Harri and English Constable Dexie.
Together that are on a secret assignment in search of a Nazi war criminal who was the financial mastermind of war.
They don’t get given all the details and find themselves in precarious and life threatening situations along the way.
This started a bit slow but turned into a page turner that I couldn’t put down!
A huge thank you to Author Mandy Robotham, publisher Avon and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
I also love that there is always a connection to WWII and how it impacted different types of people all over the world.
In this latest book, we are in London in 1952 during the week of the Great Smog with German Policeman Harri and English Constable Dexie.
Together that are on a secret assignment in search of a Nazi war criminal who was the financial mastermind of war.
They don’t get given all the details and find themselves in precarious and life threatening situations along the way.
This started a bit slow but turned into a page turner that I couldn’t put down!
A huge thank you to Author Mandy Robotham, publisher Avon and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
June 17, 2025
I usually love Mandy Robotham books, but I had a hard time getting into this book. Didn’t love it
November 16, 2025
There was just nothing in this book that grabbed me and made me want to keep reading. Interesting premise but overall just couldn’t keep my attention
December 22, 2024
A Dangerous Game by Mandy Robotham is a cat and mouse thriller set in London in December of 1952 as the city was experiencing a dense and deadly fog that killed hundreds and was an ideal way of hiding a dead body or two. Helen Dexter, or Dexie to her friends and colleagues is a woman in a mans world, widowed shortly after the war ended she joined the police force and dreams of becoming a detective, but is more often reduced to making the tea for her colleagues or if she is lucky intervening in a domestic dispute. The last thing she needs is to be assigned to babysit a representative from a foreign police force, and especially not a German one given that the war ended less than a decade before. Harri Schroder is not what she was expecting, he is intelligent and kind and most importantly of all treats her as a valued and equal colleague. What started out as a diplomatic exchange becomes something much more dangerous when Harri is tasked with hunting down a former Nazi turned businessman. Their target has dramatically altered his physical appearance making a positive identification difficult but Harri knew him as a younger man in Germany and the hope is that he will be able to recognise him and confirm that he is indeed the fugitive. Needless to say this is a dangerous task that becomes even more so when it becomes clear that their target is now involved in some shady business dealings with members of British high society but Harri and Dexie will do whatever it takes to get their man , even if it means putting their own lives at risk.
I really liked the oremise of this book, I thought the post war setting was interesting and not a period that I read about very often. The idea of having one of the main characters be a female police officer in the Fifties was also a reason I was drawn to the story and I warmed to the character of Dexie very quickly, I very much enjoyed seeing the glimpses of the difficulties she experienced in a male dominated workplace and how she dealt with them. Harri was also a compelling character to follow, and I appreciated the complexities of the guilt he felt about his life during the war. His dynamic with Dexie was just lovely , he immediately accepted her as a colleague and encouraged her to believe in herself and her skills and pursue her dreams. The pacing of the book was the only thing that I had any real quibbles with, it did seem to slow down and drag just a little in the middle section, I think that for a book with such a cat and mouse like story it could have been just a little more fast paced to make the most of the potential tension. From the way this book ended I think there is potential to revisit these characters and I for one would certainly be happy to spend more time with them.
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
I really liked the oremise of this book, I thought the post war setting was interesting and not a period that I read about very often. The idea of having one of the main characters be a female police officer in the Fifties was also a reason I was drawn to the story and I warmed to the character of Dexie very quickly, I very much enjoyed seeing the glimpses of the difficulties she experienced in a male dominated workplace and how she dealt with them. Harri was also a compelling character to follow, and I appreciated the complexities of the guilt he felt about his life during the war. His dynamic with Dexie was just lovely , he immediately accepted her as a colleague and encouraged her to believe in herself and her skills and pursue her dreams. The pacing of the book was the only thing that I had any real quibbles with, it did seem to slow down and drag just a little in the middle section, I think that for a book with such a cat and mouse like story it could have been just a little more fast paced to make the most of the potential tension. From the way this book ended I think there is potential to revisit these characters and I for one would certainly be happy to spend more time with them.
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
January 5, 2025
I first encountered Harri Schroder when reading Mandy Robothom's novel #TheHiddenStoryteller . Harri Schroder was a member of the Kripo, a motley police crew who attempted to solve crimes in post war Germany and maintain order with few resources to help them. I was pleased to meet him again in Robothom's latest novel, #ADangerousGame. Set in the 1950's, more time has passed since wars end and life is still pretty difficult for those living and working in Berlin. When Harri is told by his bosses that his services have been requested in England for a period of time, he is not unhappy as it will give him time to catch up with old friends and get some respite from the day to day weariness of his current existence.
On arrival in England, things become a little confusing for Harri. Nobody really seems to know what exactly he is supposed to be doing while there. His ability to speak English is an asset but while waiting to hear exactly what he is supposed to be doing, he has the opportunity to spend a shift with widowed London police officer Helen 'Dexie' Dexter familiarizing himself with the local community. Dexie is tried of being seen only as a woman capable of handling the easiest of cases, and is hopeful of eventually breaking through the "men's club" atmosphere to really challenge herself. It seems that Harri might be able to help her with this.
The novel is a little hard to classify, historical fiction? Definitely, but it might also be considered police procedural, mystery, crime and more and there is a third major character beyond Harri and Dexie - the London Fog. This is not your normal fog. It was one which settled over London for an extended period of time making travel nearly impossible and leaving behind the injured and the dead, included those who had suffered with respiratory difficulties.
When Harri finally found out that his assignment involved identifying a former Nazi who had been part of his Kripo training course, he asked if Dexie could be assigned to assist him. Working with her and finding themselves facing extraordinary challenges twists and turns, leads to Harri opening himself up to Dexie in a way he has rarely done before. He also finds himself becoming involved with his elderly temporary landlady who can't cook a decent breakfast for love nor money but who appeals to him in almost a motherly way. The fog impacts all of them making any advances difficult to achieve and hard earned. At times it puts them at risk and at other times it saves them. Throughout, Harri and Dexie draw closer to each other and their goal.
This novel is a little outside my typical genre, but I really enjoyed reading it and getting to know and care for Harri in a more detailed way. If you like historical mysteries this could well be a good book for you!
Many thanks to #NetGalley and #AvonBooksUK for offering me an advanced reader copy to read and review. All opinions are my own.
On arrival in England, things become a little confusing for Harri. Nobody really seems to know what exactly he is supposed to be doing while there. His ability to speak English is an asset but while waiting to hear exactly what he is supposed to be doing, he has the opportunity to spend a shift with widowed London police officer Helen 'Dexie' Dexter familiarizing himself with the local community. Dexie is tried of being seen only as a woman capable of handling the easiest of cases, and is hopeful of eventually breaking through the "men's club" atmosphere to really challenge herself. It seems that Harri might be able to help her with this.
The novel is a little hard to classify, historical fiction? Definitely, but it might also be considered police procedural, mystery, crime and more and there is a third major character beyond Harri and Dexie - the London Fog. This is not your normal fog. It was one which settled over London for an extended period of time making travel nearly impossible and leaving behind the injured and the dead, included those who had suffered with respiratory difficulties.
When Harri finally found out that his assignment involved identifying a former Nazi who had been part of his Kripo training course, he asked if Dexie could be assigned to assist him. Working with her and finding themselves facing extraordinary challenges twists and turns, leads to Harri opening himself up to Dexie in a way he has rarely done before. He also finds himself becoming involved with his elderly temporary landlady who can't cook a decent breakfast for love nor money but who appeals to him in almost a motherly way. The fog impacts all of them making any advances difficult to achieve and hard earned. At times it puts them at risk and at other times it saves them. Throughout, Harri and Dexie draw closer to each other and their goal.
This novel is a little outside my typical genre, but I really enjoyed reading it and getting to know and care for Harri in a more detailed way. If you like historical mysteries this could well be a good book for you!
Many thanks to #NetGalley and #AvonBooksUK for offering me an advanced reader copy to read and review. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and AVON/HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. for the opportunity to read "A Dangerous Game" in exchange for my honest opinion.
Mandy Robotham never fails to deliver an exciting story and this one was one of her best! It was fast-paced, full of intrigue, suspense, danger and most of the story took place in a suffocating fog. Ms. Robotham described the scenes so vividly that the reader practically finds themselves trying to catch their breath along with the main characters.
The story takes place between 22 November 1952 and 12 December 1952. Inspektor Harri Schroder is seconded to the Metropolitan Police in London from his home in Hamburg. There he is partnered with WPC 722 Helen Dexter (Dexie to her friends). Dexie has excellent instincts but she is stuck making tea for the males in the station.
No one seems to know why Harri is there. They send him onto Scotland Yard where he learns that they need him to find someone that only he knows from before the war. A certain James Remington who he knew as Helmut Praxer from police training school back in 1932. After meeting Dexie and realizing her talents were being wasted he agrees to help if Dexie is partnered with him.
Both realize that they have similar back stories. Dexie's husband Thomas Dexter was a police officer who stepped on an unexploded bomb while chasing a burglar. They were only married for 8 months. Harri's wife Hella and daughter Lily died in and allied bombing of Hamburg in 1943.
The mysterious Johnson sends Harri and Dexie in as bait while MI5 knows about the trained killers out to get them but they are considered expendable. When Harri is taken captive, its Dexie's ingenuity that saves him. Harri proves how loyal and dependable he is when he saves the life of his landlady Mrs. P. The 'killer fog' that has put a lid on the city has taken its toll on her and he carries her to hospital. He and Dexie also take care of her beloved dog Scout who saves their lives more than once.
Is there a mole in the police department? When Harri and Dexie are laying low in a supposed 'safe house', how are they found? If only 1 person knew where they were? Incredibly well written, tense scenes lead to the mole who no one suspects and a dramatic end to the story.
If you have not read one of Ms. Robotham's stories, I highly recommend her because she never disappoints the reader.
Mandy Robotham never fails to deliver an exciting story and this one was one of her best! It was fast-paced, full of intrigue, suspense, danger and most of the story took place in a suffocating fog. Ms. Robotham described the scenes so vividly that the reader practically finds themselves trying to catch their breath along with the main characters.
The story takes place between 22 November 1952 and 12 December 1952. Inspektor Harri Schroder is seconded to the Metropolitan Police in London from his home in Hamburg. There he is partnered with WPC 722 Helen Dexter (Dexie to her friends). Dexie has excellent instincts but she is stuck making tea for the males in the station.
No one seems to know why Harri is there. They send him onto Scotland Yard where he learns that they need him to find someone that only he knows from before the war. A certain James Remington who he knew as Helmut Praxer from police training school back in 1932. After meeting Dexie and realizing her talents were being wasted he agrees to help if Dexie is partnered with him.
Both realize that they have similar back stories. Dexie's husband Thomas Dexter was a police officer who stepped on an unexploded bomb while chasing a burglar. They were only married for 8 months. Harri's wife Hella and daughter Lily died in and allied bombing of Hamburg in 1943.
The mysterious Johnson sends Harri and Dexie in as bait while MI5 knows about the trained killers out to get them but they are considered expendable. When Harri is taken captive, its Dexie's ingenuity that saves him. Harri proves how loyal and dependable he is when he saves the life of his landlady Mrs. P. The 'killer fog' that has put a lid on the city has taken its toll on her and he carries her to hospital. He and Dexie also take care of her beloved dog Scout who saves their lives more than once.
Is there a mole in the police department? When Harri and Dexie are laying low in a supposed 'safe house', how are they found? If only 1 person knew where they were? Incredibly well written, tense scenes lead to the mole who no one suspects and a dramatic end to the story.
If you have not read one of Ms. Robotham's stories, I highly recommend her because she never disappoints the reader.
December 17, 2024
A Dangerous Game is the first in a new 1950s series by exceptional author Mandy Robotham. If subsequent installments are this good (and they will be), wow. This is more than a superb read, it is one heck of an experience. There are thrills of a chase interlinked with chills of evil and grief. Characters are very realistic and human. Atmosphere fills nooks and crannies as the devastating 1952 London fog blankets the city, making it easy to imagine people lurking and languishing in the darkness.
In the post World War II years, people are rebuilding their lives and are desperate to leave the horrors behind. But mental scars are deep and jagged. Women struggle in an unjust man's world. Helen "Dexie" Dexter is a police officer but as a woman is relegated to coffee duties and basic cases. However, she knows her worth and is pleasantly surprised to meet respectful German Inspektor Harri Schroder from Hamburg who is briefly in London. Tasked with finding Nazi War criminals, Harri knows just the person to join him. The dream team builds on each other's strengths and trust as they interview and ingratiate. As a German "hiding" in London, Harri has advantages and disadvantages. But oh, what a team! I was with them all the way. Harri's heartache at losing his wife and child years ago formed a deep empathy and compassion for others. But when the financial wizard behind the Nazis enters the picture, I felt the evil seep in. Other quality character which melted my heart imclude the Spenders whose family felt like a steady anchor.
Robotham deftly and intelligently adds historical details everywhere. Her research is impeccable and her writing is evocative and gorgeous. I wonder where the subsequent books in the series will go? Looking forward to it. All it takes is to see her name and I'm in.
In the post World War II years, people are rebuilding their lives and are desperate to leave the horrors behind. But mental scars are deep and jagged. Women struggle in an unjust man's world. Helen "Dexie" Dexter is a police officer but as a woman is relegated to coffee duties and basic cases. However, she knows her worth and is pleasantly surprised to meet respectful German Inspektor Harri Schroder from Hamburg who is briefly in London. Tasked with finding Nazi War criminals, Harri knows just the person to join him. The dream team builds on each other's strengths and trust as they interview and ingratiate. As a German "hiding" in London, Harri has advantages and disadvantages. But oh, what a team! I was with them all the way. Harri's heartache at losing his wife and child years ago formed a deep empathy and compassion for others. But when the financial wizard behind the Nazis enters the picture, I felt the evil seep in. Other quality character which melted my heart imclude the Spenders whose family felt like a steady anchor.
Robotham deftly and intelligently adds historical details everywhere. Her research is impeccable and her writing is evocative and gorgeous. I wonder where the subsequent books in the series will go? Looking forward to it. All it takes is to see her name and I'm in.
January 18, 2025
December 1952, London. Inspector Harri Schröder from Hamburg is seconded to liaise with the Metropolitan Police Force in an Anglo-German liaison between the two former warring nations. Upon his arrival in London, he received notification that he was required to report to New Scotland Yard. It transpired that there was an additional reason for this request; the Metropolitan Police were merely a front, as his true purpose was to assist in locating a specific individual—someone he had known before the war. He was among the few who could identify a man named Helmut Praxer, a former classmate of Harri's from police training school nearly two decades earlier. It is understood that Praxer may have undergone significant plastic surgery. It appears that Praxer joined the Nazi Party in 1936, quickly advanced within its structure, and that he became their money man. He now goes by the name James Remmington, the chairman of a substantial holding company. The reason they need to find him urgently is that he is about to sign a very lucrative contract that will be embarrassing for the British government if it turns out that he profited from the war. They need Harri to positively identify him.
Harri is thus assigned to investigate a man he barely knew, for a foreign country and agency. He proposed to his superiors that WPC Helen Dexter (Dexie), whom he had met on his first day, be his partner.
All of this plays out during the deadly smog that hit London and lasted for five days, a time when over 10,000 people died as a direct result. Will Harri and Dexie be able to find Praxer before it is too late, and at what cost?
Another brilliantly woven tale from Mandy Robotham! I love how she incorporates fact into her stories and the brilliant characters she develops. I hope to see more of Harri and Dexie!
Harri is thus assigned to investigate a man he barely knew, for a foreign country and agency. He proposed to his superiors that WPC Helen Dexter (Dexie), whom he had met on his first day, be his partner.
All of this plays out during the deadly smog that hit London and lasted for five days, a time when over 10,000 people died as a direct result. Will Harri and Dexie be able to find Praxer before it is too late, and at what cost?
Another brilliantly woven tale from Mandy Robotham! I love how she incorporates fact into her stories and the brilliant characters she develops. I hope to see more of Harri and Dexie!
February 24, 2025
Books about the mid-20th century always fascinate me but it is unusual to find one set in 1952. Still suffering from shortages after the Second World War London is trying to fight off its drab, damaged image with restaurants and entertainment. For WPC Dexter this means contact with the city’s underbelly such as prostitutes and petty criminals but frequently she spends her time helping people across the road. Her boredom is soon relieved when she is asked to work alongside German police Inspector Harri Schroder who has been seconded to the Met to identify a successful businessman who may formerly have been a Nazi war criminal. Helmut Praxer was a fellow police cadet alongside Harri, but has he had plastic surgery in order to reinvent himself and evade capture? Somehow Harri must meet this man before he signs an important contract with the British government.
In alternate chapters we view events through the eyes of Harri & then Dexie. Thus, we get to know each of them better than they know each other. They have both been widowed as a result of the war, but Dexie is surprised by Harri’s enlightened attitude to women. He consults her on all their moves and gives her the opportunity of action in very dangerous situations.
The characterisation in this novel is excellent. As well as the likeable main characters we meet Mrs P, Harri’s landlady, a hopeless cook but a generous hostess and her invaluable dog, Scooter, who takes an active part in their adventure. The other essential participant is the Great Smog which occurs for several days during their investigation, hampering both them and their prey.
I thoroughly enjoyed this nail-biting thriller and will now look for “The Hidden Storyteller,” in which Harri made his first appearance.
In alternate chapters we view events through the eyes of Harri & then Dexie. Thus, we get to know each of them better than they know each other. They have both been widowed as a result of the war, but Dexie is surprised by Harri’s enlightened attitude to women. He consults her on all their moves and gives her the opportunity of action in very dangerous situations.
The characterisation in this novel is excellent. As well as the likeable main characters we meet Mrs P, Harri’s landlady, a hopeless cook but a generous hostess and her invaluable dog, Scooter, who takes an active part in their adventure. The other essential participant is the Great Smog which occurs for several days during their investigation, hampering both them and their prey.
I thoroughly enjoyed this nail-biting thriller and will now look for “The Hidden Storyteller,” in which Harri made his first appearance.
March 14, 2025
❝𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐬 ‘𝐜𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬’, 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐭, 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡. ❞
A Dangerous Game is set in post-war London, where the aftermath of Hitler’s cruelty still lingers in the air. It stretches over a total of ten days (can you imagine!), with resistance hitting our MC’s from every side.
German Inspector, Harri Schroder, is assigned to go to London to identify a Nazi that is still furthering the Fuhrer’s cause. He meets WPC Helen Dexter and together, they go on a mission more dangerous than either had first imagined. What is supposed to be a simple, straight-forward task – identify Praxer and have him arrested – takes a terrible turn when Russian spies, a killer-fog, sick landlady’s and a psychotic Nazi all show up simultaneously.
I loved Harri’s character – he was every bit the odd foreigner, with a heart of gold and a kindness that few men have. He respects Helen and does not once undermine or underestimate her based on her gender. Helen’s character was fierce and tough. She was loyal and kind, too even though she barely knew Harri at first. This book had me on the edge of my seat, eager to get to the end but unwilling for the adventure to be over.
Mandy Robotham weaves history, danger, romance and intrigue together in A Dangerous Game. Once you’ve picked it up, you won’t want to put it down!
See sub-tropes you might enjoy: one-bed, strong FMC, soft MMC, second chance at life.
❝𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒘𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒓𝒍 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒐 𝒐𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒏. ❞
A Dangerous Game is set in post-war London, where the aftermath of Hitler’s cruelty still lingers in the air. It stretches over a total of ten days (can you imagine!), with resistance hitting our MC’s from every side.
German Inspector, Harri Schroder, is assigned to go to London to identify a Nazi that is still furthering the Fuhrer’s cause. He meets WPC Helen Dexter and together, they go on a mission more dangerous than either had first imagined. What is supposed to be a simple, straight-forward task – identify Praxer and have him arrested – takes a terrible turn when Russian spies, a killer-fog, sick landlady’s and a psychotic Nazi all show up simultaneously.
I loved Harri’s character – he was every bit the odd foreigner, with a heart of gold and a kindness that few men have. He respects Helen and does not once undermine or underestimate her based on her gender. Helen’s character was fierce and tough. She was loyal and kind, too even though she barely knew Harri at first. This book had me on the edge of my seat, eager to get to the end but unwilling for the adventure to be over.
Mandy Robotham weaves history, danger, romance and intrigue together in A Dangerous Game. Once you’ve picked it up, you won’t want to put it down!
See sub-tropes you might enjoy: one-bed, strong FMC, soft MMC, second chance at life.
❝𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒘𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒓𝒍 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒐 𝒐𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒏. ❞
January 7, 2025
A real tour de force from Mandy Robotham, and a crazy good new direction for her. Set in the years after WWII, and literally under the umbrella of a deadly fog blanketing London, A Dangerous Game introduces us to police detective Dexie Dexter. As one of the few women in the police department she battles blatant sexism, ridicule and lousy assignments while wearing lousy shoes and a uniform that has become her armor. Limited by her gender to low level crimes and helping community members cross the street, Dexie yearns for an opportunity to get into real policiing: solving crimes, putting away bad guys and the like. Her chance comes when she meets Harri Schroeder, a policeman from Hamburg Germany, who has been assigned to help the police department on some mysterious task from high up in the government. It seems that a former Nazi might be hiding in plain sight with nefarious plans that could seriously affect the UK and it's allies and give Russia a significant win during the Cold War. Harri meets Dexie and asked to have her assigned to the project as well. In addition to the damage caused by evil humans, the deadly fog blanketing London is literally killing people (and it's actually a real thing)
A Dangerous Game is a departure from Robotham's previous books, but equally well written, and with a lot more humor and less pathos.. I absolutely loved this book and hope that she will continue to write stories of Dexie and Harri. I could not put this book down and finished it in about 2 days.. Don't miss this one! I'd give it 10 stars if I could!
A Dangerous Game is a departure from Robotham's previous books, but equally well written, and with a lot more humor and less pathos.. I absolutely loved this book and hope that she will continue to write stories of Dexie and Harri. I could not put this book down and finished it in about 2 days.. Don't miss this one! I'd give it 10 stars if I could!
January 19, 2025
Set in 1950's London A Dangerous Game is an excellent historical thriller with great characters,and a compelling plot .
When Hamburg Detective Harri Schroder is seconded to London's Metropolitan Police he discovers that far from the goodwill visit he's reluctantly been pushed into he's actually been selected for a specific mission with links to his ,and Germany's, past.
Paired with WPC Dexie Dexter Harri is tasked with checking the identity of a highly connected businessman suspected of being a Nazi war criminal who has "reinvented" himself and his past.
This a very entertaining book that perfectly captures the atmosphere and culture of a Britain still recovering from a war that women played a crucial part in but were later expected to step back from "men's jobs" , preferably as far back as the kitchen where it was generally believed they belonged. Fighting the rampant sexism of the time as well as crime,Dexie is a feisty character who finds herself drawn ever closer to her German colleague, Postwar London is almost a character in itself as the investigation progresses amidst the capital city's infamous "smog", a combination of fog and pollution that was common until the early 60's and almost like a chemical attack on the population,killing thousands over the years.
The increasingly claustrophobic and deadly smog adds to the mounting tension,with Dexie and Harri being both hampered by it and using it to their advantage in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
A great read,compelling characters and most importantly excellent entertainment.
When Hamburg Detective Harri Schroder is seconded to London's Metropolitan Police he discovers that far from the goodwill visit he's reluctantly been pushed into he's actually been selected for a specific mission with links to his ,and Germany's, past.
Paired with WPC Dexie Dexter Harri is tasked with checking the identity of a highly connected businessman suspected of being a Nazi war criminal who has "reinvented" himself and his past.
This a very entertaining book that perfectly captures the atmosphere and culture of a Britain still recovering from a war that women played a crucial part in but were later expected to step back from "men's jobs" , preferably as far back as the kitchen where it was generally believed they belonged. Fighting the rampant sexism of the time as well as crime,Dexie is a feisty character who finds herself drawn ever closer to her German colleague, Postwar London is almost a character in itself as the investigation progresses amidst the capital city's infamous "smog", a combination of fog and pollution that was common until the early 60's and almost like a chemical attack on the population,killing thousands over the years.
The increasingly claustrophobic and deadly smog adds to the mounting tension,with Dexie and Harri being both hampered by it and using it to their advantage in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
A great read,compelling characters and most importantly excellent entertainment.
January 17, 2025
Mandy Robotham’s A Dangerous Game excels in its atmospheric portrayal of post-war London. Set in 1952, as the city struggles to rebuild after the war, the story draws readers into the harrowing days of the infamous London Smog. Inspektor Harri Schroeder, a German detective fluent in English, is called to London to help investigate a deadly plot. There, he meets Constable Dexter ("Dexie"), a determined young woman navigating a male-dominated police force. Together, they must stop a man whose actions could destroy everything.
The setting is vividly rendered, and as someone familiar with the London Smog from The Crown, I could easily visualize the suffocating, toxic atmosphere. Robotham’s exploration of grief is equally impactful; both Harri and Dexie bear deep emotional scars from the war, and their resilience makes them compelling protagonists. Inspired by Sherlock Holmes, the dynamic between these characters feels fresh yet familiar, with Dexie’s sharp instincts complementing Harri’s thoughtful approach.
The novel’s core message that winning a war doesn’t ensure moral righteousness for all involved resonates deeply. The political intrigue driving the plot keeps the tension high, and the satisfying conclusion ties together the story’s complex threads.
Thank you, Avon Books UK and NetGalley, for providing a digital galley of this gripping historical thriller.
The setting is vividly rendered, and as someone familiar with the London Smog from The Crown, I could easily visualize the suffocating, toxic atmosphere. Robotham’s exploration of grief is equally impactful; both Harri and Dexie bear deep emotional scars from the war, and their resilience makes them compelling protagonists. Inspired by Sherlock Holmes, the dynamic between these characters feels fresh yet familiar, with Dexie’s sharp instincts complementing Harri’s thoughtful approach.
The novel’s core message that winning a war doesn’t ensure moral righteousness for all involved resonates deeply. The political intrigue driving the plot keeps the tension high, and the satisfying conclusion ties together the story’s complex threads.
Thank you, Avon Books UK and NetGalley, for providing a digital galley of this gripping historical thriller.
January 24, 2025
I loved this book from the beginning. It helps that it's a time period that is fascinating and I didn't know too much about (I had to start the book by googling if Hamburg was in east or west Germany, but as someone who has lived in London, it was easy to picture the foggy city after the decay of the Blitz, all powered by cups of milky tea. There was strong sense of place that I felt like I was there, queuing for the tube impatiently while breathing in the coal.
Too often in historical fiction, the characters (particularly the women characters) are coded as "ahead of their time", which can really e a bit jarring. But our main characters, Women's Police Constable Helen "Dexie" Dexter and German Inspektor Harri Schroeder, are very much products of their time, with different expectations and experiences as a result of living through World War II. The characters gave me a chance to feel like I better understood them and the time, which I really appreciated.
There is not really a traditional mystery - we know from the outset whodunnit, but the how and why really give our characters a chance to reflect on who they are and how their experiences changed them. This is a reflective mystery with a great sense of place and character, and I'd recommend to fans of Agatha Christie, Tana French or Sophie Hannah.
Too often in historical fiction, the characters (particularly the women characters) are coded as "ahead of their time", which can really e a bit jarring. But our main characters, Women's Police Constable Helen "Dexie" Dexter and German Inspektor Harri Schroeder, are very much products of their time, with different expectations and experiences as a result of living through World War II. The characters gave me a chance to feel like I better understood them and the time, which I really appreciated.
There is not really a traditional mystery - we know from the outset whodunnit, but the how and why really give our characters a chance to reflect on who they are and how their experiences changed them. This is a reflective mystery with a great sense of place and character, and I'd recommend to fans of Agatha Christie, Tana French or Sophie Hannah.
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