What do you think?
Rate this book
In the Name of the Reich
London, 1969. Great Britain has flourished under National Socialist rule since its integration into the Third Reich after the Second Great War – a war Great Britain lost – and the nation is at peace. Or so it seems.
A psychedelic drug named Yonder has taken the working class population by storm, and has become a figurehead for a “silent protest” against the Nationalist Socialist regime. It is now the single greatest threat to social order, and must be stopped.
British-born Detective Sergeant John Highsmith – an officer in the Metropolitan Police’s Drug Enforcement Squad – is a member of the Task Force dedicated to achieving just this. But the job is not so straightforward, and when John is confronted with violence, torture, and death, only his stead-fast loyalty to National Socialism will protect him as he puts his life on the line – in the name of the Reich.
A harrowing tale of what might have been, In the Name of the Reich examines how Nazi rule would have warped British society and a young man raised under it. It is uncompromising in its depiction, and aims to revolutionise this genre of fiction.
A psychedelic drug named Yonder has taken the working class population by storm, and has become a figurehead for a “silent protest” against the Nationalist Socialist regime. It is now the single greatest threat to social order, and must be stopped.
British-born Detective Sergeant John Highsmith – an officer in the Metropolitan Police’s Drug Enforcement Squad – is a member of the Task Force dedicated to achieving just this. But the job is not so straightforward, and when John is confronted with violence, torture, and death, only his stead-fast loyalty to National Socialism will protect him as he puts his life on the line – in the name of the Reich.
A harrowing tale of what might have been, In the Name of the Reich examines how Nazi rule would have warped British society and a young man raised under it. It is uncompromising in its depiction, and aims to revolutionise this genre of fiction.
376 pages, Paperback
Published January 28, 2025
4 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 18, 2025
I'll be blunt. In the Name of the Reich is the alternate history novel that needed to exist.
Williamson drops you into 1969 London under Nazi rule. Detective John Highsmith hunts down Yonder, a drug fueling silent rebellion. Simple enough. Except Highsmith isn't your hero. He's a true believer, born and raised under the Reich, and he'll do anything to protect it.
That's the genius here. No redemption arc. No moral awakening. Just a man absolutely convinced he's right, doing terrible things for what he believes is good. Watching that unfold is both horrifying and impossible to look away from.
The writing is razor sharp. Zero excess. Every scene earns its space. The tension builds relentlessly toward an ending that refuses to give you easy answers.
This isn't entertainment pretending to be important. It's important wrapped in a thriller that grips from the first page. In a world flirting with authoritarianism again, this book lands like a warning shot.
Uncomfortable, brilliant, essential. Highly recommend!!
Williamson drops you into 1969 London under Nazi rule. Detective John Highsmith hunts down Yonder, a drug fueling silent rebellion. Simple enough. Except Highsmith isn't your hero. He's a true believer, born and raised under the Reich, and he'll do anything to protect it.
That's the genius here. No redemption arc. No moral awakening. Just a man absolutely convinced he's right, doing terrible things for what he believes is good. Watching that unfold is both horrifying and impossible to look away from.
The writing is razor sharp. Zero excess. Every scene earns its space. The tension builds relentlessly toward an ending that refuses to give you easy answers.
This isn't entertainment pretending to be important. It's important wrapped in a thriller that grips from the first page. In a world flirting with authoritarianism again, this book lands like a warning shot.
Uncomfortable, brilliant, essential. Highly recommend!!
January 11, 2026
"𝚆𝚎 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚌𝚛𝚒𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕-𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚎."
An alternate history thriller that examines how Nazi rule would have warped British society and a young man raised under it. The absolute perfect premise for this unique story.
𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐜𝐡 gripped me from the moment I saw this magnificent cover and intriguing title, as I was reading the first lines of the blurb, it left me no question that I have to read this novel. And I'm so glad I picked it up. I had the most wonderful time reading this very fascinating and powerful novel. I really liked the main character, John, and this thought-provoking story.
I cried on the last page...
I find this book tour stop extra special. Today, January 12th, is my Daddy's Birthday who would be 51 years old today... I lost him when I was only eight so I believe this book tour date is a blessing from him. I feel like he wanted me to read this book as a Birthday gift to him. I know he would have loved this book too and now he could enjoyed it through me. Happy Birthday Daddy! We both highly recommend checking out this brilliant book. 🕊️🫂✨
An alternate history thriller that examines how Nazi rule would have warped British society and a young man raised under it. The absolute perfect premise for this unique story.
𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐜𝐡 gripped me from the moment I saw this magnificent cover and intriguing title, as I was reading the first lines of the blurb, it left me no question that I have to read this novel. And I'm so glad I picked it up. I had the most wonderful time reading this very fascinating and powerful novel. I really liked the main character, John, and this thought-provoking story.
I cried on the last page...
I find this book tour stop extra special. Today, January 12th, is my Daddy's Birthday who would be 51 years old today... I lost him when I was only eight so I believe this book tour date is a blessing from him. I feel like he wanted me to read this book as a Birthday gift to him. I know he would have loved this book too and now he could enjoyed it through me. Happy Birthday Daddy! We both highly recommend checking out this brilliant book. 🕊️🫂✨
May 8, 2025
A fantastic read. Well paced with believable characters and a good storyline. Interesting to see things from an alternative historical perspective. A definite page turner!
April 16, 2025
I'm a big fan of alternate history novels, and War is also a particular interest of mine, so the two combined make a novel that looked right up my street, and let me tell you, it certainly did not disappoint.
Set in London in 1969 after Germany's victory in the War, Britain is thriving under National Socialism, and the working class have taken to a drug named Yonder. But the drug has been adopted by the people as a figurehead for a silent protest against the National Socialist authorities.
The threat that this presents must be stopped. Enter detective sargent John Highsmith of the Metropolitan Police’s Drug Enforcement Squad who's charge it is to take this threat down at all costs. He's fiercely loyal to the National Socialist regime, but in his task he's comes face to face with violence and death.
But will he succeed? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, this was a great take on alternate history. The author paints an interesting, vivid picture of what British life could have been, should Germany had won the war.
It's intelligently written, thought-provoking and thoughtful, with an intriguing premise and interesting storyline.
For me, it's definitely a page turner, with a pace that's quick and skips along nicely, and I read this in three sittings.
I'm intrigued to find out what's next from this author.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
Set in London in 1969 after Germany's victory in the War, Britain is thriving under National Socialism, and the working class have taken to a drug named Yonder. But the drug has been adopted by the people as a figurehead for a silent protest against the National Socialist authorities.
The threat that this presents must be stopped. Enter detective sargent John Highsmith of the Metropolitan Police’s Drug Enforcement Squad who's charge it is to take this threat down at all costs. He's fiercely loyal to the National Socialist regime, but in his task he's comes face to face with violence and death.
But will he succeed? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, this was a great take on alternate history. The author paints an interesting, vivid picture of what British life could have been, should Germany had won the war.
It's intelligently written, thought-provoking and thoughtful, with an intriguing premise and interesting storyline.
For me, it's definitely a page turner, with a pace that's quick and skips along nicely, and I read this in three sittings.
I'm intrigued to find out what's next from this author.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
January 14, 2026
I’ve always been conscious that if the outcome had been different, we wouldn’t have the opportunities and freedoms we have now. The author’s reimagining of that alternate ending is, at times, an uncomfortable read but that isn’t a criticism. Instead, it’s a compliment to the world-building which made me feel like it really had happened.
Sometimes it wasn’t even the bigger details, like the jarring “Heil, Hitler,” the protagonist had to say to more senior police officers than him. It was things like the type of police-issue gun, the approaches to witnesses, and the latent hostility bubbling under the surface in interactions between the German incumbents and the Brits who recalled what life was like before the war.
I felt for Detective Sergeant Highsmith as he clearly disagreed with the actions of his counterparts, but he seemed to be trying to convince himself that things were better under the rule of the Reich.
I read this book with tense shoulders, and had to almost shake myself when I returned to modern day Britain to leave the anxiety behind. It’s a testament to the research which lies behind the author’s depictions of what might have been, making it immersive and convincing.
Sometimes it wasn’t even the bigger details, like the jarring “Heil, Hitler,” the protagonist had to say to more senior police officers than him. It was things like the type of police-issue gun, the approaches to witnesses, and the latent hostility bubbling under the surface in interactions between the German incumbents and the Brits who recalled what life was like before the war.
I felt for Detective Sergeant Highsmith as he clearly disagreed with the actions of his counterparts, but he seemed to be trying to convince himself that things were better under the rule of the Reich.
I read this book with tense shoulders, and had to almost shake myself when I returned to modern day Britain to leave the anxiety behind. It’s a testament to the research which lies behind the author’s depictions of what might have been, making it immersive and convincing.
October 16, 2025
From the opening pages, In the Name of the Reich gripped me with its chilling premise of a Britain reshaped by Nazi victory. Williamson constructs an unsettlingly believable 1969 London where National Socialism has become normalized, and I found myself constantly questioning what I would believe if raised under such indoctrination. Detective Sergeant John Highsmith, our protagonist, embodies this moral complexity perfectly. His unwavering loyalty to the Reich made me uncomfortable yet fascinated as I followed his investigation into the Yonder drug crisis.
What struck me most was how Williamson refuses to offer easy answers or moral comfort. As Highsmith confronts violence and corruption, I felt myself torn between wanting him to succeed and hoping he would fail. The writing is sharp and atmospheric, pulling me deeper into this dark alternative reality with each chapter. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, though some scenes were genuinely difficult to read given their unflinching depiction of brutality.
This novel lingered in my thoughts long after finishing, forcing me to confront uncomfortable truths about ideology, indoctrination, and human nature. A provocative, masterfully crafted alternate history that deserves far wider recognition.
What struck me most was how Williamson refuses to offer easy answers or moral comfort. As Highsmith confronts violence and corruption, I felt myself torn between wanting him to succeed and hoping he would fail. The writing is sharp and atmospheric, pulling me deeper into this dark alternative reality with each chapter. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, though some scenes were genuinely difficult to read given their unflinching depiction of brutality.
This novel lingered in my thoughts long after finishing, forcing me to confront uncomfortable truths about ideology, indoctrination, and human nature. A provocative, masterfully crafted alternate history that deserves far wider recognition.
January 7, 2026
✨ London, 1969 — but make it Nazi ✨
Britain lost the war. Joined the Reich. Everything’s “peaceful.” (Narrator voice: it is, in fact, not peaceful.)
We’ve got:
💊 Psychedelic drugs as political protest
🕵️♂️ A detective who is VERY committed to the regime (sir… please relax)
🧠 An unreliable narrator doing psychological parkour
⚖️ Moral ambiguity so thick you could spread it on toast
This book does NOT hold your hand. It grabs you by the collar, shoves you into an alternate history nightmare, and asks, “So… what would you do?”
If you like your detective fiction bleak, your history twisted, and your protagonists deeply questionable — congrats, this is your villain era read.
📚 For fans of Fatherland, SS-GB, and The Man in the High Castle
10/10 would recommend if you enjoy being intellectually attacked by a book.
Instagram ˗ˏˋ ❤︎ ˎˊ˗ Blog ˗ˏˋ ❤︎ ˎˊ˗ Linktree
Britain lost the war. Joined the Reich. Everything’s “peaceful.” (Narrator voice: it is, in fact, not peaceful.)
We’ve got:
💊 Psychedelic drugs as political protest
🕵️♂️ A detective who is VERY committed to the regime (sir… please relax)
🧠 An unreliable narrator doing psychological parkour
⚖️ Moral ambiguity so thick you could spread it on toast
This book does NOT hold your hand. It grabs you by the collar, shoves you into an alternate history nightmare, and asks, “So… what would you do?”
If you like your detective fiction bleak, your history twisted, and your protagonists deeply questionable — congrats, this is your villain era read.
📚 For fans of Fatherland, SS-GB, and The Man in the High Castle
10/10 would recommend if you enjoy being intellectually attacked by a book.
Instagram ˗ˏˋ ❤︎ ˎˊ˗ Blog ˗ˏˋ ❤︎ ˎˊ˗ Linktree
April 9, 2025
London, 1969. Great Britain has flourished under National Socialist rule since its integration into the Third Reich after the Second Great War – a war Great Britain lost – and the nation is at peace. Or so it seems.
A psychedelic drug named Yonder has taken the working class population by storm, and has become a figurehead for a “silent protest” against the Nationalist Socialist regime. It is now the single greatest threat to social order, and must be stopped.
This is a great read. It paints an interesting picture of Britain under Nazi rule. It’s not the first time this has been done but this is done very well. The characters are well portrayed and three-dimensional. Plus, it’s well paced and an easy read.
A psychedelic drug named Yonder has taken the working class population by storm, and has become a figurehead for a “silent protest” against the Nationalist Socialist regime. It is now the single greatest threat to social order, and must be stopped.
This is a great read. It paints an interesting picture of Britain under Nazi rule. It’s not the first time this has been done but this is done very well. The characters are well portrayed and three-dimensional. Plus, it’s well paced and an easy read.
March 17, 2025
Im a big fan or historical fiction but all of the books I have read have never been one where history was changed. This book was my first and it won’t be my last. I was interested once I found out this book was written where Germany won WWII and the impact it had on Great Britain. I like how that wasn’t the main focus of the story but was an important part. We follow John who works for the police force who is investigating a drug called Yonder that is sweeping through the country. I loved the twists and turns this book took and highly recommend it!!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2026
Late-night reading, low lights, and a story that slowly creeps under your skin 📖✨
In the Name of the Reich drops us into an alternate 1969 London where history went very, very wrong. What starts as a crime investigation unravels into something far more sinister — ideology, indoctrination, and the quiet horrors of a society that thinks it’s at peace.
I love alternate history, especially when it’s this unsettling. The world feels disturbingly believable, the moral tension never lets up, and I was constantly asking myself what I’d believe if I’d grown up there. Dark, provocative, and impossible to forget.
First book I’ve read by this author — definitely won’t be the last. 🕯️🖤
Bookstagram 🐈Blog
In the Name of the Reich drops us into an alternate 1969 London where history went very, very wrong. What starts as a crime investigation unravels into something far more sinister — ideology, indoctrination, and the quiet horrors of a society that thinks it’s at peace.
I love alternate history, especially when it’s this unsettling. The world feels disturbingly believable, the moral tension never lets up, and I was constantly asking myself what I’d believe if I’d grown up there. Dark, provocative, and impossible to forget.
First book I’ve read by this author — definitely won’t be the last. 🕯️🖤
Bookstagram 🐈Blog
January 15, 2026
This is another perfect example of taking a chance on a book you wouldnt ordinarily read, because you might find something special.
Set in 1969, but in a world where the Nazis won. A new drug called Yonder has taken over the streets and one man is doing everything he believes to fight it and stick to his strong ideologies.
I liked this right away, I liked the main character, John Highsmith, which is always a bonus. I like that the author doesnt shy away from any of the potential brutal realities should Germany have won. Considering this is fiction you have to appreciate the incredible thought and research that must have happened beforehand.
Through John our own morals and loyalties are questioned.
A heart pounding, engrossing utterly incredible read.
Set in 1969, but in a world where the Nazis won. A new drug called Yonder has taken over the streets and one man is doing everything he believes to fight it and stick to his strong ideologies.
I liked this right away, I liked the main character, John Highsmith, which is always a bonus. I like that the author doesnt shy away from any of the potential brutal realities should Germany have won. Considering this is fiction you have to appreciate the incredible thought and research that must have happened beforehand.
Through John our own morals and loyalties are questioned.
A heart pounding, engrossing utterly incredible read.
January 15, 2026
I’m not sure where to start with reviewing this book, it was such a unique read! It was chilling, harrowing in places and a stark reminder of what could’ve been, and even what could happen in the future. I found John quite a complex character, on one hand he is painfully loyal to the Reich throughout despite knowing what they were doing is beyond wrong, but the glimpse into his childhood then shows that this was glamorised and drip fed to him throughout his childhood in a series of propaganda and teachings. I loved the storyline around the drugs, and the end reveal was so well done. Definitely a book I’d recommend it kept me glued right to the end and what an ending it was!
December 29, 2025
The way this speculative fiction gives us a very “normal” society viewed through a main character who’s actually the antagonist really turned my head! I read a lot of historical fiction set during WWII and was truly interested, and a little fearful, of what the world would look like through the lens of an alternate outcome. This world was much more relatable than I expected at the outset!
I love so many things about this book - historical basis, the alternative history, the detective MC working on a criminal investigation, and an action packed story that’s woven with meaningful and thought provoking context. With the focus of the story being on investigating the drug network behind Yonder the political and social implications of National Socialist rule in Britain permeates everything without actually being front and center.
The twist at the end took me by surprise and left me wondering about a chilling line and the implications of what is worth fighting for:
“You fought for the values of National Socialism, and you almost died defending them. You should be proud of that pain you feel, because it is evidence of what you have done – in the name of the Reich!”
Thank you QP Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book!
I love so many things about this book - historical basis, the alternative history, the detective MC working on a criminal investigation, and an action packed story that’s woven with meaningful and thought provoking context. With the focus of the story being on investigating the drug network behind Yonder the political and social implications of National Socialist rule in Britain permeates everything without actually being front and center.
The twist at the end took me by surprise and left me wondering about a chilling line and the implications of what is worth fighting for:
“You fought for the values of National Socialism, and you almost died defending them. You should be proud of that pain you feel, because it is evidence of what you have done – in the name of the Reich!”
Thank you QP Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book!
January 16, 2026
With an eerie cover to a chilling read of what might have been, this was a gripping read from to start to finish with an alternative fictional history.
The characters were so well written and with the dark and chilling elements to the story it really was a brilliant read.
Full of tension and suspense I loved how everything felt different under a different rule and yet our world was there.
So interesting and fascinating look at our history and freedoms we take for granted.
A book I will definitely be reading again 😀
The characters were so well written and with the dark and chilling elements to the story it really was a brilliant read.
Full of tension and suspense I loved how everything felt different under a different rule and yet our world was there.
So interesting and fascinating look at our history and freedoms we take for granted.
A book I will definitely be reading again 😀
March 18, 2025
The author paints a vivid picture of life in the UK under nazi rule and a young British detective John Highsmith who will do anything to preserve his belief in this ideology. The author has crafted a compelling thought provoking story that centres on an investigation into a mysterious case that John Highsmith is involved in solving. A true page turner, a cracking read with a jaw dropping unexpected ending.
January 13, 2026
I was completely drawn in by the blurb of this book and couldn’t wait to read it. I love an historical fiction novel and this one both fascinated me and gave me chills. The way it was written I think perfectly sealed together our British nature and values with what it would have been like if the Third Reich had taken over after the war. I will be looking out for more by this author in the future as I loved it!
April 29, 2025
Excellent alternative history of Britain under Nazi control in 1969. Grim, dark and menacing this was an excellent read. I hope there's more to come!
December 12, 2025
Really enjoyed this book after being recommended by a family member who had met the author at a library event.
I’m not normally a fan of alternative history but this story drew me in and I couldn’t put it down. One of my favourite books this year.
I’m not normally a fan of alternative history but this story drew me in and I couldn’t put it down. One of my favourite books this year.
October 27, 2025
I read purely for escapism and entertainment, and this book absolutely delivered! From page one, I was hooked by the wild concept of Nazi-ruled Britain in the sixties. How unique is that premise?
The story races along beautifully. Detective Highsmith chasing down drug dealers in this twisted version of London kept me glued to my couch all weekend. The action scenes are intense, the mystery keeps you guessing, and there's enough twists to keep things exciting without getting confusing.
What I loved most was how immersive it felt. I could picture everything so vividly, like watching a really good thriller movie in my head. The drug called Yonder, the underground resistance vibes, the constant danger around every corner, it all just worked perfectly for me.
I wasn't looking for deep philosophical meaning or anything heavy. I just wanted a gripping story that would help me unwind after work, and this nailed it. Finished it in three sittings and enjoyed every minute. Definitely worth five stars for pure entertainment value alone!
The story races along beautifully. Detective Highsmith chasing down drug dealers in this twisted version of London kept me glued to my couch all weekend. The action scenes are intense, the mystery keeps you guessing, and there's enough twists to keep things exciting without getting confusing.
What I loved most was how immersive it felt. I could picture everything so vividly, like watching a really good thriller movie in my head. The drug called Yonder, the underground resistance vibes, the constant danger around every corner, it all just worked perfectly for me.
I wasn't looking for deep philosophical meaning or anything heavy. I just wanted a gripping story that would help me unwind after work, and this nailed it. Finished it in three sittings and enjoyed every minute. Definitely worth five stars for pure entertainment value alone!
March 11, 2025
Absolutely gripping alternate timeline Drama. I couldn't put this book down and blitzed through it (pun intended) so quickly because I needed to know more about this unique universe.
I found it really fascinating how Williamson chose to depict the various ways society would be different had the Second World War taken another turn.
Everything in this book is deftly thought out and well crafted with lots of satisfying planting and playoffs of plots and world building. Such a timely message about how similiar we can be to our enemies. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I found it really fascinating how Williamson chose to depict the various ways society would be different had the Second World War taken another turn.
Everything in this book is deftly thought out and well crafted with lots of satisfying planting and playoffs of plots and world building. Such a timely message about how similiar we can be to our enemies. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
September 25, 2025
Now, I will say at the outset that this is exactly my sort of book. So bear that in mind when you read this. 🤣 This is my favourite book of the year and one of those little literary gems that so very suits my tastes that it felt as comfortable as a glove made for my very own hand.
The bad news: it’s very similar to Fatherland by Robert Harris. If you didn’t like that, this won’t be for you. The good news: it’s very similar to Fatherland by Robert Harris. If it had been set in Nazi-ruled London, that is.
I loved the plot and subtle Easter Eggs thrown into for those who like a little history. (Queen Wallis & Edward VIII or Churchill as a war criminal, for example). The story is about a British-born National Socialist who has never known life away from the rule of the Third Reich. He’s a DS and is investigating the spread of a new drug that’s become a means of expressing civil disobedience…exactly the sort of thing the Fuhrer does not appreciate.
This is an alternate history story and a detective story. It’s nuanced and delicate. Williamson’s prose is captivating. This delicious writing style makes it tougher for world building, but it’s accomplished expertly in this novel.
This book is also unique in as much as it’s not offering you a political viewpoint, just suggests what the world would look like. The subtext is subtle but omnipresent: it would not be that difficult to indoctrinate people to a movement that has fallen into the pages of history textbooks. And to call that movement evil is too simple. It’s not about evil, it’s about people and what they believe. What we teach our kids. And, with modern politics (and misinformation through social media) as it is, it’s a terrifyingly relevant message for us all.
In the end, though, surely the good will see the truth, right? We would all like to think so.
This is likely to fly well under the radar, simply due to lack of exposure, but it shouldn’t. As anyone who has read my own Britannia series will attest, I’m a fan of alternate history, like Man in The High Castle or Fatherland, so this was ideal for me. If you like Robert Harris or Jeffrey Archer, maybe Frederick Forsyth (or even me🤣), this will suit you.
The bad news: it’s very similar to Fatherland by Robert Harris. If you didn’t like that, this won’t be for you. The good news: it’s very similar to Fatherland by Robert Harris. If it had been set in Nazi-ruled London, that is.
I loved the plot and subtle Easter Eggs thrown into for those who like a little history. (Queen Wallis & Edward VIII or Churchill as a war criminal, for example). The story is about a British-born National Socialist who has never known life away from the rule of the Third Reich. He’s a DS and is investigating the spread of a new drug that’s become a means of expressing civil disobedience…exactly the sort of thing the Fuhrer does not appreciate.
This is an alternate history story and a detective story. It’s nuanced and delicate. Williamson’s prose is captivating. This delicious writing style makes it tougher for world building, but it’s accomplished expertly in this novel.
This book is also unique in as much as it’s not offering you a political viewpoint, just suggests what the world would look like. The subtext is subtle but omnipresent: it would not be that difficult to indoctrinate people to a movement that has fallen into the pages of history textbooks. And to call that movement evil is too simple. It’s not about evil, it’s about people and what they believe. What we teach our kids. And, with modern politics (and misinformation through social media) as it is, it’s a terrifyingly relevant message for us all.
In the end, though, surely the good will see the truth, right? We would all like to think so.
This is likely to fly well under the radar, simply due to lack of exposure, but it shouldn’t. As anyone who has read my own Britannia series will attest, I’m a fan of alternate history, like Man in The High Castle or Fatherland, so this was ideal for me. If you like Robert Harris or Jeffrey Archer, maybe Frederick Forsyth (or even me🤣), this will suit you.
December 30, 2025
Dark, thought-provoking, and uncompromising, it’s a harrowing “what if” done right—and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
December 26, 2025
I think it’s interesting that the main character is an antagonist. It does a good job of showing the conditioning that a leadership like that keeps you under to control you. It’s a bit unsettling how much the author understands it at time. Also the ending was genius and I never expected it. Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book.
November 17, 2025
I’m new to Goodreads, and this is my first review.
I finished reading In the Name of the Reich a couple of months ago, and I have to say the book has really stayed with me. I became fully invested in the journey of DC John Highsmith and the Yonder task force. The story is imaginative, taking the post-war “what if Germany had won” concept and adapting it in a way that feels both fresh and clever. It kept me hooked until the very last page.
I would highly recommend this book, and I genuinely hope the author has more stories lined up.
I finished reading In the Name of the Reich a couple of months ago, and I have to say the book has really stayed with me. I became fully invested in the journey of DC John Highsmith and the Yonder task force. The story is imaginative, taking the post-war “what if Germany had won” concept and adapting it in a way that feels both fresh and clever. It kept me hooked until the very last page.
I would highly recommend this book, and I genuinely hope the author has more stories lined up.
November 14, 2025
In the name of the Reich is a novel that tells the story of what life in Britain might have been had the Nazis won the war!
The author, Ian Williamson, does a great job of building this alternate history from 1969 where the novel starts.
We are told the story of detective Highsmith, and his investigation into a new drug called Yonder, who thoroughly believes in the Third Reich and would do anything for it. He is not a loveable character and one I found hard to relate to with his contrasting views but definitely an interesting one.
Great read for any historical fiction fans!
The author, Ian Williamson, does a great job of building this alternate history from 1969 where the novel starts.
We are told the story of detective Highsmith, and his investigation into a new drug called Yonder, who thoroughly believes in the Third Reich and would do anything for it. He is not a loveable character and one I found hard to relate to with his contrasting views but definitely an interesting one.
Great read for any historical fiction fans!
November 7, 2025
It was unique read, and I enjoyed it a lot. It was my first time reading something of this genre and trope and I'm sure, it won't be my last because of this book. The concept of alternate war history was new to me and I was instantly hooked by the storyline.
War, alternate history combined with a thriller of dark themes is this book. I was instantly hooked because of title and cover and the certainly did not disappoint.The book is set is 1969 London under Nazi rule. A psychedelic drug named Yonder has spread among working class population and now it's the greatest threat and nust be stopped.
Even though alternate history was a theme but the story was not solely fcused on it and I liked that.It is bold and unexpectedly makes you question that will it all ve real if Germany won the war against Britain.The world building is vivid and well-written. The plot is well written and it's fast-paced. The ending was unexpected.
Highly recommended if you enjoy alternate history theme with touch of suspense and vivid world building.
November 12, 2025
Nothing is quite right in this alternate history/dystopian novel that explores what might have happened if Great Britain fell under German rule following WW2. I really enjoyed this unique premise combined with classic police procedural writing that kept a familiar shape to the AU story.
November 8, 2025
An Alternative Dystopian version of history - you have got to try and put the true past out of your mind when reading this.
It has many morally complex characters including the main character, it's not all black and white. Should he do what he is told or what he thinks is right?
I found that the book was not a light read as it was quite dark in places and as it is not my usual kind of read I did struggle with it at first but once past the first 100 pages or so I really got into it and found it really interesting once the background and true nature of yonder was revealed.
I found it interesting when there was reference to ID cards being used as it did make me think about our actual government wanting to introduce them and how this would affect society. I also wasn't expecting the ending
It has many morally complex characters including the main character, it's not all black and white. Should he do what he is told or what he thinks is right?
I found that the book was not a light read as it was quite dark in places and as it is not my usual kind of read I did struggle with it at first but once past the first 100 pages or so I really got into it and found it really interesting once the background and true nature of yonder was revealed.
I found it interesting when there was reference to ID cards being used as it did make me think about our actual government wanting to introduce them and how this would affect society. I also wasn't expecting the ending
June 9, 2025
This is an excellent story from an entirely different perspective and one that is relevant in today’s world.
I gave it the following SCORE:
Setting: London, 1960’s
Characters: Detective Sergeant John Highsmith, his wife, members of the British police force and the Reich’s service
Overview: World War II is over and Germany rules mainland Europe and the British Isles. There is still conflict with Russia on the Eastern Front and, in this alternate history, the United States is not directly involved. British-born John Highsmith has been brought up and schooled under socialism and is a practitioner of the rules imposed by the Reich. His assignment, with other detectives, is to uncover and terminate the network of the suppliers and distributors of a new drug called “Yonder” that may or may not have underlying consequences to society beyond a recreational drug and may possibly be part of an underground resistance movement.
Recommendation: I rate this book 5 stars
Extras: This book is highly recommended for several reasons. It is thought-provoking on many levels, not the least of which is pertinence to contemporary issues. It makes the reader take sides – should you want Highsmith, representing the Reich, to succeed, or do you support what may be an underground, insurgent group? And, brilliantly, this story does not follow the standard, formulaic plot with an unexpected conclusion.
Thanx to NetGalley and Troubador Publishing Ltd. for the opportunity to provide this candid review.
I gave it the following SCORE:
Setting: London, 1960’s
Characters: Detective Sergeant John Highsmith, his wife, members of the British police force and the Reich’s service
Overview: World War II is over and Germany rules mainland Europe and the British Isles. There is still conflict with Russia on the Eastern Front and, in this alternate history, the United States is not directly involved. British-born John Highsmith has been brought up and schooled under socialism and is a practitioner of the rules imposed by the Reich. His assignment, with other detectives, is to uncover and terminate the network of the suppliers and distributors of a new drug called “Yonder” that may or may not have underlying consequences to society beyond a recreational drug and may possibly be part of an underground resistance movement.
Recommendation: I rate this book 5 stars
Extras: This book is highly recommended for several reasons. It is thought-provoking on many levels, not the least of which is pertinence to contemporary issues. It makes the reader take sides – should you want Highsmith, representing the Reich, to succeed, or do you support what may be an underground, insurgent group? And, brilliantly, this story does not follow the standard, formulaic plot with an unexpected conclusion.
Thanx to NetGalley and Troubador Publishing Ltd. for the opportunity to provide this candid review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews