The Blacksmith of Dachau

A Call to War #2

by Elaine Hume Peake, Don Keith

A powerful chronicle of moral courage, human resilience, and the haunting choices made during history's darkest days.

As World War II reaches its final, desperate throes, Captain Edward Hume and his battle-hardened squad of bomb disposal experts—The Kaboom Boys—move methodically through the shattered remnants of Europe. While working to maintain steady hands and unwavering focus, they neutralize the silent killers left in war's wake, each defused bomb a small victory against chaos.

As the Allies liberate France, Hume finds an unexpected connection in a field hospital—a sharp-witted, dedicated Army nurse named Virginia who sees the man beneath the uniform. Their paths cross again in newly freed Paris, where war momentarily fades into something resembling a future.

But war does not wait for love.

Duty calls The Kaboom Boys back to the front, and deeper into Nazi Germany, where the devastation left in the war’s wake is impossible to ignore. Their journey brings them to Dachau as they are tasked with aiding in the camp’s liberation. The team quickly realizes that the terror and reality of the place are beyond anything they have seen or known before. And there, among the survivors and remnants of suffering, The Kaboom Boys meet a man whose inner strength defies the very war meant to break The Blacksmith of Dachau.

From Elaine Hume Peake and Don Keith comes a powerful and deeply human story of courage, survival, and the choices that define us. The Blacksmith of Dachau is a testament to the power of the human spirit—even in history’s most tragic setting.

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Praise for A Call to War

"Highly recommended." —Library Journal, Starred Review

“Beautifully conceived and thoughtfully executed…” —Charles Gomez, author of Eye of the Storm and Cuban Son Rising

“…a trip back in time to World War II told through the eyes of a brave, decent, and determined soldier…” —Sandy Kenyon, award-winning entertainment correspondent

“These unforgettable men of The Greatest Generation are portrayed with remarkable depth and humanity…” —Mitchell Kaplan, owner of Books & Books, cofounder of the Miami Book Fair and The Mazur Kaplan Production Company

“One of the most fascinating accounts of bravery in World War II.” —Tim Gray, The World War II Foundation

“Chock full of real life events, the book will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout…” —Catherine K. Hurd, multi-award winning writer and playwright

“…should be on your reading list today.” —Darcy Bonfils, multi-award winning television news executive producer

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What readers are

★★★★★ “...riveting...”
★★★★★ “...powerful...”
★★★★★ “...well researched.”
★★★★★ “Looking forward to the next book.”
★★★★★ “A must-read for those who are WWII buffs.”

Genres: Fiction

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2026

About the author

Elaine Hume Peake was born on Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Maryland, the site of the first United States Army Bomb Disposal testing and training base. Here her father, Captain Edward Hume learned the fundamentals of BD and became part of the first American army ordnance squads of World War II, setting the stage for the origins of the historical drama series, “The Kaboom Boys”.

Elaine studied journalism/mass communications at Towson State University leading her to a multi-year career in television news. She received multiple journalism awards including Emmys and the George Foster Peabody Award for her 9/11 coverage.

In 2019, Elaine completed “The Kaboom Boys” as a feature-length screenplay when, during the pandemic via LinkedIn, she was introduced to 96-year-old French woman Michelle Desrues who knew her father during the summer of 1944. Hearing stories of her as a precociously brave nineteen-year-old, Michelle inspired Elaine to write how Michelle befriended Edward and two other U. S. Army captains. During hot summer days Captain Hume and his squad handled multiple bombs and deadly devices throughout Normandy while at night the foursome, along with her extended family, enjoyed memorable dinners. Elaine developed a close multi-year friendship with Michelle who died in her 100th year in early January 2024 yet she has lived on as the character Hélène LeRiche in the A CALL TO WAR series of novels.

Elaine lives in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee with her husband Christopher where she writes and has been enjoying life with their precious golden retriever Lucia.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[Bookishmom4ever · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because I am the daughter and sister of EOD specialists. I wanted to learn about the history of where EOD started in the United States Military. This book (I listened to the audio) was a beautiful but sometimes difficult to follow story of the Kaboom Boys of WWII and others.
Summary: Trained by the British the Kaboom Boys are one of America's first EOD specialist units, traveling Europe disarming unexploded bombs, landmines, and other other ammunitions that well go boom. The average life expectance for these early EOD specialists was just 10 weeks. Captain Edward Hume (one of the main characters) is determined to make that life expectance increase, navigating the horrors of WWII, the giant personalities of his men, and finding love in the middle of war it isn't as easy as it all sounds. Along their journey the meet the Blacksmith of Dachu a Jewish prisoner of war who was forced to do the job the Kaboom boys have been doing with NO training what so ever.
Thoughts: I love that Elaine Hume Peake drew on her own family history, and her father's experience as a BD man to write this novel. As the daughter and sister of current BD men I understand the danger and heartbreak of having someone you love do this dangerous job. I read a movie/documentary will be released soon. My only complaint as that there is so much back and forth throughout the novel. One minute it is told through Captain Hume's perspective and then the next it is a wife, sister, or lover back home, a different BD boy, or some other character. If I had a physical book perhaps these shifts would have been a little easier to follow but with the audio version it was difficult to keep up with all the back and forth.

[ManOfLaBook.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more reviews and bookish posts visit: https://www.ManOfLaBook.com

The Blacksmith of Dachau by Elaine Hume-Peaks is a historical fiction novel which is both haunting and hopeful. Ms. Hume-Peake was born in Aberdeen Proving Ground where her father, Captain Edward Hume learned the art of bomb disposal and diffused many in Europe during World War II.

Hans, a master blacksmith, is sent to Dachau concentration camp. He is first tasked with making detonators and eventually forced to disarm allied bombs at gunpoint.

Captain Edward Hume, commander of the Kaboom Boys, an American bomb disposal unit, leads his men through shattered Europe defusing bombs. As the Allies gain victory, the unit is called upon to practice their occupation, making their way across Europe.

I really enjoyed this book, its strong in spirit and quiet strength while still managing to convey the horrors of war. I visited Dachau last year, and I was glad to learn more about the concentration camp and aspects which the tour didn’t cover,

I knew nothing of The Blacksmith of Dachau by Elaine Hume-Peaks before starting to read it, I expected some sort of run-of-the-mill World War II/Holocaust stories that are so prevalent these days. I was pleasantly surprised by a nuanced, interesting story that’s takes the label “historical fiction” seriously and is not simply a story that takes place in the past.

The author took inspiration from her father, Captain Edward Thomas Hume of the Army Bomb Disposal unit, as I found out after finishing the book. I also didn’t know this was a second in the A Call to War series, but I will make it a point to read the first book, The Kaboom Boys, and subsequent titles. As I mentioned before, I had no idea this was the second in the series until after I finished the book, so this one is certainly a stand-alone story.

Jonathan Todd Ross, the narrator of the book, did an excellent job. He has an excellent voice, and I enjoyed the variations as the story progressed.

Both story lines, that of the blacksmith and the Kaboom Boys, are filled with emotions, resilience, and moral fortitude and courage. I cannot imagine the choices they had to make during one of the darkest times in human history.

This was a fast-paced book, with a great plot and fascinating characters. The story does mainly revolve around Captain Hume and his Kaboom Boys, not around Dachau which plays an integral, but small part of the story.

[Colleen Chi-Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

March 18, 2026

The Blacksmith of Dachau by Elaine Hume Peake; Don Keith
Pub Date: Mar 03 2026
Archive Date: Mar 10 2026
(BTW: there is no category yet on GR for the audiobook format)

As World War II reaches its final, desperate throes, Captain Edward Hume and his battle-hardened squad of bomb disposal experts—The Kaboom Boys—move methodically through the shattered remnants of Europe. While working to maintain steady hands and unwavering focus, they neutralize the silent killers left in war's wake, each defused bomb a small victory against chaos. As the Allies liberate France, Hume finds an unexpected connection in a field hospital—a sharp-witted, dedicated Army nurse named Virginia who sees the man beneath the uniform.

Pros: The cover is gorgeous and the story line and publisher's blurb are excellent.

I received this ARC audiobook from the publisher, RB Media, the author, Elaine Hume Peake, and NetGalley, and thank them for this opportunity to read the novel prior to publication. I take it very seriously and put 100% effort into listening with an open mind and heart. It was difficult. I stopped and started this many times to make sure it wasn't an energy or mood thing...

I wanted to love this audiobook, but I found that with a more animated narrator approach, it would be easier to follow and understand. If nothing else, read it on Kindle or in book form because it's such an amazing history about these Boom Boys. The fact that the author has a personal, historic, family connection is also amazing and heartfelt. Finally, to learn that there was actually a blacksmith in Dachau who was subjected to clearing these bombs without any training is once again horrific, Nazi tactics and a painful new note on history.

This novel is Book 2 in the A Call to War series and is an easy stand-alone read.

[Lizz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Powerful WWII Story That Taught Me Something New
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook!
I didn't realize going in that The Blacksmith of Dachau was the second book in the series, but I never felt like I was missing any context — it works perfectly well as a standalone listen.
One small adjustment for me was the narrator. Most of the WWII audiobooks I've listened to feature British or European accents, so having an American narrator threw me off slightly at first. That said, Jonathan Todd Ross grew on me as the story progressed.
A fun personal touch: my son's name appears in the book! I always assumed it was fairly unique, but this is actually the second or third audiobook where I've come across it — a small but delightful surprise.
I also got a kick out of the Superman and Texas references woven into the story. They added warmth and personality to what is otherwise a deeply serious subject.
What I appreciated most was learning something entirely new. No matter how many WWII books I consume, there's always more to discover. I had never really thought about the teams responsible for locating and detonating unexploded bombs left behind after combat. It makes complete sense that such a role would exist — but it had simply never crossed my mind. Learning about the "Kaboom Boys" and their dangerous, painstaking work gave me a whole new appreciation for the many unsung contributions that shaped the war's outcome.
If you enjoy WWII historical fiction that combines action, heart, and humanity, this one is well worth your time.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second in the authors’ Kaboom Boys series, and takes place from D-Day forward as the end of WWII approaches. Captain Edward Hume and his squad of bomb disposal experts are moving further into France beginning at Mont Saint Michel, the iconic island city in Normandy. Each day brings new challenges in eliminating the risks associated with unexploded bombs and other weapons. Each member of his team brings different backgrounds and emotions to the team which explain much of their interactions and feelings. At the same time, the so-called Blacksmith of Dachau has been imprisoned at the Dachau internment camp (aka concentration camp) and is assigned to defuse bombs in the area. He has survived hundreds of assignments and thus has managed to survive all of the atrocities the Nazis have thrust upon those who did not measure up to their Aryan ideals.

While I enjoyed reading this book, I kept thinking why was the blacksmith in the title. While his story was certainly interesting, his role was very limited. The main thread of the story - the Bomb Disposal units during WWII - on the other hand, was captivating, especially since I was unaware of this specific unit during and after the war. I also learned after reading the ARC of this novel courtesy of Severn River Publishing that the main BD character, Edward Hume, was based on the author’s father. Captain Hume was based at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Maryland, which was the base for the Army Bomb Disposal testing and training. And I did not know about the first book in the series and I don’t think that had any impact on enjoying this historical fiction novel.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a complicated story with a lot of characters. It revolves around Edward Hume and his Kaboom Boys, the bomb disposal team during WW2. As the story progresses we learn a little about each of the team and how they dealing with the realities of war. I listened to the audio and the narrator has a good voice and the way he spoke grew on me as the story progressed. I did not realize this was the second book in the series but don't think that it was a problem. I do think I would have done better reading the story rather than listening, despite the fact I always have an audio book going as well as a print one. I struggled a bit at first to figure out all the different characters and I think for me I would have separated them better seeing all the names instead. And while it is fiction, it does make you think about all the unexploded bombs during the war. It's just not something talked about so it's nice to learn something new. I think this is book for anyone who enjoys a good story and learning more about WW2.

[Tuesdaybeanreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

An interesting WWII story that focuses on the bomb disposal teams, the “Kaboom Boys”, and the dangerous work of dealing with unexploded ordnance after combat. I really liked learning about this lesser-known part of the war and it gave me a new appreciation for the people who did that job.

That said, I didn’t connect with this one quite as much as The Kaboom Boys. There are a lot of characters and I found it a little harder to keep track of everyone at times. Still, it’s a solid historical fiction read and clearly well researched.

If you enjoy WWII stories that explore different aspects of the war, this one is worth a look.

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Netgally ALC (advanced listener copy) review
This historical fiction book set in WW2 follows Captain Edward and his bomb disposal squad in the final days of WW2. Advancing through Germany, they end up liberating Dachau where they meet the man nicknamed the blacksmith of Dachau.

I don't know why, but I didn't connect with this book. Which is the first time with a historical fiction for me. While it wasn't a match for me, the story is well writen and the narrator did a good job. His voice actually reminded me of Tom Hanks and was really nice to listen to!

I struggled to finish the book but I'm still giving it a 3 star review because I see the potential if the reader matches with the book.

[Travis Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blacksmith of Dachau
By Elaine Hume Peake, Don Keith
Pub Date: Mar 03 2026

This is a continuation of Kaboom Boys, a historical fiction book about military bomb disposal men during World War II. This was just as good as the last book. I enjoyed it, making historical fiction one of my favorite genres to listen to.
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.

[Jim Flagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. This is a story about a small group of men that become part of the Armies bomb disposal force during WWII. This is book two of the series. This is historical fiction but, the history involved is important for the reader to know about and remember. The story and characters are believable and I look forward to the next book in this great series. As with most series it should be read in order.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blacksmith of Dachau by Elaine Hume Peake and Don Keith. This is an interesting historical fiction. I find the history interesting. Narrator was Jonathan Todd Ross, it was difficult to tell who was taking. He didn’t change his tone at all. Thank you to #NetGalley and #RBMedia fire this Arc. This is my honest review.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a 4.5, very interesting subject matter. I guess I knew about unexploded ordinance but hadn't given it much thought. This is the first of the series that I've read but I would have appreciated a little background of the research

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful sequel to the kaboom boys, bringing a great closure to both the plot and characters. Highly recommend it’s reading after reading the Kaboom Boys (4 star rating only because the full effect of the novel can only be recognized after reading Kaboom Boys)

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE BLACKSMITH OF DACHAU - An interesting and intriguing story set in Dachau bei Munich im Bayern, during WWII. A variety of interesting characters along with historical events made for an immersing read. Source: Severn River Publishing. 4*

[Dick Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kaboom boys are back with another great adventure. This time they even meet up with a prisoner doing their job for the other side.

[Judith Barkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the third book.