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Stella Bled #8
Operation Knickknack
Nuremberg, 1941
A Hail Mary mission. A city in the heart of the Reich. The mother of all mistakes.
The war is heating up, but all Stella Bled Lawrence wants to do is cool down. She expected a rest after multiple missions, but when the SIS needs her skills, she can’t say no.
Soon she’s accompanying the wily double agent Cyril Welk to Nuremberg to uncover information that England believes is essential.
Surrounded by fervent Nazis of all stripes, Stella has just weeks to fit herself into a new mold at Hitler’s favorite hotel, but the mission goes sideways almost immediately and she’s on her own.
When a notorious Nazi shows up, things take a turn for the worse when Stella becomes a target for his attention. Can she get the information the British seek? Will it change the course of the war? Can she get out alive?
Operation Knickknack is the action-packed eighth installment in the on-going Stella Bled series, detailing the bravery and sacrifices needed to fight during the darkest days of WWII.
A Hail Mary mission. A city in the heart of the Reich. The mother of all mistakes.
The war is heating up, but all Stella Bled Lawrence wants to do is cool down. She expected a rest after multiple missions, but when the SIS needs her skills, she can’t say no.
Soon she’s accompanying the wily double agent Cyril Welk to Nuremberg to uncover information that England believes is essential.
Surrounded by fervent Nazis of all stripes, Stella has just weeks to fit herself into a new mold at Hitler’s favorite hotel, but the mission goes sideways almost immediately and she’s on her own.
When a notorious Nazi shows up, things take a turn for the worse when Stella becomes a target for his attention. Can she get the information the British seek? Will it change the course of the war? Can she get out alive?
Operation Knickknack is the action-packed eighth installment in the on-going Stella Bled series, detailing the bravery and sacrifices needed to fight during the darkest days of WWII.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2025
About the author
A.W. Hartoin
49 books241 followersUSA Today bestselling author A.W. Hartoin grew up in rural Missouri, but her grandmother lived in the Central West End area of St. Louis. The CWE fascinated her with its enormous houses, every one unique. She was sure there was a story behind each ornate door. Going to Grandma’s house was a treat and an adventure. As the only grandchild around for many years, A.W. spent her visits exploring the many rooms with their many secrets. That’s how Mercy Watts and the fairies of Whipplethorn came to be.
As an adult, A.W. Hartoin decided she needed a whole lot more life experience if she was going to write good characters so she joined the Air Force. It was the best education she could’ve hoped for. She met her husband and traveled the world, living in Alaska, Italy, and Germany before settling in Colorado for nearly eleven years. Now A.W. has returned to Germany and lives in picturesque Waldenbuch with her family and two spoiled cats, who absolutely believe they should be allowed to escape and roam the village freely.
As an adult, A.W. Hartoin decided she needed a whole lot more life experience if she was going to write good characters so she joined the Air Force. It was the best education she could’ve hoped for. She met her husband and traveled the world, living in Alaska, Italy, and Germany before settling in Colorado for nearly eleven years. Now A.W. has returned to Germany and lives in picturesque Waldenbuch with her family and two spoiled cats, who absolutely believe they should be allowed to escape and roam the village freely.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 5, 2025
wow what a story! Stella is undercover again and she comes very close to being found out. the twists and turns of the story keep you gripped and needing to know what happens next. The writer has the wonderful talent of drawing you in so you feel like you're standing in Nazi Germany alongside Stella as she does her best to survive. I finished the book at bedtime and the ending left me unable to get to sleep for worrying about what would happen next. hopefully the next book comes out soon. Excellent read.
May 12, 2025
Wonderful addition!
I was intrigued from the first paragraph. This was a great addition to the series and leaves me wanting more. Each book leaves me with more questions. I also love the tie-in to the Mercy series! This book also caused me the most grief, but no spoilers. I am so looking forward to what's next.
I was intrigued from the first paragraph. This was a great addition to the series and leaves me wanting more. Each book leaves me with more questions. I also love the tie-in to the Mercy series! This book also caused me the most grief, but no spoilers. I am so looking forward to what's next.
May 7, 2025
Stella Bled is back. Each book in the series has been better than the last, but author A. W. Hartoin has truly outdone herself with Operation Knickknack, the eighth book in her Stella Bled Thriller series. To call it a thriller doesn’t do it justice; if I were to give this book a subtitle, it would be “The Book of Non-stop Dread.”
Stella’s been in danger before. She’s been interrogated, injured, betrayed, had to travel long distances to escape, had to wear disguises for long periods, always praying they’re good enough, had to think and react in the heat of the moment, made more narrow escapes than you can count. She’s been lonely and afraid and discouraged. She’s rarely spent time with her husband Nicky, she hasn’t been back home to the United States in years, and it’s only been by chance that she’s seen one or two members of her family in Europe. All in the span of a few short years, starting with a beautiful, rich, spoiled young bride and her handsome, dashing, adoring, equally rich and spoiled young groom on their honeymoon in Vienna. On the eve of Kristallnacht . . . .
When this mission is thrust upon her Stella is tired – exhausted would be more accurate – and desperately needing a break. Nicky is a pilot and in constant danger himself; she doesn’t even know if he’s dead or alive. They’ve had just one wonderful night together in who knows how long. She tries to refuse, but Stella is good at her job, one-in-a-million, and this mission is of such importantance that it must be her. So she agrees. The mission is critically important, but it should also be fairly simple, get in, get what you need, get out; she’ll be accompanied by Cyril Welk, everything is set. What could go wrong?
“What could go wrong?” is the question of the century. And the answer to that question is: everything. To begin with, her mission isn’t what it seemed. In fact, it seems like her cover never would have worked. Then Cyril is called away for a time. She’s left alone in Nuremburg, waiting to be extracted, but her local contacts just don’t feel right, and she’s surrounded in her hotel by Nazis. When circumstances cause her to take quick action and flee, she becomes even more embedded in this hostile, dangerous place. With a German family. With men forcing their attention on her at every turn. On the eve of Pearl Harbor.
If this string of “misfortunes” were part of a comedy it would be hilarious, but absolutely none of this is funny. It will take all of Stell’s wit and cunning, all her ability to act, to become the character she’s portraying, to never slip for even a second so she’s not found out.
One thing after another after another goes wrong until you are shaking your head at the sheer magnitude of it. Stella sees and experiences first-hand the life of a normal German family, with people suspicious of their own family, friends and neighbors, afraid to speak of or even hint at displeasure with or complaints about life, because that is considered treason against the Fuhrer. She sees how the children are brainwashed through their schooling and programs and uniforms and rituals, so much so that they even believe you should by joyful rather than sad at the loss of a loved one because it’s in the name of serving the Fuhrer.
If you’ve read the rest of this series you know what Stella’s been through: Abel, Vienna, Little Anna in the crib. But what she must endure in Operation Knickknack is beyond surprising or shocking; it’s stunning, unbelievable, tears your heart out.
Operation Knickknack is exciting, thrilling, fast-paced, full of the usual facts blended into this riveting story. Hartoin has the magical ability to provide the worldview of this time in history, the big battles and strategies, the picture of Hitler smoothly rolling along in his path of destruction and then swoop down and place you (and Stella) in the middle of everyday life, and what was going on under the surface: the purging of the Jews, the rivalries and plots, the art theft, the nightclubs, the party scene. With each book you learn more, think of things in a way you never did before, while hoping fervently that Stella can just get out of there once and for all. And then there is Hartoin’s amazing talent for putting clues and references to Stella and Nicky’s lives into her other series. I have read Hartoin’s Stella Bled series, Mercy Watts series and the Jess and Libby Paranormal Cozy Mystery series and I believe by now that her entire house must be wall-to-wall sticky notes and timelines. How else could she keep track of all those details and give us such wonderfully satisfying books? I thoroughly enjoyed Operation Knickknack and recommend it without hesitation. I have no idea what will happen to Stella next and can’t wait to find out. In the meantime, I’ll be reading Hartoin’s other series and suggest you do, too. I was given an advance copy of this book by the author. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Stella’s been in danger before. She’s been interrogated, injured, betrayed, had to travel long distances to escape, had to wear disguises for long periods, always praying they’re good enough, had to think and react in the heat of the moment, made more narrow escapes than you can count. She’s been lonely and afraid and discouraged. She’s rarely spent time with her husband Nicky, she hasn’t been back home to the United States in years, and it’s only been by chance that she’s seen one or two members of her family in Europe. All in the span of a few short years, starting with a beautiful, rich, spoiled young bride and her handsome, dashing, adoring, equally rich and spoiled young groom on their honeymoon in Vienna. On the eve of Kristallnacht . . . .
When this mission is thrust upon her Stella is tired – exhausted would be more accurate – and desperately needing a break. Nicky is a pilot and in constant danger himself; she doesn’t even know if he’s dead or alive. They’ve had just one wonderful night together in who knows how long. She tries to refuse, but Stella is good at her job, one-in-a-million, and this mission is of such importantance that it must be her. So she agrees. The mission is critically important, but it should also be fairly simple, get in, get what you need, get out; she’ll be accompanied by Cyril Welk, everything is set. What could go wrong?
“What could go wrong?” is the question of the century. And the answer to that question is: everything. To begin with, her mission isn’t what it seemed. In fact, it seems like her cover never would have worked. Then Cyril is called away for a time. She’s left alone in Nuremburg, waiting to be extracted, but her local contacts just don’t feel right, and she’s surrounded in her hotel by Nazis. When circumstances cause her to take quick action and flee, she becomes even more embedded in this hostile, dangerous place. With a German family. With men forcing their attention on her at every turn. On the eve of Pearl Harbor.
If this string of “misfortunes” were part of a comedy it would be hilarious, but absolutely none of this is funny. It will take all of Stell’s wit and cunning, all her ability to act, to become the character she’s portraying, to never slip for even a second so she’s not found out.
One thing after another after another goes wrong until you are shaking your head at the sheer magnitude of it. Stella sees and experiences first-hand the life of a normal German family, with people suspicious of their own family, friends and neighbors, afraid to speak of or even hint at displeasure with or complaints about life, because that is considered treason against the Fuhrer. She sees how the children are brainwashed through their schooling and programs and uniforms and rituals, so much so that they even believe you should by joyful rather than sad at the loss of a loved one because it’s in the name of serving the Fuhrer.
If you’ve read the rest of this series you know what Stella’s been through: Abel, Vienna, Little Anna in the crib. But what she must endure in Operation Knickknack is beyond surprising or shocking; it’s stunning, unbelievable, tears your heart out.
Operation Knickknack is exciting, thrilling, fast-paced, full of the usual facts blended into this riveting story. Hartoin has the magical ability to provide the worldview of this time in history, the big battles and strategies, the picture of Hitler smoothly rolling along in his path of destruction and then swoop down and place you (and Stella) in the middle of everyday life, and what was going on under the surface: the purging of the Jews, the rivalries and plots, the art theft, the nightclubs, the party scene. With each book you learn more, think of things in a way you never did before, while hoping fervently that Stella can just get out of there once and for all. And then there is Hartoin’s amazing talent for putting clues and references to Stella and Nicky’s lives into her other series. I have read Hartoin’s Stella Bled series, Mercy Watts series and the Jess and Libby Paranormal Cozy Mystery series and I believe by now that her entire house must be wall-to-wall sticky notes and timelines. How else could she keep track of all those details and give us such wonderfully satisfying books? I thoroughly enjoyed Operation Knickknack and recommend it without hesitation. I have no idea what will happen to Stella next and can’t wait to find out. In the meantime, I’ll be reading Hartoin’s other series and suggest you do, too. I was given an advance copy of this book by the author. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
May 14, 2025
I love this series. I was thrilled to see it available and now sad I finished it. Stella is just a feisty, smart, fascinating character. This one particularly just topped it for me due to the level of complexity and thrilling twists and turns. It does your heart good to see Stella often underestimated as a pretty, petite woman but overdelivering with the needed intelligence and triumphing time and time again. I love to see how she thinks and figures out the best ways to finagle her situation and others around her as she is spying. I am exhausted and that is because I can't sleep once I have started to read until I am done.
I love all the detail about whatever country she is in and the all the info on the language, culture, places, food and people. The supporting characters are also completely drawn and the relationships are often very touching. The history on WWII is top notch and the descriptions and detail about events are so specific and realistic you feel like you are there going through it with Stella and her fellow spies. I am often amazed how I worry about what will happen next even though I know the broader history already.
I highly recommend this series and can't wait for anther book to come out. In the meantime, I am starting on another of the author's series and look forward to falling in love with that character as well. But I don't know if I can love her as much as I love Stella.
I love all the detail about whatever country she is in and the all the info on the language, culture, places, food and people. The supporting characters are also completely drawn and the relationships are often very touching. The history on WWII is top notch and the descriptions and detail about events are so specific and realistic you feel like you are there going through it with Stella and her fellow spies. I am often amazed how I worry about what will happen next even though I know the broader history already.
I highly recommend this series and can't wait for anther book to come out. In the meantime, I am starting on another of the author's series and look forward to falling in love with that character as well. But I don't know if I can love her as much as I love Stella.
May 9, 2025
This Stella Bled Lawrence #8 edition has twists and turns like never seen before! Stella is like a black cat with 9 lives it seems (oh wait, that’s in the Jess and Libby series)! Can you tell, I’m a huge fan of the author!! WWII was a difficult time for everyone it seemed and none more so than the members of the resistance cell and the spies working to help them win the war. Many believed that since Stella and her husband Nicky were Americans, they shouldn’t be involved in this war since it was just Europe in early 1941. No one could tell them that and they are fiercely fighting to help those that cannot help themselves. Stella finished her last assignment undercover in Lyon France tired and needing some down time. She was very smart and good at her job. Too good it seems. They needed her right away because she had intuition that kept her alive in dangerous situations. She was one of the best spies England had. Cyril Welk her double agent friend is back to help her and encounters his own difficulties trying to protect his daughter. Nuremberg was not the mission where plans went right. She had to protect herself and an unexpected surprise! No spoilers BUT big changes and a cliffhanger!! Stella is depending on her friend Marie to help her out again. Can’t wait for the next edition to see how things turn out!! You will NOT be disappointed in this book! Wow!
May 13, 2025
I’ve read every book in the Stella Bled series, and Operation KnickKnack might be one of the most intense yet. A.W. Hartoin has a way of making you feel like you’re right there beside Stella—dodging danger, thinking on the fly, and trying to stay one step ahead of people who’d kill her without a second thought.
This time, she’s dropped into the middle of Nazi Germany, and things go sideways almost immediately. It’s high-stakes from the very beginning, and the tension never really lets up. I especially loved the dynamic between Stella and Cyril—it’s complicated, sharp, and keeps you guessing.
The setting in Nuremberg is vivid and chilling, and there’s a particular Nazi character who is seriously unsettling. Hartoin does a great job showing how terrifying and isolating Stella’s world can be, while still letting her wit and determination shine through.
If you’ve been following the series, you won’t be disappointed. And if you haven’t—start from the beginning, you’re in for a treat. This is smart, fast-paced historical fiction with heart, grit, and just enough dark humor to balance the tension.
This time, she’s dropped into the middle of Nazi Germany, and things go sideways almost immediately. It’s high-stakes from the very beginning, and the tension never really lets up. I especially loved the dynamic between Stella and Cyril—it’s complicated, sharp, and keeps you guessing.
The setting in Nuremberg is vivid and chilling, and there’s a particular Nazi character who is seriously unsettling. Hartoin does a great job showing how terrifying and isolating Stella’s world can be, while still letting her wit and determination shine through.
If you’ve been following the series, you won’t be disappointed. And if you haven’t—start from the beginning, you’re in for a treat. This is smart, fast-paced historical fiction with heart, grit, and just enough dark humor to balance the tension.
July 13, 2025
Another gripping, page turner of a novel by this amazing author. Book 8 in the series definately does not disappoint its reader fans. What doesn't go wrong, as Stella finds herself embroiled in the lives of residents and a local bakery in Nuremberg during Nazi rule?! Every twist and turn seems to lead to tougher and tougher possible ways out of the spy mess in her wake. It's a great thing (also a curse) that Stella is so beautiful. Just when you think you can put the book down, it pulls you back in and under. Stella has a knickknack! Love it!
A.W Hartoin is master class at this stuff. Can't wait for Book 9. Seriously, I cannot!
A.W Hartoin is master class at this stuff. Can't wait for Book 9. Seriously, I cannot!
May 27, 2025
I've read all the books in this series and this was definitely one of my favorites. The story line left me very torn as I almost wanted Stella to stay with her new found family and I could feel how hard it was for her to leave them. All of the Stella Bled books have so many unexpected twists and turns that keep you reading and having difficulty putting the books down. Now I'm anxious for the next one.
May 8, 2025
Excellent thrilling story
A W Hartoin never fails to excel in her writing and storytelling. The depth of research and commitment to detail is wonderful. Can't wait for the next instalment!
A W Hartoin never fails to excel in her writing and storytelling. The depth of research and commitment to detail is wonderful. Can't wait for the next instalment!
August 26, 2025
Another great Stella adventure
Always a great read! Love Stella and her compassion. Couldn't put this down. Stella manages to see good in individuals, while exposing the evil for what it was.
Always a great read! Love Stella and her compassion. Couldn't put this down. Stella manages to see good in individuals, while exposing the evil for what it was.
July 29, 2026
Good read
I'm genuinely discovering that I'm truly delighting in this collection considerably, and I must admit it's been an authentic joy to peruse. I find satisfaction in the unexpected developments and surprising turns of events.
I'm genuinely discovering that I'm truly delighting in this collection considerably, and I must admit it's been an authentic joy to peruse. I find satisfaction in the unexpected developments and surprising turns of events.
May 19, 2025
Impossible to put down. This series goes from strength to strength. Absolutely brilliant.
May 19, 2025
Operation Knickknack is the 8th of the Stella Bled series and I believe it is the best yet.
January 26, 2026
Lots of action and intrigue
Reading g about Stella's life made me tired. The story is exciting and inspirational. I loved all the chacters. Well done.
Reading g about Stella's life made me tired. The story is exciting and inspirational. I loved all the chacters. Well done.
July 17, 2026
A page turner- very exciting
A very good read. This book caused me two nights of very little sleep-but it was worth it. I couldn’t put it down!
A very good read. This book caused me two nights of very little sleep-but it was worth it. I couldn’t put it down!
May 29, 2025
This author writes with so much heart, compassion and research, that's why I love this series. I wouldn't normally chose to read a book about The War but as this is a spin off from another series, I gave book one a go and have been hooked ever since and for a good reason. We complain about the world today but reading this series is a real eye opener, especially as the author transports you back to a different time and place and makes everything so real. The story is a long one with a lot going on and I just don't feel like any review I write can do it justice, so instead I am just going to say read the book.
Stella finds herself being sent back to Germany, to act as niece to fellow agent Cyril Welk but Cyril takes a trip leaving her alone in a hotel, filled with the enemy. When the Nazis start to take an interest in her she knows she has to fall back on her back up plan and leave. She reinvents herself and gets a job working in a family run bakery and set in to wait for the return of Cyril. When her handler goes missing she must make it on her own, until an extraction plan can be put in place. A missing handler is soon the least of her worries when everything that can go wrong with a mission does. From the owner of the bakery being put in prison to Stella catching on he eye of some unwanted attention, Stella will have to face it all If she wants to survive and return home.
I was this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Stella finds herself being sent back to Germany, to act as niece to fellow agent Cyril Welk but Cyril takes a trip leaving her alone in a hotel, filled with the enemy. When the Nazis start to take an interest in her she knows she has to fall back on her back up plan and leave. She reinvents herself and gets a job working in a family run bakery and set in to wait for the return of Cyril. When her handler goes missing she must make it on her own, until an extraction plan can be put in place. A missing handler is soon the least of her worries when everything that can go wrong with a mission does. From the owner of the bakery being put in prison to Stella catching on he eye of some unwanted attention, Stella will have to face it all If she wants to survive and return home.
I was this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews