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In Satan's Shadow
Berlin, 1943:
Amanda Hamilton, a Scottish photographer and violinist, marries a Nazi Party official and spends ten years in Germany absorbing a new culture, immersed in one of the most tumultuous periods in human history. Her life takes a turbulent turn in the midst of World War II, when an English spy named Michael York arrives in Berlin and convinces her to betray her adopted country.
A favorite of Hitler, admired by Goebbels and Göring, her photographs document life in the upper echelons of the Nazi party, a world that none on earth ever dreamed existed. It was there that Amanda Hamilton, never the author of an evil thought, walked in Satan's shadow.
Amanda Hamilton, a Scottish photographer and violinist, marries a Nazi Party official and spends ten years in Germany absorbing a new culture, immersed in one of the most tumultuous periods in human history. Her life takes a turbulent turn in the midst of World War II, when an English spy named Michael York arrives in Berlin and convinces her to betray her adopted country.
A favorite of Hitler, admired by Goebbels and Göring, her photographs document life in the upper echelons of the Nazi party, a world that none on earth ever dreamed existed. It was there that Amanda Hamilton, never the author of an evil thought, walked in Satan's shadow.
455 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2025
178 people are currently reading
3005 people want to read
About the author
John Anthony Miller
19 books344 followersJohn Anthony Miller writes all things historical—thrillers, mysteries, and romance. He sets his novels in exotic locations spanning all eras of space and time, with complex characters forced to face inner conflicts—fighting demons both real and imagined. Each of his novels is unique: a Medieval epic, five historical mysteries, two Cold-War thrillers, two 1970’s cozy mysteries, a Revolutionary War spy novel, seven WWII thrillers, and The Castle on the Cliff. He lives in southern New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 10, 2016
This book has everything, Romance, suspense, Nazis and classical musicians. A string quartet in Berlin is being watched by an English spy to find out which one is the one who is turning in people to the Gestapo. An exciting and well done read.
May 18, 2016
After reading Mr. Miller’s first book I was hoping to be swept into another great adventure with his second book. The drama set in Berlin during WW11 did not disappoint. “In Satan’s Shadow” is an extraordinary story of espionage, deceit, courage and love.
British agent Michael York is sent to Berlin to flush out an informant and a spy that may have been a factor in the death of his predecessor. The traitor may be a member of Berlin’s renowned String Quartet and Michael’s mission is to find out who is responsible without falling prey to the Gestapo. Each member is close to the German war effort: Amada is married to a high ranking officer, Erika works in the logistics department, Gerhard works as a draftsman for the Armaments Department and Albert is well connected in high places.
If you think this story doesn’t have tension you would be mistaking. Getting close to each member is vital to extract information for the Allies without attracting attention. As we follow Michael fear of him getting caught is at every corner. The descriptive narrative is such that I felt that I was there on the scene observing his every move wanting him to get out of his predicament, escaping the Gestapo or not revealing who he really is. I really was emotionally vested rooting for Michael. Mr. Miller knows how to build slowly tension and never let it ease till you reach the final words. This outstanding story is well-written with rich knowledge of the period, strong descriptions of people’s emotions and vivid observations of a Berlin on its final days.
This is a hard book to put aside it is such a page-turner that once started you want to see how everyone will fare at the end. We have well developed and mostly charismatic players to hold us glued to every word in this drama. Of course Mr. Miller gave us an unforeseen twist at the end to add another touch to the never ending suspense. This is another gripping and excellent read.
I wish to thank Mr. Miller for providing an electronic copy of this book for my thoughts. “This is the Way I see it” and in no way was I influenced by the offer.
British agent Michael York is sent to Berlin to flush out an informant and a spy that may have been a factor in the death of his predecessor. The traitor may be a member of Berlin’s renowned String Quartet and Michael’s mission is to find out who is responsible without falling prey to the Gestapo. Each member is close to the German war effort: Amada is married to a high ranking officer, Erika works in the logistics department, Gerhard works as a draftsman for the Armaments Department and Albert is well connected in high places.
If you think this story doesn’t have tension you would be mistaking. Getting close to each member is vital to extract information for the Allies without attracting attention. As we follow Michael fear of him getting caught is at every corner. The descriptive narrative is such that I felt that I was there on the scene observing his every move wanting him to get out of his predicament, escaping the Gestapo or not revealing who he really is. I really was emotionally vested rooting for Michael. Mr. Miller knows how to build slowly tension and never let it ease till you reach the final words. This outstanding story is well-written with rich knowledge of the period, strong descriptions of people’s emotions and vivid observations of a Berlin on its final days.
This is a hard book to put aside it is such a page-turner that once started you want to see how everyone will fare at the end. We have well developed and mostly charismatic players to hold us glued to every word in this drama. Of course Mr. Miller gave us an unforeseen twist at the end to add another touch to the never ending suspense. This is another gripping and excellent read.
I wish to thank Mr. Miller for providing an electronic copy of this book for my thoughts. “This is the Way I see it” and in no way was I influenced by the offer.
April 26, 2016
Really enjoyed this - interesting historical novel. Not at all sappy, with real characters who have depth. Wish there were more music-related parts.
March 29, 2022
I don’t typically read spy or World War II era fiction, but this one drew me in by the title and cover. And then it hooked me with a riveting opening. Right away, our hero, British spy Michael York proves to be daring, thoughtful, and passionate. Each risk he takes is calculated. Michael finds himself in Berlin, Germany, on a high-risk mission – and finds himself immersed in a whirlwind romance just as life-threatening, if not more.
There’s a sense of ominous foreboding that hangs over the story, even in the slower scenes. High tension and unpredictability. Readers not only explore York’s life, but we get a glimpse into the lives of good people stuck in troubling and terrifying times, each with their own story. It separates the country and culture of Germany away from the notorious Nazis. Even during this tumultuous and horrific time, real humans lived in Germany. Miller also brings 1940s Berlin to life in his descriptions. Sometimes the setting descriptions went on for a little too long, in my opinion, but it didn’t rob much from the story. I found it fascinating to be immersed in such a time of history.
Violinist Amanda Hamilton becomes not only an inside source of Nazi information, being married to one of the higher ups in the organization, but she also steals Michael’s heart. Readers get a glimpse into her loveless, cruel, and heartbreaking marriage to a narcissistic Nazi while she and Michael, realizing no one else will help them, plan a daring escape from the ruins of war. Does the woman who lives in Satan’s shadow escape to find happiness? Can the man who finds himself in too deep and facing a traitor that had his predecessor killed make one last escape for his life, and the others he tries to rescue along the way?
I did guess who the traitor was partway through, but I attribute that to how well set up the plot was overall. By the end, everything made sense. The reader anticipates a climax that will either devastate or delight. The climax could have gone so many ways based on the plot setup. It was the escape where whatever could go wrong, did.
My only other critique of this story is that it did far more telling than showing, and there were many spots where I felt showing would have made more of an emotional impact. I felt like it skipped over a few scenes that were important, and the ending post-climax felt a tad rushed. Otherwise, I enjoyed this story of survival, beating the odds, and love persevering over evil.
There’s a sense of ominous foreboding that hangs over the story, even in the slower scenes. High tension and unpredictability. Readers not only explore York’s life, but we get a glimpse into the lives of good people stuck in troubling and terrifying times, each with their own story. It separates the country and culture of Germany away from the notorious Nazis. Even during this tumultuous and horrific time, real humans lived in Germany. Miller also brings 1940s Berlin to life in his descriptions. Sometimes the setting descriptions went on for a little too long, in my opinion, but it didn’t rob much from the story. I found it fascinating to be immersed in such a time of history.
Violinist Amanda Hamilton becomes not only an inside source of Nazi information, being married to one of the higher ups in the organization, but she also steals Michael’s heart. Readers get a glimpse into her loveless, cruel, and heartbreaking marriage to a narcissistic Nazi while she and Michael, realizing no one else will help them, plan a daring escape from the ruins of war. Does the woman who lives in Satan’s shadow escape to find happiness? Can the man who finds himself in too deep and facing a traitor that had his predecessor killed make one last escape for his life, and the others he tries to rescue along the way?
I did guess who the traitor was partway through, but I attribute that to how well set up the plot was overall. By the end, everything made sense. The reader anticipates a climax that will either devastate or delight. The climax could have gone so many ways based on the plot setup. It was the escape where whatever could go wrong, did.
My only other critique of this story is that it did far more telling than showing, and there were many spots where I felt showing would have made more of an emotional impact. I felt like it skipped over a few scenes that were important, and the ending post-climax felt a tad rushed. Otherwise, I enjoyed this story of survival, beating the odds, and love persevering over evil.
June 17, 2022
Great Book
I would recommend this book . Once I started it I did not want to.put it down. A very quick read!
I would recommend this book . Once I started it I did not want to.put it down. A very quick read!
December 19, 2021
Hard to Put Down
This is the second of John Anthony Miller’s books that I have read. This book was excellent. He grabs your attention in the first chapter and doesn’t let go until the last page. Set in Berlin, this is a well written tale of of espionage and counter espionage in World War 2. It’s pretty easy to tell who the good guys were but you’ll be surprised by the bad guys.
The next thing I’m going to do is see what else he has written. He’s that good.
This is the second of John Anthony Miller’s books that I have read. This book was excellent. He grabs your attention in the first chapter and doesn’t let go until the last page. Set in Berlin, this is a well written tale of of espionage and counter espionage in World War 2. It’s pretty easy to tell who the good guys were but you’ll be surprised by the bad guys.
The next thing I’m going to do is see what else he has written. He’s that good.
April 26, 2016
Great novel for anyone who loves military fiction, suspense and intrigue!
July 6, 2022
Exciting
I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense in this historical novel. More books by this author are definitely on my reading list.
I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense in this historical novel. More books by this author are definitely on my reading list.
July 13, 2022
in Satan’s Shadow
I so enjoyed this book. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year. I would like to know what happened to Millie and the children though.
I so enjoyed this book. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year. I would like to know what happened to Millie and the children though.
July 3, 2021
An interesting book to read. The story was interesting and if I didn’t have other things on to do would have been nice to cosy up in the chair. The author really told a good story from start to finish . I did not work out the traitor at all so that speaks for itself. So a good spy novel for those who are interested in WW11.
July 3, 2016
In Satan’s Shadow, by John Anthony Miller, is a fabulously written spy thriller. The story is set in Berlin, Germany during the height on WW II. The Allies are working hard to stop the German war machine and spying is just one of the tools in their box as they work towards victory.
Michael York is a British school teacher and because of his flawless German is now a spy. He is given the task to discover who betrayed the last British spy in Berlin and gather any information that he can to help the Allies. His focus is the members of the Berlin String Quartet. He knows one member was selling information to his predecessor and another is the informant that caused his predecessor’s demise. York knows he must tread carefully and trust no one. It is extremely difficult for a spy to survive in Berlin.
As the story unfolds, each member of the Quartet has access to sensitive information. As York works to unravel the puzzle, he becomes increasing enamored with the famous violinist Amanda Hamilton, who is married to a high ranking officer in the Nazi party. Can he trusts her with his secrets in a world where trust in never given.
I will stop here with my synopsis; the story is just too good to be spoiled. The characters are fully developed and as you read you will come to love some and hate others; but, you will never be bored. There are lots of twists and surprises right up till the end. In Satan’s Shadow is one of the best spy novels I have read in a long time. Hats off to Mr. Miller for making my feel the characters pain, hopes, and desires.
I received a copy of In Satan’s Shadow in a giveaway. So glad I did!
Michael York is a British school teacher and because of his flawless German is now a spy. He is given the task to discover who betrayed the last British spy in Berlin and gather any information that he can to help the Allies. His focus is the members of the Berlin String Quartet. He knows one member was selling information to his predecessor and another is the informant that caused his predecessor’s demise. York knows he must tread carefully and trust no one. It is extremely difficult for a spy to survive in Berlin.
As the story unfolds, each member of the Quartet has access to sensitive information. As York works to unravel the puzzle, he becomes increasing enamored with the famous violinist Amanda Hamilton, who is married to a high ranking officer in the Nazi party. Can he trusts her with his secrets in a world where trust in never given.
I will stop here with my synopsis; the story is just too good to be spoiled. The characters are fully developed and as you read you will come to love some and hate others; but, you will never be bored. There are lots of twists and surprises right up till the end. In Satan’s Shadow is one of the best spy novels I have read in a long time. Hats off to Mr. Miller for making my feel the characters pain, hopes, and desires.
I received a copy of In Satan’s Shadow in a giveaway. So glad I did!
May 23, 2016
I enjoy reading period spy novels and this one by John Anthony Miller didn’t disappoint. Michael York a British Secret agent is sent to Berlin to try and find out who amongst the renowned Berlin String Quartet betrayed his predecessor and who amongst them is willing to supply British intelligence with valuable information. The novel evokes what must have been the atmosphere of the time and is well written and researched.
Although by 1943 some amongst the Nazi hierarchy had realised the war was lost, Berlin is still a very dangerous place for a British agent to be. No-one can be trusted and even with the help of Max, a British master spy; Michael’s task does not become any easier. He must tread very carefully, knowing that a wrong move could lead to his arrest and execution.
An excellent novel I didn’t want to put down. I won’t give the story away, but can say that it kept me engrossed to the very last page and is a novel I would highly recommend.
Although by 1943 some amongst the Nazi hierarchy had realised the war was lost, Berlin is still a very dangerous place for a British agent to be. No-one can be trusted and even with the help of Max, a British master spy; Michael’s task does not become any easier. He must tread very carefully, knowing that a wrong move could lead to his arrest and execution.
An excellent novel I didn’t want to put down. I won’t give the story away, but can say that it kept me engrossed to the very last page and is a novel I would highly recommend.
March 23, 2017
I went into this book with high expectations due to all the positive reviews and comparisons to other great espionage writers. I left it with lowered expectations and a sense of let down. While the tradecraft seems genuine, much of the book reveled in the boredom of real life espionage; nothing much happens. The book also suffered from too many coincidences (not to mention how everything so easily circle around a string quartet). And add the fact that the identify of the leak was extremely obvious very early on, this book falls way short of the praise from other readers. And while there does seem to be a lot of research into what WWII Berlin was like (without cramming it down the reader's throats with that self-satisfied "look how much I know" tone), I never really felt I was in war-torn Berlin. But I persevered and in the end I found the book somewhat entertaining but I am unlikely to rush out and read another book by Miller.
October 3, 2017
Mr. Miller's prose evoke vivid imagery, and the plot keeps you guessing right up to the last page!
I found this book to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. It is set during World War II with it's high stress environment, which makes this novel an enthralling suspenseful mystery, full of twists and turns. Mr. Miller mixes the excitement, paranoia and dread of Hitler's regime, with murder, romance, and friendships that are not what they initially seem. The novel's tension, that builds as the story continues, doesn't let up until the great ending on the last page, which really "threw me for a loop"!!
I rarely read fiction but this is one of those times I'm glad I made an exception to my "no fiction" rule! It was so enjoyable, believable and engrossing!
I would love love love to see this story as a movie some day!!!
I found this book to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. It is set during World War II with it's high stress environment, which makes this novel an enthralling suspenseful mystery, full of twists and turns. Mr. Miller mixes the excitement, paranoia and dread of Hitler's regime, with murder, romance, and friendships that are not what they initially seem. The novel's tension, that builds as the story continues, doesn't let up until the great ending on the last page, which really "threw me for a loop"!!
I rarely read fiction but this is one of those times I'm glad I made an exception to my "no fiction" rule! It was so enjoyable, believable and engrossing!
I would love love love to see this story as a movie some day!!!
August 30, 2016
Wasn't sure what to make of the novel at first. Having a lead character named after a major British actor led me to think that there was going to be a hefty degree of irony. Also thought that having said agent reading Herman Hesse openly on a train, when his books had been burned by the Nazis, wasn't a way of blending in. There was a 'Sound of Music' influence on the plot as well.
But after a while just got totally absorbed by the novel and my initial misgivings fell by the way side.I genuinely couldn't predict the outcome or the double crossing that was going on.
It's always difficult to review such novels without turning into a spoilsport and giving too much away. But would add that 1943 as a year was a great setting, when the Reich seemed to be gradually losing its power.
But after a while just got totally absorbed by the novel and my initial misgivings fell by the way side.I genuinely couldn't predict the outcome or the double crossing that was going on.
It's always difficult to review such novels without turning into a spoilsport and giving too much away. But would add that 1943 as a year was a great setting, when the Reich seemed to be gradually losing its power.
November 25, 2016
This is a well written and touching story of espionage during the zenith of World War 2. It reads like a mystery and most chapters end with tension so it's difficult to put down. In fact the last 20% of the book is a nail biter. It's a realistic and unique story that will keep you involved throughout.
July 27, 2016
I liked the characters and the story itself was quite good. However. There was a need for better editing. There were a couple of instances of the plot disagreeing with itself, and that was incredibly distracting.
February 11, 2024
Amazing WWII spy drama!
'In Satan's Shadow' is a thrilling and page-turning historical spy novel set in Nazi Germany.
The book takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of twists and turns, leading to gasp-worthy developments as it seems all is lost for the heroes. Good read!
'In Satan's Shadow' is a thrilling and page-turning historical spy novel set in Nazi Germany.
The book takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of twists and turns, leading to gasp-worthy developments as it seems all is lost for the heroes. Good read!
July 14, 2016
Miller's book was a different perspective to Hitler's Berlin than I have ever read before. I had never thought about British Intelligence being planted in Berlin before. This was very well written!
May 12, 2019
Good book
Really enjoyed this book and the many twist and turns. Always love it when the good guys win. I will recommend this book!
Really enjoyed this book and the many twist and turns. Always love it when the good guys win. I will recommend this book!
December 16, 2020
Very good book
I really liked this book. It was interesting and fast paced. I will read another book by this author; really got into the characters.
I really liked this book. It was interesting and fast paced. I will read another book by this author; really got into the characters.
March 4, 2023
I am giving this book a generous 3 stars because I think the idea the author had is a good one. The shortcoming is the execution. The style and language seemed simplistic, which is something I would not normally look for in a spy thriller type novel, but it took me out of the story. Some of the dialogue seemed strange, as if the author was expressing thought he wanted the reader to get, but I was not swayed into believing that the characters would speak that way. I'm not sure the characters really had a voice in the story. I don't know that the title fits either - maybe I didn't understand the intent behind it.
There is a "mystery" spy and informant in the story. I don't think they were as much of a mystery as the author thinks they were. Instead of something as nuanced as a broken branch and an overturned rock on a trail, it was as if the author also put a sign near them saying they were suspicious. The self-thought in the book about who could be these roles seemed like a schoolteacher asking if the students saw the obvious signs. I needed patience to get through them.
The ending was not satisfying to me. I don't know what happened. It left me wondering what the story was about. Was it about a book? A Nazi from a very limited perspective? a quartet? The objective is muddled. After reading over 400 pages, I was wondering if the book was finished. Perhaps there should have been more? Maybe editing could have helped. It probably needed both.
Despite having those complaints, I finished the book. I wanted to know more as I read. Some books do not capture my attention and it can be a struggle to continue while my mind wanders off to other books. I read the book. I wanted to know more as I read. The author created an interesting story. Maybe it should be marketed as a Young Adult novel.
There is a "mystery" spy and informant in the story. I don't think they were as much of a mystery as the author thinks they were. Instead of something as nuanced as a broken branch and an overturned rock on a trail, it was as if the author also put a sign near them saying they were suspicious. The self-thought in the book about who could be these roles seemed like a schoolteacher asking if the students saw the obvious signs. I needed patience to get through them.
The ending was not satisfying to me. I don't know what happened. It left me wondering what the story was about. Was it about a book? A Nazi from a very limited perspective? a quartet? The objective is muddled. After reading over 400 pages, I was wondering if the book was finished. Perhaps there should have been more? Maybe editing could have helped. It probably needed both.
Despite having those complaints, I finished the book. I wanted to know more as I read. Some books do not capture my attention and it can be a struggle to continue while my mind wanders off to other books. I read the book. I wanted to know more as I read. The author created an interesting story. Maybe it should be marketed as a Young Adult novel.
June 24, 2021
A somewhat expected ending
The book was very entertaining. It was very descriptive of the last days in Berlin, Germany. I gave the reader a better perspective of life there as it neared the end of the war. I enjoyed it.
The reason for the 4 stars is as stated below: the editor of this book really missed a lot of the needed editing. Missing words in a sentence, insertion of words making the no sense to the sentence and the constant misspelling of characters’ name, i.e. Erika(German spelling) to being spelled Erica(English spelling).
I really found the lack of editing through the whole book frustrating and unnecessary.
The book was very entertaining. It was very descriptive of the last days in Berlin, Germany. I gave the reader a better perspective of life there as it neared the end of the war. I enjoyed it.
The reason for the 4 stars is as stated below: the editor of this book really missed a lot of the needed editing. Missing words in a sentence, insertion of words making the no sense to the sentence and the constant misspelling of characters’ name, i.e. Erika(German spelling) to being spelled Erica(English spelling).
I really found the lack of editing through the whole book frustrating and unnecessary.
September 26, 2021
Writing historical fiction requires a balance of factual research and creativity. Miller takes parts of history and transports the reader to another place in time. In fact further, he is spot on in creating relatable characters; yet subtle about drawing empathy, critical thinking and the suspicious aspects of not knowing who to trust. He gives us an understanding of risk, the horror of regret and tears for the dreams so horribly snatched away in an era never to be forgotten; with a reminder never to be relived. And survivors guilt tinged with hope for a brighter ever after.
December 6, 2022
From good to "meh".
I felt the book was well written right until the final couple chapters, where the story's main character suddenly transformed into a super hero and the story itself became somewhat unbelievable. Also, the entire precept for his recruitment to go to Germany , as explained by his boss turned super villain made little sense. So what I thought was a believable good book, in the end was disappointing.
I felt the book was well written right until the final couple chapters, where the story's main character suddenly transformed into a super hero and the story itself became somewhat unbelievable. Also, the entire precept for his recruitment to go to Germany , as explained by his boss turned super villain made little sense. So what I thought was a believable good book, in the end was disappointing.
April 8, 2018
This novel needs a really proficient editor. It's too long; it meanders in ways unnecessary to keep the plot moving, and the "action" scenes are over so fast, the reader doesn't even realize there was any action. I was disappointed in the ending as it didn't tie up some huge plot holes. Not recommended.
August 17, 2021
A good read!
I enjoyed this book which is set in wartime Germany. The suspense continued until the end and did not disappoint. At times the descriptions were lengthy and I did find that I skimmed these. That’s the reason for the four stars instead of five. I definitely want to read more by this author.
I enjoyed this book which is set in wartime Germany. The suspense continued until the end and did not disappoint. At times the descriptions were lengthy and I did find that I skimmed these. That’s the reason for the four stars instead of five. I definitely want to read more by this author.
July 25, 2021
Another Nazi book
I’ll admit that I read the whole book, despite the fact that it was amateurish in its writing and the plot lines were hackneyed. I read worse. But I’ve certainly read better.
I’ll admit that I read the whole book, despite the fact that it was amateurish in its writing and the plot lines were hackneyed. I read worse. But I’ve certainly read better.
January 16, 2026
This book had all the right ingredients and the research into WWII Berlin was very good and the story line was very interesting. Unfortunately for all the good points the execution was somewhat dull. I will not be rushing out and read another book by Miller.
kindle
kindle
August 30, 2021
ZZZZZZ.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews