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The Walker and Stone Series #1
Battlelines
This mystery thriller begins in 1938. The Nazis know that Winston Churchill is their greatest enemy. They therefore send two trained agents to London—but not to kill him. They must figure out how to eliminate his power while keeping him alive.
Meanwhile, two Scotland Yard detectives are assigned to solve a murder. Their investigation leads them to the center of a struggle in British life between those who wish to make a deal with Hitler and those who wish to fight him.
Clues about the murder lead the detectives into the twisted Nazi plot, the valiant effort to rescue children from the Nazis, and a wartime romance.
This work of historical fiction is filled with glimpses of life in London just before and just after the outbreak of the Second World War.
Meanwhile, two Scotland Yard detectives are assigned to solve a murder. Their investigation leads them to the center of a struggle in British life between those who wish to make a deal with Hitler and those who wish to fight him.
Clues about the murder lead the detectives into the twisted Nazi plot, the valiant effort to rescue children from the Nazis, and a wartime romance.
This work of historical fiction is filled with glimpses of life in London just before and just after the outbreak of the Second World War.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2025
62 people are currently reading
993 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 8, 2025
‘War makes the good very good and the bad very bad’ – powerful historical fiction!
Prolific New York author Lawrence J. Epstein has also been a professor of English at Suffolk County Community College in Selden, New York, served as an adviser on the Middle East for two members of the United States Congress, and served as a volunteer for several national Jewish organizations. His books include Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook and Converts to Judaism: Stories from Biblical Times to Today, and books on folk music, comedians, actors, films, and mysteries. He now opens a new mystery series – The Walker and Stone Series – and plunges us into pre WW II as the book opens: ‘Fritz Marr walked into the office and stared at the commanding portrait of Adolf Hitler looming over the desk. Two small swastika flags stood on the shiny mahogany desk, which had no objects, no papers, no family pictures, and no signs of a life outside being the chief of the Abwehr, the German military service…’
Once the German atmosphere is set, the story moves to London, 1938: ‘The Nazis know that Winston Churchill is their greatest enemy. They therefore send two trained agents to London—but not to kill him. They must figure out how to eliminate his power while keeping him alive. Meanwhile, two Scotland Yard detectives are assigned to solve a murder. Their investigation leads them to the center of a struggle in British life between those who wish to make a deal with Hitler and those who wish to fight him. Clues about the murder lead the detectives into the twisted Nazi plot, the valiant effort to rescue children from the Nazis, and a wartime romance.’ Powerful tale spinning – beautifully written and rich in suspense and a full taste of history all related by wholly three-dimensional characters. Reading Book 1 encourages the reader to follow the entire series. This is an exciting author.
Prolific New York author Lawrence J. Epstein has also been a professor of English at Suffolk County Community College in Selden, New York, served as an adviser on the Middle East for two members of the United States Congress, and served as a volunteer for several national Jewish organizations. His books include Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook and Converts to Judaism: Stories from Biblical Times to Today, and books on folk music, comedians, actors, films, and mysteries. He now opens a new mystery series – The Walker and Stone Series – and plunges us into pre WW II as the book opens: ‘Fritz Marr walked into the office and stared at the commanding portrait of Adolf Hitler looming over the desk. Two small swastika flags stood on the shiny mahogany desk, which had no objects, no papers, no family pictures, and no signs of a life outside being the chief of the Abwehr, the German military service…’
Once the German atmosphere is set, the story moves to London, 1938: ‘The Nazis know that Winston Churchill is their greatest enemy. They therefore send two trained agents to London—but not to kill him. They must figure out how to eliminate his power while keeping him alive. Meanwhile, two Scotland Yard detectives are assigned to solve a murder. Their investigation leads them to the center of a struggle in British life between those who wish to make a deal with Hitler and those who wish to fight him. Clues about the murder lead the detectives into the twisted Nazi plot, the valiant effort to rescue children from the Nazis, and a wartime romance.’ Powerful tale spinning – beautifully written and rich in suspense and a full taste of history all related by wholly three-dimensional characters. Reading Book 1 encourages the reader to follow the entire series. This is an exciting author.
August 6, 2025
A thoroughly engaging short novel which would be worthy of another star if it was longer and some of the scenes were detailed in greater detail.
However, the story is complete in every other way. It is clear and compact, easy to follow and the characters are well formed and their relationships developed in satisfactory ways that give depth to the writing.
I loved the switch of emphasis from pre-war Nazi Germany to a London setting where the desire for peace led some to follow what critics termed as appeasement. It has some modern day connotations and the imagining of Chamberlain’s thoughts and government’s advice was interesting.
The central character in part is Winston Churchill and the speculation that Germany would do whatever they could to avoid him leading Britain into war.
The introduction of a couple of detectives sets the series up nicely as these two protagonists carry the developing stories of wartime crime fiction in London. I really liked both their professional interactions in pursuing an investigation and their more intimate friendship outside of work. There is a great deal of development here and they promise more in any upcoming books the author publishes. I for one would be keen to follow their story as this is an interesting time for Britain and the police procedural in a wartime situation.
I really enjoyed the historical context and thought it was apt and perfectly appropriate to raise the wider questions of a Europe heading towards war by including the plight of Jewish children seeking refuge in Britain. It is good to be reminded of the darker side of National Socialism and its modern incarnations.
However, the story is complete in every other way. It is clear and compact, easy to follow and the characters are well formed and their relationships developed in satisfactory ways that give depth to the writing.
I loved the switch of emphasis from pre-war Nazi Germany to a London setting where the desire for peace led some to follow what critics termed as appeasement. It has some modern day connotations and the imagining of Chamberlain’s thoughts and government’s advice was interesting.
The central character in part is Winston Churchill and the speculation that Germany would do whatever they could to avoid him leading Britain into war.
The introduction of a couple of detectives sets the series up nicely as these two protagonists carry the developing stories of wartime crime fiction in London. I really liked both their professional interactions in pursuing an investigation and their more intimate friendship outside of work. There is a great deal of development here and they promise more in any upcoming books the author publishes. I for one would be keen to follow their story as this is an interesting time for Britain and the police procedural in a wartime situation.
I really enjoyed the historical context and thought it was apt and perfectly appropriate to raise the wider questions of a Europe heading towards war by including the plight of Jewish children seeking refuge in Britain. It is good to be reminded of the darker side of National Socialism and its modern incarnations.
September 12, 2025
Firstly I should say that I did not finish the book. It was so poor that I simply couldn’t go on with it. I can only believe that the gushing reviews are the work of the author’s relatives and friends.
The dialogue is poor and stilted, absolutely awful. The plotting and some of the descriptions are absurd. We are told early on that in 1938 the German U-Boat fleet is based at Brest in France. It was based in Brest later, during the war, but in 1938 Germany had yet to invade France, let alone station its U-Boats there.
The assassins sent to England by Canaris arrive in the dead of night by U-Boat and are rowed ashore in a dinghy by a crew member so that they can sneak into England. In 1938, before war was declared. Yet soon after the main assassin travels to Austria (we’re not told how - another U-Boat?) where he kills ten prisoners with screw drivers so that he can decide which one makes the most effective weapon.
At that point I gave up. The whole thing was preposterous and badly written. I paid $1 for the download and I feel cheated. I don’t know why I’m giving it 2 stars, it barely deserves 1.
The dialogue is poor and stilted, absolutely awful. The plotting and some of the descriptions are absurd. We are told early on that in 1938 the German U-Boat fleet is based at Brest in France. It was based in Brest later, during the war, but in 1938 Germany had yet to invade France, let alone station its U-Boats there.
The assassins sent to England by Canaris arrive in the dead of night by U-Boat and are rowed ashore in a dinghy by a crew member so that they can sneak into England. In 1938, before war was declared. Yet soon after the main assassin travels to Austria (we’re not told how - another U-Boat?) where he kills ten prisoners with screw drivers so that he can decide which one makes the most effective weapon.
At that point I gave up. The whole thing was preposterous and badly written. I paid $1 for the download and I feel cheated. I don’t know why I’m giving it 2 stars, it barely deserves 1.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2025
Historical Thriller That Redefines Enemy Strategy...
Battlelines gives World War II spy fiction a thrilling new twist. Instead of trying to kill Churchill, Nazi agents sneak into London in 1938 with a terrifying mission: to weaken Churchill's power while keeping him alive. This planned method creates real tension as readers see the worst kind of political manipulation.
Epstein mixes detective work with historical drama in a way that works. Two detectives from Scotland Yard looking for a killer stumble upon a conspiracy that shows how divided Britain is between those who want to appease and those who want to resist. The foggy streets and the real fear of war coming make the London setting feel real. This is both an interesting thriller and a thoughtful look at history because the pacing is good and the characters are interesting.
Battlelines gives World War II spy fiction a thrilling new twist. Instead of trying to kill Churchill, Nazi agents sneak into London in 1938 with a terrifying mission: to weaken Churchill's power while keeping him alive. This planned method creates real tension as readers see the worst kind of political manipulation.
Epstein mixes detective work with historical drama in a way that works. Two detectives from Scotland Yard looking for a killer stumble upon a conspiracy that shows how divided Britain is between those who want to appease and those who want to resist. The foggy streets and the real fear of war coming make the London setting feel real. This is both an interesting thriller and a thoughtful look at history because the pacing is good and the characters are interesting.
July 8, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book! From the first chapter, I was hooked. The combination of action and mystery kept me turning the pages all week long. These characters, their story and the tension that happens through the book are an amazing combination also. I liked how the story balances intense parts with deeper emotional scenes, which made the characters feel real.
The story and narrative are entertaining and full of twists, but it never feels too complicated. I found myself trying to guess what would happen next, and I was surprised more than once. What stood out most was how the story combines police work with personal struggles. It felt gritty but human. I’m already looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
The story and narrative are entertaining and full of twists, but it never feels too complicated. I found myself trying to guess what would happen next, and I was surprised more than once. What stood out most was how the story combines police work with personal struggles. It felt gritty but human. I’m already looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 18, 2025
A compelling story
“Battlelines” is an excellent thriller novel combined with some history connected to the outbreak of the Second World war. It’s really interesting, I was glued to the pages from the very beginning.
The story mingles mystery, crime and nazi plots. It’s interesting to read about the way Scotland Yard detectives work, their deductions, analysis and how they put the pieces of the puzzles together to solve a case.
It’s an excellent novel with well-portrayed, complex and dynamic characters. Their dialogues are vivid, clear and realistic; they allow readers to feel part of the story. As I’m a fan of history, I found the plot engaging and for sure, I will continue reading the series.
“Battlelines” is an excellent thriller novel combined with some history connected to the outbreak of the Second World war. It’s really interesting, I was glued to the pages from the very beginning.
The story mingles mystery, crime and nazi plots. It’s interesting to read about the way Scotland Yard detectives work, their deductions, analysis and how they put the pieces of the puzzles together to solve a case.
It’s an excellent novel with well-portrayed, complex and dynamic characters. Their dialogues are vivid, clear and realistic; they allow readers to feel part of the story. As I’m a fan of history, I found the plot engaging and for sure, I will continue reading the series.
July 9, 2025
Incredible
This book reaffirmed that my favorite genres will always be suspense, drama, action, and mystery. I love feeling like I’m part of the story, making predictions, and watching how they shift as the plot unfolds. This book not only invites readers to get involved, but also transports them into the vivid settings it describes. I was especially drawn to the atmosphere — a perfect blend of classic and contemporary style. It’s a story that pulls you in, surprises you, and keeps your attention in every chapter. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to let their imagination fly and feel like a true detective.
This book reaffirmed that my favorite genres will always be suspense, drama, action, and mystery. I love feeling like I’m part of the story, making predictions, and watching how they shift as the plot unfolds. This book not only invites readers to get involved, but also transports them into the vivid settings it describes. I was especially drawn to the atmosphere — a perfect blend of classic and contemporary style. It’s a story that pulls you in, surprises you, and keeps your attention in every chapter. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to let their imagination fly and feel like a true detective.
July 10, 2025
Battlelines is a gripping historical mystery that masterfully blends espionage, politics, and suspense against the tense backdrop of pre-WWII London. Lawrence J. Epstein brings 1938 vividly to life, capturing the looming threat of Nazism and the moral complexity facing Britain as war approaches.
The novel balances action and atmosphere beautifully, weaving in real historical events like the Kindertransport and the political divisions within Britain itself. The wartime romance adds a human touch without overwhelming the plot.
For fans of thoughtful historical thrillers, Battlelines delivers a suspenseful and immersive read from start to finish.
The novel balances action and atmosphere beautifully, weaving in real historical events like the Kindertransport and the political divisions within Britain itself. The wartime romance adds a human touch without overwhelming the plot.
For fans of thoughtful historical thrillers, Battlelines delivers a suspenseful and immersive read from start to finish.
October 24, 2025
Both historical fiction and mystery
This book combined two of my favorite genre, mystery and historical fiction. It's difficult to find good mystery that isn't replete with obscenity and pornography, or devolve into graphic gruesome horror. The protagonists were moral, patriotic people - easy to cheer for. I'll admit that the murderers were portrayed as excessively villainous, and perhaps their own patriotism could justify that, but it was a bit much. I would have liked to see a bit more historical integration in food, clothing, transport, medicine, etc.? More background perhaps on the primary historical characters, both English and German?
This book combined two of my favorite genre, mystery and historical fiction. It's difficult to find good mystery that isn't replete with obscenity and pornography, or devolve into graphic gruesome horror. The protagonists were moral, patriotic people - easy to cheer for. I'll admit that the murderers were portrayed as excessively villainous, and perhaps their own patriotism could justify that, but it was a bit much. I would have liked to see a bit more historical integration in food, clothing, transport, medicine, etc.? More background perhaps on the primary historical characters, both English and German?
October 16, 2025
Good read
On principle, I am not overly fond of fictional stories based on non-fictional events. It confuses people. That being said ...
This was a very interesting and enjoyable read. The plot twist was a bit easy to figure out, but I don't believe that was the point of this story. The idea of setting someone up for murder to get them out of the way for your own political agenda, the idea that Nazi's believed that they were in the right at any point in time, and more importantly, the idea that the Jewish people had supporters, I believe, were the main ideas of this book.
On principle, I am not overly fond of fictional stories based on non-fictional events. It confuses people. That being said ...
This was a very interesting and enjoyable read. The plot twist was a bit easy to figure out, but I don't believe that was the point of this story. The idea of setting someone up for murder to get them out of the way for your own political agenda, the idea that Nazi's believed that they were in the right at any point in time, and more importantly, the idea that the Jewish people had supporters, I believe, were the main ideas of this book.
August 4, 2025
Detectives, war, plot twists
England is on the brink of war. Chamberlain is trying everything to keep England at peace. Churchill is warning everyone he speaks to that war is inevitable. Add a couple German spies, a couple murders, and DCI Walker and DS Stone must stop -- what? Read on and find out.
England is on the brink of war. Chamberlain is trying everything to keep England at peace. Churchill is warning everyone he speaks to that war is inevitable. Add a couple German spies, a couple murders, and DCI Walker and DS Stone must stop -- what? Read on and find out.
July 30, 2025
I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I do enjoy historical fictions, and this one was really good. The characters were likable, there was action and suspense. Looking forward to the next in the series.
August 4, 2025
Good plot, but the writing and dialogue too stilted to enjoy.
September 16, 2025
This was an ok book; A bit old fashioned and slightly disjointed. I also have the next book in this series but i probably wont read it.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews