Back from the Dead

Harry Levin #2

by Peter Leonard, Unknown Author

"Elmore Leonard’s son proves himself a chip off the old block – again…. Don’t pick the book up if you have any intention of putting it down before you’ve got to the end.”
– The Guardian

“Peter Leonard should be on your must-read list if he is not there already. Back from the Dead, his fifth thriller, continues his upward trajectory and is his best book to date by far.”
– Bookreporter

“Enormously satisfying…. Peter Leonard, son of the late Elmore, has inherited his father’s talent for lithe, witty prose and his knack for twisty, propulsive storytelling.”
– The Independent


Peter Leonard’s jaw-dropping VOICES OF THE DEAD introduced us to two mortal Holocaust survivor Harry Levin and Nazi death angel Ernst Hess. Now, their struggle reaches its dramatic conclusion in Back from the Dead.

Bahamas, 1971. Ernst Hess, missing and presumed dead, regains consciousness to find himself stuck in a hospital bed on a strange ward in a foreign country. He must do what he needs to do to get his life back and to finish the job he has been doing for decades.

Harry believes he has already stopped Hess. When he finds out that the war criminal has somehow survived, Harry must do the only thing he can do – kill Hess again – even if it means crossing continents and putting his life and the lives of those that matter to him on the line.

Action-packed and darkly humorous, BACK FROM THE DEAD is the unforgettable conclusion to a story that launches Peter Leonard into the pantheon of great suspense novelists.

Genres: Thriller, Crime, Historical Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Son of Elmore Leonard.

Peter Leonard lives in Birmingham, Michigan with his wife and four children. He is a partner in the ad agency Leonard, Mayer & Tocco, Inc.

Reviews

[Ashlei A.K.A Chyna Doll · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel to voices of the dead......


Harry is back in his home, at his business when he finds out HESS IS NOT DEAD AFTER ALL!!!!!
Him a d Cordell both are back in Germany to take care of what they thought they accomplished in Florida!

Way better then I expected!! Sometimes you get a sequel that sucks and something you get THIS!!!! It's an all around good book!
Great story
Good guy characters
Fast paced action
And traveling to beautiful euro-places!!!

What's not to like!!!

I have together myself some more Peter Leonard books!!! ASAP!!

[Kim Mol-van Aken · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This review contains spoiler from the first book Voices of the Dead*

I was not expecting a sequel to Voices of the dead so I was quite surprised when I got the review request, don't get me wrong it was a very pleasant surprise.
Back from the Dead picks up soon after Voices of the Dead ends. Harry is under the presumption Hess is dead and he is able to pick up his normal life. But it seems faith did not grant Harry the time to grieve over the loss of his daughter. Hess is back and will do anything to finish what he started.

Again Peter Leonard has written a strong story. He just knows how far to go without going over the edge. The same characters from Voices of the Dead make their entree in Back from the Dead. Again this story is full of action and the writing makes the story come alive.

I very much enjoy Peter Leonard's books and I can honostly say I can not wait to read more books written by him.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remember the villain from the first book? He's the main character now, whether you like it or not.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think author Peter Leonard couldn't top the suspenseful thrill ride in Voice Of The Dead, he proves me wrong with the sequel, Back From The Dead.

Set in 1971, the story picks up where it left off in Voices Of The Dead, with Holocaust survivor Harry Levin thinking that he had killed Nazi war criminal, Ernst Hess, having dumped his body off the Florida coast. But Hess survives the shots to his chest and winds up in the Bahamas, where he recovers from his wounds. Hess is not deterred from continuing his murderous ways, he continues to plan to eliminate the remaining survivors and anyone else who gets in his way. Meanwhile, Harry Levin is back at home in Detroit, Michigan, when he learns that Hess has survived. The cat and mouse game resumes taking Levin and Hess globetrotting around the world from Florida, the Bahamas, Michigan, Germany and France. Levin is determined that this time Hess will pay the ultimate price for his murderous ways.

In Back From The Dead, author Peter Leonard seamlessly continues the suspenseful cat and mouse game between arch-enemies Holocaust survivor Harry Levin and Nazi war criminal Ernst Hess that began in the first book of the Harry Levin series, Voices Of The Dead.

Written in the third person narrative, the author weaves a thrilling tale with enough action and suspense that easily draws the reader back into the story, captivating them with the calculating cat and mouse game and globetrotting, that keeps them sitting on the edge of their seats guessing what will happen next. The characters come to life and leap off the pages, they are realistic and believable, you can't help but want to follow their every move. Even though I was completely satisfied with how Voice Of The Dead concluded, I think that the sequel, Back From The Dead is an edgy continuation that is just as riveting and action packed, the reader easily will get hooked back into this story.

Back From The Dead is a fast-paced suspenseful sequel that takes the reader to the edge, keeps them guessing and holding their breath until the chilling conclusion.

I would not suggest this book as a stand alone read. In order to really appreciate the complete story and thrilling cat and mouse game between these two men, you have to read the books in order.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Gayle Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW

I haven't read VOICES FROM THE DEAD. I would suggest however, that you read it first to get the background on what is going on, then read BACK FROM THE DEAD. Not a must but it's a suggestion. The author does a great job of telling of the evil, which was the Holocaust. .

Hess, Ernst Hess, the Nazi war criminal, who has been able to keep from being found, is alive and doing well in the Bahamas. But Hess's world comes undone as he and his past as a Nazi is brought out in the open. and decides to go on the run. He somehow manages to escape after being shot and dumped in the ocean. Hess uses the identities of the people that he has killed. The death count continues to add up.Hess needs money and decides to sell some of the artwork he had obtained during the war. Harry had thought he had killed Hess. Harry had resumed his normal life but just never seemed to have the time to grieve the loss of his daughter. The book is action packed with no chance to become bored and uninterested. Hess is back and will finish what he started at any cost.

The author, Mr. Leonard wrote a story with a very strong plot. He never goes too far. Some of the same characters from Book One are in Book Two. The story is alive with mystery and terror.

Mr. Leonard will keep you on the edge of your seat and you'll not let go till the end. Even then you will continue to wonder.Will Hess finally die? Will Harry be able to mourn the loss of his daughter? A very suspenseful, entertaining mystery. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries, terror or just a plain good read.

I would give this book 4 BULLETS.

I was given a complimentary copy of BACK FROM THE DEAD by Peter Leonard from The Story Plant for my uncompensated opinion.

[JeanBookNerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Leonard’s Back From The Dead is the sequel to his enthralling thriller, Voice Of The Dead. Holocaust survivor Harry Levin and Nazi death angel Ernst Hess take readers on a wild adventure on all corners of the world. Believing the three shots that Levin gave to Hess were fatal, he realizes that he survived and is in the Bahamas and Hess managed to fly under the radar. This time, Levin must make sure that Hess will not come Back from the Dead and make him pay for taking his daughter away.

The back and forth chase that Levin and Hess give in this book make for great action and enough adrenaline pumping that will maintain readers’ interest at high levels. The quick pace and constant changing of places feels like a new adventure at every turn of the page. Author Peter’s strong writing style is smart and cunning. He cleverly goes far enough as the story will allow without going overboard. Levin is still grieving over the loss of his daughter and it provided the right amount of fuel for his drive and determination.

The plot is simply great and will have readers guessing throughout. Just like the fear inducing read in Voices of the Dead, Peter manages to deliver an equally suspenseful and jammed-packed action novel that will have readers turning the page. He methodically puts words together that makes the characters come to life. Although the first book holds major key points towards this leg of the story, I find that it is still enjoyable without reading the first one.

[TAMMY CUEVAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this sequel to Voices of the Dead, adversaries Harry Levin and Ernst Hess return to continue their fight to the death. In the first novel, Harry, a Holocaust survivor, believed he had killed Nazi death angel Ernst. Back from the Dead begins with Hess regaining consciousness in a Bahamian hospital. He quickly manages to escape from the hospital and return to his life's mission: silence the only two witnesses to his WWII atrocities. When Harry discovers that his previous attempt to kill Ernst in self-defense inexplicably failed, he knows that he has no choice but to try once more.

This novel is filled from cover to cover with non-stop action. From the moment I started reading the first page, I was hooked. The characters are clear-cut villains and good guys, with Hess having no redeeming qualities as a cold-blooded killer. While reading the first novel will give the reader the background for this story, it is not a requirement. This book stands alone on its own.

Strong language; violence

5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Cheryl Masciarelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! Peter Leonard did not disappoint for this anxiously awaited sequel!!!

I was first introduced to this author in January, 2012 when I read and reviewed Voices of the Dead and became a fan of his work. Even though it has been a year, within the first few paragraphs, I was drawn back in and buckled up for another fast paced thrill ride.

In Voices of the Dead, Nazi war criminal, Ernst Hess, was shot three times by Holocaust survivor and victim of Hess', Harry Levin, who believes the shots were fatal. But were they? Thus begins Back From The Dead. And this time, Hess is back with vengeance leaving innocent bodies in his wake, without a thought. However, Harry Levin is just as determined to hunt him down and make him pay for his sins.

Leonard doesn't miss a beat. The same white knuckle read he takes his readers on in Voices of the Dead is as equally suspenseful and action packed in Back From The Dead. Once again, the pages kept turning because I could not put this novel down. I found myself trying to read faster to keep up with the action. The characters come to life. Peter Leonard's writing is nothing short of amazing. The only negative is that now I have to anxiously await his next novel. Highly recommend both Back From The Dead and Voices of the Dead!!!! You won't be disappointed!!

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holocaust survivor Harry Levin and Nazi death angel Ernst Hess are back in this conclusion to the story that started in Voices of the Dead. We travel from the Bahamas to Florida, Michigan and Germany as Levin learns that Ness is still alive it is up to him to make sure this time Ness does not come Back from the Dead.

Dollycas’s Thoughts
I must say I was surprised that this sequel was written because Voices of the Dead was a great stand alone but this book is jammed back with the action and suspense that I expect from this author and it was totally believable the Hess was back. I did feel bad for Harry as it seems he still has not been able to grieve the loss of his daughter. This story picks up shorty after the last one finished in 1971.

The characters again came alive on the page and traveled the world at top speed. Quite a game of cat and mouse with the players constantly changing places. The pages kept turning through some mind-boggling incidents. Leonard writes those edge of your seat moments that suspense readers enjoy so much with ease.

I recommend you read Voices of the Dead before reading Back from the Dead. I did like the first installment just a bit better than the second.

[Tony Nielsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back from the Dead is just a great story, with a plot that keeps you guessing. The focus of Back from the Dead is Ernst Hess, a one-time Nazi who has managed to fly under the radar, until now, and Leonard's established characters Harry Levin, along with Cordell, the journalist Colette and Joyce. Plus a Nazi chasing Albin Zeller. Hess's world starts to unravel as his Nazi past is exposed and he goes on the run. manages to somehow escape after being shot and dumped in the ocean (hence the book's title). Hess is ruthless, adopting new identities having slaughtered the identity's owners. Levin, Corddell, Zeller and Colette are hot on his trail, which veers from Germany to Detroit, Palm Beach to Nice, as the body count mounts and the trail at times wears thin. Hess is running short of funds and needs to divest himself of some of the art work he purloined during the war, and that ultimately leads the crew to his whereabouts. Can Ernst remain Back from the Dead, or has his luck finally run out ??

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as in his previous book about Harry Levin, Voices From the Dead, you jump right into the action on the first page. I really liked that this book picked up immediately from where the last one ended. It had been awhile since I read Voices, so it took me some time to get familiar with the characters again. They are all back - even the despicable Ernst Hess - whom we thought we had seen the last of.

It was a fast paced story with the characters doing a lot of world traveling in their game of who can kill whom first. I was rooting for Harry, of course, as this all started with the loss of his daughter in the first book. He doesn't mince words when he writes and it is all very much action driven. The characters are all forces to be reckoned with and it is just a matter of time before someone comes out on top. Finding out who that is will keep you on the edge of your seat!

I guess you could read this one as a stand-alone - but why would you want too? Pick them both up - you will be glad you did!

Read my review of Voices From the Dead.

[Athena Nagel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will start by saying that I have not read Voices From The Dead. If you have the opportunity it would be great if you could read the first book prior to reading this one - however not essential. In Back from the Dead Harry finds out that when he thought he had killed Hess, it turns out Hess is alive in the Bahamas. Back from the Dead is a good book that reminded me very much of a Die Hard type of book. There is a great deal of action and plenty to keep the reader interested. Hess wants to kill Harry and Harry wants to kill Hess. The book was enjoyable to read and an appropriate length but I did find the storyline to be somewhat predictable. I kept hoping something was going to happen different from what my expectation was. All in all though - well written I just needed some surprises to evoke a little more emotional attachment to the story. I give this book 4 stars.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back from the Dead is in reference to Ernst Hess, the Nazi war criminal, that we were introduced to in Voices of the Dead by Peter Leonard. Just when Harry Levin thought that life would be good, he finds out that Hess is alive. Harry had thought he shot and killed him and that he could forget the awful past.
Like the prequel, Voices of the Dead, Peter Leonard tells a suspenseful story about the evil that was the Holocaust. I was totally immersed in the story from the first page and read the book in two sittings, then my husband read it in a day. A wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Reading an awesome book!! I look forward to anything and everything that Mr.Leonard writes in the future. A book that will keep the reader in suspense until the end. I highly recommend it...

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanted to read this one because it was a Leonard. Had no clue what it was about and didn’t really care. Found out that it was a sequel to Voices of the Dead, which I really liked, and was fairly tickled about seeing Harry again. However, I was disappointed. Not in the writing or the characters really, but because it resurrects Hess. Really? Couldn’t find anything else for Harry to do? This won’t stop me from reading another Leonard/Levin because the writing is good and suspenseful, plus Harry is fun to spend time with. Can’t help but be disheartened that the evil Nazi bounced back up and into Harry’s life. So I am evidently one of the few dissenters among other reviewers. Received free copy for review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I was a bit lost in reading "Back from the Dead" since I didn't read the first book in the series, "Voice of the Dead", which seems to hold a few major key points in the story line, I enjoyed the book. The characters were well written and came to life within Peter's writing. Filled with action and suspense, this book is a must read for all.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.

[Wilde Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Nazi war criminal’s past is detailed in a magazine and he goes on the run, causing death and destruction as he tries to escape / sell some looted artworks.

I enjoyed this book, even though some of the plot jumps are far-fetched (even for a story). The characters and descriptions were well written.

My real rating is 3.5.

[Gina Hott · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very hard book for me to read. It just felt so very real. It was non-stop suspense from the first words and eerily realistic.
I don’t know how he does it – but Peter Leonard writes a book that leaves me without words!

[Keith Evans · Rating 2 out of 5]

Indestructible Supernazi wreaks havoc in Cuba, USA and Europe until it turns out he is mortal after all and he gets his - or does he? I am not entirely sure there won't be another sequel but if there is I won't be reading it.

[Martha Woodroof · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh dear, is it gauche to say this particular apple fell pretty close to the fatherly tree... my apologies if it is...