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Blood Enemy
June 1944. When a Wehrmacht war crimes investigator and his escort are killed in an ambush, it looks like an opportunistic act of resistance by the Armia Krajowa, but Jan Kalisz of the Warsaw Kripo has his doubts.
Fortunately, with the Red Army just a few hundred kilometres away, Kalisz's boss, Hauptsturmfhrer Hoth finds his faith in the Fuhrer waning, and lets his Polish detective investigate.
The hunt for the real killers takes Kalisz first to a battered Berlin and then within reach of the Russian guns, but the answer lies with a key witness who's now in a concentration camp. At Auschwitz-Birkenau, Kalisz is reacquainted with his former colleague, Doctor Josef Mengele
By the time Kalisz escapes Mengele's clutches and returns to Warsaw, the city is a powder keg on the brink of exploding. After five years of reluctant collaboration is it finally time for Jan Kalisz to show his true allegiance?
Fortunately, with the Red Army just a few hundred kilometres away, Kalisz's boss, Hauptsturmfhrer Hoth finds his faith in the Fuhrer waning, and lets his Polish detective investigate.
The hunt for the real killers takes Kalisz first to a battered Berlin and then within reach of the Russian guns, but the answer lies with a key witness who's now in a concentration camp. At Auschwitz-Birkenau, Kalisz is reacquainted with his former colleague, Doctor Josef Mengele
By the time Kalisz escapes Mengele's clutches and returns to Warsaw, the city is a powder keg on the brink of exploding. After five years of reluctant collaboration is it finally time for Jan Kalisz to show his true allegiance?
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 11, 2026
In final installment of the Warsaw Quartet, Russian troops are expected to enter Poland at any moment; however, Warsaw’s SS rulers continue to cruelly rule with an iron fist. Amidst it all, intrepid polish detective Jan Kalisz is assigned the task of solving the murder of a Wehrmacht war crimes investigator. Jan eventually finds himself meeting with the the truly terrifying Josef Mengele in Auschwitz, where he hopes to question a witness to the crime. Not only does everything go frighteningly awry for him in the death camp, but two gestapo henchmen have made it their obsession to prove Jan’s involvement with the Polish underground, which would lead to his immediate arrest and torture. By the time Jan returns to Warsaw, he finds the city in utter chaos…with death, destruction, and street fighting everywhere, as Poland’s underground resistance desperately tries to liberate the city from their German rulers.
Unfortunately, I felt that Blood Enemy didn’t live up to the early books of this series, as it seemed that the author attempted to pack far too many things in this 413-page novel. For that matter, as a number of subsidiary plots were frequently juggled within the same passage, it was often frustrating to determine which direction the story was moving. Compounding this issue, the author continually introduced new characters; the bulk, of whom, disappeared after several pages. While I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in WWII historical fiction, I have rounded upward to give it a 4-star rating.
My thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
Unfortunately, I felt that Blood Enemy didn’t live up to the early books of this series, as it seemed that the author attempted to pack far too many things in this 413-page novel. For that matter, as a number of subsidiary plots were frequently juggled within the same passage, it was often frustrating to determine which direction the story was moving. Compounding this issue, the author continually introduced new characters; the bulk, of whom, disappeared after several pages. While I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in WWII historical fiction, I have rounded upward to give it a 4-star rating.
My thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
July 9, 2026
Occupied Poland in WWII
The quartet of novels depicting a police detective in occupied Warsaw during WWII is concluded with Blood Enemy.
Jackson has once again delved into archives and lost places of the era to bring the story of the many parties acting in Poland.
We have the Polish resistance (the Armia Krajowa), Jews from the ghettos of Europe brought to Poland, the Jewish resistance inside the death camps, the brutality of the Nazis, the Polish youth resistance trying for when their day to rise up comes, the general populace, and the advancing Russians.
It’s dangerous, confusing and terrible.
Investigator Jan Kalisz goes undercover into Auschwitz-Birkenau and the gruesomeness of that place is fully on display.
Karl is actually a resistance spy and works to maintain his cover, and that of his beloved wife Maria, who is a nurse with the resistance, and his son Stefan who is caught up in secret Youth movement and the vision of a free Poland
A searing and believable novel of this time in our world.
Jackson’s very thorough research as explained in the authors notes gives legs to this embattled tale.
A Canelo ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
The quartet of novels depicting a police detective in occupied Warsaw during WWII is concluded with Blood Enemy.
Jackson has once again delved into archives and lost places of the era to bring the story of the many parties acting in Poland.
We have the Polish resistance (the Armia Krajowa), Jews from the ghettos of Europe brought to Poland, the Jewish resistance inside the death camps, the brutality of the Nazis, the Polish youth resistance trying for when their day to rise up comes, the general populace, and the advancing Russians.
It’s dangerous, confusing and terrible.
Investigator Jan Kalisz goes undercover into Auschwitz-Birkenau and the gruesomeness of that place is fully on display.
Karl is actually a resistance spy and works to maintain his cover, and that of his beloved wife Maria, who is a nurse with the resistance, and his son Stefan who is caught up in secret Youth movement and the vision of a free Poland
A searing and believable novel of this time in our world.
Jackson’s very thorough research as explained in the authors notes gives legs to this embattled tale.
A Canelo ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Blood Enemy", the fourth and final book in Douglas Jackson's Warsaw Quartet, opens in Warsaw in June 1944. Some months after his trip to Britain, Investigator Jan Kalisz is back leading a precarious double life. As a detective in the Kriminalploizei he is forced to work alongside the Nazi occupiers, fighting crime, but he is also an operative of the Polish resistance, the Armia Krajowa. By now, his wife and son are also active in the resistance, so life for them all is fraught with danger. When a Wehrmacht war crimes investigator and his escort are killed in an ambush, it looks like an act of revenge by the Resistance, but Jan isn't convinced. He is permitted to conduct an investigation, and along with his partner Kurt Gersten, slowly begins the search.
The story quickly evolves, as the investigation moves from the ghettos of Warsaw, to Berlin, Belarus and beyond. The story is told against the backdrop of the Warsaw Uprising, and as always, the reality of life in Warsaw is portrayed in stark reality - the random shootings, the hunger, and brutality of the occupiers. With the Red Army only a few hundred kilometres away, they are starting to panic. The deeper the investigation goes, the more danger Jan finds himself in. In one particularly harrowing episode, he finds himself trapped in Auschwitz-Birkenau, at the mercy of Joseph Mengele.
The story is fraught with tension - Jan's relationship with Gertsen is fascinating, especially when they find Moser and Mayer hot on their tails and don't know who to trust. Jan's son is highly active in the resistance, taking risks that make Jan fear for his life. Fans of the series will be pleased at the way many threads are tied up, one way or another.
The final book of the Warsaw Quartet was always going to be a hard read. And it is - the reality of the circumstances leading up to the Warsaw Uprising, and the price paid on all sides, is harrowing. But what a job Douglas Jackson has made of the story. It's bleak, harrowing, and moving and a fitting end to the Jan Kalisz story. Highly recommended.
The story quickly evolves, as the investigation moves from the ghettos of Warsaw, to Berlin, Belarus and beyond. The story is told against the backdrop of the Warsaw Uprising, and as always, the reality of life in Warsaw is portrayed in stark reality - the random shootings, the hunger, and brutality of the occupiers. With the Red Army only a few hundred kilometres away, they are starting to panic. The deeper the investigation goes, the more danger Jan finds himself in. In one particularly harrowing episode, he finds himself trapped in Auschwitz-Birkenau, at the mercy of Joseph Mengele.
The story is fraught with tension - Jan's relationship with Gertsen is fascinating, especially when they find Moser and Mayer hot on their tails and don't know who to trust. Jan's son is highly active in the resistance, taking risks that make Jan fear for his life. Fans of the series will be pleased at the way many threads are tied up, one way or another.
The final book of the Warsaw Quartet was always going to be a hard read. And it is - the reality of the circumstances leading up to the Warsaw Uprising, and the price paid on all sides, is harrowing. But what a job Douglas Jackson has made of the story. It's bleak, harrowing, and moving and a fitting end to the Jan Kalisz story. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve followed the story of Jan Kalisz, a Polish Policeman working in Nazi occupied Warsaw during World War 2 and in this, the final book of the quartet there is a conclusion which is quite dark.
Set towards the end of the occupation, “Blood Enemy”covers the period of the Warsaw Uprising which is bitter and bloody.
Jan and his family are split up as his son is volunteering for the militia, his wife is working as a nurse and Jan himself is detained in a concentration camp whilst investigating a murder.
This final novel had many plot lines and many characters which took a while to get my head around but it was certainly a compelling and at times extremely difficult read.
The conclusion left me stunned - I couldn’t believe what I was reading but I guess it was realistic.
I won’t say too much more as I don’t want to spoil it but suffice it to say that I couldn’t put the book down.
I really liked Jan and his family, struggling to do the right thing in difficult circumstances. It was shocking that his 15 year old son was putting his life on the line at such a young age but it brought home the needless suffering of war.
The criminal investigation of the murder was almost irrelevant by the time the conclusion was reached.
Definitely a five star read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
Set towards the end of the occupation, “Blood Enemy”covers the period of the Warsaw Uprising which is bitter and bloody.
Jan and his family are split up as his son is volunteering for the militia, his wife is working as a nurse and Jan himself is detained in a concentration camp whilst investigating a murder.
This final novel had many plot lines and many characters which took a while to get my head around but it was certainly a compelling and at times extremely difficult read.
The conclusion left me stunned - I couldn’t believe what I was reading but I guess it was realistic.
I won’t say too much more as I don’t want to spoil it but suffice it to say that I couldn’t put the book down.
I really liked Jan and his family, struggling to do the right thing in difficult circumstances. It was shocking that his 15 year old son was putting his life on the line at such a young age but it brought home the needless suffering of war.
The criminal investigation of the murder was almost irrelevant by the time the conclusion was reached.
Definitely a five star read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
August 17, 2026
The Warsaw quartet reaches its final and dramatic conclusion in a series which has just been a joy to read.
This is a powerful, haunting richly intense read played out against a backdrop of war ravaged Poland, the books feature Jan Kalisz of the Warsaw Krippo at its core but is so much more than that this is a book about a Country and its very soul.
Character plays a key role in the book, however, it is the way the author brings the location, the period and its people to life on the page, you get this overiding and real sense of time and place, the writing is so vivid and evocative painting a mental picture in your mind.
You have a classic murder mystery, with heart pounding drama which will take Jan into the darkest depths of his soul. A thriller of the highest order, gut wrenching it pulsates and just holds you transfixed.
One can never appreciate the horrors endured in Poland during the war, but here the author gives a voice to his characters which through their emotion instills those horrors and fears and for some a sense of hoplesness, whatever their own fate you can see a determination still to help others, it’s humanity at its finest.
The story has a natural flow and pace to it it allows the characters to move the narrative forward and the suspense to build.
At times it’s a haunting read packed with so much emotion, as a thriller it keeps you on the edge of your seat you have no idea which direction you are going to be taken in or what the outcome will be, only that you will be put through the emotional wringer.
Historical fiction like this has to be grounded in some reality and the level of research that must have been undertaken to bring that reality to the fore must never be underestimated, it comes across strongly as you read.
For my money Douglas Jackson is one of todays finest historical writers, this a a read and a series which I highly recommend.
This is a powerful, haunting richly intense read played out against a backdrop of war ravaged Poland, the books feature Jan Kalisz of the Warsaw Krippo at its core but is so much more than that this is a book about a Country and its very soul.
Character plays a key role in the book, however, it is the way the author brings the location, the period and its people to life on the page, you get this overiding and real sense of time and place, the writing is so vivid and evocative painting a mental picture in your mind.
You have a classic murder mystery, with heart pounding drama which will take Jan into the darkest depths of his soul. A thriller of the highest order, gut wrenching it pulsates and just holds you transfixed.
One can never appreciate the horrors endured in Poland during the war, but here the author gives a voice to his characters which through their emotion instills those horrors and fears and for some a sense of hoplesness, whatever their own fate you can see a determination still to help others, it’s humanity at its finest.
The story has a natural flow and pace to it it allows the characters to move the narrative forward and the suspense to build.
At times it’s a haunting read packed with so much emotion, as a thriller it keeps you on the edge of your seat you have no idea which direction you are going to be taken in or what the outcome will be, only that you will be put through the emotional wringer.
Historical fiction like this has to be grounded in some reality and the level of research that must have been undertaken to bring that reality to the fore must never be underestimated, it comes across strongly as you read.
For my money Douglas Jackson is one of todays finest historical writers, this a a read and a series which I highly recommend.
August 12, 2026
As the Soviets advance through Poland, Jan Kalisz is also finding the net tightening around him. His new boss does not believe in coincidences and there are too many around Kalisz. Of course Kalisz is committed to supporting a free Poland and he helps the resistance alongside his wife and teenage son. When a patrol is killed, the only potential witness is shipped to a concentration camp and Kalisz has to go interview him, but he finds himself trapped and has to escape. On his return to Warsaw the situation is grave and he has to make a number of choices.
This has been an interesting series of books, mainly because of the situation of having a Polish investigator working alongside the occupying forces. Throughout, the actions of the Nazis have been highlighted and here the story takes us to Birkenau camp. The investigation is actually very much secondary to the story of the liberation of Warsaw and the tension is fantastic. I found the book moving and sad (without giving away any spoilers!)
This has been an interesting series of books, mainly because of the situation of having a Polish investigator working alongside the occupying forces. Throughout, the actions of the Nazis have been highlighted and here the story takes us to Birkenau camp. The investigation is actually very much secondary to the story of the liberation of Warsaw and the tension is fantastic. I found the book moving and sad (without giving away any spoilers!)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Absolutely brilliant! I enjoyed the first three books of this terrifying series, and I really wondered where the last book would lead us: the Warsaw Uprising.
Even though the Germans knew the end was coming, their cruelty did not let down. Among the turmoil Jan led an investigation that would take him to Auschwitz to supposedly interview a witness. This visit will take him even further than what he feared... Back to Warsaw, Jan made up his mind about his plans....Seldom did a thriller keep such a high tension, increasing till the last page. The author succeeded in making me feel the Uprising, with its horror, blood, devastation while admirable resilience and endless hope bring a little light! But for how long?
Highly recommended!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
Even though the Germans knew the end was coming, their cruelty did not let down. Among the turmoil Jan led an investigation that would take him to Auschwitz to supposedly interview a witness. This visit will take him even further than what he feared... Back to Warsaw, Jan made up his mind about his plans....Seldom did a thriller keep such a high tension, increasing till the last page. The author succeeded in making me feel the Uprising, with its horror, blood, devastation while admirable resilience and endless hope bring a little light! But for how long?
Highly recommended!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
August 16, 2026
Without a doubt for me this was the best of the whole quartet. Books 1 and 2 were excellent. I struggled with 3 but this one has everything. The story is told clearly, up close and very personal with Kalisz going on a journey through war torn Poland that goes into the very heart of the atrocities of the German war machine. The last 200 pages were unstoppable and I couldn’t put it down. The horror of war and for those seeking to fight back against their oppressors and fearing too their saviours is as well articulated as anything I have ever read.
The ending is almost inevitable and I was hoping against hope that we would see the family years later as the country rebuilt. It was not to be. That’s the reality and that was the right conclusion and ending to what has been a briliiant series. Thank you to the author.
The ending is almost inevitable and I was hoping against hope that we would see the family years later as the country rebuilt. It was not to be. That’s the reality and that was the right conclusion and ending to what has been a briliiant series. Thank you to the author.
August 11, 2026
The final book in the “Warsaw Quartet” and it is both dark and compelling.
Jan Kalisz is a Polish investigator working with the German occupiers, he is also a deep cover agent for the Resistance.
June 1944 and Warsaw is in big trouble, the Soviets are at their door and, as history shows, those living in Warsaw are in big trouble. But Kalisz is still assigned to a case and it leads him to a very dark place…Auschwitz where he is reacquainted with Josef Mengele. Can Kalisz escape back to Warsaw and is he just going back to somewhere equally dangerous?
This one is very dark indeed, a city of the edge where survival may not be possible, no matter whose side you are on.
This has been a great series.
Jan Kalisz is a Polish investigator working with the German occupiers, he is also a deep cover agent for the Resistance.
June 1944 and Warsaw is in big trouble, the Soviets are at their door and, as history shows, those living in Warsaw are in big trouble. But Kalisz is still assigned to a case and it leads him to a very dark place…Auschwitz where he is reacquainted with Josef Mengele. Can Kalisz escape back to Warsaw and is he just going back to somewhere equally dangerous?
This one is very dark indeed, a city of the edge where survival may not be possible, no matter whose side you are on.
This has been a great series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An intriguing world war 2 thriller covering parts of the war I knew little about well written and gruesome in places. 4* from me
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the fourth book in the very good Warsaw Quartet series. I gave the book the following SCORE:
Setting: 1944, Warsaw Poland
Characters: Jan Kalisz, Warsaw Kripo Investigator, his partner, Kurt Gerstner, family, and a large cast of German, Polish, and Hungarian infantry and police
Overview of plot: Kalisz, following three previous harrowing excursions, is in the precarious position of being a Polish investigator under Nazi control, working to solve politically charged crimes while secretly working for the underground, Armia Krajowa, at the same time his wife and son have their own motivations to assist other resistance movements.
Recommendation: 4 stars
Extras: There are many difficult names and locations to keep track of, but following the complex plotline to an atypical conclusion is well worth it. Although, presumably the last book in this quartet, a quintet would be interesting to develop.
Thanx to NetGalley and Canelo for the opportunity to provide this candid review.
Setting: 1944, Warsaw Poland
Characters: Jan Kalisz, Warsaw Kripo Investigator, his partner, Kurt Gerstner, family, and a large cast of German, Polish, and Hungarian infantry and police
Overview of plot: Kalisz, following three previous harrowing excursions, is in the precarious position of being a Polish investigator under Nazi control, working to solve politically charged crimes while secretly working for the underground, Armia Krajowa, at the same time his wife and son have their own motivations to assist other resistance movements.
Recommendation: 4 stars
Extras: There are many difficult names and locations to keep track of, but following the complex plotline to an atypical conclusion is well worth it. Although, presumably the last book in this quartet, a quintet would be interesting to develop.
Thanx to NetGalley and Canelo for the opportunity to provide this candid review.
August 5, 2026
Brilliant, but harrowing. Damn you, Douglas Jackson. This book left me devastated.
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