The Girl Who Told the Truth: An unforgettable and heartbreaking World War 2 novel

by Catherine Hokin

Blood surges through Annie’s veins as she stares into the cold eyes of the Nazi who destroyed her family. This is her last chance to make it right…

Nuremberg Trials, 1946. Annie’s stomach churns when she sees Margarete, the woman who tore her family apart, hovering outside the packed courtroom.

Five years ago, Annie’s father betrayed his family and country to join this woman in support of the Nazis. Annie has lived with the shame ever since. A flame burns bright in her chest to expose Margarete, and bring her to justice. But the only way to do that is to tell the truth about exactly what happened in the darkest days of the war…

Annie knows that she must be brave, but revealing the shame of her father’s past will force her to confront Margarete and put the lives of those she loves at risk. Facing an impossible and heartbreaking choice, will Annie have the courage to tell the world who Margarete really is, no matter the cost?

An achingly emotional page-turner about risking everything to protect those you love, inspired by the real life story of a woman who was one of the last people in Hitler’s bunker. Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Roberta Kagan and Ellie Midwood.

Readers can’t get enough of The Girl Who Told The Truth:

‘Gripped me from the first page… The tension builds relentlessly… Twists kept me on edge…Impossible to put down… Amazing.’ rubie_reads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I couldn’t put [it] down! What an incredible story… A must-read.’ Christian Novel Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Heartbreaking… will pull you in and not let you go until the end. Highly recommend.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A powerful historical novel that consumed me from the start… I just could not put [it] down. Christian Bookaholic, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely pulled me in… I slipped straight into the story and didn’t want to climb back out.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Heartbreaking… An emotional roller coaster!’ Goodreads reviewer

Readers love Catherine

‘Phenomenal… Literally broke my heart… Unputdownable… I was drawn into the story at the flip of the first page and I went through an entire box of Kleenex by the time I arrived at the last page. This masterpiece of a story is one that I highly recommend.’ Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow what an amazing, stunning book! Couldn’t put it down and have talked nonstop about it! Absolutely heartbreaking.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, World War II

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2026

About the author

Welcome to my author page and my novels, including the Hanni Winter series which is the newest of the pack. I write books set primarily in Berlin, covering the period from 1933 up to the fall of the Berlin Wall and dealing with the long shadows left by war. I am a story lover as well as a story writer and this period really fascinates me. Writing about it also means that I get to spend a lot of time in Berlin, which is my second favourite city - my favourite is Buenos Aires.
I am from the North of England but now live very happily in Glasgow with my American husband. If I'm not at my desk you'll most probably find me in the cinema, or just follow the sound of very loud music.
I'd love to hear from you and there are lots of ways you can find me, so jump in via my website https://www.catherinehokin.com/ or on my Cat Hokin FB page or on twitter @cathokin

Reviews

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Girl Who Told The Truth by Catherine Hokin. This was my third book by this author. I love Historical Fiction books, especially those from WW2 timeline. I have read many and this one was a good one. It was well written and well researched. I learned a lot about the Blackshirts in London and the Battle of Cable Street. I look forward to learning something new as I read these historical books. I gave this one 4 stars. I would definitely recommend it to other Historical Fiction lovers. #CatherineHokin #Bookouture #BookTour

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A novel about WW2 and its aftermath that will keep one turning the pages…
There were several parts that sent chills through me:
The scenes of the Nuremberg Trials, where the criminals on trial took either an air of complete indifference, or were amused, when the atrocities they were accused of were brought to light.

The descriptions of what occurred in the last weeks before Germany surrendered, inside Hitler’s bunker, particularly the scenes concerning the Goebbels children and their fates.

The paragraphs in which the plans to carry on “Hitler’s legacy” are presented, by people for whom the adjective “evil” doesn’t suffice.

A must-read for historical-fiction buffs.

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[Jeanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one was a tough read for me. When I read the summary for this story, it was in the genre of historical fiction that I've come to enjoy - it was not available at my library so I even purchased the Kindle version on Amazon (fortunately I think it was a $0.99 special). It was a hard story to get into, and even hard to endure through to the end; however, I don't give up on stories and this one was no exception. After all the agony, the ending was less than satisfying. 2 out of 10.

[Mostly Bookish Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling, well-written novel that explores courage, conviction, and the consequences of ideology. Highly recommended for fans of WWII historical fiction.

This dual-timeline WWII novel follows Annie, a Londoner who refuses to accept her father’s growing allegiance to Nazi ideology, and Margarete (Greta), a privileged German woman who becomes deeply embedded in Hitler’s regime.

Annie’s journey is one of resilience and quiet courage, while Greta’s is driven by ambition and loyalty to the Reich at any cost. Their paths cross multiple times, always charged with tension and moral conflict.

What stood out most was how clearly the novel explored the difference between knowing what is right and choosing it. Emotional, thought-provoking, and beautifully written, this was an excellent historical fiction that stayed with me long after I finished.

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story. While WWII historical fiction is my favorite time period to read about, I love that this book covered not only that part, but the aftermath. I’ve read very little about the Nuremberg Trials and how Hitler’s faithful continued on after his death.

I love Annie. Even at 17, she refused to believe the same things as her father, and wanted to do something against his beliefs. She was an independent woman who struggled with the thoughts of marriage and losing her independence. She loved the work she did during the war and didn’t know what to do with herself after the Trials. In my opinion, there’s nothing better than a strong female character.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.

[Treena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore historical fiction—especially anything set during WW2—and this one absolutely pulled me in. The portrayal of Hitler was interesting — seeing him shown as someone capable of affection alongside the monstrous cruelty we know him for added a chilling, fascinating layer.

Annie’s character, though, is what really made the story shine. She’s written with such warmth and resolve that you can’t help but root for her. Every step she takes, every risk she faces, you feel right there with her, hoping she triumphs.

The writing itself is so immersive that I genuinely felt the pulse of the era—the tension, the heaviness, the hope. I slipped straight into the story and didn’t want to climb back out. Beautifully written and completely absorbing. I recommend this one wholeheartedly.

💫Thank you Catherine Hokin, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing this book for review. All opinions are my own💫

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catherine Hokin’s new novel, The Girl Who Told the Truth, provides the reader with a fascinating and in depth account of the rise of Fascism in Britain and beyond. The story is told from two sides, that of young British girl Anna whose father Sid is a fervent member of Mosley’s fascist group, The British Union of Fascists. On the other side we have Margarete (Grete) whose fanatical obsession with Hitler, his beliefs, policies and methods makes her a very dangerous, sharp, cunning and cruel person. I say opposite sides because although Anna comes from a household where fascism and nothing else rules, both herself and her mother are firmly against it. Anna even more so we discover right from the prologue when an incident befalls her mother which changes her irrevocably. Said incident fuels the fire that burns within Anna right from the get go to avenge what was done and help bring down Fascism in all its facets. She becomes as the title suggest the girl who told the truth and in doing this, she takes herself down a very challenging path littered with secrets, suspicion, vulnerability and uncertainty.

Overall, I found this to be a very good book and it was definitely an eye opener into how Hitler rose to power and how those around him enabled this to happen as they become so entrenched and swayed by what he was promising so many. I had previously heard of Oswald Mosley but had never read anything in depth regarding his party and what they tried to achieve in Britain. For all the wrong reasons I might add. Clearly lots of research was undertaken by the author and plenty of detail is provided throughout the book so I really felt I was learning about an aspect of the war that I had given scant thought to. I enjoyed the fact that it didn’t overly go into detail about the war itself and the various battles and its timeline. We all know that and I’ve read lost of books which do this. Instead there the characters, their motivations and ambitions are given the opportunity to shine and Anna’s quest shows her to be utterly fearless as she is determined to right a wrong. Time and time again she goes against the beliefs of Sid and the party she is a member and as her father likes to think he is Mosley’s right hand man, Anna finds herself at the centre of everything. It’s how she uses this power which is both riveting and intriguing.

The book is split into several parts spanning a ten year period starting in 1936. It becomes dark at times and in a way stifling but that fits with the themes of the book and the situations Anna finds herself in. She bides her time and takes many an unexpected turn for what she wishes to achieve can’t be done overnight. I did feel the first half of the book was quite slow and at times I did struggle to get through it but I am so glad I persisted because at the midway point I felt things were changing. Things were starting to occur and there was more action and I felt as if Anna could possibly succeed in her tasks. For up until that point not much seem to have occurred. Yes, the foundations were set, an outline was provided but where was it going to go and what would Anna become embroiled in. The plot needed that moment of action that would lead to a climax and a fallout and when that occurred I found myself reading through the chapters much quicker to see what the eventual outcome would be and what twists and turns would await me as I journeyed to that point.

Anna was a brave young woman to go against the belief system that her father was so caught up in. She wasn’t of the same stance that aliens meaning Jews or those Hitler believed not were not fit for society could be in Britain taking up everyone’s jobs. Sid always put Britain first and yes to an extent you can do that but not in the manner in which the Fascist party wanted this to happen. Sid was controlling, obsessive, bitter, twisted and a bully with a temper. He ruled with an iron fist and Peggy, Anna’s mother, lived in a place of fear. I think Anna was much more able to stand up to her father but she played a cunning game in that she kept him on side so she could get access to the lion’s den. She used this to her advantage to glean information and when the time was right she would this in the best possible way. The politics her father had chosen to follow had something very dark at its heart and it would shape his family’s lives. Six long years of the war sees Anna meet Harry who works for a London newspaper. He falls deeply in love with her and he is desperate to marry her. She feels the same way about him but feels marriage can’t occur until her mission is done. She wouldn’t be happy being a stay at home housewife especially given the newfound freedom the war provided so many women. Harry’s war experiences deeply affect him but Anna is quietly pushing on with things and working in Intelligence in the Ministry. Infiltration becomes the game and she plays this well, but I mustn’t forget Margarete for she was a whole different kettle of fish.

Margarete first appears as an au pair to Mosley’s children for a brief period of time. Attending a party with her parents at Mosley’s countryside home Anna, then only 13, encounters Margarete. From that first brief meeting, Anna knows Margarete is dangerous and is firmly entrenched within Hitler’s camp and without giving anything away the incident I previously mentioned is the fuel that fires Anna throughout the book. She wants justice but Margarete is very astute and is always one step ahead. She views situations from very angle and is constantly thinking of the bigger picture. She gets people caught in a trap and they only become deeply entangled with no chance of clawing their way out. I found Margarete to be callous and evil. Her idolisation of Hitler did nothing to endear her to me and had no redeeming characteristics at all. She was sinister, cold and calculating and took great pleasure from tormenting Anna. She treated people with disdain, using and abusing them and casting them aside when she was done with them. The German fighter pilot Hans being one of them.

Margarete’s experiences of war and how she became so closely to Hitler and working with him in his lair were rich in detail and fascinating but really there was nothing I could find to like about her. The period after the war which I felt was the best part of the book was brilliant from Margarete’s stand point. She came into her own although I didn’t like what she was doing and all her game playing came to fruition. The war may be over but Margarete refuses to believe it and she feels one day National Socialism which in her mind is the only way of living will once again rise to the fore and she will be there continuing her obedience to a man who was gone but whose rotten legacy has made a detrimental impact on the world. I found it incredible that so many Nazi’s and Margarete in this case could escape Germany and infiltrate Britain but saying that this still occurs today with often disastrous consequences. Like Anna, I found it frustrating that Margarete was near yet so far and I questioned whether it would be in fact Margarete who won the upper hand. The second half of the book as I have mentioned really ramped things up and as Margarete works to rebuild socialism and complete a request bestowed upon her I was became deeply engrossed.

Reading the author’s end notes it was interesting to see alongside the real life characters that I was familiar with that Margarete was based off of Boorman’s secretary. Although none of the secretary’s in Hitler’s lair ever gave away anything post war I do think Catherine Hokin has done a brilliant job of bringing Margarete to life and giving the reader a glimpse into a dark, murky and deadly world. There is plenty of tension and twists and turns to keep the reader hooked especially in the later half. Anna is a remarkable character and I suppose Margarete is too but for all the wrong reasons. Is Anna successful in the mission I purposely was evasive about well pick up a copy of The Girl Who Told the Truth and discover this and much more.

[Vero V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

ENGLISH:

I would like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance.

I believe that historical fiction about what happened during World War II is more necessary than ever today, so that people can learn how radical and authoritarian regimes devastated us as a humanity.

What I enjoyed most about Catherine Hokin’s story was discovering that a fascist party existed in England. I had no idea. The novel also offers a different and well-crafted perspective on the Nuremberg Trials. It is evident that the author is an expert in this historical period and has done extensive research.

However, what I did not enjoy as much was how black-and-white the characters were, lacking nuance. The story feels somewhat naïve: the villains are excessively evil and the good characters almost angelic, which makes them hard to believe. I also think the novel makes a mistake with its title. While the heroine does begin as a 14-year-old girl, this is only in the first of four parts; for the rest of the story, Annie is already a woman. Nor is it justified that the Nazi co-protagonist continues to call her “good girl” as a way of belittling her. I believe the use of “girl” in the title creates expectations that the novel does not fulfill.

Overall, while I appreciated the historical insight and the author’s clear expertise, the novel did not fully work for me on a narrative level.

The book will be released on January 13, 2026.

ESPAÑOL:

Agradezco a Bookouture y Netgalley la posibilidad de haber leído anticipadamente este libro.

Creo que las ficciones históricas de lo que pasó en la Guerra Mundial II son hoy más necesarias que nunca para que las personas aprendan cómo los regímenes radicales y autoritarios nos devastaron como humanidad.

Lo que más me gustó de la historia de Catherine Hokin fue descubrir que existió un partido fascista en Inglaterra. No tenía idea. Además de ofrecerme un punto de vista distinto y bien logrado sobre los juicios de Nuremberg. Es evidente que la autora es una experta en este periodo de la historia y ha hecho bastante investigación.

Ahora, lo que no me gustó mucho fue que los personajes fueran tan blanco y negro, sin matices. Es una historia un poco naif, donde los malos son malísimos y los buenos unos ángeles, no llegan a ser creíbles. Creo que la novela también comete un error con su título. La heroína sí empieza como una niña de 14 años, pero eso solo es en la primera parte (de cuatro), el resto de la historia Annie ya es una mujer. Tampoco se justifica por que la coprotagonista nazi la siga llamando “buena niña” a fin de menospreciarla. Creo que lo de “niña” en el título induce a expectativas que no se cumplen.

En conjunto, aunque aprecié el aporte histórico y el evidente expertice de la autora, la novela no terminó de funcionar para mí a nivel narrativo.

El libro sale este 13 de enero del 2026.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl Who Told The Truth by Catherine Hokin is a powerful historical novel that consumed me from the start.
The action is set in 1930’s-1940’s mainly in London but also in Berlin. We follow one young British woman who desires the truth about fascism to be known. She also wants the perpetrators of an evil regime to be brought to justice.
In contrast there is a young German woman who makes it her mission to make sure fascism doesn’t end with the death of Hitler. She wants to garner support, especially in Britain. She is cunning and evil – but will goodness triumph?
The reader sees the evil Oswald Moseley and his Blackshirts as they try to take over London’s East End but “we won’t be told what to do by men who peddle hatred, not on these streets.” The plucky East End fights back as good triumphs over evil in their hearts.
With World War II comes the opening up of lives for women as they step into roles traditionally occupied by men. “Annie wasn’t the only woman who’d found a sense of freedom and purpose waiting inside the war’s ministries.”
Following the end of the war, the world was supposed to be a better place but “there’s no world fit for heroes to come back to. That promise was built on sand.” People had to re-build lives as well as buildings. Londoners recovered quicker than Berliners whose city was totally destroyed.
Ideologies of evil still existed at the war’s end. Germany was defeated but still there were evil Nazis roaming the world. A brave woman believed at Nuremburg, “I can’t leave until every voice has been heard… until their stories have been told.” As one looked at the German people after the war, it was said “there was collective looking away at best, and complicity at worst.”
All the characters were well drawn. Some were brave, fighting for justice in an unjust world. Others were pure evil, coldly calculating and menacing.
The Girl Who Told The Truth is a powerful tale that I just could not put down.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Aisha Faisal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture 🙏 for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I really appreciated the chance to read this advance copy. The story was tense, emotionally engaging, and thought-provoking, and I enjoyed exploring the themes around truth, morality, and consequences. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my honest feedback and support the author and publisher.

This was a tense and emotionally driven read that explores the consequences of honesty when telling the truth is anything but safe. This book does not come to play. From the first few chapters, Catherine Hokin pulls you into a tense, emotionally charged story where truth isn’t just powerful, it’s dangerous.

At the heart of the novel is a young woman whose honesty sets off a chain reaction she never intended. What makes this story hit hard is how real it feels. The characters aren’t perfect, the choices aren’t easy, and the consequences? Brutal. Hokin does a great job showing how telling the truth can sometimes cost you relationships, safety, and even your sense of self.

The pacing is tight, with no unnecessary waffle, and the suspense keeps quietly building rather than relying on cheap twists. There’s a constant underlying tension, like something is about to snap at any moment. The emotional depth really stood out for me; you’re not just watching events unfold, you’re feeling the fear, guilt, and courage alongside the protagonist.

Themes of morality, integrity, and the price of honesty are explored in a way that feels modern and relevant. It asks an uncomfortable question: Is telling the truth always the right thing to do, and who gets hurt when you do?

Spoiler: The answer is messy, and that’s what makes it good.

Overall:
A gripping, thought-provoking read that balances psychological tension with emotional realism. If you like books that make you think and keep you turning pages at 2 a.m., this one’s a solid pick.
Recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven suspense with emotional impact.😊

[PamelaF1998 · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid reader of Historical Fiction, especially WW II, I do not often come across a novel that has the Nuremberg Trials as part of the plot. This was the main reason I chose this book. The Girl Who Told the Truth starts out in 1930's London where Annie lives with her family in a working class neighborhood. Annie's father Sid, is a close associate of Oswald Mosley, a British politician who wants to lead England towards Facism. He is an admirer of Adolf Hitler and even after Hilters death, Oswald and Annie's father want to continue the German cause. Annie and her mother do not share the same beliefs and this causes tension and fear in their home.

Annie's character was strong and likeable, but I developed a dislike for the character Margarete who in the 1930s was part of Oswald's group in England and during the war became part of Hilters inner circle. Margarete is an example of someone who justified all the heinous acts the Germans performed on the Jewish community. Annie and Margarete meet again when both have different roles in Nuremberg. The author did an excellent job exploring the general feelings of the public in regards to the Nuremberg Trials and I found myself shocked at how many people simply wanted to forget about the war and move on to the next big story. I did feel like the romance between Annie and Harry was almost an afterthought and I did not think Harry's character was well developed. Additionally, in the beginning his character was impressed by Annie's intelligence and determination, but as the story went on he changed and became less likeable. This is a solid WW II novel and I enjoyed the author's unique approach to the War and its aftermath. I could tell the author did plenty of research regarding the political environment in 1930's England.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book and all opinions stated are my own.

[Toni MD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I really enjoyed The Girl Who Told the Truth. 4 stars.

This is the kind of WWII novel that lives in the hard space where ambition and love don’t peacefully co-exist, especially for a woman of that time. Annie is constantly split between what she wants for her life and what the world will allow her to hold at the same time. And watching her try to carve out significance in a season of history that’s essentially pitch-black? That part really stayed with me.

What made this feel different for me was the perspective. I’ve read a lot of WWII fiction, but I’ve never gotten quite this close to what was happening inside Hitler’s circle. That lens was unsettling and absorbing in a way I didn’t even realize I’d been missing until it was in front of me. It also adds a layer of moral tension, because Annie’s ability to “make a difference” is tangled up in her family’s proximity and their affiliation with Nazi Germany. She isn’t walking into this story clean, and neither is her name. That complication gives the book weight.

I also appreciated how much the book made me think about the contrast between England and Germany during that time, not just in politics, but in mood, daily life, and what people had to pretend was normal. It’s a strong reminder that history isn’t experienced in neat bullet points, it’s lived in kitchens, train stations, conversations, compromises.

Now, I’ll be honest about pacing: it wasn’t a nonstop page-turner for me. It reads more like a slow burn built on tension, consequences, and atmosphere than a sprint. But it’s still a great read, and I can see why other readers have praised how immersive and researched it feels, especially if you like WWII fiction that leans into psychological pressure and the cost of proximity to power.

If you want a WWII novel with a darker, closer-in vantage point and an ambitious heroine navigating impossible choices, this one is worth your time.

[Andrea Hulme · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical story gripped me from the first page. This book covers a storyline from 1934 through to 1948, with events leading up to, and during World War 2, and the aftermath of the horrors that were faced by many in Germany and Britain during that time.

The story we get though is of two young women, who are embroiled in events and who end up being at the very core of this intriguing storyline. We follow Annie, a fearless young woman who attends fascist rallies with her father who supports Oswald Moseley, but she does not have the same beliefs as her father. Annie was a irredeemable main character. We see her grow throughout the book, defying her father, working for the British Intelligence, seeking justice for the men and women who suffered during the war.

We also meet Margarete, who I thought was a really interesting character. A woman who not only mesmerized Moseley and the fascists in Britain, but who also was at the heart of Hitler's inner circle. A woman who was one of the last to leave the bunker as the war was ending, who took secrets and a mission with her long after the war ended.

Annie and Margarete first meet in 1934 and terrible events during that time lead to vendettas, ruthless collisions and shattering of secrets. I really enjoyed that these two women, and foes were at the heart of this. They were pitted against each other.

The twists and tension between these two strong women was fantastic. The prose is sharp and vivid, and delivered a fabulous story. The blend of historical drama, betrayal and raw emotional depth was brilliant.

I loved reading the author's note at the end of the book that provided intel into the research behind the novel. You could really tell throughout the book that this was well researched And I loved hearing how Margarete came about.

[Sue Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE GIRL WHO TOLD THE TRUTH by CATHERINE HOKIN is a WW11 novel that I could nnt put down! What an incredible story, as we follow Annie Kirson from her home in London’s East End to Germany and the Nuremberg trials, and back home again to fight against the fascists and antisemitism all over again.She has been brought up by her pro Nazi father who she hates for nearly destroying her mother and for the hatred he spews, particularly against the Jews, and the hold he has over the family. At one of the party’s functions in1934 she meets Grete, a young German girl who is working as au pair for Sir Oswald Moselely, the charismatic leader of the fascists in England’s, children. This woman is to be a thorn in Annie’s side as she tries to bring the Nazi sympathisers, especially her father, to justice…….
There is spying, blackmail, lying and murder, against the horrific background of Hitler’s war, and through it al we see a young woman’s courage and determination to make the world a better place.
I found the descriptions of her time at the Nuremberg trials and the holing up of Hitler and his inner circle in the Berlin bunker, very interesting. The author has obviously done a great deal of research into this time in history.
This book is a must read for anyone who is interested in the truth about World War 11 and who has respect for the Jews, who have been targeted throughout history.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

[Nessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girls Who Told the Truth is a WWII historical fiction set between wartime London and post-war Germany, culminating in the Nuremberg Trials. While this isn’t my usual genre, I’ve been intentionally trying to read outside my comfort zone, and this was a thought-provoking choice.

I really connected with Annie’s desire to be more than just a wife and her determination to carve out a meaningful role in a world shaped by war. Her ambition, moral conflict, and need for justice felt very real. Although the shifting timelines and locations were occasionally confusing, the story offered emotional depth and strong historical context.

What I appreciated most was how it prompted me to revisit this period of history as an adult. We often learn about the war in school and rarely return to it later in life, but this book reminded me how much there is to unpack with adult perspective — nuance, moral complexity, and human cost that don’t always register when you’re younger.

Overall, a reflective and emotional read that will appeal to fans of WWII fiction and stories centered on courage, truth, and resilience.

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to the publisher,Bookouture for providing with E ARC via Netgalley, in exchange for honest review. All opinions are my own *

These are the types of historical fiction books that I like. WW2 is one of my favorite historical fiction themes to read about. What I loved about The Girl Who Told The Truth is that it didn’t only take place during WW2, but also in the aftermath. Catherine described everything in such detail that I felt I was there with Annie and Margarete. I loved Annie, and despite everything that was happening, including in her love life, she kept on going.

I thought that the character’s growth, especially Annie’s, was phenomenal. Although I was not fond of Margarete, I liked the way the author portrayed her. There wasn’t a single moment in the book where I didn’t wonder what Margarete was up to. You could feel the tension between Margarete and Annie from the start, and I found myself rooting for Annie. It’s clear from the moment you start reading the book how much research was put into this book. I found myself transported to that time period while reading, feeling all the fear, anger, and hope.

The Girl Who Told The Truth is the first book I read by Catherine Hokin, and now I am eager to check out her others. I liked this book; however, I do feel that the second half was a little more captivating than the first. I would highly recommend this book to any historical fiction fans.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never thought much about the Blackshirts and Mosley's group during World War Two in England. We definitely didn't put much thought into it in history classes in America. After reading The Girl Who Told the Truth I was left silent. As Britain was standing up to the Nazis there was a war within the country.

Annie was in a unique situation. Her father, Sid was one of Mosley's men. She witnessed first hand what was going on, giving the reader a unique prespective. She was forced to be by her father's side, forced to witness treasonous acts. She stood beside those supporting the Nazis. She heard the words.

Annie supported Britain and the Allies. Her bravery fills the pages as she works for freedom. Her dedication gives glimpses into the Nuremberg trials. The reader experience her challenges as a female in government. Life changes when they learn who her father is and no longer listen to her.

If you like spy thrillers you will enjoy Annie's life after Nuremburn. She finds herself deep within the attempted rebirth of Mosely's Blackshirts. She just needs proof. If it was only that simple.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

We follow Annie as a child in London in the 1930’s. She is scared of Sid, her father, he is a violent man, and Annie and her mother live in fear.

Grete is an au pair, but there seems to be more between her and Annie’s dad. With meetings held and Annie being forced to attend, she realises that her dad is involved with Oswald Mosley and Adolf Hitler.

As Annie grows older, she eventually gets a job in Nuremberg, and knows just how bad the Nazis are, but when she comes back to England, she realises that her father hasn’t stopped being involved with Mosley and Grete. Annie is determined to bring them all to justice.

This is an interesting and informative story, I liked how the author brought in the cases held in Nuremberg, as well as Hitler’s last days in the underground bunker.

It is obvious from the story that the author will have put in a lot of research for this book, going back from the 1930s to the 1940s, it is full of interesting facts, and I learnt a lot from this book.

I liked Annie’s character, I loved how determined she was to bring people to justice, how she tried to help out the Jewish community was touching, and I found it rather emotional at times.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in England from the 1930s through to the end of the 1940s, where Annie’s younger life is shadowed by her father’s evil politics and ties to Hitler, very interesting to see the rise of fascism from a safe distance! The book reaches all the way through to the Nuremberg trials, which I was expecting to read more about… this was interesting but felt a bit overlong at times, though well written enough to not drag. It was really eerie to read too about how there was still such a great contingent on the side of Hitler after the war!

Spoilers:

I was mildly disappointed when Grete simply slipped and fell off the dock and drowned, I wanted her to be caught with the letters from Hitler and held accountable! I also at times became confused during her blackmailing of Annie; I couldn’t quite understand how she managed to wield so much power.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction with a soul. I was swept away with this novel telling the story of a young woman, Annie, and her fight for freedom and justice against oppression and fascism during and after WW2. Her devotion and loyalty were put to the test on many levels.

The concept of the Blackshirts being placed on the same level as Hitler was enlightening, with Mosley and his glamorous wife Diana playing a major role. At the end of the day Annie and her husband achieved their goals and ambitions, but it was a long time in the coming. I couldn’t honestly describe this novel as ‘enjoyable’; it was mere curiosity and a desire to see justice done.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this ARC novel.

[DianeLikesToRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow.
I have read very few books about life AFTER WWII. This gripping novel follows Annie, a young woman attending the Nuremberg Trials with a personal mission. She is caught in an internal struggle. Does she expose a dangerous Nazi collaborator or protect her family's reputation?
This was a powerful story that needed to be told. The war didn’t end for many people when Germany fell. Run, don’t walk, to get this book. This is definitely a book that will stay with you. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheGirlWhoToldTheTruth #CatherineHokin #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInGermany #BooksSetAfterWWII

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie is stuck between a rock and hard place.
She wants to see that justice is done after the ravages of WWII but her own father’s connections and activities threaten to derail her pursuits.
She’s torn in many different directions, complicated by her husband’s impatience and demands.
Margarete was a terrible person and although she deserved what she got, ultimately she should have paid more.
Hokin flushes out period pieces that have too long been overshadowed by disinterest or attempts to submerge them.
This book adds to the canon of WWII and Cold War historical fiction.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance read.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: The Girl Who Told the Truth
Author: Catherine Hokin
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication Date: January 13, 2026

The story of Annie was frustrating and heartbreaking, all rolled into one. I found Sid to be an infuriating bully towards his family.

If you're looking for a quick, easy read, this isn't it. This book definitely makes you pause and think about the unjust events that occurred during WWII. Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was set in Berlin and London during the 1930s - 1940s. This book is about truth and justice, a young woman from London wants the perpetrators of the Nazi regime brought to justice. This is a hard read, it’s heartbreaking and the fight for justice isn’t always straightforward or fair. If you are expecting an easy read, it’s not it’s gritty and dark and will pull you in and not let,you go until the end. Highly recommend.

Publication date is 23 Jan 2026. Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC in return for my honest review.

[Sue Riemersma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dual Point of View book that moved smoothly between the characters. One is a female Nazi speech writer for Hitler and the other an anti-fascist young woman whose father was among the Fascists of England pre and during WWII. Through a period of approx. 15 years their paths cross multiple times. It is a piece of history that is not written about in most WWII historical fiction books. Interesting story and well written, but a bit on the slow side for me. I would definitely recommend.

[Tashfia Nabila fareed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a strong and immersive historical fiction read. I really loved the contrast between the two central female characters, one driven by ambition, the other by love, grief, and rage. It created such compelling tension throughout the story. It’s a true page-turner as you wait to see who ultimately prevails. The level of research is evident, making the story feel vivid and emotionally grounded, and it truly pulls you into the time period.

Thank you Bookouture for this ARC.

[Margaret Wray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had trouble in the beginning reading this but as the story developed so did my interest. . The Mosley group really were a bunch of thugs and fortunately fell into disarray. The Nazi side and interference of getting into Britain was unbelievable but it did happen at least their plans fell apart.

[jayne hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a chance encounter in 1934 lead to.a.secret

When a chance encounter.in 1934 lead to her meeting a dangerous woman who will do anything to keep Hitler work.Alfie after his death she will do everything she can to.make sure this didn't happen

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* to 4*

[Helena Horesh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit disappointing to be honest