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Beneath the Eagle's Shadow
Henry Locke is a fixer. His specialty is burying secrets. But a new assignment is about to get him buried instead.
December 1937. America has turned inward. President Nathaniel Beauregard Vale rules with an iron hand, his government steeped in corruption, nationalism, and fear.
In Ottawa, Great War veteran and former NHL star Henry Locke works for media magnate James Redfern, cleaning up political scandals and massaging stories before they ever reach print. But behind the headlines, Locke quietly feeds information to Senator Callum Henshaw, a shrewd power broker and engineer-turned-statesman who knows another war is coming and means to keep Canada ready.
When Redfern receives an invitation to a private gathering in upstate New York, Henshaw sends Locke along to listen, watch, and report. What begins as a weekend of political maneuvering soon twists into something far darker; generals, financiers, and foreign agents gathered behind closed doors, united by a cause no one dares name.
When Locke uncovers a secret he was never meant to see, his cover shatters. Hunted by U.S. intelligence, Nazi operatives, and corporate enforcers, he must survive long enough to expose the truth before the conspiracy swallows him whole.
A gripping noir-thriller of power, loyalty, and betrayal set on the eve of a world descending into darkness.
December 1937. America has turned inward. President Nathaniel Beauregard Vale rules with an iron hand, his government steeped in corruption, nationalism, and fear.
In Ottawa, Great War veteran and former NHL star Henry Locke works for media magnate James Redfern, cleaning up political scandals and massaging stories before they ever reach print. But behind the headlines, Locke quietly feeds information to Senator Callum Henshaw, a shrewd power broker and engineer-turned-statesman who knows another war is coming and means to keep Canada ready.
When Redfern receives an invitation to a private gathering in upstate New York, Henshaw sends Locke along to listen, watch, and report. What begins as a weekend of political maneuvering soon twists into something far darker; generals, financiers, and foreign agents gathered behind closed doors, united by a cause no one dares name.
When Locke uncovers a secret he was never meant to see, his cover shatters. Hunted by U.S. intelligence, Nazi operatives, and corporate enforcers, he must survive long enough to expose the truth before the conspiracy swallows him whole.
A gripping noir-thriller of power, loyalty, and betrayal set on the eve of a world descending into darkness.
312 pages, Paperback
Published November 20, 2025
4 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 4, 2025
This was a well written book that left me waiting for a sequel.
The author’s descriptive style of writing gave me the feeling of being alongside the main character. I could
close my eyes and smell the cigarette smoke, the wet pavement…
Once started it was hard to put down and the book finished on a cliffhanger leaving unanswered questions that I will be eagerly be waiting to find answers to in the sequel!
A really well written story that keeps the reader hooked and wanting more!
K Roussy
The author’s descriptive style of writing gave me the feeling of being alongside the main character. I could
close my eyes and smell the cigarette smoke, the wet pavement…
Once started it was hard to put down and the book finished on a cliffhanger leaving unanswered questions that I will be eagerly be waiting to find answers to in the sequel!
A really well written story that keeps the reader hooked and wanting more!
K Roussy
November 6, 2025
I received a copy of this book to be an advanced reader and I can honestly say I wasn’t disappointed!!
This book is not something that I would have typically picked up on a shelf just based on my interests, but despite that I really actually enjoyed reading it!
The author does a great job at making sure that you can visualize each and every scene! It’s the perfect blend of just enough description without completing removing your ability to imagine what’s going on.
The characters, even though there are many, are still easy to keep track of and are each complex in their own way.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the mentions of local to the author places, teams and dialects. If you know what a “valley” accent is you’ll know how fitting it was.
While the book may take place in the past, it’s not so far off from our current political climate.
Anyways, if you’ve made it this far, please add to your TBR list - you won’t regret it.
This book is not something that I would have typically picked up on a shelf just based on my interests, but despite that I really actually enjoyed reading it!
The author does a great job at making sure that you can visualize each and every scene! It’s the perfect blend of just enough description without completing removing your ability to imagine what’s going on.
The characters, even though there are many, are still easy to keep track of and are each complex in their own way.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the mentions of local to the author places, teams and dialects. If you know what a “valley” accent is you’ll know how fitting it was.
While the book may take place in the past, it’s not so far off from our current political climate.
Anyways, if you’ve made it this far, please add to your TBR list - you won’t regret it.
October 13, 2025
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of the book by the author, but not in exchange for this review. This is all me. :)
This book captures the tense atmosphere of a 1940s film noir perfectly.
As an alternate history novel where the U.S. fell to fascism ninety years earlier than it has, it mirrors current events eerily. The protagonist is a multi-layered character -- an unhappy and uncertain spy, capable of violence but deploring it, haunted by his past and fearful of his future.
If I had any complaints about the villains, it's that they're too competent, but that adds to the tension as the protagonist and his allies navigate most of the novel in a claustrophobic setting, surrounded by enemies at all times, unable to escape until he completes his mission.
I didn't put the book down, from start to finish. A real page-turner!
This book captures the tense atmosphere of a 1940s film noir perfectly.
As an alternate history novel where the U.S. fell to fascism ninety years earlier than it has, it mirrors current events eerily. The protagonist is a multi-layered character -- an unhappy and uncertain spy, capable of violence but deploring it, haunted by his past and fearful of his future.
If I had any complaints about the villains, it's that they're too competent, but that adds to the tension as the protagonist and his allies navigate most of the novel in a claustrophobic setting, surrounded by enemies at all times, unable to escape until he completes his mission.
I didn't put the book down, from start to finish. A real page-turner!
October 20, 2025
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy of this book and based on the synopsis alone, I was very excited to get started.
I love historical fiction, especially set around WWII topics, but this was an alternate fiction like I had never read before, and left me excited for more (a sequel?!?!).
When we meet Henry Locke we immediately start to understand and relate to the depth of his character. The author vividly paints the scenes so that I could jump right into the book and it read almost like a movie in my head. It was so easy to get caught up in the page-turning action and suspense that I suggest you don't read this when you've got important things to do or somewhere to go--- you'll be late.
Beneath The Eagles Shadow is an alternate fiction novel that takes place in 1937 however, it was impossible not to draw parallels with today's political climate which makes it an especially interesting read in 2025.
Whether you enjoy fiction, history, action, politics, or even dystopian thrillers-- I highly recommend this debut novel from Craig Grant .
I love historical fiction, especially set around WWII topics, but this was an alternate fiction like I had never read before, and left me excited for more (a sequel?!?!).
When we meet Henry Locke we immediately start to understand and relate to the depth of his character. The author vividly paints the scenes so that I could jump right into the book and it read almost like a movie in my head. It was so easy to get caught up in the page-turning action and suspense that I suggest you don't read this when you've got important things to do or somewhere to go--- you'll be late.
Beneath The Eagles Shadow is an alternate fiction novel that takes place in 1937 however, it was impossible not to draw parallels with today's political climate which makes it an especially interesting read in 2025.
Whether you enjoy fiction, history, action, politics, or even dystopian thrillers-- I highly recommend this debut novel from Craig Grant .
October 31, 2025
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel.
This fantastic debut is perfectly on point with today's political climate. An alternate history spy thriller set in the 1930s where the USA falls to Fascism during WW2. The author creates an intriguing narrative with descriptive, yet succinct writing. Intense situations keep your heart racing towards a thrilling conclusion, leaving you excited for more.
This fantastic debut is perfectly on point with today's political climate. An alternate history spy thriller set in the 1930s where the USA falls to Fascism during WW2. The author creates an intriguing narrative with descriptive, yet succinct writing. Intense situations keep your heart racing towards a thrilling conclusion, leaving you excited for more.
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November 22, 2025C.M. Grant’s Beneath the Eagle’s Shadow is a richly atmospheric and thoroughly engaging historical thriller that stands out for its sharp attention to detail, compelling characters, and its ability to blend fact, fiction, and suspense into a seamless narrative experience. The novel succeeds not just as a noir tale of political intrigue, but as a vivid reimagining of a fragile moment in world history.
A captivating and immersive setting
One of the strongest achievements of the book is its world-building. Grant brings late-1930s North America to life with remarkable precision. The tension of an America drifting toward authoritarianism, contrasted with a Canada quietly bracing for the possibility of another global conflict, creates a backdrop that feels both historically grounded and dramatically heightened. The sense of creeping danger permeates every chapter, pulling the reader deeper into the story.
Henry Locke: a memorable, layered protagonist
Henry Locke is one of the novel’s standout elements. Grant manages to craft a protagonist who is tough, intelligent, and competent — yet undeniably human. Locke’s past as a war veteran and former NHL star gives him a unique texture, and his current work as a fixer gives the story its noir flavor. His loyalty, quiet integrity, and resilience make him easy to root for, even as he navigates moral grey zones. He’s the kind of character who stays with the reader long after the final chapter.
A conspiracy that feels fresh and genuinely suspenseful
While political thrillers often tread familiar ground, Grant adds enough originality and historical nuance to make the book feel inventive. The secretive gathering in upstate New York is a masterfully constructed sequence: tense, atmospheric, and full of small details that foreshadow the chaos to come. When Locke’s cover finally breaks, the novel shifts into a gripping chase that sustains momentum without ever feeling rushed. Grant balances action with intrigue exceptionally well.
Elegant prose and cinematic pacing
Grant’s writing style is crisp, vivid, and evocative. Scenes are described with a clarity that allows the reader to picture them effortlessly, and dialogue snaps with authenticity. The pacing is another major strength: slow simmering tension at first, followed by increasingly high-stakes conflicts that never overwhelm the reader. It feels like a well-structured film — tight, purposeful, and visually rich.
A captivating and immersive setting
One of the strongest achievements of the book is its world-building. Grant brings late-1930s North America to life with remarkable precision. The tension of an America drifting toward authoritarianism, contrasted with a Canada quietly bracing for the possibility of another global conflict, creates a backdrop that feels both historically grounded and dramatically heightened. The sense of creeping danger permeates every chapter, pulling the reader deeper into the story.
Henry Locke: a memorable, layered protagonist
Henry Locke is one of the novel’s standout elements. Grant manages to craft a protagonist who is tough, intelligent, and competent — yet undeniably human. Locke’s past as a war veteran and former NHL star gives him a unique texture, and his current work as a fixer gives the story its noir flavor. His loyalty, quiet integrity, and resilience make him easy to root for, even as he navigates moral grey zones. He’s the kind of character who stays with the reader long after the final chapter.
A conspiracy that feels fresh and genuinely suspenseful
While political thrillers often tread familiar ground, Grant adds enough originality and historical nuance to make the book feel inventive. The secretive gathering in upstate New York is a masterfully constructed sequence: tense, atmospheric, and full of small details that foreshadow the chaos to come. When Locke’s cover finally breaks, the novel shifts into a gripping chase that sustains momentum without ever feeling rushed. Grant balances action with intrigue exceptionally well.
Elegant prose and cinematic pacing
Grant’s writing style is crisp, vivid, and evocative. Scenes are described with a clarity that allows the reader to picture them effortlessly, and dialogue snaps with authenticity. The pacing is another major strength: slow simmering tension at first, followed by increasingly high-stakes conflicts that never overwhelm the reader. It feels like a well-structured film — tight, purposeful, and visually rich.
October 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It's a suspenseful alternative history thriller, and it's tailor-made for the current 'elbows-up' moment.
Grant paints a richly-textured portrait of 1930s Canada and the US, with an atmosphere redolent with Seagrams, wet wool, coal oil, and the not-so-distant memory of the First World War. It's a plausible vision of a North America in which a quasi-fascist leader heads the United States. But, unlike in 'The Man in High Castle' or 'The Plot against America', here we get the view from north of the border. The main character, Henry, is like an old-timey Canadian action hero, a veteran of both the Western Front and professional hockey, now a world-weary spy for Canadian intelligence and working undercover for a pulp-and-paper/newspaper magnate with right-wing sympathies.
Grant does a fine job of carefully setting up the plot, which culminates in few days of international intrigue and cloak-and-dagger maneuvering - plus skiing! - with an Adirondacks lodge serving as a kind of American version of a Nazi Alpine castle. I found many of the characters, including Henry, his handler, and their American fascist adversaries, well-drawn and compelling. And once things got rolling, the novel was hard to put it down, as Harry goes from one close shave to the next. It closes in dramatic fashion, with some big questions hanging in the air. Looking forward to the next installment!
Grant paints a richly-textured portrait of 1930s Canada and the US, with an atmosphere redolent with Seagrams, wet wool, coal oil, and the not-so-distant memory of the First World War. It's a plausible vision of a North America in which a quasi-fascist leader heads the United States. But, unlike in 'The Man in High Castle' or 'The Plot against America', here we get the view from north of the border. The main character, Henry, is like an old-timey Canadian action hero, a veteran of both the Western Front and professional hockey, now a world-weary spy for Canadian intelligence and working undercover for a pulp-and-paper/newspaper magnate with right-wing sympathies.
Grant does a fine job of carefully setting up the plot, which culminates in few days of international intrigue and cloak-and-dagger maneuvering - plus skiing! - with an Adirondacks lodge serving as a kind of American version of a Nazi Alpine castle. I found many of the characters, including Henry, his handler, and their American fascist adversaries, well-drawn and compelling. And once things got rolling, the novel was hard to put it down, as Harry goes from one close shave to the next. It closes in dramatic fashion, with some big questions hanging in the air. Looking forward to the next installment!
October 16, 2025
Every once in a while, a debut novel comes along that doesn’t just tell a story, it challenges how you see the world. Beneath the Eagle’s Shadow by Canadian author C. M. Grant is one of those books.
Set in an alternative 1937, the novel explores a chilling question:
> What if the United States had aligned itself with Hitler’s fascist movement and Canada found itself next, trapped beneath the eagle’s shadow?
Grant takes this daring premise and crafts a gripping, intelligent thriller that feels both historically grounded and disturbingly relevant. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, he paints a world that mirrors our own divisions and political tensions in ways that are impossible to ignore.
What struck me most is Grant’s ability to weave deep moral questions into page-turning suspense. The characters feel authentic, the dialogue crackles with realism, and the tension builds masterfully from start to finish. It’s not just alternate history, it’s a mirror held up to the present, reminding us how fragile democracy and unity can be.
If you enjoy stories that make you think as much as they entertain, books in the spirit of Philip K. Dick, Robert Harris, or Margaret Atwood, then Beneath the Eagle’s Shadow belongs on your shelf. It’s sharp, thought-provoking, and undeniably timely.
A bold debut from a talented new Canadian voice. Highly recommended—whether for yourself or as a meaningful holiday gift.
Set in an alternative 1937, the novel explores a chilling question:
> What if the United States had aligned itself with Hitler’s fascist movement and Canada found itself next, trapped beneath the eagle’s shadow?
Grant takes this daring premise and crafts a gripping, intelligent thriller that feels both historically grounded and disturbingly relevant. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, he paints a world that mirrors our own divisions and political tensions in ways that are impossible to ignore.
What struck me most is Grant’s ability to weave deep moral questions into page-turning suspense. The characters feel authentic, the dialogue crackles with realism, and the tension builds masterfully from start to finish. It’s not just alternate history, it’s a mirror held up to the present, reminding us how fragile democracy and unity can be.
If you enjoy stories that make you think as much as they entertain, books in the spirit of Philip K. Dick, Robert Harris, or Margaret Atwood, then Beneath the Eagle’s Shadow belongs on your shelf. It’s sharp, thought-provoking, and undeniably timely.
A bold debut from a talented new Canadian voice. Highly recommended—whether for yourself or as a meaningful holiday gift.
October 8, 2025
Simply by a stroke of luck, I was given the opportunity to read this book before it hits the shelves. I was a bit hesitant in that I'm not one who usually reads dystopian type novels because I find them a bit scarier than suspense / thriller / horror books. However, after reading a couple of samples of the author's writing, I knew there was writing talent here. I then spent much of the book barely hanging on because of the skill that the author has for suspenseful moments. I could not put it down at times. Most important for me was that I visualized everything the whole time I read it and it was a black and white "old time" war movie vibe for me. I could actually SMELL the cigar smoke and whiskey in a room he described. I "experienced" this book as much as I read it and that's not something that happens often. The story was interesting and intricate with great characters and pacing. And I believed what he was writing, which was also kind of scary. If you like old time war movies, any stories that figure around World War 2, and/or excellent writing, you will really want to read this book.
October 10, 2025
“Beneath the Eagle’s Shadow” by C.M. Grant is a political/spy thriller with a touch of the hardboiled fiction genre, definitely catching a 1930’s spy feel. Set in an alternate timeline that is chillingly relatable to contemporary North America in 2025 this book builds tension and suspense, contrasting with fast-paced action scenes.
The main character, Henry, is a man with a traumatic past, who is still wrestling with his “ghosts.” I really enjoyed his character growth throughout the book, as well as how he isn’t a typical perfect hero, but a character with flaws and doubts. The other characters are well-written with development of their own.
The plot is well thought out, the pacing can be a little slow in places, but often that ends adding to the tension of the scenes. The faster paced action is riveting.
The ending sets up for a sequel, which I can’t wait to read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction around the 1930’s, or spy and political thrillers.
The main character, Henry, is a man with a traumatic past, who is still wrestling with his “ghosts.” I really enjoyed his character growth throughout the book, as well as how he isn’t a typical perfect hero, but a character with flaws and doubts. The other characters are well-written with development of their own.
The plot is well thought out, the pacing can be a little slow in places, but often that ends adding to the tension of the scenes. The faster paced action is riveting.
The ending sets up for a sequel, which I can’t wait to read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction around the 1930’s, or spy and political thrillers.
October 15, 2025
C.M. Grant's Beneath the Eagle's Shadow is an action packed historical drama that once it was picked up, was hard to put down. It finished with a cliff hanger leaving me waiting for more and I'm excited for the sequel (if there is one).
It's well written with lots of plot twists and turns that kept me turning page after page. I found there were times when I could actually smell and taste whatever it was that he was describing and there were a couple of times when I could envision the action as if it was a movie in my head. In fact I imagine the book would make a fantastic movie or TV series one day down the road.
The book is well researched and historically accurate. It isn't unusual for me to confirm details that I feel are off while I'm reading a book set in the past and I get annoyed if it's inaccurate. This was not the case with Beneath the Eagles Shadow.
It's hard to believe that this is Craig's first book and I look forward to reading any of his subsequent writings.
It's well written with lots of plot twists and turns that kept me turning page after page. I found there were times when I could actually smell and taste whatever it was that he was describing and there were a couple of times when I could envision the action as if it was a movie in my head. In fact I imagine the book would make a fantastic movie or TV series one day down the road.
The book is well researched and historically accurate. It isn't unusual for me to confirm details that I feel are off while I'm reading a book set in the past and I get annoyed if it's inaccurate. This was not the case with Beneath the Eagles Shadow.
It's hard to believe that this is Craig's first book and I look forward to reading any of his subsequent writings.
December 26, 2025
Alternate histories are not my genre, but WWII stories often are, and the sample of this book was too well-written to do anything but real the whole thing.
The realism adds to the tension and gripping drama of this book, and the surreality of current global events makes it entirely too plausible.
My heart was in my throat almost the entire time - I had to take breaks to process everything - and most of this book felt like everything teetering on the edge of a cliff, one slight nudge away from tipping over.
The abrupt ending was both unexpected and perfect, and I kept trying to turn to a next page that isn’t there. I feel mentally wrung out as if I was there in 1937, and a sense of relief that I survived somehow. I imagine people who enjoy alternate histories might feel exhilarated by this world.
CM Grant is a gifted writer, and captures the blindsiding of secrets and betrayals and twists so smoothly it creates almost a double-take and a re-read to make sure.
The realism adds to the tension and gripping drama of this book, and the surreality of current global events makes it entirely too plausible.
My heart was in my throat almost the entire time - I had to take breaks to process everything - and most of this book felt like everything teetering on the edge of a cliff, one slight nudge away from tipping over.
The abrupt ending was both unexpected and perfect, and I kept trying to turn to a next page that isn’t there. I feel mentally wrung out as if I was there in 1937, and a sense of relief that I survived somehow. I imagine people who enjoy alternate histories might feel exhilarated by this world.
CM Grant is a gifted writer, and captures the blindsiding of secrets and betrayals and twists so smoothly it creates almost a double-take and a re-read to make sure.
December 11, 2025
The short and to the point: excellent story, with a strong grounding in relevant history with a very creative twist on it. Lots of action, intrigue, and great characters. A book I couldn’t wait to get back to.
The long story: grounded in historical fiction with a creative twist to the politics of pre-WW2. A gripping and realistic story, using current geo-social politics as a plot driver, telling a story of today from a perspective of how history might have looked. C.M. Grant has created a lead character akin to the likes of Reacher, or Smiley, of whom I would like to follow in future novels. Fast paced, but not lacking in detail, the story drives ahead leaving the reader as short of breath as the characters.
The long story: grounded in historical fiction with a creative twist to the politics of pre-WW2. A gripping and realistic story, using current geo-social politics as a plot driver, telling a story of today from a perspective of how history might have looked. C.M. Grant has created a lead character akin to the likes of Reacher, or Smiley, of whom I would like to follow in future novels. Fast paced, but not lacking in detail, the story drives ahead leaving the reader as short of breath as the characters.
October 18, 2025
ARC • 🇨🇦
I didn't take a full calm breath this entire book! This had my heart absolutely racing and me turning the pages so fast. Beneath the Eagles Shadow is a reimagined history where Hitler succeeds in WW2 and we see how North America copes. We follow a group of Canadians who are sent to New York for a political filled weekend. Generals, Nazis and collaborators are finalizing plans to take Canada. SO many insane things happen. It's incredibly fast paced, high stakes and set in a wintery cabin wonderland lol. This is a debut novel for Grant and is very well written!
I didn't take a full calm breath this entire book! This had my heart absolutely racing and me turning the pages so fast. Beneath the Eagles Shadow is a reimagined history where Hitler succeeds in WW2 and we see how North America copes. We follow a group of Canadians who are sent to New York for a political filled weekend. Generals, Nazis and collaborators are finalizing plans to take Canada. SO many insane things happen. It's incredibly fast paced, high stakes and set in a wintery cabin wonderland lol. This is a debut novel for Grant and is very well written!
October 4, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! The plot was brilliantly constructed. It was intelligent, gripping, and layered with just the right amount of tension. This political thriller weaves in a compelling historical layer while subtly reflecting current Canadian political challenges.
The writing is immersive and beautifully descriptive. I felt every moment; the emotional depth, the suspense, the atmosphere. It all resonated so clearly, powerfully and landed beautifully. A must read!
The writing is immersive and beautifully descriptive. I felt every moment; the emotional depth, the suspense, the atmosphere. It all resonated so clearly, powerfully and landed beautifully. A must read!
October 21, 2025
This alternative history debut is chilling, suspenseful, and prescient. Although it takes place in the 1930's, so much of the political commentary and action mirrors what we see today, making it seem all too real. The characters were developed, although there wasn't a lot of development. The writing was clear but at times overly descriptive. And it ended on a cliffhanger! I want to know what happens NOW!
Thank you to the author for the ARC which was given for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for the ARC which was given for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
A fantastic read set in the 1930's with real world relevance today. Craig Grant brings Henry Locke to life with dark, gritty visuals in a fast-paced read that keeps you completely engaged and wanting more.
November 3, 2025
An incredible book and a page turner. I was reading the on my iPad and on the last page I was desperate for the book to continue. Very suspenseful and timely subject with what we are living today. Looking forward to the next book.
January 21, 2026
This was so suspenseful! A real page turner and very interesting given current events even though this book is fiction.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews