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The Ghost
Summary
Assassinations, a love story, a kidnapping, and many twists and turns characterizes this riveting novel of historical fiction, circa 1958, thirteen years post World War II.
Events are uncovered where The Ghost, a powerful Vatican Bishop, is sending assassins to retrieve a secret tailpiece – a hidden extension of the 1942 Wannsee Conference Papers that underpinned the Holocaust against Jews. Only two copies of this tailpiece remain where names of thousands of high level Nazis such as Eichmann and Mengele are listed along with their future destinations – should Germany lose the war.
At the same time, New York City detectives working with British M16 secret service, and Israeli Mossad agents, get Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal and his group, (including an Israeli sanctioned killer) involved in order to find and send the crucial coded microfilm to England’s renowned decryption center. Now, in 1958, these Jewish Nazi hunters will not forgive and not forget.
This story is newsworthy testimony regarding the villains who are actual historical figures and are named. Fitting it all together (as in the screenplay based on the story “We Will Find You,”) is the avenging drama of the novel.
Assassinations, a love story, a kidnapping, and many twists and turns characterizes this riveting novel of historical fiction, circa 1958, thirteen years post World War II.
Events are uncovered where The Ghost, a powerful Vatican Bishop, is sending assassins to retrieve a secret tailpiece – a hidden extension of the 1942 Wannsee Conference Papers that underpinned the Holocaust against Jews. Only two copies of this tailpiece remain where names of thousands of high level Nazis such as Eichmann and Mengele are listed along with their future destinations – should Germany lose the war.
At the same time, New York City detectives working with British M16 secret service, and Israeli Mossad agents, get Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal and his group, (including an Israeli sanctioned killer) involved in order to find and send the crucial coded microfilm to England’s renowned decryption center. Now, in 1958, these Jewish Nazi hunters will not forgive and not forget.
This story is newsworthy testimony regarding the villains who are actual historical figures and are named. Fitting it all together (as in the screenplay based on the story “We Will Find You,”) is the avenging drama of the novel.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 29, 2018
A conspiracy that involves Fascists, Nazis, the Vatican, and the mystery starts in the Bronx.
Conspiracy theories coupled with international intrigue make for a compelling premise. Frank Carbone, a weekend drinker, is helpless as he watches his nephew Willie fall from his third-story apartment one night. The reader learns in the first few pages HOW the crime was committed. The reasons WHY and other details are the subject for the remainder of the novel. The subsequent investigation into the boy’s fall, which he survives, unleashes a series of discoveries for the uncle and the two detectives on the case.
British intelligence. Nazis on the run to South America and to remote corners of Europe. Nazis in need of transit papers. Nazi hunters in pursuit. A Vatican official, who may or may not be ordering assassinations, is the titular ghost.
As far-fetched as any of this might have sounded to someone in 1958, when the story starts, the stark reality is that several strands of the plot are drawn from authentic history, and the author named names. It takes a deft hand to handle a convoluted plot with so many moving parts, more so to thread moral ambiguity that accompanies controversial topics such as extrajudicial justice. Michael Elkins’s Forged in Fury is an example of a narrative about Nazi hunting and reprisals. Dr. Kellerman is not venturing into le Carré territory because his Frank Carbone is a flawed working-class mensch and not an operative in the intelligence community.
While I applaud and stand in awe of any author willing to tackle an ambitious project of this magnitude, I had problems with the writing. Some of the dialog read like reportage or an information dump. I doubt that a clinician - and the author is a mental health professional - would cite The Count of Monte Cristo as an example of Locked-In Syndrome. For someone in 1958, a better example would’ve been Lou Gehrig’s Disease, or ALS. A minor quibble, but serious suspension of disbelief is required of the reader to think that Uncle Frank tags along with the detective as they uncover clues, or within earshot as Detectives Davis and McIver question suspects (one is Spanish and the other, German, who speak pidgin English). I did find it hard to believe that two alleged assassins would cave easily. There is also one female character in the novel, Gloria, who is always described and her information is always reported because she never speaks.
My arguments with the story set aside, I continued to read and finish the story because I was interested in learning how everything worked out for Frank, Willy, and the detectives. There is talent, however inexplicable, in having a reader refuse to quit.
Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.
Conspiracy theories coupled with international intrigue make for a compelling premise. Frank Carbone, a weekend drinker, is helpless as he watches his nephew Willie fall from his third-story apartment one night. The reader learns in the first few pages HOW the crime was committed. The reasons WHY and other details are the subject for the remainder of the novel. The subsequent investigation into the boy’s fall, which he survives, unleashes a series of discoveries for the uncle and the two detectives on the case.
British intelligence. Nazis on the run to South America and to remote corners of Europe. Nazis in need of transit papers. Nazi hunters in pursuit. A Vatican official, who may or may not be ordering assassinations, is the titular ghost.
As far-fetched as any of this might have sounded to someone in 1958, when the story starts, the stark reality is that several strands of the plot are drawn from authentic history, and the author named names. It takes a deft hand to handle a convoluted plot with so many moving parts, more so to thread moral ambiguity that accompanies controversial topics such as extrajudicial justice. Michael Elkins’s Forged in Fury is an example of a narrative about Nazi hunting and reprisals. Dr. Kellerman is not venturing into le Carré territory because his Frank Carbone is a flawed working-class mensch and not an operative in the intelligence community.
While I applaud and stand in awe of any author willing to tackle an ambitious project of this magnitude, I had problems with the writing. Some of the dialog read like reportage or an information dump. I doubt that a clinician - and the author is a mental health professional - would cite The Count of Monte Cristo as an example of Locked-In Syndrome. For someone in 1958, a better example would’ve been Lou Gehrig’s Disease, or ALS. A minor quibble, but serious suspension of disbelief is required of the reader to think that Uncle Frank tags along with the detective as they uncover clues, or within earshot as Detectives Davis and McIver question suspects (one is Spanish and the other, German, who speak pidgin English). I did find it hard to believe that two alleged assassins would cave easily. There is also one female character in the novel, Gloria, who is always described and her information is always reported because she never speaks.
My arguments with the story set aside, I continued to read and finish the story because I was interested in learning how everything worked out for Frank, Willy, and the detectives. There is talent, however inexplicable, in having a reader refuse to quit.
Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.
December 5, 2018
The Ghost offers a complex story for historical mystery fans. The Ghost offers up a number of fictional characters, historical figures and an intricate international conspiracy as the novel's mystery is uncovered. Readers should expect to pay attention as characters, relationships and the history involved in the plot are revealed--as it is easy to "lose" a character or miss the context of a meeting or scene. I will admit, it took five or six chapters for me to settle into the story and begin to process the plot as it grew and twisted. Once I understood the backstory, adapted to the author's writing style and sorted out the characters in my mind, I was able to add the new characters and twists as the adventure grew. I do think readers should truly enjoy WWII history as an understanding and connection to the time period adds significance to the storyline.
The Ghost combines fact and fiction--with an assortment of characters. The author does a nice job pulling in real historical figures and events into his fictional story. Having said that, I still found some of the novel's storyline less than realistic--even for fiction. Some of the pieces fell into place far too quickly and easily and some of the characters seemed to have roles that just didn't fit their personalities or place in the story. Additionally, I didn't find myself connecting with any of the characters. They were developed in a very straightforward, emotionless manner that really made many of them seem like the same person.
Would I recommend The Ghost by Henry Kellerman? Parts of the novel seemed a bit flat for me--giving me pages and pages of facts and information without much direct character involvement or interaction. While this writing style was difficult for me at first, I really did develop an interest in the plot and the outcome. The novel's storyline is detailed, well-researched and well-developed. I think it is well done for fans of history's mysteries and international thrillers and will hold reader interest through to the end.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
The Ghost combines fact and fiction--with an assortment of characters. The author does a nice job pulling in real historical figures and events into his fictional story. Having said that, I still found some of the novel's storyline less than realistic--even for fiction. Some of the pieces fell into place far too quickly and easily and some of the characters seemed to have roles that just didn't fit their personalities or place in the story. Additionally, I didn't find myself connecting with any of the characters. They were developed in a very straightforward, emotionless manner that really made many of them seem like the same person.
Would I recommend The Ghost by Henry Kellerman? Parts of the novel seemed a bit flat for me--giving me pages and pages of facts and information without much direct character involvement or interaction. While this writing style was difficult for me at first, I really did develop an interest in the plot and the outcome. The novel's storyline is detailed, well-researched and well-developed. I think it is well done for fans of history's mysteries and international thrillers and will hold reader interest through to the end.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
November 26, 2018
The Ghost is set thirteen years post World War II and follow several characters who are solving and trying to protect secret paperwork that could destroy a Vatican bishop and release the whereabouts of all of the top Nazi criminals.
The story starts off with the attempted murder of a young boy who was trusted by his Mother with the paperwork. This sets off several events that tie in his alcoholic uncle, New York detectives, British secret services and Israeli agents. It is quite the fast moving and complicated plot with a lot of twists and turns. I found myself at times having to go back and double check to ensure that I did not miss anything. It was an excellent story from start to finish and I found myself researching the characters and some of the events that were described in the novel. While heart breaking and some of the events make you feel sick to your stomach as they did happen, these stories need to be told so that we don't see this happen again. History classes in school do not cover enough of these stories and I think it is important that we teach our youth and adults about these atrocities so that they will never be repeated again.
The story is well written but is fast paced and demands your attention. It blends history with a great sense of mystery and suspense. You never quite know what is coming next. The ending was well suited to the tone of the novel, although I would love to know what happened next for these characters as I am sure the events in the novel would have forever changed their lives. A definite must read for youth and adults a like.
December 4, 2018
The Ghost by Henry Kellerman is an international thriller set in the 50's with a unique, intricate plot. It starts with the attempted murder of a young man - unsuccessful thankfully - and then follows the lives of several characters as they move around the globe trying to unwind all the threads leading to a secret group in the Vatican who have been hiding Nazis around the world. At the centre is a hidden copy of a list of locations for thousands of those secreted away, and the unconscious young man the only person who knows where it is.
I have to admit I am torn on how to review this book. There are two sides. The author is an accomplished writer and that shows here. The plot is intricate and well thought out, the characters believable and the editing strong. Based on the strength of his writing I have given it a 4. However, there is a but. Somehow I was not drawn in emotionally. I tried to figure out the why given the strength of the writing. While not sure I am right, I think too much time was spent focused on conversations between the characters to tell the story - history, people, who's who, what the next step is, etc. I personally think more of the story needed to evolve naturally through following the characters actions as the storyline unfolded instead of happening through long discussions.
That said, perhaps this style of storytelling could hit the sweet spot for those drawn to historical fiction. Readers will definitely walk away with an understanding of the era and the passions of the characters we meet.
I have to admit I am torn on how to review this book. There are two sides. The author is an accomplished writer and that shows here. The plot is intricate and well thought out, the characters believable and the editing strong. Based on the strength of his writing I have given it a 4. However, there is a but. Somehow I was not drawn in emotionally. I tried to figure out the why given the strength of the writing. While not sure I am right, I think too much time was spent focused on conversations between the characters to tell the story - history, people, who's who, what the next step is, etc. I personally think more of the story needed to evolve naturally through following the characters actions as the storyline unfolded instead of happening through long discussions.
That said, perhaps this style of storytelling could hit the sweet spot for those drawn to historical fiction. Readers will definitely walk away with an understanding of the era and the passions of the characters we meet.
November 26, 2018
The Ghost is the first book I have read by Henry Kellerman. It begins in 1958 and involves events that happened during and after World War II. The Ghost refers to a dominant bishop from the Vatican. The story is quite a complex one with the ghost ordering assassins, post Holocaust, Nazi hunters, kidnappings, drama, suspense, and mystery. Detectives and secret agents from all over the world are trying to figure out what is going on.
The Ghost is one of those books that keeps a reader engaged and makes them stay on the edge of their seat throughout while reading. I found the plot to be fast paced and a page turner. I did find it a little difficult to follow at times, but it quickly made sense to me and I caught as to what was going on. It is not a book that can be easily put down. I just had to find out what was going to happen next.
I thought The Ghost to be well written. Mr. Kellerman is obviously a talented writer and a natural storyteller. I would love to read other fictional works by him in the future. I found his writing to be quite unique and intriguing.
I am giving The Ghost four and a half stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy historical fiction that is suspense filled, adventurous, action packed, and has a fast paced twist.
The Ghost is most definitely not a book to be missed. It is a must read.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
The Ghost is one of those books that keeps a reader engaged and makes them stay on the edge of their seat throughout while reading. I found the plot to be fast paced and a page turner. I did find it a little difficult to follow at times, but it quickly made sense to me and I caught as to what was going on. It is not a book that can be easily put down. I just had to find out what was going to happen next.
I thought The Ghost to be well written. Mr. Kellerman is obviously a talented writer and a natural storyteller. I would love to read other fictional works by him in the future. I found his writing to be quite unique and intriguing.
I am giving The Ghost four and a half stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy historical fiction that is suspense filled, adventurous, action packed, and has a fast paced twist.
The Ghost is most definitely not a book to be missed. It is a must read.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
December 3, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Check out more about the book and other reviews at between-the-shelves.com!
While I don't usually read historical fiction, I was drawn in by the complexities of the plot that Kellerman created. There are a lot of threads here to follow, but it made the mystery all the more satisfying. At times, I almost forgot that I was reading something set in history; all the events so were fast paced that I needed to keep reading to find out what happened next. The mystery and suspense blend well with the historical period that Kellerman chose to write in, making the novel all the more interesting.
Though the plot was intriguing and engaging, there were times, for me, where the writing felt a bit awkward, mostly when it came to the dialogue. At the beginning, when they're discussing the attempted murder of the kid, the dialogue didn't feel authentic to me. Each character felt much too long winded; instead of giving the reader all of the information from the character's conversation, Kellerman might have included some other description to better transport the reader to this time in history.
Once you get past that beginning scene, it becomes easier to become engrossed in the story. As you read on, the story picks up pace, and the dialogue flows a bit better with what's happening in the text. All in all, Kellerman has created a suspenseful story that fans of historical fiction will thoroughly enjoy.
While I don't usually read historical fiction, I was drawn in by the complexities of the plot that Kellerman created. There are a lot of threads here to follow, but it made the mystery all the more satisfying. At times, I almost forgot that I was reading something set in history; all the events so were fast paced that I needed to keep reading to find out what happened next. The mystery and suspense blend well with the historical period that Kellerman chose to write in, making the novel all the more interesting.
Though the plot was intriguing and engaging, there were times, for me, where the writing felt a bit awkward, mostly when it came to the dialogue. At the beginning, when they're discussing the attempted murder of the kid, the dialogue didn't feel authentic to me. Each character felt much too long winded; instead of giving the reader all of the information from the character's conversation, Kellerman might have included some other description to better transport the reader to this time in history.
Once you get past that beginning scene, it becomes easier to become engrossed in the story. As you read on, the story picks up pace, and the dialogue flows a bit better with what's happening in the text. All in all, Kellerman has created a suspenseful story that fans of historical fiction will thoroughly enjoy.
November 18, 2018
The Ghost is a fast=paced intriguing read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Kellerman has created a list of characters that are will developed with interesting backstories. A story that is vividly written and unique that makes it easy to get lost in. The Ghost is full of suspense, drama, and mystery. The kind of novel that stays with you long after reading. I finished reading this in one sitting because I could not put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next and it would end. The Ghost is a wonderful read with twists, turns and an ending that you will not see coming.
December 18, 2018
The Ghost by Henry Kellerman was a well written historic fiction novel with elements of an awesome thriller and mystery novel that made this book a great fast pace read! I loved the sort of spy feel this book had and I loved the way it always kept me guessing at what would happen next. This book was far from predictable, which made it one of my favorite historic fiction novels!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews