The Munich Affair

by James Patterson, David Ellis

A suspenseful thriller from the world's #1 bestselling author, James Patterson, that spans a century—set in motion by the murder of Adolf Hitler's young lover by his own hand.

A determined detective, Thomas Bauer, obsessively pursues Hitler—putting Bauer’s Jewish wife and children in grave danger.

A courageous journalist, Fritz Gerlich, writes story after story detailing the murder—making Gerlich a target for Hitler’s Gestapo.

An American professor, Eleanor Robbins, picks up the trail of evidence from present-day Neo-Nazis guarding the Führer’s long-held secrets to the death.

"The Munich Affair is a master class in tension and a perfect historical thriller.” —Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls

“This World War II-era thriller feels startlingly modern and essential. As you watch a detective, a journalist, a resistance leader, and a professor race to solve past crimes, the boundaries of time quickly give way to pure suspense.” —Brad Meltzer, bestselling author of The Nazi Conspiracy

“Much more than a historical murder mystery, this lively and engaging story—from two masters at the top of their game—reminds us that 'those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.' You need to read this one and never forget.” —Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author

Genres: Historical Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, World War II, Historical, Suspense

528 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication September 21, 2026

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, Michael Crichton, and Viola Davis, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to James Patterson’s team for providing me with an advance reader copy of The Munich Affair in exchange for an honest review.

Set in Germany during Hitler’s rise to power, The Munich Affair follows three interconnected storylines. Detective Inspector Thomas Bauer investigates the suspicious death of Hitler’s niece and rumored lover, convinced there’s more to the case than officials are willing to admit. Journalist Fritz Gerlich risks everything to expose the truth behind Hitler’s growing regime, while decades later historian Eleanor Robbins searches for clues surrounding a mysterious item once hidden in Hitler’s personal safe. Together, their stories create a gripping historical thriller filled with mystery, espionage, and political intrigue.

The Munich Affair is the perfect blend of historical fiction and high-stakes thriller, making it an ideal read for anyone who enjoys espionage, mystery, and political intrigue.

The writing is cinematic and vividly descriptive. Patterson and Ellis capture the atmosphere of pre-war Germany with remarkable precision, while painting a chilling portrait of Hitler’s charisma, manipulation, desperation, and growing power. One of the most unsettling aspects of the novel is watching ordinary people become desensitized to the slow, incremental changes surrounding them. In hindsight, knowing the atrocities soon to unfold, makes witnessing this progression much more haunting.

Detective Inspector Thomas is the star of this novel. He’s honorable, calculated, and always seems to be two steps ahead. Bauer follows his instincts even when those around him would rather look the other way, and as he gradually recognizes the danger Hitler poses, he becomes one of the few people willing to confront the truth before it’s too late.

I also loved Fritz Gerlich, the determined journalist willing to risk everything to uncover the truth despite relentless intimidation from Hitler’s inner circle. His storyline highlights the extraordinary courage required to pursue the truth in the face of authoritarianism.

The addition of historian Eleanor Robbins, searching for long-lost documents and the mystery surrounding a secret item hidden in Hitler’s safe, gives the novel another compelling layer.

What surprised me most was how cleverly this story is constructed. It feels like the perfect blend of a Sherlock Holmes mystery, a James Bond-style mission, and a historical thriller. The twists, covert operations, and heists had my stomach in knots.

The prose is unexpectedly poetic at times, and combined with the intricate plotting, makes for a very engaging read.

If I have one criticism, it’s that some scenes toward the end leaned a bit more into sensational thriller territory than I would have liked, but overall it made for a highly entertaining read.

[Howard Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this novel to be a very interesting and frightening book —- not only due to the subject matter of Hitler’s rise to prominence in the early 1930s but also to the parallels in this country as to what is happening today with the brutality of ICE agents, the unjust and illegal detention of immigrants and the attacks on free press. The book is well written and forces the reader to muddle through to the conclusion. It would be great if this book were to be required reading by our educators in order for our younger generation to be aware of exactly what could happen if dictatorship was permitted to run rampant. I thank NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

Rated 5 stars

[Dr. Alan Albarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Patterson is without doubt one of the most prolific authors of our time. But I have only read a few of his novels over the years. The premise of The Munich Affair sounded very appealing to me, and I'm glad I read the book. It is a book that you can't put down easily.

This work of historical fiction picks up in pre-WWII Munich. Adolf Hitler is rising in power, and his plans for conquest and the elimination of the Jewish people are not yet public knowledge. A Munich detective, Thomas Bauer, sees the real Hitler--a despot with demonic aspirations. Bauer is called to investigate the mysterious death of Hitler's beautiful niece Geli, who is found shot and immediately called a suicide by Hitler's protective Nazis. But Bauer is convinced Hitler killed his niece, and sets out to find out why even though it puts his life and his family in danger.

Bauer is aided by journalist Fritz Gerlich, who also does not accept the Nazi propaganda and wants to show Hitler for the monster he is behind the image. Bauer and Gerlich plot to kill Hitler, which is another sub-plot in the Munich Affair.

The story is picked up years later by Professor Eleanor Robbins, a researcher who learns about Thomas Bauer and is hoping to find the true story of what happened in Munich decades ago.

The book is a page turner, and the realism of the atrocities committed on the Jews are dealt with at several points in the novel.

A good read if you like WWII historical fiction. My thanks to the folks at Little Brown and Company who offered my a free review of this new book. I also thank the authors and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC in exchange for an objective review.

[Kelli Daugherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to start by saying I am a huge fan of David Ellis and James Patterson. I have loved everything I’ve ever read by David Ellis and of course James Patterson is a storytelling genius. That said, this book just didn’t do it for me. I was pretty disappointed. I know it’s meant to be a fictionalized account of Hitler’s rise to power in Nazi Germany. It just seemed so unbelievable. Less historical fiction and read more like fan fiction. I just wasn’t impressed with the story and I think Patterson and Ellis should stick with the thrillers they do so well. It took me so long to finish this book and I normally could finish in just a couple days. This was a miss for me.

Thank you to the authors, NetGalley, and Little Brown and Company for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review.

Publication date September 21, 2026. 2.5⭐️

[Autumn]

don’t usually read historical fiction, but I picked up The Munich Affair because I enjoy James Patterson and David Ellis. The subject matter - Hitler and the events leading up to WWII was difficult but the story was engaging and well written. It was a good read and I’m glad I stepped outside my usual genre.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

[Pam Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have only ever read one James Patterson novel, many years ago. I read that Patterson has a stable of writers writing his novels, and that was the end for me. Also, the Patterson book I read was just too violent – my taste in crime fiction leans more toward violence off the page with characterization and setting of prime importance. Neither of which Patterson gives much attention to.
Patterson writes plot and only plot. But he does tell a good story. He has collaborated with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton and Viola Davis. And in The Munich Affair, he collaborates with David Ellis, who I think writes excellent mysteries. Ellis is a justice of the Illinois Appellate Court and the author of nine novels, including Line of Vision, for which he won an Edgar Award.
But though a plot-focused author, Patterson does sell books! According to Wiki, he holds The New York Times record for most #1 bestsellers by a single author – 67. His novels account for about 6%, of all hardcover novels sold in the United States. Very popular indeed.
The Munich Affair is a chilling historical novel about the murder of Hitler’s niece. The story was solid – Detective Thomas Bauer investigates the 1931 murder (labeled a suicide) of Hitler’s niece, Geli Raubal. I love that it is a true story fictionalized for us. The characters in the book are the ones we know from history – Goering, Goebbels, Hess, Himmler. The cover-up involving Nazis, journalists helping the detective dig into the story, the overt criminality of the Nazi Party, resistance fighters, and a sub-plot involving a modern historian trying to publish the story while Neo-Nazis in Germany try to stop her.
In fact, the story was well written if you favor plot and do not want to spend much time flushing out characters. I have to think Patterson and Ellis knew that what they were writing is essentially a modern critique of the current abuse of power in the US government. If you like WWII history, this will be a novel you will enjoy – perhaps enjoy is not the word, though, since this read is heartbreaking and nightmarish. But at least you know the ending is positive.
My rating: 4 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.
The Munich Affair will be published on September 21, 2026.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A suspense-filled mystery set in Nazi Germany that takes old myths and speculations about an early event in Hitler’s rise to power to produce a winning story.

First, I love history-based books of any kind, being a history nerd. Second, I enjoy mysteries that keep you guessing - and this one did. Finally I like books that may take license with some historical facts, but not the premise the history is based on. This book meet all of my requirements for good mystery literature.

Angela Maria “Geli” Raubel, Hitler’s half-niece, is found dead in his apartment. It’s 1931 and Hitler is on the precipice of gaining power so any scandal could ruin him. Thomas Bauer, a German detective, is assigned to the case which is covered up to say Geli died by suicide. Bauer is not that intimidated by the Nazis and he pursues the truth. In present time Eleanor Robbins, an American historian, comes to Germany in present time to uncover the truth.

The book covers the period of 1931-1945 as Bauer and his friend, Fritz Gerlich, pursue the truth. These periods expand on what’s discovered and how Hitler may really gave met his end. The present time efforts of Professor Robbins come in from time to time in the Nazi time period but conclude the novel with a fascinating ending. In 1992 in a Vanity Fair article, Ron Rosenbaum speculated that Hitler had killed Geli. Her death was always considered questionable but no concrete proof existed. This book may build on this speculation but certainly the physical description of Raubal in death matches that described in records.

I enjoyed the read overall. I’m giving it five stars for its creative use of history to give possible closure to an unsolved mystery, for its storytelling and for the character of Thomas Bauer - he may not be Bernie Gunther but he was a character of strength and resilience.

My thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for inviting me to read this ARC.

[David Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any piece of fiction that takes place in Nazi Germany is almost certain to be both frightening and terrifying…..which is definitely the case for the Munich Affair. Beginning in 1931, Thomas Bauer, a tenacious criminal detective, is called out to examine the death of a beautiful young woman at the luxurious apartment of Adolf Hitler. Despite all the signs indicating that the Reich leader has murdered the woman—who is actually his niece—Hitler’s ruthless underlings immediately label the death a “suicide” and shut down the investigation. From there, Bauer and several other likeminded Germans put themselves in extreme jeopardy to prove Hitler’s involvement.

The novel is told in three concurrent stories; which included Bauer’s fight to expose the evil of Hitler, as well as his later obsession to actually kill the dictator…Hitler’s inside plans to dominate the world and eliminate all Jews….and, to the present day, where a middle-aged history professor attempts to locate a long-lost piece of evidence concerning the death of Hitler’s niece.

After 1933, Bauer spends the next 12-years unsuccessfully trying to assassinate Hitler via guns, bombs, and ambushes….and, while it was initially interesting, it seemed increasingly repetitive by the end of end of the book. In addition, as a WWII buff, I felt that the story was a bit too predictable with very few unforeseen twists in the road. While I would have rated this novel at 3 ½ stars, I’ve rounded upward to a 4-star review. In sum, I feel this book would be of far more interest to readers interested in a “Rambo-type” novel set in Nazi Germany, as opposed to anyone truly interested in reading a historical novel of WWII.

My thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.

[Shaina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is one of those books that's difficult to rate—not because of the writing, but because of the subject matter. *The Munich Affair* is heavy, unsettling, and at times heartbreaking. There were chapters I had to sit with before moving on, simply because of the atrocities being described and the knowledge that so much of the story is rooted in real history.

James Patterson and David Ellis blend historical fact with fiction to create a thriller that asks a haunting question: what if the truth about Geli Raubal's death had been exposed before Hitler came to power? While I appreciated the mystery and investigative elements, what stayed with me most wasn't solving the case—it was watching honest people risk everything in pursuit of the truth, knowing history would ultimately have other plans.

The short chapters kept the story moving, but this isn't a fast, mindless thriller. It's one that asks you to think about the consequences of corruption, silence, and what happens when those willing to do the right thing are prevented from doing so.

The ending perfectly captured why this story lingered with me:

“With that official confirmation, then, finally, the whole world will know what Hitler did to his half niece, and how everything that happened thereafter could have been prevented, if honest people had been allowed to simply do their jobs."

This wasn't always an easy read, but it was an impactful one. If you enjoy historical thrillers that blur the line between fact and fiction and aren't afraid to tackle difficult moments in history, *The Munich Affair* is one that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the synopsis of this book and immediately was interested! I don’t read much historical fiction, unless you consider the Cotton Malone “historical fiction.” I gave this 4.5 stars because I struggled to finish this book for many different reasons:
* I would stop to research something to separate fact and fiction, wanting to know more.
* I would stop because of the atrocities described, already knowing their truths, and mourn.
* I would stop to reflect and compare to our government today and wonder if each generation has their own version of this type of personality. Hun, Caesar, Napoleon, Louis XV, Richard II, Pope Paul IV, history has many examples of narcissistic and tyrannical behavior and those ruled are either following like lemmings, quenching their thirst for I don’t know or understand, or they’re suffering greatly from those in power.
* And I struggled because I personally struggle when books flip back and forth in time. I prefer more linear writings, but that’s just me.

But this book made me think. It made me come back to it time and again, even when I wanted to stop reading because I knew, historically, what was coming. Because the question was posed at the start: how did Hitler convince a nation? And I wanted to know.

Most times you read a book to escape and entertain. But sometimes you need the ones that make you think, too. It was well written, a bit long, but well worth the read.

Thank you #Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a high-momentum thriller that grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go, The Munich Affair delivers exactly what you want. James Patterson is in top form here, utilizing his signature style of lightning-fast pacing, sharp chapters, and relentless tension. It is the absolute definition of a perfect, unputdownable read—highly accessible, engaging, and tailor-made for a long flight or a weekend escape.
While the book delivers all the classic, polished marks of a great commercial thriller, what truly elevates it is its chillingly relevant thematic core. The story dives deep into the mechanics of modern propaganda, state-sponsored misinformation, and the psychological impact of the "big lie"—the unsettling reality that if a narrative is repeated loudly and frequently enough, the objective truth begins to blur. These uneasy parallels to our current global political landscape give the plot a layer of intellectual grit and substance that grounds the high-stakes action.
The Munich Affair might not radically reinvent the wheel of the political thriller genre, but it executes its formula with absolute precision. It is a sleek, reliable, and thoroughly entertaining ride that core thriller fans and casual readers alike will devour.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enthralling historical fiction thriller on an obsessive commitment to ending Adolf Hitler's life during the Nazi reign of terror.
German police detective Bauer and journalist Gerlich, join forces, secretly, to try to bring about the downfall of Hitler and his SSA plans, before he has a chance to ever take over power in Germany.
When Hitler shoots his young niece for trying to leave with another man, he and Himmler and his other henchmen pass it off as a suicide. When Bauer goes to the scene of the shooting to investigate the circumstances, he is convinced it was murder and sets out yo prove it, with the help.of the journalist Gerlich, who is determined to publish the truth about Hitler's deviant sexual practices and murder of his young niece who was leaving him to escape his clutches and was planning on marrying another man.
What follows is a horrendous but riveting rendering of the days of the Reich and the determination of 2 men to make public the horrors that Hitler and his Nazis lived for and gloried in while continually trying to being to light
these very same inhumane atrocities.
Really good but gut wrenching read.
The saving grace comes in knowing and reveling in the end.

[Nicole Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.25 stars. I don't normally choose to read WW2 books because I find them too depressing. This intrigued me, in part because I love the author collab (esp a fan of David Ellis, who I just learned is an appellate court justice!? mind blown).

I liked how the first part of this book was more of a murder investigation that just happened to involve Hitler and his half-niece. I was gobsmacked to learn that Hitler did have a half-niece who he may or may not have been romantically involved with and who may or may not have actually died by suicide. Sent me down a Wiki rabbit hole.

In the book, the investigating officer doesn't believe the suicide story, but his wife is Jewish...

Unfortunately for me, the book did eventually spend more time on the war and atrocities, which was difficult to read. Compounded by the many similarities I see in the United States today. Bleh.

Not your typical thriller, and not always easy to read, but I'm glad I read it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown & Company for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Expected pub date: September 21, 2026

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of both James Patterson and David Ellis so you put them together and bam 💥 The Munich Affair is so different for them both and not the kind of book that I would normally pick up. This is a historical thriller I guess, even though you know how things will play out.

We begin in 1931 Munich where police detective Thomas Bauer is called to the home of Hilter where his niece lays dead in her room. It is eventually ruled a suicide but Thomas knows it is anything but and makes it his mission to get the man who did this.

This is not the easiest of books to read., it was confronting and it was dark, so dark. The rise of Hitler and his party was frighteningly fast. We all know what he did so I am not going to rehash it here. He was a truly despicable man, one who used his power to destroy his country and start a world war. The evidence was stacked against him and yet he got away with so many deplorable acts.

This book made me angry, it made me cry, I wanted Bauer to get his man.

Thank you to Little, Brown and Company once again for allowing me early access to this book. Published on September 21st.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was outstanding! Not surprising, as I've never read anything less than extraordinary by either of these authors. I'm a huge fan of WWII fiction, so I was beyond intrigued that they collaborated on a story that focuses on Hitler. I detest that egotistical, tyrannical little man-child with a passion even though I was not alive during his reign of terror. The atrocities that he committed are simply unfathomable, and I found myself either wanting to sob, scream, or throw down some fists. I didn't expect to feel so many emotions from this story. This book is marketed as a mystery/thriller and reads as such with its fast pace and intense level of suspense, but it also captured the essence of historical fiction perfectly. Think Kristin Harmel meets Patterson and Ellis. Yes, it was that good! I was fully captivated by this race against the end of humanity, do or die tale from the very first page, and I loved every minute of it. Highly recommend this one!

Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for granting me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Judy Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Munich Affair is gripping heart pounding thriller from start to finish and had me in a chokehold.

It is perfectly paced, unputdownable and the stakes are high.

It is set in 1931 in Munich Germany that delves into the reign of terror under Adolf Hitler.

It is a perfect blend of historical details and suspense that protrays the horror and atrocities of Hitler.

Hitler's niece is found dead and it is declared murder but the investigator Baur is not convinced and he sets out to bring Hitler down. Challenging Hitle was like signing your own death certificate.

The atmosphere is dark with tension on every accompanied by a sense of terror.

James Patterson and David Ellis give a different take on Hitler's death that will have you holding your breath and crossing your fingers.

The Munich Affari will stay with me for a long time and it is one book that I could easily reread.

My review can not do this book justice.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the privilege of reading and reviewing this fascinating book The Muncih Affair.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting this historical/fictional account of Adolf Hitler and those who resisted him when I agreed to preview this Patterson/Ellis book via NetGalley. I guess it helps to read the preview before starting! But I was immediately drawn in from the beginning, not only with all the historical facts I didn't know to begin with, but wondering how much of the fictional aspects were closer to the actual truth than we were made aware of during the rise of the Third Reich.

While I enjoyed all those aspects, the sub-plot set in the present day was another story. With so much of the history written here concerning real events that happened - aside the fictional accounts of the protagonists - that there would be such an organized effort to suppress what could have happened 80-90 years ago seems far-fetched to say the least.

That said, I found this to be an interesting documentary mixed with enough fiction to keep me guessing, with lots of breaks to look up the events to see which was real or imagined. Overall, a solid read from James Patterson and David Ellis.

[Rachel F]

I really enjoyed The Munich Affair. I do not read a ton of historical fiction, but the premise immediately caught my attention, and I found myself getting pulled into the story pretty quickly. I especially enjoyed the dual timelines and seeing how the present-day story connected back to the events of the 1930s.

I also found myself looking up different historical events throughout the book because I wanted to know what was fact and what was fiction. The story was suspenseful and kept me interested, but it also gave me a lot to think about, especially regarding how Hitler was able to rise to power and how easily history can repeat itself.

Some of the subject matter was difficult to read, but I think that added to the impact of the story. Overall, it was an engaging and thought-provoking historical thriller with plenty of suspense and twists. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, mysteries, and thrillers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Lani Bausewein · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC REVIEW**

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reading Method: 📚
Length: 528 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Thriller

Wow. Just, WOW! A stunning historical fiction I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down.

“In 1931, Hitler committed his first Murder.” Set during WWII and following Hitler’s rise to power, this based-on-a-true-story book stems from the murder of Hitler’s niece and the investigation that followed. There are three main storylines – from Hitler’s perspective, from the detective investigating the murder of Hitler’s niece, and a current-day professor trying to find out what really happened.

This book was beautifully crafted and kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t bear to put the book down, I HAD to know what would happen next. I love the multi-view, dual timeline approach as you gain insights on the same event from opposing narratives. I love WWII Nazi-era historical fiction and this book is definitely among my all-time favorites.

Fun Fact: Did you know that when James Patterson and David Ellis write books together, they have a standard format? JP writes the outline and states what he wants to happen in each chapter, and DE actually writes the story? JP will review and suggest tweaks, and they go back-and-forth until it’s perfect.

IG @lit.fic.lani

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Munich Affair” by James Patterson and David Ellis is a gripping historical mystery that blends suspense with rich historical detail. The story is centered on the real-life death of Geli Raubal, Adolf Hitler’s niece. The novel reconstructs the tense political atmosphere of prewar Munich with impressive detail. The book vividly portrays the rise of Nazi intimidation, and the dangers faced by journalists and investigators who opposed Hitler.

What sets this novel apart, is the inclusion of real historical figures and events which gives the story’s authenticity and makes the setting feel as important as the mystery itself. The result is compelling and highlights how propaganda, fear and corruption allows authoritarianism to take hold. I highly recommend to all lovers of WWll historical thrillers.

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The setting is 1931 Munich, Germany, and Adolf Hitler kills his niece after a dispute. A dogged detective catches the case, and is determined to stop Hitler, but at what cost? The Munich Affair expertly blends fact and fiction in this fast-paced thriller that doubles as a history lesson, but it’s so effortlessly seamed together that you don’t even realize it. When Inspector Thomas Bauer, teamed with relentless journalist Fritz Gerlich pursue the murder case against Hitler, the power of the Nazi Party is unleashed against them, but they never waiver in their pursuit of justice, as well as their efforts to derail Hitler’s rise to power. A must read for Steve Berry fans as well as James Patterson fans who won’t be disappointed in this mesmerizing and terrifying glimpse into Nazi Germany played out in a police procedural. Well done! I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine Lussier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having received an email offering a pre-read of this James Patterson historical thriller for fans of Steve Berry, I had to read it. WW2, a murder-mystery, and a well known author all in one.

The story is gripping. It is very hard to read emotionally for the atrocities put upon the world, especially the Jewish populations, and the parallels to the attitude of Hitler to what is happening now. Silencing the journalistic world, repeating lies over and over until they are accepted as truth, it was, and is, a lot.

The book brings out a lot of emotions, not one to be read lightly. The murder, the coverup, the brave souls who made it their mission to bring out justice.
Throwing in a current day author was an interesting twist. She helps to complete the story, and I found it interesting how she was introduced and brought into the story.

Thanks to NetGalley, Mr Patterson and Mr Ellis, Little, Brown & Company for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Meridith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The best comparison I have for this book is that if you like Steve Berry, you will enjoy it--and that is high praise! It's a historical thriller with a modern day mystery mixed in. There are plenty of facts to keep the story grounded but enough what-ifs to move it along. Reading about the Nazi era is never easy, but I did enjoy the book. Two things that I feel Berry does better that I wish this book had done. First, there was not enough of the modern day story. I wished for more details and action in that section and it ended rather abruptly. Second, I wish there was a section at the end to separate fact from fiction. I have read enough about WW2 but a casual reader might think some of the truths about the era were made up, and sadly they were not. Plus I always find it fun to learn a new historical tidbit. The book read fairly quickly and I hope it is not the last of Mr Patterson's historical thrillers.

[Cory Beyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley James Patterson and Little, Brown and Company for this ARC. Hitler's half-niece has been shot and his staff has been brought in to cover up the murder. In steps Thomas Bauer who is determined to prove Hitler is guilty. For the next several years, as Hitler rises in power, Thomas has made it his mission to end his reign. Fast forward to present day, American Professor, Eleanor Robbins is pursuing information that would prove Hitler's guilt. Only, if it doesn't kill her first. I have read plenty of historical fiction books and this is the first time I read step by step of how Hitler became so powerful. It happened so slowly that no one ever expected the worst. This book covered more about the power Hitler held and less about what was happening to the people he was killing and that was a new interesting take. #TheMunichAffair #JamesPatterson #DavidEllis #LittleBrownandCompany #Sept2026

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE MUNICH AFFAIR, written by James Patterson and David Ellis, begins in Munich in 1931, after World War I and before World War II. Hitler is on the rise. Hitler’s niece, Geli, sings in a German club and wins Hitler’s admiration, then derision. I want to know what happens next.

Once I start reading this book, I know I have to continue. Talk about being totally engaged in a plot! You can tell the authors have a specific point of view connected to US politics. I imagine it is difficult to write such a novel and avoid a political view, but I do prefer my fiction to be neutral. Nevertheless, the plot is intriguing. It grabs me, and I have to read on to discover what happens in the different time periods. The short chapters help the plot move forward. I look forward to reading other books written by James Patterson and David Ellis. Thank you, Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of THE MUNICH AFFAIR.

[BHK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in almost immediately and had a fast pace and addictive style that made it really hard to stop reading! The mix of historical fiction and thriller elements worked so well together, and the tension stayed high the entire time. I especially liked how the story followed multiple characters because it made everything feel bigger and more immersive. The darker atmosphere and constant sense of danger gave this book a really intense vibe, especially knowing some of the historical background behind it. As always with these two authors, the writing is sharp and cinematic, and the shorter chapters kept me flying through it. The Munich Affair was a gripping and entertaining read that would definitely appeal to anyone who enjoys historical thrillers with lots of twists, danger, and high stakes tension!

[Maine Colonial · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should start by saying that I read a lot of Nazi-era fiction and non-fiction, and I don’t read James Patterson books. I thought the premise of the book sounded interesting, and picked it for that reason. While the story moves along at a good pace, the writing is at an elementary level, the true parts of the history are at a less-than-Wikipedia level of sophistication, and there are a lot of material events that never happened. What annoyed me, though, is a plot twist that is not just contrary to the history—but panders to the conspiracy-minded.

If you want an airport/beach read and you don’t care about historical accuracy, then this might work for you, but if you want to read a well-written thriller about the Nazi era and an anti-Nazi cop, and one that is historically accurate where it counts, you’d do far better to read any book in the late Philip Kerr’s Bernie Gunther series.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Munich Affair," penned by James Patterson and David Ellis, unfolds as a brisk and captivating historical mystery focused on Geli Raubal, Adolf Hitler's half-niece. The narrative is infused with intricate historical details, unexpected twists, and political intrigue. It explores the escalating threats of Nazi intimidation, shedding light on the perilous situations encountered by journalists and investigators who challenged Hitler's regime.

This novel promises to engage readers who appreciate a compelling historical thriller filled with surprises, danger, and high-stakes tension.

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company, and the authors for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

History may not repeat but it sure does rhyme. 😐

I requested this from NetGalley because I saw David Ellis’ name and he is a must-read author for me. I went into this totally blind. If I had read the description, I admittedly probably would not have picked it up based on the subject matter. This was a historical fiction about the suspected murder of Hitler’s niece and his rise to power shortly after with a mystery that felt like a separate short story snuck in that probably could have been left out altogether in my opinion. Overall this was a pretty gripping, albeit difficult, read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. Publication date: 9/21/26

[Kate Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I won a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. *

WOW! This book grabbed you on page one and held your attention until the last word. Steeped in History this book was a mix of Politics, Intrigue, Spy Craft, Heartbreak and Perseverance.

The parallels of what was portrayed in the book (in terms of the use of propaganda and the dangers of blindly following one individual) and the modern political environment are startling. In my opinion, the moral of the tale boils down to this...ruin and heartbreak can be avoided by simply allowing brave and honest people to do what is right.

If you enjoy Historical fiction with a ring of truth and a mix of perspectives please get your hands on this book!