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Invitation from a Dictator: The gripping new WW2 historical thriller from the bestselling author of Evil in High Places
Not yet published
Expected 13 Aug 26ON THE EVE OF WAR, A ROYAL GUEST IS LURED INTO HITLER'S DEADLY WEB . . .
Munich, 1937. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor have arrived in Germany for a historic meeting at Hitler's mountain retreat.
But recent attacks by ruthless Communist band, Red Freedom, has brought fear and bloodshed to the area. As brutal as the Nazis, their next targets are Edward, Wallis and the Fuhrer himself.
Detective Sebastian Wolff is charged with their protection, but the conflict between his job and his politics becomes even more complicated when Wolff realises who is behind Red Ulrike, his first love and the mother of his son.
The personal and political collide in this electrifying new novel from the million-copy-bestselling 'master of the wartime thriller', Rory Clements.
Munich, 1937. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor have arrived in Germany for a historic meeting at Hitler's mountain retreat.
But recent attacks by ruthless Communist band, Red Freedom, has brought fear and bloodshed to the area. As brutal as the Nazis, their next targets are Edward, Wallis and the Fuhrer himself.
Detective Sebastian Wolff is charged with their protection, but the conflict between his job and his politics becomes even more complicated when Wolff realises who is behind Red Ulrike, his first love and the mother of his son.
The personal and political collide in this electrifying new novel from the million-copy-bestselling 'master of the wartime thriller', Rory Clements.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 13, 2026
About the author
Rory Clements
39 books579 followersRory Clements has had a long and successful newspaper career, including being features editor and associate editor of Today, editor of the Daily Mail's Good Health Pages, and editor of the health section at the Evening Standard. He now writes full-time in an idyllic corner of Norfolk, England.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another gripping and harrowing story from a master storyteller.
"Invitation from a Dictator" opens in Munich, 1937. Detective Seb Wolff continues to work away as a police officer, under the Nazi regime he hates and fears. Although considered the best detective in Munich, his attitude to authority puts him under scrutiny he doesn't need. When a body is discovered, hands and face removed, he has his work cut out solving the mystery. But bigger things are afoot - The former King of England, The Duke of Windsor and his new wife, have arrived in Germany for a much-lauded visit which will culminate in a meeting with Hitler at his mountain retreat. Wolff is assigned to the entourage, in charge of the couple's security, just as a series of attacks are carried out by the Communist group, Red Freedom. It seems certain the Royal couple will be next on their hit list.
And so, Wolff is drawn into the circus that was the state-visit-that-wasn't-a-state-visit to Germany by the recently abdicated King of England. The couple are surrounded by hangers-on, and security staff, any one of which could be a threat. As the story develops we learn that Wolff has a personal stake in the threat to their safety, and bigger worries when he learns that his fiancée, Hexie has received an invitation from Eva Braun to spend time at Hitler's retreat.
The author expertly weaves three or four seemingly separate plot threads in and out of the story, while at the same time inserting pieces of history and historical characters into the plot. Of particular interest is his portrayal of both Hitler and Eva Braun, as we see a side of them not often explored. We also learn more of the Nazi Levensborn Programme, and the lengths it went to to ensure purity of the race. This is painted against the background of a Germany, poised on the brink of war, and uncertain of where it will all end. Several interludes with minor characters, bring into focus the ways in which Germans struggled with Hitler's rise to power. We also are reminded of the pressure people such as the police and authorities were under as the Nazi regime grew. The Red Front group is based on a similar group which caused Hitler problems in the 1930's and we see how far its members would go to achieve change.
Fans of the previous Wolff books will be glad to know that Hexie, Ulrike and Jurgen are all back, as is Sergeant Winter, who really shines in this story. This is possibly the finest book yet in the Seb Wolff series, and it certainly moves along at a brisk pace, with a particularly promising ending. Heartily recommended.
"Invitation from a Dictator" opens in Munich, 1937. Detective Seb Wolff continues to work away as a police officer, under the Nazi regime he hates and fears. Although considered the best detective in Munich, his attitude to authority puts him under scrutiny he doesn't need. When a body is discovered, hands and face removed, he has his work cut out solving the mystery. But bigger things are afoot - The former King of England, The Duke of Windsor and his new wife, have arrived in Germany for a much-lauded visit which will culminate in a meeting with Hitler at his mountain retreat. Wolff is assigned to the entourage, in charge of the couple's security, just as a series of attacks are carried out by the Communist group, Red Freedom. It seems certain the Royal couple will be next on their hit list.
And so, Wolff is drawn into the circus that was the state-visit-that-wasn't-a-state-visit to Germany by the recently abdicated King of England. The couple are surrounded by hangers-on, and security staff, any one of which could be a threat. As the story develops we learn that Wolff has a personal stake in the threat to their safety, and bigger worries when he learns that his fiancée, Hexie has received an invitation from Eva Braun to spend time at Hitler's retreat.
The author expertly weaves three or four seemingly separate plot threads in and out of the story, while at the same time inserting pieces of history and historical characters into the plot. Of particular interest is his portrayal of both Hitler and Eva Braun, as we see a side of them not often explored. We also learn more of the Nazi Levensborn Programme, and the lengths it went to to ensure purity of the race. This is painted against the background of a Germany, poised on the brink of war, and uncertain of where it will all end. Several interludes with minor characters, bring into focus the ways in which Germans struggled with Hitler's rise to power. We also are reminded of the pressure people such as the police and authorities were under as the Nazi regime grew. The Red Front group is based on a similar group which caused Hitler problems in the 1930's and we see how far its members would go to achieve change.
Fans of the previous Wolff books will be glad to know that Hexie, Ulrike and Jurgen are all back, as is Sergeant Winter, who really shines in this story. This is possibly the finest book yet in the Seb Wolff series, and it certainly moves along at a brisk pace, with a particularly promising ending. Heartily recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Invitation from a Dictator by Rory Clements is the third instalment in the Wolf/Winters historical mystery thriller series.
I absolutely love this series of books set in the late 1930s in Germany. The books centre on Detective Sebastian Wolff, a veteran of the First World War, who is a detective in Munich’s criminal police (Kripo) and anti-Nazi. He has been partnered with Sergeant Hans Winter from the political police. Wolff and Winter have a good working relationship and mutual respect, which was earned as they learnt more about one another and their secrets in the previous two books.
In this instalment, set in 1937, Wolff has been seconded to the team to provide security for the highly controversial private visit to Nazi Germany by the Duke of Windsor (formerly King Edward VIII) and his wife, Wallis Simpson. I really like the way in which Clements uses real events that took place in Bavaria in the late 1930s and blends in Wolff and Winter into the mix. Also, in the background there are other storylines including Wolff’s relationship with his long-term girlfriend, Hexie, and their quest to have a child which also touches on the Lebensborn and Nazi eugenics.
It’s an absolute page-turner of a book. Wolff is such a great character and a sympathetic character as he tries to navigate a path whilst being critical of the Nazi movement and whilst trying to keep his job and his family and all those he loves safe. The historical aspect is absolutely fascinating.
Huge thanks to Net Galley and the publishers, Penguin General UK, for making this book available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I absolutely love this series of books set in the late 1930s in Germany. The books centre on Detective Sebastian Wolff, a veteran of the First World War, who is a detective in Munich’s criminal police (Kripo) and anti-Nazi. He has been partnered with Sergeant Hans Winter from the political police. Wolff and Winter have a good working relationship and mutual respect, which was earned as they learnt more about one another and their secrets in the previous two books.
In this instalment, set in 1937, Wolff has been seconded to the team to provide security for the highly controversial private visit to Nazi Germany by the Duke of Windsor (formerly King Edward VIII) and his wife, Wallis Simpson. I really like the way in which Clements uses real events that took place in Bavaria in the late 1930s and blends in Wolff and Winter into the mix. Also, in the background there are other storylines including Wolff’s relationship with his long-term girlfriend, Hexie, and their quest to have a child which also touches on the Lebensborn and Nazi eugenics.
It’s an absolute page-turner of a book. Wolff is such a great character and a sympathetic character as he tries to navigate a path whilst being critical of the Nazi movement and whilst trying to keep his job and his family and all those he loves safe. The historical aspect is absolutely fascinating.
Huge thanks to Net Galley and the publishers, Penguin General UK, for making this book available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What can i say?
This is book three of the Seb Wolff series and honestly the first two were such a good read and i was highly excited to get my mitts on this!
I was not disappointed at all was so happy to be in this world that Clements builds for us.
' ON THE EVE OF WAR, A ROYAL GUEST IS LURED INTO HITLER'S DEADLY WEB . . .' This is some wording from the book and refers to 1937 and The Duke and Duchess of Windsor arrive at Hitlers mountain retreat. Seb Wolff continues to work within the limitations of the Nazi regime, but this time not only is he charged with the investigation of a handless and faceless body, he is again joined by his political partner Hanz Winter, of which throughout all of the books has became closer.
The plot is engaging, but there is more than one plot going on throughout the book, which Clements always manages to blend seamlessly, we have the murder, the former King of England and his wife Wallis Simpson threatened by a group called the 'The Red Freedom' we have the personal tribulations of his relationship with his girlfriend, his mother and his son which is nice to see that side of this main character.
This book bounds on at a relentless pace, building into a gripping page turner, it is so much more than i have explained today, with these books Clements is quickly becoming a favourite author of mine.
READ THIS!!
(However start at the beginning of the series, as then you will appreciate the character building so much more )
This is book three of the Seb Wolff series and honestly the first two were such a good read and i was highly excited to get my mitts on this!
I was not disappointed at all was so happy to be in this world that Clements builds for us.
' ON THE EVE OF WAR, A ROYAL GUEST IS LURED INTO HITLER'S DEADLY WEB . . .' This is some wording from the book and refers to 1937 and The Duke and Duchess of Windsor arrive at Hitlers mountain retreat. Seb Wolff continues to work within the limitations of the Nazi regime, but this time not only is he charged with the investigation of a handless and faceless body, he is again joined by his political partner Hanz Winter, of which throughout all of the books has became closer.
The plot is engaging, but there is more than one plot going on throughout the book, which Clements always manages to blend seamlessly, we have the murder, the former King of England and his wife Wallis Simpson threatened by a group called the 'The Red Freedom' we have the personal tribulations of his relationship with his girlfriend, his mother and his son which is nice to see that side of this main character.
This book bounds on at a relentless pace, building into a gripping page turner, it is so much more than i have explained today, with these books Clements is quickly becoming a favourite author of mine.
READ THIS!!
(However start at the beginning of the series, as then you will appreciate the character building so much more )
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of an advanced copy.
What can I say, Rory Clements you have done it again!!!
It's 1937 in Munich, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor are in Germany for a historic meeting with Hitler at his home in the mountains. There have been attacks by a communist gang called Red Freedom who have brutally killed a couple in front of their young child. They are as brutal as the Nazis and their next targets are The Duke and Duchess and Hitler. Seb is unhappily put in charge of their protection but things become even more complicated with Seb's politics and when he finds out who is involved with Red Freedom brings it all closer to home.
I think this book has been my favourite in the series so far but they have all been so good. Seb is a brilliant character, he's a good man and I am excited to see what he gets caught up in next. Hexie and Winters are great characters as well. Hopefully Jürgen gets some sense. I will be recommending this series to everyone, it's just so damn good!
Thank you to NetGalley and many thanks to the publisher Penguin General for the opportunity to read this brilliant book.
What can I say, Rory Clements you have done it again!!!
It's 1937 in Munich, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor are in Germany for a historic meeting with Hitler at his home in the mountains. There have been attacks by a communist gang called Red Freedom who have brutally killed a couple in front of their young child. They are as brutal as the Nazis and their next targets are The Duke and Duchess and Hitler. Seb is unhappily put in charge of their protection but things become even more complicated with Seb's politics and when he finds out who is involved with Red Freedom brings it all closer to home.
I think this book has been my favourite in the series so far but they have all been so good. Seb is a brilliant character, he's a good man and I am excited to see what he gets caught up in next. Hexie and Winters are great characters as well. Hopefully Jürgen gets some sense. I will be recommending this series to everyone, it's just so damn good!
Thank you to NetGalley and many thanks to the publisher Penguin General for the opportunity to read this brilliant book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the third book in the excellent Detective Sebastian Wolff series and in my mind the best.
The plot is exciting and complex with his investigation of the murder of a mutilated corpse linked to his efforts to deal with the communist group Red Freedom who are creating havoc in Berlin and Munich.
If that is not quite enough he is part of the protection team for the Duke of Windsor and Mrs Simpspn who are guests of the Nazi regime.
Oh - and his girlfriend is having trouble trying to conceive too.
Somehow all these disparate parts come together brilliantly and this is a rollicking good tale excellently told.
Bernie Gunther he ain't but I really like Detective Sebastian Wolff too.
The plot is exciting and complex with his investigation of the murder of a mutilated corpse linked to his efforts to deal with the communist group Red Freedom who are creating havoc in Berlin and Munich.
If that is not quite enough he is part of the protection team for the Duke of Windsor and Mrs Simpspn who are guests of the Nazi regime.
Oh - and his girlfriend is having trouble trying to conceive too.
Somehow all these disparate parts come together brilliantly and this is a rollicking good tale excellently told.
Bernie Gunther he ain't but I really like Detective Sebastian Wolff too.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
May 2, 2026Thank you to the author and Penguin Books / Viking Books for the ARC.
Set in 1930s Berlin, this novel follows detective Sebastian Wolff as he navigates the tense and dangerous atmosphere of Nazi Germany. As political pressures mount, Wolff is pulled into a case that quickly becomes entangled with the regime’s growing power, forcing him to confront questions of loyalty, truth, and survival.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It’s gripping, fast-paced, and incredibly immersive, with a strong sense of place and tension throughout. The historical detail adds depth, and the moral complexities make it more than just a thriller, it’s also a compelling look at life under an authoritarian regime. A really engaging and thought-provoking read.
Set in 1930s Berlin, this novel follows detective Sebastian Wolff as he navigates the tense and dangerous atmosphere of Nazi Germany. As political pressures mount, Wolff is pulled into a case that quickly becomes entangled with the regime’s growing power, forcing him to confront questions of loyalty, truth, and survival.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It’s gripping, fast-paced, and incredibly immersive, with a strong sense of place and tension throughout. The historical detail adds depth, and the moral complexities make it more than just a thriller, it’s also a compelling look at life under an authoritarian regime. A really engaging and thought-provoking read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Police Detective Seb Wolff is back!! This time our favourite anti-facist detective has to juggle a gruesome murder that leaves no clue of who the victim actually is, the Nazi hierarchy breathing down his neck to find the left wing terrorist group, Red Freedom, his son who has turned into a fully paid up Nazi believer and his mother who is definitely not, all while babysitting the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and trying to prevent them from being assassinated! All the wonderful characters of Hexie, who turns out to be an old mate of Eva Braun, Sergeant Winter, who really is one of the good guys now, his least favourite, but most helpful uncle, the Pig have their parts to play in this page turning, engrossing and thoroughly entertaining thriller. I really can't wait to see what he does next!
February 10, 2026
The Munich detective Seb Wolff investigates the murder of a mutilated body which may be the work of a left-wing group but is then tasked with protecting the British former king and his wife as they visit Germany. I enjoyed this book as I have others of the author’s books. It’s a thrilling story set in the dangerous world of pre-war Nazi Germany and Wolff is a sympathetic protagonist as he hates the Nazis especially the Gestapo while trying to be an honest cop.
I did, however, find that towards the end there were too many coincidences that stretched believability as the plot wound to a conclusion.
Thanks to Netgalley and Viking for a free ARC in return for an honest and fair review
I did, however, find that towards the end there were too many coincidences that stretched believability as the plot wound to a conclusion.
Thanks to Netgalley and Viking for a free ARC in return for an honest and fair review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A great read! Thoroughly enjoyed and recommend yet another of this author’s espionage novels featuring Sebastian Wolff. As chief of detectives of the Munich police, Seb doubles up as a member of the protection team for a Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s visit to Bavaria prior to the outbreak of WW2. Serb’s remit is initially to find a murderer, but this overlaps into hunting down members of a communist group called Red Freedom, intent on killing senior officials and the Royal couple. Fast paced, clever storyline and an excellent page turner.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Penguin for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Penguin for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A book where the reader can almost imagine themselves in the midst of the action and intrigue, as Seb Wolff attempts to stop a communist led plot aimed at the Duke and Duchess of Windsor"s visit to the Third Reich Germany.
Rory Clements really has hit his form with this series of novels. Historical fiction doesn't get much better than this.
Rory Clements really has hit his form with this series of novels. Historical fiction doesn't get much better than this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 ⭐️
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May 13, 2026I learned of this book via this post: https://whatcathyreadnext.co.uk/2026/...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Set in 1937, Detective Sebastian Wolff is once again faced with a tough mission—protecting the Duke and Duchess of Windsor during their tour of Germany, which ends with a visit to Hitler’s mountain retreat. The threat escalates as the communist “Red Freedom” gang launches a series of attacks, and Seb fears his ex may be part of their deadly scheme. Meanwhile, closer to home, he must also safeguard Hexie, who finds herself in danger while trying to adopt an abandoned child.
Clements masterfully weaves multiple storylines into a single gripping narrative, blending literal and political threats against the backdrop of the Nazi party’s rise. This instalment also features “Evie’s” unsettling interaction with Hitler, revealing a softer side to his persona despite the violence and cruelty surrounding him.
The series offers a compelling glimpse into pre-war Germany and its effect on its people. One particularly harrowing plotline involves the Nazi party’s abhorrent policy to create a “pure race” by using young women to bear so-called perfect children—a disturbing reminder of real events that should never be forgotten. This is, in my opinion, the best book in the series so far, and I highly recommend it. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Clements masterfully weaves multiple storylines into a single gripping narrative, blending literal and political threats against the backdrop of the Nazi party’s rise. This instalment also features “Evie’s” unsettling interaction with Hitler, revealing a softer side to his persona despite the violence and cruelty surrounding him.
The series offers a compelling glimpse into pre-war Germany and its effect on its people. One particularly harrowing plotline involves the Nazi party’s abhorrent policy to create a “pure race” by using young women to bear so-called perfect children—a disturbing reminder of real events that should never be forgotten. This is, in my opinion, the best book in the series so far, and I highly recommend it. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews