The Watchmaker's War

by Danny Ben-Moshe

A new beginning. An old enemy. A perilous choice. 'With so many stories untold, The Watchmaker's War is a unique and wonderful telling of one of how after liberation peace doesn't automatically follow, particularly peace of mind for those who witnessed and experienced so much evil. To be human is to desire justice - or is it revenge? - for your family, your friends, your people' Heather Morris, author, The Tattooist of Auschwitz When Yakov Holtzman arrives in Melbourne - about as far away as he can possibly get from the graveyard that is Europe - he puts behind him the years he spent in the forests of Lithuania as a leader of the resistance, fighting the Nazis. He has come to join his brother - his only surviving family member - and start a new life as the watchmaker he once was. Yakov looks for solace - and love - in the fragile, traumatised community of Jewish refugees taking root in a new land. But when swastikas, threats and, most frightening of all, the faces of old enemies appear on the streets of suburban St Kilda, his new-found peace is shattered. Fierce instincts are reawakened in Yakov, and he knows he must act. But how can justice - or revenge - best be served? And will Yakov's drive to destroy his enemies overtake him too, and leave his new life in ruins? Based on a true story, The Watchmaker's War is a gripping, high-stakes tale of Nazi hunters in Australia and the war criminals they pursued - killers with links to the highest levels of Australia's spy agency. It offers profound insights into the lingering trauma of genocide, posing difficult questions about competing desires for peace and vengeance, and how far a victim should go in the pursuit of justice when the authorities fail to act. PRAISE 'Can we ever really escape the past? A haunting thriller about old enemies, wounded hearts and rough justice. Spellbinding' Michael Visontay, author of Noble Fragments 'A rattling good story told against a factual backdrop' Mark Aarons, investigative journalist, former executive producer Background Briefing, ABC Radio; author of War Criminals Australia, a Sanctuary for Fugitive War Criminals since 1945; and co-editor of Nazis in The Special Investigations Unit, 1987-1994 'The Watchmaker's War captures a fascinating, lesser-known chapter of World War II history that deserves attention and will particularly appeal to readers of Australian historical fiction in the vein of John Byrnes' Megan Koch, Books+Publishing 'This is an incredible story of tragedy and revenge based on real life events in the shadow of the tragedy that was the Holocaust' Rob Minshull, former journalist, BBC World Service; and former senior producer, SBS and ABC Radio, Australia 'This is a gripping novelisation that explores a side of the Holocaust that persisted long after the war's end, just when tentative shoots of hope were taking hold. It shines a spotlight on a dark chapter in Australian history, when Nazi war criminals found refuge in the suburbs of Australia' Konrad Kwiet, Professor Emeritus, Macquarie University; former chief historian to the Australian War Crimes Commission; and resident historian at the Sydney Jewish Museum 'Danny Ben-Moshe has written a suspense-filled story of a Jewish survivor's search for revenge against Lithuanian war criminals who had participated in the Nazi killing fields and had migrated to Melbourne after the war. Based on a true story, the novel highlights the pain and trauma experienced by Jewish Holocaust survivors and their efforts to create a new life in Australia. Yet, the shadow of the Holocaust hangs over them and some cannot escape the desire for revenge' Suzanne D. Rutland OAM, Professor Emerita, University of Sydney; and author of The Jews of Australia and Edge of the Two Centuries of Jewish Settlement in Australia 'Danny Ben-Moshe's brilliant new novel, a classic saga stretching from Holocaust-era Vilna to the shores of post-war Melbourne in Australia, brings to the...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Australia

404 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2026

Reviews

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf)]

⭐️4 Stars⭐️
The Watchmaker's War by Danny Ben-Moshe is a unique, shocking and haunting post holocaust story about Yakov Holzman a Jew and a heroic resistance fighter in the forests of Lithuania who immigrates to Australia after World War II to join his brother, his only surviving family member. Yakov arrives in Melbourne to start a new life but he finds that Australia is not the sanctuary he believed it to be for survivors but a destination where Nazi war criminals can hide in plain sight.

I found the story so different to the usual tales about the holocaust being that it is set in Australia and is after the war, it opened my eyes to the continuing
trauma these people were exposed to as victims even from across the other side of the world.

The story explores justice and revenge when authorities fail to act and is based on a true story. I found the Watchmakers war fascinating, it’s an informative and gripping tale and well executed. An eye opening and powerful read and so relevant in these modern times too.

Publication Date 28 January 2026
Publisher Harper Collins Australia

Thank you so much Harper Collins Australia for a copy of the book. I read this book as part of Harper Collins Bookstagram Club.

[EmG ReadsDaily]

A powerful high-stakes historical tale, based on real people and events.





4.5 stars

[Kirsten]

Based on a true story, The Watchmaker’s war is a compelling and interesting look at a lesser known part of Australian history. Thoroughly researched, I was unable to put this one down as Yakov’s story unfolded. From resistance leader during the war, Nazi hunting in Paris and then seeking a fresh start on the other side of the world. I was interested to learn more about Lithuania’s history within the war, the Jewish community in Melbourne after the war and the government’s attempts to cover up letting known Nazis into Australia and their fear of communism.

Even if someone who has read a lot of holocaust fiction it was quite confronting at times as we learned the stories of the characters times in the concentration camps and what they witnessed. I was frustrated by the lack of support they received from Australian officials and could see why they took justice into their own hands. A fascinating look at the ongoing impact of war, trauma and justice. I’m keen to watch Danny’s documentary of the real life characters that inspired the novel.

[Ellen (the_plentiful_library)]

Wow what an interesting, informative read. Based on a true story The Watchmaker's War is the story of Yakov and his Brother Benny as they immigrate to Australia after the holocaust. It follows them as they settle into a new country and new way of life. What should be a brand new start is tainted when they discover that some of the Nazi's responsible for killing their family have snuck into Australia under new identities.

I really enjoyed the insights into the Jewish community and culture in St Kilda. I learnt a lot from this book and was fascinated by the story of Nazi hunters who took matters into their own hands when the Australian authorities wouldn't. There's photos at the end of the book about the real life people involved in the story was really cool to see too!

[Jess Theworddegree]

When this arrived for the bookstagram bookclub pick of last month I have to admit that I wasn’t that excited. Not because I don’t love WW2 historical fiction but because I’ve read SO MANY. Well colour me surprised when this turned out to be a story I’ve never read before and what a great yarn it was. Based on a true story, because reality can be far crueler than any fiction and based around my beloved hometown Melbourne. This is a story with a real life Jewish John Wick who regulated some nazi’s after the war if you know what I mean 😉
Part exploration of life after sever, collective trauma, part government critique, this story had almost everything. I say almost because it lacked an emotional depth I’m used to in this genre. Everything is presented in the most straightforward, clinical way possible even emotional reactions. I could have used some character insight into emotional state (increased heart rate, sweating, nervous something?) before they blurt out sentences like ‘he killed my entire family in front of me’ seemingly out of nowhere. Even when a character has an intense emotional reaction from say seeing the Nazi that killed their entire family on a Melbourne tram, it’s still presented very clinically. They dinged the bell a number of times, they stormed off, they fell, someone asked if they were ok ect. I feel some internal emotional reactions would have created an even stronger connection to the narrative for the reader. The author’s note was extremely interesting about the true story and i discovered the author is an academic which makes sense 🤣
Anyway I highly recommend this one and I’m so glad I joined @harpercollinsaustralia bookstagram bookclub because I wouldn’t have picked this up otherwise and would have really missed out. They sent me a copy of this book to read as part of the club

[Lisa]

Like most people my age, I suppose, I grew up thinking that the Nazis and their loathsome ideology were vanquished.  I thought they had been eliminated and that post-war de-Nazification during the Allied Occupation had removed the threat of any resurgence, except for a few ageing die-hards who had escaped to South America. It certainly did not occur to me that the waves of post-war migration to Australia brought Nazis with it.

So you can imagine my reaction to seeing a man wearing Nazi insignia outside my local library a short time ago. I felt physically sick. I had only ever seen Nazi symbols in films, documentaries and books, never in real life, never in my quiet Melbourne suburb.  I walked away and sat down until I gathered my wits, and then I rang the local police.  The officer I spoke to explained that it wasn’t illegal (at that time, it is now) but he would have a talk with the offender.  I had a restorative coffee and then went back to the library.  The man was gone. But the memory lingers.  What seemed unthinkable until recently is now not so improbable. I am well-read in Holocaust literature, and I know how this story starts and ends.

But it was a different matter altogether in 1951, for a Jewish migrant who had escaped the Holocaust by Shooting that took place in Lithuania in 1941. For him, the sight of a Nazi symbol at the Bonegilla Migrant Hostel in north-eastern Victoria — a place he had thought safe —  was an existential threat.  That insignia evoked the recent, painful past in which he had lost his entire family and witnessed the near extermination of the entire population of Lithuanian Jews.  In a fictionalised version of these real-life events, Danny Ben-Moshe's novel evokes his character's terror well. 

In the novel Berel does what I did, he went to the authorities at the camp.  But though he gets a sympathetic hearing from one of the staff, he isn't believed.   

Berel raced ahead and turned and stopped against the rear wall of the library.

'There's no charge for walking on the main path,' Rogers teased. 

'I must hide,' Berel said.  'I can't be seen.'

'What are you talking about?'

'Shh.' Berel put his finger to his lips.  'They are Nazis.  There are Nazis here.'

'Who are?'

'The Lithuanians, from my hut.'

'Rogers looked at him, perplexed.  'Are you all right?'

'They are Nazis,' Berel insisted. 'If they find me, they will kill me.'

'Listen, I'm no doctor, but what you've been through can affect your mind, Rogers said.  'I've seen it happen to my mates from Changi.  Some of them have all sorts of problems, trouble sleeping, nightmares, hallucinations.  It's not the same, but I do have some idea what it's like.  Let's go and have a cup of tea in the mess hall, and when you've calmed down we can have a chat about it.'

'No!' Berel burst out, surprising himself with his assertiveness.  'It's too risky, they could kill me.'

'All right, Rogers said, speaking quietly, 'Tell me who is going to kill you.'

In an urgent whisper, Berel relayed what he'd heard last night in the hut.  'They spoke about all the Jews they killed, all the death pits they filled, burning people alive in a synagogue.'

Rogers tried in vain to assure him that was not possible.  'Anyone who had served with the Germans or their allies is barred from entry into Australia.'

'I know what I heard,' insisted Berel. (p.154)

To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2026/04/13/t...

[Pousali Ghosh (thispandareads)]

This was a heartfelt read, the journey of the two brothers escaping the dire conditions of their homeland, to then be the only surviving family for each other and then settling in a new country far from home, was something you won’t be able to forget long after you’ve finished the book. The worst part is, this is still happening today for many people across the world. War only benefits the rich and people seem to forget that. I loved that fact that this book speaks about assimilating after the war is over, because it’s hard to come out of all the trauma, loss and grief let alone settling in a new country. The anger and need for revenge and justice doesn’t settle so easily and it can easily ruin their life. I love that the book explored these complicated feelings. And explored how these feelings can stay for entire lifetimes.

Yakov arrives in Melbourne to start a new life after the war, far away from the horrors erupting in Europe. He didn’t realise he would face those exact people who he was running away from, who terrorised and killed not only his family but countless of others. While his brother Benny wants to stay far away from those people, it’s not easy for Yakov, especially as crimes start happening against his community. That’s when he picks up the job again, and restarts his Nazi hunting. Will the need for revenge and justice make him blind and destroy his current life in the process?

A terribly haunting story based on real life.

So grateful to HarperCollins Australia for a copy of this book, it will stay with me for a long time.

[Hevsie]

This was an extremely interesting read based on true stories that’s left me wanting to do a deep dive and investigate further.

While I was hooked on wanting to know how this story ended and wanted to see revenge served, as well as being interested in reading about what life was like for the Jewish community that immigrated to Australia after World War II - I just didn’t vibe the writing style, especially the dialogue. Was very stiff, factual and unnatural, constantly pulling me out of the story.

You can bet I’m watching the documentary tonight though!

[Maddie L]

I started this book and I had high hopes.
Though not widely read or reviewed (yet) it presented an interesting premise and perspective.
Lithuania, Australia immigration. Australia public opinion post world war 2 and mid cold-war etc.
Unfortunately for me the book left me with a bad taste and a small amount of irritation.

First off my favourite part of the book was the author's note. I had already searched up several points during reading to determine how much may be accurate and how much was creative but the authors note I felt was concise, clear and informative. It presented interesting supporting documents, speculation and conclusions.

Production wise I listened to the audiobook. Perhaps it was just my copy but at points it seemed as though it had been dubbed post recording as there were parts of inconsistant volume and tempo largely names.

Writing wise this book felt very wooden and forced. The conversations were heavy with words and phrases not from English vernacular. While it is understandable trying to represent more authentic conversations it just dragged on and didn't really provide much besides noise.
The book also was heavily quoting scripture and religious stories, Proverbs and sections.

Character wise I disliked almost everyone.
The 'protaganist' is very glorified and proclaimed regularly as a hero for his partisan participation. It was excessive and I got sick of everyone slipping our partisan hero references into conversation. I found his initial interactions with his love interest misogynistic and shallow. He also committed many many crimes during the course of this book both with his post war assassination prior to coming to Australia, en route to Australia (lying on his immigration interview, snuggling in commercial goods) and in Australia. His choice of victim does not excuse his judge, jury and executioner vigilante antics in a new country. Nor does working under the directives of another country sit well.
Also whilst it's presented as being Nazi directed (and thus justified) it's worth noting at one point he mentions "He’d killed many a Lithuanian for raping a Jew."
With the exception of the Jewish characters(and even then berel was still presented as a Polish clown) I found every character was written in a derogatory or dismissive manner or as hastily typecast villains.

Culturally while I appreciated the description of some religious events etc it felt like a bit in your face sometimes and also a bit disparaging to Australia as though the best thing about our country could only be the Jewish community.
We see comments made about a belief Jewish displaced people did not want to assimilate and complained and then promptly were provided with 20 examples of yakov doing just that.
‘He can keep his English and his pork sausages.’ struck me weirdly strong. Along with talking about the terrible coffee, pubs being overrated etc.

At the current political climate in Australia (royal commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion. The rise of one nation, 'monoculture' and fascist ideology and the destruction in Gaza this book felt like pro-Israel propaganda and justification for Jewish instigated aggression.
While it had an interesting story in its heart of revenge killings and presented some good insight into PTSD and long term trauma for settlers after the Holocaust overall it left me with a bad taste.

[Jennifer (JC-S)]

As I read this novel, Australia is holding a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. (Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion https://asc.royalcommission.gov.au/)
Why? Because on 14 December 2025, fifteen people were murdered at a Hannukah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney. Antisemitism has been on the rise in Australia for some years, and more markedly since October 2023.

I had this in my mind as I read this novel which is mostly set in the Australia in the early 1950s. Yakov Holtzman and his brother Benny are the only survivors of a Jewish Lithuanian family. Benny emigrates to Australia after World War II and Yakov joins him in 1950. Yakov spent much of the war as a leader of the resistance in the forests of Lithuania, fighting the Nazis. He hopes that in Melbourne he can start a new life with the skills he has as a watchmaker. Surely, he and the other Jewish refugees will be safe in Australia?

Post World War II, in the era of the White Australia policy, the Australian government had only accepted small numbers of Jewish refugees. When pushed to accept some of those living in a displaced person camp in the American sector of Berlin, Australia opts for:

‘New migrants sought among white Christian DPs. Authority for passage to Australia of Baltic refugees confirmed. Commence with Lithuanians at Düppel camp. Liaise with US and British Intelligence. Action immediately.’

And, in the early 1950s, concern about communist infiltration outweighed concerns about possible Nazi war criminals finding their way to Australia.

This novel is based on the true story of a Jewish survivor’s search for revenge against Lithuanian war criminals who migrated to Australia. And who could blame him? The Australian Government did nothing. While I would not class myself as a supporter of extra-judicial justice, I cannot see what other choices were available in this case.

As the novel ends, I was left with hope that life would be kind to Yakov and his family, and to Benny and to all the other Jewish people in Australia. And perhaps, for a while, it was. But now, in 2026? Antisemitism is on the rise again.

I despair.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Book My Imagination]

~These round ups always happen in the middle of the night, to catch the ghettoes residents by surprise. He can hear gunshots and women's screams sounding through the streets. For nearly two years now, be has watched as the ghetto has been gutted of it's residents.~

⌚️..THE WATCHMAKER'S WAR..⌚️
°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°
by: @danny_benmoshe
pub: @harpercollinsaustralia

Reading historical fiction is a favourite of mine, and a lot of them centre around WW2.
I am always fascinated by the history & research of the book and look forward to the author's notes at the end.
This book whilst fictional is steeped in truth and real events.

The author has written these events into a thrilling and sometimes poignant story.
A story of unimaginable loss, love, redemption, revenge, new beginnings and new friends.

Yakov and his brother Benny are all that is left of their family after the Holocaust.
Resettling in Australia gives hope and promise.
As watchmakers, they can start a business, work, contribute to this country that has given them a safe harbour.
But what happens when the people they are trying to escape also resettle here?
And what, if anything will the authorities do when they realise their mistake?

Imagine being resettled far away from your home, with no family, no friends, nothing but a small suitcase and then realise you are in the same area as the Nazis that killed your family and millions more?
This is the reality of what so many faced.
The author has written a book that gives us facts mixed with fiction in a very suspenseful and compelling story.
And his notes at the back are very interesting and left me quite shocked.

Many thanks to the publisher and author for my copy, and for my inclusion in the @harpercollinsaustralia
BOOKSTAGRAM BOOK CLUB

[Anabela]

As an aficionado of historical fiction, I’ve read many books set during WWII and the years that followed — countless stories of the Holocaust and the horrific persecution of the Jewish people.

And yet, I’m always amazed at how much I still don’t know. I deeply appreciate a novel that shines a light on a lesser-known corner of history and teaches me something new along the way.

The Watchmaker’s War tells the story of two brothers — the sole survivors of an entire family murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators. They resettle in Australia, hoping to build a life far removed from the atrocities they witnessed. But unbeknownst to them, evil has followed them across oceans. Under the White Australia policies of the late 1940s and 1950s, covert Nazis were permitted to resettle in Australia, provided they were staunchly anti-communist. Background checks were lax, and some of these war criminals slipped through the cracks.

What unfolds is a haunting story of grief, resilience and the quiet, simmering pull of revenge. Though fictionalised, the novel is grounded in real events and real people — which makes it all the more chilling.

This is historical fiction that unsettles and educates in equal measure — a reminder that history doesn’t always stay buried.

A powerful, sobering read that lingers long after the final page.

[Emily (the_bookdragons_den)]

The Watchmaker’s War by @danny_benmoshe is one of those books I probably wouldn’t have gravitated towards normally, but gosh I’m glad I read it. The author beautifully blends the facts surrounding Nazi hunters in Australia with fiction. Weaving a haunting and compelling novel of the competing desires for peace and vengeance.

✨ When Yakov Holtzman arrives in Melbourne to join his brother, and only surviving family member, he hopes to put behind him the years he spent in the forests of Lithuania as a leader of the resistance, fighting the Nazis.

It’s time to start a new life and Yakov finds solace in the fragile and traumatised community of Jewish refugees. But suddenly swastikas, threats and, most frightening of all, the faces of old enemies start appearing on the streets of St Kilda, shattering his new-found peace.

Fierce instincts are reawakened in Yakov, and he knows he must act. But how can justice - or revenge - best be served? How far will Yakov’s drive to destroy his enemies impact on his new life?

✨ If you love historical fiction that centers around real life events then I definitely recommend The Watchmaker’s War.

Thank you to @harpercollinsaustralia for sending me a copy to read and honestly review.

[Sheri]

The writing may not be sophisticated but the story is unputdownable and I devoured this book in one sitting. The story moves between Lithuania during WW 2 and Melbourne in the 1950’s and is a fascinating glimpse into the politics in Australia of the time where the fight against communism trumped ensuring Australia didn’t become a safe haven for Nazi’s. While fact and fiction are blended in this fascinating story, it did provide insight into how Australian attitudes to the Jewish population have been shaped over time. Well worth reading.

[Martin]

An emotionally charged read about post holcaust.
Based on a true story made it even better...
Can I assume Scheherazade the former Jewish cafe on acland st ws the 'inspiration' for the cafe?
Was good to read Yiddish.
The sad thing is the book is set in the 1950s and here we are in in 2026 and anti semitism is on the rise : Bondi Massacre? Millawuake synagogue.... netanyahu and his extreme right wing cronies have caused hell for Jews around the world and achieved what????

[Ecka]

I loved this book.

It was very well researched and the story is compelling.

Incredible facts about how the Australian government used Lithuanian Nazis to track Jews in Australia. Based on a true story.

Apparently only 15,000 Jewish Holocaust survivors came to Australia after the war yet 1.5 million immigrants from Europe taken in.

Shows how then and still today political convenience determines government actions and not moral conviction.

[Carole]

This easy-to-read historical novel is based on real people and events. Written in a narrative style, it is plot driven with no extensively-developed characters. I hadn't been aware of the number of Jewish people killed in countries such as Lithuania, or that the Australian government had actively recruited immigrants with dubious backgrounds to counter the Cold War threat from communism in the Pacific, so I found the story interesting, if a bit thin on character development.

[Thedisenchantmentofmagic]

This is one of those stories that quietly stays with you after, even after you’ve finished! I adored the writing and the whole concept behind the story!! Definaltey will be looking for more books by this author

~ 📖 IF YOU LOVE ~

🕰️ Dual timelines
📚 WWII historical fiction
💔 Stories of resilience and survival
👪 Mystery
❤️ Powerful father–daughter relationships
🌍 European settings

[Jennifer]

How heartbreaking to read this book, and discover that nothing has changed in 80 years. Australia is still, mostly, an anti-Semitic nation. To discover that our government at the time (Arthur Calwell, Harold Holt, Robert Menzies) preferred to import Nazis rather than Jews. Still shaking my head in sadness at this discovery.

[Robert Kaplan]

Very good, particularly if you want perspective on Australia’s post war activities related to immigration of Jews and former Nazis. Some characters and conversation were a little too stereotypical but otherwise really good. 4.5 stars.

[Steven Hatchuel]

A compelling insight into the experiences of European Jews who resettled in Australia after the war. I gained a deeper understanding of Australia’s immigration policies during that period, particularly the government’s stance toward war criminals. A real eye-opener!

[Rita Chapman]

Two Jewish brothers survive the war and eventually relocate to Australia. Imagine their disbelief when the Lithuanian who ordered the killing of their entire family turns up in Melbourne, heading a unit setting out to reignite the hatred. What choices do they have?

[Caren]

I hadn't realised at first that this was a novel, based on a true story but nonetheless fictional. Therefore, I had to readjust my expectations.

[Priscilla]

Brilliant book - thank you

[Hermien]

Interesting topic but I prefer it in non fiction form.

[Alistair Addis]

A totally absorbing read with the content based on factual events concerning the aftermath of some Melbourne based escapees of the Nazi death camps.

[Nesh S]

I could have read hundreds more pages on the nekome missions. Savoured every detail and every millimetre reclaimed of our people’s losses.

[Katy Matheson]

Absolutely could not put it down. The writer conveys emotions that are so difficult to put on paper yet he does it with a compassion and dedication to telling a story that must be told.

[Kaila Kellaway]

A very powerful but sobering story, and captivating to know it’s loosely based on a true story. The writing style was not my favourite but the story was compelling enough to keep me engaged!

[Jude]

Disappointing retelling of a true story. I think the author should stick to non fiction.