The Nazi Ghost Train: Evasion, Betrayal, and Escape during World War II

by Greg Lewis

The heart-racing true story of the heroic rescue of Allied airmen from a Nazi prison train after a devastating betrayal.

In the final hours before the liberation of Brussels in 1944, the Germans loaded more than 1,400 members of the Resistance, SOE agents, and Allied airmen onto a train bound for the Neuengamme concentration camp. What happened next came to be known as the miracle of “The Ghost Train,” as members of the Resistance rose up to delay, divert, and eventually derail the train and save the lives of all of those on board.

The book shines a light on everyday heroes who have been lost to such as New Yorker Ted Kleinman, a Jew who risked his life to carry out sabotage behind the lines; young Resistance heroines such as Michou Dumon, who ordered an attempt to kill one traitor and escaped to London to expose another to British intelligence; and Belgian businessman Gaston Masereel, who planned to parachute into his homeland as an SOE agent. Badly hurt when his plane was attacked, he killed all four German soldiers who came to arrest him.

As well as the heroes, there is a villain every bit as keenly drawn and despicable as any in a spy the most heartless double agent of all—Prosper Dezitter—a traitor of such cunning that he came to be seen as an almost mythical bogey man. A convicted rapist and swindler, he enlisted the aid of his Spanish-born mistress to create a false network of helpers to ensnare airmen and résistants. It was a process which made Dezitter a millionaire.

Investigative journalist Greg Lewis draws upon a wealth of primary sources and his own extensive interviews to bring to life a cast of unforgettable characters, as The Nazi Ghost Train unfolds in a tense and pacy narrative, describing the feeling of terror after being shot down on bombing missions, the fight to stay alive with the Gestapo on your trail, and the gut-wrenching horror of betrayal.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War II

1 pages, Audio CD

Published July 7, 2026

About the author

Was given a typewriter for my tenth birthday. Drove my parents mad while they were trying to watch the TV.

Been writing ever since. Lifetime in journalism, first as an investigative reporter and then as a documentary-maker, working mainly in the true crime genre.

I'm still typing. And still with two fingers.

My most recent book is the Sunday Times bestseller 'The Nazi Ghost Train', a true story of betrayal and evasion in occupied Europe. It's out in the States very soon.

My previous books include 'Defying Hitler: The Germans Who Resisted Nazi Rule' (Dutton Books, Penguin Random House) and 'Shadow Warriors: Daring Missions By Women of the OSS and SOE' with Gordon Thomas, which has been published in five countries.

'Defying Hitler' was a top-five pick in both USA Today and the New York Post. It was described by New York Times bestselling author Alex Kershaw as a “terrifying and timely account of resistance in the face of the greatest of evils”.

'Shadow Warriors' was optioned for a film/mini-series. Clare Mulley (Agent Zo, The Women Who Flew for Hitler) said it was: “Riveting… What gives this book weight is the interweaving of the SOE and OSS narratives, all too often divorced in histories of the secret war.”

My work with Gaynor Madgwick helped gather many memories of those involved in the Aberfan disaster and formed the basis of the book 'Aberfan: A Story of Survival, Love and Community in One of Britain's Worst Disasters' which had inspired a new television drama.

Many thanks to everyone who has contacted me about my books.

Reviews

[Cam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting true story of dozens of incredible people across Nazi occupied Europe. Each story is gripping, and the book is very well written, culminating in the titular train.
However, it is easy to get lost with the huge amount of people the book is about, I was constantly flicking back to recheck who was who - although I can’t imagine the author wanting to exclude any of the heroic stories.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading to ensure these remarkable people are never forgotten

I've read quite a few books about the Second World War but this one really stuck with me. It tells the story of Allied airmen and members of the resistance who were trapped on one of the final deportation trains leaving Brussels just as the city was about to be liberated. The sheer scale of the research Greg Lewis has put into this is incredible and it shows in every chapter.

What really got to me was the unbelievable bravery of the "normal" people involved. These weren't professional soldiers in the traditional sense – they were just people who decided they couldn't sit back and do nothing while their country was occupied. The detail provided about the individual airmen and the Belgian resistance fighters makes the whole ordeal feel very personal rather than just another history lesson.

The conditions these people faced were nightmare-ish, and the author doesn't shy away from the grim reality of life in occupied territory. It isn't just about the train itself, but the constant fear and the unknown that they lived with every single day. From the tension of evasion and moving between safe houses to the harrowing experiences after being caught, you really get a sense of the immense pressure on both the airmen and the resistance members.

If you're interested in untold stories of WWII or the resistance in occupied Europe, I'd definitely recommend picking this up. It’s a remarkable tribute to those who suffered and fought back during such a dark time.

Many thanks to the author, Mirror Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this informative book.

[LAMONT D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anytime you read about the Nazi occupation, and the corresponding Resistance forces you will find yourself incredibly moved by the courage shown by those that decided to not sit on the sidelines. This story is all about those individuals that fought to keep many people alive from the Nazi regime as well as the courageous airmen who fought so gallantly during the war. Everyone had a story and our author did an incredible job detailing out those individual stories throughout the book. You also learn about the evil ones that decided to side with the Nazi's including one the treacherous Prosper Dezitter and his associates who infiltrated the Resistance escape safe houses and lines turning many of the people in that led to their imprisonment and eventually their death. The ghost train is the focal point of the story though that comes at the very end of the book. Indeed, it is an incredible story of doing the little things in defiance to the crumbling German authorities to save some lives. Amazing that a difference of just several hours separated certain death from freedom in the waning moments of the Germon occupation in Belgium.

[Pat Molloy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm having a very hard time remembering when I have been so confused by so many characters introduced in so few pages. I felt as though the author was just throwing stuff at the wall to see what's stuck.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 stars

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I think the history this book focuses on is vitally important, I found the book pretty much unreadable. It's incredibly slow-paced, and the writing itself was so dry I felt like I was reading an old instruction manual. I may try again in a different format someday, but DNF for now.

[Doug · Rating 1 out of 5]

There’s a good, interesting story in there somewhere, but Lewis didn’t write it. These heroes deserve to have their story told better. Poorly written and organized, like spaghetti thrown against the wall. Rather than tell a single, unified story with lots of subplots, this felt like many separate stories interspersed. The narrative was so mangled that it was difficult to care about/connect with any of these real people the way I hoped to. Finally, whoever titled and marketed this book need to be sued for false advertising. It’s a story of resistance and espionage, not of rescuing a train of prisoners. The latter was the most interesting part and didn’t even start until 80% into the book. There’s back story and then there’s mangling the story so badly that your readers give up. Rewrite it and I’ll read it again.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A far cry from my usual reading genre. A fantastic story and insight into the war.

[Donna's Book Addiction Book review Arc Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Book Review
The Nazi Ghost Train by Greg Lewis
This book is as harrowing as it is unforgettable.
The Nazi Ghost Train tells a real story of courage, resistance, and survival during one of history’s darkest times—and it does so with intensity that feels almost cinematic. From the opening scenes in the air to the desperate final moments aboard the so-called “Ghost Train,” the tension never lets up.
What makes this book truly powerful is the people within it. These aren’t just names in history—they are vivid, real individuals: resistance fighters risking everything, airmen fighting to stay alive behind enemy lines, and civilians whose bravery changed the fate of hundreds. The courage of the Belgian civilians in particular is nothing short of extraordinary.
The narrative is fast-paced yet deeply emotional, capturing not only the action but the fear, betrayal, and resilience that defined these moments. Knowing this is a true story only makes it hit harder.
📖 Overall: A gripping, emotional, and deeply moving account of bravery against impossible odds. This is history that stays with you long after the final page.

[Sam Seaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A harrowing, tragic account of heroism. Beautifully written, an essential account to never forget the horrific historical events that documents everything these poor human beings went through. A small win by a group of courageous hero’s, saving over 1400 lives against all odds. Incredibly powerful and difficult read. Highly recommended.

[Jayisso23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was quite compelling to read this book, filled with real stories of men who fought in Germany against the Nazis, and how the resistance groups risked their lives to help them. there are references to research at the end of the book too which is helpful for further reading. i really enjoyed this book and it was just good to read points of views from this time.

[Kate-Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

[Quinn T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how it changes POV to make the time lines all match up so you're reading all their lives at once.

Amazing book

[Sian Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly remarkable, and I am deeply impressed by the bravery, determination, and selflessness displayed by numerous individuals.

[Brendan (History Nerds United) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am going to read a lot of books in 2026, but I doubt any will have a better title than The Nazi Ghost Train by Greg Lewis. I mean, come on! Yes, you might be holding back a little bit because of one word in that title, but I assure you they lose in the end. They always do.

Lewis tells the story of a lot of people. Mostly, the characters are downed Allied airmen trying to make it back to the safety of England or the Resistance members who risked it all, quite literally, to help these men get back in the fight. Oh, there is also a dastardly scum of a human who is a double agent that sent many good people to their deaths. The less we discuss him, the better.

If you have not read a lot of World War II literature, especially about the Resistance, then this is a great start. Lewis covers a ton of ground and there are literally dozens of characters who pop up and come back later in the narrative. Lewis stays very focused on the people so there aren't long diatribes getting the reader caught up on the war or overall strategy. This is a street-level view of the war, and it is fantastic in this regard. The titular train is only at the very end of the book, so train enthusiasts beware.

By dint of being a huge history nerd, I have read a lot about these operations and the Allied Resistance. For me—and this is a minor criticism—the book had a bit too many characters and we don't get to know anyone too intimately. Of course, clandestine operations means sometimes there just isn't a ton of information to pull from, but some of the characters could have stood to have a longer spotlight. Again, this is a minor quibble. I highly recommend this book, even if it's not perfect for World War II-centric audiences.

(This book was provided as an advanced reader copy by Pegasus Books.)

[Michael Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nazi Ghost Train: Evasion, Betrayal, and Escape during World War II by Greg Lewis brings a remarkable and deeply compelling episode of World War II history into focus. The story of more than 1,400 Resistance members, SOE agents, and Allied airmen placed aboard a Nazi prison train creates an immediate sense of danger, while the eventual resistance effort to delay, divert, and derail the train gives the narrative an extraordinary human dimension.

One of the book's strongest elements is its attention to the individuals behind the larger historical events. Figures such as Ted Kleinman, Michou Dumon, and Gaston Masereel emerge as courageous people who took enormous risks under terrifying circumstances. At the same time, the portrayal of Prosper Dezitter adds another layer to the story, showing how betrayal, deception, and collaboration could be just as dangerous as the military forces themselves.

Readers interested in World War II history, the European Resistance, espionage, military history, investigative nonfiction, and true stories of survival should find The Nazi Ghost Train especially compelling. Greg Lewis's use of primary sources and extensive interviews gives the story a strong sense of immediacy, while the focus on courage, betrayal, sacrifice, and survival makes this a memorable account of an extraordinary chapter of wartime history.

[Charlie Sullivan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author did an admirable job of researching detailed information about numerous people. However, it's not presented as a compelling story. The first 75% of the book tells the backstory of many people who ended up on the train. Some of those stories were very interesting and dramatic. But there were many separate stories. As a reader, I assumed that my hard work in slogging through them would be rewarded when it turned out that the individuals introduced played a key role in the train event. But they didn't. They were just people who were on the train. Their selection was apparently just that they were people the author could find information about. I felt cheated.

The last chapter was a simple listing of what information the author could find about the subsequent lives of each person.

It leaves me wanting to learn more about the resistance in Belgium but not wanting to read more books by Lewis.

I listened to the audio book version, on a phone app not the CD, but the CD was the closest option to select here for what I reviewed. I did not like the narrator, who seemed pompous and too fond of his own voice to do much help help us care about the story. I can imagine some people like that kind of polished, confident narration.

[Julian Worker · Rating 4 out of 5]

In early September 1944, the Nazis in Belgium were in a hurry as allied forces were close to Brussels. They wanted to move airmen, resistance fighters, and captured spies from the Belgian prison of Saint-Gilles eastwards to labour and concentration camps.

The first part of the book covers the stories of how the airmen were shot down in western Europe and the second part how those airmen were betrayed by Nazi collaborators and ending up in Saint-Gilles. These first two parts deserve three and four stars respectively.

The five-star part covers the Nazi train and how the Belgian railway employees and resistance fighters slowed down the second train to leave Saint-Gilles - the "Ghost Train" of the title - sufficiently for it never to leave Belgium before the Nazis decided the people on board could be released. They were more concerned about saving their own skins from the advancing allies. These Belgian railway staff and fighters were the unsung heroes as they risked their lives to save the 1,400 people on the train.

This is fascinating information and a wonderful read.

[Samuel Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories of the downed airmen and their attempted escape back to Britain and the Resistance fighters in and around Belgium were really compelling. Reading about the further atrocities the Nazis committed and the fight against them- how so many civilians were willing to risk their lives- was very impactful. However the train that the book is about is over 3/4 of the way through the book. How the Belgiums delayed the train was engaging and I did like how the book ended though. Overall, I liked most that it was a decent telling of the events around Brussels and that everyone involved were inspiring.

[Wioletta Maj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of WWII historical fiction, but this one felt a little different. It’s intense, emotional, and at times quite difficult to read, but in a way that really stays with you.

What struck me most was the sense of real, human courage running through every page—ordinary people facing impossible situations. The writing makes everything feel immediate and vivid, and knowing it’s based on true events only adds to the impact.

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

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is more about the way the resistance helped downed airmen and how they were betrayed as opposed to the train. Whilst this is very interesting the last 50 pages which deal with the train are fascinating and the book misses a trick here as with a few maps for those of us that dont know our way around Brussels this could have made up most of the book. The chaos that the Belgiums created was brave and risky and set against fear of immediate reprisal. A good story but could have been better.

[Robbie Isik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d give it 3.5 stars if I could, the story was fascinating but there were so many people involved I found it harder to keep track of who’s who especially as it’s taken a long while to read, in a way it shows the scale of the impact of the way. But the book as a whole was really interesting and does a good job at reciting what happened.

[Susan Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book about WWII that i had not previously heard of. It was interesting g and inspiring to read of the multiple persons working quietly together to rescue downed fliers, and the protection of the train full of persons heading to contraption camps was amazing. A very good read

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very little of this book deals with the train journey, the vast majority of it is pen portraits of various people on the train and it does become repetitive as most of the stories are: shot down, evasion, incarceration. Interesting but not exceptional.

[Bakerpat · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well researched and written book about a lesser known event, or series of events, in WW2. It always inspires me to read how ordinary people took literal risks with their own lives to save strangers.

[Thomas George Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Lewis has written an outstanding account of actual events during the Second World War, and the Resistance's part in winning said War.