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The Girl from Berlin #2
Gruppenführer's Mistress
"Gruppenführer’s Mistress" is book two in the series “The Girl from Berlin,” which continues to follow Annalise’s story. Caught up in a dangerous game between the Allies and Nazi Germany Secret Service – the RSHA – she’s torn between staying faithful to her husband and yielding to the demands of her American superiors and starting a romance with the unpredictable Chief of the RSHA Ernst Kaltenbrunner, who she finds herself attracted to more and more every day…
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite
The Girl from Berlin: Gruppenführer's Mistress is the second book in Ellie Midwood's historical fiction series, The Girl from Berlin. Annalise realizes that she is playing a very dangerous game when she asks for Gruppenführer Dr. Kaltenbrunner's assistance in exacting revenge on her boss, Reinhard Heydrich, but she's mad with grief over his complicity in the suicide death of her brother Norbert and the resulting miscarriage of her and her husband's first child. While the leader of the Austrian SS has an evil reputation as a monster and a sadist, Dr. Kaltenbrunner has always been oddly gentle and attentive with her. And while he's initially taken aback at the audacity of her request, he agrees to start the process that will result in Heydrich's death.
Ellie Midwood's World War II historical fiction novel, The Girl from Berlin: Gruppenführer's Mistress, is an outstanding and enthralling tale recreating the lives of Annalise and her husband as they work for the American Secret Service in the guise of loyal Germans working in the Reich Main Security Office. The depth of the author's research and her expertise on the subject of Nazi Germany is evidenced on every page of this thrilling and suspenseful tale. I would urge new readers to begin with the first book in the series, Standartenführer's Wife, to get the full impact of this most impressive series. Gruppenführer's Mistress is impeccably researched and beautifully written, making the workaday world and intrigue surrounding Annalise and Heinrich's lives feel real, and the psychological thriller aspect of Annalise and Ernst Kaltenbrunner's growing attraction to each other is masterfully played out. While the title does let prospective readers know that there is definitely romance, some of which is steamy, in this novel, The Girl from Berlin: Gruppenführer's Mistress is historical literary fiction at its finest. It's most highly recommended.
Other books in the series:
Book one: "The Girl from Berlin: Standartenfuhrer's Wife"
Book three: "The Girl from Berlin: War Criminal's Widow"
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite
The Girl from Berlin: Gruppenführer's Mistress is the second book in Ellie Midwood's historical fiction series, The Girl from Berlin. Annalise realizes that she is playing a very dangerous game when she asks for Gruppenführer Dr. Kaltenbrunner's assistance in exacting revenge on her boss, Reinhard Heydrich, but she's mad with grief over his complicity in the suicide death of her brother Norbert and the resulting miscarriage of her and her husband's first child. While the leader of the Austrian SS has an evil reputation as a monster and a sadist, Dr. Kaltenbrunner has always been oddly gentle and attentive with her. And while he's initially taken aback at the audacity of her request, he agrees to start the process that will result in Heydrich's death.
Ellie Midwood's World War II historical fiction novel, The Girl from Berlin: Gruppenführer's Mistress, is an outstanding and enthralling tale recreating the lives of Annalise and her husband as they work for the American Secret Service in the guise of loyal Germans working in the Reich Main Security Office. The depth of the author's research and her expertise on the subject of Nazi Germany is evidenced on every page of this thrilling and suspenseful tale. I would urge new readers to begin with the first book in the series, Standartenführer's Wife, to get the full impact of this most impressive series. Gruppenführer's Mistress is impeccably researched and beautifully written, making the workaday world and intrigue surrounding Annalise and Heinrich's lives feel real, and the psychological thriller aspect of Annalise and Ernst Kaltenbrunner's growing attraction to each other is masterfully played out. While the title does let prospective readers know that there is definitely romance, some of which is steamy, in this novel, The Girl from Berlin: Gruppenführer's Mistress is historical literary fiction at its finest. It's most highly recommended.
Other books in the series:
Book one: "The Girl from Berlin: Standartenfuhrer's Wife"
Book three: "The Girl from Berlin: War Criminal's Widow"
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2015
200 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Midwood
43 books1,164 followersEllie Midwood is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author, whose works have been translated into 20 languages. She owes her interest in the history of the Second World War to her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, who began telling her about his experiences on the frontline when she was a young girl. Growing up, her interest in history only deepened and transformed from reading about the war to writing about it. After obtaining her BA in Linguistics, Ellie decided to make writing her full-time career and began working on her first full-length historical novel, "The Girl from Berlin." Ellie is continuously enriching her library with new research material and feeds her passion for WWII and Holocaust history by collecting rare memorabilia and documents.
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her husband and their three dogs.
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her husband and their three dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 4, 2016
“For a month already I was carrying on my affair with him, the whole month behind the closed doors of his office with hot wet kisses, with top secret papers scattered on the floor thrown off the table in haste, Georg rolling his eyes at yet another cancelled meeting and the order not to disturb the Chief of the RSHA, winks and hidden smiles through the half opened door, and the two of us smelling of each other’s perfume. And with every day I was sinking deeper and deeper in that swamp, and didn’t even try to grab the ground that was right next to me. I was disgusted with myself like an alcoholic who wakes up in a pile of dirt, but crawls right back to the pub to fill himself again with the poisonous liquor slowly killing him with every new sip.”
Provocative and erotic, “Gruppenfuhrer’s Mistress” keeps following Annalise as she finds herself caught up in the current of events she can’t always control. Threatened to be tried as a war criminal in case if she doesn’t get the information the allies are so eager to get, she faces a difficult choice: to stay faithful to her husband Heinrich or to start an affair with Ernst Kaltenbrunner, an unpredictable Chief of the RSHA – Nazi Germany Secret Service, who doesn’t always wait for a woman to give her consent when he wants to make her his next mistress…
Edgy and dramatic, with elements of noir and very sensual, “Gruppenfuhrer’s Mistress” takes you into the world of intelligence games and intrigues, where every step is watched by the sinister Gestapo and every day can become the last one.
Provocative and erotic, “Gruppenfuhrer’s Mistress” keeps following Annalise as she finds herself caught up in the current of events she can’t always control. Threatened to be tried as a war criminal in case if she doesn’t get the information the allies are so eager to get, she faces a difficult choice: to stay faithful to her husband Heinrich or to start an affair with Ernst Kaltenbrunner, an unpredictable Chief of the RSHA – Nazi Germany Secret Service, who doesn’t always wait for a woman to give her consent when he wants to make her his next mistress…
Edgy and dramatic, with elements of noir and very sensual, “Gruppenfuhrer’s Mistress” takes you into the world of intelligence games and intrigues, where every step is watched by the sinister Gestapo and every day can become the last one.
January 26, 2018
This is a romance novel set in Nazi Germany with a love triangle involving a high-ranking SS officer who’s known to have signed off on the extermination of thousands of Jews. So this is not a light-hearted story. As in book one, there are moments of suspense, but this second book in the trilogy fully develops the relationship between the main character, Annalise, and the aforementioned Nazi officer, despite being happily married to her husband. Her husband is also a Nazi officer, but he’s risking his life as an undercover operative for the Allies.
If you enjoyed book one, book two takes Annalise’s story in an interesting direction – toward a very physical relationship with the Gruppenfuhrer, which includes a number of explicit sex scenes.
There were some scenes that were improbable, including a character being able to keep a cyanide capsule in her mouth for a long time (in case she had to commit suicide before being tortured) without biting it, even though she endured deep kissing while holding it between her teeth.
If you enjoyed book one, book two takes Annalise’s story in an interesting direction – toward a very physical relationship with the Gruppenfuhrer, which includes a number of explicit sex scenes.
There were some scenes that were improbable, including a character being able to keep a cyanide capsule in her mouth for a long time (in case she had to commit suicide before being tortured) without biting it, even though she endured deep kissing while holding it between her teeth.
December 13, 2015
I loved this second book in the series and have already purchased the third book. I love the way the author combines real events and characters from history with a fictional story. The plot around Heydrich and Kaltenbrunner is a genius bit of storytelling!
Despite this being a great page turner, which I really couldn't put down, it is the characters, even more than the plot, who compel you to keep reading. Annalise flourishes as a fantastic heroine and her relationship with her husband and Kaltenbrunner was brilliantly developed and grippingly believable despite it being inherently wrong. The author has given a human face to the evil of Kaltenbrunner and in so doing reminds us that all humans are complex characters not simply black or white.
There is romance, intrigue and danger aplenty. There are echoes of Ken Follett's story telling.
This needs to be a short review because it is keeping me from reading book 3!
Highly recommended!
Despite this being a great page turner, which I really couldn't put down, it is the characters, even more than the plot, who compel you to keep reading. Annalise flourishes as a fantastic heroine and her relationship with her husband and Kaltenbrunner was brilliantly developed and grippingly believable despite it being inherently wrong. The author has given a human face to the evil of Kaltenbrunner and in so doing reminds us that all humans are complex characters not simply black or white.
There is romance, intrigue and danger aplenty. There are echoes of Ken Follett's story telling.
This needs to be a short review because it is keeping me from reading book 3!
Highly recommended!
July 24, 2022
Am I one of the only ones who did not like this series?? I just don’t understand the raving reviews. I love historical fiction, WW2 is my favorite time period. I trudged through book 1 but couldn’t even bring myself to finish book 2. The protagonist is ignorant, immature, spoiled, and just not likable. She is also a complete hypocrite. The writing is juvenile and stilted and the terminology and phrases are modern and out of place for the time period. Do yourself a favor and skip this series!
October 4, 2017
The saga continues…
Again in this second volume of “The Girl from Berlin” trilogy, the story within the story is at least as important as the obvious plotline. On the surface, in “The Girl from Berlin: Gruppenfuhrer’s Mistress,” we are once more treated to the high adventures and close calls of the character Annalise Friedmann. Annalise is a seemingly innocuous Nazi officer’s wife and military secretary. However, she is secretly (with her husband) an Allied secret agent, collaborating with the Americans to access top secret information while she is buried deep within the gears of the German war machine.
In the deeper story - one that is at once sobering and also heart-wrenching - we again see the corrosive affect that war, particularly war as practiced by the Nazi regime, has on European society. This time, the effect is not on the different strata of society, but personally on an individual young woman. We witness Annalise’s descent from innocent schoolgirl and aspiring ballerina in the first volume to ruthless intelligence operative in this second volume. In a mentally gruesome twist of the old adage of “the sacrifice of the few for the good of the many,” we see Annalise forced, in defiance of twisted Nazi death plans for European Jews, to sacrifice many of her kindred race in order to save a relative few who would also be doomed without her intervention. We see the moral decay in Annalise as she learns to lie, steal - even collaborate in murder - in order to intervene on behalf of the small number of Jews she is in a position to save. Witnessing this via the author’s vivid writing evokes powerful emotions of both incredible heroism and unspeakable horror in the reader.
I am proud to very highly recommend “The Girl from Berlin: Gruppenfuhrer’s Mistress” to readers of both history and historical fiction. I also award it my highest 5-Star rating.
Again in this second volume of “The Girl from Berlin” trilogy, the story within the story is at least as important as the obvious plotline. On the surface, in “The Girl from Berlin: Gruppenfuhrer’s Mistress,” we are once more treated to the high adventures and close calls of the character Annalise Friedmann. Annalise is a seemingly innocuous Nazi officer’s wife and military secretary. However, she is secretly (with her husband) an Allied secret agent, collaborating with the Americans to access top secret information while she is buried deep within the gears of the German war machine.
In the deeper story - one that is at once sobering and also heart-wrenching - we again see the corrosive affect that war, particularly war as practiced by the Nazi regime, has on European society. This time, the effect is not on the different strata of society, but personally on an individual young woman. We witness Annalise’s descent from innocent schoolgirl and aspiring ballerina in the first volume to ruthless intelligence operative in this second volume. In a mentally gruesome twist of the old adage of “the sacrifice of the few for the good of the many,” we see Annalise forced, in defiance of twisted Nazi death plans for European Jews, to sacrifice many of her kindred race in order to save a relative few who would also be doomed without her intervention. We see the moral decay in Annalise as she learns to lie, steal - even collaborate in murder - in order to intervene on behalf of the small number of Jews she is in a position to save. Witnessing this via the author’s vivid writing evokes powerful emotions of both incredible heroism and unspeakable horror in the reader.
I am proud to very highly recommend “The Girl from Berlin: Gruppenfuhrer’s Mistress” to readers of both history and historical fiction. I also award it my highest 5-Star rating.
November 18, 2015
Gruppenführer’s Mistress is the continuation of the story of Annalise, a Jewish girl and a spy deep in the offices of the SS. Along with her husband, a highly placed SS officer, she is using her job to get information to the allies while doing everything in her power to redirect as many captive Jews and POWs away from the death camps. It is a precarious road she walks. Threat of discovery stalks her every move. Old enemies, and new ones, make it that much harder for her. She has found an unexpected and sometimes unwitting ally, her boss, chief of the RSHA. All he wants is to make her his.
To say this book is well written is an understatement. The characters are so complex and driven that they fit into the tapestry of the real life historical figures dotted throughout the story as their equals. I absolutely love how the author has made the Nazis human. Nazi Party war crimes are so heinous that it is so easy to sit back and judge it as a whole, making it easy to forget it was made up of individuals. Those who were just following orders and lived with it any way they could because they couldn’t see a way to protect what they loved by doing anything else. Those who found a way to work within the system to bring it to an end, yet still had to make hard decisions for the greater good that would scar their souls forever. Then there are the true monsters, who would have unleashed their evil on the world anyway and just lucked out to find a vehicle like the German war machine to amplify what they alone could have accomplished. It is a rich tapestry to set an unconventional love story against and Ellie Midwood has met the challenge admirably.
I thought the first book was good, This second installment in the series was a pulse pounding, page turning ride. This book reminds me why I have a rule against reading series books before I have all of the parts, because I get to the last page and...!
I am breathlessly awaiting the next book.
I gratefully accepted a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
To say this book is well written is an understatement. The characters are so complex and driven that they fit into the tapestry of the real life historical figures dotted throughout the story as their equals. I absolutely love how the author has made the Nazis human. Nazi Party war crimes are so heinous that it is so easy to sit back and judge it as a whole, making it easy to forget it was made up of individuals. Those who were just following orders and lived with it any way they could because they couldn’t see a way to protect what they loved by doing anything else. Those who found a way to work within the system to bring it to an end, yet still had to make hard decisions for the greater good that would scar their souls forever. Then there are the true monsters, who would have unleashed their evil on the world anyway and just lucked out to find a vehicle like the German war machine to amplify what they alone could have accomplished. It is a rich tapestry to set an unconventional love story against and Ellie Midwood has met the challenge admirably.
I thought the first book was good, This second installment in the series was a pulse pounding, page turning ride. This book reminds me why I have a rule against reading series books before I have all of the parts, because I get to the last page and...!
I am breathlessly awaiting the next book.
I gratefully accepted a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
October 25, 2015
Wow! Okay, I loved the first installment of The Girl from Berlin so my expectations with this one were high. Very high. And as expected, Ms. Midwood raised the bar even higher!
This is an intense thriller. It's edgy, sexy, and suspenseful throughout. Downright shocking at times.
It picks up where the first book left off, with the main character Annalise. She's married to Heinrich, but she faces a tough choice. Stay faithful and get convicted of being a war criminal, or have an affair with a terrifying man to get the info she needs to ensure her freedom. The author does an amazing job of setting the scene and creating believable characters the reader wants to invest in.
Parts of it were so intense, I found myself literally sitting on the edge of my seat, flipping as fast as I could to learn the outcome. The plot is well paced, tension building throughout until you reach the explosive conclusion.
I still haven't figured out how she does it, but Ms. Midwood's writing is so character-driven. Every time I read one of her books, I feel like I'm best friends with the main character and I know what they're thinking, feeling.
I loved it. One of the sexiest thrillers I've read in years!!! I highly recommend it, to men and women alike. I'm anxiously waiting for the next book!!!
This is an intense thriller. It's edgy, sexy, and suspenseful throughout. Downright shocking at times.
It picks up where the first book left off, with the main character Annalise. She's married to Heinrich, but she faces a tough choice. Stay faithful and get convicted of being a war criminal, or have an affair with a terrifying man to get the info she needs to ensure her freedom. The author does an amazing job of setting the scene and creating believable characters the reader wants to invest in.
Parts of it were so intense, I found myself literally sitting on the edge of my seat, flipping as fast as I could to learn the outcome. The plot is well paced, tension building throughout until you reach the explosive conclusion.
I still haven't figured out how she does it, but Ms. Midwood's writing is so character-driven. Every time I read one of her books, I feel like I'm best friends with the main character and I know what they're thinking, feeling.
I loved it. One of the sexiest thrillers I've read in years!!! I highly recommend it, to men and women alike. I'm anxiously waiting for the next book!!!
June 6, 2016
***** DR> JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE
Picking up from the first book in this series, two of the main characters, Annalise and her husband Heindrich, deepen their anti-government work and by doing so, learn valuable lessons: how making the choice to kill to protect one’s own family can take its toll, and following the edict, “For the better good” can have some unexpected consequences.
But to me, this book is ultimately a portrayal of a woman’s attraction to her boss, someone she herself readily calls “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” Why is she so forgiving of and drawn to such a sweet-one-moment/vicious-the-next man? That leads us to the age-old question: why do certain women get involved with men they shouldn’t?
Ms. Midwood presents this quandary extremely well. Her slow buildup of Annalise’s feelings—her excuses, her anger/indignation, her softening, her guilt, her physical stimulation is so well done, once again, the pages were turning—nay, flipping by—as I HAD to find out more, all the way to the book’s cliff-hanging end. Well, all I can say is . . . now it’s on to the series’ third book!
Picking up from the first book in this series, two of the main characters, Annalise and her husband Heindrich, deepen their anti-government work and by doing so, learn valuable lessons: how making the choice to kill to protect one’s own family can take its toll, and following the edict, “For the better good” can have some unexpected consequences.
But to me, this book is ultimately a portrayal of a woman’s attraction to her boss, someone she herself readily calls “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” Why is she so forgiving of and drawn to such a sweet-one-moment/vicious-the-next man? That leads us to the age-old question: why do certain women get involved with men they shouldn’t?
Ms. Midwood presents this quandary extremely well. Her slow buildup of Annalise’s feelings—her excuses, her anger/indignation, her softening, her guilt, her physical stimulation is so well done, once again, the pages were turning—nay, flipping by—as I HAD to find out more, all the way to the book’s cliff-hanging end. Well, all I can say is . . . now it’s on to the series’ third book!
July 16, 2016
I am becoming seriously addicted to this series. Full of intrigue and suspense, this is a fast-paced story that keeps those pages turning.
The Girl from Berlin: Gruppenführer's Mistress is not an easy ready, there are scenes of grotesque violence, sexual abuse and murder. However, the story is incredibly compelling. Cheif of the RSHA Ernst Kaltenbrunner, is the most feared SS interrogator, and he is known for acts of extreme violence, but Annalise (who is a double agent, along with her husband), finds firstly a friend, then a boss, and then a lover in this man whom everybody else fears.
Some of the scenes are difficult to read, but this time in history was brutal, and Midwood acknowledges that in the way she writes, which makes the story incredibly believable and very real in the telling.
I am looking forward to reading Book 3 of this series. I Highly Recommend.
The Girl from Berlin: Gruppenführer's Mistress is not an easy ready, there are scenes of grotesque violence, sexual abuse and murder. However, the story is incredibly compelling. Cheif of the RSHA Ernst Kaltenbrunner, is the most feared SS interrogator, and he is known for acts of extreme violence, but Annalise (who is a double agent, along with her husband), finds firstly a friend, then a boss, and then a lover in this man whom everybody else fears.
Some of the scenes are difficult to read, but this time in history was brutal, and Midwood acknowledges that in the way she writes, which makes the story incredibly believable and very real in the telling.
I am looking forward to reading Book 3 of this series. I Highly Recommend.
August 12, 2017
Espionage, Sabotage, and Counterfeiting
As in book one, Miss Midwood has done a masterful job of blending the telling of her story into the documented history of the NAZI efforts that made up their attempt at the “final solution.”
Annalise, who is thought to be Aryan, but is Jewish, lives a confusing life of secretly opposing the extermination of her race, while forced to work in the office that dictates the operation.
This is an intriguing book to read on many levels. It is fast paced with all the twists and turns a good spy/mystery novel is required to have. The plot is multi-level and the varies story lines are woven together in an artful way that does not detract from the overall story. And there is a slow buildup of tension that allows the reader to feel the mix of emotions the characters felt as they literally race to save the lives of those people captured by the NAZI machine.
With that being said, what I found most engaging was the main character, Annalise. A young woman, only a few years away from school is forced into an environment of lies, deception, secret arrangements and all the chaos that such an existence creates. Without the benefit of training or preparation, she is ordered to match wits with professional soldiers, investigators and spys. She is expected to perform any task or assignment given her be it breaking into a government office or having sex with her supervisor. Any conflict of conscience or her person morality is ignored and she is left to sort through them on her own.
I found myself becoming more sympathetic for her situation as the book progressed and to me, that is the mark of great fiction. I have never been in such situations, but by her talent, Miss Midwood allowed me to feel I was beside Annalise as she was forced secretly fight in an effort to save her people.
I highly recommend this book and the series to any reader who has an interest in the period of history and a love for a great spy novel. Without reservation, five stars.
As in book one, Miss Midwood has done a masterful job of blending the telling of her story into the documented history of the NAZI efforts that made up their attempt at the “final solution.”
Annalise, who is thought to be Aryan, but is Jewish, lives a confusing life of secretly opposing the extermination of her race, while forced to work in the office that dictates the operation.
This is an intriguing book to read on many levels. It is fast paced with all the twists and turns a good spy/mystery novel is required to have. The plot is multi-level and the varies story lines are woven together in an artful way that does not detract from the overall story. And there is a slow buildup of tension that allows the reader to feel the mix of emotions the characters felt as they literally race to save the lives of those people captured by the NAZI machine.
With that being said, what I found most engaging was the main character, Annalise. A young woman, only a few years away from school is forced into an environment of lies, deception, secret arrangements and all the chaos that such an existence creates. Without the benefit of training or preparation, she is ordered to match wits with professional soldiers, investigators and spys. She is expected to perform any task or assignment given her be it breaking into a government office or having sex with her supervisor. Any conflict of conscience or her person morality is ignored and she is left to sort through them on her own.
I found myself becoming more sympathetic for her situation as the book progressed and to me, that is the mark of great fiction. I have never been in such situations, but by her talent, Miss Midwood allowed me to feel I was beside Annalise as she was forced secretly fight in an effort to save her people.
I highly recommend this book and the series to any reader who has an interest in the period of history and a love for a great spy novel. Without reservation, five stars.
March 1, 2018
How can I give anything but five stars? I was wondering how the author would make me understand how Analise turned out to be Gruppenfuhrer's mistress when she had her amazing husband Heindrich and now I know. This book continues from where the first book left off taking us as far as the year 1944. Analise and Hendrich continue to work for the allies in this book. But, there was more than espionage or WW2 going on in this book. This was also a love story, it was about a woman's guilt and helpless resistance as she found herself falling for someone dangerous, violent and rather mean. I loved reading about that struggle, about the inner demons raging in Analise. There was not one boring moment in this book. It ended at such a place that I have to know more.
April 21, 2018
Second part of great trilogy I enjoyed so much. Sexy and intense, good historical background and great characters. Girl from Berlin trilogy are my new favorite love/spy novels.
April 21, 2020
4⭐️
A continuation of a heart wrenching story during a heartbreaking time period. I love the characters (and hated some of them) and felt everything they felt. Bravo
A continuation of a heart wrenching story during a heartbreaking time period. I love the characters (and hated some of them) and felt everything they felt. Bravo
March 17, 2021
Ernst Kaltenbrunner was a real person. A devoted anti-Semite, and after the death of Reinhard Heydrich, the man who oversaw the concentration camp system.
In 1943, Kaltenbrunner pushed the Ministry of Justice for an edict mandating compulsory castration for any man found guilty of homosexuality. This was considered too extreme for even the Nazi Ministry of Justice, however Kaltenbrunner, fanatically homophobic continued to prosecute and investigate over 6000 innocent men whose only crime was being gay.
After the Anschluss of Austria, Kaltenbrunner created the Mauthausen concentration camp, a brutal slave labor camp where almost 100,000 prisoners were murdered. He would visit the camp several times throughout his tenure, most infamously in 1943: during this visit 15 prisoners were selected to demonstrate for Kaltenbrunner three methods of killing – by a gunshot to the neck, hanging, and gassing. Fifteen people were murdered for a ‘demonstration’ for him.
After the unfortunate failure of Operation Valkyrie, Hitler summoned Kaltenbrunner to investigate and eradicate those responsible for the attempt on his life. Kaltenbrunner personally oversaw the deportation and murder of 5000 people, some only tangentially related to the would-be assassins.
On February 6, 1945, Kaltenbrunner authorized his men to murder any “disloyal” people at their discretion, without judicial review. Many innocent Germans whose only crime was attempting to flee from the carnage were murdered under these orders.
During his trial, he famously became “The Man without a Signature”, claiming (often to the bemused amusement of his fellow Nazis on trial, especially Hermann Goering, who chuckled several times during Kaltenbrunner’s falsehood-filled testimony) that his adjunct, Heinrich Muller, affixed his signature to many orders that he did not read. This was a blatant lie, as there is much evidence in the form of letters, pictures, orders, and testimony that Kaltenbrunner knew about the Holocaust, personally and enthusiastically participated in it, and did so willingly.
He was found not guilty of conspiracy to wage a war of aggression or crimes against peace but was found guilty of actually waging a war of aggression, of committing atrocious war crimes, and of crimes against humanity.
This is the real man, the real unrepentant murderer who this author would have you believe was a poor sweet misled little boy who did nothing wrong. In a desperate attempt to woobify this murderer to make him palatable as a love interest, the author has essentially taken the lies Kaltenbrunner told at Nuremberg, lies that even his own codefendants mocked for this ridiculousness, and tried to trick you into believing they are truth.
Do not fall for it. Ernst Kaltenbrunner was an evil human being, and this attempt to excuse him because “lol he hot look how tall uwu” is disgusting. It’s Nazi apologensia, pure and simple. This is especially on display in Book Three of the Girl from Berlin, wherein the author actually unironically makes the argument that Ernst Kaltenbrunner was ‘just following orders’.
He was not. He was a fanatic. He knew what he was doing and chose to do it. Stop making excuses for disgusting murderers because you think they’re hot. Genocide isn’t hot.
Since the author knows info about Kaltenbrunner that would frankly be impossible to find online since there’s such a dearth of info on him, I will assume she had access to the only biography about Kaltenbrunner, the now out of print 1984 biography by Peter Black. This book now costs a ridiculous amount of money, but I happen to already have a copy that I read an eternity ago.
Now I’m not gonna read the entire thing again because frankly I don't feel like it, but I may glance at it while discussing this series. That being said, from memory I could tell you that the book does NOT claim that Kaltenbrunner was really a good man who just needed wuv unlike that EEEEEVIL Hitler. It merely pointed out his few good actions and personal biases that led him to occasionally stray from the ideological line.
Big whoop, every one of them strayed from the ideological line when personal bias got involved. Hitler saved his Jewish doctor, Heydrich protected his Jewish aunt. Kaltenbrunner is not special because he is a hypocrite, nor because he is human, nor because he wasn’t a comic book villain. All Nazis were human beings. That doesn’t matter: we remember them as evil men, not as monsters. Being human does not make you a redeemable sweetheart. It just means our standards for judgement aren’t absurdly low.
In 1943, Kaltenbrunner pushed the Ministry of Justice for an edict mandating compulsory castration for any man found guilty of homosexuality. This was considered too extreme for even the Nazi Ministry of Justice, however Kaltenbrunner, fanatically homophobic continued to prosecute and investigate over 6000 innocent men whose only crime was being gay.
After the Anschluss of Austria, Kaltenbrunner created the Mauthausen concentration camp, a brutal slave labor camp where almost 100,000 prisoners were murdered. He would visit the camp several times throughout his tenure, most infamously in 1943: during this visit 15 prisoners were selected to demonstrate for Kaltenbrunner three methods of killing – by a gunshot to the neck, hanging, and gassing. Fifteen people were murdered for a ‘demonstration’ for him.
After the unfortunate failure of Operation Valkyrie, Hitler summoned Kaltenbrunner to investigate and eradicate those responsible for the attempt on his life. Kaltenbrunner personally oversaw the deportation and murder of 5000 people, some only tangentially related to the would-be assassins.
On February 6, 1945, Kaltenbrunner authorized his men to murder any “disloyal” people at their discretion, without judicial review. Many innocent Germans whose only crime was attempting to flee from the carnage were murdered under these orders.
During his trial, he famously became “The Man without a Signature”, claiming (often to the bemused amusement of his fellow Nazis on trial, especially Hermann Goering, who chuckled several times during Kaltenbrunner’s falsehood-filled testimony) that his adjunct, Heinrich Muller, affixed his signature to many orders that he did not read. This was a blatant lie, as there is much evidence in the form of letters, pictures, orders, and testimony that Kaltenbrunner knew about the Holocaust, personally and enthusiastically participated in it, and did so willingly.
He was found not guilty of conspiracy to wage a war of aggression or crimes against peace but was found guilty of actually waging a war of aggression, of committing atrocious war crimes, and of crimes against humanity.
This is the real man, the real unrepentant murderer who this author would have you believe was a poor sweet misled little boy who did nothing wrong. In a desperate attempt to woobify this murderer to make him palatable as a love interest, the author has essentially taken the lies Kaltenbrunner told at Nuremberg, lies that even his own codefendants mocked for this ridiculousness, and tried to trick you into believing they are truth.
Do not fall for it. Ernst Kaltenbrunner was an evil human being, and this attempt to excuse him because “lol he hot look how tall uwu” is disgusting. It’s Nazi apologensia, pure and simple. This is especially on display in Book Three of the Girl from Berlin, wherein the author actually unironically makes the argument that Ernst Kaltenbrunner was ‘just following orders’.
He was not. He was a fanatic. He knew what he was doing and chose to do it. Stop making excuses for disgusting murderers because you think they’re hot. Genocide isn’t hot.
Since the author knows info about Kaltenbrunner that would frankly be impossible to find online since there’s such a dearth of info on him, I will assume she had access to the only biography about Kaltenbrunner, the now out of print 1984 biography by Peter Black. This book now costs a ridiculous amount of money, but I happen to already have a copy that I read an eternity ago.
Now I’m not gonna read the entire thing again because frankly I don't feel like it, but I may glance at it while discussing this series. That being said, from memory I could tell you that the book does NOT claim that Kaltenbrunner was really a good man who just needed wuv unlike that EEEEEVIL Hitler. It merely pointed out his few good actions and personal biases that led him to occasionally stray from the ideological line.
Big whoop, every one of them strayed from the ideological line when personal bias got involved. Hitler saved his Jewish doctor, Heydrich protected his Jewish aunt. Kaltenbrunner is not special because he is a hypocrite, nor because he is human, nor because he wasn’t a comic book villain. All Nazis were human beings. That doesn’t matter: we remember them as evil men, not as monsters. Being human does not make you a redeemable sweetheart. It just means our standards for judgement aren’t absurdly low.
February 8, 2018
I had read The Girl from Berlin and promised myself to read the other books in the series by author Ellie Midwood, because I wanted to find out whether or not Annalise and her husband survive the Nazi regime.
The plot deepens as Annalise, a Jew married to a German officer, both who are spies for the American Intelligence, get involved in the treacherous game of hide and seek. The story gains momentum as Annalise and her husband make the decision to kill the leader of the resistance, and Annalise starts receiving death threats.
This is a well written story, the historicity well researched and has an authenticity to the characters that you can believe these line of events could have happened. This book is for those who enjoy reading about World War 2, the Nazis and the terrible plight of the Jewish people. Highly recommended.
The plot deepens as Annalise, a Jew married to a German officer, both who are spies for the American Intelligence, get involved in the treacherous game of hide and seek. The story gains momentum as Annalise and her husband make the decision to kill the leader of the resistance, and Annalise starts receiving death threats.
This is a well written story, the historicity well researched and has an authenticity to the characters that you can believe these line of events could have happened. This book is for those who enjoy reading about World War 2, the Nazis and the terrible plight of the Jewish people. Highly recommended.
December 23, 2017
Amazing follow up to book 1, the spy games continue. As Annalise's journey continues, you find that her story was far from over. Vengeance, espionage, lies and love are all entwined through this story. There was one scene where I was worried how it would play out. But, as expected, it twisted from what you (and Annalise) originally thought it was and became more. I cannot wait to start book 3 and complete the journey!
January 15, 2018
After finishing the first book in this series, I ordered the second book without delay and eagerly awaited its arrival (not at all helped by the super slow shipping process). When I finally received it, I immediately dived into it and was quickly obsessed with finishing it. I loved everything about this book, but especially the relationship played out between Annalise and her boss, Dr. Ernst Kaltenbrunner, the head of the RSHA. The book primarily focuses on their very dysfunctional relationship and Dr. Kaltenbrunner's "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" personality. Ms. Midwood did an outstanding job in showing this personality shift and how Annalise is split on what she thinks of him. I know for me, during certain times in the book, I was just as confused as she was! On one side he can be kind, charming, and protective of her, never wanting to hurt her. But then, like a light switch, which is not at all helped by his drinking problem, Dr. Kaltenbrunner morphs into this creature that will do anything to get his way regardless of who he hurts. I have read plenty of World War Two literature, both fictional and nonfictional, and have come across Dr. Kaltenbrunner several times so I did a basic understanding of his personality when I began reading this story. But, the way Ms. Midwood does it, making him someone you both like and hate at the same time is something I haven't seen before. It is definitely a very good portrayal of a very interesting person in history. Now, as I wait for the third book to arrive, I eagerly await to see how Annalise's story will end and what she will decide. Another fantastic job Ms. Midwood!
November 25, 2018
I keep repeating myself while reviewing Ellie Midwood books, because I love them so much.
I adore Ellie Midwood rich and detailed writystyle and her complex and layered characters. She makes them so real and they are affected by the horrors they see. It changes them.
You can tell this is a subject that is dear to her heart and there is a lot of research into the story. What I love most is that nothing is black and white. Good people do bad things and the other way around.
This story made me laugh and gave me goosebumps at the same time.
I adore Ellie Midwood rich and detailed writystyle and her complex and layered characters. She makes them so real and they are affected by the horrors they see. It changes them.
You can tell this is a subject that is dear to her heart and there is a lot of research into the story. What I love most is that nothing is black and white. Good people do bad things and the other way around.
This story made me laugh and gave me goosebumps at the same time.
March 5, 2017
A beautiful story
Oh good lord, where do I start? Lol. This is truly a love triangle in every sense of the word in this book. I'm so mad at the author right now but I HAVE to read the next book. Ugh.. And that's said with all the love I have for this series. <3
Oh good lord, where do I start? Lol. This is truly a love triangle in every sense of the word in this book. I'm so mad at the author right now but I HAVE to read the next book. Ugh.. And that's said with all the love I have for this series. <3
July 16, 2019
Brilliant!!! Loved every second.
November 15, 2018
LOVED this book!
It's rare when a character sticks with me long after I close a book. Annalise is strong and decisive—a wonderful, memorable heroine. I admit, because of an automatic dislike of the setting and time period, I had some qualms about this story. But the characters immediately came alive. The lies and deceit of the era were portrayed skillfully and kept me reading to the end. I wouldn't hesitate to read more from Ellie Midwood.
It's rare when a character sticks with me long after I close a book. Annalise is strong and decisive—a wonderful, memorable heroine. I admit, because of an automatic dislike of the setting and time period, I had some qualms about this story. But the characters immediately came alive. The lies and deceit of the era were portrayed skillfully and kept me reading to the end. I wouldn't hesitate to read more from Ellie Midwood.
September 29, 2016
Actual rating would be more like a 3.5
When I write a book review I always focus on the positive elements, even when the book might not be my kind of story.
This book really wasn't for me, but that doesn't make it a bad book. I'll focus on the positive first.
Everything I enjoyed about the first book was still evident in the second book. The writing was good, although there were still some editing issues (not as much as with the first book, though). The author did a fantastic job illustrating how Annalise is pulled in so many different directions with different people demanding and expecting so much from her. I really enjoyed the continued romance between Annalise and her husband.
The author's portrayal of Nazi Germany captured that era quite successfully and I enjoyed the evolution of Annalise's story--until about two-thirds of the way in. That's when the author really started to lose me. I expected to see how Annalise and her husband might drift apart and she--with so many things expected of her--struggles to know which way is up and ends up involved with Dr. Ernst Kaltenbrunner. That's the story I anticipated.
I cannot understand how Annalise could stray from her marriage when she has such a wonderful husband. But the flirtatious Kaltenbrunner is quite charming, when he's sober. When he's drunk or angry, he is vile man who attempts to rape Annalise on a number of occasions and she always forgives him or makes excuses for him. Rape is not sexy. It is NEVER sexy. When Ernst finally manages to succeed on his third attempt to take what he wants, what does Annalise do? Falls in love with him. I just can't even begin to wrap my brain around that. He is exactly like the abusive man who gets drunk and beats on his girlfriend, and then profusely apologizes on bended knee the next morning when he's sober. I realize it's fiction and there are some things I can overlook when a plotline like this just isn't for me, but I just can't help but feel sad for the woman who has actually experienced rape, and happens to read this book. That thought alone really bothers me.
Putting that issue aside, if I do continue with the series, I highly anticipate that at some point, Kaltenbrunner will redeem himself and Annalise will come to her senses. There is still room for some definite character growth and I really hope to see a more mature and intelligent Annalise in the next book.
When I write a book review I always focus on the positive elements, even when the book might not be my kind of story.
This book really wasn't for me, but that doesn't make it a bad book. I'll focus on the positive first.
Everything I enjoyed about the first book was still evident in the second book. The writing was good, although there were still some editing issues (not as much as with the first book, though). The author did a fantastic job illustrating how Annalise is pulled in so many different directions with different people demanding and expecting so much from her. I really enjoyed the continued romance between Annalise and her husband.
The author's portrayal of Nazi Germany captured that era quite successfully and I enjoyed the evolution of Annalise's story--until about two-thirds of the way in. That's when the author really started to lose me. I expected to see how Annalise and her husband might drift apart and she--with so many things expected of her--struggles to know which way is up and ends up involved with Dr. Ernst Kaltenbrunner. That's the story I anticipated.
I cannot understand how Annalise could stray from her marriage when she has such a wonderful husband. But the flirtatious Kaltenbrunner is quite charming, when he's sober. When he's drunk or angry, he is vile man who attempts to rape Annalise on a number of occasions and she always forgives him or makes excuses for him. Rape is not sexy. It is NEVER sexy. When Ernst finally manages to succeed on his third attempt to take what he wants, what does Annalise do? Falls in love with him. I just can't even begin to wrap my brain around that. He is exactly like the abusive man who gets drunk and beats on his girlfriend, and then profusely apologizes on bended knee the next morning when he's sober. I realize it's fiction and there are some things I can overlook when a plotline like this just isn't for me, but I just can't help but feel sad for the woman who has actually experienced rape, and happens to read this book. That thought alone really bothers me.
Putting that issue aside, if I do continue with the series, I highly anticipate that at some point, Kaltenbrunner will redeem himself and Annalise will come to her senses. There is still room for some definite character growth and I really hope to see a more mature and intelligent Annalise in the next book.
May 17, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, so much so that I went right after this second installment. Once again I was taken on a remarkable, often chilling journey into the dark underpinnings of Nazi Germany, as seen through the eyes of the story’s beautiful and courageous heroine, Annalise. Together with her husband, Heinrich, a Nazi officer working undercover for American intelligence, Annalise continues her quest to help save as many of her Jewish brethren as possible from certain death. This requires her to operate under the very noses of high-ranking Gestapo, a circumstance that calls for supreme dedication and steel nerves. Annalise’s written voice sparkles with passion and intensity, drawing the reader right into the action, such that each cat-and-mouse encounter bristles with realism. I found Annalise’s dry wit and humorous observations in the face of desperate predicaments refreshing, as this renders her character all the more genuine and likeable.
Determined to avenge the death of her brother, Annalise seeks assistance from Ernst Kaltenbrunner, chief of the Austrian SS, to assassinate the Nazi officer responsible for her loss. At first stunned by Annalise’s request, Kaltenbrunner eventually agrees to do her bidding. But before long Annalise discovers she may have solicited more than she bargained for, as Kaltenbrunner begins to affect her in ways both physical and emotional, testing the bounds of her morality. The author’s portrayal of Kaltenbrunner is especially eerie, in that he can be gentle and compassionate one moment, completely devoid of human feeling the next. Yet this multi-faceted man holds a dark attraction for Annalise, compelling her to open her heart to a force that could ultimately consume her.
The plot is fast-paced, the relationships between the characters excitingly complex, the intrigue so tangible and nerve-racking that my Kindle could barely keep up with my page turning. As for the climactic ending, suffice it to say the suspense is killing me. I can’t wait to begin book three!
I highly recommend this novel for fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in World War II Germany. The author’s knowledge of the time period impresses, as she weaves a treasure trove of historical details into the fabric of a series destined to be dubbed “classic.”
Determined to avenge the death of her brother, Annalise seeks assistance from Ernst Kaltenbrunner, chief of the Austrian SS, to assassinate the Nazi officer responsible for her loss. At first stunned by Annalise’s request, Kaltenbrunner eventually agrees to do her bidding. But before long Annalise discovers she may have solicited more than she bargained for, as Kaltenbrunner begins to affect her in ways both physical and emotional, testing the bounds of her morality. The author’s portrayal of Kaltenbrunner is especially eerie, in that he can be gentle and compassionate one moment, completely devoid of human feeling the next. Yet this multi-faceted man holds a dark attraction for Annalise, compelling her to open her heart to a force that could ultimately consume her.
The plot is fast-paced, the relationships between the characters excitingly complex, the intrigue so tangible and nerve-racking that my Kindle could barely keep up with my page turning. As for the climactic ending, suffice it to say the suspense is killing me. I can’t wait to begin book three!
I highly recommend this novel for fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in World War II Germany. The author’s knowledge of the time period impresses, as she weaves a treasure trove of historical details into the fabric of a series destined to be dubbed “classic.”
July 27, 2016
Gruppenfuhrer's Mistress is the second book in The Girl from Berlin series, by Ellie Midwood. I read the first book, Standartenfuhrer's Wife, several weeks ago and was inspired to read the second one because I needed to know what was going to happen to our heroine, Annalise. This series is a trilogy and the third book, War Criminal's Widow, has already been published and is available.
Often when an author attempts a trilogy like this, you can find the story start to dip by the second book, or worse you can find the author repeating him or herself. This is absolutely not the case with Gruppenfuhrer's Mistress. If anything, the second book was more enjoyable, more interesting and harder to put down than the first book and that's saying something because reader's of my reviews will know how much I raved about Standartenfuhrer's Wife.
At the end of the first book, we were left wondering where this strange relationship between Jewish girl Annalise and Gruppenfuhrer Kaltenbrunner was going to head. Wonder no more, all is explained and wonderfully exposed in the second book.
I have always been a big fan of historical fiction and when I find a new author who fulfills that need, I am excited. This year has been one of those years where I have truly been spoilt for choice by great "Indie" authors writing fantastic historical fiction. In my mind, Jana Petken and Christoph Fischer are two of the very best in this genre. I can happily say that Ellie Midwood can join them as a triumvirate.
In conclusion, let me say I was impressed by her knowledge and research of the period and location covered by the book. I'm no expert, but I certainly didn't spot any mistakes in her setting. This is a suspenseful, at times thrilling and nail-biting twist through Nazi Germany. I was on the edge of my seat reading it at times.
Will I be buying A War Criminal's Widow? - you bet your sweet caboose I will be and so should you too, although I strongly suggest you read this series in order as one book does flow naturally into the other. I note the author has created a three-book package, which clearly makes that a lot easier to do. Well done her!
No question - 5-Stars and beyond to The Girl From Berlin: Gruppenfuhrer's Mistress from the uber talented Ellie Midwood.
Often when an author attempts a trilogy like this, you can find the story start to dip by the second book, or worse you can find the author repeating him or herself. This is absolutely not the case with Gruppenfuhrer's Mistress. If anything, the second book was more enjoyable, more interesting and harder to put down than the first book and that's saying something because reader's of my reviews will know how much I raved about Standartenfuhrer's Wife.
At the end of the first book, we were left wondering where this strange relationship between Jewish girl Annalise and Gruppenfuhrer Kaltenbrunner was going to head. Wonder no more, all is explained and wonderfully exposed in the second book.
I have always been a big fan of historical fiction and when I find a new author who fulfills that need, I am excited. This year has been one of those years where I have truly been spoilt for choice by great "Indie" authors writing fantastic historical fiction. In my mind, Jana Petken and Christoph Fischer are two of the very best in this genre. I can happily say that Ellie Midwood can join them as a triumvirate.
In conclusion, let me say I was impressed by her knowledge and research of the period and location covered by the book. I'm no expert, but I certainly didn't spot any mistakes in her setting. This is a suspenseful, at times thrilling and nail-biting twist through Nazi Germany. I was on the edge of my seat reading it at times.
Will I be buying A War Criminal's Widow? - you bet your sweet caboose I will be and so should you too, although I strongly suggest you read this series in order as one book does flow naturally into the other. I note the author has created a three-book package, which clearly makes that a lot easier to do. Well done her!
No question - 5-Stars and beyond to The Girl From Berlin: Gruppenfuhrer's Mistress from the uber talented Ellie Midwood.
February 3, 2017
I’ve been a fan of this author’s writing for some time now, and have read several of her historical dramas set during World War II. The tales are always very well researched, which helps the era to come alive on every page. And her dramas and characters always engaging. That said, I think this might be my new favorite. Quicker than ever I got swept away in the dangerous game our heroine was playing and her motivations for doing it. The odds of her surviving unscathed were infinitesimally low. She’s playing at espionage games for the American government, while pretending to be a devout and loyal German, and she’s clearly not professionally trained for the job. These are the kinds of activities that get the professionals killed, so what chance did she have, really? She’s leaning on one of the most dangerous men in the Gestapo for assistance with seeking a vengeance murder for her brother’s death, and the ensuing fall out of that. Meanwhile she’s on assignment for the Americans, who have their own agenda, and she’s trying to pussyfoot around her husband who watches her every move. The plot is devilishly fun and engaging, and I suspect would be so played out in almost any historical context. But played out during Nazi Germany, it just adds a bit of poignancy to the tale.
Highly recommended, though I suspect you should start with the first installment of the series.
Highly recommended, though I suspect you should start with the first installment of the series.
December 9, 2015
The Gruppenführer’s Mistress is second installment of Ellie Midwood’s The Girl from Berlin series. What’s even better is that while looking at Ellie’s author page on Amazon, I was happy to see that there’s a third installment already available!! The Gruppenführer’s Mistress is the continuation of the story of Annalise Friedmann and her fight to avenge the murder of her brother and her battle to save as many Jews and POWs away from the German concentration camps.
I read the first installment, Standartenfuhrer's Wife and one of the things I commented on was Ellie’s characters. I appreciate it when I can become emotionally involved with a novel’s family of personalities. Gruppenführer’s Mistress provided me the same emotional involvement. Some of the same characters are in this second installment along with some new friends and adversaries. Ellie takes a very dark period of mankind, World War II, Nazis, and the horrors of the Holocaust, and expertly creates a portrait where the reader sees both the human and evil sides of individuals.
I’m not going to give anything away, but when I reached the ending of the book I was taken completely by surprise. If you like historical fiction that is entwined with action and intrigue, you cannot go wrong by reading Ellie’s The Girl from Berlin: The Gruppenführer’s Mistress.
And now for Installment #3…
I read the first installment, Standartenfuhrer's Wife and one of the things I commented on was Ellie’s characters. I appreciate it when I can become emotionally involved with a novel’s family of personalities. Gruppenführer’s Mistress provided me the same emotional involvement. Some of the same characters are in this second installment along with some new friends and adversaries. Ellie takes a very dark period of mankind, World War II, Nazis, and the horrors of the Holocaust, and expertly creates a portrait where the reader sees both the human and evil sides of individuals.
I’m not going to give anything away, but when I reached the ending of the book I was taken completely by surprise. If you like historical fiction that is entwined with action and intrigue, you cannot go wrong by reading Ellie’s The Girl from Berlin: The Gruppenführer’s Mistress.
And now for Installment #3…
May 30, 2016
The tension was even more intense than the first book! It's a miracle I have any fingernails left!
Ms. Midwood really knows how to weave a story of spies and espionage, and I was caught up from the very first chapter until the final page. I read the book almost nonstop because I simply could not put this book down.
While in the first book Annalise starts out sweet and innocent, she is anything but in book two. She juggles her happy marriage and her double life as a spy at the same time she seeks revenge and will stop at nothing short of murder. She makes a deal with the devil, and all the reader can do is watch in suspense and hold their breath as dangerous events unfold.
I fell in love with Heinrich in book one, and I love him still in book 2. I felt so sorry for him over the poker game. I won't give away spoilers, but what was the poor man supposed to do? What a terrible position to be in. I don't blame him for making the gamble.
The danger in Annalise's life grew to a new degree each chapter. The interrogation over the radio was so terrifying for me! I could barely stand the tension and I had to take a break from reading at that point. But it turned out to be a short one and, just like an addict, I was soon reading again.I had to see where the plot would go next.
Another huge hit! Five big fat stars!
Ms. Midwood really knows how to weave a story of spies and espionage, and I was caught up from the very first chapter until the final page. I read the book almost nonstop because I simply could not put this book down.
While in the first book Annalise starts out sweet and innocent, she is anything but in book two. She juggles her happy marriage and her double life as a spy at the same time she seeks revenge and will stop at nothing short of murder. She makes a deal with the devil, and all the reader can do is watch in suspense and hold their breath as dangerous events unfold.
I fell in love with Heinrich in book one, and I love him still in book 2. I felt so sorry for him over the poker game. I won't give away spoilers, but what was the poor man supposed to do? What a terrible position to be in. I don't blame him for making the gamble.
The danger in Annalise's life grew to a new degree each chapter. The interrogation over the radio was so terrifying for me! I could barely stand the tension and I had to take a break from reading at that point. But it turned out to be a short one and, just like an addict, I was soon reading again.I had to see where the plot would go next.
Another huge hit! Five big fat stars!
September 29, 2016
Dying here! What a cliffhanger! My Kindle can't download book 3 fast enough!
I absolutely LOVED this book. The author does such a fantastic job at weaving truths and lies that I forgot to breathe time and again, trying to untangle the web of deceit.
The love story between Annalise and Heinrich is sweet and inspirational but the other love story (won't share any spoiler) is dark and sexy and as powerful as a storm brewing on the horizon - ineluctable and devastating. As a reader you forget what you want for Annalise whose life is already so full of perils. The good, honest and courageous man that happens to be her husband or the beast so wrong for her?
The war although always present, doesn't take precedence over the human interactions in the novel, which I really loved. It isn't used only as a prop and is researched, detailed and essential to the novel but mostly it allows for personalities to shine. In the face of hardship and danger, flaws and qualities alike are exacerbated and the truth of the characters shines. Some are sinners, some are saints, most are both.
I started reading this series from book 2 and although I was sucked into the story all the same and never felt lost, I regret not starting the series chronologically just because it is that good and I'd read ten of them if I could.
I absolutely LOVED this book. The author does such a fantastic job at weaving truths and lies that I forgot to breathe time and again, trying to untangle the web of deceit.
The love story between Annalise and Heinrich is sweet and inspirational but the other love story (won't share any spoiler) is dark and sexy and as powerful as a storm brewing on the horizon - ineluctable and devastating. As a reader you forget what you want for Annalise whose life is already so full of perils. The good, honest and courageous man that happens to be her husband or the beast so wrong for her?
The war although always present, doesn't take precedence over the human interactions in the novel, which I really loved. It isn't used only as a prop and is researched, detailed and essential to the novel but mostly it allows for personalities to shine. In the face of hardship and danger, flaws and qualities alike are exacerbated and the truth of the characters shines. Some are sinners, some are saints, most are both.
I started reading this series from book 2 and although I was sucked into the story all the same and never felt lost, I regret not starting the series chronologically just because it is that good and I'd read ten of them if I could.
November 14, 2015
Okay. I think I'm obsessed with part two. Brilliant job Ellie!!!! I love it when authors can write a character so well, Dr. Kaltenbrunner, and make me want to punch them. He's my fave perv lol. On some chapters maybe, then he surpasses the perv category and heads into dangerous territories. The perfect description for him is how Ellie calls him, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Moving on, because I'm distracting myself. We regroup with Annalise and Heinrich who are still spying and trying to save as many Jews as they can. Annalise ends up being Dr. Kaltenbrunner's personal secretary which is GREAT for the people she's spying for but terrible for her.
Annalise is great at copying papers and memorizing schedules and is the best secretary that's involved in the Security Office. Two of the people wanting information from Annalise are Josef and Rebekah and things go sort of wrong after a while. Annalise never had the feeling that her and Rebekah connected, but in all honesty I thought Rebekah was kind of shifty in the first place.
I have nothing but kind words for this series! I could beg you to read them, but it'd be faster if you just got your own copy. ;)
Can't wait for Part 3!!!
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