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My Nazi Nemesis: A Dark Thriller of Tragic Love During War
2016 GOLD MEDAL WINNER International Book Contest
Jack Goodwin is a clever and cocky CIA agent saddled with baggage. Having kept his dark past a secret for fifteen years, Jack finally tells all to his daughter Eleanor.
As an OSS agent during the war, Jack’s traumatic past involved a series of near-death experiences, from failed sorties and secret missions, to a horrifying run-in with Auschwitz, to having met and married Eleanor's mother, Veronika. But the flames of passion had died when a prying Waffen SS officer, Alois Richter, entered the fray. With an amorous eye for the bride and a suspicious plea to join the OSS, Alois had sent Jack’s world into a dark tailspin with catastrophic results.
Fueled with revenge, father and daughter join forces to hunt down his long-time nemesis. But when disturbing evidence arises, Eleanor is forced to reevaluate the mission, as intrigue, murder, and suspense abound, leading to a climatic face-off that reaches terrifying and unexpected heights.
Jack Goodwin is a clever and cocky CIA agent saddled with baggage. Having kept his dark past a secret for fifteen years, Jack finally tells all to his daughter Eleanor.
As an OSS agent during the war, Jack’s traumatic past involved a series of near-death experiences, from failed sorties and secret missions, to a horrifying run-in with Auschwitz, to having met and married Eleanor's mother, Veronika. But the flames of passion had died when a prying Waffen SS officer, Alois Richter, entered the fray. With an amorous eye for the bride and a suspicious plea to join the OSS, Alois had sent Jack’s world into a dark tailspin with catastrophic results.
Fueled with revenge, father and daughter join forces to hunt down his long-time nemesis. But when disturbing evidence arises, Eleanor is forced to reevaluate the mission, as intrigue, murder, and suspense abound, leading to a climatic face-off that reaches terrifying and unexpected heights.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2016
66 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Rich DiSilvio
22 books52 followersRich DiSilvio is an award-winning author of thrillers/mysteries, sci-fi/fantasy, historical fiction, nonfiction and children's books. He is a scholar of history with a lifetime of interests in ancient civilizations, European & American histories, biographies, architecture, art, music, science, and science fiction.
Throughout his professional life Rich has engaged several fields; having been an architectural designer, remodeler, artist, illustrator, new media developer, educational software programmer and writer.
He has provided creative services for films, cable TV shows and documentaries, such as James Cameron's "The Lost Tomb of Jesus," "Operation Valkyrie," "Blood Ties," "Monty Python," "Killing Hitler," and for music artists, such as Pink Floyd, Yes, Moody Blues, Elton John, Cher, Sheryl Crow, Queen, the Rolling Stones, Alice Cooper and many more.
Throughout his professional life Rich has engaged several fields; having been an architectural designer, remodeler, artist, illustrator, new media developer, educational software programmer and writer.
He has provided creative services for films, cable TV shows and documentaries, such as James Cameron's "The Lost Tomb of Jesus," "Operation Valkyrie," "Blood Ties," "Monty Python," "Killing Hitler," and for music artists, such as Pink Floyd, Yes, Moody Blues, Elton John, Cher, Sheryl Crow, Queen, the Rolling Stones, Alice Cooper and many more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 23, 2016
A revenge thriller tailor-made for military history enthusiasts, My Nazi Nemesis breathes fresh life into the Nazi hunter pantheon.
Over the past 70 plus years, the Nazi hunter/revenge story has become almost a subgenre unto itself, spawning real-life heros in the Mossad and countless books and films, ranging from the fictional Boys from Brazil to Neal Bascob’s non-fiction novels, Nazi Hunters and Hunting Eichman. DiSilvio distinguishes himself in the genre by telling Goodwin’s story from a decidedly American and personal point of view.
Although the story devotes plenty of ink to the Nazi persecution and eradication of the Jews during the war, the primary motivation for DiSilvio’s father/daughter duo isn’t to settle a score for others, or balance the global scales of justice. Rather, their plight remains a very intimate one, focusing on a single tragic loss and an unquenched desire to avenge it. He also includes a great deal of references to military and political history, much of which is aimed at an audience that already has a great deal of interest in and knowledge of the subjects. For those reasons and others, My Nazi Nemesis is a welcome addition to the genre.
Check out the rest of my review at BestThrillers.com
http://bestthrillers.com/my-nazi-neme...
Over the past 70 plus years, the Nazi hunter/revenge story has become almost a subgenre unto itself, spawning real-life heros in the Mossad and countless books and films, ranging from the fictional Boys from Brazil to Neal Bascob’s non-fiction novels, Nazi Hunters and Hunting Eichman. DiSilvio distinguishes himself in the genre by telling Goodwin’s story from a decidedly American and personal point of view.
Although the story devotes plenty of ink to the Nazi persecution and eradication of the Jews during the war, the primary motivation for DiSilvio’s father/daughter duo isn’t to settle a score for others, or balance the global scales of justice. Rather, their plight remains a very intimate one, focusing on a single tragic loss and an unquenched desire to avenge it. He also includes a great deal of references to military and political history, much of which is aimed at an audience that already has a great deal of interest in and knowledge of the subjects. For those reasons and others, My Nazi Nemesis is a welcome addition to the genre.
Check out the rest of my review at BestThrillers.com
http://bestthrillers.com/my-nazi-neme...
July 19, 2017
An amazing thriller with twists and turns through out.
This was a great read. A story of mystery and suspense. Filled with lost love, a lust for revenge, and many thrilling events. The author does an awesome job with this one. I loved the story and the need to get to the next page to see what is gonna happen. The main character Jack finally shares his secret past with his daughter and they embark on a mission seeking Jack's nemesis and seeking justice. Great read and characters in this one. I really enjoyed the book and the story just pulls you in and keeps your attention focused on what is happening. Would recommend this one to everyone who enjoys reading a great story.
This was a great read. A story of mystery and suspense. Filled with lost love, a lust for revenge, and many thrilling events. The author does an awesome job with this one. I loved the story and the need to get to the next page to see what is gonna happen. The main character Jack finally shares his secret past with his daughter and they embark on a mission seeking Jack's nemesis and seeking justice. Great read and characters in this one. I really enjoyed the book and the story just pulls you in and keeps your attention focused on what is happening. Would recommend this one to everyone who enjoys reading a great story.
March 13, 2017
This novel is a blast! It is amazing! Every segment and every part of it! And I honestly do not know where to start. But I will try to start from the beginning.
First of all, we have a man named Jack Goodwin. He is the main protagonist of the novel. He has a daughter and besides having a daughter, Jack also has a secret. A dark secret… So dark that Jack did not dare to tell anything about it for a very long time. But one day he just could not hold it anymore and he told more or less, everything to his daughter. During the Second World War Jack was an OSS member (something like Patterson from “Return to castle Wolfenstein’’) and as an OSS member he was involved in many gruesome events. And it was there where Jack met his future wife and his daughter’s mother. Okay, to cut things short – the best thing about this book is that Jack decides to settle things down with a man named Alois Richter. And this is when the novel truly begins. Murder, mysteries and the battle against the ‘old nemesis’ is what awaits us in “My Nazi Nemesis’’. My opinion is that DiSilvio did a truly amazing and fantastic work. Everything about the novel is great; the story, the premises, the fact that we (okay Jack, but you can understand me) need to catch and face with our old enemy. Amazing, breathtaking, a bit nerve-wrecking but all in all – a masterpiece!
First of all, we have a man named Jack Goodwin. He is the main protagonist of the novel. He has a daughter and besides having a daughter, Jack also has a secret. A dark secret… So dark that Jack did not dare to tell anything about it for a very long time. But one day he just could not hold it anymore and he told more or less, everything to his daughter. During the Second World War Jack was an OSS member (something like Patterson from “Return to castle Wolfenstein’’) and as an OSS member he was involved in many gruesome events. And it was there where Jack met his future wife and his daughter’s mother. Okay, to cut things short – the best thing about this book is that Jack decides to settle things down with a man named Alois Richter. And this is when the novel truly begins. Murder, mysteries and the battle against the ‘old nemesis’ is what awaits us in “My Nazi Nemesis’’. My opinion is that DiSilvio did a truly amazing and fantastic work. Everything about the novel is great; the story, the premises, the fact that we (okay Jack, but you can understand me) need to catch and face with our old enemy. Amazing, breathtaking, a bit nerve-wrecking but all in all – a masterpiece!
July 24, 2017
In some ways, My Nazi Nemesis sounds like a name concocted by a television executive for a reality show attempting to cash in on conspiracy theories of Nazi war criminals still living amongst us. However, what we have here is a far cry from sensationalistic claptrap cobbled together for television ratings. This is a fictional story of a former U.S. intelligence operative, Jack Goodwin, and his exploits in Europe during World War II.
The story is told primarily from the viewpoints of Jack and his daughter, Eleanor. The time period is the 1960’s, and father and daughter are discussing wartime events that ultimately led to the death of Eleanor’s mother. I hesitate to say much more about the plot, as doing so could spoil the story for the prospective reader.
Authors have many narrative techniques at their disposal to tell their tales. I’m always interested in the choices they make and their ultimate effectiveness with the reader. My Nazi Nemesis makes very effective use of the Unreliable Narrator technique.
There are multiple viewpoints of the same events in this novel, and it really makes the reader assess their sympathies and allegiances as they progress through the story. I actually found myself struggling with my assessments and wanting to make excuses for the characters during the buildup of conflicting information and ulterior motives.
Though I won’t say anything further about the plot, I do want to mention the poignancy of a section of the story that takes place inside the Auschwitz concentration camp. This is a vivid and chilling depiction of the atrocities that took place there. It hit me particularly hard because I had visited the Auschwitz site while I was in Poland not long before reading this novel. It was a somber experience to say the least, but also vitally important. The evidence of the events depicted in My Nazi Nemesis are there to be seen, and must never be forgotten.
This is the second novel I have read by Rich DiSilvio, the first being Liszt’s Dante Symphony. Like that book, though to a lesser extent, My Nazi Nemesis displays the author’s admiration for classical music through the fondness for it amongst some of the characters. It was also a nice surprise to discover that My Nazi Nemesis exists in the same fictional universe as Liszt’s Dante Symphony, with both employing the very real backdrop of World War II.
One other aspect of Mr. DiSilvio’s historical novels, which I very much appreciate and enjoy, is shedding light on some of the more arcane aspects of our history. In My Nazi Nemesis it is the Night Witches, a regiment of Russian female military aviators who flew nighttime precision bombing missions against the Germans (in wood-and-canvas biplanes no less!). What a great bit of history to include, and vitally important to the story too.
My Nazi Nemesis is an exciting thriller that simultaneously shines a vivid and disturbing light on real world atrocities that humanity has perpetrated against itself. It is also a story that keeps the reader mentally engaged with its clever narrative machinations. It even manages to surreptitiously educate along the way. It is a perfect example of what makes reading the best of all entertainments.
The story is told primarily from the viewpoints of Jack and his daughter, Eleanor. The time period is the 1960’s, and father and daughter are discussing wartime events that ultimately led to the death of Eleanor’s mother. I hesitate to say much more about the plot, as doing so could spoil the story for the prospective reader.
Authors have many narrative techniques at their disposal to tell their tales. I’m always interested in the choices they make and their ultimate effectiveness with the reader. My Nazi Nemesis makes very effective use of the Unreliable Narrator technique.
There are multiple viewpoints of the same events in this novel, and it really makes the reader assess their sympathies and allegiances as they progress through the story. I actually found myself struggling with my assessments and wanting to make excuses for the characters during the buildup of conflicting information and ulterior motives.
Though I won’t say anything further about the plot, I do want to mention the poignancy of a section of the story that takes place inside the Auschwitz concentration camp. This is a vivid and chilling depiction of the atrocities that took place there. It hit me particularly hard because I had visited the Auschwitz site while I was in Poland not long before reading this novel. It was a somber experience to say the least, but also vitally important. The evidence of the events depicted in My Nazi Nemesis are there to be seen, and must never be forgotten.
This is the second novel I have read by Rich DiSilvio, the first being Liszt’s Dante Symphony. Like that book, though to a lesser extent, My Nazi Nemesis displays the author’s admiration for classical music through the fondness for it amongst some of the characters. It was also a nice surprise to discover that My Nazi Nemesis exists in the same fictional universe as Liszt’s Dante Symphony, with both employing the very real backdrop of World War II.
One other aspect of Mr. DiSilvio’s historical novels, which I very much appreciate and enjoy, is shedding light on some of the more arcane aspects of our history. In My Nazi Nemesis it is the Night Witches, a regiment of Russian female military aviators who flew nighttime precision bombing missions against the Germans (in wood-and-canvas biplanes no less!). What a great bit of history to include, and vitally important to the story too.
My Nazi Nemesis is an exciting thriller that simultaneously shines a vivid and disturbing light on real world atrocities that humanity has perpetrated against itself. It is also a story that keeps the reader mentally engaged with its clever narrative machinations. It even manages to surreptitiously educate along the way. It is a perfect example of what makes reading the best of all entertainments.
March 17, 2016
‘Some people say I have the gift of gab, but actually, I’m a rather private and reserved man.’
Rich DiSilvio, a man as committed to music, art, philosophy and sociology as informed by the fine arts, takes this period of history with all of the fascinating changes, discoveries, triumphs and failures and by introducing fictional characters within the stage setting of this era makes it far more credible. We see so much better through the eyes of witnesses than through the most sophisticated lenses of modern technology. And in DiSilvio's handling of the parallel or concurrent unraveling of historical events with those of the Goodwin family he provides not only keen insight but also pauses for the inclusion of the arts, so often ignored by other historical novel writers.
While some readers may pause because of the plethora of stories about WW II and the extremes of the Nazis, this reader would hastily add ‘but you haven’t thought about it the way Rich has’. His story is unique in that it relives a period of time and then brings it back in to the future like a ghost story – a very clever and successful choice for creating a fascinating new novel.
The synopsis Rich offers is seductive: ‘Jack Goodwin is a clever and witty CIA agent saddled with baggage. Haunted by a dark past for fifteen years, Jack finally reveals all to his daughter, Eleanor. As an OSS agent during the war, Jack’s traumatic past involved a series of near-death experiences, from failed sorties and secret missions, to a horrifying stint at Auschwitz, to having met and married Eleanor's mother, Veronika. But the flames of passion had died when a prying Waffen SS officer, Alois Richter, entered the fray. With an amorous eye for Jack's bride and a suspicious plea to join the OSS, Alois had sent Jack’s world into a catastrophic tailspin with tragic results. Fueled with revenge, father and daughter join forces to hunt down his long-time nemesis. But when disturbing evidence arises, Eleanor is forced to reevaluate the mission, as intrigue, murder, and suspense abound, leading to a climatic face-off that reaches terrifying and unexpected heights.’
Rich’s style is compelling, jolting in the manner in which he lays open old wounds of our making we had hoped would somehow heal without medicaments, and at the same time infuses a gentle tenderness in his depiction of `common man'. This is a magnificent epic novel, one that will be always with us - and hopefully in the classrooms of students who so desperately need to understand our true history.
Rich DiSilvio, a man as committed to music, art, philosophy and sociology as informed by the fine arts, takes this period of history with all of the fascinating changes, discoveries, triumphs and failures and by introducing fictional characters within the stage setting of this era makes it far more credible. We see so much better through the eyes of witnesses than through the most sophisticated lenses of modern technology. And in DiSilvio's handling of the parallel or concurrent unraveling of historical events with those of the Goodwin family he provides not only keen insight but also pauses for the inclusion of the arts, so often ignored by other historical novel writers.
While some readers may pause because of the plethora of stories about WW II and the extremes of the Nazis, this reader would hastily add ‘but you haven’t thought about it the way Rich has’. His story is unique in that it relives a period of time and then brings it back in to the future like a ghost story – a very clever and successful choice for creating a fascinating new novel.
The synopsis Rich offers is seductive: ‘Jack Goodwin is a clever and witty CIA agent saddled with baggage. Haunted by a dark past for fifteen years, Jack finally reveals all to his daughter, Eleanor. As an OSS agent during the war, Jack’s traumatic past involved a series of near-death experiences, from failed sorties and secret missions, to a horrifying stint at Auschwitz, to having met and married Eleanor's mother, Veronika. But the flames of passion had died when a prying Waffen SS officer, Alois Richter, entered the fray. With an amorous eye for Jack's bride and a suspicious plea to join the OSS, Alois had sent Jack’s world into a catastrophic tailspin with tragic results. Fueled with revenge, father and daughter join forces to hunt down his long-time nemesis. But when disturbing evidence arises, Eleanor is forced to reevaluate the mission, as intrigue, murder, and suspense abound, leading to a climatic face-off that reaches terrifying and unexpected heights.’
Rich’s style is compelling, jolting in the manner in which he lays open old wounds of our making we had hoped would somehow heal without medicaments, and at the same time infuses a gentle tenderness in his depiction of `common man'. This is a magnificent epic novel, one that will be always with us - and hopefully in the classrooms of students who so desperately need to understand our true history.
January 16, 2016
What a great read! I really loved this story and the writing. When I started reading “My NAZI NEMESIS” I realized this book would truly live up to the billing of being a dark thriller. This book moves along swiftly thanks to a very strong storyline and has lots of twists and turns to keep the reader highly engaged. The author has an exceptional talent for character development, giving lots of details and back-story, which really brought the characters to life for me.
Rich DiSilvio writes so descriptively about his characters that my stomach turned getting to know the very disgusting and evil character of Bronsilaw. “My NAZI NEMESIS” starts off with Jack Goodwin telling his daughter about her mother, Veronika, then moves to Jack’s wild adventures as an OSS agent during WWII with his new bride. The newlyweds then ran into SS officer, Alois Richter, who begins to wedge himself between Jack and Veronica. You need to read this thrilling story to find out what happens next and the mission that Jack and his daughter embark on, fueled by revenge against Alois Richter.
The author has a wonderful writing style that makes the conversations between the characters in this book feel very authentic, which pulled me right into the storyline. I really felt like I was transported back in time to WWII while reading this story, which is the true sign of a well-crafted work of fiction. Also, the author paints a picture with his words which allowed me to mentally visualize the events that occur in “My NAZI NEMISIS”. This is the first time I’ve read a book by author Rich DiSilvio and I’m truly looking forward to reading more works from this very talented author. I highly recommend “My NAZI NEMISIS”!
Rich DiSilvio writes so descriptively about his characters that my stomach turned getting to know the very disgusting and evil character of Bronsilaw. “My NAZI NEMESIS” starts off with Jack Goodwin telling his daughter about her mother, Veronika, then moves to Jack’s wild adventures as an OSS agent during WWII with his new bride. The newlyweds then ran into SS officer, Alois Richter, who begins to wedge himself between Jack and Veronica. You need to read this thrilling story to find out what happens next and the mission that Jack and his daughter embark on, fueled by revenge against Alois Richter.
The author has a wonderful writing style that makes the conversations between the characters in this book feel very authentic, which pulled me right into the storyline. I really felt like I was transported back in time to WWII while reading this story, which is the true sign of a well-crafted work of fiction. Also, the author paints a picture with his words which allowed me to mentally visualize the events that occur in “My NAZI NEMISIS”. This is the first time I’ve read a book by author Rich DiSilvio and I’m truly looking forward to reading more works from this very talented author. I highly recommend “My NAZI NEMISIS”!
October 20, 2016
My Nazis Nemesis by Rich DiSilvio is now, my new favorite historical WWII novel. His book brings my favorite topic to life. The awful Nazis. Deadly, frightening, and real. This thriller brings the time period when the Nazis were active and creates a suspenseful dark tale. The action is everywhere. Just opening the book, the first page catches readers attention. Like it did with mine. Deadly situation that can be the last, yet the main character seems to make it out...and the plot thickens. Rich DiSilvio has masterfully woven an entertaing war novel. One that both scares and lures me. I feel like a fly landing in the killer plant...only seconds will determine if I fly off to live, or if I'll die. The same is applied to this novel. Hilarious, romantic, and stunning. My Nazis Nemesis will engage readers from the beginning to end. Rich DiSilvio knows how to draw readers into his book. Captivating. The main characters like Jack are believable. Reading this novel, was like watching the scenes come to life. I would love to see this story made into a big motion picture. Overall, I highly recommend My Nazis Nemesis to readers worldwide.
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April 17, 2016Another great book!
A father, telling his life story to his daughter,and what a story it is,thrilling,suspenseful,and funny all rolled up into another great book by Mr DiSilvio.....it holds your attention from beginning to end,anyone who likes history and suspense will love this book!
A father, telling his life story to his daughter,and what a story it is,thrilling,suspenseful,and funny all rolled up into another great book by Mr DiSilvio.....it holds your attention from beginning to end,anyone who likes history and suspense will love this book!
July 12, 2018
Ok, so hear me out. There’s something just not quite right about this book. Yes, it’s well written. Yes, it’s got an interesting setting. Yes, the characters are great and at times funny. Yet, they’re in the wrong book. Jack Goodwin’s wife has died. Alright, maybe he’s using humour as a coping mechanism, I can understand that. She died at a concentration camp. Still, maybe he just needs a lot of humour to get through the pain he’s been through. He’s hunting down the Nazi that was responsible for her death. This is where it loses me.
The tension and emotionality that could be oozing out of the book simply isn’t. It could’ve been a Moby Dick like tale of revenge, futility, and loss. Then Jack makes another joke and it just all falls apart. Because the character of Jack misses the mark so much it keeps the book’s vision totally unrealised. Because of Jack, the plot looks like a cat and mouse chase likened to Tom and Jerry more than a tale of pain and sorrow.
This is easily the worst thing about the book: the fact that there’s something good there. It has a workable premise that you can easily see being turned into something incredible. It could be Jack and Eleanor both deciding to blame one man for their mother’s death, only to tragically come to the realisation that it was a system borne from the worst place in humanity that caused it. They could easily realise “we’ve blamed the wrong man” or something poignant. Instead Jack is more of a Nazi-puncher and wise-cracker.
The writing is also at points commendable. The description and characterisation are well realised and helps you see vividly everything that is happening before you. It is simply that the characters are not in the book they should be. It’s a bit like if James Bond sauntered into Schindler’s List. The tale of Schindler’s List is haunting and well realised. The character of James Bond is structured, consistent, and interesting. Yet, they simply don’t fit in with each other.
The tension and emotionality that could be oozing out of the book simply isn’t. It could’ve been a Moby Dick like tale of revenge, futility, and loss. Then Jack makes another joke and it just all falls apart. Because the character of Jack misses the mark so much it keeps the book’s vision totally unrealised. Because of Jack, the plot looks like a cat and mouse chase likened to Tom and Jerry more than a tale of pain and sorrow.
This is easily the worst thing about the book: the fact that there’s something good there. It has a workable premise that you can easily see being turned into something incredible. It could be Jack and Eleanor both deciding to blame one man for their mother’s death, only to tragically come to the realisation that it was a system borne from the worst place in humanity that caused it. They could easily realise “we’ve blamed the wrong man” or something poignant. Instead Jack is more of a Nazi-puncher and wise-cracker.
The writing is also at points commendable. The description and characterisation are well realised and helps you see vividly everything that is happening before you. It is simply that the characters are not in the book they should be. It’s a bit like if James Bond sauntered into Schindler’s List. The tale of Schindler’s List is haunting and well realised. The character of James Bond is structured, consistent, and interesting. Yet, they simply don’t fit in with each other.
August 4, 2017
My Nazi Nemesis: A World War II Novel is a fast-paced story of espionage and romance that unfurls across the backdrop of World War II’s European Theatre. The most laudable feature of this spy story is its keen attention to the details of warfare technology. Weapons, aircraft, and vehicles are described with great detail, and serve to educate the reader about the realities of World War II combat in an entertaining way. Unfortunately, the dialogue, both internal and external, keep the novel feeling more like a television serial than a realistic historical fiction.
The main character is a wise-cracking, devious, and flirty spy whose internal dialogue narrates the story. The figures of speech this narrator employs are at times very out of place. He repeats regularly that he is a jokester and a clown, but his quips just don’t quite make the landing in many cases, and can come across as somewhat forced. This tendency carries over to the dialogue with other characters as well.
The voices of most the characters do not seem to vary much from the voice of the lead, and their conversations lean heavily into information dumps about characters and their lives only minutes after they meet for the first time. This might work fantastically if the lead was just a soldier, but the story asks us to believe that he is a highly trained spy.
All in all, while My Nazi Nemesis suffers from some issues with dialogue, I can’t help but feel like the author’s passion for history shines through. In the case of this story, I think that a firmer devotion to a comical, action-movie style might have suited the tale better than the half-step history, half-step serial style currently present. Nonetheless, those who are looking for a quick paced, light war story with romance elements may find themselves well entertained by My Nazi Nemesis.
The main character is a wise-cracking, devious, and flirty spy whose internal dialogue narrates the story. The figures of speech this narrator employs are at times very out of place. He repeats regularly that he is a jokester and a clown, but his quips just don’t quite make the landing in many cases, and can come across as somewhat forced. This tendency carries over to the dialogue with other characters as well.
The voices of most the characters do not seem to vary much from the voice of the lead, and their conversations lean heavily into information dumps about characters and their lives only minutes after they meet for the first time. This might work fantastically if the lead was just a soldier, but the story asks us to believe that he is a highly trained spy.
All in all, while My Nazi Nemesis suffers from some issues with dialogue, I can’t help but feel like the author’s passion for history shines through. In the case of this story, I think that a firmer devotion to a comical, action-movie style might have suited the tale better than the half-step history, half-step serial style currently present. Nonetheless, those who are looking for a quick paced, light war story with romance elements may find themselves well entertained by My Nazi Nemesis.
July 25, 2018
A compelling and dark journey through the eyes of a tortured soul.
Jack Goodwin's wife was brutally killed in a Nazi concentration camp and, with the help of his determined daughter Eleanor he is going to have his revenge.
DiSilvio's writing is elaborate and descriptive, and he spares no kindness when describing the horrors Veronika suffered at the hands of the Nazis. Although some readers may struggle with some of the language in this book I feel that it is a necessary and honorary tribute to the thousands who suffered the atrocities committed during WWII.
Jack comes across much like James Bond, capable, funny and dedicated, but sometimes this can clash with the brutal honesty of the history relayed in these books. This can upset the balance of the story at points, and feels like the author wasn't completely sure of the angle he was going for.
Jack and Eleanor's relationship is written with love and wit, and their compassion for each other and their mission shines through the pages.
DiSilvio makes every scene come alive, his words paint pictures of the scene with details and imagery. He has clearly done his research on the era and the events that unfolded during the end of the war, there is a great amount of historical accuracy involved.
All in all if you enjoy action and adventure with historical realism this is a good place to start.
Jack Goodwin's wife was brutally killed in a Nazi concentration camp and, with the help of his determined daughter Eleanor he is going to have his revenge.
DiSilvio's writing is elaborate and descriptive, and he spares no kindness when describing the horrors Veronika suffered at the hands of the Nazis. Although some readers may struggle with some of the language in this book I feel that it is a necessary and honorary tribute to the thousands who suffered the atrocities committed during WWII.
Jack comes across much like James Bond, capable, funny and dedicated, but sometimes this can clash with the brutal honesty of the history relayed in these books. This can upset the balance of the story at points, and feels like the author wasn't completely sure of the angle he was going for.
Jack and Eleanor's relationship is written with love and wit, and their compassion for each other and their mission shines through the pages.
DiSilvio makes every scene come alive, his words paint pictures of the scene with details and imagery. He has clearly done his research on the era and the events that unfolded during the end of the war, there is a great amount of historical accuracy involved.
All in all if you enjoy action and adventure with historical realism this is a good place to start.
November 11, 2017
What a great read! I really loved this story. The book is extremely well-Written. The author dose an excellent job of crossing the standard war thriller with a mystry. I loved the way he managed to merge the two.
This story is about Jack Goodwin and he is telling his daughtet about jer mom and his adventure of being an OSS agent during WWII with his new wife.and how they as newlyweds run into an ss officer who tries to put a wedge between them. And on evil sob that made me sick to read about the tings Bronsilawe did. But you will have to read the book to see what Jack did about that. And I loved how the weoman in the story were just as tough as them men and how they did not need to be saved but saved themselves. . The story keptmy attention to the very end it just pulled me right in, especially when the daughter gets pulled into it and has to help her father keep a level head while they search for the evil enemy form his past.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too
This story is about Jack Goodwin and he is telling his daughtet about jer mom and his adventure of being an OSS agent during WWII with his new wife.and how they as newlyweds run into an ss officer who tries to put a wedge between them. And on evil sob that made me sick to read about the tings Bronsilawe did. But you will have to read the book to see what Jack did about that. And I loved how the weoman in the story were just as tough as them men and how they did not need to be saved but saved themselves. . The story keptmy attention to the very end it just pulled me right in, especially when the daughter gets pulled into it and has to help her father keep a level head while they search for the evil enemy form his past.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too
January 16, 2019
Rich DiSilvio had me at Nazi. Jack Goodwin sits his fifteen year old daughter, Eleanor, down to tell her about how he met and fell in love with her mother, Veronika. Enter our villain, Alois Richter, and the story intensifies in both action and drama. Father and daughter eventually join forces to right the wrongs of the past in My Nazi Nemesis. This is truly a dark thriller but also so much more; A tale of love, revenge, betrayal, secrets, family, and ultimately living with consequences.
Jack is the main character and good guy in the story, clearly, but I loved loved loved Eleanor, the "50 year old woman in a fifteen year old's body". Smart in the brain and mouth equally, Eleanor brings a lightness that I didn't expect mixed with the conventional seriousness of the subject matter. The banter between Jack and Eleanor is witty and a perfect avenue for bringing the reader through the story. It's easy to hate Alois and even if you think you have an idea of where this is all going, you may just be dead wrong. DiSilvio's writing here is a fantastic example of just good storytelling.
Jack is the main character and good guy in the story, clearly, but I loved loved loved Eleanor, the "50 year old woman in a fifteen year old's body". Smart in the brain and mouth equally, Eleanor brings a lightness that I didn't expect mixed with the conventional seriousness of the subject matter. The banter between Jack and Eleanor is witty and a perfect avenue for bringing the reader through the story. It's easy to hate Alois and even if you think you have an idea of where this is all going, you may just be dead wrong. DiSilvio's writing here is a fantastic example of just good storytelling.
July 16, 2018
I was drawn to this book because of the bright cover, the interesting title and my love of all this historical.
This is an incredibly well written book. Jack and Eleanor, the central protagonists are great. Jack is a wisecracking CIA agent, and Eleanor is his smart and compassionate daughter. This is a story of love and revenge. Jack loved his wife very deeply, but sets himself on a path of revenge in order to get the SS Officer that was ultimately responsible for his wife's death when she was in Auschwitz. The passages that describe her time there are harrowing, and at times quite difficult to read. It's hard to imagine today how much people were made suffer back then. Despite the bleakness, I loved it because it told a story of a time that shouldn't ever be forgotten, so that we never repeat those times. However, despite this, I struggled with the revenge aspect of it. Whilst I can fully appreciate how a man who has lost his wife in such circumstances would have felt, it just didn't marry up with Jack's character. Overall, it was a great read.
This is an incredibly well written book. Jack and Eleanor, the central protagonists are great. Jack is a wisecracking CIA agent, and Eleanor is his smart and compassionate daughter. This is a story of love and revenge. Jack loved his wife very deeply, but sets himself on a path of revenge in order to get the SS Officer that was ultimately responsible for his wife's death when she was in Auschwitz. The passages that describe her time there are harrowing, and at times quite difficult to read. It's hard to imagine today how much people were made suffer back then. Despite the bleakness, I loved it because it told a story of a time that shouldn't ever be forgotten, so that we never repeat those times. However, despite this, I struggled with the revenge aspect of it. Whilst I can fully appreciate how a man who has lost his wife in such circumstances would have felt, it just didn't marry up with Jack's character. Overall, it was a great read.
July 16, 2017
My Nazi Nemesis will lure you in as Jack Goodwin is pushed to his death from twenty thousand feet. Jack is unsure if Alois Richter’s attraction to his wife is because of her beauty or if there is an alternative motive. Jealous of the attention Veronika shown towards Alois drove Jack frantic as he accompanies her to a safe-house before his next mission.
Rich DiSilvio will not disappoint the World War II fanatics with his recall of the gruesome history the Jews faced under the hand of Adolf Hitler. Though the war was horrific, you cannot avoid the fact that genocide did happened and this novel does touch on events when Jack rescues Veronika from a prison camp.
I love how this story is retold to Jack’s daughter as she reaches an age that he feels she can handle the truth. Jack passes the revenge to his daughter, but the things he taught her may be his undoing.
Rich DiSilvio will not disappoint the World War II fanatics with his recall of the gruesome history the Jews faced under the hand of Adolf Hitler. Though the war was horrific, you cannot avoid the fact that genocide did happened and this novel does touch on events when Jack rescues Veronika from a prison camp.
I love how this story is retold to Jack’s daughter as she reaches an age that he feels she can handle the truth. Jack passes the revenge to his daughter, but the things he taught her may be his undoing.
July 30, 2017
For those of us that enjoy reading books written about World War II, it feels like we have read it all and seen it all. However, Rich DiSilvio was able to chart new territory with this book, giving readers something that hasn't been covered exhaustively just yet. Jack Goodwin is a unique protagonist to follow, a former OSS agent who now works within the CIA. He is an "every man" of sorts, just trying to raise his family in peace when, of course, the world starts to twist and turn. With enough details to allow readers to understand where within WWII we are.
The revelation isn't Jack, however, it is his daughter Eleanor who becomes the heroine of the story by helping her father through some sticky spots.
Taking away a star because there are a few grammatical things here and there, though they are likely things that most readers would easily overlook.
The revelation isn't Jack, however, it is his daughter Eleanor who becomes the heroine of the story by helping her father through some sticky spots.
Taking away a star because there are a few grammatical things here and there, though they are likely things that most readers would easily overlook.
November 4, 2017
I didn’t see that coming!
My nazi nemesis is in a word, spectacular! I really couldn’t put this book down, I was hooked within the first few pages and I couldn’t stop reading until I got to the crazy and mind blowing end! I didn’t for a second see where all the twists and turns were going to land me and I definitely did not see that coming! This story has some great historical aspects but it doesn’t slow it down any, the action and plot line just keeps moving and dragging you deeper in, until you have to keep reading because you can’t stand not knowing what’s going to happen next! The characters are amazing, and so well scripted that I feel like I know them personally! Until closer to the end when all heck breaks loose and you realize that you didn’t really know any of them at all! I highly recommend this book to pretty much anyone! It won’t disappoint!
My nazi nemesis is in a word, spectacular! I really couldn’t put this book down, I was hooked within the first few pages and I couldn’t stop reading until I got to the crazy and mind blowing end! I didn’t for a second see where all the twists and turns were going to land me and I definitely did not see that coming! This story has some great historical aspects but it doesn’t slow it down any, the action and plot line just keeps moving and dragging you deeper in, until you have to keep reading because you can’t stand not knowing what’s going to happen next! The characters are amazing, and so well scripted that I feel like I know them personally! Until closer to the end when all heck breaks loose and you realize that you didn’t really know any of them at all! I highly recommend this book to pretty much anyone! It won’t disappoint!
November 12, 2017
This novel by Rich DiSilvio is set during World War II. It takes the reader on the journey of Jack Goodwin as he spills his life’s secrets out to his daughter.
Goodwin was once a CIA agent who worked secretly in Germany during the war. He tells his daughter about how he had to complete secret missions and also the story of how he met her mother.
This novel is not only suspenseful, but also quite emotional. You can feel the different emotions that Goodwin is going through while telling his daughter about his past.
This historical fiction novel is about 238 pages long which might be a little long for some readers, but it’s well-written so the pages will fly by.
If you’re looking for a thrilling and memorable story to read or enjoy reading novels in the historical fiction genre, this is definitely one book you’ll want to check out.
Goodwin was once a CIA agent who worked secretly in Germany during the war. He tells his daughter about how he had to complete secret missions and also the story of how he met her mother.
This novel is not only suspenseful, but also quite emotional. You can feel the different emotions that Goodwin is going through while telling his daughter about his past.
This historical fiction novel is about 238 pages long which might be a little long for some readers, but it’s well-written so the pages will fly by.
If you’re looking for a thrilling and memorable story to read or enjoy reading novels in the historical fiction genre, this is definitely one book you’ll want to check out.
March 20, 2017
My Nazi Nemesis written by Rich DiSilvio is a well written fictional dark thriller about Jack Goodwin and his life as an OSS agent during World War II and his life after, wanting revenge. The story starts with Jack telling his daughter how he met her mother and goes into his experiences in World War II. The author has a writing style that is easy to read and pulls the reader into the story. This novel has surprises, twists and turns to keep the reader on the edge of their seat and wanting more. I found that the characters were wonderfully thought out and the author did a great job in making them come to life with back stories and very believable personalities. This book has lots of suspense and a darkness surrounding the events depicted throughout the story. The author pulls feelings from the reader ranging from happiness to hate and disgust. I loved that the author was able to make me feel such hatred and disgust for the most despicable character, the Nazi Nemesis. I enjoyed the father daughter relationship and the obstacles they face trying to get revenge. I highly recommend this book, you won’t regret reading it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2018
A harrowing, thrilling and genius story that encompasses the atrocities that the Nazis committed, the relationship between father and daughter and how revenge is never simple.
The main character is Jack who is a CIA agent filled with wit, charisma and quick thinking. He relives his horrific experiences in World War Two and then after his daughter hears this they decide to find his nemesis and revenge what happened in the past.
Gripping throughout, it reads as if it were a true story. I was literally unable to stop reading it at some points. I’d plan on reading a chapter and end up reading 4 or 5!
The main character is Jack who is a CIA agent filled with wit, charisma and quick thinking. He relives his horrific experiences in World War Two and then after his daughter hears this they decide to find his nemesis and revenge what happened in the past.
Gripping throughout, it reads as if it were a true story. I was literally unable to stop reading it at some points. I’d plan on reading a chapter and end up reading 4 or 5!
November 1, 2025
I just finished My Nazi Nemesis and honestly, it left me thinking long after I closed the book. Rich DiSilvio doesn’t just tell a story he makes you feel every layer of pain, guilt, and courage his characters carry. It’s raw, emotional, and incredibly well written.
The mix of historical detail and personal conflict is so well balanced that it feels real, almost cinematic. Every twist kept me turning pages, and the emotional tension hit hard in all the right places.
This isn’t just another war story it’s about humanity, redemption, and how the past never truly stays buried. A powerful, unforgettable read.
The mix of historical detail and personal conflict is so well balanced that it feels real, almost cinematic. Every twist kept me turning pages, and the emotional tension hit hard in all the right places.
This isn’t just another war story it’s about humanity, redemption, and how the past never truly stays buried. A powerful, unforgettable read.
November 21, 2017
A great historical thriller that wont disappoint! The father-daughter duo was a nice touch in the story, and the two grow closer as Dad reveals his past to his daughter as old "friends" come knocking once again. They team up and together make quite the pair as experienced Dad learns some new tricks from his younger daughter just as she learns more her mother and her father. This is a page-turner that I want able to put down! I love the historical aspect of the story and the details about WWII. There are some minor editing issues but the story was thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless.
June 3, 2018
Intriguing
My Nazi Nemesis is the story of Jack Goodwin’s battle with Alois Richter. Goodwin had an unfavorable position in the war but Richter wanted that job and Goodwin’s wife. As Goodwin finally tells his daughter what happened to her mom and the battle with Richter, they embark on an adventure together to get back at him. It was intriguing, mesmerizing and entertaining. This is my second DiSilvio book and I enjoyed it tremendously. The author has great plot direction, character development and interaction, and really transports you back to the time period.
My Nazi Nemesis is the story of Jack Goodwin’s battle with Alois Richter. Goodwin had an unfavorable position in the war but Richter wanted that job and Goodwin’s wife. As Goodwin finally tells his daughter what happened to her mom and the battle with Richter, they embark on an adventure together to get back at him. It was intriguing, mesmerizing and entertaining. This is my second DiSilvio book and I enjoyed it tremendously. The author has great plot direction, character development and interaction, and really transports you back to the time period.
July 17, 2018
Unless you have got the time to spare, I wouldn’t advise that you start reading this book because you won’t be able to put it down. A fascinating and brilliantly told narrative that starts off as a simple but interesting story. It soon snowballs as Jack Goodwin’s skeletons in the closet start falling out. I really felt sorry for Jack, his pain is articulated very well throughout the story; his wife is killed in a Nazi concentration camp and he is determined to get revenge on her killers. Even though this book is fictional, I felt as if I was reading a true story. Very powerful!
April 6, 2018
This novel will keep you hopping!
An American World War II spy, his female Russian pilot love interest and a German handsome soldier go through Auschwitz, escape Germany and spend many years fooling one another through the 1950s and 1970s until the end. DiSilvo really has the reader hopping! Great read!
An American World War II spy, his female Russian pilot love interest and a German handsome soldier go through Auschwitz, escape Germany and spend many years fooling one another through the 1950s and 1970s until the end. DiSilvo really has the reader hopping! Great read!
November 2, 2025
I just have a great day reading My Nazi Nemesis by Rich DiSilvio is an emotional and gripping read. It starts in WWII and follows Jack Goodwin, an American agent who falls in love and then loses everything to a cruel Nazi enemy. Years later, during the Cold War, Jack is older, a father, and still haunted by what happened.
I humbly love this book, I hope others also do
I humbly love this book, I hope others also do
Read
November 1, 2025 i just finish with My Nazi Nemesis, is such a powerful and emotional read. Rich DiSilvio brings history to life with raw honesty and unforgettable characters. It’s gripping, thought-provoking, and left me thinking about it long after I turned the last page.
March 12, 2017
Not believable
A wise-cracking American and a Russian sidekick fall into the Polish country side and insult their German captors. Couldn't read further. Too unbelievable.
A wise-cracking American and a Russian sidekick fall into the Polish country side and insult their German captors. Couldn't read further. Too unbelievable.
March 13, 2017
Just by reading the title you know this is going to be something else.
Jack Goodwin, a real survivor, haunted by the memories and wounds from his past, finally reveals everything to his beloved daughter and how she met her mother. It’s not a casual reveal though, and it’s not a romantic tale of two souls finally knowing each other.
The real twists here are so amazingly done, you wouldn’t believe what you are reading and how it works, a true bonding story between a father and a daughter in the middle of an action-packed story. The pace is incredible and the attention to detail is well executed too, there aren’t any mindless explosions just for the sake of action, everything is scripted nicely and the chemistry and dialogue between the characters is so well done you are not going to notice the action itself, there’s truly a lot more to talk but you really want to read it by yourself, so buy it.
Jack Goodwin, a real survivor, haunted by the memories and wounds from his past, finally reveals everything to his beloved daughter and how she met her mother. It’s not a casual reveal though, and it’s not a romantic tale of two souls finally knowing each other.
The real twists here are so amazingly done, you wouldn’t believe what you are reading and how it works, a true bonding story between a father and a daughter in the middle of an action-packed story. The pace is incredible and the attention to detail is well executed too, there aren’t any mindless explosions just for the sake of action, everything is scripted nicely and the chemistry and dialogue between the characters is so well done you are not going to notice the action itself, there’s truly a lot more to talk but you really want to read it by yourself, so buy it.
July 25, 2017
My Nazi Nemesis is an extraordinary read, it grabbed me right away and had me on the edge of my seat to the very end. The author Rich DiSilvio dose an excellent job of transporting the reader from historic icons, such as concentration camps to current day modern Los Angeles the author also includes many historic events such as the assassination of JFK by Lee Harvey Oswald, implying Jack supplied him with the rifle. As with all good war novels there are spies and double agents, a broken heart, and people bent on revenge, and getting the scum off the streets that keep this war time novel entertaining till the very last page. I recommend it to all genre and anyone with a kindle, its dramatic action, suspense, thriller and war novel with romance all in one don’t miss this one. Very entertaining!
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