The Austrian: A War Criminal's Story, 2

The Austrian #2

by Ellie Midwood

Second book in “The Austrian” series, which continues to follow Ernst’s fate. As the new blood-shedding war breaks out, as rumors start spreading about the atrocious actions of the government that he swore his loyalty to, more and more doubts arise in the former ardent SS leader. However, once claiming them, the sinister Nazi regime doesn’t want to let go of its victims so easily, and one has nothing else to do, but pick up a bloody mantle of a former sworn enemy to continue his ugly work… Once again, in his cell in Nuremberg, Ernst recalls the events of his life that is about to end any day now, slowly coming to terms with his fate, which is stronger than him, and preparing to die. Only, a loyal friend still refuses to give up on his attempts to save the condemned man’s life…

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 3, 2016

About the author

Ellie 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.

Reviews

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book by a fresh and new author! This was an amazing and unique look at the fall of The Third Reich through the eyes of one of its chief officials. A sobering look at one of the most destructive periods of Europe and, while Ms. Midwood does not quite portray the head of the Austrian Gestapo sympathetically, she does draw a terribly flawed and human picture of the man. This is a young historical fiction author of note that should be watched as she has talent. I liked her look inside the prisoners' life during their war crimes trials in Nuremberg.

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Midwood's books bar one in this series and I plan to remedy that as soon as I can. This one was the sequel to the first of her books I read and I have to say I loved it. Midwood knows how to tell a story and is captivating in not just the threads of fiction, but the threads of truth throughout the book. She has you engaged from the first page and from there onwards, you find yourself unable to put the book down. I had never been a fan of historical fiction, but it's books like this that have turned me onto it as a favourite genre. Highly recommended!

[ken somerset · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revised review

When I wrote a review of the girl from Berlin series I said ms. Midwood had outdone her self. Well I would like to revise that review and strongly suggest that as soon as you read those 3 books you read the 2 in this series. They all build on each other so wonderfully. She tells a story about a terrible time in history with a large degree of respect for all people involved. She is Jewish yet she honors her heritage while offering a insight into the enemies actual personality. Read the entire series, look at history and see how true it is of all mankind. Did what we as Americans do to native american Indians differ much from others in history? Maybe on scale but not by much. This is a great series and one that shows the strong spirit of people, the human fears we all deal with, how women have been heroes in times of war and never appreciated for what they did. Enjoy this entire group and you must read Emilia. Ms Millwood deserves to be honored and appreciate like grisham and Thor.

[Cynthia Hilston · Rating 5 out of 5]

As in all of her books I've read, Ellie Midwood delivers a gut-wrenching, beautiful story in this, her second book in the story of Ernst Kaltenbrunner. Based on a real-life person, this story carefully weaves in carefully researched historical details that tell an alternate history of the Austrian SS leader. That I felt the depth of this man's pain shows that Ellie Midwood is brilliant at her craft of making the reader care for the welfare of the characters. The atrocities of World War II should never be forgotten. By telling the stories of individuals who lived through it, we are reminded of our human dignity, of overcoming the odds, and of choosing what's right over what's easy...even if it doesn't feel like it at times.

[Debbie Duncalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Austrian 2 is the concluding book in the series of The Girl From Berlin books lovingly written by the very talented Ellie Midwood.
This book allows us to follow Ernst as he is incarcerated in his cell in Nuremberg as his trial is heard by the whole world. It allows us a little peek right into the heart of Ernst and we are allowed to discover his true feelings as he awaits his final verdict which deep down he knows and is working through to accept. We already know of the outcome from the ending of The Austrian book one, but it is nice to see things from the point of view of Ernst.
Ernst is one of those men that your mother would always warn you about and say not to fall in love with, but how can we not fall in love with him when Ellie has used the written word carefully so that it floats off the pages and creeps into our hearts so that we begin to love his little ways. What he feels for Annalise goes beyond just the surface love that we see between many couples. His love for her and hers for him runs so deep that it is what holds them together during the time that they are apart.
Very occasionally I will come across an individual book or a series of books in this case that sparks my already great passion for reading into frenzied excitement, and that is what Ellie has done here for me with her writing of this truly amazing series of books. This is something that I will remember for a long time that's how much this story has gripped me.
Ellie deserves everyone of the five stars I have given her, and I truly believe she will go on to write even more five star worthy books which we will adore with just as much passion as we have with this one.
Well done Ellie you deserve every ounce of praise that you are receiving from your readers who you charm from beginning to end when they pick up a book written by you!
Thank you for inspiring me to read moe.

[Erin Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a huge fan of Ellie Midwood since I read the first book in the Girl From Berlin series, and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. Like the final piece of a puzzle, The Austrian book 2 offers a satisfying conclusion to the story of our star-crossed lovers, Ernst and Annalise. Delving deeper into the blood-curdling policies of the Nazi regime, we see how easily a patriotic young man could be enticed into the fold, and then allowed no way out. Even death was no escape, as the family of a traitor who dared express a contrary opinion suffered horrible punishment and imprisonment. The Austrian book 2 gives us more of the love story from Ernst's point of view, and his devotion to the woman he loves more than life itself is heartbreaking. The book is fast paced and well written, pulling the reader toward a very satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend this entire series for fans of historical fiction!

[Jo Pilsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent series made better by having audiobook also

Started reading Ellie Midwood with the Girl From Berlin trilogy and continued with The Austrian. The books are amazing, from the clearly high level research to the way that Ms Midwood has woven the story. Whilst some of what happens in this second half of the Austrian is known from the Girl From Berlin Book 3, it is the flashbacks which really add the body to this volume, in terms of what Ernst intends to do. There is a lot that reminds me of a book I read as oar of my A level French, which demonstrated that not all stories in the war were straightforward. I recommend this book highly. It may be fiction but anyone studying this period should take a look.

[Lucinda Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

THOUGHT PROVOKING
This book tested my memory of the Second World War and gave an interesting insight into the ‘other side’ of the story, highlighting the personal feelings that many of the those in power in Germany may have felt at the time. It was not a quick and easy read as the book is deeper than that, and I would have liked a glossary of names / army ranks just to help clarify these although I did catch up with these further on in the book. I really enjoyed the book, not the first one I’ve bought by this author, and would recommend it to serious readers.

[Norman Kahn · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a avid but very critical reader (and writer), I compliment Ellie Midwood on an exceptionally well written series. I've read all 5 books in this series and can hardly wait for her next release. Her writing style, extensive knowledge and research of WW2 is simply incredible. The Austrian books 1&2 are true page burners without equal. If a reader has an interest in WW2 historical fiction, Ellie Midwood books are a must read. Norm Kahn

[Tamara Cicogna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

I found this book fascinating. The Austrian and his human side was so intense , this book sucked you in and spit you out. To see an SS Nazi officer inside out , to walk thru his life his hate his love . It’s so fascinating . Read this and book 1 and you will feel like you finally understand a man who follows insanity.

[Heidi Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read ‘Emilia’ a little while ago, I was keen to read more Ellie Midwood – ‘The Austrian’ didn’t disappoint. It’s a compelling read that has been split into two works, although, in all honesty, I think it should have been presented as a single piece as neither book really hold its own as a distinct novel but together, it’s a fascinating read. The author alternates between time periods in the life of our protagonist, Ernst Kaltenbrunner, a factual character with a propensity to do as he pleases. Skilfully handled, this method works well, allowing the reader to easily transition between scenes with no confusion. Applying a fair degree of artistic licence, especially the ending, the author gives this Nazi SS-Obergruppenführer a conscience – a bold move that could have backfired but in my case, it didn’t. I felt neither sympathy, nor respect for this self-serving, self-pitying man, but I did come to understand some of the motivating factors that may have driven him to act as he did. The prose may not be perfect (and let’s face it, what publication is ever flawless) but it’s an entertaining read to the end so it’s 5 stars from me. If you’re into WW2 fiction that provides a Nazi-point-of-view, ‘The Austrian’ may be what you’re looking for.

[Allen Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to start by lifting a quote - "We knew exactly where this was going and yet could not stop ourselves ... People are always fascinated by unrestrained power, and that's why history always repeats itself."
There are so many quotable lines in all of Ellie Midwood's books, lines that are relative to the happenings of today. I find this so intriguing about her writing.
The author's painstaking research, skill at writing, and storytelling ability is well and alive in The Austrian : Book Two. Having read The Austrian : Book One, I was looking forward to reading this and I was not disappointed. It is such a dark period in history and the author does a masterful job of pulling the reader into it. The jumps between time are handled perfectly.
While exploring the inner workings of Dr. Ernst Kaltenbruner, a Nazi on death row, I find his relationship with Otto constantly entertaining, and his fixation with Heydrich, the enmity between them, a constant source of tension.
I highly recommend both Book One and Book Two for any fans of Historical Fiction.

[Allie Reads Your Books · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Gail Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

On my very favorites list!

The Austrian, book one and two held me spellbound through the whole read. What a different view of the German side of WWII.

[SA · Rating 5 out of 5]

So damn good! I wanted to sip this book like a delicacy as it was the last book in the series, my last enjoyment of Annalise and Ernst. I wanted to read it slowly and not devour it and I failed. I am sad that it ended. What a wonderful journey from the beginning till the end and it was all so worth it. This book delves more into the past of Ernst, making us understand who he really is, what he thought and did as he held one of the highest ranked offices under Fuhrer. The book takes us to the last moments in his trial, his verdict, covering all the details that were missing from the finale of The Girl From Berlin series. How can anyone fail to like Ernst after the Austrian series? Loved the book, absolutely loved it!

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend to readers of historical fiction, readers interested in political history and readers of historical romance.
Another well-written instalment in this 5 book series. In this book we find Ernst, Chief of the RSHA examining his life as the Nuremberg hearings come to an end and his sentence is received. As well as his recollections of his activities during the war and how he was forced into office we see the relationship between the guards at Nuremberg Prison, the American Intelligence Services and the men on trial.
I recommend readers read the entire series but all except the 2nd Girl from Berlin book can be read and enjoyed as stand alones. Together they make up an interesting and thought provoking body of work.
My personal feelings on the subject matter of the entire series:
The series could be read and enjoyed as a complicated love story between a Jewish girl and a senior SS officer during WW2 but I've read the series as a very controversial piece of work. Annalise (The Girl From Berlin) was no angel but what of Ernst? The author has set out to garner sympathy for him and explain how a young boy who saved rabbits from his grandfather's traps became responsible for rubber stamping the deaths of hundreds/thousands of Jewish people. I'll be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about that. It does bring to mind for me the quote, "For evil to prevail, all it needs is good men to do nothing."
The fact I've read the complete series over the last few months is a testament to the writing ability of the author who has bravely approached this subject with sensitivity. I'm also a great believer in listening to both sides of the story. A final reason I've read the series is I consider this an important piece of work to serve as a warning as we have clearly not learnt any lessons from one of the blackest times of humanity. Political leaders still blame economic strife on "Johnny Foreigner" and demonise entire peoples of a different race or religion. Just look at our deplorable outcry about Syrian refugees and people refusing to get on aeroplanes with a Muslim co-passenger. Or go a little further back to Yugoslavia, Africa ... I could go on forever. The author makes the argument that Ernst was simply caught up in his country's madness. Maybe he was but that doesn't make it right and it doesn't make it right today.
I would just like to add having read the bio the author herself is Jewish and I do agree she is making a very valid point. I just don't entirely agree.
Read the series, The Girl From Berlin and The Austrian and make up your own mind.

[Eva Lehmann-Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the book 1 of the series, I had already known some information about Kaltenbrunner. But I enjoyed this book too. Well worth read 🌠

[Philip Elrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Austrian Book 2 is the final book in the series of five World War II novels by Ellie Midwood – and for me it was the best one of all. The period of time covered in the series was arguably the most tumultuous era in modern human history. The conflagration that was World War II gripped the globe for almost a decade and produced some of the most horrific acts ever done by humans. The Nazi era raised bestiality to a whole new level and made that word genocide meaningful to me for the first time in my life.
I am of Germanic origin – and I visited Germany in the mid 1950’s as part of the US Army occupational forces. I was there when Germany was granted their independence again. I spent my time in Barvaria – where Hitler got his start. I got to know the German people very well during my time there - and wondered how they could have allowed themselves to have been led to commit the deeds of the holocaust.
The Austrian Book 2, takes us deep inside the mind of Ernst Kaltenbrunner, a general in the SS - the highest ranking SS Officer captured and executed(?) after the Nuremburg trials. And it is a fascinating trip indeed. Although fiction, The Austrian Book 2, takes us so deeply into the mind of Kaltenbrunner that it helped me finally understand the plight of many so Germans who were faced with the reality of the Nazi horror – and how they managed to survive, more or less, while seeing atrocities committed on a daily basis.
The power of an unlikely love between two human beings is tested time again and somehow remains strong through it all.
Ellie Midwood, whom I understand to be Jewish, is to be commended in handling the subject of the holocaust inflicted upon the Jewish people, and the German regime that was responsible, with an insight and sensitivity that finally allowed me to understand how so many were able to survive the horrors imposed by a so few.
I highly recommend the Austrian Book 2. It was a fitting climax to a truly great series.

[Carissa Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel to the Austrian was even better than the first, and I LOVE the tie-in with The Girl from Berlin series. I wasn't ready to let Annalise go, and reading more about her and her connection with Ernst was so satisfying and emotional for me. I feel like some of Ellie's characters are my friends, and what they feel - I feel. Ellie's ability to convey genuine characters and her knack for detail is what sets her apart from other authors. You can tell that she "feels" what she's writing, and every single one of her stories takes me on an emotional rollercoaster.
This book picked back up with Ernst's story and the realization of the mess he's gotten himself into. Although the reader knows how things will end up with Hitler and the Nazis, it's interesting to "see" it through the eyes of someone who lived through it and see how someone could get caught up in something so awful. I kept turning the pages, a sense of dread taking over as I realized where Ernst's fate was headed.
I don't want to give away any spoilers on how it all ends, but fans of The Girl from Berlin series don't want to miss The Austrian books. Both sets of books go together so well.
Ellie writes historical fiction in a way that appeals to modern readers, and she cleverly intertwines historical fact with intriguing stories and absolutely unforgettable characters.
Sometimes I find historical fiction to be boring, but Midwood has changed my mind on that completely. Her stories are raw and real, but beautiful, and she has absolutely got me hooked on this genre in general!
And I absolutely loved the Austrian 2. It's at the top of the pack for her best books.
I recently started rereading the entire series of the Berlin books, which is saying a lot because I don't re-read books often.
Another fabulous book that I wasn't ready to finish! It left me reeling and breathless, literally. Great job!

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no need for a trial because there can only be one verdict. Guilty. Death by hanging.

Ernst Kaltenbrunner, the former leader of the Austrian SS, knows there can be no other verdict. Someone has to take the blame for all those deaths and all that suffering, and as the principle players are no longer around, the responsibility, therefore, falls on his shoulders. They need to hang someone; it might as well be him.

Ernst has done the most horrendous things in the name of the Nazi Party, but there is more to his story than at a simple monster who, has no soul.

I didn't know how I would feel about reading about a fictional war criminal. What I was expecting was to feel compassion towards him. He has a terrible reputation, and he is greatly feared, but appearance can be deceiving and behind the uniform and the party politics is a man whose whole life is out of control. He doesn't like his job. He hates it. But he is under orders. He has no choice. There is always a choice, I hear you say, but in this story, there isn't. If he doesn't do what his commanding officers tell him to do, then his family will suffer.

This is the second book I have read in this 'series' and it was as compelling as the first. I simply could not put it down. I came to care about Ernst, despite myself. He wasn't the monster that the prosecution made him out to be. Yes, the evidence was very damning on paper, but it was not the whole story, far from it. He found himself in an impossible situation, and he had no choice. By the end of the book, I was really hoping he would survive.

This is such a well-crafted and skilfully told story. Everyone character is so well fleshed. It is without a doubt, exceptional well written. I loved it. And I highly Recommend.

[Ian Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delighted to see this new installment in the series was out. I enjoy the author’s other writings, but this particular series is my favorite. I find the tale of the SS commander, stuck in a jail cell, wondering where he went wrong with his life and how he unwittingly had a part in killing so many Jews intriguing in the extreme. He has little to do but reexamine his life towards the end, try to better come to terms with how the torrents of history could have swept up someone like himself who harbored no great hatred for the Jewish people, and in fact, ended up falling in love with one. The man grilling him in the cell, trying to get at his last remaining secrets (so he can hunt down the last of the Nazi holdouts from the law) and unravel the true nature of the Austrian’s involvement with heinous war crimes, is a slippery character himself. The dynamic between the two, in an endless match of wits, is one of the engines driving the story forward. The other is the flashbacks themselves where we see the horror unfolding in Germany at the time of Hitler’s rise to power.

I enjoyed this installment no less than its predecessor and staunchly recommend it for historical fiction buffs, and especially fans of this period.

Note: chapters are a little long by e-book standards, so set aside larger chunks of time for your pleasure reading than you otherwise might. And also, give yourself a few chapters to get into this one. But the author hits her stride early on.

[Ellie Midwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rated 5 stars by "Readers' Favorite":

The Austrian: Book Two by Ellie Midwood is the continuation of Ernst’s story. It would have been ideal to read the first novel in the series before I jumped into the second one, but I could not help myself. Everything about this novel called to me, from the cover to the blurb to the characters and the promise of something great just made me read it. And I am very happy I did. The story follows Ernst, a war criminal as the cover promises. The book opens with the bang and our protagonist realizes what a mess he has created. That was just simply amazingly human about Ernst and earned him major brownie points from me.

Ernst is a general in the SS, or was, and he is waiting for his life to end, as it should. The story switches between times when he does not really know if he is doing the right thing and when he is in Nuremberg. The novel simply shows us how a good man can be ruined by a flawed leader and ideals. His love for a Jewish woman and his friendship with Otto made him human. The reader knows how his story will end, but it is fascinating to read how an SS general with a conscience would have felt in that horrible time. I absolutely loved the scenes of Ernst with Annalise and Otto because they showed his human side and showed what he was capable of. This is a series that deserves more than 5 stars. Simply, brilliant.

[Terri's Dangerous When Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love so completely with Annalise and Ernst in "The Girl From Berlin" series that I wanted more. I hungrily snapped up "The Austrian" series because I wanted to understand Ernst inside and out. I was not disappointed.

"The Austrian: Book Two" fills in the final missing pieces of the puzzle and there were some surprises in store. I now have that satisfied feeling of a happy reader who was taken on a helluva wild ride and who has experienced all the butterflies that come along with a roller-coaster. From beginning to end the love story of Annalise and Ernst is a tale of love that tumultuous war and even death can not destroy.

And now I must sadly say goodbye to these two fantastic series. I wish there was "The Austrian Book 3." I won't give away spoilers but I would love to know in depth what happens after Book 2. Isn't that the evidence of great writing by a fantastic writer? I want to hold onto Annalise and Ernst and not let them go. I want to know every last detail.

Great book! Great Series! Great author!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Austrian 2 by Ellie Midwood! Brilliantly crafted to combine the stories together to finish the missing pieces, I couldn't put this book down if I tried!! I really loved The Girl From Berlin series, but I think I liked The Austrian even better.

I really enjoyed hearing more about Ernst's story combined with Annalise's and more with Ernst's friends. Their relationships with Ernst seemed to make much more sense, showing what they all did for each other.

Thank you, Ellie for another great story that had me hooked!!

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want more!

I absolutely definitely adored this entire series. The only reason I gave it 4 stars because I felt it wasn't completely finished (even though the actual 'ending' is in the third Girl From Berlin trilogy). I wanted more of how and what Ernst did to get to Annalisse. I wonder if begging and pleading the author will help???? *cheeky grin* Ellie Midwood is amazing at what she does with her books. The ability to interweave fact with fiction goes above and beyond. This is another great book and I can't wait to read her next one.

*This book was given as a gift.*

[Rachel Heil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book focusing on the story of Dr. Ernst Kaltenbrunner as he stands trial in Nuremberg. The book picks up right where it left off in the first book and finally explains how certain events in the third "The Girl from Berlin" book actually happened. As always, I enjoyed Ms. Midwood's book but I would have liked some more flashback scenes between Ernst and Annalise. We obviously get some throughout the book, as well as some scenes not in the three "The Girl from Berlin" books but I would have preferred to have read some of those scenes from Ernst's perspective, such like his conversation he had with Heinrich during the bombing raid or his goodbye to Annalise towards the end of the war in Berlin. It would have been very interesting to see those events through Ernst's eyes.
That being said, I did appreciate the scenes where the reader got more of a background as to how Ernst got involved in the Holocaust and how he began to have a change of heart. I also liked how Ms. Midwood included the character of Wilhelm Hoettl and continued the development of the friendship between Ernst and his guard, Henry. And, of course, having Otto Skorzeny return was also very enjoyable. I also liked how Ms. Midwood would begin and end sections with the words from the previous paragraph such like ending one paragraph with "He was smiling too" and then beginning the next sentence with "I was smiling". I thought that was a nice and interesting literary tool.
*Brief spoilers here, though not a big deal if you've read all five books*
While I obviously know how the story of Ernst and Annalise ends, having read "The Girl from Berlin" series, I would have liked the end of "The Austrian" to have ended in a different spot. I would have liked to have seen some scenes with Ernst following Annalise in the city and approaching young Erni, leaving clues to his survival. I especially would have liked a scene when Ernst watched Annalise talk about him to the Beethoven statue in New York (because, let's admit it, we all know it was him watching her from behind the newspaper). Plus, I would have loved to have gotten Ernst's emotions when he was finally reunited with Annalise in his Washington home. I also would have liked to know if the US successfully captured Bormann, Mueller, and Hitler thanks to Ernst, which would have made another interesting book. But, again, I respect Ms. Midwood's decision to end the book there. Overall, I greatly enjoyed this series and am sad it has come to a close but will no doubt re-read all five of these books in the future. Highly recommend the entire series to anyone!

[John R McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

After recently reading the excellent first book in this series, I was delighted to see that the next instalment of ‘The Austrian’ was available. Following on from where Part One finished, this unique take on the story of Nazi war criminal, Ernst Kaltenbrunner and his final days awaiting sentencing and punishment at the Nuremburg trials in 1946 is both thought provoking and historically insightful.
As the hangman’s noose gets ever closer, his mind wanders back to the war years and his rivalry with the head of the Gestapo and RHSA, Reinhard Heydrich. However, what dominates and haunts him are his memories of his romantic involvement with his married secretary, Annalise Friedmann. His infatuation with her is so strong that he overlooks that she is possibly Jewish and quite probably an enemy agent, preferring not to think about these possibilities. It seems she was the whole reason for his existence and he became almost indifferent and unconcerned about what was happening around him as the war was drawing to a close. As he is being brought to task about what he did during the war and his involvement with the SS and, consequently, the Holocaust, he accepts his fate and puts up little by way of defence. His only regret seems to be that he will never see his son, his conscience clear in his own mind that he had little involvement in what his subordinates and Nazi masters were doing. It is a weak argument and, in real life, Kaltenbrunner was well aware of what took place.
This is a purely fictional account of a real life war criminal, told through his own eyes. It does not try to sympathise with him and at times shows him for the Nazi he was, trying to take what he wants without regard for others.
The disrupted chronology is seamlessly linked together and the expert writing style kept me turning the pages long into the night. This is another exceptional piece of work from Ellie MIdwood. She is proving to be an authority on her subject matter and this is another very well researched piece of literature from her.
For anyone interested in historical fiction, or just likes to read a good story, then I would highly recommend ‘The Austrian’ (both books).
Unputdownable!

[Larmie Fahrendorff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting series conclusion.

While reading this series, (The Austrian) I have been reading many "side stories" of Reindard Heydrich and Ernst Kaltenbrunner. With a greater understanding of the two character profiles, perhaps it was more difficult to imagine Kaltenbrunner in any sympathetic light as the story might lead one to believe. For that reason I lowered my rating one star from my rating of book one. However, the book is well written, very interesting, and highly commendable .The author does her homework, and adds some interesting twists to the true historical facts of the time.

[Kate O`neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first book in the series. Advice - it does improve !!

Not as hard going as the first book in the series, but no where as good as the authors other books. I've given a generous 4 🌟, as it was better, tho a difficult read, didn't flow well and rather disjointed.

The story continues with the tale of an SS officer, both during the WW2, and in the Nuremberg trials. It focuses on the evil of the Nazi party, particularly Himmler & Heydrich, touching on the concentration camps.

[Cindy Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting!

Well, I guess I'm glad I read this second book in this series. It made up for my less than enthusiastic opinion of the first book.

It is very interesting from a historical aspect from the standpoint of the Nazi SS officers. It's hard to imagine those monsters were even human.

I would recommend to readers of historical fiction .