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Credible Dagger
In this World War II thriller and prequel to The Balkan Network, it is April 1941. Four Belgrade University students are enjoying the time of their lives. Fresh with a wad full of foreign currency and few worries, their innocence is suddenly shaken when Field Marshal Göring’s Luftwaffe bombers strike the city at daybreak in “Operation Punishment.”
The four students, Josef Kostinic, Celeste Bowman, Dick Vojovoda, and Penelope Mitchell take refuge and flee the city, only to have their rescue hopes dashed as Axis aircraft strafe the Adriatic coastline, sealing off their exit and forcing them in different directions.
Two years later, with the United States formally entered into the war, the four students are unknowingly reunited once again. This time, British and U.S. intelligence services combine forces and infiltrate a team into Yugoslavia to determine the true credibility of Chetnick resistance leader Draza Mihailovich, code named Credible Dagger.
The young companions must not only survive the harsh conditions in the field, but also Partisan guerrilla attacks, Communist double agents, and the ruthless tactics of SS counter-intelligence chief Hans Flosberg, who is constantly on their trail. Despite all these challenges, the operatives uncover information so crucial that the Allies keep it a secret for almost sixty years.
About the
Gregory M. Acuña was a former U.S. Air Force pilot. He grew up in San Diego and now lives in Northern California. This is his second novel and he is currently writing the sequel to The Balkan Network.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2013
237 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 10, 2023
This novel is a very good start to 2022. Credible Dagger by Gregory M. Acuña is a World War II thriller and prequel to the Balkan Network, Acuña’s first novel. The writing is almost a staid, sober, journalistic narrative, heavy on story, cloaked in historical data, and light on hyperbolic descriptions of action and emotion. That may sound overtly critical, but IMHO it is appropriate when attempting to relate such heavy and emotionally charged non-fiction source material dressed in a fictional tale. The heroic actions of the men and women involved in the subversive aspects of the war in the Balkans is an under-represented, and to my mind, untapped vein for stories. This novel is what I suspect would be the best of such fictions. In our blog, we measure properties in Grey Geeks. This is an almost perfect 4 and a half Grey Geeks. For Goodreads, I will round up to make it 5. Great story told well, conscientiously conveyed with immense sensitivity.
August 18, 2019
History or Fiction?
This book is filled with information and excitement. The style of writing seemed more appropriate to a textbook, but the story managed to sneak out. The geographic descriptions were very accurate and helped to bring realism to the story. It is definitely a great book for the WWII buff.
This book is filled with information and excitement. The style of writing seemed more appropriate to a textbook, but the story managed to sneak out. The geographic descriptions were very accurate and helped to bring realism to the story. It is definitely a great book for the WWII buff.
January 31, 2020
To my amazement this book, “The Credible Dagger” purchased from the economy kindle lists turned out as one of the top WW2 historical novels that I have read in years. Historically accurate; the book is set in the Balkans where there is a three way war going on with German invaders, Communist partisans, Local nationalistic partisans, with OSS (US) and SOE (English) special forces vying to influence the outcome to keep the Russians from taking over. I did feel that character development could have been developed better to make the characters more definite and convincing.
A resounding thriller every bit as good as those highly touted thriller volumes on the Top Ten lists. I highly recommend!!
A resounding thriller every bit as good as those highly touted thriller volumes on the Top Ten lists. I highly recommend!!
April 6, 2018
Palo Alto, CA. 624 Junipero Serra Blvd. Dr. Josef Kostinic (husband, U of California asst. geography professor), & Celeste Kostinic (wife, nee Bowman, former British Secret agent) went to see Harold “Hal” Mattingly (US Army SHAEF asst./OSS analyst, Stanford U MS student).
The 2 of them had some information about Penelope Walsh (Hal’s fiancé).
The SS sent her to Jasenovic concentration camp.
4/6/1941, Field Marshal Hermann Göring’s instigates Operation Punishment. The Luftwaffe bombers leveled Belgrade.
Rudko Chetnik (Chetnik fighter, guide), Dick Vojovoda (OSS field agent), & Stefan (brother, Chetnik fighter) took Dr. Kostinic (Belgrade U) to see General Draza Mihailovich.
9/1943, 1st. Lieutenant Josef Kostinic graduated the OSS Training School (VG, aka The Farm).
Colin Gubbins (SOE Commander), Vivian Tate (section vice-commander), Jacques MacAlister (F section head), & Henry Parks (code master), were briefing, Penelope Walsh (nee Mitchell, SOE, Belgrade U nursing student, British-American Club), about the French operations.
Corporal Harold “Hal” Mattingly Flight Officer Bowman RAF radio operator, interpreter, Belgrade U), went to see Lieutenant Penelope Walsh (British Army, nee Mitchell, daughter, Hal’s GF) with 1 intention on his mind.
Sarah Walsh (Penelope’s daughter), Mr. Aleks Mitchell (husband/father), Mrs. Mitchell (wife/mother), Dick Vojovoda, Celeste Kostinic, Tess (Penelope’s BFF), & Major Josef Kostinic (OSS analyst, American service coordinator) were all there.
Will Hal & Penelope get married?
How will Operation Broken Arrow turn out?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written WWII era historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great WWII movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Co.; BookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The 2 of them had some information about Penelope Walsh (Hal’s fiancé).
The SS sent her to Jasenovic concentration camp.
4/6/1941, Field Marshal Hermann Göring’s instigates Operation Punishment. The Luftwaffe bombers leveled Belgrade.
Rudko Chetnik (Chetnik fighter, guide), Dick Vojovoda (OSS field agent), & Stefan (brother, Chetnik fighter) took Dr. Kostinic (Belgrade U) to see General Draza Mihailovich.
9/1943, 1st. Lieutenant Josef Kostinic graduated the OSS Training School (VG, aka The Farm).
Colin Gubbins (SOE Commander), Vivian Tate (section vice-commander), Jacques MacAlister (F section head), & Henry Parks (code master), were briefing, Penelope Walsh (nee Mitchell, SOE, Belgrade U nursing student, British-American Club), about the French operations.
Corporal Harold “Hal” Mattingly Flight Officer Bowman RAF radio operator, interpreter, Belgrade U), went to see Lieutenant Penelope Walsh (British Army, nee Mitchell, daughter, Hal’s GF) with 1 intention on his mind.
Sarah Walsh (Penelope’s daughter), Mr. Aleks Mitchell (husband/father), Mrs. Mitchell (wife/mother), Dick Vojovoda, Celeste Kostinic, Tess (Penelope’s BFF), & Major Josef Kostinic (OSS analyst, American service coordinator) were all there.
Will Hal & Penelope get married?
How will Operation Broken Arrow turn out?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written WWII era historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great WWII movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Co.; BookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
October 19, 2020
World War II story, set in Yugoslavia and based on true events
The plot of this historical novel is very compelling as it is basically a true account of Allied efforts in the Balkans to stymie Nazi plans and procedures, and to hasten the end of the War. I have read many books about the War, both fiction and non-fiction, but this is the first I have read about this theater. It should have been fascinating. The only reasons I rated the book as highly as I did were the novelty of the setting with true-to-life action, and the fictitious characters who helped to flesh out the story.
My primary problems with the book were the lack of literary "flow" of plot, language, and character development. Were the author not already somewhat successful, I would suggest a course or two in basic composition! I found myself rewriting whole paragraphs in my head, and rearranging sentence structures for greater clarity. I was surprised by the seemingly amateurish editing that didn't even correct basic punctuation: In the first half, the number and placement of commas were so frustratingly distracting and intrusive that I found myself having to reread several sections of each chapter. (This problem was less evident in the second half.)
There are two romantic subplots interwoven with the action of the story. In places, they are engrossing; however, they are unevenly developed. There are a couple of sex scenes that are so unnecessary that I was amazed that the editor left them in! These story lines are tied up in a neat bundle at the end.
The elements of espionage and the heroics of the men and women who risked all in the pursuit of freedom and democracy are incredible in that these did happen, in one way or another, throughout the War, all over the world. There were events in which characters on opposing sides treated each other with respect and dignity; there were unsung heroes, and heroes who weren't publicly acknowledged until long after the fighting ended; and there were very young participants who acted with the intelligence, capacity, and maturity one would expect of much older fighters and leaders. These aspects of the war in the Balkans were important to the book; but all could have been much more vivid, engrossing, and memorable in the work of a different author.
The plot of this historical novel is very compelling as it is basically a true account of Allied efforts in the Balkans to stymie Nazi plans and procedures, and to hasten the end of the War. I have read many books about the War, both fiction and non-fiction, but this is the first I have read about this theater. It should have been fascinating. The only reasons I rated the book as highly as I did were the novelty of the setting with true-to-life action, and the fictitious characters who helped to flesh out the story.
My primary problems with the book were the lack of literary "flow" of plot, language, and character development. Were the author not already somewhat successful, I would suggest a course or two in basic composition! I found myself rewriting whole paragraphs in my head, and rearranging sentence structures for greater clarity. I was surprised by the seemingly amateurish editing that didn't even correct basic punctuation: In the first half, the number and placement of commas were so frustratingly distracting and intrusive that I found myself having to reread several sections of each chapter. (This problem was less evident in the second half.)
There are two romantic subplots interwoven with the action of the story. In places, they are engrossing; however, they are unevenly developed. There are a couple of sex scenes that are so unnecessary that I was amazed that the editor left them in! These story lines are tied up in a neat bundle at the end.
The elements of espionage and the heroics of the men and women who risked all in the pursuit of freedom and democracy are incredible in that these did happen, in one way or another, throughout the War, all over the world. There were events in which characters on opposing sides treated each other with respect and dignity; there were unsung heroes, and heroes who weren't publicly acknowledged until long after the fighting ended; and there were very young participants who acted with the intelligence, capacity, and maturity one would expect of much older fighters and leaders. These aspects of the war in the Balkans were important to the book; but all could have been much more vivid, engrossing, and memorable in the work of a different author.
March 14, 2018
I never knew a thing about the Balkans
and the Federation of Yugoslavia during WWII. This book easily carries you from the beginning of the Nazi occupation in Yugoslavia through several years after the end of this war. The internal divisions of Serbs, Croatians, Slavs and other countrymen of this part of the world is quite complex and reveals that overall, FDR, who allowed Churchill to influence his decisions, supported the wrong side and section. I had to re-read several pages quite a few times due to my ignorance on the geopolitical history of this area, but I'm so glad that I did. The main characters with espionage roles, be they USA, British, German, Chetniks (Slavic Patriot Freedom Fighters) or Partisans (Slavs pretending to be Patriotic Freedom Fighters under Tito, who were secretly aligned with Soviets and their communist movement) were all very believable in their thoughts, feelings, words and actions. Only a few spelling errors, overall great editing. No horrific gory scenes, a bit of romance without any overt "sex scenes". Just enough to help you connect emotionally with a few of the characters, not enough to detract from the military and espionage theme. That is good writing without sensationalism, IMO.
If you want to get a great overview of what happened in the Balkans during WWII, this is a great place to start. It has stimulated me to want to learn more about their history and the ongoing battles and power struggles that continue there to this day. Thank you for writing this fictional novel based on historical events and opening my eyes to more that I did not know.
and the Federation of Yugoslavia during WWII. This book easily carries you from the beginning of the Nazi occupation in Yugoslavia through several years after the end of this war. The internal divisions of Serbs, Croatians, Slavs and other countrymen of this part of the world is quite complex and reveals that overall, FDR, who allowed Churchill to influence his decisions, supported the wrong side and section. I had to re-read several pages quite a few times due to my ignorance on the geopolitical history of this area, but I'm so glad that I did. The main characters with espionage roles, be they USA, British, German, Chetniks (Slavic Patriot Freedom Fighters) or Partisans (Slavs pretending to be Patriotic Freedom Fighters under Tito, who were secretly aligned with Soviets and their communist movement) were all very believable in their thoughts, feelings, words and actions. Only a few spelling errors, overall great editing. No horrific gory scenes, a bit of romance without any overt "sex scenes". Just enough to help you connect emotionally with a few of the characters, not enough to detract from the military and espionage theme. That is good writing without sensationalism, IMO.
If you want to get a great overview of what happened in the Balkans during WWII, this is a great place to start. It has stimulated me to want to learn more about their history and the ongoing battles and power struggles that continue there to this day. Thank you for writing this fictional novel based on historical events and opening my eyes to more that I did not know.
June 16, 2018
Could not put this down!
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I'm still having trouble believing that it's fiction. All of the characters are well formed and believable. I have the second book and I will be reading it next. Unlike many novels, the characters don't all live happily ever after, which adds to the realism and page-turning push. The subject matter is so interesting, I have gone looking for nonfiction about the same subject. I find that, for me at least, that is something that tells me whether a book is just good, or great.
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I'm still having trouble believing that it's fiction. All of the characters are well formed and believable. I have the second book and I will be reading it next. Unlike many novels, the characters don't all live happily ever after, which adds to the realism and page-turning push. The subject matter is so interesting, I have gone looking for nonfiction about the same subject. I find that, for me at least, that is something that tells me whether a book is just good, or great.
January 28, 2018
Three and a half stars
I enjoyed this story and especially appreciated the footnotes. The characters were complex and likable and yet there was this underlying aloofness that kept me from being completely invested in them. So although I was curious to see what happens next I didn't run to it.
I enjoyed this story and especially appreciated the footnotes. The characters were complex and likable and yet there was this underlying aloofness that kept me from being completely invested in them. So although I was curious to see what happens next I didn't run to it.
March 27, 2019
Who's the Enemy
During World War II, four friends living in Europe become involved in the war effort. Doing what they were trained to do, they all were successful in their own ways. This was a difficult read as I do not particularly like war novels. But this one gave me a little insight as to how things were in war times. Some triumphs, many defeats.
During World War II, four friends living in Europe become involved in the war effort. Doing what they were trained to do, they all were successful in their own ways. This was a difficult read as I do not particularly like war novels. But this one gave me a little insight as to how things were in war times. Some triumphs, many defeats.
June 13, 2022
A story of War, Love and friendship.
This is a very good and well written book. The characters are well developed. The book have a flow of the story lines that most books just dream about. This is a story about young people growing up during WW II and all the hardships that war brings about. This book is worth reading and enjoying.
This is a very good and well written book. The characters are well developed. The book have a flow of the story lines that most books just dream about. This is a story about young people growing up during WW II and all the hardships that war brings about. This book is worth reading and enjoying.
February 14, 2023
Wonderful Historic Thriller
Credible Dagger by Gregory M. Acuna is a fast paced, intelligently written thriller based upon real events during WWII. From the first page to the last, this story held me captive. This is the first book I have read by Mr. Acuna, but it won't be my last.
Credible Dagger by Gregory M. Acuna is a fast paced, intelligently written thriller based upon real events during WWII. From the first page to the last, this story held me captive. This is the first book I have read by Mr. Acuna, but it won't be my last.
July 21, 2019
What a great telling of a WWII account of the bravery of missions behind enemy lines. Lots of nail biting situations and true grit in the face of danger. I was gripped by this story from the start and ripped right through it.
November 21, 2019
Very accurate
The information used in creating this work is of very accurate source and seems to be as historical as possible . This is a very good read for those who like WWII or clandestine type books.
The information used in creating this work is of very accurate source and seems to be as historical as possible . This is a very good read for those who like WWII or clandestine type books.
May 23, 2019
Excellent story based on a true story about the men and women working behind enemy lines, Yugoslavia during the Second World War, plenty of action with a very interesting story.
May 29, 2019
Great read
This book kept me up all night and I didn't want to put it down. I definitely recommend it to anyone else who enjoys espionage and thrillers.
This book kept me up all night and I didn't want to put it down. I definitely recommend it to anyone else who enjoys espionage and thrillers.
August 1, 2019
Very good read
This is a very well written story. Kept my attention the whole time. Characters were well fleshed out Mali g them seem almost alive.
This is a very well written story. Kept my attention the whole time. Characters were well fleshed out Mali g them seem almost alive.
November 26, 2020
Good read
Very engrossing, lots of action not very believable situations, but entertaining. Will read more from this author hopefully as entertaining
Very engrossing, lots of action not very believable situations, but entertaining. Will read more from this author hopefully as entertaining
September 8, 2021
Interesting
This was an interesting story. I like stories that are based on historical facts. The characters of the story were real people and that made a good read.
This was an interesting story. I like stories that are based on historical facts. The characters of the story were real people and that made a good read.
Read
February 8, 2019Excellent read, the author really got the whole Balkan fight during WWII correct according to my Great Grand Father. The realism is good and the novel is fast paced!
May 29, 2019
Impossible to put down!
Excellent portrayal of the men and women who risked and gave their lives during this terrible period of history. A must read for WW 2 history buffs.
Excellent portrayal of the men and women who risked and gave their lives during this terrible period of history. A must read for WW 2 history buffs.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews