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Clandestine Operations #5
The Enemy of My Enemy
Special agent James Cronley Jr. finds that fighting both ex-Nazis and the Soviet NKGB can lead to strange bedfellows, in the dramatic new Clandestine Operations novel about the birth of the CIA and the Cold War.A month ago, Cronley managed to capture two notorious Nazi war criminals, but not without leaving some dead bodies and outraged Austrian police in his wake. He's been lying low ever since, but that little vacation is about to end. Somebody--Odessa, the NKGB, the Hungarian Secret Police?--has broken the criminals out of jail, and he must track them down again.
But there's more to it than that. Evidence has surfaced that in the war's last gasps, Heinrich Himmler had stashed away a fortune to build a secret religion, dedicated both to Himmler and to creating the Fourth Reich. That money is still out there in the hands of Odessa, and that infamous organization seems to have acquired a surprising--and troubling--ally.
Cronley is fast finding out that the phrase "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" can mean a lot of different things, and that it is not always clear which people he can trust and which are out to kill him.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published December 11, 2018
765 people are currently reading
570 people want to read
About the author
W.E.B. Griffin
351 books1,299 followersW.E.B. Griffin was one of several pseudonyms for William E. Butterworth III.
From the Authors Website:
W.E.B. Griffin was the #1 best-selling author of more than fifty epic novels in seven series, all of which have made The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other best-seller lists. More than fifty million of the books are in print in more than ten languages, including Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian.
Mr. Griffin grew up in the suburbs of New York City and Philadelphia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946. After basic training, he received counterintelligence training at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany, and ultimately to the staff of then-Major General I.D. White, commander of the U.S. Constabulary.
In 1951, Mr. Griffin was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, interrupting his education at Phillips University, Marburg an der Lahn, Germany. In Korea he earned the Combat Infantry Badge as a combat correspondent and later served as acting X Corps (Group) information officer under Lieutenant General White.
On his release from active duty in 1953, Mr. Griffin was appointed Chief of the Publications Division of the U.S. Army Signal Aviation Test & Support Activity at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Mr. Griffin was a member of the Special Operations Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Army Aviation Association, the Armor Association, and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society.
He was the 1991 recipient of the Brigadier General Robert L. Dening Memorial Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, and the August 1999 recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, presented at the 100th National Convention in Kansas City.
He has been vested into the Order of St. George of the U.S. Armor Association, and the Order of St. Andrew of the U.S. Army Aviation Association, and been awarded Honorary Doctoral degrees by Norwich University, the nation’s first and oldest private military college, and by Troy State University (Ala.). He was the graduation dinner speaker for the class of 1988 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He has been awarded honorary membership in the Special Forces Association, the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, the Marine Raiders Association, and the U.S. Army Otter & Caribou Association. In January 2003, he was made a life member of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and the State of Delaware.
He was the co-founder, with historian Colonel Carlo D’Este, of the William E. Colby Seminar on Intelligence, Military, and Diplomatic Affairs. (Details here and here)
He was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. And he belongs to the Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pensacola, Florida, chapters of the Flat Earth Society.
Mr. Griffin’s novels, known for their historical accuracy, have been praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer for their “fierce, stop-for-nothing scenes.”
“Nothing honors me more than a serviceman, veteran, or cop telling me he enjoys reading my books,” Mr. Griffin says.
Mr. Griffin divides his time between the Gulf Coast and Buenos Aires.
Notes:
Other Pseudonyms
* Alex Baldwin
* Webb Beech
* Walker E. Blake
* W.E. Butterworth
* James McM. Douglas
* Eden Hughes
* Edmund O. Scholefield
* Patrick J. Williams
* W. E. Butterworth
* John Kevin Dugan
* Jac
From the Authors Website:
W.E.B. Griffin was the #1 best-selling author of more than fifty epic novels in seven series, all of which have made The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other best-seller lists. More than fifty million of the books are in print in more than ten languages, including Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian.
Mr. Griffin grew up in the suburbs of New York City and Philadelphia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946. After basic training, he received counterintelligence training at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany, and ultimately to the staff of then-Major General I.D. White, commander of the U.S. Constabulary.
In 1951, Mr. Griffin was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, interrupting his education at Phillips University, Marburg an der Lahn, Germany. In Korea he earned the Combat Infantry Badge as a combat correspondent and later served as acting X Corps (Group) information officer under Lieutenant General White.
On his release from active duty in 1953, Mr. Griffin was appointed Chief of the Publications Division of the U.S. Army Signal Aviation Test & Support Activity at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Mr. Griffin was a member of the Special Operations Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Army Aviation Association, the Armor Association, and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society.
He was the 1991 recipient of the Brigadier General Robert L. Dening Memorial Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, and the August 1999 recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, presented at the 100th National Convention in Kansas City.
He has been vested into the Order of St. George of the U.S. Armor Association, and the Order of St. Andrew of the U.S. Army Aviation Association, and been awarded Honorary Doctoral degrees by Norwich University, the nation’s first and oldest private military college, and by Troy State University (Ala.). He was the graduation dinner speaker for the class of 1988 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He has been awarded honorary membership in the Special Forces Association, the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, the Marine Raiders Association, and the U.S. Army Otter & Caribou Association. In January 2003, he was made a life member of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and the State of Delaware.
He was the co-founder, with historian Colonel Carlo D’Este, of the William E. Colby Seminar on Intelligence, Military, and Diplomatic Affairs. (Details here and here)
He was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. And he belongs to the Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pensacola, Florida, chapters of the Flat Earth Society.
Mr. Griffin’s novels, known for their historical accuracy, have been praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer for their “fierce, stop-for-nothing scenes.”
“Nothing honors me more than a serviceman, veteran, or cop telling me he enjoys reading my books,” Mr. Griffin says.
Mr. Griffin divides his time between the Gulf Coast and Buenos Aires.
Notes:
Other Pseudonyms
* Alex Baldwin
* Webb Beech
* Walker E. Blake
* W.E. Butterworth
* James McM. Douglas
* Eden Hughes
* Edmund O. Scholefield
* Patrick J. Williams
* W. E. Butterworth
* John Kevin Dugan
* Jac
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
January 21, 2019
I'm typically a fan of Griffin genre and this series with this exception. Easily the worst story I've come across. I hope this clinker is the only exception and not the new rule. 1 of 10 stars
December 14, 2018
In book 5 of the Clandestine Operations series we get more of the same formula that the rest of the series has given us. This isn't always a good thing when it occurs that the book keeps trying to "tell us" the story in exposition rather than by showing us with action. I have had similar complaints on earlier works in the series and they are still present. I will say there are actually a few decent action sequences and I there were only 4 or so long repeated sections of the same information more than once in the book itself. This is a positive in that former volumes of this series have had several passages repeated multiple times with minor variations encompassing probably half of the book.
I rented this book at the library and wouldn't purchase it. I long for the days of the higher quality Griffin series that hold higher detail and actually encompass more interesting tales but we shall see if the current Father and Son collaborations can pull off better stories than they have.
I rented this book at the library and wouldn't purchase it. I long for the days of the higher quality Griffin series that hold higher detail and actually encompass more interesting tales but we shall see if the current Father and Son collaborations can pull off better stories than they have.
September 28, 2019
The war is over in Europe and Nazis are onn trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity. When a secret NaziNazi organization [Odessa] breaks two high ranking Nazis awaiting trial out of prison, Captain James Cronley is recalled from Argentina to track down and apprehend the men. The Russians and the Vatican play roles. Another great historical fiction from Griffin.
July 21, 2022
I accidentally picked up the fifth book and decided to read it anyway. The authors’ writing style was very enjoyable. For the most part, I was able to read this book from page one to the end without needing any previous context. Even though I’m sure the previous context would have enhanced the book is some manner. I will say I learned so much considering it is historical fiction. In the future I plan to read other works by these authors. :)
October 22, 2024
Another excellent entry in Griffin's Clandestine Operations series. With the Nuremberg trials nearing their end the 2 SS bigwigs Cronley caught in the previous book have escaped.
Combine that with the suspicions of the Vatican assisting former Nazi officers escape leads to a very interesting story. Thus ending this series.
Combine that with the suspicions of the Vatican assisting former Nazi officers escape leads to a very interesting story. Thus ending this series.
January 10, 2019
I have to give this book 5-Stars because of the author's clever way of giving the reader a history lesson interwoven into fiction. This is the story of how the Nazis were trying to escape Germany after the end of WWII, along with money and gold confiscated from the Jews when they were exterminated during the war.
April 10, 2022
Interesting well developed characters, great dialogue, and a strong story line. This ends the clandestine operation series.
December 14, 2018
Without a doubt ...the best Griffen book
I have read every series, most books 5 times each or more . I read each of the series once a year.
Off all these books, about Marines, the Army, the police, the intelligence community then and now... this is the best book.
without compar...
I have read every series, most books 5 times each or more . I read each of the series once a year.
Off all these books, about Marines, the Army, the police, the intelligence community then and now... this is the best book.
without compar...
December 25, 2018
I really don't know what to write, Griffin is one of my absolute favorite authors and I look forward to each new book with great pleasure. This is the fifth book in his latest series and it's well written and funny. I always laugh reading his work. In this series we follow James Cronley in Europe after the second world war while they are trying to find out about Odessa. For those who never tried this writer I strongly recommend that you start from the beginning. I for one can't get enough of these books.
January 24, 2019
THE ENEMY OF MY ENEMY is book five in the Clandestine Operations series, which W. E. B. Griffin writes with his son, William E. Butterworth IV. Their latest thriller begins in the early stages of the Allied-Russian occupation following the armistice to end World War II. Justice Robert H. Jackson is appointed by President Harry S. Truman to oversee and conduct courtroom trials of former German SS officers. A cadre of Russian and American military officers is ordered to track down any SS men who are still on the loose for prosecution in Nuremburg.
Truman meets with Jackson and Captain Souers, USNR, to discuss the escape of two alleged SS war criminals from American hands in Germany. Odessa, a suspected Nazi organization, is believed to have given these men access to escape the Tribunal Prison. Captain James Cronley, the young officer who captured them (and whose nickname is “Super Spook”), is working undercover with OSS agent Cletus Frade in Argentina. Truman orders Cronley back to Germany with specific instructions to recapture the escapees. Cronley’s original capture ran into complications with the Austrian authorities, who tried to secure them for trial in Austria, outside of the Nuremburg trials. Now, Cronley will work with Russian General Ivan Serov, a former NKGB agent, who is involved in their occupied German sector.
Cronley’s past assignments for OSS --- a presidential appointment dealing with SS personnel during the war --- expand to eliminate Odessa’s operations. Odessa has successfully smuggled former Nazi officers with families to countries that will shelter them from extradition, such as Switzerland and Argentina. Many riches stolen by the Nazis have disappeared from Germany, France and Austria --- their conquered lands --- prior to the war’s end.
Griffin and Butterworth write a lesson in history, flavored by colorful personalities. Cronley is considered a maverick, unbound by rules, acting with both enthusiasm and diligence. Even he knows when he has gone too far. His duty dictates that he acts as chief security officer to Justice Jackson, but he is given leeway to bring the SS men back for trial. When he meets the entourage that has flown back to Germany from Argentina, another surprise greets the young captain.
Ginger Moriarty, the widow of Cronley’s fallen comrade, joins his group, along with her baby, Bruce. Father Jack McGrath, a Jesuit priest, is along for the ride as well. His expertise in studies of maverick religions may help the Vatican leaders fully understand that Odessa has duped its hierarchy into holding certain Odessa monies. Before his suicide, Nazi leader Heinrich Himmler had hidden secrets that reveal the establishment of a religion for SS members alone. Gold, securities and other valuables may rest in the fortress of a castle in Bavaria.
Bolstered by those he trusts, Cronley sets out to solve the riddles of escaped prisoners, hidden treasure, the unraveling and elimination of Odessa, and the destruction of a rogue religious order. Meanwhile, he falls in love with Ginger, much to the distress of his military superiors. Undeterred, he announces his engagement to her. In the days ahead, Ginger will be with his group, willingly giving her opinions and advice. She and her son will share a place in the safe house provided by Cronley’s team, and work with Colonel Mortimer Cohen, who is in charge of operations.
The reader can identify with the “hows and whys” of events as they may have happened during the postwar years. Distrust of the Russians is culled from their history as conquerors. Politics of the nearby nations of Austria and France enter the fray when decisions about criminal prosecutions are made. Griffin and Butterworth depict the various positions from both political and humanitarian standpoints. THE ENEMY OF MY ENEMY exhibits a hard fact of wartime --- that trust is a cherished but evasive objective. Captain Cronley matures within himself and his assignment, working through personal and public traumas. Fans can only anticipate the next Griffin/Butterworth collaboration.
Reviewed by Judy Gigstad
Truman meets with Jackson and Captain Souers, USNR, to discuss the escape of two alleged SS war criminals from American hands in Germany. Odessa, a suspected Nazi organization, is believed to have given these men access to escape the Tribunal Prison. Captain James Cronley, the young officer who captured them (and whose nickname is “Super Spook”), is working undercover with OSS agent Cletus Frade in Argentina. Truman orders Cronley back to Germany with specific instructions to recapture the escapees. Cronley’s original capture ran into complications with the Austrian authorities, who tried to secure them for trial in Austria, outside of the Nuremburg trials. Now, Cronley will work with Russian General Ivan Serov, a former NKGB agent, who is involved in their occupied German sector.
Cronley’s past assignments for OSS --- a presidential appointment dealing with SS personnel during the war --- expand to eliminate Odessa’s operations. Odessa has successfully smuggled former Nazi officers with families to countries that will shelter them from extradition, such as Switzerland and Argentina. Many riches stolen by the Nazis have disappeared from Germany, France and Austria --- their conquered lands --- prior to the war’s end.
Griffin and Butterworth write a lesson in history, flavored by colorful personalities. Cronley is considered a maverick, unbound by rules, acting with both enthusiasm and diligence. Even he knows when he has gone too far. His duty dictates that he acts as chief security officer to Justice Jackson, but he is given leeway to bring the SS men back for trial. When he meets the entourage that has flown back to Germany from Argentina, another surprise greets the young captain.
Ginger Moriarty, the widow of Cronley’s fallen comrade, joins his group, along with her baby, Bruce. Father Jack McGrath, a Jesuit priest, is along for the ride as well. His expertise in studies of maverick religions may help the Vatican leaders fully understand that Odessa has duped its hierarchy into holding certain Odessa monies. Before his suicide, Nazi leader Heinrich Himmler had hidden secrets that reveal the establishment of a religion for SS members alone. Gold, securities and other valuables may rest in the fortress of a castle in Bavaria.
Bolstered by those he trusts, Cronley sets out to solve the riddles of escaped prisoners, hidden treasure, the unraveling and elimination of Odessa, and the destruction of a rogue religious order. Meanwhile, he falls in love with Ginger, much to the distress of his military superiors. Undeterred, he announces his engagement to her. In the days ahead, Ginger will be with his group, willingly giving her opinions and advice. She and her son will share a place in the safe house provided by Cronley’s team, and work with Colonel Mortimer Cohen, who is in charge of operations.
The reader can identify with the “hows and whys” of events as they may have happened during the postwar years. Distrust of the Russians is culled from their history as conquerors. Politics of the nearby nations of Austria and France enter the fray when decisions about criminal prosecutions are made. Griffin and Butterworth depict the various positions from both political and humanitarian standpoints. THE ENEMY OF MY ENEMY exhibits a hard fact of wartime --- that trust is a cherished but evasive objective. Captain Cronley matures within himself and his assignment, working through personal and public traumas. Fans can only anticipate the next Griffin/Butterworth collaboration.
Reviewed by Judy Gigstad
January 24, 2019
THE ENEMY OF MY ENEMY is book five in the Clandestine Operations series, which W. E. B. Griffin writes with his son, William E. Butterworth IV. Their latest thriller begins in the early stages of the Allied-Russian occupation following the armistice to end World War II. Justice Robert H. Jackson is appointed by President Harry S. Truman to oversee and conduct courtroom trials of former German SS officers. A cadre of Russian and American military officers is ordered to track down any SS men who are still on the loose for prosecution in Nuremburg.
Truman meets with Jackson and Captain Souers, USNR, to discuss the escape of two alleged SS war criminals from American hands in Germany. Odessa, a suspected Nazi organization, is believed to have given these men access to escape the Tribunal Prison. Captain James Cronley, the young officer who captured them (and whose nickname is “Super Spook”), is working undercover with OSS agent Cletus Frade in Argentina. Truman orders Cronley back to Germany with specific instructions to recapture the escapees. Cronley’s original capture ran into complications with the Austrian authorities, who tried to secure them for trial in Austria, outside of the Nuremburg trials. Now, Cronley will work with Russian General Ivan Serov, a former NKGB agent, who is involved in their occupied German sector.
Cronley’s past assignments for OSS --- a presidential appointment dealing with SS personnel during the war --- expand to eliminate Odessa’s operations. Odessa has successfully smuggled former Nazi officers with families to countries that will shelter them from extradition, such as Switzerland and Argentina. Many riches stolen by the Nazis have disappeared from Germany, France and Austria --- their conquered lands --- prior to the war’s end.
Griffin and Butterworth write a lesson in history, flavored by colorful personalities. Cronley is considered a maverick, unbound by rules, acting with both enthusiasm and diligence. Even he knows when he has gone too far. His duty dictates that he acts as chief security officer to Justice Jackson, but he is given leeway to bring the SS men back for trial. When he meets the entourage that has flown back to Germany from Argentina, another surprise greets the young captain.
Ginger Moriarty, the widow of Cronley’s fallen comrade, joins his group, along with her baby, Bruce. Father Jack McGrath, a Jesuit priest, is along for the ride as well. His expertise in studies of maverick religions may help the Vatican leaders fully understand that Odessa has duped its hierarchy into holding certain Odessa monies. Before his suicide, Nazi leader Heinrich Himmler had hidden secrets that reveal the establishment of a religion for SS members alone. Gold, securities and other valuables may rest in the fortress of a castle in Bavaria.
Bolstered by those he trusts, Cronley sets out to solve the riddles of escaped prisoners, hidden treasure, the unraveling and elimination of Odessa, and the destruction of a rogue religious order. Meanwhile, he falls in love with Ginger, much to the distress of his military superiors. Undeterred, he announces his engagement to her. In the days ahead, Ginger will be with his group, willingly giving her opinions and advice. She and her son will share a place in the safe house provided by Cronley’s team, and work with Colonel Mortimer Cohen, who is in charge of operations.
The reader can identify with the “hows and whys” of events as they may have happened during the postwar years. Distrust of the Russians is culled from their history as conquerors. Politics of the nearby nations of Austria and France enter the fray when decisions about criminal prosecutions are made. Griffin and Butterworth depict the various positions from both political and humanitarian standpoints. THE ENEMY OF MY ENEMY exhibits a hard fact of wartime --- that trust is a cherished but evasive objective. Captain Cronley matures within himself and his assignment, working through personal and public traumas. Fans can only anticipate the next Griffin/Butterworth collaboration.
Reviewed by Judy Gigstad
Truman meets with Jackson and Captain Souers, USNR, to discuss the escape of two alleged SS war criminals from American hands in Germany. Odessa, a suspected Nazi organization, is believed to have given these men access to escape the Tribunal Prison. Captain James Cronley, the young officer who captured them (and whose nickname is “Super Spook”), is working undercover with OSS agent Cletus Frade in Argentina. Truman orders Cronley back to Germany with specific instructions to recapture the escapees. Cronley’s original capture ran into complications with the Austrian authorities, who tried to secure them for trial in Austria, outside of the Nuremburg trials. Now, Cronley will work with Russian General Ivan Serov, a former NKGB agent, who is involved in their occupied German sector.
Cronley’s past assignments for OSS --- a presidential appointment dealing with SS personnel during the war --- expand to eliminate Odessa’s operations. Odessa has successfully smuggled former Nazi officers with families to countries that will shelter them from extradition, such as Switzerland and Argentina. Many riches stolen by the Nazis have disappeared from Germany, France and Austria --- their conquered lands --- prior to the war’s end.
Griffin and Butterworth write a lesson in history, flavored by colorful personalities. Cronley is considered a maverick, unbound by rules, acting with both enthusiasm and diligence. Even he knows when he has gone too far. His duty dictates that he acts as chief security officer to Justice Jackson, but he is given leeway to bring the SS men back for trial. When he meets the entourage that has flown back to Germany from Argentina, another surprise greets the young captain.
Ginger Moriarty, the widow of Cronley’s fallen comrade, joins his group, along with her baby, Bruce. Father Jack McGrath, a Jesuit priest, is along for the ride as well. His expertise in studies of maverick religions may help the Vatican leaders fully understand that Odessa has duped its hierarchy into holding certain Odessa monies. Before his suicide, Nazi leader Heinrich Himmler had hidden secrets that reveal the establishment of a religion for SS members alone. Gold, securities and other valuables may rest in the fortress of a castle in Bavaria.
Bolstered by those he trusts, Cronley sets out to solve the riddles of escaped prisoners, hidden treasure, the unraveling and elimination of Odessa, and the destruction of a rogue religious order. Meanwhile, he falls in love with Ginger, much to the distress of his military superiors. Undeterred, he announces his engagement to her. In the days ahead, Ginger will be with his group, willingly giving her opinions and advice. She and her son will share a place in the safe house provided by Cronley’s team, and work with Colonel Mortimer Cohen, who is in charge of operations.
The reader can identify with the “hows and whys” of events as they may have happened during the postwar years. Distrust of the Russians is culled from their history as conquerors. Politics of the nearby nations of Austria and France enter the fray when decisions about criminal prosecutions are made. Griffin and Butterworth depict the various positions from both political and humanitarian standpoints. THE ENEMY OF MY ENEMY exhibits a hard fact of wartime --- that trust is a cherished but evasive objective. Captain Cronley matures within himself and his assignment, working through personal and public traumas. Fans can only anticipate the next Griffin/Butterworth collaboration.
Reviewed by Judy Gigstad
January 5, 2020
I was given this book as a gift from my son, so admittedly I haven’t read the other 4 in the series. As such, I will mitigate the rating I’m giving since I don’t have any other book to compare it to.
“The Enemy of My Enemy” is a child’s roller coaster of a ride from cover to cover, with a couple minor twists and turns that I feel were thrown in for added color for the story (and provided little relevance to the overall story other than shock value). It was a fairly straight forward World War II novel based on special organizations within the military and featured both characters with “secret squirrel” levels of intellect and the stereotypical “big balls” high-ranking officers. The book’s conclusion was anti-climactic and too short, and the I feel that the author relied far too heavily on dialogue between characters (sometimes multiple at a time, making an attempt to follow along frustratingly difficult) and action sequences were few and far between. Speaking to the action in the book, it felt akin to trying to cut a steak with a dull butter knife - they conveyed time passing but provided almost no sense of urgency or thrills whatsoever, instead seeming like they were written to fill up content on the pages and progress the story. Numerous plot devices were left incomplete and there was almost no payoff or closure for the main characters. I didn’t really feel compelled to finish the book on interest, and I only completed it because I felt honored that my son thought of me when he saw the book’s cover (I’m a military man, it’s a military book). I don’t think I’ll be reading any other material by the author(s).
“The Enemy of My Enemy” is a child’s roller coaster of a ride from cover to cover, with a couple minor twists and turns that I feel were thrown in for added color for the story (and provided little relevance to the overall story other than shock value). It was a fairly straight forward World War II novel based on special organizations within the military and featured both characters with “secret squirrel” levels of intellect and the stereotypical “big balls” high-ranking officers. The book’s conclusion was anti-climactic and too short, and the I feel that the author relied far too heavily on dialogue between characters (sometimes multiple at a time, making an attempt to follow along frustratingly difficult) and action sequences were few and far between. Speaking to the action in the book, it felt akin to trying to cut a steak with a dull butter knife - they conveyed time passing but provided almost no sense of urgency or thrills whatsoever, instead seeming like they were written to fill up content on the pages and progress the story. Numerous plot devices were left incomplete and there was almost no payoff or closure for the main characters. I didn’t really feel compelled to finish the book on interest, and I only completed it because I felt honored that my son thought of me when he saw the book’s cover (I’m a military man, it’s a military book). I don’t think I’ll be reading any other material by the author(s).
March 5, 2020
“The Enemy of My Enemy” opens with the breakout of two notorious Nazi war criminals – Burgdorf and Von Dietelburg- from the Tribunal prison. Charged to recapture them by President Truman Captain Jim Cronley (aka Super Spook) returns from a forced vacation in Argentina to Nuremberg Germany to hunt them down facing loss and danger in his mission.
With twists like a castle, Heinrich Himmler, and a new religion as well Odessa a Nazi organization laundering money from the war through the Vatican bank the story heats up as “Super Spook” is joined in his search by the head of the Nuremburg Trials - a former Supreme Court Justice, DCI agents, a Russian General, and a Vatican Cardinal.
Set after WWII with the birth of the CIA and rise of the KGB, the novel blends humor, undercover operations and danger in a page turning thriller, the action never stopping as intensity and suspense continually escalate. Yet amid all the tension there are tender moments as Captain Cronley reunites with a woman from his past and her infant son only to have tragedy steal his lover away. Interwoven with historical facts and utterly riveting, the plot is brought to life by a host of compelling characters like the smart, resourceful and witty special agent Captain James Cronley Jr.
I enjoyed “The Enemy of My Enemy” with its fascinating plot and vivid characters and will look for other books in the “Clandestine Operations” series.
With twists like a castle, Heinrich Himmler, and a new religion as well Odessa a Nazi organization laundering money from the war through the Vatican bank the story heats up as “Super Spook” is joined in his search by the head of the Nuremburg Trials - a former Supreme Court Justice, DCI agents, a Russian General, and a Vatican Cardinal.
Set after WWII with the birth of the CIA and rise of the KGB, the novel blends humor, undercover operations and danger in a page turning thriller, the action never stopping as intensity and suspense continually escalate. Yet amid all the tension there are tender moments as Captain Cronley reunites with a woman from his past and her infant son only to have tragedy steal his lover away. Interwoven with historical facts and utterly riveting, the plot is brought to life by a host of compelling characters like the smart, resourceful and witty special agent Captain James Cronley Jr.
I enjoyed “The Enemy of My Enemy” with its fascinating plot and vivid characters and will look for other books in the “Clandestine Operations” series.
February 1, 2025
The final Clandestine Operations novel sees our heroes, led by Jim Cronley, struggling to recapture the Nazi generals who escaped between books 4 and 5 and put the nails in the coffin of the religion the Nazis were creating to inspire the thousand-year Reich. That last is a major theme of the novels. The Nazis were defeated, but they haven't given up their dream of an empire that will last a thousand years and Cronley and his team figure out that they have two separate treasures, each worth hundreds of millions of dollars, with which to fund their millennial ambushes. The first is in the Vatican Bank and they have to figure out how to get the Vatican to seal the Nazis off from it. The second they believe is hidden somewhere in the giant castle complex that was to become the sort of St. Peter's Basilica of the Nazis. It's an exciting story, which is weakened early on by yet another woman throwing herself at Cronley's feet. Then it's further marred when it becomes apparent that that woman's only reason for existing is to give the reader another reason to hate the Nazis that Cronley and company are trying to track down. But removing that storyline from the equation, this is a great end to a really enjoyable series.
March 29, 2025
Captain James D. Cronley is what those of us who have been chronically online in certain spaces would refer to as a “Mary Sue.” He’s 22 years old and given all of these incredible positions of power with Army intelligence, is referred to CONSTANTLY as “Loose Cannon” and “Super Spook” by his superiors, and every crazy idea somehow works out (mostly) perfectly in his favor. He has totally unnecessary love interests scattered throughout (I do see the point of a 007-esque honey pot, but that’s literally it), with more than half of them dying unceremoniously off screen, and the last one was the love of his life who he had only reconnected with after her husband died? The man has the emotional range of a toaster oven, and don’t even get me started on the dialogue. I have never (a) heard so many people list things in one conversation to each other, or (b), do it in this HYPER-SPECIFIC way. There are so many little things to nitpick that I should have done for each book, but I didn’t, and I won’t waste that time now.
I did rate all 5 books with 3 stars because the overall plot WAS entertaining, and I’m a sucker for anything WWII, especially when it comes to Nazi mysticism. I wish that had been explored in more detail and earlier, but alas.
I did rate all 5 books with 3 stars because the overall plot WAS entertaining, and I’m a sucker for anything WWII, especially when it comes to Nazi mysticism. I wish that had been explored in more detail and earlier, but alas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2020
I have to say that I really enjoy the characters that WEB Griffin has created in his military series. My favourite has to be the Brotherhood of War, then the Corps, but others such as this are quite good reads as well.
The story line picks up from previous books, but you don't have to read them to get a sense of what is going on. Two dangerous, high-ranking former SS officers have escaped the Allies and the hunt is on.
My only real knock on these books is that you tend to see a lot of repetition of stock phrases. Such as when the characters seem to belittle each other, to which another character inevitably responds, "They really do like each other." But when you've written as many books as they have, well I guess you can take some liberties.
Overall, I enjoyed this latest instalment and plan on going back to fill some holes I have in the series. They are entertaining, fairly quick reads and worth the time spent reading them if you enjoy this kind of stuff.
The story line picks up from previous books, but you don't have to read them to get a sense of what is going on. Two dangerous, high-ranking former SS officers have escaped the Allies and the hunt is on.
My only real knock on these books is that you tend to see a lot of repetition of stock phrases. Such as when the characters seem to belittle each other, to which another character inevitably responds, "They really do like each other." But when you've written as many books as they have, well I guess you can take some liberties.
Overall, I enjoyed this latest instalment and plan on going back to fill some holes I have in the series. They are entertaining, fairly quick reads and worth the time spent reading them if you enjoy this kind of stuff.
January 17, 2019
I liked this series. Using some historical facts with the fiction makes for interesting reading and further research. Considering so many other possibilities from such evil facts and history is scary. As a teenager, I wrote short stories with a few things I knew considered facts but with a lot of my imagination. All of my short stories were destroyed during the 1960 Hurricane Donna in the Florida Keys---that ended my writing. Mixing facts with history seems to bring things more alive the way the Clandestine Operations series is written. I have read most of the other series he has written and just really like his style and fun to read.
March 27, 2019
This book recounted events after World War II. It was amazing the brutality that Germans exhibited towards Jewish people. They murdered them but now without removing gold rings and teeth. Super Spook was a young American officer who had lost two high value German targets are a daring capture. The novel revolved around his attempts to get them back. The Vatican was involved for reasons that you would not believe. A Russian General was lending assistance for reasons unknown. I liked the historical accuracy of this novel. I will read another book by this author.
January 5, 2021
The war is over in Europe and Nazis are on trial for war crimes. A couple escape and Cronley is tasked to find them, cooperating with the Russians and the Vatican to do it..."Enemy of my Enemy." There are other familiar characters, Frada, Tiny and others, but MG Green plays a larger role for some reason. Once the listener gets past Griffin's story telling syle, it all works. Griffin/Butterworth, the author, spent 1946 in the Constabulary in Germany, so this story makes good sense for him. Too bad he did not follow on with book #6--more story exists there.
September 1, 2021
I love this series… there are fast-paced, sarcastic, humorous journey of intrigue, mystery and perfectly captures both the spirit of being in the military. Having said that, of the series this was my least favorite book.
To have Super Spook in bed with his good friend’s widow within the first 6 pages of the book was not just hard to believe but didn’t really add much to the story. About halfway through the book, it finally picks up the pace and gets to the intrigue that was started in Death At Nuremberg.
Overall…average fair. The rest of the series has been so much better.
To have Super Spook in bed with his good friend’s widow within the first 6 pages of the book was not just hard to believe but didn’t really add much to the story. About halfway through the book, it finally picks up the pace and gets to the intrigue that was started in Death At Nuremberg.
Overall…average fair. The rest of the series has been so much better.
June 1, 2022
I've known about this author for at least 30 years , but never tried one of his books . As I feared , the book is very American , awash with post-WW2 military information . Sort of a poor man's Tom Clancy , though thankfully much shorter . Set in 1946 , 2 Nazi bigwigs escape from custody in Germany before their war crimes trial begins . At the President's instigation , a young super - agent is given the job of bringing them to justice . I'm afraid that I found the main characters very irritating and didn't care if the escapees were recaptured or not .
January 9, 2023
Good premise, but the storyline was not very compelling. The writing quality was just so-so, typical for pulp fiction. Good light reading but not one to get lost in. Lost stars for historical inaccuracy (noting Kristallnacht as June 30, 1933; one character was named after a real person who died before the events of the book took place) and for inappropriate use of Russian patronymics (used a patronymic as a first name, last name, and in its proper place). Very easily could have been a much longer book - a lot of build up for a very short ending.
December 31, 2018
If one can find any of Griffin's great writing from "The Brotherhood of War" or "The Corps" you are better than me (which is not a high bar).
The last several of the Clandestine Operations books seemed mailed in and the only reason to read them is the hope that that somehow the magic will come back - which it didn't in this book.
Maybe it's true that a writer has one great book in them which, after it is written, they just keep re-hashing.
The last several of the Clandestine Operations books seemed mailed in and the only reason to read them is the hope that that somehow the magic will come back - which it didn't in this book.
Maybe it's true that a writer has one great book in them which, after it is written, they just keep re-hashing.
January 6, 2019
An interesting read by Mr. Griffin
Having read all the previous books in this series,I feel that this book was a little haphazard in how it was put together. The first problem was taking the two germans out of jail to interrogate them and then you never read any more on the subject until it happens later in the book. Also the lack of emotion when his friend and fiance get killed and he loses little Bruce. It was not really that good of ending.
Having read all the previous books in this series,I feel that this book was a little haphazard in how it was put together. The first problem was taking the two germans out of jail to interrogate them and then you never read any more on the subject until it happens later in the book. Also the lack of emotion when his friend and fiance get killed and he loses little Bruce. It was not really that good of ending.
January 6, 2019
Another of WEBG's light-hearted chronicles about events during the Second World War, this time about events during the post-war Nuremburg trials. The main character is a young captain who is made out to be cleverer and more intelligent than just about everyone else, including all superior and more experienced officers. Entertaining and easily readable even though one does eventually tire of the wisecracks and witticisms attributed to the 'hero'.
February 5, 2019
The 5th is the series of a fictionalized account of what O'Reilly & Dugard covered in "Killing the SS" & the transitioning of the OSS into the CIA..."The Enemy of My Enemy" title refers to the unique relationship some of the US Nazi hunters forged with the Soviet NKVD in hunting down these war criminals...again the series centers on Special Agent James Cronley and his ups & downs of accomplishing his mission...Good stuff!!!
February 16, 2019
One of the best in this series! Very involved plots with the usual highly fleshed out characterization and the usual great level of historical details as well. I already knew quite a bit about the period, but still learned a few things while still enjoying a wel told tale as well! I can't wait to see what direction they take the story next! This one was good enough that I couldn't put it down, thus I read it all night in lieu of going to bed. But it was worth it!
March 25, 2019
I had heard good things about W.E.B. Griffin and when I saw this book, I figured I would try it out as the title had caught my eye and the blurb on the back of the book sounded interesting. The book was awful with thinly sketched characters, poor historical and geographical items and so much more. Yes, I finished it but I kept hoping that it would get better and when I gave up that hope, I did want to see how it ended.
July 15, 2019
I have been a super fan of the author himself (when not written in conjunction with his son, Butterworth), but found this book to be very disappointing. Many passages were repeated, almost in full, throughout the book. And I did not find myself engaging with any of the characters as I had with so many of the author’s earlier books. I was so saddened to learn of W.E.B. Griffin’s death earlier this year.
March 20, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It seems to be based on at least some of the history surrounding the Nuremberg trials of Nazis after WWII, but someone with more knowledge of history wound have to confirm whether or not it is cl ok ser to history, historical fiction, or fiction. It seemed to jump around a bit, and the German places and names were sometimes difficult initially to keep straight, but it worked. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
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