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World War II #3
Spies of the Midnight Sun
Winner Independent Publisher Book Awards
Spies of the Midnight Sun is the true story of legendary British safecracker and spy Eddie Chapman, the British Double Cross Spy System, and Norwegian female Resistance operatives Dagmar Lahlum and Annemarie Breien.
Known as Agent Zigzag, the most remarkable double agent of WWII, the fearless and roguishly handsome Chapman fell in love with and spied alongside the stunning 20-year-old model Dagmar Lahlum in Occupied Norway. Based upon recently released historical records from British and Norwegian archives, this WWII adventure and romance tale illuminates for the first time the intimate relationship between the two spy-lovers as well as the wartime exploits of Lahlum, Breien, and the Norwegian Resistance to liberate Norway and combat the Gestapo's bloodhound investigator, Siegfried Fehmer.
The contributions of Dagmar Lahlum and Annemarie Breien to the Allied war effort are many and incontrovertible--and yet history has never properly recognized these courageous Resistance women for their achievements. Until now. This book is their story and the story of the colorful Eddie Chapman in their efforts to defeat the Nazis.
Spies of the Midnight Sun is the true story of legendary British safecracker and spy Eddie Chapman, the British Double Cross Spy System, and Norwegian female Resistance operatives Dagmar Lahlum and Annemarie Breien.
Known as Agent Zigzag, the most remarkable double agent of WWII, the fearless and roguishly handsome Chapman fell in love with and spied alongside the stunning 20-year-old model Dagmar Lahlum in Occupied Norway. Based upon recently released historical records from British and Norwegian archives, this WWII adventure and romance tale illuminates for the first time the intimate relationship between the two spy-lovers as well as the wartime exploits of Lahlum, Breien, and the Norwegian Resistance to liberate Norway and combat the Gestapo's bloodhound investigator, Siegfried Fehmer.
The contributions of Dagmar Lahlum and Annemarie Breien to the Allied war effort are many and incontrovertible--and yet history has never properly recognized these courageous Resistance women for their achievements. Until now. This book is their story and the story of the colorful Eddie Chapman in their efforts to defeat the Nazis.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2018
1201 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Samuel Marquis
16 books111 followersThe ninth-great-grandson of legendary privateer Captain William Kidd, Samuel Marquis, M.S., P.G., is a professional hydrogeologist, expert witness, and bestselling, award-winning author of twelve American non-fiction-history, historical-fiction, and suspense books, covering primarily the period from colonial America through WWII. His American history and historical fiction books have been #1 Denver Post bestsellers and received multiple national book awards (Kirkus Reviews and Foreword Reviews Book of the Year, American Book Fest and USA Best Book, Readers’ Favorite, Beverly Hills, Independent Publisher, Colorado Book Awards). His historical titles have garnered glowing reviews from bestselling authors, colonial American history and maritime historians, U.S. military veterans, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and Foreword Reviews (Starred Reviews, 5 Stars). His website is samuelmarquisbooks.com and for publicity inquiries, please contact BooksForward at info@booksforward.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 2, 2018
4.5 stars
It’s not very often that I read nonfiction or just plain history books. A book really needs to stand out for me or be in my specialized interest area, for me to review it. I have a Masters in History so reading history nonfiction is something I did for a long time and while I like it, I still have flashbacks about college papers and thesis critiques.
So that’s what I thought I was getting into with this book….nonfiction. Dry, scholarly, researched history. I mean, it has ‘true story’ written right in the title—and I just assumed that it would be an informative book, but devoid of personal stories—which I was ok with since that’s what I expected going in. However, imagine my surprise when this book read like a thriller with romance! The joy and relief was REAL!
This book was excellent. It was about very unique characters that aren’t known in the larger historic narrative. And yes this book is nonfiction, but it really reads like fiction. I suspect that the author is meticulous in his research and that he reads all the boring stuff so we don’t have to and then creates this informative and exciting story!
I have never read anything by this author and I also noticed that this was a part of a series. I obviously didn’t read the other books in the series and I was not lost in the least. His research is wonderfully executed and organized. I was very impressed with his ability to take a lot of facts and unknown characters and come up with this story. Is there creative license or fictionalization happening in the story and with the characters? Sure, but the historic information within the story is so extensive, that I hesitate to even think of this as ‘historical fiction’.
Here is a book that I pegged for a slow read, when I actually finished it in a matter of days. It was engrossing, interesting, and well done. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. It was an easy 4.5 star review for me since the research and perspective were interesting–add in the thrilling pace of this book and you have a very readable and different story!
See my full review here
It’s not very often that I read nonfiction or just plain history books. A book really needs to stand out for me or be in my specialized interest area, for me to review it. I have a Masters in History so reading history nonfiction is something I did for a long time and while I like it, I still have flashbacks about college papers and thesis critiques.
So that’s what I thought I was getting into with this book….nonfiction. Dry, scholarly, researched history. I mean, it has ‘true story’ written right in the title—and I just assumed that it would be an informative book, but devoid of personal stories—which I was ok with since that’s what I expected going in. However, imagine my surprise when this book read like a thriller with romance! The joy and relief was REAL!
This book was excellent. It was about very unique characters that aren’t known in the larger historic narrative. And yes this book is nonfiction, but it really reads like fiction. I suspect that the author is meticulous in his research and that he reads all the boring stuff so we don’t have to and then creates this informative and exciting story!
I have never read anything by this author and I also noticed that this was a part of a series. I obviously didn’t read the other books in the series and I was not lost in the least. His research is wonderfully executed and organized. I was very impressed with his ability to take a lot of facts and unknown characters and come up with this story. Is there creative license or fictionalization happening in the story and with the characters? Sure, but the historic information within the story is so extensive, that I hesitate to even think of this as ‘historical fiction’.
Here is a book that I pegged for a slow read, when I actually finished it in a matter of days. It was engrossing, interesting, and well done. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. It was an easy 4.5 star review for me since the research and perspective were interesting–add in the thrilling pace of this book and you have a very readable and different story!
See my full review here
July 31, 2018
You might ask me why I have read just about every one of Sam Marquis’ books, but don’t bother. I’m going to give you reasons why as I go along. As a former history teacher and continued historian and lover of history, perhaps those last two are one and the same, and having been known as a World, read European, History specialist, you would think I would know the finer details of something with such significance to the world as WWII. But, unfortunately all the nice money I paid for a top of the line college education failed me yet again. And I know this only because of that evil man writer known as Samuel Marquis.
Of all the books Marquis has written, his WWII trilogy is by far my favorite, only because of my love of history. I am biased that way. I love his other books too but again, I am biased. What sets his books apart from other historical fiction efforts is his deep research and attention to detail. He doesn’t just use information that is easy to find, he uses information that has been declassified by governments. That means he dredges through file after file and reads obscure books with information in it that would bore a bookaholic, all in the effort to find three characters little known by anyone outside of their families and immediate hierarchy during WWII.
Spies of the Midnight Sun is about real people. We have the colorful British safecracker, Eddie Chapman, who is the double agent known as Agent Zigzag. Then there are two amazing female Norwegian Resistance fighters, the 20-year-old model Dagmar Lahlum, who is Chapman’s lover, and Annemarie Breien. Of course, if there are heroes and good guys then there are the evil bad guys and of course Nazis cover that role well, and in this case, it is the Gestapo’s investigator Siegfried Fehmer.
Several reviewers have commented that this book should be a film and I agree. You have it all. Spies, the Resistance, Nazis, surprises, twists and turns, and moments of complete shock. And you can’t forget the must of great characters.
So why do I like Marquis’ books and recommend them to everyone? He isn’t just writing fluff about a favorite subject, which he could and get away with it because his writing is that good, he authentically loves his subject deeply and it shows in the quality you get with each chapter. With Spies of the Midnight Sun, the final in his WWII trilogy, he chooses to spotlight the women who made victory possible. I don’t believe that fact has been shouted enough. He is bringing to light how important women were, the chances they took, the willingness to die, or perhaps experience worse, for their country’s freedom.
I only hope Sam Marquis has more historical fiction left in him. How he has put out this much in-depth content so rapidly and not slackened in his quality or even quantity of words for that matter, is beyond me. I’ve written historical fiction and afterwards I was so burnt out that I needed a serious break, but Marquis seems to have an IV of Red Bull permanently inserted in his veins.
Get this book! You don’t need to have read the other books in the trilogy. They are standalones. Once you read this one, you will WANT those others, especially Altar of Resistance, which includes declassified information about the Vatican and Pope’s roles during WWII. You will be surprised. Again go get this book now before you click to something else and forget to do it later.
Of all the books Marquis has written, his WWII trilogy is by far my favorite, only because of my love of history. I am biased that way. I love his other books too but again, I am biased. What sets his books apart from other historical fiction efforts is his deep research and attention to detail. He doesn’t just use information that is easy to find, he uses information that has been declassified by governments. That means he dredges through file after file and reads obscure books with information in it that would bore a bookaholic, all in the effort to find three characters little known by anyone outside of their families and immediate hierarchy during WWII.
Spies of the Midnight Sun is about real people. We have the colorful British safecracker, Eddie Chapman, who is the double agent known as Agent Zigzag. Then there are two amazing female Norwegian Resistance fighters, the 20-year-old model Dagmar Lahlum, who is Chapman’s lover, and Annemarie Breien. Of course, if there are heroes and good guys then there are the evil bad guys and of course Nazis cover that role well, and in this case, it is the Gestapo’s investigator Siegfried Fehmer.
Several reviewers have commented that this book should be a film and I agree. You have it all. Spies, the Resistance, Nazis, surprises, twists and turns, and moments of complete shock. And you can’t forget the must of great characters.
So why do I like Marquis’ books and recommend them to everyone? He isn’t just writing fluff about a favorite subject, which he could and get away with it because his writing is that good, he authentically loves his subject deeply and it shows in the quality you get with each chapter. With Spies of the Midnight Sun, the final in his WWII trilogy, he chooses to spotlight the women who made victory possible. I don’t believe that fact has been shouted enough. He is bringing to light how important women were, the chances they took, the willingness to die, or perhaps experience worse, for their country’s freedom.
I only hope Sam Marquis has more historical fiction left in him. How he has put out this much in-depth content so rapidly and not slackened in his quality or even quantity of words for that matter, is beyond me. I’ve written historical fiction and afterwards I was so burnt out that I needed a serious break, but Marquis seems to have an IV of Red Bull permanently inserted in his veins.
Get this book! You don’t need to have read the other books in the trilogy. They are standalones. Once you read this one, you will WANT those others, especially Altar of Resistance, which includes declassified information about the Vatican and Pope’s roles during WWII. You will be surprised. Again go get this book now before you click to something else and forget to do it later.
June 12, 2018
I have read several books from Mr. Marquis. I really enjoy his WWII and historical fiction books the most. After thoroughly enjoying the prior novel in this series, Altar of Resistance I could not want to dig into this book. I was not disappointed. This is the first time that I have heard the names Eddie Chapman, Dagmar Lahlum, and Annemarie Breien.
The best part about Mr. Marquis's books is that he is a great storyteller. Instantly, I was transported within the pages of this book. Each of the people featured in this book were interesting. When I was younger I used to pretend I was a spy/double agent.
Back to the book. There were so many intriguing and exciting things happening in this book as well as the characters' dialect that it made for easy and fast reading. If you are a fan of WWII stories or just great books, than, you need to check out these books.
The best part about Mr. Marquis's books is that he is a great storyteller. Instantly, I was transported within the pages of this book. Each of the people featured in this book were interesting. When I was younger I used to pretend I was a spy/double agent.
Back to the book. There were so many intriguing and exciting things happening in this book as well as the characters' dialect that it made for easy and fast reading. If you are a fan of WWII stories or just great books, than, you need to check out these books.
September 4, 2019
This book is a fictionalized account of the Norwegian resistance during World War 2 and features three central characters, all who really lived. Eddie Chapman, Dagmar Lahlum, and
Annemarie Breien. Some of the high-ranking Nazis in Norway are also featured.
Chapman was a British criminal and safecracker arrested in the occupied Jersey Islands. I offered to spy for the Germans, was trained, and parachuted into England, where he promptly turned himself in to MI5 with the intent of becoming a double agent. MI5 trained him, and together with Chapman they staged a false sabotage operation against a Mosquito bomber factory and a second false act of sabotage against a British flagged ship that carried Chapman from England to Lisbon, Portugal and back to his Nazi handlers. The Nazis believed both operations were successful and Chapman was recognized as a hero and even awarded the Iron Cross. His Abwher controller eventually moved him to occupied Norway where Chapman trained other agents.
Dagmar Lahlum was a young woman who was working with the Norwegian resistance, probably Milorg) as a message courier when she met Chapman. The two started dating even though both were suspicious of one another, expecting the other to be a Nazi spy. They eventually fell in love, sort of, and confided in one another but not totally. They knew they were both working for the Allies. In the course of her relationship with Chapman, Lahlum was frequently seen with Chapman and his Nazi handlers and even shared a house with them at one point, so many Norwegians, unaware of her underground activities, considered her to be a traitor. When Chapman was eventually sent back to England on his next mission, he promised to return for Lahlum after the war so they could get married and open a club in Paris after the war. She continued to maintain her relationship with Chapman’s handlers in an attempt to gain information for the resistance even though her primary contact gave her conflicting advice; telling her that her countrymen would view her as a traitor but that the resistance would defend her after the war.
Annemarie Breien was the wife of a Norwegian attorney, and her father was imprisoned by the Nazi’s as a suspected leader of the resistance. She charged into Gestapo headquarters to claim her father's innocence begging for his release. Siegfried Fehmer, the head of the Gestapo fell in love with her at first sight and actually eventually released Breien’s father. During the course of the war, Breien was successful in getting Fehmer to release 80 to 90 fellow Norwegians from prison, all of whom would have likely been executed or would have died in Nazi labor camps. Because of her frequent contacts with Nazis, Breien was also suspected by everyday Norwegian’s, even by her family. Her resistance work eventually destroyed her marriage, and near the end of the war she had a brief fling with Fehmer. At the end of the war and the German’s surrender, Breien and Fehmer, no longer romantically involved, worked together to convince the Nazi’s and the resistance to peacefully transfer power as they waited for the British to occupy Norway. Together, the two very likely prevented the loss of many lives.
Chapman was fired by MI5, due as much to as his coming from the lower classes as anything. MI5 was very much an upper-crust British operation, and Chapman’s personality and underworld contacts rubbed key MI5 personnel the wrong way. He was dismissed and prevented from telling his story for many years under the Official Secrets Act. He did get MI5 to commit to helping Dagmar Lahlum so she would not be treated as a traitor after the war, but that never happened. When she was tried in Norway, the British denied any knowledge of her and her work with Chapman. Chapman never returned to Norway for “his love” Dagmar but insisted it was because MI5 prevented him from doing so. The former lovers and spies corresponded briefly in their 80’s.
Both Dagmar Lahlum and Annemarie Breien were imprisoned by Norway after the war for being collaborators even though they did much more to fight the Nazis than many Norwegians. The book reveals that Norway went through a pretty vengeful period after the war and treated anyone suspected of collaboration quite harshly, while many who did collaborate, such as those on the police force were never charged. Historical records indicate that at least half of the Norwegian police force were members of the Norwegian Nazi party and many were never charged.
The author asserts that the work of some of the heroes of the Norwegian Resistance was overly-hyped to cover the fact that most of the “resistance” sat out the war doing very little. Other books I have read indicate that this was in part due to the directions of the Norwegian Government in exile in England, that recognized any attempt at real resistance would have resulted in the death of many.
Unfortunately, the critical espionage efforts of Dagmar Lahlum and the humanitarian achievements of Annemarie Breien were lost to history for many years, and both women suffered throughout their lives. Author Samuel Marquis has done a real service by recognizing their efforts in his book. These women were heroes, not traitors.
Spies of the Midnight Sun: A True Story of WWII Heroes was well researched, and while it is a historical novel, the central story is true. If you have an interest in Norway, the resistance movement, MI5, espionage, or World War 2, it is well worth reading.
Annemarie Breien. Some of the high-ranking Nazis in Norway are also featured.
Chapman was a British criminal and safecracker arrested in the occupied Jersey Islands. I offered to spy for the Germans, was trained, and parachuted into England, where he promptly turned himself in to MI5 with the intent of becoming a double agent. MI5 trained him, and together with Chapman they staged a false sabotage operation against a Mosquito bomber factory and a second false act of sabotage against a British flagged ship that carried Chapman from England to Lisbon, Portugal and back to his Nazi handlers. The Nazis believed both operations were successful and Chapman was recognized as a hero and even awarded the Iron Cross. His Abwher controller eventually moved him to occupied Norway where Chapman trained other agents.
Dagmar Lahlum was a young woman who was working with the Norwegian resistance, probably Milorg) as a message courier when she met Chapman. The two started dating even though both were suspicious of one another, expecting the other to be a Nazi spy. They eventually fell in love, sort of, and confided in one another but not totally. They knew they were both working for the Allies. In the course of her relationship with Chapman, Lahlum was frequently seen with Chapman and his Nazi handlers and even shared a house with them at one point, so many Norwegians, unaware of her underground activities, considered her to be a traitor. When Chapman was eventually sent back to England on his next mission, he promised to return for Lahlum after the war so they could get married and open a club in Paris after the war. She continued to maintain her relationship with Chapman’s handlers in an attempt to gain information for the resistance even though her primary contact gave her conflicting advice; telling her that her countrymen would view her as a traitor but that the resistance would defend her after the war.
Annemarie Breien was the wife of a Norwegian attorney, and her father was imprisoned by the Nazi’s as a suspected leader of the resistance. She charged into Gestapo headquarters to claim her father's innocence begging for his release. Siegfried Fehmer, the head of the Gestapo fell in love with her at first sight and actually eventually released Breien’s father. During the course of the war, Breien was successful in getting Fehmer to release 80 to 90 fellow Norwegians from prison, all of whom would have likely been executed or would have died in Nazi labor camps. Because of her frequent contacts with Nazis, Breien was also suspected by everyday Norwegian’s, even by her family. Her resistance work eventually destroyed her marriage, and near the end of the war she had a brief fling with Fehmer. At the end of the war and the German’s surrender, Breien and Fehmer, no longer romantically involved, worked together to convince the Nazi’s and the resistance to peacefully transfer power as they waited for the British to occupy Norway. Together, the two very likely prevented the loss of many lives.
Chapman was fired by MI5, due as much to as his coming from the lower classes as anything. MI5 was very much an upper-crust British operation, and Chapman’s personality and underworld contacts rubbed key MI5 personnel the wrong way. He was dismissed and prevented from telling his story for many years under the Official Secrets Act. He did get MI5 to commit to helping Dagmar Lahlum so she would not be treated as a traitor after the war, but that never happened. When she was tried in Norway, the British denied any knowledge of her and her work with Chapman. Chapman never returned to Norway for “his love” Dagmar but insisted it was because MI5 prevented him from doing so. The former lovers and spies corresponded briefly in their 80’s.
Both Dagmar Lahlum and Annemarie Breien were imprisoned by Norway after the war for being collaborators even though they did much more to fight the Nazis than many Norwegians. The book reveals that Norway went through a pretty vengeful period after the war and treated anyone suspected of collaboration quite harshly, while many who did collaborate, such as those on the police force were never charged. Historical records indicate that at least half of the Norwegian police force were members of the Norwegian Nazi party and many were never charged.
The author asserts that the work of some of the heroes of the Norwegian Resistance was overly-hyped to cover the fact that most of the “resistance” sat out the war doing very little. Other books I have read indicate that this was in part due to the directions of the Norwegian Government in exile in England, that recognized any attempt at real resistance would have resulted in the death of many.
Unfortunately, the critical espionage efforts of Dagmar Lahlum and the humanitarian achievements of Annemarie Breien were lost to history for many years, and both women suffered throughout their lives. Author Samuel Marquis has done a real service by recognizing their efforts in his book. These women were heroes, not traitors.
Spies of the Midnight Sun: A True Story of WWII Heroes was well researched, and while it is a historical novel, the central story is true. If you have an interest in Norway, the resistance movement, MI5, espionage, or World War 2, it is well worth reading.
March 15, 2019
I had thought it would be better
Instead it read more as a sex novel and petty different between individuals and agencies. With a number of corrupt government officials.
Instead it read more as a sex novel and petty different between individuals and agencies. With a number of corrupt government officials.
May 21, 2018
In this most recent novel, Marquis reveals the absolutely riveting true story of three WWII heroes of the Allied Resistance Movement. Everyone should know the names of these often overlooked women in WWII history!
June 23, 2020
Did not care for the writing style
July 1, 2018
I have to say, I've learned more about World War II from Marquis than I did in high school! In this third installment of his WWII Series, Marquis focuses on Norway and its resistance effort to Nazi Germany. Seen through the eyes of two female undercover agents and a British double agent, Spies Of The Midnight Sun tells the story of life lived under the rule of an oppressor, exposes secrets of the spy trade that helped the Allies win the war, and brings to life the highs and lows of being a spy. The book is written in Marquis' page turning style, each chapter ends in a cliff hanger leaving you wanting more.
His vivid description and detailed knowledge of locations, equipment, and characters will stay with you long after you have finished the book. For example his discussion of the virtues of WWII tanks:
"The mere cough of a German Mark IV Tiger engine was enough to send Russian tank crew members racing for cover, and the Tigers quickly took aim on the pack of Russian tanks. With its 76.2mm high-velocity tank gun, the Soviet T-34 possessed an unprecedented combination of firepower, mobility, protection, and ruggedness - but tank-for-tank it was no match for the Tiger, which was a beast from the Book of Revelation."
I don't want to spoil the read so suffice it to say that once you read Spies Of The Midnight Sun you will have a new appreciation for the subterfuge and cunning that it takes to win a war.
His vivid description and detailed knowledge of locations, equipment, and characters will stay with you long after you have finished the book. For example his discussion of the virtues of WWII tanks:
"The mere cough of a German Mark IV Tiger engine was enough to send Russian tank crew members racing for cover, and the Tigers quickly took aim on the pack of Russian tanks. With its 76.2mm high-velocity tank gun, the Soviet T-34 possessed an unprecedented combination of firepower, mobility, protection, and ruggedness - but tank-for-tank it was no match for the Tiger, which was a beast from the Book of Revelation."
I don't want to spoil the read so suffice it to say that once you read Spies Of The Midnight Sun you will have a new appreciation for the subterfuge and cunning that it takes to win a war.
July 8, 2018
Amazing story telling by Marquis. He makes you feel like you are back in Norway and England in 1943. The blend of fact and fiction is remarkable. You find yourself rooting for the 3 protagonists throughout the novel and can't wait to find out what happens to them after the war is over. I couldn't put it down and highly recommend it. One of Marquis's best so far.
July 1, 2018
Samuel Marquis has done it yet again. He researches tirelessly and brings to life the bold lives of Dagmar Lahlum and Annemarie Breien Norwegian Resistance operatives in Nazi occupied Norway. Samuel can pack more action into a page while weaving a tale of intrigue, deception and yes romantic interactions that one cannot simply turn the pages fast enough. Each character is bigger than life, has a humanity no matter if they are Nazi or Patriot and all the flaws that are uniquely human. Samuel just tells a great story at a faster than life speed. Job well done, I look forward to the next book!!!!
December 16, 2019
I found this book very educational. While I am American, my family came from Norway and we have step siblings there now. I have also been there multiple times. Most WWII books on Norway focus on the heroic resistance fighters/sabotageers. The concept that most people passively went along with the Quislings/Nazis with only minimal passive aggresive objection is rarely brought up. I was aware that there were many who supported Quisling, but this passivity is hard to see. So many Norwegians are so competitive in sports, that you can't see them accepting dominance by another nation so easily. But even as I say this, I realize that the US has never been occupied or even invaded. We have no idea what we would do other than Hollywood drama.
June 3, 2018
"Spies of the Midnight Sun" is a page turner of a book that made me want to know the fates of double agent Eddie Chapman, and two brave women, the resistance operative Dagmar Lahlum, and Annemarie Breien of the Norwegian resistance. "Spies of the MIdnight Sun" is first rate movie material that ought to be snappped up and made into a screenplay. This book sets the record straight on the crucial role both women played on behalf of the allied cause.
May 17, 2018
I always love the amazing historical depth and breadth of a marquis novel! In this latest WWII installment he gives us a wonderful look at female spies during that time period and how romance came into play! A fun, thrilling read with precise detail and accuracy.
May 24, 2019
Exceptional fact and fiction
Exceptional story based on fact and actual people and events the author has put together an amazing job in showing in the case of the Norwegian girls how the facts are ignored and.misinterpreted.
Exceptional story based on fact and actual people and events the author has put together an amazing job in showing in the case of the Norwegian girls how the facts are ignored and.misinterpreted.
April 12, 2019
A Great Book
This is another great book from Mr Samuel where he is painting a picture of how the life was in Norway during the Second World War.
This is another great book from Mr Samuel where he is painting a picture of how the life was in Norway during the Second World War.
December 7, 2020
November 30, 2020
A Review by Anthony T. Riggio of the book: Spies of the Midnight Sun: A True Story of WWII Heroes (World War Two Series Book 3) by Samuel Marquis
I purchased this book in Kindle format from Amazon several months ago and finally had the inclination to read it. I was looking for something “meaty” and historical to read and not necessarily a quick read, and this book fit the bill. The story is a fictional work but most of the characters were in fact real and all were all represented in this fictionalized story based on real events in occupied Norway during World War II. Several of the real characters were described and interviewed at the end of the book in an afterword section. It described what they recall of Eddie Chapman aka, Fritz (The double Agent), and his operations as a double agent for MI5, in England, France and Norway during World War II. Norway had capitulated to the Germans without defending herself. Germany predicted that it would fold with out opposition because of their similar histories and racial roots as fellow Aryans. They were mistaken as there was resistance to German occupation but it seemed to be somewhat halfhearted by overwhelming bulk of the population as pointed out in the posted in the Afterward sections. But the impact of the Nazi's was very real as portrayed in this work. There were many victims of torture, death and shipments of enemies and Jews to concentration camps as well as abuses of the SS.
The story of Operation Double Cross was the most effective tool against the Nazi's by England and the Allies. A historical fact is that MI5 and to an extent MI6 were able to identify and “double” all of the Nazi's spies sent into England during the war and had tremendous positive impact on the invasion efforts,
Marquis weaves a captivating story of adventure, intrigue, boldness and romance in this story of occupied Norway that leaves the reader spellbound. Fritz, the main character of this fictionalized story is a scoundrel of the highest order and in fact, was a wanted criminal in England when recruited by MI5. Because of his personality defects and criminal experiences he becomes a top spy for England and pretty much has his own way in dealing with his London and German handlers. It is a nerve racking experience that leaves the readers gasping at times. He is also a Lothario who is able to have his way with women and even recruit them to spy for him. The romance scenes in this book are quite descriptive and entertaining to the average reader. There are several other interactions between resistance operators and the head of the SS which will be of great interest to the reader of this well written and engrossing book.
I highly recommend its reading both for the entertainment value and the historical references which are all thoroughly researched by the author. In spite some low ratings by a few readers, I gave this work five stars out of five and highly recommend this book to all of my reading friends.
A Review by Anthony T. Riggio of the book: Spies of the Midnight Sun: A True Story of WWII Heroes (World War Two Series Book 3) by Samuel Marquis
I purchased this book in Kindle format from Amazon several months ago and finally had the inclination to read it. I was looking for something “meaty” and historical to read and not necessarily a quick read, and this book fit the bill. The story is a fictional work but most of the characters were in fact real and all were all represented in this fictionalized story based on real events in occupied Norway during World War II. Several of the real characters were described and interviewed at the end of the book in an afterword section. It described what they recall of Eddie Chapman aka, Fritz (The double Agent), and his operations as a double agent for MI5, in England, France and Norway during World War II. Norway had capitulated to the Germans without defending herself. Germany predicted that it would fold with out opposition because of their similar histories and racial roots as fellow Aryans. They were mistaken as there was resistance to German occupation but it seemed to be somewhat halfhearted by overwhelming bulk of the population as pointed out in the posted in the Afterward sections. But the impact of the Nazi's was very real as portrayed in this work. There were many victims of torture, death and shipments of enemies and Jews to concentration camps as well as abuses of the SS.
The story of Operation Double Cross was the most effective tool against the Nazi's by England and the Allies. A historical fact is that MI5 and to an extent MI6 were able to identify and “double” all of the Nazi's spies sent into England during the war and had tremendous positive impact on the invasion efforts,
Marquis weaves a captivating story of adventure, intrigue, boldness and romance in this story of occupied Norway that leaves the reader spellbound. Fritz, the main character of this fictionalized story is a scoundrel of the highest order and in fact, was a wanted criminal in England when recruited by MI5. Because of his personality defects and criminal experiences he becomes a top spy for England and pretty much has his own way in dealing with his London and German handlers. It is a nerve racking experience that leaves the readers gasping at times. He is also a Lothario who is able to have his way with women and even recruit them to spy for him. The romance scenes in this book are quite descriptive and entertaining to the average reader. There are several other interactions between resistance operators and the head of the SS which will be of great interest to the reader of this well written and engrossing book.
I highly recommend its reading both for the entertainment value and the historical references which are all thoroughly researched by the author. In spite some low ratings by a few readers, I gave this work five stars out of five and highly recommend this book to all of my reading friends.
March 9, 2021
Spies of the Midnight Sun: A True Story of WWII Heroes (World War Two Series Book 3)
This is a stand-alone book. You don't need to read any of the prior books in the series to enjoy it.
Narrated from the third person point of view, this is a fictionalized story of the real events that transpired in the WWII German occupation of Norway.
The book opens with the triumphant - General Nikolaus von Falkenhorst - Nazi German troops as they enter Oslo. From room 301's balcony at the Grand Hotel, Dagmar Mohne Hansen Lahlum and her friend Mary Larsen. The 17 y/0 woman hates the Nazis and is happy when she's recruited to work for the resistance by Ishmael.
Separately, Annemarie Breien storms Victoria Terrace, the Gestapo headquarters in Oslo, and pleads with Siegfried Wolfgang Fehmer for her father's release from prison. Fehmer instantly falls for her and not only grants her father's release, but Annemarie secures the release of almost 80 prisoners.
At the same time, Edward Arnold "Eddie" Chapman is rotting in a French jail. He volunteers to spy for Germany and as soon as he falls into British hands he flips over and becomes a double agent. Dagmar and Eddie fall in love and together they spy for the British.
The book narrates the condition in occupied Norway and how the Norwegian hated the people who helped the Germans. Both women end up labeled as Jyskertøs - German whores - even though they actually helped the Allied cause.
The book is very well researched and reads fast. The prose is excellent and the characters are three-dimensional and come alive. I enjoyed it very much and it's hard to put down. I loved it!
This is a stand-alone book. You don't need to read any of the prior books in the series to enjoy it.
Narrated from the third person point of view, this is a fictionalized story of the real events that transpired in the WWII German occupation of Norway.
The book opens with the triumphant - General Nikolaus von Falkenhorst - Nazi German troops as they enter Oslo. From room 301's balcony at the Grand Hotel, Dagmar Mohne Hansen Lahlum and her friend Mary Larsen. The 17 y/0 woman hates the Nazis and is happy when she's recruited to work for the resistance by Ishmael.
Separately, Annemarie Breien storms Victoria Terrace, the Gestapo headquarters in Oslo, and pleads with Siegfried Wolfgang Fehmer for her father's release from prison. Fehmer instantly falls for her and not only grants her father's release, but Annemarie secures the release of almost 80 prisoners.
At the same time, Edward Arnold "Eddie" Chapman is rotting in a French jail. He volunteers to spy for Germany and as soon as he falls into British hands he flips over and becomes a double agent. Dagmar and Eddie fall in love and together they spy for the British.
The book narrates the condition in occupied Norway and how the Norwegian hated the people who helped the Germans. Both women end up labeled as Jyskertøs - German whores - even though they actually helped the Allied cause.
The book is very well researched and reads fast. The prose is excellent and the characters are three-dimensional and come alive. I enjoyed it very much and it's hard to put down. I loved it!
July 17, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book about WWII history that I didn't know much about - the Nazi occupation of Norway and MI5's double agent program. When I finished the book, I was angry. Not because of the horrors of the Nazi war machine, but because the people who risked the most to get vital information to the Allies were the ones that suffered the most at the end of the war. Annemarie risks her life to confront the chief inspector for the Gestapo and by doing so convinces him to release 80 high level resistance operators over the course of the five year occupation of Norway. Due to her close proximity to this man, she also gathered information that helped save people from being arrested or worse. Dagmar risks her life as a courier for the resistance and later is asked to use her femininity to gather intelligence from Germans that frequent several German only bars and restaurants. Eddie is a con who is recruited by the Germans while he is languishing in a prison in France. The Germans train him and when he is sent on a mission to England, he immediately turns himself in to the British authorities. He becomes the best double agent that MI5 has. Each of these people risked their lives for five years helping the allied war effort but in the end their countries turned on them (in the cases of Annemarie and Dagmar sent to prison and accused of being collaborators; and Eddie continues to be treated as a criminal and a second class citizen ultimately losing his place in MI5), and left them with nothing. Those in power to protect these vulnerable operatives did nothing to help them and speak the truth for them at the end of the war.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2018
Great historical novels capture their worlds so elegantly that the reader is transported to distant times and into different minds. This is just one of the elements that makes Sam Marquis’ spy thriller, SPIES OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN – book 3 of his WWII series – so approachable and entertaining. He introduces us to some compelling, colorful characters – the legendary British safecracker Eddie Chapman, his 20-year old lover and Norwegian Resistance operative, Dagmar Lahlum, and Gestapo antagonist Siegfried Fehmer – and then tells their heart-pounding wartime story, complete with long-buried secrets, double crossing, and plot twists. The language is fresh, the tone is apposite, and the story-telling is shimmering and lucid. Marquis has the ability to get into the heads of his characters – to conjure their thinking, struggles, scheming, and principles. It animates the novel with the acuity of scholarly historians, and the abandon of great spy novelists.
It’s a great story and hugely entertaining!
It’s a great story and hugely entertaining!
September 9, 2018
Spies of the Midnight Sun: A True Story of WWII Heroes
Marquis is a master story teller!
Excellent portrayal of WWII's overlooked heroines; who played such an important role in the Norwegian resistance! Dagmar and Annemarie were brave and courageous women! So interesting to read about their role in helping to win the war. The other main character, Eddie Chapman "Fritz" /safecracker and double agent is a well developed spy character who entertains the reader with intriguing and thrilling escapades. Marquis provides depth of insight into both sides of the war and the espionage behind it all. It is both historical and romantic... good read to settle into.
Marquis is a master story teller!
Excellent portrayal of WWII's overlooked heroines; who played such an important role in the Norwegian resistance! Dagmar and Annemarie were brave and courageous women! So interesting to read about their role in helping to win the war. The other main character, Eddie Chapman "Fritz" /safecracker and double agent is a well developed spy character who entertains the reader with intriguing and thrilling escapades. Marquis provides depth of insight into both sides of the war and the espionage behind it all. It is both historical and romantic... good read to settle into.
May 10, 2021
Set in the WWII era, this is an entertaining story based on historical occurrences that involved a
British criminal turned spy turned double agent. If one didn't know the story was based on fact, one would think this would border on outlandish fiction. What is the old saying -- sometimes truth is stranger than fiction!
The story is engaging, but the author does spend a too much time on the dialogue during the many interrogations. That grew a bit weary. I also had trouble believing that the fervent Nazi Siegfried Fehmer was so absolutely charmed by the Norwegian Annemarie Breien that he risked his own position and life to free known Norwegian resistance leaders. Seems implausible, yet apparently it is true.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and it is one that deserves to have wider recognition.
British criminal turned spy turned double agent. If one didn't know the story was based on fact, one would think this would border on outlandish fiction. What is the old saying -- sometimes truth is stranger than fiction!
The story is engaging, but the author does spend a too much time on the dialogue during the many interrogations. That grew a bit weary. I also had trouble believing that the fervent Nazi Siegfried Fehmer was so absolutely charmed by the Norwegian Annemarie Breien that he risked his own position and life to free known Norwegian resistance leaders. Seems implausible, yet apparently it is true.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and it is one that deserves to have wider recognition.
October 5, 2021
A well-woven tale making a good novel based on well-researched true facts. The main characters go through so much it's almost heart-breaking at the end. It's captivating reading and does justice to the people being brought to life. Although we all know that the Nazis were defeated at the end of World War II, I didn't know much about how under-cover agents were treated after hostilities ended, and that was a real eye-opener.
One disappointing thing - the American author would have benefited from using a British editor to get rid of wrong usage of words (some examples: aristocratic English gentlemen don't speak American slang words such as "snit"; London does not have a "South End" where hotels may be found; the River Thames does not have a West Bank; "discrete" instead of "discreet").
Overall, well worth reading!
One disappointing thing - the American author would have benefited from using a British editor to get rid of wrong usage of words (some examples: aristocratic English gentlemen don't speak American slang words such as "snit"; London does not have a "South End" where hotels may be found; the River Thames does not have a West Bank; "discrete" instead of "discreet").
Overall, well worth reading!
June 17, 2018
Another win for Samuel Marquis. In this captivating story of espionage , we are offered a look into the worlds of three of the most successful, but lesser well-known of the spies who helped win the war against the Nazi's. It is hard to put this book down once you start it. Not only the action keeps you riveted to the pages, but the characters become your compatriots and you find yourself cheering for them as if you were among the characters in the story. I recommend it highly to anyone who loves clandestine action, and I echo another reviewer's sentiment that it would make a great screenplay for a movie. Marquis never lets me down. I always feel a little sad when the book ends because I want more.
August 1, 2018
MARQUIS' HAT TRICK--He's 3 for 3 in the WWII Series!
This book rocks!
As the greatly anticipated complement to Marquis' WWII trilogy (I also loved BODYGUARD OF DECEPTION & ALTAR OF RESISTANCE), I was not sure SPIES OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN could hold the same edge and keep up the pace. How wrong I was! True to his craft and reputation as a great researcher and storyteller, Marquis has delivered another awesome read. The book's chucky-jammed with unforgettable characters, riveting action, and real-feeling places and plot twists. If you are ready for super-rich suspense grounded in little-told historical truths, Marquis is your guy.
This book rocks!
As the greatly anticipated complement to Marquis' WWII trilogy (I also loved BODYGUARD OF DECEPTION & ALTAR OF RESISTANCE), I was not sure SPIES OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN could hold the same edge and keep up the pace. How wrong I was! True to his craft and reputation as a great researcher and storyteller, Marquis has delivered another awesome read. The book's chucky-jammed with unforgettable characters, riveting action, and real-feeling places and plot twists. If you are ready for super-rich suspense grounded in little-told historical truths, Marquis is your guy.
February 16, 2019
This is a hard book to rate. It fit very nicely into my interest: WWII and spy historical fiction. I loved the setting and the characters; after all they were real and quite well researched. Also, the writing style was excellent. But I was quite disappointed by some explicit content. The book was quite clean and then all at once in the middle of the book there was some explicit content that I did not like. Also, there were a few instances, especially in the British MI5 meetings, where it seemed that the writing wasn't very realistic.
Setting and characters: 5 stars
Plot and climax quality: 4 stars
Writing quality: 5 stars
'Realistic' quality: 3 stars
Content: 2 stars.
Setting and characters: 5 stars
Plot and climax quality: 4 stars
Writing quality: 5 stars
'Realistic' quality: 3 stars
Content: 2 stars.
May 17, 2018
I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an advanced copy of this book, and WOW am I glad that I did!
A thrill ride from start to finish, written with Marquis' signature detailed research behind it, 'Spies' brings to light the incredible true story of one of WWII's greatest double agents. Highlighting Agent Eddie Chapman's role in the war, his relationship with a Norwegian spy, the inequality and sexism that female agents faced during the war, all told in Marquis' beautiful style makes for an amazing read.
A thrill ride from start to finish, written with Marquis' signature detailed research behind it, 'Spies' brings to light the incredible true story of one of WWII's greatest double agents. Highlighting Agent Eddie Chapman's role in the war, his relationship with a Norwegian spy, the inequality and sexism that female agents faced during the war, all told in Marquis' beautiful style makes for an amazing read.
May 18, 2022
A strange book. The research and knowledge is five star and the author should stick to factual books rather than fiction.
This was so repetitive with the reader assumed to have no memory at all so every chapter included the characters telling you again who they were or what they’d just done. At first you accept it but by the end I’m screaming “Yes I know you do important work releasing prisoners and you have a husband” and other similar lines for other characters.
So afraid I’m not reading the others.
This was so repetitive with the reader assumed to have no memory at all so every chapter included the characters telling you again who they were or what they’d just done. At first you accept it but by the end I’m screaming “Yes I know you do important work releasing prisoners and you have a husband” and other similar lines for other characters.
So afraid I’m not reading the others.
May 21, 2018
The novel is the true story of overlooked Norwegian female Resistance operatives Dagmar Lahlum and Annemarie Breien and legendary British spy Eddie Chapman as they grappled to defeat the Nazi regime in Occupied Norway. Based on detailed historical research and Marquis’s award-winning narrative style, “Spies of the Midnight Sun” is the perfect read for fans of WWII history, historical fiction, and heroic women neglected by history.
June 20, 2020
WSLRM(women spies life and reputation matter)
Truly a great story about two great women spies. A fantastic job by the author two weave their lives together. His knowledge of the time,the place, and the circumstances is assume and brings the story to life. His description of not only the physical places, but the emotions is so realistic it is hard to put the book down. A great read and one I will recommend to my friends.
Truly a great story about two great women spies. A fantastic job by the author two weave their lives together. His knowledge of the time,the place, and the circumstances is assume and brings the story to life. His description of not only the physical places, but the emotions is so realistic it is hard to put the book down. A great read and one I will recommend to my friends.
July 11, 2018
Once again Sam Marquis has perfectly blended history with action and suspense. Spies of the Midnight Sun is a gripping page turner for WWII buffs and spy fans alike. Whether real or fictional the characters completely draw the reader in to their lives. You don't want to miss this latest novel in the World War II series from one of Denver's favorite authors.
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