Shadowed by Death: An Oliver Wright WW II Mystery

by Mary Adler

San Francisco, 1944. Sophia Nirenska, a Polish resistance fighter who survived the Warsaw ghetto uprising, finds safety in California until someone tries to kill her. She insists political enemies want to silence her, but homicide detective Oliver Wright, on medical leave from the Marines, believes the motive is more personal. He and his German shepherd, Harley, try to protect Sophia, but she insists on doing things her own way—a dangerous decision.

Oliver guards Sophia as they travel from an Italian cafe in Richmond to communist chicken farmers in Petaluma where her impetuous actions put them both in mortal danger.

When Oliver rescues a girl and her dog who are running for their lives, he discovers the dark secret at the heart of the threat to Sophia, a secret with its roots in Poland. When he does, he is forced to choose between enforcing the law as he knows it and jeopardizing Sophia or accepting a rougher kind of justice.

Shadowed by Death accurately portrays the fears and troubles of the communities of northern California as they bear the burdens of World War II and celebrate the gift of finding family among strangers.

Genres: Mystery

293 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2018

Reviews

[Sandee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This thriller takes place towards the end of the second world war. The focus is on a police detective and his dog. He is assigned to guard a Polish woman who has come to the US for help. The characters are interesting and eclectic with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. There is a lot of history included in the story especially the Russian role in the war. While I don't know if everything described is true, it made the story compelling.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadowed by Death by Mary Adler is an unique historical mystery that weaves the horrific incidents caused by the Nazis in World War II into a fascinating suspenseful mystery.

Oliver and his dog Harley work to find who is trying to kill Sophia a Polish resistant fighter who is stirring things up in California by telling about what she know and saw in Poland. Oliver finds that danger follows Sophia and soon it puts him in danger also. Can Oliver keep Sophia safe while trying to figure out who is after her and not become a victim too?

This book is so intriguing you just can't put it down. I really like the time period and the setting for this book. It brings in a different kind of mystery by making the main characters being an integral part of the fighters that were brave enough to fight the Nazis against all odds. I liked the reckless, brave Sophia who was tough and throws caution to the wind to accomplish her mission to expose what had happened. Oliver is smart, kind, resilient and overcomes his disability from his leg injury to protect and investigate. It just all works to make for a good, page turning book. If I had anything I didn't like it would be how it jumped around some and in a few places moved slow. All in all it was a good book and I would like to read more of Oliver and Harvey's adventures.

If you like history, strong, interesting characters, with a puzzling mystery then you will want to read this book.

I received this book for my honest opinion and review

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second novel in the Oliver Wright Series set during World War ll in the Bay Area. I loved the first book, but I think I was drawn even deeper into this story. It’s 1944 and Oliver is tasked to protect a Polish speaker, Sophia. I liked the interaction between these two characters even though Sophia didn’t want Oliver as a bodyguard. As in the first book, I loved the relationship between Oliver with his dog, Harley, who had served in the war, too. Within that storyline is another narrative about a young girl trying to assist a friend’s dog Blue. I enjoyed seeing the world through Blue the dog’s perception and his devotion to the young girl helping him. This is not only a well-written story but well researched. I appreciated the attention to details and history that Ms. Adler infused into the story. What happened in Poland during the war is hard to accept and painfully real. It kept me awake late into the night thinking about human cruelty, apathy, and the brave heroes mixed in. “Shadowed by Death” can be read as a stand-alone or as a series. I highly recommend this book especially if you love mystery, suspense, action, history, and of course dogs.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowed by Death is the second installment of The Oliver Wright world war 2 Mysteries. It is a stand alone book with very few references to the first book. The story is very well written. The subjects that are part of the story are not pleasant and Ms Adler does an extremely good job of describing those subjects and events. She does so well in fact that parts of the story will make the reader uncomfortable. Her grasp of the historical events and how she ties everything to the characters make everything seem so very real. She writes about a time that should not be forgotten and the danger some faced for speaking the truth. It is hard to say I enjoyed the book because it made me think of things that are not very pleasant. The story provides another view of the horrible acts of the war that many times are not thought of enough. Oliver and Harley are a pair to be reckoned with. They will solve the crime and protect those that need it regardless of the risk. I look forward to more of this series.

I received a copy of this book from the author the opinions expressed are my own

[Joy Lo-Bamijoko · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book of this series, I decided to read the second book to find out what happened to the protagonists of the first book. This second book did not disappoint.

I remembered Oliver from the first story and his dog Harley. For Oliver, the war was over but for the Jewish Poles who escaped the war to find refuge in the United States of America, the war was still raging.

Sophia Nirenska, a Polish refugee and one of the underground advocates was very outspoken about the evils perpetrated by Russia and Hitler’s Germany. Her advocacy put her life in danger. Oliver agreed to protect her. Sophia, however, would always want to do things her way and that put her and Oliver in danger.

In the end, they found out who was the mole amongst them, the one thwarting their plans and causing the deaths of a good number of the underground fighters.

This is a great second world war story. Very interesting and well written. I enjoyed reading it.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a deep and meaningful read.
It's also dark, and unfortunately based on facts and a very dark time in our history.
I just hope that we do not make the same mistakes again.
The story is well written, and was able to relate to all of the characters in some way.
Oliver, homicide detective, former marine wounded in the war, and his K-9 Harley are tough, yet compassionate.
Sophia, the Polish jew public speaker, and former freedom fighter has seen unspeakable atrocities. And is still being threatened in the states, and Oliver tries to protect her from herself and her enemies.
A compelling and intense story, that kept me riveted.
I won a copy of this book to read and give my unbiased review.
Definitely a worthwhile and memorable read.

[Karen Ingalls · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like mystery, intrigue, history, and dogs, this is the perfect book. Oliver with his trusty dog help solve an attempted murder. The story immediately drew me in with the author's creative descriptions of the area during the height of WWII and well-described characters. The historical facts about Poland, Russia, Italy, and Germany during the war added to the storyline. Well done.

[Marcha Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Adler has done it again, sweeping me away to another time and place with this second book of her Oliver Wright mystery series. Like the first one, it's set in the San Francisco Bay Area in the early 40s, while the country was in the throes of WWII. Again I experienced the culture in that locale during that era as well as the prejudice and suspicion that prevailed against immigrants.

Of course the fact we were at war with some of the counties from which these people hailed, to say nothing of all sorts of intrigue in progress due to the convoluted political situation in Europe, nothing was simple. While the majority of these immigrants came to the USA to escape oppression as well as possible annihilation, it's not surprising that their motives could be questioned. These interactions and the history behind it, most of which few of us know, made the story that started out as a murder mystery all the more interesting.

The characters were engaging and well-drawn, including Oliver's awesome German Shepherd, Harley. Relationships are believable and convincingly complex, both interpersonal and familial as well as between ethnic group. The plot is gripping, loaded with historical information, and full of suspense and surprises. Mary Adler is one of my favorite authors with her smooth, imagery-rich style, historical value, and authentic cultural context. All in all, an outstanding read.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is set in the WW2 during Christmas, although the Christmas element does not play a very important role. It's a mystery (not a gruesome one) and the main character is a trained investigator, who had served in the war and is now back in the US with his dog.

Dogs play an important role in this book, which, as an animal lover, is an aspect that I really liked. I would suggest this book to anyone who loves mysteries and is an animal lover, who does not mind stories set during the war.

I would have preferred it if the book started off with a setting for an idea of time and place. But nonetheless, being the first book I'm reading from this series, I had no issues following up the plot and the background story. I will surely be buying the first book and continue reading the rest of the series once published.

I had come across this book when I have applied to read it as an ARC reader and I am really glad that I have stumbled upon it and that I was accepted as I absolutely loved this book.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The good, the bad, and the clueless. A Marine damaged in the Pacific war is temporarily returned to the Homicide division at home whrre he investigates some suspicious events and seems surrounded by displaced people from mainland Europe. Ably assisted by his canine counterpart and a long leg brace, Oliver finds himself learning more than he can handle about the situations his new acquaintances have endured and the head in the sand attitude of the American government about their lives here in the US. Set in 1944 in California and clearly the sanitized novelization of much research, this is a book that is all too easily believed. As with most good mysteries, there are several entwined plots which all come together. The publisher's blurb gives clues but spoilers are not needed.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Dancing Dog Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s 1944, and Oliver is working as a police detective with his German Shepherd Harley when he gets an assignment assigned to guard Sophia, a Polish Jewish Resistance fighter who has come to the US to tell about the atrocities she has witnessed, and to raise money. Someone wants desperately to silence her. Another Polish woman is found unconscious and seriously injured in the city—are they connected somehow? The author has obviously done extensive research into the Russian role in the Holocaust, and knowledge of the situation in the USA (for example, I had no idea there was a community of Jewish chicken farmers in Petaluma, CA). Her research, the compelling characters she’s created, and the setting of wartime San Francisco make this a not-to-be-missed thriller.

[Anne D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy from the author and Voracious Readers only and I was not disappointed by this book.

Set during the ending of the war and focusing on the work of a small Polish Resistance group. I will admit there was a moment when I thought this book wasn't for me but the author drew me back in with the characters and wanting to know what was going on with them. I like to read books about history and enjoyed this one for that reason.

I would recommend this book to people who like to read about life during War time for those who were not directly involved in the fighting.

[Shelley Amazon ca reviews as Purrrplehaze · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of historical fiction that is hard to put down. Mary has created characters with depth who you can love or hate, cheer for or dislike. There are plot twists, doggies, resistance fighters traitors. a little girl with a gift and a wounded vet and his impressive canine companion. Something for everyone! I'm set for my next adventure in The Shadow of Lies..

I received a free copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest review.

[Ang · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free in return for an honest review. I liked the main character and the author is definitely a dog lover. This comes through in the writing style. The story left me wanting to know more about Italian and Jewish experiences in America during the war. It would be a good teenager's book for history or english as well as adults in my opinion as it leaves you wanting to know more about the time and efforts of those living in America to help those back in Poland and Germany.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ill read lmost anything war related but this is the 1st i have read during the second world war that really didnt focus much on tje war itself.
It followed a wounded marine and his dog. A polosh resistance woman trying to get help raising money to help kids hiding from the Nazi's. One is needed to guard the other. Neither happy about it until theres a car crash and they both reluctantly come together.
I enjoyed this book.
Book given free by author via voraciousreadersonly.

[Barb Foerst · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a World War II mystery set in the Bay Area of California. It's interesting viewing the prejudices and immigration tactics used during this time in the US. But aside from the politics this is a murder mystery which is well worth reading.
Enjoy!

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that SHADOWED BY DEATH by Mary Adler is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!

[William Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m trying to expand my reading preferences, and I found Shadowed by Death (An Oliver Wright World War II Mystery #2) by M. A. Adler. I’m usually not any kind of historical fiction reader, but I liked the blurb. Read on for my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):
San Francisco, 1944. Sophia Nirenska, a Polish resistance fighter who survived the Warsaw ghetto uprising, finds safety in California until someone tries to kill her. She insists political enemies want to silence her, but homicide detective Oliver Wright, on medical leave from the Marines, believes the motive is more personal. He and his German shepherd, Harley, try to protect Sophia, but she insists on doing things her own way—a dangerous decision.

Oliver guards Sophia as they travel from an Italian cafe in Richmond to communist chicken farmers in Petaluma where her impetuous actions put them both in mortal danger.

When Oliver rescues a girl and her dog who are running for their lives, he discovers the dark secret at the heart of the threat to Sophia, a secret with its roots in Poland. When he does, he is forced to choose between enforcing the law as he knows it and jeopardizing Sophia or accepting a rougher kind of justice.

Shadowed by Death accurately portrays the fears and troubles of the communities of northern California as they bear the burdens of World War II and celebrate the gift of finding family among strangers.

What I liked:
World War II novels are sometimes difficult reads, especially when the story deals with horrific events like the Warsaw ghetto. M. A. Adler did an excellent job of working the events into the story and using it to explain Sophia’s motivations. Sophia and Oliver are great characters, but my favorites are Harley and Blue! I also appreciated the research work into the blind eye turned by the world to Russia’s atrocities.

What I didn’t like:
There wasn’t much to dislike about the book. If I had to pick something, there were a couple of slow spots. Other than that, no complaints from me

Overall impression:
Shadowed by Death was an enjoyable read despite the background subject matter. Good characters, intriguing plot, plenty of twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion kept me involved and interested. If you like historical mysteries, read this one!

My rating:
5 Stars

[Beverly Laude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver Wright is a former Homicide Detective, now on medical leave from the Marines during WWII. He and his dog, Harley, are tasked with protecting a Polish woman who is part of the Resistance and in the US to promote her cause. After an unidentified young woman is found near death and Sophia is almost run down, things start to get complicated.

This is a well-written book, full of wonderful characters, a great story, and lots of twists. I loved the addition of Harley, Oliver's service German Shepherd, as well as the other dogs in the book. How can you have a bad book when you include some awesome four legged characters?

There is plenty of history of WWII in the book (I know it's fiction, but it is based on historical facts). Oliver works tirelessly to try to figure out who the injured woman is while protecting his assignment, Sophia. Sophia doesn't make this easy since she is determined to promote her cause at the risk of her safety.

There is also a young girl who loves dogs and risks her life to safe Blue, her friend Rita's dog. It was a wonderful addition to the book. The author also adds just enough humor to the tale to keep it from being too solemn.

I would recommend this book for anyone who loves a good mystery, a good WWII story, or dogs and the humans that love them. You can't go wrong.

[Jay Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although set during the middle of WWII, the action takes place in America. The hideous actions of the Nazis are well-displayed, but the danger posed by Stalin and the Communists is the bigger threat in America. Oliver and his dog play a major role in protecting a Polish Jew who is speaking out for the forgotten of the displaced inhabitants of Europe. She is the center of attempts to kill her from several sources, and Oliver is hard pressed to protect her. The action is exciting, mysteries need to be solved, and each of the main characters must come to grips with their own losses while attempting to help others. This is a well-written book about a period in time that too many Americans would like to forget.

[Amanda Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction. Especially WWII I have read lots about what happened to the civilians over there. This time it brought it home and gave us a different view of the times. I love how the mystery comes in and leaves you on the edge of your seat. Great novel and investment.

[Sue Blanchard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thankyou to NetGalley, Dancing Dog Books, Independent Book Publishers Association, and the author, Mary Alder, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of Shadowed By Death in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
I thought the book was well written with intriguing characters. I enjoy a story that offers multiple plot line to keep you turning the pages to find out how it all ends.
worth a read.