Doomed to Repeat

by Tim Baker

As World War II draws to a close, German scientists work feverishly to complete the best kept secret of the war, and perhaps the century, Die Glocke (The Bell). Hitler believes The Bell is his not only his chance to save The Third Reich, but to change history. But what exactly is The Bell? Flagler Beach, Florida, 2019; Three men emerge from the surf. Two suffer from amnesia – the other is dead. The two survivors decide it would be in their best interest to put some distance between them and the corpse. They meet Ex-Navy SEAL Ike, who befriends them and tries to help them with their memory loss. When the body is discovered, a routine murder investigation turns into an international incident. Ike has to figure out what the CIA, the KGB and a corrupt U.S. Senator want with his new friends. It’s a race against time, and time is not on his side.

255 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2018

About the author

Rhode Island native Tim Baker released his first novel, Living the Dream, in August, 2009 and has followed up with 5 others since then. Tim writes fast-paced, off-beat crime stories full of colorful characters and loaded with unexpected and often humorous twists and turns, set in Flagler Beach and St. Augustine, Florida. You can learn more about Tim’s work and how to contact him on his website at www.blindoggbooks.com.

Reviews

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intriguing read that links the past to the present in an unusual way and will having readers scratching their heads and thinking...what if? The writing is well done and I think this author is one that readers will love and want to go back to again and again for great reads. Just remember...Beware the Bell.

[Bob · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea, I thought, was unique: The Nazis developing a time machine during World War II. The execution, however, was not. While I was hoping to really like this book, sadly, I cannot say that. I found the grammar to be good, but the writing was juvenile and amateurish. It felt like a first draft of novel, to which I would say, 'Great. Now flesh out the characters and story and make it come alive.' The beginning of the book seemed like it would be an exciting start, but, the execution was all wrong. Without giving anything away, Abraham's leaving with the Bell was unbelievable and illogical given what I know about the Nazis. I found very little description of characters, scenes, events and thoughts: What do Ike, Brewski and Abraham look like? All I know about Brewski is that he is tall, bald and wears a vest with no shrt. Not until page 147 was there a description of Ike. There is is no mention, beyond shallow references, to what Abraham and Eric think about this new world they have been thrust into. There are obvious avenues that many conversations could have taken, but the author does not take them. He is just not writing dialogue the way people actually speak. And scenes change very abruptly with very little to no description. The two stars are solely for the time travel idea and the grammatically correct writing. Mr. Baker has an interesting and new approach to time travel. My advice is to pull this book back, hire a really good editor and work with said editor to turn this into a great story.

[Gerald Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flagler Author Tim Baker hits a home run with “Doomed to Repeat.” Baker expertly mixes history and fiction into yet another interesting caper for ex-military stalwarts Ike and Brewski, Flagler Beach’s version of Marvel Comics’ Avengers.
When a mysterious object –perhaps a UFO – crashes into the Atlantic waters near the Flagler Beach Pier, it does not go unnoticed by the revelers along Scenic A1A. It turns out the object is a time machine, the Nazi Bell, invented in the final days of the Third Reich to whisk Adolph Hitler to safety and away from the invading Allied Forces.
Chaos ensues when the Bell’s inhabitants come ashore and are rescued by the likeable Ike. Evil forces, including U.S. and Soviet agencies, will stop at nothing to seize the prized vessel the intimidating duo retrieves and hides in Bunnell.
Locals will enjoy the chase for the Nazi Bell. It touches many Flagler County landmarks and notable businesses such as Finn’s, the Funky Pelican and the Golden Lion, the center of Ike’s activities. Try “Doomed to Repeat.” It might be Baker’s best work to date.

[Mike Cohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book--fast-paced and full of interesting and memorable characters.

The story surrounds a World War 2-era Nazi artifact that resurfaces off the coast of Florda after 75 years. The lead character is Ike, who has appeared in a supporting role in some of the author's other books. It was great to see Ike given a starring role here.

Ike and colleagues recover the Nazi artifact and then try to prevent it falling into the hands of a number of enemies. Along the way are lots of snappy dialogue, fast-paced scenes, and suspense.

Author Tim Baker is one of my favorites and this book is his best yet. The historical start to a moden story means to story will appeal to fans of Clive Cussler.

Highly recommended!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so unskilled at writing reviews, but I know what I like and I really liked this story.
I have read several of this authors books and, though all are good reading, I believe this is the best one ever. The story is a great combination of facts, legend, and fiction. There was lots of action, characters I liked, and characters I loathed, all colluding and colliding throughout the story.
A very enjoyable read. I look forward to the next one; Rising Tide.

[Scott Sylvester · Rating 4 out of 5]

local author in Flagler beach/St. Augustine area. Well written,great beach read, with 90% of the book taking place in FL. An original plot line with well developed characters..Have purchased 2 more of his books, one of which "unfinished business" is being turned into a TV pilot this summer.
only 4 stars because it was too short! Very enjoyable.

[Joseph R. McNeil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good one!

I will read more by this author. Very well written and good characters. The creepy Senator was a real piece of work! I recommend this book and I’m looking forward to reading another book by him!

[Garrett Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strange outer space story with a confusing back drop

The story was too far fetched for me to get into even though I tried to muddle through the story

[Tom Parker]

A page turner

The Nazi Bell was all I needed to see to want to read. The story line was really good and keep you wanting more.

[Terry Swindell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of you like WW II fiction

Great read , hard to put down. Would highly recommend to everyone, you enjoys a great adventure. Don't miss this one.

[Amy Muscarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Not my usual genre to read, but I really enjoyed it!