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The Fifth Column
The Fifth Column is a thrilling novel about the only man who can thwart a Nazi sympathizer uprising in New York during the Second World War, from bestselling author Andrew Gross. A Man in Trouble
February 1939 and Europe is on the brink of war. Charles Mossman is in a bar in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, reeling from the loss of his job and his failing marriage, whilst outside thousands of Nazi sympathizers are attending a hate-spewing rally. As he confronts one, Charles makes a horrendous mistake with deadly consequences. A City of Secrets
Two years later, Charles is released from prison and tries to reunite with his family. The US has kept out of the war for now but the pressure in the city is rising as those sympathetic to the Nazi cause lay the foundations for what lies ahead. The Enemy Within
As he tries to make amends with his wife and daughter, Charles starts to understand that surrounding them there are forces that will use any means necessary to bring about the downfall of his nation. And when his daughter is befriended by a seemingly amiable Swiss couple, it brings to the surface his fears of a 'Fifth Column' of embedded German spies in their new neighbourhood. All Charles wants is to redeem himself as a husband and father, but sometimes a man must do questionable things to stand up for his family and what he believes, even sacrificing his life to do so . . .
February 1939 and Europe is on the brink of war. Charles Mossman is in a bar in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, reeling from the loss of his job and his failing marriage, whilst outside thousands of Nazi sympathizers are attending a hate-spewing rally. As he confronts one, Charles makes a horrendous mistake with deadly consequences. A City of Secrets
Two years later, Charles is released from prison and tries to reunite with his family. The US has kept out of the war for now but the pressure in the city is rising as those sympathetic to the Nazi cause lay the foundations for what lies ahead. The Enemy Within
As he tries to make amends with his wife and daughter, Charles starts to understand that surrounding them there are forces that will use any means necessary to bring about the downfall of his nation. And when his daughter is befriended by a seemingly amiable Swiss couple, it brings to the surface his fears of a 'Fifth Column' of embedded German spies in their new neighbourhood. All Charles wants is to redeem himself as a husband and father, but sometimes a man must do questionable things to stand up for his family and what he believes, even sacrificing his life to do so . . .
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2019
528 people are currently reading
2833 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Gross
96 books1,779 followersHoward Andrew Gross was an American author of thriller novels, including four New York Times bestsellers. He is best known for his collaborations with suspense writer James Patterson. Gross's books feature close family bonds, relationships characterized by loss or betrayal, and a large degree of emotional resonance which generally leads to wider crimes and cover-ups. The books have all been published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
September 8, 2019
Andrew Gross writes my favorite historical thrillers. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
(I thought I added my review earlier, but it wasn’t here! 😬)
Andrew Gross is the master of powerful historical thrillers. No one writes them the same way.
It’s 1939, and the world is gearing up for possible war. A Nazi rally in Madison Square Garden brings over twenty thousand Nazi supporters to the area. A group draped in Nazi flags comes into the bar where Charles Mossman is, a man who has recently lost his job and his marriage.
On edge, Charlie takes a swing at one of the supporters and the dominos begin to fall.
In 1941, the US is considering whether to join the war. Charlie’s wife and daughter are living in Yorkville, a German-speaking, sometimes Hitler-sympathizing, suburb of NYC. Charlie is recently out of prison and is trying desperately to put his life back together.
Their across the hall neighbors, Trudy and Willi Bauer, take an interest in Charlie’s daughter, and Charlie begins to suspect they may be spies or something worse. The fear is that they are part of the “fifth column.” Charlie and his family are drawn into something sinister.
So good. So tense. So gripping. Once again, Andrew Gross has delivered a solid thriller with an historical backdrop. I read this quickly because the writing and pacing were both on point. The story is character-driven with three-dimensional lives depicted and all their emotions, while also having a plot that quickens and keeps you entranced.
Overall, The Fifth Column was a quick, satisfying read. I’ve read many books set on other homefronts during WWII, but The Fifth Column brings the war to the US front doorstep with some historical events I was not previously aware of. Masterful and well-done, I can’t wait to see what Andrew Gross brings us next!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
(I thought I added my review earlier, but it wasn’t here! 😬)
Andrew Gross is the master of powerful historical thrillers. No one writes them the same way.
It’s 1939, and the world is gearing up for possible war. A Nazi rally in Madison Square Garden brings over twenty thousand Nazi supporters to the area. A group draped in Nazi flags comes into the bar where Charles Mossman is, a man who has recently lost his job and his marriage.
On edge, Charlie takes a swing at one of the supporters and the dominos begin to fall.
In 1941, the US is considering whether to join the war. Charlie’s wife and daughter are living in Yorkville, a German-speaking, sometimes Hitler-sympathizing, suburb of NYC. Charlie is recently out of prison and is trying desperately to put his life back together.
Their across the hall neighbors, Trudy and Willi Bauer, take an interest in Charlie’s daughter, and Charlie begins to suspect they may be spies or something worse. The fear is that they are part of the “fifth column.” Charlie and his family are drawn into something sinister.
So good. So tense. So gripping. Once again, Andrew Gross has delivered a solid thriller with an historical backdrop. I read this quickly because the writing and pacing were both on point. The story is character-driven with three-dimensional lives depicted and all their emotions, while also having a plot that quickens and keeps you entranced.
Overall, The Fifth Column was a quick, satisfying read. I’ve read many books set on other homefronts during WWII, but The Fifth Column brings the war to the US front doorstep with some historical events I was not previously aware of. Masterful and well-done, I can’t wait to see what Andrew Gross brings us next!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
September 18, 2019
In Andrew Gross’s latest historical thriller, complicated sociopolitical dynamics from the late 1930s surround a conspiracy uncovered involving the U.S. government and a secret fifth column of German spies living on US soil. The Fifth Column is particularly fascinating because it is set in a time period that I don’t often see explored in fiction, particularly in the thriller genre. Intricately plotted and so entertaining!
Columbia graduate student Charles Mossman is drinking at a bar in Manhattan, mourning the loss of his twin brother. His brother was killed in Spain not long before and Charles recently lost his job. Now, drowning his woes in a bar in Hell’s Kitchen seems to be the only reprieve. He is Jewish and living in New York in 1939, after all, a time when it was hard to be Jewish given the support for Nazi sentiments among many.
When a group of Nazi sympathizers who attended a large pro-Hitler rally in Madison Square Garden earlier that evening get into a brawl at the bar, Charlie takes a swing that changes his life. His drunken punch ends up accidentally killing an innocent teenager, and Charlie is arrested for manslaughter.
Two years later, Charlie has finished serving his sentence for manslaughter. America is on the cusp of entering the war. Returning home to his estranged wife and now six-year-old daughter Emma, Charlie realizes how much he has missed. They live in a brownstone in a German-speaking part of New York City. Support for Hitler isn’t uncommon in this neighborhood.. And his daughter has taken to spending quite a bit of time with the Bauers, a Swiss couple who live nearby.
The Bauers have taken a liking to Emma. At first all seems well, but soon after arriving home, Emma reveals that she has heard the Bauers—an allegedly ant-Nazi couple—praise some of the practices the Nazis support. As Charlie becomes more suspicious about who they truly are and where the Bauers’ loyalties lie, he starts to investigate deeper. And soon he realizes a horrifying truth—the Bauers are part of a conspiracy that goes all the way to the heart of the U.S. government.
A “fifth column” comes to light, German spies embedded in every day life in America. As tensions in the war escalate and Pearl Harbor is attached, the conspiracy turns deadly and Charlie must uncover it to save his daughter.
One thing I enjoyed about the way Andrew Gross wrote this novel, was that it was set during WWII and was heavily influenced by the events unfolding in the world, and yet it also had very little to do with any specifics of being at war itself. It really was about the tone at the time, the conflicts and political undercurrents that were effecting Americans and especially Jewish-Americans. Brilliant and unique!
I mentioned up front that this is a time period we don’t often see as a context for thrillers. Andrew Gross took a bold risk setting a conspiracy plot during such a dark and painful point in history, but it was handled with tact and an impressive weaving of fact and fiction.
Charlie struggled a lot with who to trust and who to confide in during this book. He was such a damaged character but so root-able. I really wanted him to be ok. I loved his daughter Emma and how much he loved her. Flawed characters are so much more interesting in my opinion, I don’t want to read about someone who is perfect and just suffering misfortune at the hands of others. I want to read about someone who is imperfect but also tries to be better. Charlie was such a great character!
A wonderfully-written historical thriller!
Thank you Minotaur for my copy. Opinions are my own.
Columbia graduate student Charles Mossman is drinking at a bar in Manhattan, mourning the loss of his twin brother. His brother was killed in Spain not long before and Charles recently lost his job. Now, drowning his woes in a bar in Hell’s Kitchen seems to be the only reprieve. He is Jewish and living in New York in 1939, after all, a time when it was hard to be Jewish given the support for Nazi sentiments among many.
When a group of Nazi sympathizers who attended a large pro-Hitler rally in Madison Square Garden earlier that evening get into a brawl at the bar, Charlie takes a swing that changes his life. His drunken punch ends up accidentally killing an innocent teenager, and Charlie is arrested for manslaughter.
Two years later, Charlie has finished serving his sentence for manslaughter. America is on the cusp of entering the war. Returning home to his estranged wife and now six-year-old daughter Emma, Charlie realizes how much he has missed. They live in a brownstone in a German-speaking part of New York City. Support for Hitler isn’t uncommon in this neighborhood.. And his daughter has taken to spending quite a bit of time with the Bauers, a Swiss couple who live nearby.
The Bauers have taken a liking to Emma. At first all seems well, but soon after arriving home, Emma reveals that she has heard the Bauers—an allegedly ant-Nazi couple—praise some of the practices the Nazis support. As Charlie becomes more suspicious about who they truly are and where the Bauers’ loyalties lie, he starts to investigate deeper. And soon he realizes a horrifying truth—the Bauers are part of a conspiracy that goes all the way to the heart of the U.S. government.
A “fifth column” comes to light, German spies embedded in every day life in America. As tensions in the war escalate and Pearl Harbor is attached, the conspiracy turns deadly and Charlie must uncover it to save his daughter.
One thing I enjoyed about the way Andrew Gross wrote this novel, was that it was set during WWII and was heavily influenced by the events unfolding in the world, and yet it also had very little to do with any specifics of being at war itself. It really was about the tone at the time, the conflicts and political undercurrents that were effecting Americans and especially Jewish-Americans. Brilliant and unique!
I mentioned up front that this is a time period we don’t often see as a context for thrillers. Andrew Gross took a bold risk setting a conspiracy plot during such a dark and painful point in history, but it was handled with tact and an impressive weaving of fact and fiction.
Charlie struggled a lot with who to trust and who to confide in during this book. He was such a damaged character but so root-able. I really wanted him to be ok. I loved his daughter Emma and how much he loved her. Flawed characters are so much more interesting in my opinion, I don’t want to read about someone who is perfect and just suffering misfortune at the hands of others. I want to read about someone who is imperfect but also tries to be better. Charlie was such a great character!
A wonderfully-written historical thriller!
Thank you Minotaur for my copy. Opinions are my own.
April 3, 2023
4 Stars for The Fifth Column (audiobook) by Andrew Gross read by Edoardo Ballerini.
This is an intense story of one man trying to balance his responsibilities for his family and his country. On the cusp of the US entering WWII, Charles Mossman has to determine if the members of a Swiss family are as kind and friendly as they seem or are they German spies.
This is an intense story of one man trying to balance his responsibilities for his family and his country. On the cusp of the US entering WWII, Charles Mossman has to determine if the members of a Swiss family are as kind and friendly as they seem or are they German spies.
January 15, 2022
Actual rating is 3.5 stars.
This is a historical fiction novel that takes place right before World War II. In this one, Charlie is down on his luck and the only positive thing he has in his life is his daughter. He stumbles on a German spy plot here in the United States. He has a difficult time proving it exists as no one believes him.
This was an enjoyable read that was pretty much straight forward. There was a twist in the middle of the book but it can be seen from a mile. That pretty much sums up this book as you can tell throughout where it would end up going and what the result would be. That being said I liked it and I liked the idea of exploring the current state of life for the main character. He is estranged from his wife, no job, and more or less cut off from the rest of his family. I liked how the only thing that kept him going was his daughter. As for the spy story it was enjoyable. The ending was schmaltzy and expected but highly enjoyable. That is why I gave this book the extra half star.
I wasn't expecting a lot from this book and it exceeded my expectations. It hit the right notes with the conspiracy, the touch of romance, and being able to root for the main character. It wasn't mind blowing. It was entertaining the whole time I read the book.
This is a historical fiction novel that takes place right before World War II. In this one, Charlie is down on his luck and the only positive thing he has in his life is his daughter. He stumbles on a German spy plot here in the United States. He has a difficult time proving it exists as no one believes him.
This was an enjoyable read that was pretty much straight forward. There was a twist in the middle of the book but it can be seen from a mile. That pretty much sums up this book as you can tell throughout where it would end up going and what the result would be. That being said I liked it and I liked the idea of exploring the current state of life for the main character. He is estranged from his wife, no job, and more or less cut off from the rest of his family. I liked how the only thing that kept him going was his daughter. As for the spy story it was enjoyable. The ending was schmaltzy and expected but highly enjoyable. That is why I gave this book the extra half star.
I wasn't expecting a lot from this book and it exceeded my expectations. It hit the right notes with the conspiracy, the touch of romance, and being able to root for the main character. It wasn't mind blowing. It was entertaining the whole time I read the book.
September 10, 2019
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
This was really good! I have read several books written by this author in the past and have had quite a bit of luck with them so I had a pretty good idea what to expect when I picked up this book. I found this to be a very enjoyable read. It was fast-paced with a rather complex mystery set during a really interesting period of time.
Charles Mossman is at a rather low point at the start of this story. His career and his marriage are not in great shape and he is spending a lot of time at the local bar with a drink in his hand. Things get out of hand and Charlie learns that things be so much worse than they had been. The story picks up again a couple of years later and Charlie is wanting to make amends and get his life back. He wants a relationship with his wife and daughter and will do what needs to be done to make that happen.
Charlie soon meets all of the people that are now a part of his daughter, Emma's life. He has a bad feeling about one particular couple. Things just don't seem to add up so Charlie starts to check things out on his own. I had a fantastic time watching Charlie try to puzzle through what was really going on. There were a lot of twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I loved how determined Charlie was and how he was able to maintain his focus.
I did like the characters and the setting. Charlie was flawed but he was working to make a better life. He understood that he would have to work to earn back the trust of others and didn't expect too much. He was intelligent and determined. I liked that the supporting characters were fleshed out just enough that they felt real but they still had a bit a mystery to them. I thought that the time period was very well done. This book was set in the period of time just before the United States entered World War II. I thought that seeing Nazi sympathizers as a key part of the story was very eye-opening.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a very well done thriller with an interesting historical backdrop that kept me guessing until the very end. I will definitely be reading more of Andrew Gross's work.
I received a free review copy of The Fifth Column by Andrew Gross from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.
Initial Thoughts
This was good. It moved pretty fast and kept me guessing with enough twists to keep things really interesting. It was definitely entertaining.
This was really good! I have read several books written by this author in the past and have had quite a bit of luck with them so I had a pretty good idea what to expect when I picked up this book. I found this to be a very enjoyable read. It was fast-paced with a rather complex mystery set during a really interesting period of time.
Charles Mossman is at a rather low point at the start of this story. His career and his marriage are not in great shape and he is spending a lot of time at the local bar with a drink in his hand. Things get out of hand and Charlie learns that things be so much worse than they had been. The story picks up again a couple of years later and Charlie is wanting to make amends and get his life back. He wants a relationship with his wife and daughter and will do what needs to be done to make that happen.
Charlie soon meets all of the people that are now a part of his daughter, Emma's life. He has a bad feeling about one particular couple. Things just don't seem to add up so Charlie starts to check things out on his own. I had a fantastic time watching Charlie try to puzzle through what was really going on. There were a lot of twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I loved how determined Charlie was and how he was able to maintain his focus.
I did like the characters and the setting. Charlie was flawed but he was working to make a better life. He understood that he would have to work to earn back the trust of others and didn't expect too much. He was intelligent and determined. I liked that the supporting characters were fleshed out just enough that they felt real but they still had a bit a mystery to them. I thought that the time period was very well done. This book was set in the period of time just before the United States entered World War II. I thought that seeing Nazi sympathizers as a key part of the story was very eye-opening.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a very well done thriller with an interesting historical backdrop that kept me guessing until the very end. I will definitely be reading more of Andrew Gross's work.
I received a free review copy of The Fifth Column by Andrew Gross from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.
Initial Thoughts
This was good. It moved pretty fast and kept me guessing with enough twists to keep things really interesting. It was definitely entertaining.
November 9, 2019
Andrew Gross has quickly become one of my favourite authors in the historical fiction/thriller genre. "The One Man" and "Button Man" were both 5 star reads for me and now I can add "The Fifth Column".
This story tells of the Nazi sympathizers and potential saboteurs in NY before the U.S. entered WWII beginning with the pro-Nazi rally at Madison Square Garden.
Charles Mossman, apart from his wife and young daughter, uncovers signs that his wife's neighbours are Nazi spies. He will do anything to protect them including risking his own life.
A character driven story, the Fifth Column is not only a tale of deceit, tragedy and violent crime but a tale of hope and forgiveness.
Highly Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
This story tells of the Nazi sympathizers and potential saboteurs in NY before the U.S. entered WWII beginning with the pro-Nazi rally at Madison Square Garden.
Charles Mossman, apart from his wife and young daughter, uncovers signs that his wife's neighbours are Nazi spies. He will do anything to protect them including risking his own life.
A character driven story, the Fifth Column is not only a tale of deceit, tragedy and violent crime but a tale of hope and forgiveness.
Highly Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
August 26, 2019
4.5 stars, actually.
As a general rule, I don't enjoy books, movies or TV shows that involve battles, conflicts and wars. I've even given up on a couple of previously favorite authors because the focus of their latest books shifted too heavily in that direction. So when I started this one, I was more than a bit wary. Can't imagine I'll like it much, I said to myself.
And it just goes to show me not to prejudge. Not only did I enjoy it, but I finished it in only two sittings. In fact, it's a very intriguing plot that is related to World War II but, happily, does not take place on a battlefield at all. It opens in New York in February 1939, when unrest in Europe is heating up and people everywhere are taking sides for and against the Nazis. Charlie Mossman, a sometimes-practicing Jew and often drunk, is in a bar and approached by some belligerent Nazi supporters. A fight ensues, and Charlie unintentionally hits a teenager, an innocent bystander. The young man dies, Charlie is charged and convicted of involuntary manslaughter, and spends the next two years in prison.
When he gets out, he learns his wife has given up on him, although she's still friendly and allows him to spend time with their young daughter Emma. The United States is trying to avoid a war that's growing by leaps and bounds and fast. When he visits Emma, he meets Trudi and Willi Bauer, a couple who seem to love Emma dearly and claim to be Swiss. It doesn't take long, though, for Charllie to find clues that lead him to believe they're something else entirely. Perhaps, he suspects, they might even be members of a "fifth column," a network of German spies embedded in day-to-day life in the states (if you've watched "The Americans" on TV, you get the drift).
As time goes on, Charlie becomes even more suspicious and finally discovers sufficient evidence to be sure he's right. Problem is, no one will believe him. His soon-to-be-ex-wife loves the "Swiss" couple, and Charlie's prison background doesn't exactly make him a reliable source to the police or FBI. Still, he's convinced that something big is about to go down - something that could threaten thousands of U.S. lives. When Pearl Harbor is attacked, drawing America into the war, Charlie just can't pretend everything is fine. What he does, how he does it and what happens in the end make for an exciting story.
So what did I not like so much? There's a fair amount of repetition - Understandably, Charlie has to retell his findings over and over to people he thinks he can trust. But after the second or third time, even somewhat abbreviated, it got a little boring. And it didn't take long for me to wonder if the author is on a crusade against Charles Lindbergh - he pointed out several times that the late pilot at one time was a vocal supporter of Nazi Germany. Actually, that's an historical fact; but one mention would have sufficed.
Those small issues aside, I was very satisfied with this book and thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
As a general rule, I don't enjoy books, movies or TV shows that involve battles, conflicts and wars. I've even given up on a couple of previously favorite authors because the focus of their latest books shifted too heavily in that direction. So when I started this one, I was more than a bit wary. Can't imagine I'll like it much, I said to myself.
And it just goes to show me not to prejudge. Not only did I enjoy it, but I finished it in only two sittings. In fact, it's a very intriguing plot that is related to World War II but, happily, does not take place on a battlefield at all. It opens in New York in February 1939, when unrest in Europe is heating up and people everywhere are taking sides for and against the Nazis. Charlie Mossman, a sometimes-practicing Jew and often drunk, is in a bar and approached by some belligerent Nazi supporters. A fight ensues, and Charlie unintentionally hits a teenager, an innocent bystander. The young man dies, Charlie is charged and convicted of involuntary manslaughter, and spends the next two years in prison.
When he gets out, he learns his wife has given up on him, although she's still friendly and allows him to spend time with their young daughter Emma. The United States is trying to avoid a war that's growing by leaps and bounds and fast. When he visits Emma, he meets Trudi and Willi Bauer, a couple who seem to love Emma dearly and claim to be Swiss. It doesn't take long, though, for Charllie to find clues that lead him to believe they're something else entirely. Perhaps, he suspects, they might even be members of a "fifth column," a network of German spies embedded in day-to-day life in the states (if you've watched "The Americans" on TV, you get the drift).
As time goes on, Charlie becomes even more suspicious and finally discovers sufficient evidence to be sure he's right. Problem is, no one will believe him. His soon-to-be-ex-wife loves the "Swiss" couple, and Charlie's prison background doesn't exactly make him a reliable source to the police or FBI. Still, he's convinced that something big is about to go down - something that could threaten thousands of U.S. lives. When Pearl Harbor is attacked, drawing America into the war, Charlie just can't pretend everything is fine. What he does, how he does it and what happens in the end make for an exciting story.
So what did I not like so much? There's a fair amount of repetition - Understandably, Charlie has to retell his findings over and over to people he thinks he can trust. But after the second or third time, even somewhat abbreviated, it got a little boring. And it didn't take long for me to wonder if the author is on a crusade against Charles Lindbergh - he pointed out several times that the late pilot at one time was a vocal supporter of Nazi Germany. Actually, that's an historical fact; but one mention would have sufficed.
Those small issues aside, I was very satisfied with this book and thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
August 26, 2021
For a book about espionage in New York City this was a very light read.
It is a so-so book about Nazi sympathizers in 1939 NYC.
The protagonist Charles is not a very bright fellow.
Recently out of prison he finds his almost ex- wife’s elderly neighbours Trudi & Willi Bauer have become very close to his 6-yr old daughter. The couple claim to be Swiss but Charlie has reason to be suspicious and can’t help snooping.
Great idea for a story but not much thought put into the actual plot and writing which felt lackluster at best.
This really isn’t much of a suspense read but at least it moved along quickly.
It is a so-so book about Nazi sympathizers in 1939 NYC.
The protagonist Charles is not a very bright fellow.
Recently out of prison he finds his almost ex- wife’s elderly neighbours Trudi & Willi Bauer have become very close to his 6-yr old daughter. The couple claim to be Swiss but Charlie has reason to be suspicious and can’t help snooping.
Great idea for a story but not much thought put into the actual plot and writing which felt lackluster at best.
This really isn’t much of a suspense read but at least it moved along quickly.
November 25, 2019
This review is for the audiobook version of “The Fifth Column” by Andrew Gross, narrated by Edoardo Ballerini and published by Macmillan Audio.
Audio: 5 stars Edoardo Ballerini is an award winning actor and narrator, and was the narrator on Gross’ “The One Man”. Ballerini switches between accents, genders and ages throughout this novel with ease, and his passionate dictation keeps a listener engaged from the very start. Well-performed, Ballerini is a great choice for this novel.
Story: 5 stars After reading “The Saboteur” and “The One Man”, I fell in love with Gross’ historical fiction. Although World War II fiction is everywhere, he manages to take a unique spin on the story and make it both engaging and completely immersive and addicting.
It is 1939 and the influence of Hitler is emerging overseas, and is just starting to take root in America. Charles Mossman has just lost his job and his wife and is nursing his woes in (yet another) bottle of alcohol, when punches are thrown and an innocent young man is killed. Two years later, Charles is out of jail and America is debating whether or not to enter the War. During strictly scheduled visits with his daughter, Charles begins to notice suspicious behaviour from the elderly couple living across the hall from his daughter and ex-wife. Charles begins to suspect they may be German spies, but because of his history, everyone he tells brushes off his suspicions. Charles decides to take matters into his own hands, risking his life and the life of his daughter, to prove that Will and Trudy Bauer are not just innocent neighbours.
This novel was immersive and entertaining from the first page. I immediately sympathized with Charlie, who was trying to re-invent himself after his life had fallen dramatically off the rails, and sided with him as his suspicions grew against the Bauers.
Once the drama and action started in this novel, it didn’t stop until the very end. Although it played out predictably (exactly like a Hollywood movie might) , it was a satisfying ending that absolutely could not have happened any other way.
Gross is the author who piqued my interest in World War II fiction. I loved both “The Saboteur” and “The One Man”, and was really surprised when “The Fifth Column” surpassed the high standards I had set. Whatever else Gross has done with his life or plans to do, his calling is to write historical fiction. A definitive choice for those who are new to the genre, or for those who simply love to learn a little while they read.
Audio: 5 stars Edoardo Ballerini is an award winning actor and narrator, and was the narrator on Gross’ “The One Man”. Ballerini switches between accents, genders and ages throughout this novel with ease, and his passionate dictation keeps a listener engaged from the very start. Well-performed, Ballerini is a great choice for this novel.
Story: 5 stars After reading “The Saboteur” and “The One Man”, I fell in love with Gross’ historical fiction. Although World War II fiction is everywhere, he manages to take a unique spin on the story and make it both engaging and completely immersive and addicting.
It is 1939 and the influence of Hitler is emerging overseas, and is just starting to take root in America. Charles Mossman has just lost his job and his wife and is nursing his woes in (yet another) bottle of alcohol, when punches are thrown and an innocent young man is killed. Two years later, Charles is out of jail and America is debating whether or not to enter the War. During strictly scheduled visits with his daughter, Charles begins to notice suspicious behaviour from the elderly couple living across the hall from his daughter and ex-wife. Charles begins to suspect they may be German spies, but because of his history, everyone he tells brushes off his suspicions. Charles decides to take matters into his own hands, risking his life and the life of his daughter, to prove that Will and Trudy Bauer are not just innocent neighbours.
This novel was immersive and entertaining from the first page. I immediately sympathized with Charlie, who was trying to re-invent himself after his life had fallen dramatically off the rails, and sided with him as his suspicions grew against the Bauers.
Once the drama and action started in this novel, it didn’t stop until the very end. Although it played out predictably (exactly like a Hollywood movie might) , it was a satisfying ending that absolutely could not have happened any other way.
Gross is the author who piqued my interest in World War II fiction. I loved both “The Saboteur” and “The One Man”, and was really surprised when “The Fifth Column” surpassed the high standards I had set. Whatever else Gross has done with his life or plans to do, his calling is to write historical fiction. A definitive choice for those who are new to the genre, or for those who simply love to learn a little while they read.
April 5, 2021
Another excellent historical fiction novel from author Andrew Gross. I first came across Andrew Gross novels when reading the books co written with James Patterson, but to be honest I think his historical fiction is so much better. I loved his novels, ‘Button man’ and ‘The One Man’ where I gave a five star rating to both of them. This is another excellent story but in my opinion not quite as good.
The novel is set in 1941 New York City, Recently released from prison for manslaughter Charles Mossman is struggling to get his life back after spending the last two years locked up. He was convicted of manslaughter after a fit of drunken rage over a group of Nazi sympathisers left an innocent teenager dead. Now split from his wife Charles spends two afternoons a week with his daughter trying to rekindle their close bond. While visiting his daughter, Charles starts to suspect a Swiss couple, Trudi and Willi Bauer, who have taken a liking to Emma. Charles begins to suspect that they might not be who they say they are.
Fast paced, well written and good characters make this a very entertaining read.
The novel is set in 1941 New York City, Recently released from prison for manslaughter Charles Mossman is struggling to get his life back after spending the last two years locked up. He was convicted of manslaughter after a fit of drunken rage over a group of Nazi sympathisers left an innocent teenager dead. Now split from his wife Charles spends two afternoons a week with his daughter trying to rekindle their close bond. While visiting his daughter, Charles starts to suspect a Swiss couple, Trudi and Willi Bauer, who have taken a liking to Emma. Charles begins to suspect that they might not be who they say they are.
Fast paced, well written and good characters make this a very entertaining read.
July 8, 2019
I was expecting a more in-depth plot for a thriller centered around “sleeper agents”. Nazis hidden in plain sight should be a horrifying idea in any context, yet somehow this book lacks emotional depth. It isn’t a bad story for romantic suspense readers but historians will be very disappointed.
June 20, 2021
historical fiction thriller based on a true nazi plot in 1941 USA, the novel took awhile to get going but enjoyed it once the plot played itself out
October 12, 2019
Andrew Gross is one of my favorite authors and The Fifth Column, his newest book, rose beyond my expectations. I listened to The Fifth Column on audio CD and couldn't get enough of it. Every time I think that Andrew Gross had written the best novel he will ever write, he surprises me and surpasses my expectations. He is a creative genius. I love how his story lines draw me in. The character and plot development was brilliant. I am usually drawn to books about WWII but this one had a different take and kept me guessing about the outcome. I really didn't want this one to end.
The Fifth Column brought the reader to New York City during February 1939. The United States had not entered the war yet but there were Nazi supporters sprinkled throughout the city. During the impressionable night in February 1939 over twenty-two thousand Nazi supporters led a massive rally at Madison Square Garden. Charlie Mossman was recently fired from his job and his marriage was less than perfect. He had lost his twin brother in the war. Charlie blamed himself for the choice his brother made to fight in Spain where he was killed. All these facts and feelings led Charlie to choose to drink often and usually become drunk. The night of the rally, Charlie found himself at a bar in Hell's Kitchen. When a group from the rally wearing Nazi flags barged their way into the bar, Charlie lost it. He listened to his drunken impulse and hit one of the men. Unfortunately for Charlie, he hit the wrong person. He swung wildly and hit a young boy who had nothing to do with the rally. The young boy's only crime was that he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Charlie paid significantly for that mistake. He was sentenced to two years in jail. The hardest part for Charlie was not being able to see his young daughter, Emma. During Charlie's time in jail, he had lots of time to reflect on his life which had become a disaster. He was able to stop drinking and upon his release, he was hopeful he could pick up the pieces of his life and his marriage. Unfortunately, he had a big hill to climb to get there.
Upon his release from jail, Charlie was hopeful that his estranged wife and precious daughter would welcome him back into their lives but that was not to be. Charlie discovered, as soon as he entered the lobby of the brownstone in the German-speaking New York City neighborhood of Yorkville, that his wife had dropped her married name and now listed her maiden name next to the buzzer to their apartment. Emma was now six years old. In order for Charlie to have visitation rights to spend time with Emma he had to remain sober. That was part of his probation and Charlie had no problem keeping to that. During one of his early visits with Emma, Charlie met Willi and Trudi Bauer, a Swiss couple that lived across from the apartment Emma and her mother shared. It was quite obvious that the elder Swiss couple were very fond of Emma and her mother. From his first meeting with Trudi and Willi Charlie has bad feelings. For him, things didn't seem "kosher" with the couple. Charlie began to try and gather evidence and find out everything he could about Willi and Trudi Bauer.
As it became clearer and clearer that the United States could not remain neutral much longer in sight of what was happening in Europe, there were some that believed that a "Fifth Column" or spies for Germany that were embedded within our communities in the United States. Many believed that they existed and were more feasible than not. It was about that time that Charlie really began to suspect that Willi and Trudi were planning something sinister. He just had no proof until he discovered something. Then Pearl Harbor was attacked and the United States found itself at war with Japan and Germany. Who could Charlie trust with his discoveries? The "Fifth Column" turned out to be a real concern and Charlie and his precious Emma were at the crux of it. What would their fates be? Could Charlie trust someone with the information he had found and would it be enough to save himself, his daughter and his country?
The Fifth Column by Andrew Gross was a fast paced and exciting book. It made you think about how well you really know the people around you and how trusting some are. Family, love and patriotic feelings are at the crux of the novel. It also looked at what a second chance at life might bring when granted. This was not the first book that I have read by Andrew Gross. I am such a big fan of his writing and ideas for his books. Without any hesitation, I would highly recommend The Fifth Column.
The Fifth Column brought the reader to New York City during February 1939. The United States had not entered the war yet but there were Nazi supporters sprinkled throughout the city. During the impressionable night in February 1939 over twenty-two thousand Nazi supporters led a massive rally at Madison Square Garden. Charlie Mossman was recently fired from his job and his marriage was less than perfect. He had lost his twin brother in the war. Charlie blamed himself for the choice his brother made to fight in Spain where he was killed. All these facts and feelings led Charlie to choose to drink often and usually become drunk. The night of the rally, Charlie found himself at a bar in Hell's Kitchen. When a group from the rally wearing Nazi flags barged their way into the bar, Charlie lost it. He listened to his drunken impulse and hit one of the men. Unfortunately for Charlie, he hit the wrong person. He swung wildly and hit a young boy who had nothing to do with the rally. The young boy's only crime was that he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Charlie paid significantly for that mistake. He was sentenced to two years in jail. The hardest part for Charlie was not being able to see his young daughter, Emma. During Charlie's time in jail, he had lots of time to reflect on his life which had become a disaster. He was able to stop drinking and upon his release, he was hopeful he could pick up the pieces of his life and his marriage. Unfortunately, he had a big hill to climb to get there.
Upon his release from jail, Charlie was hopeful that his estranged wife and precious daughter would welcome him back into their lives but that was not to be. Charlie discovered, as soon as he entered the lobby of the brownstone in the German-speaking New York City neighborhood of Yorkville, that his wife had dropped her married name and now listed her maiden name next to the buzzer to their apartment. Emma was now six years old. In order for Charlie to have visitation rights to spend time with Emma he had to remain sober. That was part of his probation and Charlie had no problem keeping to that. During one of his early visits with Emma, Charlie met Willi and Trudi Bauer, a Swiss couple that lived across from the apartment Emma and her mother shared. It was quite obvious that the elder Swiss couple were very fond of Emma and her mother. From his first meeting with Trudi and Willi Charlie has bad feelings. For him, things didn't seem "kosher" with the couple. Charlie began to try and gather evidence and find out everything he could about Willi and Trudi Bauer.
As it became clearer and clearer that the United States could not remain neutral much longer in sight of what was happening in Europe, there were some that believed that a "Fifth Column" or spies for Germany that were embedded within our communities in the United States. Many believed that they existed and were more feasible than not. It was about that time that Charlie really began to suspect that Willi and Trudi were planning something sinister. He just had no proof until he discovered something. Then Pearl Harbor was attacked and the United States found itself at war with Japan and Germany. Who could Charlie trust with his discoveries? The "Fifth Column" turned out to be a real concern and Charlie and his precious Emma were at the crux of it. What would their fates be? Could Charlie trust someone with the information he had found and would it be enough to save himself, his daughter and his country?
The Fifth Column by Andrew Gross was a fast paced and exciting book. It made you think about how well you really know the people around you and how trusting some are. Family, love and patriotic feelings are at the crux of the novel. It also looked at what a second chance at life might bring when granted. This was not the first book that I have read by Andrew Gross. I am such a big fan of his writing and ideas for his books. Without any hesitation, I would highly recommend The Fifth Column.
January 23, 2021
This is a very original story about an ex-con (jailed for assaulting a Nazi sympathizer) who becomes increasingly suspicious that the activities of an elderly couple in New York's German immigrant community is engaged in activities that go well beyond patriotism for their homeland. The trick is getting anyone to believe him. The Fifth Column is rich historical fiction, a page turning thriller and a look at domestic espionage and treason in the United States during the early days of World War II.
September 17, 2019
I’ve read four books by this author and “The One Man” is the only one I liked. This book had cartoon Nazis and a bumbling protagonist. The author spoon fed bits of history. I already knew that Lindbergh was a Nazi sympathizer, but even if I hadn’t known it there was no reason to repeat that fact over and over. There was a good plot but not great execution.
March 15, 2020
Kind of a let-down after The One Man. Meh.
October 5, 2019
It is pre-WWII and war is waging in Europe though the US has not yet entered the war. There are significant nazi sympathizers in the US who defend Hitler and the Germans, holding large scale rallies, planning and carrying out acts of sabotage.
This is a fast-paced and intricate tale of one man’s efforts to report the nazi sympathizers and saboteurs. A great read with surprising twists and turns along this Patriot’s journey to defend his country, his family and his heritage.
This is a fast-paced and intricate tale of one man’s efforts to report the nazi sympathizers and saboteurs. A great read with surprising twists and turns along this Patriot’s journey to defend his country, his family and his heritage.
September 24, 2019
4.5 rounding up because he has terrific historical fiction thrillers! Really enjoyed that this took place on American soil but still delivered a powerful war story.
September 27, 2020
3 Stars ( Average)
This one just quite didn't work for me, bummer. Andrew Gross is one my favorite historical fiction (specially WW2) writers, and I picked this one after reading his incredible 'The One Man'. I saw it revolved around WW2, but related to Nazi spies in America and I was instantly hooked. It's not that the story was bad, but few things made it falter. I disliked the protagonist immensely. It's tough to really get into a book when you already start hating the main character! Also the notion of 'Nazi spies' infiltrated in US soil was greatly exaggerated, and the book lacked the realism from Grosss earlier works.
Skip this one foks.
This one just quite didn't work for me, bummer. Andrew Gross is one my favorite historical fiction (specially WW2) writers, and I picked this one after reading his incredible 'The One Man'. I saw it revolved around WW2, but related to Nazi spies in America and I was instantly hooked. It's not that the story was bad, but few things made it falter. I disliked the protagonist immensely. It's tough to really get into a book when you already start hating the main character! Also the notion of 'Nazi spies' infiltrated in US soil was greatly exaggerated, and the book lacked the realism from Grosss earlier works.
Skip this one foks.
July 27, 2019
I should start by saying I grew up in post WWII Yorkville hearing stories about the activities of the German Bund In the area. In fact, I was not allowed to go to several stores and restaurants in the area because my parents remembered them having Nazi flags and signs in their windows. So, I was deeply impressed by the knowledge and research that Gross put into writing this thriller.
Despite the insertion of the Mossman family in the book, many of the events are true. Submarines coming to Montauk and threats to our water supply were real.
Creating Charlie Mossman as a centerpiece made this totally engaging. I really enjoyed this reminder of Yorkville in the 30’ s and 40’ s. Until a few years ago many of the places that were mentioned still existed. I truly enjoyed this book and urge students studying the home front during WW II , as well as those of us who enjoy a superb thriller to grab this.
I really thank NETGALLEY for this great thriller which brought back so much of my own childhood.
Despite the insertion of the Mossman family in the book, many of the events are true. Submarines coming to Montauk and threats to our water supply were real.
Creating Charlie Mossman as a centerpiece made this totally engaging. I really enjoyed this reminder of Yorkville in the 30’ s and 40’ s. Until a few years ago many of the places that were mentioned still existed. I truly enjoyed this book and urge students studying the home front during WW II , as well as those of us who enjoy a superb thriller to grab this.
I really thank NETGALLEY for this great thriller which brought back so much of my own childhood.
November 5, 2019
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. I am usually a fan of this author and enjoy reading his books, but this one just didn't do it for me. It felt like Mr. Gross was trying to write historical fiction mixed with romance wrapped in suspense/mystery...and he mostly failed at all three. While the premise is interesting, the characters all felt like caricatures and the execution suffered as a result. If you want to read something by this author, pick a different book.
December 17, 2019
The first 50 pages promised a much better story than the result. The setting, main character, and predicament to that point, were finely etched and compelling. It felt very authentic to the time. Soon, however, it dissolves into a cheesy 1940's serial with wooden, stereotypical characters. In fact, the whole book gets wooden. Any twists are predictable so the 322 pages drag rather than speed up. I kept hoping for a turnaround.
September 17, 2019
Trite and predictable
The story is extremely contrived. Language quite stilted. The story itself had possibilities, but not in this author’s hands. Very disappointing.
The story is extremely contrived. Language quite stilted. The story itself had possibilities, but not in this author’s hands. Very disappointing.
did-not-finish
December 2, 2025Temporary DNF
I'm not in the mood for this story rn.
I'm not in the mood for this story rn.
September 6, 2019
With his book, The Fifth Column, Andrew Gross gives us a closer look at the early days of WW II.
"It is 1939 and the Pro-Nazi movement is strong in America. And the Isolationists hold sway in Congress. Charles Mossman makes a terrible mistake and goes to prison for two years. After he gets out, his wife wants a divorce and he struggles to find meaningful work. He meets the nice Swiss couple across the hall from his wife. But...somethings off about them. Who are they really? Charles makes a discovery that puts himself and his family in terrible danger. And now he must make an awful choice."
Gross does an excellent job giving us the mood of 1939-41 America. In hindsight we wonder what took so long, but Gross shows us the ugly side of free speech. Mossman, at times, is a hard character to pull for because of his mistakes. But he is willing to do anything for his family. You feel Mossman's frustration as he tries to get someone to believe him. It feels like you know what the ending will be, but Gross adds just enough uncertainty to make you wonder.
It was good to read about a period in history that is largely ignored in fiction. With his last four books, Gross has shown he is adept at giving us a good story at different points in history. This is another excellent book from Gross. Fans of historical fiction will love it.
"It is 1939 and the Pro-Nazi movement is strong in America. And the Isolationists hold sway in Congress. Charles Mossman makes a terrible mistake and goes to prison for two years. After he gets out, his wife wants a divorce and he struggles to find meaningful work. He meets the nice Swiss couple across the hall from his wife. But...somethings off about them. Who are they really? Charles makes a discovery that puts himself and his family in terrible danger. And now he must make an awful choice."
Gross does an excellent job giving us the mood of 1939-41 America. In hindsight we wonder what took so long, but Gross shows us the ugly side of free speech. Mossman, at times, is a hard character to pull for because of his mistakes. But he is willing to do anything for his family. You feel Mossman's frustration as he tries to get someone to believe him. It feels like you know what the ending will be, but Gross adds just enough uncertainty to make you wonder.
It was good to read about a period in history that is largely ignored in fiction. With his last four books, Gross has shown he is adept at giving us a good story at different points in history. This is another excellent book from Gross. Fans of historical fiction will love it.
January 16, 2020
I received a free “THE FIFTH COLUMN” BY ANDREW GROSS from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book to actually be a suspenseful book at times, full of mystery and intrigue as you follow Charlie and the choices he had made from when he was a professor and lost his job. Which began the fall of his marriage, due to his drinking.
Drinking is where we find Charlie in 1939 and he is depressed because of his job being gone, no way to support his family and losing his brother who went off to fight the Germans. Charlie and his family are Jewish and now he feels like he has let everyone down. Brother, wife, daughter you get the point.
Then when he is deciding to leave a group of protesters come marching down who are shouting in favor of Hitler wearing the cloths and shouting pro-Nazi sayings. Remember 1939, the crowd becomes loud and he takes a swing at one of the protesters.
Days later Charlie is in court and sentenced to prison, his marriage is over. Two years later when he is released America is on the brink of war times and attitudes have changed. He is able to see his daughter but for the most part, she is taken care of by the elderly couple from across the hall. Charlie begins to suspect them as spies but knows no one will take his word so he must find proof. Here is where the story becomes more intense if you can believe it.
I was hooked with this story from beginning to end. I really liked all of the characters and also liked how the author shows a part of history for America that is really not talked about. The protests, and then the spies that the Germans had working in the East Coast were many. One they really wanted was the Norden bombsight which was accurate at 1,200 feet. That really changed the war in Europe first.
Anyway a very good book I really enjoyed it. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
I found this book to actually be a suspenseful book at times, full of mystery and intrigue as you follow Charlie and the choices he had made from when he was a professor and lost his job. Which began the fall of his marriage, due to his drinking.
Drinking is where we find Charlie in 1939 and he is depressed because of his job being gone, no way to support his family and losing his brother who went off to fight the Germans. Charlie and his family are Jewish and now he feels like he has let everyone down. Brother, wife, daughter you get the point.
Then when he is deciding to leave a group of protesters come marching down who are shouting in favor of Hitler wearing the cloths and shouting pro-Nazi sayings. Remember 1939, the crowd becomes loud and he takes a swing at one of the protesters.
Days later Charlie is in court and sentenced to prison, his marriage is over. Two years later when he is released America is on the brink of war times and attitudes have changed. He is able to see his daughter but for the most part, she is taken care of by the elderly couple from across the hall. Charlie begins to suspect them as spies but knows no one will take his word so he must find proof. Here is where the story becomes more intense if you can believe it.
I was hooked with this story from beginning to end. I really liked all of the characters and also liked how the author shows a part of history for America that is really not talked about. The protests, and then the spies that the Germans had working in the East Coast were many. One they really wanted was the Norden bombsight which was accurate at 1,200 feet. That really changed the war in Europe first.
Anyway a very good book I really enjoyed it. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
October 26, 2024
Really enjoyed this book and struggled to stop reading as I wanted to know what happens next. All the characters are well described and the story was excellent. Worth a read.
September 21, 2019
The fifth Column is a character driven book by Andrew Gross. I have read many of his books and they have all been good. I was introduced to him in the Blue Zone. This book is set in New York during WW11 before America enters the war. Charles Mossman is a College professor who killed a man in a drunken brawl. He is out of prison and goes to see his wife and daughter. His wife Liz lets him visit his daughter Emily but not come back.
He becomes suspicious of the couple next door who seem to not who they appear to be. Charles is a felon and finds it hard to find someone to take him seriously
The story of the fifth column, where people are trying to bring down America, is very well written. I read the story in just a couple of sittings. Thank you for an advantage copy for a review Net Galley
He becomes suspicious of the couple next door who seem to not who they appear to be. Charles is a felon and finds it hard to find someone to take him seriously
The story of the fifth column, where people are trying to bring down America, is very well written. I read the story in just a couple of sittings. Thank you for an advantage copy for a review Net Galley
September 27, 2019
A little disappointed in this one - not what I expected from one of my favorite authors. This seemed more like a love story than an in depth look at the Fifth Column during World War II.
It was well written and had some suspenseful moments but just seemed to lack something. The Google account of the Duquesne Spy Ring was more interesting than the book. The novel didn’t factually cover the true story.
*Amazed that most of the reviews just rehash the story - so annoying, why do people do that? You can read the GOODREADS synopsis or the book to find out what it’s all about.
It was well written and had some suspenseful moments but just seemed to lack something. The Google account of the Duquesne Spy Ring was more interesting than the book. The novel didn’t factually cover the true story.
*Amazed that most of the reviews just rehash the story - so annoying, why do people do that? You can read the GOODREADS synopsis or the book to find out what it’s all about.
November 25, 2019
I read one other book by this author and this was well reviewed so I gave it a shot. While it’s an interesting plot (Nazi spies in Manhattan during the lead up to US entry into WWII) the characters, especially the Germans, are cartoonish, the dialogue seemed very stilted. I only gave it a third star because it was fast paced. The protagonist is an idiot. He endangers his own life as well as others by his reckless and careless behavior, I almost started rooting for the Nazis to finish him off and put him out of his misery! What I expect the author hoped to be surprising twists can be spotted a mile away. I’d say skip this one and maybe try one of his earlier works.
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