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Cotton Malone #16
The Kaiser's Web
Two candidates are vying to become Chancellor of Germany. One is a patriot having served for the past sixteen years, the other a usurper, stoking the flames of nationalistic hate. Both harbor secrets, but only one knows the truth about the other. They are on a collision course, all turning on the events of one fateful day — April 30, 1945 — and what happened deep beneath Berlin in the Fürherbunker. Did Adolph Hitler and Eva Braun die there? Did Martin Bormann, Hitler’s close confidant, manage to escape? And, even more important, where did billions in Nazi wealth disappear to in the waning days of World War II? The answers to these questions will determine who becomes the next Chancellor of Germany.
From the mysterious Chilean lake district, to the dangerous mesas of South Africa, and finally into the secret vaults of Switzerland, former-Justice Department agent Cotton Malone discovers the truth about the fates of Hitler, Braun, and Bormann. Revelations that could not only transform Europe, but finally expose a mystery known as the Kaiser’s web.
From the mysterious Chilean lake district, to the dangerous mesas of South Africa, and finally into the secret vaults of Switzerland, former-Justice Department agent Cotton Malone discovers the truth about the fates of Hitler, Braun, and Bormann. Revelations that could not only transform Europe, but finally expose a mystery known as the Kaiser’s web.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2021
1847 people are currently reading
3517 people want to read
About the author
Steve Berry
107 books7,418 followersSteve Berry is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of twenty-two novels, which include: The Last Kingdom , The Omega Factor , The Kaiser's Web, The Warsaw Protocol, The Malta Exchange, The Bishop’s Pawn, The Lost Order, The 14th Colony, The Patriot Threat, The Lincoln Myth, The King's Deception, The Columbus Affair, The Jefferson Key, The Emperor's Tomb, The Paris Vendetta, The Charlemagne Pursuit, The Venetian Betrayal, The Alexandria Link, The Templar Legacy, The Third Secret, The Romanov Prophecy, and The Amber Room. Steve has also co-written a novel with Grant Blackwood, The 9th Man (a Luke Daniels Adventure), and four novellas with M. J. Rose: The End of Forever, The House of Long Ago, The Lake of Learning, and The Museum of Mysteries, all Cassiopeia Vitt tales. His books have been translated into 41 languages with over 25,000,000 copies in 52 countries. They consistently appear in the top echelon of The New York Times, USA Today, and Indie bestseller lists. Somewhere in the world, every thirty seconds, one of his novels is sold.
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January 3, 2021
The Kaiser’s Web
by Steve Berry is the sixteenth book in the Cotton Malone series. This is a political thriller and suspense novel with some historical fiction meshed into it. As always, Berry does an excellent job of combining fact and fiction in an action adventure thriller that is superb. In the Author’s Note, he delineates what incidents and places are real.
When the previous president of the United States, Danny Daniels contacts Cotton Malone and asks for his and Cassiopeia Vitt’s help, they accept. Despite Cotton being retired from the Justice Department and now owning a rare book store in Copenhagen, he and Cassiopeia are eager for some excitement. A secret dossier has come to light that could not only rewrite history, it could impact Germany’s national elections. Of course this goes back to World War II and what really happened on April 30, 1945. What could possibly go wrong with trying to validate the dossier?
Cotton is a strong protagonist with a lot of depth. His resilience, courage, and love for Cassiopeia as well as his love for history and truth shine in this story line. The secondary characters had varying degrees of depth with a couple of familiar faces and many new characters to enliven the tale.
Berry does a great job of world-building and makes the locations in the book come alive. He also adds cultural and historical aspects to the places and people making the reading experience an immersive one. This takes talent when the book covers multiple countries and sometimes multiple locations within those countries. The plot is full of history, intrigue, lies, mystery, and twists and turns.
Overall, this was an entertaining and fast-paced novel and a great addition to the series. I look forward to the next book. I have read 10 books by this author and own several others that are on my to-be-read bookshelf. If you enjoy a mixture of history, action, and intrigue, then this may be the next series for you.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Steve Berry for an ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 23, 2021.
When the previous president of the United States, Danny Daniels contacts Cotton Malone and asks for his and Cassiopeia Vitt’s help, they accept. Despite Cotton being retired from the Justice Department and now owning a rare book store in Copenhagen, he and Cassiopeia are eager for some excitement. A secret dossier has come to light that could not only rewrite history, it could impact Germany’s national elections. Of course this goes back to World War II and what really happened on April 30, 1945. What could possibly go wrong with trying to validate the dossier?
Cotton is a strong protagonist with a lot of depth. His resilience, courage, and love for Cassiopeia as well as his love for history and truth shine in this story line. The secondary characters had varying degrees of depth with a couple of familiar faces and many new characters to enliven the tale.
Berry does a great job of world-building and makes the locations in the book come alive. He also adds cultural and historical aspects to the places and people making the reading experience an immersive one. This takes talent when the book covers multiple countries and sometimes multiple locations within those countries. The plot is full of history, intrigue, lies, mystery, and twists and turns.
Overall, this was an entertaining and fast-paced novel and a great addition to the series. I look forward to the next book. I have read 10 books by this author and own several others that are on my to-be-read bookshelf. If you enjoy a mixture of history, action, and intrigue, then this may be the next series for you.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Steve Berry for an ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 23, 2021.
February 6, 2021
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Steve Berry and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Steve Berry ushers Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt into the sixteenth novel of the series, which is full of intrigue, political banter, and historical ‘what if’ moments in the middle of an important election. The future of Germany is at stake with two contenders for the chancellorship and a country on the verge of change. As Malone and Vitt travel across three continents, they uncover the truth behind a mystery that is seventy-five years in the making. A chilling glance into what might have happened in a Berlin bunker and the web of deceit spun in its aftermath. Recommended to those who love Berry’s work, as well as the reader who enjoys a little historical pondering in their thrillers.
Working off the books, former US President Danny Daniels arrives in Germany with a portfolio of information to deliver to an old friend. At stake is the winner of Germany’s most coveted political position, the chancellorship. Its current holder seeks to continue use her control of the political system, but a challenger holds the reins of the nationalistic right and is supported by a base who find solace in hate and racial purity.
Within the portfolio is the truth behind the events of April 30, 1945, when Hitler and his new wife, Eva Braun, apparently took their lives rather than see the fall of Germany. However, while the Russians claim to have found Hitler’s body and buried it, questions remain about Braun. Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt are called in to poke around, which will include extensive research in Chile. While their lives will be put in danger, as they unravel the complexities of the post-war fates of many Germans, neither is willing to dismiss the possible truths that have been diluted by war-time histories with obvious biases.
Might Evan Braun have escaped with one of Hitler’s confidants? Could their connection have led to a romantic connection that bore a child, one who was whisked away and adopted by another family? It will take more than a crafty marksman to deter Malone and Vitt, as they reveal all and make their way to South Africa to learn just how complex this secret, dubbed the Kaiser’s Web, proves to be.
With the fate of Germany in the balance, secrets will come to light, but will it all be in time to let the country know before a chancellor is picked? Might the end result leave Germany back in the hands of the national socialists, no longer needing a putsch and beer hall to wreak havoc on the strongest economy in Europe? Malone cannot sit idly by, but even he is not sure which side is favoured in this web of lies and deception.
Steve Berry has never shied away from controversial subjects, all while injecting the ‘what if’ question into his narrative. Spinning truths he has uncovered with just the right flavouring of fiction, Berry develops a story that series fans are sure to love, with a backdrop of far-right politics that is sure to resonate in an era when elected leaders turn into tyrants drunk on power.
Cotton Malone has always been a strong, if not entirely loveable, character in these books. Painted as a former Justice Department operative who sought solitude with an antique bookstore in Denmark, Malone has always kept one foot in the realm of active duty. This story pushes him not to explore more of his backstory, but to help clarify a major issue, all while seeking to stay alive for one more day. There is not the traditional development that a series might bring to a character, but more a constant hunger for truth, even when it is buried beneath the rubble of time and deception.
Berry uses some returning characters to add flavouring to his series, but also uses a handful of key characters who are essential to the plot at hand. He mixes history and present-day when presenting those who serve as effective vessels in portraying the many layers of his narrative and there is never a dull moment as the reader learns more about the people on the page and the history behind them.
Blurring the lines between fact and fiction is what Berry does best, though he is always keen to shine the light on things in his author’s note. Berry touches on some relevant issues with the rise of the neo-Nazi movement, as well as nationalism in general, throughout this piece. The narrative is strong and keeps building throughout, while the characters embody the tension that comes from truths being unearthed. The pace of the plot never slows and the twists come throughout the story. Working through a strong storyline, the piece keeps the reader enthralled as they ask themselves what might really have happened as the Russians advanced on a crippled Berlin back in 1945. I know I was keen to see what Berry had to say in his end of story note, as I am sure many others will be who devour this book!
Kudos, Mr. Berry, for another winner. I love how you use the present day to make the past come to light, leaving many to question what they really know and where they may have been blindly led.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Steve Berry ushers Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt into the sixteenth novel of the series, which is full of intrigue, political banter, and historical ‘what if’ moments in the middle of an important election. The future of Germany is at stake with two contenders for the chancellorship and a country on the verge of change. As Malone and Vitt travel across three continents, they uncover the truth behind a mystery that is seventy-five years in the making. A chilling glance into what might have happened in a Berlin bunker and the web of deceit spun in its aftermath. Recommended to those who love Berry’s work, as well as the reader who enjoys a little historical pondering in their thrillers.
Working off the books, former US President Danny Daniels arrives in Germany with a portfolio of information to deliver to an old friend. At stake is the winner of Germany’s most coveted political position, the chancellorship. Its current holder seeks to continue use her control of the political system, but a challenger holds the reins of the nationalistic right and is supported by a base who find solace in hate and racial purity.
Within the portfolio is the truth behind the events of April 30, 1945, when Hitler and his new wife, Eva Braun, apparently took their lives rather than see the fall of Germany. However, while the Russians claim to have found Hitler’s body and buried it, questions remain about Braun. Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt are called in to poke around, which will include extensive research in Chile. While their lives will be put in danger, as they unravel the complexities of the post-war fates of many Germans, neither is willing to dismiss the possible truths that have been diluted by war-time histories with obvious biases.
Might Evan Braun have escaped with one of Hitler’s confidants? Could their connection have led to a romantic connection that bore a child, one who was whisked away and adopted by another family? It will take more than a crafty marksman to deter Malone and Vitt, as they reveal all and make their way to South Africa to learn just how complex this secret, dubbed the Kaiser’s Web, proves to be.
With the fate of Germany in the balance, secrets will come to light, but will it all be in time to let the country know before a chancellor is picked? Might the end result leave Germany back in the hands of the national socialists, no longer needing a putsch and beer hall to wreak havoc on the strongest economy in Europe? Malone cannot sit idly by, but even he is not sure which side is favoured in this web of lies and deception.
Steve Berry has never shied away from controversial subjects, all while injecting the ‘what if’ question into his narrative. Spinning truths he has uncovered with just the right flavouring of fiction, Berry develops a story that series fans are sure to love, with a backdrop of far-right politics that is sure to resonate in an era when elected leaders turn into tyrants drunk on power.
Cotton Malone has always been a strong, if not entirely loveable, character in these books. Painted as a former Justice Department operative who sought solitude with an antique bookstore in Denmark, Malone has always kept one foot in the realm of active duty. This story pushes him not to explore more of his backstory, but to help clarify a major issue, all while seeking to stay alive for one more day. There is not the traditional development that a series might bring to a character, but more a constant hunger for truth, even when it is buried beneath the rubble of time and deception.
Berry uses some returning characters to add flavouring to his series, but also uses a handful of key characters who are essential to the plot at hand. He mixes history and present-day when presenting those who serve as effective vessels in portraying the many layers of his narrative and there is never a dull moment as the reader learns more about the people on the page and the history behind them.
Blurring the lines between fact and fiction is what Berry does best, though he is always keen to shine the light on things in his author’s note. Berry touches on some relevant issues with the rise of the neo-Nazi movement, as well as nationalism in general, throughout this piece. The narrative is strong and keeps building throughout, while the characters embody the tension that comes from truths being unearthed. The pace of the plot never slows and the twists come throughout the story. Working through a strong storyline, the piece keeps the reader enthralled as they ask themselves what might really have happened as the Russians advanced on a crippled Berlin back in 1945. I know I was keen to see what Berry had to say in his end of story note, as I am sure many others will be who devour this book!
Kudos, Mr. Berry, for another winner. I love how you use the present day to make the past come to light, leaving many to question what they really know and where they may have been blindly led.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
November 6, 2020
Let me give a big thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for providing me with a free advance copy of this book.
For his 16th Cotton Malone novel, Steve Berry starts off in Belarus, goes to Poland and then spends much of the rest of the book traveling around Germany, Chile and South Africa. It is a whirlwind of action, and as always Berry does it as well as anyone in history/thriller genre.
Cotton and his girlfriend Cassiopeia Vitt are retired yet are still on call for special requests from the former President of the United States. This time they get involved in the upcoming German election and Berry uses this event to really give us a great insight into the rise of the Nationalist Right in Europe, as well as lingering devotees of the Nazi’s. Due to the sudden death of a messenger, these two now are at the heart of the campaign by the current Centrist Prime Minister of Germany and her Right Wing challenger.
What I enjoyed about this book is how Berry splits up Malone and Vitt. One stays in Germany while the other heads to South America. They both are trying to investigate whether the challenging candidate has ties to Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun, and along the way we are treated to a history and mystery lesson as to those two and Martin Bormann. Did they really die in the bunker? Did any escape, and if so where did they go? Did they have children? And, what about the stolen Nazi golden bounty?? Oh, Berry knows how to intertwine a great fictional plot with loads of historical accuracy and once again weaves a tale that is believably true.
Getting lots of help from siblings, one in Chile who is in her 90’s and her brother in South Africa who is in his 80’s, Malone and Vitt are actually being led by the challenger to find evidence that will incriminate the Prime Minister and lead to his election which will usher in the New Right in Germany and hopefully lead to an overthrow of the makeup of the European Union. Time is of the essence in this chase to find the truth, as campaigning heats up and the election is only days away. The candidates are tied in the polls and whatever Malone can uncover will probably sway the election.
If you have not read many of Berry’s books there is no fear that you will feel out of sorts. He does not have to deal extensively with background material on Malone or Vitt, and that is also what makes his a wonderful author. Without even knowing it, you will pick up bits and pieces of their past adventures, and pieces are nice to know but they are not vital to this books plot, but lets you know these two have a good history together.
Filled with mystery, history and intrigue, twists and turns that keep your head spinning until the very end, Steve Berry has written a wonderfully informative, entertaining and fast-paced novel, a novel that is a worthy new chapter in the Cotton Malone series! This review was previously published at mysteryandsuspense.com
For his 16th Cotton Malone novel, Steve Berry starts off in Belarus, goes to Poland and then spends much of the rest of the book traveling around Germany, Chile and South Africa. It is a whirlwind of action, and as always Berry does it as well as anyone in history/thriller genre.
Cotton and his girlfriend Cassiopeia Vitt are retired yet are still on call for special requests from the former President of the United States. This time they get involved in the upcoming German election and Berry uses this event to really give us a great insight into the rise of the Nationalist Right in Europe, as well as lingering devotees of the Nazi’s. Due to the sudden death of a messenger, these two now are at the heart of the campaign by the current Centrist Prime Minister of Germany and her Right Wing challenger.
What I enjoyed about this book is how Berry splits up Malone and Vitt. One stays in Germany while the other heads to South America. They both are trying to investigate whether the challenging candidate has ties to Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun, and along the way we are treated to a history and mystery lesson as to those two and Martin Bormann. Did they really die in the bunker? Did any escape, and if so where did they go? Did they have children? And, what about the stolen Nazi golden bounty?? Oh, Berry knows how to intertwine a great fictional plot with loads of historical accuracy and once again weaves a tale that is believably true.
Getting lots of help from siblings, one in Chile who is in her 90’s and her brother in South Africa who is in his 80’s, Malone and Vitt are actually being led by the challenger to find evidence that will incriminate the Prime Minister and lead to his election which will usher in the New Right in Germany and hopefully lead to an overthrow of the makeup of the European Union. Time is of the essence in this chase to find the truth, as campaigning heats up and the election is only days away. The candidates are tied in the polls and whatever Malone can uncover will probably sway the election.
If you have not read many of Berry’s books there is no fear that you will feel out of sorts. He does not have to deal extensively with background material on Malone or Vitt, and that is also what makes his a wonderful author. Without even knowing it, you will pick up bits and pieces of their past adventures, and pieces are nice to know but they are not vital to this books plot, but lets you know these two have a good history together.
Filled with mystery, history and intrigue, twists and turns that keep your head spinning until the very end, Steve Berry has written a wonderfully informative, entertaining and fast-paced novel, a novel that is a worthy new chapter in the Cotton Malone series! This review was previously published at mysteryandsuspense.com
January 16, 2021
As a huge fan of the author and Cotton for years now I’ve been very disappointed with his books lately and this book has guaranteed it will be the last time I bother with this author. This series has been very hit or miss and no longer books I excitedly await. Recently they’ve gotten annoyingly political and the quality of the story has very much declined. The premise of this book had the historical hook I’ve always loved about Berry’s novels but it’s a chore to force myself to read it unfortunately. I find myself wondering if Berry is phoning it in or has turned his franchise over to a ghost writer. This book opens with what should be an action packed scene but even a stolen airplane chase had me bored.
The story takes place in Germany and much like his book set in Poland I’m bored with the emphasis on politics which seem a flimsy excuse to attack politicians and policies he does not like. The “good” politician hates populism and criticizes Brexit. I want well written stories not more politics and a global agenda that can be found everywhere. Ex-President Danny advocates for even unsubstantiated rumor to take out the “bad” candidate. After all win at all costs. It’s a bad combination of boring German politics with an agenda and a slow plot that’s not up to Berry’s previous works. Unfortunately the POV often stays with the different politicians and their henchmen which only shows us their motivations and keeps any action at bay. Like the other novels in this series lately the stories are becoming less and less about Cotton and more focused on other characters that are only relevant to the current politics of the book and not capable of holding the story or the reader’s attention. There is far too much talking and internal monologues and very little action. It’s also very thin on the actual historical gems I’ve always loved in this series.
Another reason I wonder if Berry has passed on the series to a ghost writer is odd word choices that I don’t remember before, like “traversing” being used in a sentence where it makes no sense. Talking about phone calls to his mother Cotton is thinking “she seemed equally satisfied traversing only occasionally.” Possibly a mistake in my galley but I’ve read other novels in this series before publication where I never noticed that. I’m not very nit-picky but I do notice when something makes no sense.
Annoyingly throughout this book there are references to people killed and action having taken place previously that is never explained. A murder is central to important motives that drive some of the action that changes the action of the novel but is never detailed. In the Author’s Note Berry says there is similarity to his novel The Devil’s Gold and looking up the description it appears that could explain much of the events alluded to. I can’t say I remember that novella but if you want to bother with this novel you may wish to know that backstory.
Berry ends the novel in his Author’s note with his disdain for popularism which he paints as akin to the rise of Hitler. He actually quotes Hitler by saying, “The masses have little time to think. And how incredible is the willingness of modern man to believe.” I find it outrageous that Berry is literally calling people too stupid to think for themselves while leveling such an inflammatory charge that sounds like he is the ignorant one. He is outraged Europeans many want their own countries in charge instead of the EU. He paints this as outright racism and his disdain for the people is very evident in this novel. Clearly this explains why this novel is focused on German politicians and is a bore. The author wanted to write his political opinions and gave up any pretense of being a writer of thrillers with compelling plots. That elitism Berry feels is very evident in this novel and I found it very off-putting. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The story takes place in Germany and much like his book set in Poland I’m bored with the emphasis on politics which seem a flimsy excuse to attack politicians and policies he does not like. The “good” politician hates populism and criticizes Brexit. I want well written stories not more politics and a global agenda that can be found everywhere. Ex-President Danny advocates for even unsubstantiated rumor to take out the “bad” candidate. After all win at all costs. It’s a bad combination of boring German politics with an agenda and a slow plot that’s not up to Berry’s previous works. Unfortunately the POV often stays with the different politicians and their henchmen which only shows us their motivations and keeps any action at bay. Like the other novels in this series lately the stories are becoming less and less about Cotton and more focused on other characters that are only relevant to the current politics of the book and not capable of holding the story or the reader’s attention. There is far too much talking and internal monologues and very little action. It’s also very thin on the actual historical gems I’ve always loved in this series.
Another reason I wonder if Berry has passed on the series to a ghost writer is odd word choices that I don’t remember before, like “traversing” being used in a sentence where it makes no sense. Talking about phone calls to his mother Cotton is thinking “she seemed equally satisfied traversing only occasionally.” Possibly a mistake in my galley but I’ve read other novels in this series before publication where I never noticed that. I’m not very nit-picky but I do notice when something makes no sense.
Annoyingly throughout this book there are references to people killed and action having taken place previously that is never explained. A murder is central to important motives that drive some of the action that changes the action of the novel but is never detailed. In the Author’s Note Berry says there is similarity to his novel The Devil’s Gold and looking up the description it appears that could explain much of the events alluded to. I can’t say I remember that novella but if you want to bother with this novel you may wish to know that backstory.
Berry ends the novel in his Author’s note with his disdain for popularism which he paints as akin to the rise of Hitler. He actually quotes Hitler by saying, “The masses have little time to think. And how incredible is the willingness of modern man to believe.” I find it outrageous that Berry is literally calling people too stupid to think for themselves while leveling such an inflammatory charge that sounds like he is the ignorant one. He is outraged Europeans many want their own countries in charge instead of the EU. He paints this as outright racism and his disdain for the people is very evident in this novel. Clearly this explains why this novel is focused on German politicians and is a bore. The author wanted to write his political opinions and gave up any pretense of being a writer of thrillers with compelling plots. That elitism Berry feels is very evident in this novel and I found it very off-putting. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 6, 2020
Let me give a big thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for providing me with a free advance copy of this book.
For his 16th Cotton Malone novel, Steve Berry starts off in Belarus, goes to Poland and then spends much of the rest of the book traveling around Germany, Chile and South Africa. It is a whirlwind of action, and as always Berry does it as well as anyone in history/thriller genre.
Cotton and his girlfriend Cassiopeia Vitt are retired yet are still on call for special requests from the former President of the United States. This time they get involved in the upcoming German election and Berry uses this event to really give us a great insight into the rise of the Nationalist Right in Europe, as well as lingering devotees of the Nazi’s. Due to the sudden death of a messenger, these two now are at the heart of the campaign by the current Centrist Prime Minister of Germany and her Right Wing challenger.
What I enjoyed about this book is how Berry splits up Malone and Vitt. One stays in Germany while the other heads to South America. They both are trying to investigate whether the challenging candidate has ties to Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun, and along the way we are treated to a history and mystery lesson as to those two and Martin Bormann. Did they really die in the bunker? Did any escape, and if so where did they go? Did they have children? And, what about the stolen Nazi golden bounty?? Oh, Berry knows how to intertwine a great fictional plot with loads of historical accuracy and once again weaves a tale that is believably true.
Getting lots of help from siblings, one in Chile who is in her 90’s and her brother in South Africa who is in his 80’s, Malone and Vitt are actually being led by the challenger to find evidence that will incriminate the Prime Minister and lead to his election which will usher in the New Right in Germany and hopefully lead to an overthrow of the makeup of the European Union. Time is of the essence in this chase to find the truth, as campaigning heats up and the election is only days away. The candidates are tied in the polls and whatever Malone can uncover will probably sway the election.
If you have not read many of Berry’s books there is no fear that you will feel out of sorts. He does not have to deal extensively with background material on Malone or Vitt, and that is also what makes his a wonderful author. Without even knowing it, you will pick up bits and pieces of their past adventures, and pieces are nice to know but they are not vital to this books plot, but lets you know these two have a good history together.
Filled with mystery, history and intrigue, twists and turns that keep your head spinning until the very end, Steve Berry has written a wonderfully informative, entertaining and fast-paced novel, a novel that is a worthy new chapter in the Cotton Malone series! This review was previously published at mysteryandsuspense.com
For his 16th Cotton Malone novel, Steve Berry starts off in Belarus, goes to Poland and then spends much of the rest of the book traveling around Germany, Chile and South Africa. It is a whirlwind of action, and as always Berry does it as well as anyone in history/thriller genre.
Cotton and his girlfriend Cassiopeia Vitt are retired yet are still on call for special requests from the former President of the United States. This time they get involved in the upcoming German election and Berry uses this event to really give us a great insight into the rise of the Nationalist Right in Europe, as well as lingering devotees of the Nazi’s. Due to the sudden death of a messenger, these two now are at the heart of the campaign by the current Centrist Prime Minister of Germany and her Right Wing challenger.
What I enjoyed about this book is how Berry splits up Malone and Vitt. One stays in Germany while the other heads to South America. They both are trying to investigate whether the challenging candidate has ties to Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun, and along the way we are treated to a history and mystery lesson as to those two and Martin Bormann. Did they really die in the bunker? Did any escape, and if so where did they go? Did they have children? And, what about the stolen Nazi golden bounty?? Oh, Berry knows how to intertwine a great fictional plot with loads of historical accuracy and once again weaves a tale that is believably true.
Getting lots of help from siblings, one in Chile who is in her 90’s and her brother in South Africa who is in his 80’s, Malone and Vitt are actually being led by the challenger to find evidence that will incriminate the Prime Minister and lead to his election which will usher in the New Right in Germany and hopefully lead to an overthrow of the makeup of the European Union. Time is of the essence in this chase to find the truth, as campaigning heats up and the election is only days away. The candidates are tied in the polls and whatever Malone can uncover will probably sway the election.
If you have not read many of Berry’s books there is no fear that you will feel out of sorts. He does not have to deal extensively with background material on Malone or Vitt, and that is also what makes his a wonderful author. Without even knowing it, you will pick up bits and pieces of their past adventures, and pieces are nice to know but they are not vital to this books plot, but lets you know these two have a good history together.
Filled with mystery, history and intrigue, twists and turns that keep your head spinning until the very end, Steve Berry has written a wonderfully informative, entertaining and fast-paced novel, a novel that is a worthy new chapter in the Cotton Malone series! This review was previously published at mysteryandsuspense.com
March 15, 2021
3.5 stars
I ditched the Cotton Malone series a few years ago when I found that I had lost interest in it. Whenever I would try the latest installment, I would quickly DNF it because I just couldn't get into the story. After all this time away, I decided to give The Kaiser's Web a try because I really liked the premise. It turned out to be a good quick entertaining read. One thing I always loved about the series was all the globetrotting, and this one has plenty. We visit Chile, South Africa, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.
This is a sort of alternative or speculative history involving the preservation of the bloodline of some of the most heinous Nazis. There's a bit of a Boys From Brazil vibe here, except there's no cloning as in B from B, just regular human reproduction. It's all very far fetched and imaginative, but that's why you read Steve Berry, isn't it? The wacky revelations and the blurring of the lines between history and conspiracy theories keep it exciting.
Steve Berry is a seasoned, highly successful author. Given that, I don't understand why he still comes up with such pathetically amateurish attempts at clever descriptions.
Exhibit A:
"The man's eyes glazed over with a shine like marzipan gave to pastry."
Dude. Why not just say the man's eyes glazed over?
Anyway, I enjoyed it, didn't love it, am glad I read it.
December 23, 2023
Ultimul volum al seriei are ca subiect fanatismul și ură de rasă plasată în Germania contemporană. Deși nazismul a dispărut și ororile acestui regim sunt cunoscute, există persoane care încă mai cred în doctrina acestuia și persoane care se folosesc de ea pentru propriul interes.Un subiect interesant și din nefericire de actualitate.
July 23, 2021
Well, did not enjoy it. I should take a break from Berry's works for a while.
March 7, 2023
Elections are pending in Germany, and the incumbent Marie Eisenhuth had led the country for years. She is calm, centrist, and anti-Nazi, but facing a far right opponent, Theodor Pol, who is pushing an anti-immigrant agenda. Ex-U.S. President Danny Daniels is asked by Eisenhuth to investigate whether Theodor Pol is the son of Martin Bormann, Hitler’s personal secretary. Daniels asks Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt to help, sending them around the world, chasing clues around world: Chile, South Africa, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. The scenery and double dealing in Chile was pretty amazing, sending the duo back over the Atlantic to follow leads, with some exciting and hair raising plane ride. As is always true with Steve Berry, he weaves a story of the past (Nazi plunder and progeny) and present (German elections.) I liked that Cotton and Cassiopeia got to spend time together in this book.
May 2, 2021
The best Cotton Malone book in the series, IMHO. I become so enthralled with Berry’s ability to combine historical facts with a wee twist to make an excellent roller coaster of a ride in all his books.
February 23, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I love Cotton Malone. It's no secret. I have followed this series for years, give it consistently high ratings, and buy a hardcover copy of every entry for display on my bookshelves religiously.
Alas, it was inevitable that eventually one would come that I didn't love. This novel deals heavily with the conservative and far right movement taking over through the use of propaganda and misinformation, specifically in the nation of Germany - a country with a notorious history involving the far right and the damage that it can do to the world. Sadly, while this would normally intrigue me, the similarities in the fictional German election in this novel and the last four years of conservative politics in the US were too much for me. It felt all too similar and all too real. That made it harder to read, for me at least, because my anxiety and disgust with a huge chunk of people in our nation who could support and vote for a monster were all overwhelming feelings.
In addition to this, there was one thing I absolutely despise in books/movies/tv shows (the unnecessary death of a beloved animal/pet), and I also was appalled at the ending to this novel, what Cotton essentially condones and participates in. It bothered me deeply.
All in all, I would probably give this book around 2.5 stars. Because I have faith that the author will redeem himself in the next book, I can round that up to 3 stars... but it does mean I'm going into the next installment with a wary and guarded attitude.
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My least favorite entry in the series, and almost earned a lower rating than this one - my lowest rating in the series thus far.
I love Cotton Malone. It's no secret. I have followed this series for years, give it consistently high ratings, and buy a hardcover copy of every entry for display on my bookshelves religiously.
Alas, it was inevitable that eventually one would come that I didn't love. This novel deals heavily with the conservative and far right movement taking over through the use of propaganda and misinformation, specifically in the nation of Germany - a country with a notorious history involving the far right and the damage that it can do to the world. Sadly, while this would normally intrigue me, the similarities in the fictional German election in this novel and the last four years of conservative politics in the US were too much for me. It felt all too similar and all too real. That made it harder to read, for me at least, because my anxiety and disgust with a huge chunk of people in our nation who could support and vote for a monster were all overwhelming feelings.
In addition to this, there was one thing I absolutely despise in books/movies/tv shows (the unnecessary death of a beloved animal/pet), and I also was appalled at the ending to this novel, what Cotton essentially condones and participates in. It bothered me deeply.
All in all, I would probably give this book around 2.5 stars. Because I have faith that the author will redeem himself in the next book, I can round that up to 3 stars... but it does mean I'm going into the next installment with a wary and guarded attitude.
---
My least favorite entry in the series, and almost earned a lower rating than this one - my lowest rating in the series thus far.
March 6, 2021
The death of what was once a great series. This continues the politicalization that started on the previous novel.
Nothing more than a political screed.
If you don’t agree with supranational institutions like the EU and don’t agree with unlimited, unregulated immigration than you must be right wing. Not just right wing but extreme right wing. Not just extreme right wing but a Nazi. In this book that’s aliteracy Nazi.
All this with an absolutely ridiculous plot.
Nothing more than a political screed.
If you don’t agree with supranational institutions like the EU and don’t agree with unlimited, unregulated immigration than you must be right wing. Not just right wing but extreme right wing. Not just extreme right wing but a Nazi. In this book that’s aliteracy Nazi.
All this with an absolutely ridiculous plot.
August 12, 2021
Former U.S. operative and Danish bookstore owner Cotton Malone and his capable, wealthy, and beautiful girlfriend, Cassiopeia Vitt, are back.
In 1945, Adolf Hitler shot himself and his newly wed wife, Eva Braun, bit into a cyanide capsule with the fall of Berlin and the Allies circling. Their bodies were burned. Hitler’s private secretary, Martin Bormann, disappeared but although sightings were made, it was believed he died escaping. Bormann managed Hitler’s Bounty or Fund of German Business and was smuggling gold, gemstones, stocks, and other wealth out of Germany through Project Land of Fire and Project Eagle Flight.
16-year German Chancellor incumbent Marie Eisenhuth is fighting for her reelection against challenger Theodor Pohl. It’s a bitter battle between a Bavarian born Catholic from a wealthy industrial family visionary “oma” and a wealthy, charismatic promoting xenophobic and nationalistic themed Protestant “man of action.” Now Germany’s fate and possibly that of the European Union may be at risk because of those 1945 events.
After the unexpected death of a woman courier trying to convey some documents to Eisenhuth through former U.S. President Danny Daniels, Cotton and Cassiopeia investigate the murder of the courier and the origins of Pohl. Full of page-turning action and conspiracies, they work as a team racing from Belarus, Germany, Chile, and South Africa to uncover the answers. Mixing fact with fiction, this book reminds me of why I love the duo. 4.5 stars.
In 1945, Adolf Hitler shot himself and his newly wed wife, Eva Braun, bit into a cyanide capsule with the fall of Berlin and the Allies circling. Their bodies were burned. Hitler’s private secretary, Martin Bormann, disappeared but although sightings were made, it was believed he died escaping. Bormann managed Hitler’s Bounty or Fund of German Business and was smuggling gold, gemstones, stocks, and other wealth out of Germany through Project Land of Fire and Project Eagle Flight.
16-year German Chancellor incumbent Marie Eisenhuth is fighting for her reelection against challenger Theodor Pohl. It’s a bitter battle between a Bavarian born Catholic from a wealthy industrial family visionary “oma” and a wealthy, charismatic promoting xenophobic and nationalistic themed Protestant “man of action.” Now Germany’s fate and possibly that of the European Union may be at risk because of those 1945 events.
After the unexpected death of a woman courier trying to convey some documents to Eisenhuth through former U.S. President Danny Daniels, Cotton and Cassiopeia investigate the murder of the courier and the origins of Pohl. Full of page-turning action and conspiracies, they work as a team racing from Belarus, Germany, Chile, and South Africa to uncover the answers. Mixing fact with fiction, this book reminds me of why I love the duo. 4.5 stars.
May 31, 2021
Another fiction author pushing a political agenda
I'm so disappointed that my beloved Steve Berry has joined the ranks of fiction authors pushing their political beliefs. I read to escape the modern political upheaval, but I couldn't even enjoy this book, as I felt Berry had an ulterior motive. I sadly won't be reading anymore of his works because I don't need any more political opinions shoved down my throat.
I'm so disappointed that my beloved Steve Berry has joined the ranks of fiction authors pushing their political beliefs. I read to escape the modern political upheaval, but I couldn't even enjoy this book, as I felt Berry had an ulterior motive. I sadly won't be reading anymore of his works because I don't need any more political opinions shoved down my throat.
February 27, 2021
not there best
Most of it sounded too poliltical almost like it was advocating open borders to all. not a good read
. .
Most of it sounded too poliltical almost like it was advocating open borders to all. not a good read
. .
October 22, 2022
Steve Berry's books are one of my guilty pleasures. I read these books for fun, for their entertainment value, and to learn a little history along the way. I am a fan and I collect Berry's books along with those of a few other authors. Stating that you can now take my reviews with a grain of salt if you like but just because I am predisposed to liking Berry's books does not free him from my criticism when it's called for. Berry writes thrillers that are based upon some morsel of history, a myth, legend, rumor, or a misunderstood or falsely reported fact. He then constructs an adventure and plot around this historical tidbit. His last couple of books were below his usual standards and I said so in reviewing them but as a fan I expect that not every book is going to be a hit. When I picked up this book its title had me expecting some tale based on WWI history but that was quickly proven dreadfully wrong. This book started off clearly indicating that it was about former high ranking Nazis surviving WWII and having families, children. Good grief I thought hasn't that been done already, maybe done many times to the point of being trite or cliche? I feared a third disappointment from an author I enjoyed. Maybe Berry has finally run out of steam, imagination, or desire. But the fan kept reading and the fan's fears proved false.
This book is about high ranking Nazis surviving WWII and their children but that is only the platform for the plot. This story is more of a political thriller in the vein of The Manchurian Candidate and it is a page turner. It involves a woman that is the present chancellor of Germany running for re-election against a wealthy man who is inciting and appealing to the right wing conservatives of his country. The book clearly takes full advantage of the issues posed by present day right wing movements around the world but especially in Europe and Germany. One can imagine Angela Merkel in the form of the female chancellor in the book but other than being female and the chancellor the similarity ends there. Marie Eisenhuth, the chancellor, is no Angela Merkel in that she is clearly liberal and the only surviving child of a wealthy industrialist and former Nazi. A murder in a police station and indications of some damaging information about her opponent, Theodor Pohl, have Marie calling her friend former president Danny Davis for help. Davis then involves Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt to check into and verify the information. From there I wish to say no more but that the ending was totally unexpected and shocking. This is one of Berry's better books that will take you all over Europe, South America, and Africa before the adventure concludes. You will also learn something about WWII, the Nazis, their supporters, their activities, and their preparations for survival. I think Mr. Berry has gotten his mojo back. Enjoy.
This book is about high ranking Nazis surviving WWII and their children but that is only the platform for the plot. This story is more of a political thriller in the vein of The Manchurian Candidate and it is a page turner. It involves a woman that is the present chancellor of Germany running for re-election against a wealthy man who is inciting and appealing to the right wing conservatives of his country. The book clearly takes full advantage of the issues posed by present day right wing movements around the world but especially in Europe and Germany. One can imagine Angela Merkel in the form of the female chancellor in the book but other than being female and the chancellor the similarity ends there. Marie Eisenhuth, the chancellor, is no Angela Merkel in that she is clearly liberal and the only surviving child of a wealthy industrialist and former Nazi. A murder in a police station and indications of some damaging information about her opponent, Theodor Pohl, have Marie calling her friend former president Danny Davis for help. Davis then involves Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt to check into and verify the information. From there I wish to say no more but that the ending was totally unexpected and shocking. This is one of Berry's better books that will take you all over Europe, South America, and Africa before the adventure concludes. You will also learn something about WWII, the Nazis, their supporters, their activities, and their preparations for survival. I think Mr. Berry has gotten his mojo back. Enjoy.
March 15, 2021
Steve Berry is one of my favorite thriller authors, but lately, in his last couple of books, the author's political point-of-view is spilling over into his novels; distractingly so.
April 25, 2021
The 16th book in the Cotton Malone series, The Kaiser's Web, sees protagonist Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt entangled in a plot revolving around the upcoming elections for chancellor of Germany against the backdrop of a secret Nazi history involving Martin Boremann, Eva Braun, and a journey across 3 continents to find the truth of what happened. The novel plays with the theories of Hitler and Braun during their final days in 1945 in the bunker in Berlin and all that wealth the Third Reich had accumulated and stole disappearing without a trace in the closing days of WWII. Furthermore, the story touches upon the rise in populism and the growing disenchantment with the EU due to various contemporary happenings, all whist being a good thriller in the Malone series. It was enjoyable to see Malone and Vitt travel to Chile and South Africa as these were places they hadn't come across yet. Steve Berry's books are always enjoyable for two reasons. First they provide a good historical mystery to uncover, and second, they make you want to go out and read non-fiction books related to the subjects, people, and places you read about while engaged in his stories. Can't wait for the 17th book in the series to be published.
April 4, 2021
Dear God in Heaven, Berry somehow found a way to get worse after the last dreadful volume.
Let's get the basic plot down. The Chancellor of Germany breaks dozens of laws and even more standards of ethical behavior by dealing directly with a sitting US congressman rather than the President and the State Department to arrange interference in a German election. The US congressman willingly and enthusiastically commits crimes to help her. So...Foreign Election Interference is totes cool with SB.
From that starting point SB regurgitates and contradicts his decade old novella The Devil's Gold, reprinting swaths of it as filler and acting like a comic book hack to declare 'all that other stuff was lies and bullshit' when he was to lazy to work his way out of the corners he painted himself into.
Throughout the book, our once well rounded protagonist displays a petulant and surly attitude toward most everyone he encounters, and the story itself is remarkably passive - Cotton and Cass are lead around by the nose for the whole book and don't actually do anything themselves.
Finally, it ends with a murderer and war criminal walking away scot free for fear of 'bad press' shortly after a US citizen gives a gun to a person with the expressed intent of assisting in their suicide, and this - in SBs twisted mind - counts as a noble act on both their parts.
So: Retreading of an old plot, lazy, passive writing, and zero thought given to the consequences that should occur from his protagonists ridiculously ill-considered actions.
I'm morbidly curious just how unhinged the next one will be.
Let's get the basic plot down. The Chancellor of Germany breaks dozens of laws and even more standards of ethical behavior by dealing directly with a sitting US congressman rather than the President and the State Department to arrange interference in a German election. The US congressman willingly and enthusiastically commits crimes to help her. So...Foreign Election Interference is totes cool with SB.
From that starting point SB regurgitates and contradicts his decade old novella The Devil's Gold, reprinting swaths of it as filler and acting like a comic book hack to declare 'all that other stuff was lies and bullshit' when he was to lazy to work his way out of the corners he painted himself into.
Throughout the book, our once well rounded protagonist displays a petulant and surly attitude toward most everyone he encounters, and the story itself is remarkably passive - Cotton and Cass are lead around by the nose for the whole book and don't actually do anything themselves.
Finally, it ends with a murderer and war criminal walking away scot free for fear of 'bad press' shortly after a US citizen gives a gun to a person with the expressed intent of assisting in their suicide, and this - in SBs twisted mind - counts as a noble act on both their parts.
So: Retreading of an old plot, lazy, passive writing, and zero thought given to the consequences that should occur from his protagonists ridiculously ill-considered actions.
I'm morbidly curious just how unhinged the next one will be.
October 4, 2020
432 pages
5 stars
First I must admit that I am a sucker for “alternate” history. This is a wonderful “what if” story.
Cotton Malone and girlfriend, Cassiopeia Vitt are involved in German politics in this story along with former president Danny Daniels.
What if Martin Bormann and Eva Braun Hitler survived the war? How about Hitler himself? What proof do we really have that they died in the bunker in Berlin?
Cotton and Cassiopeia get involved in a duel between two candidates for German Chancellor. Both elderly, the current Chancellor Marie Eisenhuth has received intelligence that her opponent is really the son of Martin Bormann. Theodor Pohl is a very right wing isolationist, vociferously opposed to immigration and stoking the flames of violence in his followers.
This book is intense. Cotton and Cassiopeia's quest take them on a trip around the globe in search of answers about Bormann and Braun Hitler. There is drama, betrayal, tension and surprises. It is a very good novel and I truly enjoyed the twists and turns in the what if scenario. This turns out to be a story for our times. A cautionary tale if you will. As does Mr. Berry, I, too, see the way the lie of the land is ever changing – and not for the better. And I fear for our own nation here in the US.
I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for forwarding to me a copy of this possibly prophetic book for me to read, enjoy and review.
5 stars
First I must admit that I am a sucker for “alternate” history. This is a wonderful “what if” story.
Cotton Malone and girlfriend, Cassiopeia Vitt are involved in German politics in this story along with former president Danny Daniels.
What if Martin Bormann and Eva Braun Hitler survived the war? How about Hitler himself? What proof do we really have that they died in the bunker in Berlin?
Cotton and Cassiopeia get involved in a duel between two candidates for German Chancellor. Both elderly, the current Chancellor Marie Eisenhuth has received intelligence that her opponent is really the son of Martin Bormann. Theodor Pohl is a very right wing isolationist, vociferously opposed to immigration and stoking the flames of violence in his followers.
This book is intense. Cotton and Cassiopeia's quest take them on a trip around the globe in search of answers about Bormann and Braun Hitler. There is drama, betrayal, tension and surprises. It is a very good novel and I truly enjoyed the twists and turns in the what if scenario. This turns out to be a story for our times. A cautionary tale if you will. As does Mr. Berry, I, too, see the way the lie of the land is ever changing – and not for the better. And I fear for our own nation here in the US.
I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for forwarding to me a copy of this possibly prophetic book for me to read, enjoy and review.
April 3, 2021
I have read numerous Cotton Malone series by Mr. Berry. Sadly, this 2021 version could not have been more of a disappointment. It was a propaganda piece from beginning to end. The Writer attempted to implicate our current political situation with that of The Third Reich. It was simply fanciful; and the story was difficult to read throughout. Mr. Berry attempted to blame an American Leader and his supporters for American turmoil and violence. Since January 20, 2021 the Nation as been targeted
by numerous terrorist shootings; and none have been linked with that "Leader" or his supporters. In fact, it has been quite the opposite. At the end of the book Mr. Berry, allegedly, quotes from Adolph Hitler: "The masses have little time to think. And how incredible is the willingness of modern man to believe." Sadly, though, Mr. Berry has misdirected his animosity in his book at this Leader and his supporters rather than the true architect of our current turmoil.
by numerous terrorist shootings; and none have been linked with that "Leader" or his supporters. In fact, it has been quite the opposite. At the end of the book Mr. Berry, allegedly, quotes from Adolph Hitler: "The masses have little time to think. And how incredible is the willingness of modern man to believe." Sadly, though, Mr. Berry has misdirected his animosity in his book at this Leader and his supporters rather than the true architect of our current turmoil.
May 5, 2021
Another astounding book.
March 10, 2021
Author Steve Berry weaves a web of his own every time in the Cotton Malone series of thriller-adventure-conspiracy-alternate history novels. He usually starts with historical research and then conjures a story with the continuing cast of heroes/heroines, and a new unique cast of villains and supporting characters. Often this approach makes for a fun read but Kaiser’s Web failed to thoroughly capture my interest and hold my attention.
In this story set in a near future Germany, elections for a new chancellor are a short time away. The current centrist chancellor is facing a challenger with far right tendencies and politics. He could be truly evil with a bloodline from a Nazi leader. The novel travels back and forth in time from Hitler’s final days to events in the 50s through the 80s and from Germany to Chile, South Africa, and Switzerland before everyone assembles for the climax in Germany. The novel tends to drag the reader to perhaps too many episodes of time and place.
I have enjoyed past exploits of former agent Cotton Malone and his girlfriend-adventurer Cassiopeia Vitt but for me this one did not match the author’s best in the series.
In this story set in a near future Germany, elections for a new chancellor are a short time away. The current centrist chancellor is facing a challenger with far right tendencies and politics. He could be truly evil with a bloodline from a Nazi leader. The novel travels back and forth in time from Hitler’s final days to events in the 50s through the 80s and from Germany to Chile, South Africa, and Switzerland before everyone assembles for the climax in Germany. The novel tends to drag the reader to perhaps too many episodes of time and place.
I have enjoyed past exploits of former agent Cotton Malone and his girlfriend-adventurer Cassiopeia Vitt but for me this one did not match the author’s best in the series.
January 22, 2021
Here comes the time for my yearly ritual, a new Cotton Malone book. They never fail to make me excited and I definitely needed that today, when I’m feeling sick. And I’m even more glad that I got to read this early.
Every book in this series has been something I’ve read mostly in a single sitting because the author captures my attention right from the prologue and I can’t stop myself. As someone who loves books related to Nazi Germany and WWII, the plot of this one was fascinating and I really loved how the author mentioned all the actual historical events in his note. That’s definitely one of the things which brings me back to this series every year - in the middle of all the impossible plot lines and amazing chases and action sequences, I also get to know some real history and visit some amazing new places through the book. I especially loved the descriptions of the locales in South Africa and some of the estates which were visited by the characters.
It was also exciting to see Cotton and Cassiopeia together for a whole book after a long time. They really do make a wonderful team and I enjoyed this adventure with them. All the side characters were also well developed, especially the two politicians whose dramatically opposite ideologies were fascinating to read about. I was actually surprised that the author didn’t shy away from expressing his political views through the characters, but his alarm over the rise of far right political parties and their violent extremism all across Europe is genuine and something we all need to keep an eye over.
In the end, this book gave me everything I was expecting - a cool adventure, an interesting twist on historical events, lots of political intrigue and some fun globetrotting. If these are some elements you enjoy, you should totally read this book. Even though this is part of a series, I think it works fine as a standalone. But as a huge fan of the series, I would always recommend that you start at the beginning and enjoy the journey.
Every book in this series has been something I’ve read mostly in a single sitting because the author captures my attention right from the prologue and I can’t stop myself. As someone who loves books related to Nazi Germany and WWII, the plot of this one was fascinating and I really loved how the author mentioned all the actual historical events in his note. That’s definitely one of the things which brings me back to this series every year - in the middle of all the impossible plot lines and amazing chases and action sequences, I also get to know some real history and visit some amazing new places through the book. I especially loved the descriptions of the locales in South Africa and some of the estates which were visited by the characters.
It was also exciting to see Cotton and Cassiopeia together for a whole book after a long time. They really do make a wonderful team and I enjoyed this adventure with them. All the side characters were also well developed, especially the two politicians whose dramatically opposite ideologies were fascinating to read about. I was actually surprised that the author didn’t shy away from expressing his political views through the characters, but his alarm over the rise of far right political parties and their violent extremism all across Europe is genuine and something we all need to keep an eye over.
In the end, this book gave me everything I was expecting - a cool adventure, an interesting twist on historical events, lots of political intrigue and some fun globetrotting. If these are some elements you enjoy, you should totally read this book. Even though this is part of a series, I think it works fine as a standalone. But as a huge fan of the series, I would always recommend that you start at the beginning and enjoy the journey.
January 28, 2021
Whenever someone says that they enjoy Dan Brown or Tom Clancy, I’ll ask them if they’ve read Steve Berry… and I get so happy when they say they haven’t because I know they are really going to enjoy the Cotton Malone series.
Berry always does a fantastic job incorporating true historical events and facts into his fiction, and I always read his extra bit at the end where he tells you what is all true.
The Kaiser’s Web takes a look at Hitler and WWII which happens to be very timely subject matter for the United States. It made some of the recent events in our government even more interesting to think about after reading book 16 in the Cotton Malone series.
While I still really enjoyed The Kaiser’s Web and it does have the great twist at the end that I have come to look forward to, it seemed to me that this one wasn’t quite as good as previous ones. Now Do Not let this stop you from reading it because it’s still very good, but the thing that I thought was not as enjoyable throughout a lot of the book was that you already knew who all the players were. In previous books there would be big surprises in regards to various characters turning out bad (or good) that I didn’t see coming. But this one had no surprises in that regard.
And this is just a teeny tiny thing, but it really stuck out to me. A previous book had a very intense scene with a bear and Berry has an animal scene again which just didn’t have the impact and felt a bit recycled.
But these are just my observations, and I still think fans of the series will still enjoy it. If you are new to the series you should start with book one, The Templar Legacy.
Berry always does a fantastic job incorporating true historical events and facts into his fiction, and I always read his extra bit at the end where he tells you what is all true.
The Kaiser’s Web takes a look at Hitler and WWII which happens to be very timely subject matter for the United States. It made some of the recent events in our government even more interesting to think about after reading book 16 in the Cotton Malone series.
While I still really enjoyed The Kaiser’s Web and it does have the great twist at the end that I have come to look forward to, it seemed to me that this one wasn’t quite as good as previous ones. Now Do Not let this stop you from reading it because it’s still very good, but the thing that I thought was not as enjoyable throughout a lot of the book was that you already knew who all the players were. In previous books there would be big surprises in regards to various characters turning out bad (or good) that I didn’t see coming. But this one had no surprises in that regard.
And this is just a teeny tiny thing, but it really stuck out to me. A previous book had a very intense scene with a bear and Berry has an animal scene again which just didn’t have the impact and felt a bit recycled.
But these are just my observations, and I still think fans of the series will still enjoy it. If you are new to the series you should start with book one, The Templar Legacy.
February 17, 2021
Well played. It is a tricky undertaking to take fiction and make it interesting and believable, historical and mixed it in with a little controversy and you may have a winner. I like Malone and his side kick, a partner in every good way. They compliment each other quite well. Malone and Vitt are called into the Kaiser's web by the current Chancellor of Germany with the United States silent blessing. With a contested political campaign and the dying words of woman poisoned uttering Kaiser to an American agent, something is not gut in Germany.
The question becomes is Germany at risk to another Hitler regime. Malone and Vitt travel to Germany, Chili, and South America to find out if Theodor Pohl who is running against the current Chancellor affectionally called Oma, has Nazi ties. With the imagery of place and time, Malone and Vitt are shrewdly played in a game of chess for their lives and possibly a new World Order.
I enjoyed the book and how it brought what those in Nazi Leadership did after the war. There are some out of this world turns in the plot and you were never sure of where it was going but I liked how it went. Not giving anything away. I strongly suggest to read it for yourself.
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
The question becomes is Germany at risk to another Hitler regime. Malone and Vitt travel to Germany, Chili, and South America to find out if Theodor Pohl who is running against the current Chancellor affectionally called Oma, has Nazi ties. With the imagery of place and time, Malone and Vitt are shrewdly played in a game of chess for their lives and possibly a new World Order.
I enjoyed the book and how it brought what those in Nazi Leadership did after the war. There are some out of this world turns in the plot and you were never sure of where it was going but I liked how it went. Not giving anything away. I strongly suggest to read it for yourself.
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
April 16, 2021
I love Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt. This 16th Cotton Malone book by Steve Berry brings them back together and puts them right in the middle of German politics.
Did Martin Bormann and Eva Braun Hitler survive? If so, what happened? How would that play a role in Germany now?
Steve Berry never disappoints with the way he threads fact and fiction together to provide an adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat and googling to find out what parts are fact and which are fiction.
As always, I took extra time reading this because it is such a long wait until the next one.
If you've never read one of these books, you absolutely should.
Did Martin Bormann and Eva Braun Hitler survive? If so, what happened? How would that play a role in Germany now?
Steve Berry never disappoints with the way he threads fact and fiction together to provide an adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat and googling to find out what parts are fact and which are fiction.
As always, I took extra time reading this because it is such a long wait until the next one.
If you've never read one of these books, you absolutely should.
April 30, 2021
What if Martin Hofmann and Eva Braun survived the war and ended up fleeing together? What if they have a child together? That's the premise of this story. Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt find themselves doing ex-US president Daniels a favour that landed them in the middle of a tightly-fought election in Germany. In a quest to find proof that the popular far-right candidate for German Chancellor may be Bormann’s son, they would go from Germany to Chile to South Africa. Through it all, we also get to understand what happened after WWII, where a lot of German Nazis fled for Chile and Argentina with stolen wealth. There's also good insight into the rise of far-right politics in Europe - although it's also on the rise here in North America. I've always liked Cotton Malone. He’s officially retired and just want to run his antique bookshop, but keeps getting pulled back into action. His morals are more gray than black and whIte, which is understandable in his line of work. Add in Cassiopeia and they make a formidable pair. Overall, a very good-paced Steve Berry book with action and intrigue galore.
April 20, 2021
Steve Berry has been my favorite author for many years and I usually devour the book within 1-2 days.
That being said...this will most likely my last reading of a Cotton Malone book.
By page 25 I could already see where this book was going and put it down for a week debating whether to keep reading.
I eventually decided to finish the book under the idea that maybe I was wrong and that I owed my favorite author the benefit of the doubt.
While the premise of the story was interesting the entire book had a very obvious undertone of the author's political views.
Someone being more conservative or traditional in their viewpoint does not always equate to Nazi-ism, violence & murder.
Quite ironic how Berry writes of the hatred, violence & horrors that occurred during the past by people generalizing & blaming certain demographics & belief systems for problems in the world... yet seems to take no issue with generalizing another entirely different group of people just because he may disagree with their political or societal views.
In this day and age politics seems to invade every aspect of our lives.
I personally read to get away from politics and while I can deal with a bit of it in a book this was just too much. So while I rarely write reviews, I wanted to put this one out there for anyone (no matter your political standing) who is looking to avoid overt politics in your reading.
That being said...this will most likely my last reading of a Cotton Malone book.
By page 25 I could already see where this book was going and put it down for a week debating whether to keep reading.
I eventually decided to finish the book under the idea that maybe I was wrong and that I owed my favorite author the benefit of the doubt.
While the premise of the story was interesting the entire book had a very obvious undertone of the author's political views.
Someone being more conservative or traditional in their viewpoint does not always equate to Nazi-ism, violence & murder.
Quite ironic how Berry writes of the hatred, violence & horrors that occurred during the past by people generalizing & blaming certain demographics & belief systems for problems in the world... yet seems to take no issue with generalizing another entirely different group of people just because he may disagree with their political or societal views.
In this day and age politics seems to invade every aspect of our lives.
I personally read to get away from politics and while I can deal with a bit of it in a book this was just too much. So while I rarely write reviews, I wanted to put this one out there for anyone (no matter your political standing) who is looking to avoid overt politics in your reading.
January 22, 2023
This one was not for me.
To be fair, the writing is excellent as is the initial plot of never allowing another Nazi movement to take root in Germany. I like the Cotton Malone character. However, the author’s far left liberal political views come pounding through the plot, and are compounded by character dialog.
While tying a modern day resurgence of Nazism in Germany into the plot is palatable, its concept expansion to the EU, Great Britain, and US quickly became tiresome to me. The clever interweaving of the limited initial concept into broad international political dangers is what I found intolerable.
The underlying theme is that any political populism, conservative viewpoint, religious practice, personal freedom, or challenge to the far-left democratic socialist’s agenda is fueled by nothing but hate, xenophobia, stupidity, insanity, intolerance, imminent demagoguery, and every other highly negative descriptor currently being tossed about by US and EU left leaning politicians to describe all opponents even slightly more conservative than moderately liberal . . . and MSNBC.
If those things don’t bother you, you’ll likely love the book. As for me, I stopped after about 100 pages and won’t be back to anything written by this author.
To be fair, the writing is excellent as is the initial plot of never allowing another Nazi movement to take root in Germany. I like the Cotton Malone character. However, the author’s far left liberal political views come pounding through the plot, and are compounded by character dialog.
While tying a modern day resurgence of Nazism in Germany into the plot is palatable, its concept expansion to the EU, Great Britain, and US quickly became tiresome to me. The clever interweaving of the limited initial concept into broad international political dangers is what I found intolerable.
The underlying theme is that any political populism, conservative viewpoint, religious practice, personal freedom, or challenge to the far-left democratic socialist’s agenda is fueled by nothing but hate, xenophobia, stupidity, insanity, intolerance, imminent demagoguery, and every other highly negative descriptor currently being tossed about by US and EU left leaning politicians to describe all opponents even slightly more conservative than moderately liberal . . . and MSNBC.
If those things don’t bother you, you’ll likely love the book. As for me, I stopped after about 100 pages and won’t be back to anything written by this author.
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