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Where the Wicked Tread
Mason’s trek through Italy will be anything but simple.
It will demand blood. It will demand sacrifices. It will tear at his soul.
It is 1947. Mason is on the hunt for the man behind his worst nightmares, the Gestapo commander who, during the war, executed a little girl Mason had sworn to protect. The image of her lifeless body in the blood-stained snow torments him nightly.
Now he has a chance to erase those haunting images. He’s tracked the man to the notorious Italian route for escaping Nazi war criminals. The problem is the man is fleeing justice with several other Nazi fugitives, who are bent on abducting a mysterious woman and her young son.
Mason’s troubles escalate when he agrees to escort the woman and her son to safety, while helping to smuggle a convoy of Jewish refugees down through Italy to a ship awaiting in Naples. Like a pack of wolves, the Nazis nip at the heels of the convoy in order to capture the woman and child. It finally becomes clear that the only way to stop them and get his man is through one final showdown.
Mason is ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for retribution, for forgiveness, to exorcise his demons. Maybe then he can look at the girl in his mind’s eye and find forgiveness. Maybe he can join the love of his life in Naples and truly open his heart to her.
Maybe… but first he has to survive.
It will demand blood. It will demand sacrifices. It will tear at his soul.
It is 1947. Mason is on the hunt for the man behind his worst nightmares, the Gestapo commander who, during the war, executed a little girl Mason had sworn to protect. The image of her lifeless body in the blood-stained snow torments him nightly.
Now he has a chance to erase those haunting images. He’s tracked the man to the notorious Italian route for escaping Nazi war criminals. The problem is the man is fleeing justice with several other Nazi fugitives, who are bent on abducting a mysterious woman and her young son.
Mason’s troubles escalate when he agrees to escort the woman and her son to safety, while helping to smuggle a convoy of Jewish refugees down through Italy to a ship awaiting in Naples. Like a pack of wolves, the Nazis nip at the heels of the convoy in order to capture the woman and child. It finally becomes clear that the only way to stop them and get his man is through one final showdown.
Mason is ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for retribution, for forgiveness, to exorcise his demons. Maybe then he can look at the girl in his mind’s eye and find forgiveness. Maybe he can join the love of his life in Naples and truly open his heart to her.
Maybe… but first he has to survive.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2021
59 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
John A. Connell
14 books74 followersJohn was born in Atlanta, where he earned a BA in Anthropology, and has been a motion picture camera operator, a jazz pianist, a stock boy in a brassiere factory, a machinist, repairer of newspaper racks, and a printing-press operator. His first in the Mason Collins series was nominated for Barry Award, and Where the Wicked Tread has been nominated for Best E-book 2022 by ITW. The series has also received endorsements from the likes of Lee Child and Steve Berry. He and his wife divide their time between the U.S. and France.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 8, 2022
Where the Wicked Thread Book 5. Mason Collins is back. Better stay out of his way.
This is my fifth 'Mason Collins' novel by author John A. Connell. As are the other books, the setting is post- World War 2. In this 5th book, Mason Collins uses all of his trick and skills to catch up with the woman he loves. It doesn't take long before he finds himself caught up in not only the repatriation of refugees but also a covert plot to bring to justice escaping Nazis responsible for the torture and murders of millions of Jews. This was a cruel period of time as the full evidence of the holocaust begin to come to light. The many factions that aided and abetted the Nazis during the war, as well as those who continued to cover up their crimes and allowed many to escape justice will one day all be held accountable. There are probably no greater heroes than the men and women who risked it all to help the millions of those of Jewish heritage and others that were displaced to find a safe place to try to put their lives back together. Never Again should always be part of our psyche to prevent a repeat of this inhumanity. This book will give you tangible image of just some of efforts and perils faced during this point in history.
This is my fifth 'Mason Collins' novel by author John A. Connell. As are the other books, the setting is post- World War 2. In this 5th book, Mason Collins uses all of his trick and skills to catch up with the woman he loves. It doesn't take long before he finds himself caught up in not only the repatriation of refugees but also a covert plot to bring to justice escaping Nazis responsible for the torture and murders of millions of Jews. This was a cruel period of time as the full evidence of the holocaust begin to come to light. The many factions that aided and abetted the Nazis during the war, as well as those who continued to cover up their crimes and allowed many to escape justice will one day all be held accountable. There are probably no greater heroes than the men and women who risked it all to help the millions of those of Jewish heritage and others that were displaced to find a safe place to try to put their lives back together. Never Again should always be part of our psyche to prevent a repeat of this inhumanity. This book will give you tangible image of just some of efforts and perils faced during this point in history.
February 24, 2021
Number five in a series set in turbulent times, post war Europe. Mason Collins is ex-cop and ex-military but only two things really interest him, finding a Nazi he saw commit a war crime, and finding his way to the woman he has been separated from.
Like I said, interesting and turbulent times and a great setting for a thriller. His journey takes him on a perilous route, one used by almost everyone to escape Germany, and these include fleeing Nazis and refugee Jews. Collins helps out a German mother and her son and finds himself involved in the darkness and violence of a country still divided by violence and mistrust.
The author captures the time and atmosphere really well and Collins is a stoic and determined lead character.
A really good book in a series well worth getting into.
Like I said, interesting and turbulent times and a great setting for a thriller. His journey takes him on a perilous route, one used by almost everyone to escape Germany, and these include fleeing Nazis and refugee Jews. Collins helps out a German mother and her son and finds himself involved in the darkness and violence of a country still divided by violence and mistrust.
The author captures the time and atmosphere really well and Collins is a stoic and determined lead character.
A really good book in a series well worth getting into.
March 28, 2021
Just finished the Mason Collins book set 1-5
I’ve just finished the 5 book set and am feeling disappointed it had to end. I need to know what happens next does he catch up with Laura, what happens in Palestine and do the refugees make it. I know there are not many happy endings in a war torn Europe but am still hoping for a happy ending for Mason. Captivating, page turners, great stories in an understood back drop.
I’ve just finished the 5 book set and am feeling disappointed it had to end. I need to know what happens next does he catch up with Laura, what happens in Palestine and do the refugees make it. I know there are not many happy endings in a war torn Europe but am still hoping for a happy ending for Mason. Captivating, page turners, great stories in an understood back drop.
March 22, 2021
It was good. Not his last by the sound of it. Deals w ratlines after the war. Lots of action. I’m amazed at how quickly mason recovers from near death after being shot. But oh well it’s a novel. Seems the author is writing more in a movie style. I think this is the first book he does in first person. Or maybe I missed it in the others.
August 26, 2021
A great book of what it was like post war demolished buildings soo much poverty and struggle to survive .Mason is on the hunt for the people who committed so much torture including himself .Do soo hope there is book 6 and Mason and Laura catch up .
February 8, 2025
Great stories!
I just finished no. 5 of the Mason Collins novels. Well written, great character development, and the historical placement in early post ww2 Europe is fascinating. Can't wait to read vol. 6!! Thank you, Mr. Connell.
I just finished no. 5 of the Mason Collins novels. Well written, great character development, and the historical placement in early post ww2 Europe is fascinating. Can't wait to read vol. 6!! Thank you, Mr. Connell.
November 10, 2021
Where the Wicked find their due
We realize that this is a work of fiction, but it is based on fact. It is emotionally
gripping and well told. You should enjoy it.
We realize that this is a work of fiction, but it is based on fact. It is emotionally
gripping and well told. You should enjoy it.
January 25, 2024
Similar to the previous book, more about the journey than any real mystery here. I still like Mason Collins and am eager to see how the series concludes.
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March 25, 2024Lots of chasing the Nazis in this book and too much killing by just one man.
This is the 5th book where Mason is also chasing Laura. Does he need a hint?
This is the 5th book where Mason is also chasing Laura. Does he need a hint?
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews