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Rescuing General Patton
General George Patton, a brilliant military strategist who revolutionized the aggressive use of the tank as an attack weapon and the most successful combat commander in US history, had millions of admirers in the summer of 1943. He also had enemies, including a muck-raking newspaper columnist who leaked information about a slapping incident. Soon after, in a stunning announcement by General Dwight Eisenhower, Commanding General, US Expeditionary Forces, Patton was ordered to apologize to the entire Seventh Army Group, with as many of the men as possible assembled in the main square in Messina, Sicily. Immediately afterward, he was ‘reassigned’ to England without a command; all taking place, incredibly, on the eve of the invasion of Italy. German intelligence believed this was a ruse, certain he was preparing to lead the invasion of Europe. They were partially right. It was a ruse. But the American people, Allies, Army Chief-of-Staff, George Marshall, even President Franklin Roosevelt himself, never knew what really happened .
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2020
74 people are currently reading
640 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 20, 2021
"How, after all, could one learn from the past if the historical record wasn't accurate?"
This book was action packed! Hold on for a crazy, adrenaline rushing ride. 😳 The book starts out with John Harding signing copies of his new book "Patton and the Battle of the Bulge" in a book store. He is approached by a woman who ends up being Julia Patton Walton, General Patton's granddaughter. She hands John an envelope saying she thinks he is the right person to see it. He meets with her after reading the contents and informs her that "hundreds of thousands of remaining WWII documents" have not been archived and that he will get help from others to go through the documents and get the complete truth about Patton.
From there this amazing story about the capture of General Patton begins. Even though I have family members that are active/retired military and I have a fairly good amount of knowledge about the military, the first couple of chapters were still somewhat difficult to follow with military jargon and due to the multiple characters involved. However, do not despair. It gets easier to follow after continuing on and becoming familiar with the characters.
General Patton is captured and takes on the identity of Colonel Mueller right before his capture, so that the Nazis will not know they have someone with so much military intelligence. The military covers up his capture, and even hires actors to fill in at military bases and for public appearances, so that no one knows about it. The military personnel go through obstacle after obstacle to try to rescue Patton. I could not put this book down during certain parts because I just had to know what was about to happen.
The author did an incredible job of tying in historical facts in this fiction book. It is evident that there was a great deal of research done. I read in the epilogue that he originally wrote this as a screenplay and that makes a lot of sense. I can totally see this as a movie, a really great movie. 🎥
Thank you to Goodreads and the author for my copy of this book. I throughly enjoyed it.
This book was action packed! Hold on for a crazy, adrenaline rushing ride. 😳 The book starts out with John Harding signing copies of his new book "Patton and the Battle of the Bulge" in a book store. He is approached by a woman who ends up being Julia Patton Walton, General Patton's granddaughter. She hands John an envelope saying she thinks he is the right person to see it. He meets with her after reading the contents and informs her that "hundreds of thousands of remaining WWII documents" have not been archived and that he will get help from others to go through the documents and get the complete truth about Patton.
From there this amazing story about the capture of General Patton begins. Even though I have family members that are active/retired military and I have a fairly good amount of knowledge about the military, the first couple of chapters were still somewhat difficult to follow with military jargon and due to the multiple characters involved. However, do not despair. It gets easier to follow after continuing on and becoming familiar with the characters.
General Patton is captured and takes on the identity of Colonel Mueller right before his capture, so that the Nazis will not know they have someone with so much military intelligence. The military covers up his capture, and even hires actors to fill in at military bases and for public appearances, so that no one knows about it. The military personnel go through obstacle after obstacle to try to rescue Patton. I could not put this book down during certain parts because I just had to know what was about to happen.
The author did an incredible job of tying in historical facts in this fiction book. It is evident that there was a great deal of research done. I read in the epilogue that he originally wrote this as a screenplay and that makes a lot of sense. I can totally see this as a movie, a really great movie. 🎥
Thank you to Goodreads and the author for my copy of this book. I throughly enjoyed it.
September 13, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A novel with the premise that General Patton was captured by the Germans in Italy, and the Allies had to both get him out of a POW camp, and convince the world Patton was alive, whole and free at the same time.
It's a bloody, harrowing mission.
It feels like it would be more a TV movie than an actual film, if put on the screen. Calling Netflix!
A novel with the premise that General Patton was captured by the Germans in Italy, and the Allies had to both get him out of a POW camp, and convince the world Patton was alive, whole and free at the same time.
It's a bloody, harrowing mission.
It feels like it would be more a TV movie than an actual film, if put on the screen. Calling Netflix!
November 8, 2025
Stars: 2.5
The foul-language spewed in tirades ruined the book. The swearing felt as if it came from 10 year olds looking over their shoulders. It started early and out of no where making it impossible for me to assess if in some spots it was appropriate.
The book was a disappointment. Burdick could have written facts or he could have written a compelling fact based story. The combination didn't work for me. The book felt choppy not smooth.
I do hope you have a better experience.
This was a Goodreads Giveaway Kindle Win for me from May 2021. Read as part of a Read What I Own Challenge x100.
The foul-language spewed in tirades ruined the book. The swearing felt as if it came from 10 year olds looking over their shoulders. It started early and out of no where making it impossible for me to assess if in some spots it was appropriate.
The book was a disappointment. Burdick could have written facts or he could have written a compelling fact based story. The combination didn't work for me. The book felt choppy not smooth.
I do hope you have a better experience.
This was a Goodreads Giveaway Kindle Win for me from May 2021. Read as part of a Read What I Own Challenge x100.
June 11, 2021
Well written and researched. Very interesting ideas and a relatively quick enjoyable read.
June 16, 2021
I won this book in the Goodreads giveway. I have to say this was a great book to get out of my reading slump. We have a story that puts Gen Patton in a position that he has to change his identity to not be discovered by Nazi troops. then the story picks up with the US making plans to get the general back into our hands before he is killed by the Nazi SS. This could well be a great conspiracy story as well as a military story. The writing is well done that if you read fast, this book will probably take you a night to finish. Never a dull spot as much info is given to the story. I look forward to other books by this author soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2021
A Rescue
This book was interesting and definitely for an open mind, due to some conspiracy that it might insight.
This book poses the theory that what might have happened and the rescue mission that might have taken place had General Patton been taken POW during WWll. All the individuals involved, the secrecy, and the extent those with the first hand knowledge would go through to keep up appearances for the rest of the known world.
If this interests you, even a little, then give it a go.
This was the second book I've read by this author and minus the small typos this book was definitely a four star book.
And as always,
Good Reading
This book was interesting and definitely for an open mind, due to some conspiracy that it might insight.
This book poses the theory that what might have happened and the rescue mission that might have taken place had General Patton been taken POW during WWll. All the individuals involved, the secrecy, and the extent those with the first hand knowledge would go through to keep up appearances for the rest of the known world.
If this interests you, even a little, then give it a go.
This was the second book I've read by this author and minus the small typos this book was definitely a four star book.
And as always,
Good Reading
June 4, 2021
Truth: WWII Commander, General George Patton slapped two soldiers being treated for combat fatigue or, as we know it now, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). He didn’t believe in such things and considered the pair cowards. He was ordered to apologize to the entire 7th Army and subsequently removed from command to England, ostensibly to prepare for the invasion of Europe. German intelligence believed it a ruse, certain he was actually preparing for the invasion of Europe. They were partially right. Perhaps, the “ruse” disguised a completely different “truth?”
When it comes to books in the military, action/adventure, science fiction or thriller genre’s, I am an absolute stickler for verisimilitude (a sense of reality) in every facet of the story—from characters to descriptive scenes to equipment and motives the author has to convincingly convey reality. From page one I knew that Curtis Burdick flat knows his stuff! I actually thought for a moment that Burdick was writing a true story and wondering how I’d missed that in my military/history education. Burdick’s take on the historical characters, General’s Bradley and Patton are right on target, but no less believable than that of Major Peter Pizzio or any of the unforgettable characters in this story. For me, it brought back memories, both good and bad, of life in the military through peacetime and war; but for those who never served it is a rousing lie ala Stephen King’s definition of “good fiction.”
Burdick’s writing style is full of action and realistic dialog. He moves the story through several plot twists, jumping from Patton captivity and interrogation scenes to those of Pizzio, Bradley and battle scenes with smooth transitions that lend themselves perfectly to a “page turning, can’t put the book down” reading experience. Not only do I recommend “Rescuing General Patton” for all readers and lovers of military/action-adventure fiction, I can also guarantee that this is one of those rare books I’ll read again!
When it comes to books in the military, action/adventure, science fiction or thriller genre’s, I am an absolute stickler for verisimilitude (a sense of reality) in every facet of the story—from characters to descriptive scenes to equipment and motives the author has to convincingly convey reality. From page one I knew that Curtis Burdick flat knows his stuff! I actually thought for a moment that Burdick was writing a true story and wondering how I’d missed that in my military/history education. Burdick’s take on the historical characters, General’s Bradley and Patton are right on target, but no less believable than that of Major Peter Pizzio or any of the unforgettable characters in this story. For me, it brought back memories, both good and bad, of life in the military through peacetime and war; but for those who never served it is a rousing lie ala Stephen King’s definition of “good fiction.”
Burdick’s writing style is full of action and realistic dialog. He moves the story through several plot twists, jumping from Patton captivity and interrogation scenes to those of Pizzio, Bradley and battle scenes with smooth transitions that lend themselves perfectly to a “page turning, can’t put the book down” reading experience. Not only do I recommend “Rescuing General Patton” for all readers and lovers of military/action-adventure fiction, I can also guarantee that this is one of those rare books I’ll read again!
September 14, 2025
The premise of Rescuing General Patton is immediately appealing: a 'what-if' scenario set during World War II that promises to alter history. The author's writing is competent and the historical research grounding the invasion of Italy is evident (providing a solid foundation for the narrative). The depiction of General Patton feels fairly honest to his known character.
However, the execution of this promising premise may not be for every reader. The plot heavily centers on extended, high-intensity combat sequences involving the rangers. While action-driven, these lengthy sections can become exhausting and may feel unrealistic to some readers, overshadowing the alternative history plot many will be expecting.
As a result, the narrative style requires patience, as the payoff primarily comes in the later stages of the book. Furthermore, the classic 'good vs. evil' dynamic between the U.S. soldiers and Germans offers little nuance to the storyline.
Despite these criticisms, the book succeeds in sparking interest in the real General George Patton. It may inspire readers, as it did me, to seek out factual historical accounts of his life and death. As a fan of WWII history from Belgium, I appreciated the core idea but found the fictionalized portrayal of Patton's capture to be a difficult pill to swallow, believing the real general would have chosen a different fate faced with the risk of being captured.
In the end, this novel will likely appeal most to readers who enjoy action-heavy military fiction and are open to alternate history (uchronia). Those seeking a deeply factual or character-driven historical account might simply find it less to their taste.
However, the execution of this promising premise may not be for every reader. The plot heavily centers on extended, high-intensity combat sequences involving the rangers. While action-driven, these lengthy sections can become exhausting and may feel unrealistic to some readers, overshadowing the alternative history plot many will be expecting.
As a result, the narrative style requires patience, as the payoff primarily comes in the later stages of the book. Furthermore, the classic 'good vs. evil' dynamic between the U.S. soldiers and Germans offers little nuance to the storyline.
Despite these criticisms, the book succeeds in sparking interest in the real General George Patton. It may inspire readers, as it did me, to seek out factual historical accounts of his life and death. As a fan of WWII history from Belgium, I appreciated the core idea but found the fictionalized portrayal of Patton's capture to be a difficult pill to swallow, believing the real general would have chosen a different fate faced with the risk of being captured.
In the end, this novel will likely appeal most to readers who enjoy action-heavy military fiction and are open to alternate history (uchronia). Those seeking a deeply factual or character-driven historical account might simply find it less to their taste.
September 15, 2021
3.5 stars
My dad is a big WWII fan, so I grew up watching the movie, Patton, and I have read a couple of books about him over the years. Based on my (little) knowledge, the premise of the plot seemed highly unlikely to me because of Patton's arrogance, but halfway through the book, I was confused about whether I had, in fact, missed some crucial information about Patton during WWII. The action portions were good and kept me reading but there were a couple of parts that slowed down the pacing.
I read the Kindle version, and the formatting made me nuts. Several times throughout the story, the sentence would just drop to the next line unexpectedly, breaking up the sentence and my reading. The other thing that irritated me was that new chapters did not begin on a new page. For example, at the bottom of the last page of Chapter 18, it says "Chapter 19" then on the next page begins Chapter 19. Give the story space to breathe when it needs it (between chapters), not where it doesn't (in between lines of the same paragraph).
I received a complimentary copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
My dad is a big WWII fan, so I grew up watching the movie, Patton, and I have read a couple of books about him over the years. Based on my (little) knowledge, the premise of the plot seemed highly unlikely to me because of Patton's arrogance, but halfway through the book, I was confused about whether I had, in fact, missed some crucial information about Patton during WWII. The action portions were good and kept me reading but there were a couple of parts that slowed down the pacing.
I read the Kindle version, and the formatting made me nuts. Several times throughout the story, the sentence would just drop to the next line unexpectedly, breaking up the sentence and my reading. The other thing that irritated me was that new chapters did not begin on a new page. For example, at the bottom of the last page of Chapter 18, it says "Chapter 19" then on the next page begins Chapter 19. Give the story space to breathe when it needs it (between chapters), not where it doesn't (in between lines of the same paragraph).
I received a complimentary copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
May 13, 2021
This was a GoodReads giveaway of a Kindle ebook.
I really liked the premise. It had a good lead up. It was fairly well paced. It was a bit too "Hollywood" up for my taste. The author does mention in the afterword and he has hopes of a future movie version. I can see it happening. But then again, today's audience may be just a bit too disassociated with events some 70 plus years in the past.
Parts of the action sequences in this book read a bit dull and flat, too much like an after action report. Those action scenes could have gone into a bit more detail and made this book better. I was a bit surprised that not once were the terms Snafu nor Fubar ever used. Perhaps actual soldiers never did talk like that in the field and it was only in correspondence back to the States?
I liked the way Burdick made it fit into known historic events. Toning down some of the Hollywood action could add just enough departure from the truth to make you question the Historic Record.
This was a GoodReads.
I really liked the premise. It had a good lead up. It was fairly well paced. It was a bit too "Hollywood" up for my taste. The author does mention in the afterword and he has hopes of a future movie version. I can see it happening. But then again, today's audience may be just a bit too disassociated with events some 70 plus years in the past.
Parts of the action sequences in this book read a bit dull and flat, too much like an after action report. Those action scenes could have gone into a bit more detail and made this book better. I was a bit surprised that not once were the terms Snafu nor Fubar ever used. Perhaps actual soldiers never did talk like that in the field and it was only in correspondence back to the States?
I liked the way Burdick made it fit into known historic events. Toning down some of the Hollywood action could add just enough departure from the truth to make you question the Historic Record.
This was a GoodReads.
July 5, 2021
I finished reading this and I must accept that I am completely thrilled after reading this. The story involves a fictional rescue of General Patton and all the military workings of keeping it secret yet successful.
This felt like a closet drama when I began reading it and the actions described so descriptively felt to be dialogues to me, but slowly the action caught up.
The actions in this book superbly described. It felt like I was in the battlefield experiencing death and destruction. The author hasn't tried to dull the effect and impact of the war and kept it real. The deaths of so many brave soldiers did pierce the heart but the determined movement of the soldiers to complete their missions filled me up with courage.
It was a real description of the dilemma, the chaos, the conflicts, the hatred for the war and still the dedication these men show when thrown into the battlefield.
Detailed review will be up on the blog soon.
This felt like a closet drama when I began reading it and the actions described so descriptively felt to be dialogues to me, but slowly the action caught up.
The actions in this book superbly described. It felt like I was in the battlefield experiencing death and destruction. The author hasn't tried to dull the effect and impact of the war and kept it real. The deaths of so many brave soldiers did pierce the heart but the determined movement of the soldiers to complete their missions filled me up with courage.
It was a real description of the dilemma, the chaos, the conflicts, the hatred for the war and still the dedication these men show when thrown into the battlefield.
Detailed review will be up on the blog soon.
October 29, 2021
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I'm pleasantly surprised with how much I like it! WWII fiction is not usually my cup of tea, but I was intrigued enough by the premise to give it a try. Burdick tells the story of John Harding, a historical fiction author, who is approached by the granddaughter of General Patton to write the true story of what happened to her grandfather during the war. We then get the narrative of what exactly happened to General Patton during WWII. I found myself really drawn to the characters, especially Pizzio. There was a bit of military jargon that I'm not super familiar with, so I mostly skimmed over it but I was still able to get the overall idea of what was happening. While the framed narrative wasn't my favorite, I did still enjoy the book!
April 5, 2021
General George Patton, a brilliant military strategist who revolutionized the aggressive use of the tank as an attack weapon and the most successful combat commander in US history, had millions of admirers in the summer of 1943. He also had enemies, including a muck-raking newspaper columnist who leaked information about a slapping incident.
Soon after, in a stunning announcement by General Dwight Eisenhower, Commanding General, US Expeditionary Forces, Patton was ordered to apologize to the entire Seventh Army Group, with as many of the men as possible assembled in the main square in Messina, Sicily. Immediately afterward, he was ‘reassigned’ to England without a command; all taking place, incredibly, on the eve of the invasion of Italy.
German intelligence believed this was a ruse, certain he was preparing to lead the invasion of Europe. They were partially right. It was a ruse. But the American people, Allies, Army Chief of Staff, George Marshall, even President Franklin Roosevelt himself, never knew what really happened . . .
Soon after, in a stunning announcement by General Dwight Eisenhower, Commanding General, US Expeditionary Forces, Patton was ordered to apologize to the entire Seventh Army Group, with as many of the men as possible assembled in the main square in Messina, Sicily. Immediately afterward, he was ‘reassigned’ to England without a command; all taking place, incredibly, on the eve of the invasion of Italy.
German intelligence believed this was a ruse, certain he was preparing to lead the invasion of Europe. They were partially right. It was a ruse. But the American people, Allies, Army Chief of Staff, George Marshall, even President Franklin Roosevelt himself, never knew what really happened . . .
July 28, 2021
Not bad for historical fiction.
I guess there’s some ideas out there about what really happened to General Patton during WW2, so the author explores one idea through historical fiction. I can see why the Allies wouldn’t want the Germans to know they had Patton in their hands. Some of the battles, while compelling, I didn’t really see why they were necessary. There was a lot more telling than showing, so I think the writing could be a little better, but it was overall an ok story.
I guess there’s some ideas out there about what really happened to General Patton during WW2, so the author explores one idea through historical fiction. I can see why the Allies wouldn’t want the Germans to know they had Patton in their hands. Some of the battles, while compelling, I didn’t really see why they were necessary. There was a lot more telling than showing, so I think the writing could be a little better, but it was overall an ok story.
July 28, 2021
Great Historical Fiction
This was a great historical fiction book! I love how it is a story within a story. Although, by the time I got to the end I had almost forgotten how the story telling got started. This book was filled with action and before the next turn of the page you were wondering what was going to happen next.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It was a great read!
This was a great historical fiction book! I love how it is a story within a story. Although, by the time I got to the end I had almost forgotten how the story telling got started. This book was filled with action and before the next turn of the page you were wondering what was going to happen next.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It was a great read!
September 7, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Rescuing General Patton.” Action, mystery, great characters, historical sites - all here in abundance. If I have anything to criticize, I would inform the author to start with the basics when writing about the military. There is no such time as “oh-ten-hundred.” It’s just “ten-hundred.” The zero in the first place is a digit placeholder. All military time is four digits and covers the 24-hour clock from 0001 through 2400 (twenty-four-hundred hours). That yanked me out of the story somewhat violently *grin* Otherwise, it’s a well-written, well-researched work of fiction mixing well-known historical figures with wonderfully drawn fictional characters. Well worth my time.
May 22, 2021
I won this book in a Goodreads give-away. I enjoy exploring the "What if's" of alternative history fantasies, so this book interested me. I was pleased to find it well-written and believable. The plot was very quick-moving. I would have liked to know more about the characters but the afterword helped in that.
June 22, 2021
Persistence
On the brink of being captured, General Patton devises a plan to spare his life for as long as possible. Pizzio and his Rangers must find Payton and rescue him, wherever he is. No matter how many times they fail, or how many obstacles are thrown on their way, they must continue on to complete the task.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
On the brink of being captured, General Patton devises a plan to spare his life for as long as possible. Pizzio and his Rangers must find Payton and rescue him, wherever he is. No matter how many times they fail, or how many obstacles are thrown on their way, they must continue on to complete the task.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
August 31, 2022
Highly recommend.
Especially for those, like me, who are not only interested in WWII but have a strong fascination with General George S. Patton.
Of course this is historical fiction, set in a past reality, but entertaining nonetheless.
Curtis Burdick hopes to see his work on the big screen one day, and I for one am with him. This would make for quite the movie.
Especially for those, like me, who are not only interested in WWII but have a strong fascination with General George S. Patton.
Of course this is historical fiction, set in a past reality, but entertaining nonetheless.
Curtis Burdick hopes to see his work on the big screen one day, and I for one am with him. This would make for quite the movie.
October 20, 2024
I do not know what I just read. This was a series of short stories, nothing about General Patton.
The short stories were mostly entertaining. Probably best suited for a science fiction enthusiast. I have no idea why it came under the title of Saving Patton. May have misplaced in the archive.
The short stories were mostly entertaining. Probably best suited for a science fiction enthusiast. I have no idea why it came under the title of Saving Patton. May have misplaced in the archive.
June 17, 2025
Join Major Peter Pizzio and the US Army as they go on a suicidal mission to rescue their temperamental leader, General Patton, who faked his death by altering his identity, from German captivity. A story of emotional intensity, vivid narration, and an interesting conclusion. Recommended to lovers of psychological thrillers and historical fiction.
June 28, 2021
Good story. I enjoy history and especially books about larger than life known characters. This one may be fiction but contains characters who lived thru World War II and lived to tell their story. Will probably reread this one!
October 2, 2021
exceptional story.
I found this (Fiction) to be an exceptional piece of work. It was written with such plausibility as to believe it was true. Drawn from real facts and places with detailed accounts and post scrips that made the book all the more Real.
I found this (Fiction) to be an exceptional piece of work. It was written with such plausibility as to believe it was true. Drawn from real facts and places with detailed accounts and post scrips that made the book all the more Real.
May 24, 2025
Fantastic!
What a trip down memory lane of a cataclysmic historical period, that changed history and the world forever. The book is populated with unforgettable characters many of whom changed history. Amazing story. Conrad Samayoa.
What a trip down memory lane of a cataclysmic historical period, that changed history and the world forever. The book is populated with unforgettable characters many of whom changed history. Amazing story. Conrad Samayoa.
May 13, 2021
Very well written - a page turner - a surprise ending.
June 10, 2021
Well written. A must for anyone who enjoys World War reads.
June 14, 2021
Nice!
Well-written fiction is believable, and this book is just that. I recommended this book to my older son, the history buff. I know he will find the what-if scenario intriguing.
Well-written fiction is believable, and this book is just that. I recommended this book to my older son, the history buff. I know he will find the what-if scenario intriguing.
August 6, 2021
It was really hard to put down
July 26, 2022
Very well written! I found it interesting from page one.
Read
April 14, 2025General Patton
Very believable. Couldn't put it down .Got Misty eyed at the end.Very alive characters and battle descriptions.You will read it in one sitting
Very believable. Couldn't put it down .Got Misty eyed at the end.Very alive characters and battle descriptions.You will read it in one sitting
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews