Agent in Berlin

The Wolf Pack Spies #1

by Alex Gerlis

War is coming to Europe.

British spymaster Barnaby Allen begins recruiting a network of agents in Germany. With diplomatic relations quickly unravelling, this pack of spies soon comes into their own: the horse-loving German at home in Berlin’s underground; the young American sports journalist; the mysterious Luftwaffe officer; the Japanese diplomat and the most unlikely one of all... the SS officer’s wife.

Despite constant danger and the ever-present threats of discovery and betrayal, Allen’s network unearths top-secret plans for a new German fighter plane – and a truly devastating intelligence prize... an audacious Japanese plan to attack the United States. But can they prove it?

The race is on.

Genres: Fiction, Espionage, Historical Fiction, Thriller, War, Germany, Mystery

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2021

About the author

Alex Gerlis was born in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, in 1955. He graduated with a degree in Law and Politics from Hull University in 1977 and, after working as a political researcher and journalist, joined the BBC in 1983 as a researcher on Panorama.

Over the next twenty years he worked on a number of BBC News and Current Affairs programmes, including making documentaries for The Money Programme and election programmes with David Dimbleby and Jeremy Paxman. He has also edited Breakfast News, the One o'Clock News, the Six o'Clock News and the Weekend News for the BBC. In August 1998 he was the BBC TV News duty editor on the day of the Omagh bomb in Northern Ireland, the coverage of which later won a Royal Television Society award. In September 2001 he was one of the BBC Newsroom team covering the attack on the Twin Towers. He has also worked for the BBC throughout Europe, the United States, the Middle East and in China, and from 2005 to March 2011 was Head of Training at the BBC College of Journalism – the body in charge of the training of the corporation's 7,500 journalists.

Alex's first novel was inspired by his work covering the 50th anniversary of D-Day from Normandy. He is married with two daughters and lives in west London.

Reviews

[Harold Kasselman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting account of British Intelligence building a "wolf pack" or network of spies in Europe to prepare Britain for the inevitable war with Germany. The author treads carefully and thoroughly rather than through cliff hanger action scenes. Yet, the story is immensely satisfying and educational.

[Devin Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like spy books that take place in a WW2 setting this is the book for you. Very easy read and entertaining

[Gram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the 1930's and early 1940's, this tells the story of a spy network in Germany organised by Barnaby Allen of Britain's MI6. The members of this network include a German businessman, a young American journalist whose coverage of football matches allows him to travel throughout Germany. There's also a senior Luftwaffe officer who provides documents about a new German aircraft; a Japanese diplomat and the wife of a senior SS officer. As Europe moves towards war, we learn how these "spies" gather information to pass on to Barnaby Allen and the dangers faced by all of them from the Gestapo. The book is mostly fiction mixed with fact and is the first in a series about the "Wolf Pack" spies. I look forward to following the Wolf Pack in the next book in the series. A great story for anyone interested in espionage fiction.

[Viva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead.

Thus ends my Alex Gerlis experiment. I liked his Prince series a lot. So I read the Spies series next but didn't like it because the plot was messy, all over the place and not very linear. I dnf'd books #2 and #3 and decided to try the Agent series. Unfortunately it's much the same.

First of all, they all appear to be in the same universe with the same characters showing up in cameos. I don't know why he didn't make it just one series. My problem with the Agent series is pretty much the same. It doesn't follow one plot line but several in parallel. The streams kind of interact with each other and maybe they could have been their own series. Instead we get mini-stories which don't really interact with each other. I just didn't want to read 3-4 novellas interspersed with each other randomly. I want to read a single story to the end. It's like going to have a Chinese meal, then stop and eat something Italian, then go to Mexican. No, I want to have a meal of Chinese, then Italian next time etc. But that's just me. I dnf'd at about 45% through.

[Mal Warwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 2012, former BBC journalist Alex Gerlis brought out the first of four outstanding spy novels set during World War II. That book, The Best of Our Spies, is now in development as a television series. He followed these first four novels with a second and less successful four-book series featuring British intelligence officer Richard Prince. Later, Gerlis launched the first of yet a third series, the Wolf Pack thrillers about British spies in Nazi Germany. The series debuted in 2021 with Agent in Berlin. Like his previous work, it’s thoroughly backstopped with historical research and is tightly plotted.

A “WOLF PACK” OF BRITISH SPIES IN NAZI GERMANY
Gerlis begins the novel with a two-and-a-half page list of “main characters.” In fact, the names in the list constitute nearly every character who appears in the novel. But only five are truly central to the story—the four men and one woman who emerge in time as the “wolf pack” of the series title:

** Barnaby Allen, an MI6 officer known as Barney whose generous private income had disappeared in the Depression, forcing him to work for a salary

** Werner Lustenberger, a gay German businessman Barney cultivates as an agent and eventually recruits

** Jack Miller, an accomplished American journalist seeking fame in Berlin

** Tadashi Kimura, a senior Japanese diplomat close to his ambassador

** And Sophia von Naundorf, the anti-Nazi wife of a high-ranking SS officer

A STORY SPANNING THE YEARS 1935 TO 1941
The novel opens on December 7, 1941, as Japanese aircraft rain death and terror on the US Navy gathered at Pearl Harbor. Following this prologue, the story begins in England in 1935 as the minority in His Majesty’s Government who fear the rise of fascism maneuver behind the scenes. Barney Allen joins the anti-Nazi faction and soon departs for Germany, intent on recruiting agents who can supply the information and insight to inform the British about Hitler’s true intentions. The story of the “wolf pack” of spies he recruits unfolds over the six years that elapse until the United States and Nazi Germany mutually declare war.

Gerlis is an energetic and thorough researcher. Agent in Berlin encompasses intimate detail about such topics as the conflict within the British government over appeasement, the Nazis’ English-language broadcasts, the wartime German aircraft industry, and the massacres of Jews and Communists alike by the SS in the wake of the Nazi invasion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alex Gerlis is frequently asked if he’s ever worked for an intelligence agency but always declines to answer the question in the hope that someone may believe he actually has. In fact, he was a BBC journalist for nearly thirty years but left in 2011 to concentrate on his writing. He has published nine Second World War espionage thrillers to date. Gerlis was born in 1955 in Lincolnshire, UK. He now lives in west London with his wife. They have two daughters and two grandsons.

[Clive · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on events that happened in the years 1935 to 1941.

This is a true espionage thriller: and I assure you it is a complete coincidence that I read this after reading 'The Rainbow Man'.

Fiction based upon historical fact and written by someone who understands the term 'Those in Grey Suits' (the authors bio will give a hint as to why).

The tension created in this marvellous story drips from the pages: you've no idea what is coming next and what the fate will be of those working in the shadows. This is as real as it gets when we consider the real-life practices and procedures (tradecraft) when gathering intelligence.

This touches on the frictions and 'distaste' held between different government agencies (which still exists today), the fears and emotions sources and agents in the field endure, the heartbreak and sense of loss suffered when things go bad.

This is well-researched (the authors bio will give a hint as how that came to be).

The characters are given lashings of development and their backstories are finely developed as the plot moves through the years.

This wonderfully conceived story does ask real questions:

Why did certain events that led up to America becoming involved in the war play out in the way they did?

In a time of war, is the ultimate price paid by those sources and agents in the field worth it when credible intelligence, effectively gathered and disseminated, may save many lives?

I've always admired and humbly appreciated the work done by 'those in grey suits' and this book sums up why.

I do give books 5 stars, but not that often.

[Clued-in With A Book (Elvina Ulrich) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Story: Set between late 1930s to early 1940s, this story follows Barnaby Allen of Britain MI6 and his network of spies which he established in Germany.

My thoughts: I enjoy spy stories and was looking forward to reading this first book of The Wolf Pack Spies series! It did not disappoint. It has all the suspense I was looking for with an intriguing plot.

I feel that this story was divided into two parts - set up of the spy network, all the espionage activities. The first part was interesting as we get to know the characters (and there was a lot of characters), but it did feel a bit long. I enjoyed the second part more. Reading the espionage activities was really nerve-wracking but good!

I liked the suspenseful story build up and think it was well done.

In a nutshell, if you like spy thrillers, you may want to give this a read! It was both a plot and character driven story that turned out to be a delightful read!


Pub. Date: Nov 4th, 2021

***Thank you The Book Network for my spot on this tour and publisher Canelo for this gifted review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A plodding slog barely finished

[DaveNelda Eitreim · Rating 5 out of 5]

On to book 2 of the series

[AC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book from Alex Gerlis, whose Richard Prince novels are as fine fiction as I've ever read.

We're back to Berlin and more spying, except this time, it's a bona fide ring of spies, cast from diverse characters living in Berlin.

Barnaby Allen is recruited to the spy game and tasked with setting up a network of spies in Berlin after the Nazis have taken hold but before the invasion of Poland in 1939. He also encourages those recruits to be on the lookout for others who may be willing to engage in a very dangerous game as well.

His very first recruit is a gay German citizen and businessman, Werner Lustenberger, who is affable, charming, and about as Bondian a spy as it gets in Gerlis' world. He befriends, and then beds a member of the SS, among other things.

American Jack Miller joins the ring of spies, having come to Berlin to cover the Olympics, and who stays to write travel and sports pieces, which allows him to go practically anywhere with a ready-made reason to be there. He gets friendly with the Reich's sports minister, who gives him additional protection when he wanders out of bounds a couple of times.

There's Sophie, sick of her high ranking SS husband, and who finds the husband's personal diaries and realizes the horrific things he's doing. Though afraid, she's able and willing to do the things the spywork requires: taking pictures of various places, getting people out of the country, and so on.

And there's the saddest spy ever: Tadashi Kimura, a diplomat at the Japanese embassy in Berlin, who, in his words, commits treason for the sake of love.

Spycraft abounds: secret meeting places, coded phone calls, and, as the years roll by, an ever-tightening, claustrophobic feeling that the next encounter could be game over for the spies. For some of them, alas, it is.

It's a fascinating read that at points may feel slow but isn't: the slower areas are just a pause, so the various pieces can be put into place before setting the board in motion once more.

Highly recommended, and five stars out of five.

Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the reading copy.

[John Purvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Alex Gerlis http://alexgerlis.com published the book Agent in Berlin in early November. He has published nine novels, with this being the first in his Wolf Pack Spies series.

I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this book as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of violence, mature language, and adult situations.

Barnaby Allen leaves the world of horse racing and joins MI6. With a bit of training and a natural talent for people, he assembles a network of spies in Germany. Some join because they are appalled at the Nazis. Others must be encouraged through blackmail. A few do not even realize they are revealing secrets to the British.

It is slow work with the need to trust prospective agents only after they have proven themselves. The primary agents are an odd assortment. An American journalist. The gay Jewish horse race enthusiast. An officer in the Luftwaffe. A Japanese diplomat. The wife of a dedicated SS officer.

The intelligence they turn up is first-rate. Living constantly under the threat of the Gestapo takes its toll. The British are sure that a war with Germany is coming. They begin to build their network of agents as early as 1935. As the Nazis gain more power, the information gathered is more important than ever. But the risks grow as well. Many agents do not survive.

I enjoyed the 10 hours I spent reading this 411-page WWII spy thriller. This is the third novel by Gerlis that I have read (The others are Prince of Spies and Ring of Spies). I have enjoyed each and every one of them! This novel shares some characters from his ‘Richard Prince’ series. Gerlis' novels remind me of those written by Helen MacInnes, Ladislas Farago, and Alistair MacLean. I like the cover art selected for the novel. I rate this book as a 5 out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

[Ewan Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by Gerlis, the first being the second in the Wolf Pack series, Agent in Peril. Despite reading them out of chronological order, I can only commend Gerlis for his expert writing of character and plot. These books are page turners in the truest sense of the phrase. Each chapter keeps you gripped with unrelenting action without seeming over the top or unrealistic. I have never read work from an author which is such a joy to read and that keeps me truly invested from cover to cover the way that the Wolf Pack thrillers do. An absolute triumph in fiction. I am so pleased to have found these books and I cannot wait to conclude the series with Agent in the Shadows. Alex Gerlis has found a fan for life and I have found a new favourite author!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follows a British spy ring beginning with its creation in the mid-1930’s up to Pearl Harbor and America’s entrance into the war. A very enjoyable page-turner with lots of action. The book also depicts the agents’ risks, sacrifices, and stress. Successful transmission of valuable intel results in MI6 expanding the mission and demanding even more. When one of the agents rails against the exploitation, he (and the reader) is told the facts of life: every person up and down the spy hierarchy is merely a cog in the wheel whose wellbeing is irrelevant to the greater good. Not the most persuasive retention pitch by today’s standards, but this is WWII. The book ends in December 1941, so there should be many more dead letter drops, clandestine meetings, perilous border crossings, etc. coming up in the series. Looking forward to Book 2.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling new World War 2 spy novel. This is the first in The Wolf Pack series. The story begins in 1935 and Barnaby Allen is recruited by MI6 to form a network of spies in Berlin. Set against the rising tensions of the build up to the war, the story gathers pace as the network grows. With an excellent cast of characters and a very atmospheric historical setting, the story reaches a climax with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour.
This is an exciting read and I can't wait to read more of this series.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.

[Michael Hassel Shearer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agent in Berlin by Alex Girlis: This is the 9th book by Mr. Gerlis, and like the previous books the title includes the word Spy or Spies, so there is comfort to those of us who enjoy espionage books. Having read his two previous series “ Spy Masters” and “Prince” Series of four books each it gives a warm feeling to know that there are at least two more books in the new “Wolf” Series”.
As Mr. Gerlis mentions on his website, he was turned on to writing espionage books set in the WW II period by a recommendation to read Alan Furst’s; The World at Night. He also writes that his is a fan of David Downing and Philip Kerr’s books as well. All three are very good authors to be compared with.
Agent in Berlin, follows the previous books in that most of the story takes place in Germany, Switzerland or Austria under the cloud of Nazism. As much as possible the fictional plot takes place in the factual historical time of the era.
However, I think this newest book has some interesting developments compared to his previous books. These include a more nuanced development of what makes a good agent. In this book many of the agents working for the British are gay, both Germans and Japanese. Through their handler, he suggests that since homosexual acts are against the law at this time, those who are gay must lead secretive lives which is something a spy must do. Secondly, a bit of leCarre plotting occurs since there are HQ turf wars as well as it turns out to be factual the British Intelligence in Berlin did not have diplomatic cover. I also found it thought provoking that the agents questioned their value and worth risking their lives to spirit out documents and plans when it did not seem the British or American acted as a result of this information.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and when it ended there seemed to be some loose ends. It was only then I remembered this is the 1st book of his new series. So now I must wait until Spring for the next book. Well done Alex pulling me into your new “Wolf” Series!

[Dan N. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8 stars.

[Natasha Peters · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to give up, was not a fan

[Ron Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spy thriller better than le Carre

Behind the scenes account of espionage in Berlin prior to and including the beginning of the war. Not clear there was any factual basis to this novel but clearly written in a believable manner with all the critical dates and places intact.

[Ross Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable book. A spy thriller set in 1930s and 1940s Germany.

It is written in an interesting style in that there is no main protagonist. This could arguably be Barney Allen, the agent that established and ran the network of spies, but his appearances are intermittent and fleeting. Yet it works well, as characters are introduced and dropped.

Minor flaw - it is clearly set up for a sequel focussed on Sophia, Jack and a potential relationship between the two, yet not enough was made of this in the novel to make it a possibility that one expected or understood. The manner in which they were flung together and operated under such pressure that only the other could understand should have been given more time.

Sometimes the chronology of the sub chapters also jumps about in an odd manner that adds nothing discernible to the story.

[Nicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first in a series of books about a network of British spies in Germany in the run-up to and during the Second World War.

A British intelligence officer sets up a new network, recruiting a number of very different people to act as agents as Germany becomes a darker and more dangerous place to be. The novel evokes a sense of time and place, and you can feel how risky the situation is for these people.

I like this author, the subject matter and the time period for this novel. It sometimes feels to me that he gets fed up writing dialogue, though, as we're often just told what people said to each other, rather than reading the scene play out. I find that strange, but maybe that's just personal preference.

[Ron Welton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had read Gerlis's Vienna Spies and found it to be flat. I thought several critical plot points to be wildly incredible and I lost interest. I then made the mistake reading his Agent in Berlin thinking it bound to be an improvement. It wasn't. The wolf pack theme is ridiculous and layered on with a trowel.

[Debbie Trammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful novel

I think I have read all of Alex's novel/series. They are well researched and written. They put you right there with the agents it is a thrilling and mysterious feeling. If you are interested in WW 2 I highly recommend Alex's books. Can't wait to read 2 and 3 in this series.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the storyline, the writing style, and all the different main characters, however was left slightly disappointed with the ending. It felt like a lot of build up, for not much of an ending.

[Andy Blanche · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a great many espionage/cold war novels and have seen many writers trumpeted as ‘the new le Carré’ but Alex is the closest I have seen to earning that. Excellent tale of agent running in the run up and early stages of WW2. Highly recommend.

[Shoaib · Rating 4 out of 5]

Might have stumbled upon my new favourite genre and writer.

[Gareth Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many characters at the start made it a little confusing but enjoyed the book once I’d got grips with that.

[Steve Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good start to a new series of books. I especially liked the varied accounts of the recruitment of different spies. A good paced story set against the expanding success of Nazi Germany.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fabulous read of intrigue, espionage, spy networking and dangerous liaisons leading into WW2. The author has created strong protagonists prepared to put their lives on the line for the British, realising war was imminent with Germany who were gearing up their war machinery and administering violence to disadents and Jewish people. Details of their plans were essential for Britain to be prepared. The most outstanding protagonists for me were the German, Werner Lustenberger and American journalist Jack Miller.

1936 sees Barnaby (Barney) Allen, junior Steward for the Jockey Club, through family investment failures looking for a new job. His wife's insistence that their children attend a private school added pressure. Calling on an old school mate (the British private school system is a wonder) Barnaby (Barney) is interviewed for a job, his past WW1 experience and foreign language skills including German sees him taken by surprise that he apparently has been signed up for MI6, the Secret Intelligence Service.

The plan is to recruit others to form a spy network and in no time Barney, while lunching with a new acquaintance from his stewarding days, German Werner Lustenberger, with a little questioning and financial incentive has Werner prepared for a return to Germany. Barney, arriving in Germany meets up with Werner where he explains the true purpose of the job, nothing to do with the initial reason but as Werner had already delivered secret messages, the truth is revealed to him. Barney keeps to the script from British Intelligence and breathes a sigh of relief when Werner accepts his true role.

On the other side of the Atlantic Jack Miller is throwing in his journalist job, his divorce has had an impact on him. Jack is a valued journalist, has some German language skills and in order to keep him working for the newspaper he is offered a job as a Sports Writer to attend the Olympics to be held in Germany.

While having a meal at his hotel, Barney in Berlin intercepts an argument between hotel management and Jack who has invited a famous journalist to dine with him. The invitee is a Jew and this is the reason for the kerfuffle. Barney (now Edward) and Jack then enjoy a complimentary meal and wine on the hotel as an apology.

Jack is offered a lucrative job working as a freelance journalist sending sporting articles to several English newspapers. He travels around Germany having a great time. Barney (Edward) invites Jack to England and this is where the true nature of his work, after an interrogation leads Jack to becoming a British spy.

Others are recruited including a Japanese consular employee, a Luftwaffe officer and a wife of a high up German Obersturmbannführer, all having their reasons to become involved.

(My only criticism is the change of name of Barnaby to Barney and back again? While understandable for a complete name change when necessary, not an editorial mistake. Also Barney's family disappears even when he is in England).

[Darius Ostrowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that even though the field of WWII fiction seems to be getting very crowded lately, Alex Gerlis continues to move up my list of authors that capture the mood and feeling of that terrible time while still providing an action-filled tale with memorable characters (BTW, Alan Furst is still at the top of that list, as Mr. Gerlis will agree). “Agent in Berlin” is the first in a new series, The Wolf Pack Spies, from Mr. Gerlis, having recently finished his wonderful Richard Prince series (which you should read).

England, 1930s. War is coming, although some in the British diplomatic corps don’t seem to think that it will happen. However, there are a few in MI6 that realize what is happening and are starting to prepare for the inevitable (even though most view spying as not being “very sporting”).

Enter Barnaby Allen, who is looking for a job and uses his old school connections to join MI6. His task is to create an autonomous spy network in Germany, know only to him, not vetted through the embassy. Luckily for the UK, Barnaby is a natural at reading people and determining the points which will motivate a person to betray the Nazis. He starts with an acquaintance from his horse racing days, a German who seems to be able to strike up a conversation and wheedle out information without even trying; as a gay man in Nazi Germany he already is living a double-life so he joins up willingly. And so Barnaby continues: an American journalist who is frustrated at what he sees and wants to make a difference, a Luftwaffe officer who has his own secrets, a Japanese diplomat with knowledge of a new fighter, and finally Sophia, the wife of an up-and-coming SS Officer. Some of these help and fade away, some are caught by the Gestapo and don’t make it, others continue to fight for what they believe in.

Mr. Gerlis does a wonderful job at capturing the mood, the danger, the tension – after all, these are just ordinary people caught up in an extraordinary time in history, trying to do the right thing. This book is a series of snapshots as the war marches on, we see the frustration as people risk their lives and see nothing being acted upon – after all, they are just pawns in a much bigger game.

Wonderful start to a new series, looking forward to the next chapter.

I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Canelo via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a great lover of World War 2 novels and also massively enjoy spy thrillers so this was the perfect book for me.
Set in Berlin before the war started and moving into the early 1940s this was a well researched and gripping read.
Barney Allen is working for the jockey club when personal circumstances compel him to find a better paid job. Using a school connection he manages to get a job at MI6 and is tasked with setting up a spy ring in Berlin.
Barney goes about this assiduously and by the time war breaks out he has a “wolf pack” of spies from various backgrounds. They mostly hate the road the Nazis are taking Germany down and want to help to rid the country of them by aiding the British.
The tension is evident throughout the book as Barney’s spies lead double lives and try to evade capture by the Gestapo.
There is Werner, an old friend, who is persuaded to help as well as the wife of an SS officer, Sophia, and an American journalist called Jack Miller. They even enlist the help of a Japanese diplomat who supplies a lot of secrets.
All the characters in the novel are incredibly brave and despite the fact that they are not professional spies, they manage to find very useful information for the allies.
I couldn’t put this book down and raced through it in a couple of days. For me it was an enjoyable read which had me on the edge of my seat in places. The claustrophobic atmosphere of Berlin in the late 1930s and early 1940s was extremely well described and pointed to a lot of detailed research on the part of the author.
The end of the novel did seem a bit abrupt at first but then I realised that it was part of a series so I could look forward to another book featuring these wonderful characters. Bring it on ASAP!
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for my arc copy.