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Island Reich
July, 1940. The Nazis launch their invasion of Britain - starting with the Channel Islands... And soldier turned safecracker Bill O'Hagan gets an hang for his crimes, or serve his country. The impersonate a local on occupied Alderney, steal the invasion plans, escape. He almost believes they're not lying. In Portugal, former King, Edward, Duke of Windsor, receives an altogether different proposal from ease the invasion and he'll get his throne back. But Edward will not readily betray his country... An embittered former king. An unreformed thief. And a secret upon which the fates of nations lie...
544 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2021
110 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Jack Grimwood
6 books95 followersJack Grimwood, a.k.a Jon Courtenay Grimwood was born in Malta and christened in the upturned bell of a ship. He grew up in the Far East, Britain and Scandinavia. Apart from novels he writes for national newspapers including the Times, Telegraph, Independent and Guardian. Jon is two-time winner of the BSFA Award for Best Novel, with Felaheen, and End of the World Blues. His literary novel, The Last Banquet, as Jonathan Grimwood, was shortlisted for Le Prix Montesquieu 2015. His work is published in fifteen languages. He is married to the journalist and novelist Sam Baker. Moskva is his first thriller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 27, 2021
Jack Grimwood expertly blends fact and fiction in this superb piece of WW2 historical espionage fiction, set in 1940 with a Britain faring badly against the German enemy. Bill O'Hagan is a disillusioned ex-soldier and safecracker for whom a last job goes wrong, facing the hangman's noose, he is offered a reprieve that forces him to work for the government. They want to utilise his specialist safecracking skills to access secret German plans, from a safe to be found in the Channel Islands, more specifically Alderney, currently being occupied by the Nazis with a view to being a stepping stone to invading Britain. Bill receives a fast track training course from SOE, and provided with the requisite information for him to be able to impersonate missing farmer from Africa and Nazi sympathiser, Sir William Renhou, currently in the process of divorcing his wife, Daisy.
After the abdication, former king, Edward, the Duke of Windsor and his American divorcee wife, Wallis Simpson are in Europe, having to move from France, Spain to finally end up in Portugal. The Duke is a bitter and resentful man, he and his wife are isolated, missing their previous life of position, privilege, safety, security and wealth. They are being shunned by the new King and the rest of the royal family, and a concerned British government is keeping a close eye on them, worried about their susceptibility at being used to serve a German agenda. The royal couple have had close links with senior members of the German High Command, particularly von Ribbentrop, and have expressed the view Britain had made a mistake in going to war with Germany, a war they are convinced the Germans will win. This storyline connects with Bill's mission, as numerous parties closely shadow the Duke amidst German political intrigue and machinations, intending to take advantage of the Duke and Wallis Simpson's vulnerabilities and fears.
Much of the narrative is in the form of memos between key political figures in the USA, Britain, Germany and other European countries and their respective espionage and intelligence agencies, which provide valuable insights in providing context, strategic plans, and detailing how the war is panning out. Bill finds himself surprisingly working with his supposed 'wife', the American Daisy and trying to protect a young traumatised Jewish girl, Mignon. Will he succeed in his deadly and dangerous assignment? There are numerous obstacles and challenges for Bill to overcome, including islanders who do not take kindly to 'collaborators', and who exactly is Daisy? This is a thrillingly engaging and riveting historical read that is well researched, beautifully plotted, and with real life characters from this period of history. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
After the abdication, former king, Edward, the Duke of Windsor and his American divorcee wife, Wallis Simpson are in Europe, having to move from France, Spain to finally end up in Portugal. The Duke is a bitter and resentful man, he and his wife are isolated, missing their previous life of position, privilege, safety, security and wealth. They are being shunned by the new King and the rest of the royal family, and a concerned British government is keeping a close eye on them, worried about their susceptibility at being used to serve a German agenda. The royal couple have had close links with senior members of the German High Command, particularly von Ribbentrop, and have expressed the view Britain had made a mistake in going to war with Germany, a war they are convinced the Germans will win. This storyline connects with Bill's mission, as numerous parties closely shadow the Duke amidst German political intrigue and machinations, intending to take advantage of the Duke and Wallis Simpson's vulnerabilities and fears.
Much of the narrative is in the form of memos between key political figures in the USA, Britain, Germany and other European countries and their respective espionage and intelligence agencies, which provide valuable insights in providing context, strategic plans, and detailing how the war is panning out. Bill finds himself surprisingly working with his supposed 'wife', the American Daisy and trying to protect a young traumatised Jewish girl, Mignon. Will he succeed in his deadly and dangerous assignment? There are numerous obstacles and challenges for Bill to overcome, including islanders who do not take kindly to 'collaborators', and who exactly is Daisy? This is a thrillingly engaging and riveting historical read that is well researched, beautifully plotted, and with real life characters from this period of history. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
October 27, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Island Reich is the first book that I have read from author Jack Grimwood and I must say I like his style of writing. The book is huge and has 189 chapters, though given that most of them are super short (my favourite kind), and quite often were just a page or two you can see why there are so many.
The book blends fact and fiction to bring to life the story of WWII Germany’s invasion of the Channel Islands, specifically Alderney, as they believed this would help them cross on to the British mainland, and events including the Duke of Windsor, former King Edward VIII who abdicated in 1936, and his wife Wallis Simpson as they move throughout Europe, eventually settling in Portugal and are both hurt, angry, and resentful of the British government and royalty at the way they feel they have been treated.
The story begins in 1940 where we meet ex-soldier Bill O’Hagan as he is tasked, after some persuasion and offered the choice of help his country or be hanged, to go to Alderney to pretend to be one of the residents and farmer from Africa, Sir William Renhou who happens to have sided with the Germans. He is to make an impression on them and get his foot in the door so that he can crack open a safe and remove the contents. He didn’t expect to find the real William’s wife, Daisy, to be at the family home, along with a Jewish child who is pretending to be her niece and their housekeeper.
The British government is also keeping a close eye on Edward and Wallis as they feel they are being swayed by the enemy and may cause a huge risk to the country should they decide to side with the Germans.
Island Reich is truly fascinating and because it entwined facts with fiction I learned copious amounts of information about this period in history and the abdication of King Edward VIII including the issues that presented themselves afterward.
I was completely engrossed in the story and loved the letters, etc that were scattered throughout from various persons, including Winston Churchill and foreign ministers. It took me quite a while to get through the book for two reasons, its huge size and that to fully understand the plot you need to comprehend every aspect that is going on which makes for slower reading.
The book is totally enthralling, it has such depth to the scenes, and this is one historical fiction novel that I won’t forget in a hurry.
Island Reich is the first book that I have read from author Jack Grimwood and I must say I like his style of writing. The book is huge and has 189 chapters, though given that most of them are super short (my favourite kind), and quite often were just a page or two you can see why there are so many.
The book blends fact and fiction to bring to life the story of WWII Germany’s invasion of the Channel Islands, specifically Alderney, as they believed this would help them cross on to the British mainland, and events including the Duke of Windsor, former King Edward VIII who abdicated in 1936, and his wife Wallis Simpson as they move throughout Europe, eventually settling in Portugal and are both hurt, angry, and resentful of the British government and royalty at the way they feel they have been treated.
The story begins in 1940 where we meet ex-soldier Bill O’Hagan as he is tasked, after some persuasion and offered the choice of help his country or be hanged, to go to Alderney to pretend to be one of the residents and farmer from Africa, Sir William Renhou who happens to have sided with the Germans. He is to make an impression on them and get his foot in the door so that he can crack open a safe and remove the contents. He didn’t expect to find the real William’s wife, Daisy, to be at the family home, along with a Jewish child who is pretending to be her niece and their housekeeper.
The British government is also keeping a close eye on Edward and Wallis as they feel they are being swayed by the enemy and may cause a huge risk to the country should they decide to side with the Germans.
Island Reich is truly fascinating and because it entwined facts with fiction I learned copious amounts of information about this period in history and the abdication of King Edward VIII including the issues that presented themselves afterward.
I was completely engrossed in the story and loved the letters, etc that were scattered throughout from various persons, including Winston Churchill and foreign ministers. It took me quite a while to get through the book for two reasons, its huge size and that to fully understand the plot you need to comprehend every aspect that is going on which makes for slower reading.
The book is totally enthralling, it has such depth to the scenes, and this is one historical fiction novel that I won’t forget in a hurry.
May 7, 2021
Bill O’Hagan, burglar, safe cracker, and conman, is given the chance of avoiding the hangman if he agrees to carrying out a mission in the Channel Islands, in this interesting WWII thriller.
It is 1940 and Europe is in chaos. Among those on the move are the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Having abdicated, the former king is regretful and bored, while Wallis Simpson is demanding and resentful. The Germans are keen to recruit them, using flattery and other inducements, while the British are keeping a close eye on their Continental wanderings. With Edward indiscreet, possibly to the point of treason, and Wallis Simpson known to have close German friends; rumoured to have been the mistress of von Ribbentrop, their concerns are well based.
Meanwhile, O’Hagan, who fought in the previous war, is not keen to risk his life again. However, he has skills the country needs and so, like or not, he is given little choice but to visit the Channel Islands – which the Germans plan to use as a stepping-stone to invade England – and open a certain safe… Once there, he joins up with Daisy, an American, plus a young Jewish girl, who is posing as her niece.
This scenario makes for an exciting novel, which involves good characters, alongside a fast-moving plot. You have the occupied Channel Islands, offering an interesting wartime location, as well as the problem of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and snippets of letters and messages flying about which gives the storyline depth. Highly recommended, for anyone who likes an exciting thriller, which also includes interesting characters. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
It is 1940 and Europe is in chaos. Among those on the move are the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Having abdicated, the former king is regretful and bored, while Wallis Simpson is demanding and resentful. The Germans are keen to recruit them, using flattery and other inducements, while the British are keeping a close eye on their Continental wanderings. With Edward indiscreet, possibly to the point of treason, and Wallis Simpson known to have close German friends; rumoured to have been the mistress of von Ribbentrop, their concerns are well based.
Meanwhile, O’Hagan, who fought in the previous war, is not keen to risk his life again. However, he has skills the country needs and so, like or not, he is given little choice but to visit the Channel Islands – which the Germans plan to use as a stepping-stone to invade England – and open a certain safe… Once there, he joins up with Daisy, an American, plus a young Jewish girl, who is posing as her niece.
This scenario makes for an exciting novel, which involves good characters, alongside a fast-moving plot. You have the occupied Channel Islands, offering an interesting wartime location, as well as the problem of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and snippets of letters and messages flying about which gives the storyline depth. Highly recommended, for anyone who likes an exciting thriller, which also includes interesting characters. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
March 13, 2021
A fast paced, labyrinthine WWII thriller set after the Fall of France as Britain prepares itself for the expected German invasion.
After a job goes wrong, former soldier turned safe-cracker, Bill O' Hagan is saved from the gallows in order to carry out work for British Intelligence. He is to be taken by submarine to the Channel island of Alderney which has just been taken over by the Wehrmacht. His job is to open a safe and steal the contents. He undergoes a crash course in how to be a secret agent, before being taken to Alderney where he must impersonate a local aristocrat and known Nazi sympathizer. The island is seen as Hitler's "stepping stone" to Operation Sea Lion - the invasion of mainland Britain.
Meanwhile, Britain's former King, now the Duke of Windsor, flees France to Spain and then Portugal with Wallis Simpson, the woman for whom he abdicated the throne. They stay at the home of a Portuguese banker who has both British and German contacts.
There he and Wallis Simpson are courted by various British and German diplomats. The former want him to return to Britain while the latter want to put Edward VIII back on the throne, after he helps Germany reach an armistice with Britain and avoid a prolonged war which, in July 1940, it seems likely Germany would win.
Unhappy with the way in which the British Government has treated him and his wife and having previously expressed admiration for Hitler, it seems likely he will side with Germany and all sorts of inducements - mostly large sums of Swiss francs - are employed to have him join one side or the other.
Back on Alderney, Bill discovers he's not the only secret agent on the island. This one is a woman who has fled France taking with her a young Jewish girl. But more shocks are in store. What exactly are the contents of the safe that Bill is supposed to open? What is the female secret agent's plan?
As the former King dithers over whether to side with Germany or return to Britain, the two men's paths are destined to cross. Meanwhile, diplomats and intelligence services from the USA, Britain and Germany plot more intrigue and deception.
As the story unfolds, the author uses scores of actual secret memos, documents and letters to show what was happening in Britain, Germany and the USA as Britain braced itself for the likely invasion.
This is a fascinating meld of historical fact and fiction which reveals many shocks and surprises along the way. Highly recommended.
My thanks to the publisher, Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
After a job goes wrong, former soldier turned safe-cracker, Bill O' Hagan is saved from the gallows in order to carry out work for British Intelligence. He is to be taken by submarine to the Channel island of Alderney which has just been taken over by the Wehrmacht. His job is to open a safe and steal the contents. He undergoes a crash course in how to be a secret agent, before being taken to Alderney where he must impersonate a local aristocrat and known Nazi sympathizer. The island is seen as Hitler's "stepping stone" to Operation Sea Lion - the invasion of mainland Britain.
Meanwhile, Britain's former King, now the Duke of Windsor, flees France to Spain and then Portugal with Wallis Simpson, the woman for whom he abdicated the throne. They stay at the home of a Portuguese banker who has both British and German contacts.
There he and Wallis Simpson are courted by various British and German diplomats. The former want him to return to Britain while the latter want to put Edward VIII back on the throne, after he helps Germany reach an armistice with Britain and avoid a prolonged war which, in July 1940, it seems likely Germany would win.
Unhappy with the way in which the British Government has treated him and his wife and having previously expressed admiration for Hitler, it seems likely he will side with Germany and all sorts of inducements - mostly large sums of Swiss francs - are employed to have him join one side or the other.
Back on Alderney, Bill discovers he's not the only secret agent on the island. This one is a woman who has fled France taking with her a young Jewish girl. But more shocks are in store. What exactly are the contents of the safe that Bill is supposed to open? What is the female secret agent's plan?
As the former King dithers over whether to side with Germany or return to Britain, the two men's paths are destined to cross. Meanwhile, diplomats and intelligence services from the USA, Britain and Germany plot more intrigue and deception.
As the story unfolds, the author uses scores of actual secret memos, documents and letters to show what was happening in Britain, Germany and the USA as Britain braced itself for the likely invasion.
This is a fascinating meld of historical fact and fiction which reveals many shocks and surprises along the way. Highly recommended.
My thanks to the publisher, Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
July 1, 2022
Jack Grimwood's Island Reich is a fast paced, labyrinthine WWII thriller set after the Fall of France and Britain prepares itself for the expected German invasion.
After a job goes wrong, former soldier turned safe-cracker, Bill O' Hagan is saved from the gallows in order to carry out work for British Intelligence. He is to be taken by submarine to the Channel island of Alderney which has just been taken over by the Wehrmacht. His job is to open a safe and steal the contents. He undergoes a crash course in how to be a secret agent, before being taken to Alderney where he must impersonate a local aristocrat and known Nazi sympathizer. The island is seen as Hitler's "stepping stone" to Operation Sea Lion - the invasion of mainland Britain.
Meanwhile, Britain's former King, now the Duke of Windsor, flees France to Spain and then Portugal with Wallis Simpson, the woman for whom he abdicated the throne. There he and Wallis Simpson both are courted by various British and German diplomats. The former want him to return to Britain while the latter want to put Edward VIII back on the throne, after he helps Germany reach an armistice with Britain and avoid a prolonged war which, in July 1940, it seems likely Germany would win.
Unhappy with the way in which the British Government has treated him and his wife and having previously expressed admiration for Hitler, it seems likely he will side with Germany and all sorts of inducements - mostly large sums of Swiss francs - are employed to have him join one side or the other.
Back on Alderney, Bill discovers he's not the only secret agent on the island. There is a woman who has fled France taking with her a young Jewish girl. But more shocks are in store. What exactly are the contents of the safe that Bill is supposed to open? What is the female secret agent's plan?
As the former King dithers over whether to side with Germany or return to Britain, the two men's paths are destined to cross. Meanwhile, diplomats and intelligence services from the USA, Britain and Germany plot more intrigue and deception.
As the story unfolds, the author uses scores of actual secret memos, documents and letters to show what was happening in Britain, Germany and the USA as Britain braced itself for the likely invasion.
This is a fascinating meld of historical fact and fiction which reveals many shocks and surprises along the way. Highly recommended.
After a job goes wrong, former soldier turned safe-cracker, Bill O' Hagan is saved from the gallows in order to carry out work for British Intelligence. He is to be taken by submarine to the Channel island of Alderney which has just been taken over by the Wehrmacht. His job is to open a safe and steal the contents. He undergoes a crash course in how to be a secret agent, before being taken to Alderney where he must impersonate a local aristocrat and known Nazi sympathizer. The island is seen as Hitler's "stepping stone" to Operation Sea Lion - the invasion of mainland Britain.
Meanwhile, Britain's former King, now the Duke of Windsor, flees France to Spain and then Portugal with Wallis Simpson, the woman for whom he abdicated the throne. There he and Wallis Simpson both are courted by various British and German diplomats. The former want him to return to Britain while the latter want to put Edward VIII back on the throne, after he helps Germany reach an armistice with Britain and avoid a prolonged war which, in July 1940, it seems likely Germany would win.
Unhappy with the way in which the British Government has treated him and his wife and having previously expressed admiration for Hitler, it seems likely he will side with Germany and all sorts of inducements - mostly large sums of Swiss francs - are employed to have him join one side or the other.
Back on Alderney, Bill discovers he's not the only secret agent on the island. There is a woman who has fled France taking with her a young Jewish girl. But more shocks are in store. What exactly are the contents of the safe that Bill is supposed to open? What is the female secret agent's plan?
As the former King dithers over whether to side with Germany or return to Britain, the two men's paths are destined to cross. Meanwhile, diplomats and intelligence services from the USA, Britain and Germany plot more intrigue and deception.
As the story unfolds, the author uses scores of actual secret memos, documents and letters to show what was happening in Britain, Germany and the USA as Britain braced itself for the likely invasion.
This is a fascinating meld of historical fact and fiction which reveals many shocks and surprises along the way. Highly recommended.
July 19, 2021
July 1940. The Nazis launch their invasion of Britain - starting with the Channel Islands. And soldier turned safecracker Bill O'Hagan gets an offer: hang for his crimes, or serve his country. The mission - land on occupied Alderney, impersonate a local, steal the invasion plans, escape. It sounds so implausible he almost believes it. In Portugal, the former King, Edward, Duke of Windsor, receives an altogether different proposal from Germany: ease the invasion and he'll get his throne back. But Edward will not willingly betray his country. An embittered former king.
An unreformed thief. And a secret upon which the fates of nations lie. A compulsive and superbly plotted World War II fact meets fiction historical thriller set against a richly atmospheric and deeply authentic backdrop. I couldn't get enough of award-winning writer Grimwood’s enthralling and excellently woven age-old tale of good versus evil, with heroes to cheer for, villains to actively loathe and a few characters in between who exhibit a morally grey set of behaviours and ideas. Highly recommended.
An unreformed thief. And a secret upon which the fates of nations lie. A compulsive and superbly plotted World War II fact meets fiction historical thriller set against a richly atmospheric and deeply authentic backdrop. I couldn't get enough of award-winning writer Grimwood’s enthralling and excellently woven age-old tale of good versus evil, with heroes to cheer for, villains to actively loathe and a few characters in between who exhibit a morally grey set of behaviours and ideas. Highly recommended.
November 19, 2021
Excellent world war two thriller set in the channel Islands.
As the battle of Britain begins and Germany makes plans to invade Britain the former King Edward 8th and his wife Wallis Simpson are torn between returning to England and throwing in their lot with the Nazi's.
Believing plans to the invasion are held on the occupied island of Alderney a British agent and ex safe breaker Bill O'Hagan is released from prison and ordered to steal the plans whilst playing the part of a disgraced army officer and fascist.
It has all the ingredients!
I found it quite topical in some ways. The characters of Edward and Mrs Simpson reminded me of Prince Harry and Megan Markle and their indignation at the treatment received by the Palace.
There's also a nice wry wit in this book. Yes it's hard to believe that Britain's hopes wrest with a death row thief but it's a good fun read.
As the battle of Britain begins and Germany makes plans to invade Britain the former King Edward 8th and his wife Wallis Simpson are torn between returning to England and throwing in their lot with the Nazi's.
Believing plans to the invasion are held on the occupied island of Alderney a British agent and ex safe breaker Bill O'Hagan is released from prison and ordered to steal the plans whilst playing the part of a disgraced army officer and fascist.
It has all the ingredients!
I found it quite topical in some ways. The characters of Edward and Mrs Simpson reminded me of Prince Harry and Megan Markle and their indignation at the treatment received by the Palace.
There's also a nice wry wit in this book. Yes it's hard to believe that Britain's hopes wrest with a death row thief but it's a good fun read.
April 22, 2021
This is such a well-researched spy story that you won’t be able to tell where real events end and the author’s keen imagination takes over. Author Jack Grimwood adroitly focuses his narrative on a tight cluster of engaging characters: the ne’erdowell thief, given the choice between the hangman’s noose or a near-impossible task for SOE. The classic ice-woman assassin, so hardened by repeated trauma that she’s all sharp edges and vengeance. The teenage survivor whose determination and vulnerability brings them together.
These three collide in a near-perfect espionage plot, set on the occupied Channel Islands. Good Germans, bad Nazis, local collaborators and resistance fighters abound – and somehow our thief must navigate this mix, steal the Nazi plans for the German invasion of the British mainland, and make his perilous rendezvous with a submarine without being discovered, shot, maimed or murdered by all or any of the above. A tense page-turner? You bet.
However, you will need to take your time over the opening chapters which establish the historical situation and the extensive supporting cast. There are two or three (or four…) parallel storylines running, and it takes a little while to get them straight in your head.
Stick with it: the payoff is well worth your effort. This is a story that’s stuffed full of authentic historical characters – and not just Nazis. There’s even a reference to TE Lawrence and his penchant for highly-strung mechanical contraptions. And Grimwood is something of an assassin himself; painting the abdicated Edward as an impossible nincompoop but yet with a few saving graces.
I haven’t enjoyed a British spy story this much since I was 13 and first discovered Casino Royale.
9/10
These three collide in a near-perfect espionage plot, set on the occupied Channel Islands. Good Germans, bad Nazis, local collaborators and resistance fighters abound – and somehow our thief must navigate this mix, steal the Nazi plans for the German invasion of the British mainland, and make his perilous rendezvous with a submarine without being discovered, shot, maimed or murdered by all or any of the above. A tense page-turner? You bet.
However, you will need to take your time over the opening chapters which establish the historical situation and the extensive supporting cast. There are two or three (or four…) parallel storylines running, and it takes a little while to get them straight in your head.
Stick with it: the payoff is well worth your effort. This is a story that’s stuffed full of authentic historical characters – and not just Nazis. There’s even a reference to TE Lawrence and his penchant for highly-strung mechanical contraptions. And Grimwood is something of an assassin himself; painting the abdicated Edward as an impossible nincompoop but yet with a few saving graces.
I haven’t enjoyed a British spy story this much since I was 13 and first discovered Casino Royale.
9/10
December 2, 2024
Island Reich is a Second World War story set mainly in the Channel Island of Alderney.
The story follows safe cracker Bill, who is cajoled, due to his disreputable activities, to break open a safe that the Germans will bring to Alderney. Bill must pretend to be The Knight of Renou, lately from Mombasa and a pro-German supporter.
The book also follows the trail of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson), after the duke’s abdication. They move from Paris, through Spain and stay in Portugal for a spell, all the while meeting with sympathisers and foreign friends. The German high command are keen to help the Duke as they see him as a means to roll easily into Britain. Meanwhile, the Duke continues to argue with his brother, the new king, over allowing Wallis a place in court. The story shows both the British and Americans keeping a close watch on these situations.
Alderney, it appears, may be a spearhead for the German invasion of Britain, a stepping stone across the English channel especially if Germany can have guarantee of the Duke’s support.
The book is written in short chapters that hop back and forth between actions in Alderney and the latest location of the Duke and Duchess. There are also letters interspersed from key players in Germany, Britain and America. At first the constant changing points of view grated on me as it kept taking me out of the current action, but eventually I settled into the style and became eager to continue reading. My favourite parts were set on Alderney, a place that I would like to visit one day.
The story follows safe cracker Bill, who is cajoled, due to his disreputable activities, to break open a safe that the Germans will bring to Alderney. Bill must pretend to be The Knight of Renou, lately from Mombasa and a pro-German supporter.
The book also follows the trail of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson), after the duke’s abdication. They move from Paris, through Spain and stay in Portugal for a spell, all the while meeting with sympathisers and foreign friends. The German high command are keen to help the Duke as they see him as a means to roll easily into Britain. Meanwhile, the Duke continues to argue with his brother, the new king, over allowing Wallis a place in court. The story shows both the British and Americans keeping a close watch on these situations.
Alderney, it appears, may be a spearhead for the German invasion of Britain, a stepping stone across the English channel especially if Germany can have guarantee of the Duke’s support.
The book is written in short chapters that hop back and forth between actions in Alderney and the latest location of the Duke and Duchess. There are also letters interspersed from key players in Germany, Britain and America. At first the constant changing points of view grated on me as it kept taking me out of the current action, but eventually I settled into the style and became eager to continue reading. My favourite parts were set on Alderney, a place that I would like to visit one day.
January 14, 2024
4.5 Goodreads hurry up and add .5 ratings please and thank you.
January 4, 2022
Solid thriller featuring two rotters. One a safecracker who comes good and the other the Duke of Windsor who does not.
March 13, 2021
A fast paced, labyrinthine WWII thriller set after the Fall of France and Britain prepares itself for the expected German invasion.
After a job goes wrong, former soldier turned safe-cracker, Bill O' Hagan is saved from the gallows in order to carry out work for British Intelligence. He is to be taken by submarine to the Channel island of Alderney which has just been taken over by the Wehrmacht. His job is to open a safe and steal the contents. He undergoes a crash course in how to be a secret agent, before being taken to Alderney where he must impersonate a local aristocrat and known Nazi sympathizer. The island is seen as Hitler's "stepping stone" to Operation Sea Lion - the invasion of mainland Britain.
Meanwhile, Britain's former King, now the Duke of Windsor, flees France to Spain and then Portugal with Wallis Simpson, the woman for whom he abdicated the throne. They stay at the home of a Portuguese banker who has both British and German contacts.
There he and Wallis Simpson are courted by various British and German diplomats. The former want him to return to Britain while the latter want to put Edward VIII back on the throne, after he helps Germany reach an armistice with Britain and avoid a prolonged war which, in July 1940, it seems likely Germany would win.
Unhappy with the way in which the British Government has treated him and his wife and having previously expressed admiration for Hitler, it seems likely he will side with Germany and all sorts of inducements - mostly large sums of Swiss francs - are employed to have him join one side or the other.
Back on Alderney, Bill discovers he's not the only secret agent on the island. This one is a woman who has fled France taking with her a young Jewish girl. But more shocks are in store. What exactly are the contents of the safe that Bill is supposed to open? What is the female secret agent's plan?
As the former King dithers over whether to side with Germany or return to Britain, the two men's paths are destined to cross. Meanwhile, diplomats and intelligence services from the USA, Britain and Germany plot more intrigue and deception.
As the story unfolds, the author uses scores of actual secret memos, documents and letters to show what was happening in Britain, Germany and the USA as Britain braced itself for the likely invasion.
This is a fascinating meld of historical fact and fiction which reveals many shocks and surprises along the way. Highly recommended.
My thanks to the publisher, Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
After a job goes wrong, former soldier turned safe-cracker, Bill O' Hagan is saved from the gallows in order to carry out work for British Intelligence. He is to be taken by submarine to the Channel island of Alderney which has just been taken over by the Wehrmacht. His job is to open a safe and steal the contents. He undergoes a crash course in how to be a secret agent, before being taken to Alderney where he must impersonate a local aristocrat and known Nazi sympathizer. The island is seen as Hitler's "stepping stone" to Operation Sea Lion - the invasion of mainland Britain.
Meanwhile, Britain's former King, now the Duke of Windsor, flees France to Spain and then Portugal with Wallis Simpson, the woman for whom he abdicated the throne. They stay at the home of a Portuguese banker who has both British and German contacts.
There he and Wallis Simpson are courted by various British and German diplomats. The former want him to return to Britain while the latter want to put Edward VIII back on the throne, after he helps Germany reach an armistice with Britain and avoid a prolonged war which, in July 1940, it seems likely Germany would win.
Unhappy with the way in which the British Government has treated him and his wife and having previously expressed admiration for Hitler, it seems likely he will side with Germany and all sorts of inducements - mostly large sums of Swiss francs - are employed to have him join one side or the other.
Back on Alderney, Bill discovers he's not the only secret agent on the island. This one is a woman who has fled France taking with her a young Jewish girl. But more shocks are in store. What exactly are the contents of the safe that Bill is supposed to open? What is the female secret agent's plan?
As the former King dithers over whether to side with Germany or return to Britain, the two men's paths are destined to cross. Meanwhile, diplomats and intelligence services from the USA, Britain and Germany plot more intrigue and deception.
As the story unfolds, the author uses scores of actual secret memos, documents and letters to show what was happening in Britain, Germany and the USA as Britain braced itself for the likely invasion.
This is a fascinating meld of historical fact and fiction which reveals many shocks and surprises along the way. Highly recommended.
My thanks to the publisher, Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
March 8, 2022
Overall I was disappointed with Island Reich. The basic idea of using Alderney as a base to attack Britain by the Nazis was an interesting one but evolved very slowly. Action there alternated with following the progress of the exiled Duke of Windsor and his wife Wallis Simpson. All kinds of real life people turn up in Lisbon where the Duke and his wife are living, albeit temporarily, to persuade him either to back Hitler or clear off to the Bahamas out of harm’s way. Included in theseh, would you believe, is Ian Fleming. The Queen would not think much of Grimwood’s portrait of her uncle nor indeed of his self obsessed wife.
Interspersed with visits to Lisbon and Alderney are copies of correspondence between various heavy players like Churchill, Roosevelt, Hitler and Ribbentrop. These feel like fillers.
What lifts the book out of the thoroughly dull is the climax which is brilliantly described and thrilling.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of ‘39, all published by Sacristy Press.
Interspersed with visits to Lisbon and Alderney are copies of correspondence between various heavy players like Churchill, Roosevelt, Hitler and Ribbentrop. These feel like fillers.
What lifts the book out of the thoroughly dull is the climax which is brilliantly described and thrilling.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of ‘39, all published by Sacristy Press.
February 2, 2022
I didn't have high expectations but the book still managed to disappoint me. The plot was all over the place, the writing was never very impressive and the only reason I managed to get through it was the chaptering. Each chapter was 2-3 pages long, sometimes shorter, and despite being disoriented at the beginning, I quickly found this to be the only thing that made the book so easy to read. It did not, however, make it a good read. And I'm disappointed at Goodreads as well because this book does not deserve this high a rating.
October 2, 2024
Excellent page turner.
February 6, 2024
Bit hectic but a solid book and a class ending
June 27, 2023
Very quick start with lots of characters, times and location changes, so was concerned but quickly got in to and enjoyed it and therefore flew through it. Interesting story from a period of time I enjoy!
June 27, 2023
Based around real facts the fate of Britain rests on one unlikely spy in this rich, atmospheric WWII thriller, from the award-winning author of Moskva and Nightfall Berlin.
A horrifying thought of Britain being ruled by Nazi Germany was very real with the most precarious situation of Britain's abdicated King becoming a pawn during WWII. As both Britain and Germany were fighting to secure Edward's loyalty as he grappled with the belief that Britain was wrong to enter the war.
Britain were seeking his quick return as Hitler wanted to secure him as leverage on the pretence of wanting to reinstall him as King once Britain had been invaded. Although the likelihood of him being used as hostage or either killed if Britain chose not to negotiate or surrender to Germany was more likely.
Nightfall Berlin July, 1940. The Nazis launch their invasion of Britain - starting with the Channel Islands... And soldier turned safecracker Bill O'Hagan gets an offer- hang for his crimes, or serve his country. The mission- impersonate a local on occupied Alderney, steal the invasion plans, escape. He almost believes they're not lying. In Portugal, former King, Edward, Duke of Windsor, receives an altogether different proposal from Germany- ease the invasion and he'll get his throne back. But Edward will not readily betray his country... An embittered former king. An unreformed thief. And a secret upon which the fates of nations lie.
Many historians have suggested that Hitler was prepared to reinstate the Duke of Windsor as king in the hope of establishing a fascist Britain, had Edward agreed to do so after reaching Spain. Documents recovered from the Germans in 1945 near Marburg, later called the Marburg Files as well as The Windsor Files, included relevant correspondence about the planned outcome of Operation Willi. A telegram from Joachim von Ribbentrop indicated that the Duke of Windsor would be offered the throne of the United Kingdom (as a puppet king) if the Operation succeeded and Edward reached Spain Another telegram indicates that the plan to reinstate the Duke as king had been discussed with the Duke and Duchess:
"Both seem to be completely bound up in formalistic ways of thought since they replied that according to the British constitution this was not possible after abdication ... When [an] agent then remarked the course of war may produce changes even in the British constitution, the Duchess in particular became very thoughtful."
A horrifying thought of Britain being ruled by Nazi Germany was very real with the most precarious situation of Britain's abdicated King becoming a pawn during WWII. As both Britain and Germany were fighting to secure Edward's loyalty as he grappled with the belief that Britain was wrong to enter the war.
Britain were seeking his quick return as Hitler wanted to secure him as leverage on the pretence of wanting to reinstall him as King once Britain had been invaded. Although the likelihood of him being used as hostage or either killed if Britain chose not to negotiate or surrender to Germany was more likely.
Nightfall Berlin July, 1940. The Nazis launch their invasion of Britain - starting with the Channel Islands... And soldier turned safecracker Bill O'Hagan gets an offer- hang for his crimes, or serve his country. The mission- impersonate a local on occupied Alderney, steal the invasion plans, escape. He almost believes they're not lying. In Portugal, former King, Edward, Duke of Windsor, receives an altogether different proposal from Germany- ease the invasion and he'll get his throne back. But Edward will not readily betray his country... An embittered former king. An unreformed thief. And a secret upon which the fates of nations lie.
Many historians have suggested that Hitler was prepared to reinstate the Duke of Windsor as king in the hope of establishing a fascist Britain, had Edward agreed to do so after reaching Spain. Documents recovered from the Germans in 1945 near Marburg, later called the Marburg Files as well as The Windsor Files, included relevant correspondence about the planned outcome of Operation Willi. A telegram from Joachim von Ribbentrop indicated that the Duke of Windsor would be offered the throne of the United Kingdom (as a puppet king) if the Operation succeeded and Edward reached Spain Another telegram indicates that the plan to reinstate the Duke as king had been discussed with the Duke and Duchess:
"Both seem to be completely bound up in formalistic ways of thought since they replied that according to the British constitution this was not possible after abdication ... When [an] agent then remarked the course of war may produce changes even in the British constitution, the Duchess in particular became very thoughtful."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2023
Written in short chapters, this book flies along and is a pacy read. It follows two threads: Bill O'Hagan, an SOE agent who lands on the Channel Island of Alderney, and the Duke of Windsor, wandering around Spain and Portugal, being courted by the Germans and watched by agents from a multitude of countries.
Bill's is by far the most interesting of the two stories. He is an interesting character, a safecracker and a veteran of the Great War. He is not a willing volunteer into SOE, being coerced into undertaking his mission, which is about getting the Nazi invasion plans for Britain. Once on the island and impersonating a local absentee landowner, he runs into trouble from more than one direction and begins to forge unexpected connections. Bill needs all his wits and quick, creative thinking to stay alive and complete his mission.
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor are angry and bitter about what they see as their poor treatment by the British Royal Family and government. Both come across as selfish, self-obsessed people, only concerned about themselves and people affording them the status they believe is their due. With Britain and Germany at war, their sympathies lie with the Nazis, who are determined to install the former king back on his throne as a puppet head of state when they invade Britain. Of course, Britain and the USA - yet to join the fray - are equally determined to make sure the duke does not fall into German hands.
These two stories do link together, but in a lot of ways, Bill's story was strong enough not to need the self-pitying Duke of Windsor and his fragile ego wandering in and out. The chapters are interspersed with memos and letters and signals from different players in the wider war, which helps set the scene and establish the backdrop to events on Alderney and wherever the duke is.
I enjoyed this book a lot and rattled through it, courtesy of the short chapters. The dialogue is short and snappy and the action moves along quicky with plenty of twists and turns for Bill to navigate. I'd definitely read this author's work again.
Bill's is by far the most interesting of the two stories. He is an interesting character, a safecracker and a veteran of the Great War. He is not a willing volunteer into SOE, being coerced into undertaking his mission, which is about getting the Nazi invasion plans for Britain. Once on the island and impersonating a local absentee landowner, he runs into trouble from more than one direction and begins to forge unexpected connections. Bill needs all his wits and quick, creative thinking to stay alive and complete his mission.
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor are angry and bitter about what they see as their poor treatment by the British Royal Family and government. Both come across as selfish, self-obsessed people, only concerned about themselves and people affording them the status they believe is their due. With Britain and Germany at war, their sympathies lie with the Nazis, who are determined to install the former king back on his throne as a puppet head of state when they invade Britain. Of course, Britain and the USA - yet to join the fray - are equally determined to make sure the duke does not fall into German hands.
These two stories do link together, but in a lot of ways, Bill's story was strong enough not to need the self-pitying Duke of Windsor and his fragile ego wandering in and out. The chapters are interspersed with memos and letters and signals from different players in the wider war, which helps set the scene and establish the backdrop to events on Alderney and wherever the duke is.
I enjoyed this book a lot and rattled through it, courtesy of the short chapters. The dialogue is short and snappy and the action moves along quicky with plenty of twists and turns for Bill to navigate. I'd definitely read this author's work again.
February 24, 2022
A thriller set in June 1940, partly in Portugal with ex-King Edward VIII and his bride, Wallis Simpson, and partly on Alderney in the German-occupied Channel Islands with Bill, a safe-cracker conscripted to steal German plans from a safe and Daisy, an agent of American intelligence.
The structure comprises very short chapters including correspondence between the British, American and German agencies involved. The Germans want the ex-king to go to Alderney to legitimise the invasion of Britain; the Americans want Daisy to interfere; the British want to get rid of the inconvenient ex-monarch, preferably to Bermuda.
It’s an interesting and complex story. I was fascinated by the insight into the lives of the penniless Duke & Duchess: his father (George V) left Edward no money. They swan about Iberia bitching (although Edward’s an HRH, Wallis is denied Royal status) and playing off George VI against Hitler for a better deal.
The Bill and Daisy strand is exciting and clever, though not always convincing. A well-written good read, definitely a page-turner.
It transpires that the author is Jon Courtney Grimwood, author of a series of alternative history books: Red Robe, Pashazade, etc. We enjoyed these and I’ll probably start re-reading them.
The structure comprises very short chapters including correspondence between the British, American and German agencies involved. The Germans want the ex-king to go to Alderney to legitimise the invasion of Britain; the Americans want Daisy to interfere; the British want to get rid of the inconvenient ex-monarch, preferably to Bermuda.
It’s an interesting and complex story. I was fascinated by the insight into the lives of the penniless Duke & Duchess: his father (George V) left Edward no money. They swan about Iberia bitching (although Edward’s an HRH, Wallis is denied Royal status) and playing off George VI against Hitler for a better deal.
The Bill and Daisy strand is exciting and clever, though not always convincing. A well-written good read, definitely a page-turner.
It transpires that the author is Jon Courtney Grimwood, author of a series of alternative history books: Red Robe, Pashazade, etc. We enjoyed these and I’ll probably start re-reading them.
December 30, 2024
It's 1940 and with most of Europe under German control, the invasion of the Channel Islands is imminent. Convicted safe breaker Bill O'Hagan is given a choice. He can hang for his crimes, or he can head off to Alderney as a special operations operative. HIs goal, to crack a safe and steal the plans for the invasion of mainland Britain. Meanwhile in Portugal, the abdicated king Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson are being courted by Nazi agents. If the former king can be turned to their cause, might he lead a peaceful invasion to restore him to his throne in a Nazi puppet state.
Hmm... Good in parts. Grimwood has taken established historical fact about the occupation of Guernsey and the pro-Nazi sympathies of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson and bent it very heavily to create an exciting tale of spies, wicked Nazis, royal privilege and derring-do. It is OK as an adventure story with roots in history, but it was a bit too far-fetched for me. There were too many cliches and I was particularly irritated by the way in which the story was broken up into 110 chapters- many of which were only a couple of pages long. I prefer longer sections that I can sink my teeth into.
Hmm... Good in parts. Grimwood has taken established historical fact about the occupation of Guernsey and the pro-Nazi sympathies of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson and bent it very heavily to create an exciting tale of spies, wicked Nazis, royal privilege and derring-do. It is OK as an adventure story with roots in history, but it was a bit too far-fetched for me. There were too many cliches and I was particularly irritated by the way in which the story was broken up into 110 chapters- many of which were only a couple of pages long. I prefer longer sections that I can sink my teeth into.
July 24, 2021
The Island by Jack Grimwood, what a thriller! One of the best thrillers I’ve read this year, a WW2 action packed adventure, jam packed with intriguing historical events.
In short, Bill O’Hagen, an ex soldier of WW1, finds himself forced to serve his country again and is shipped over to Nazi occupied Alderney on a mission to crack a safe under the German eyes whilst pretending to be Sir William Renhou, a fascist living on the island.
There are a couple of storylines running throughout the book, the other main one is following the historical events which happened after the abdication of the Duke of Windsor and his American divorcee wife, Wallis Simpson…which all cleverly connect to Bill’s mission on Alderney.
There’s a lot going on in this book, as quoted, ‘so many wasps in one trap’…it’s a complicated plot masterfully executed, a real page turner. I would highly recommend this book.
Big thanks to Jack Grimwood, Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
In short, Bill O’Hagen, an ex soldier of WW1, finds himself forced to serve his country again and is shipped over to Nazi occupied Alderney on a mission to crack a safe under the German eyes whilst pretending to be Sir William Renhou, a fascist living on the island.
There are a couple of storylines running throughout the book, the other main one is following the historical events which happened after the abdication of the Duke of Windsor and his American divorcee wife, Wallis Simpson…which all cleverly connect to Bill’s mission on Alderney.
There’s a lot going on in this book, as quoted, ‘so many wasps in one trap’…it’s a complicated plot masterfully executed, a real page turner. I would highly recommend this book.
Big thanks to Jack Grimwood, Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
May 5, 2025
Rating 3.5
This was an entertaining enough read but despite finishing strongly in the last few chapters overall felt more of a miss rather than a hit.
The multiple pov style isn’t new or groundbreaking , neither is having short or very short chapters which jump from character to character (resembling the prose version of a modern action movie with jump cuts very few minutes). This method can help add tension for the reader/viewer or it causes annoyance.
this case it was a bit of both for me. The edition I read was 528 pages and at times it felt it.
Without the staccato chapters, and different editing choices made this could have been a 4 star read for me
On the plus side I thought the characters were well drawn, as was the island of Alderney. The historical background felt grounded in reality. The plot was an interesting one and didn’t appear too derivative to me at first read (after a few days maybe I will think otherwise).
So overall a solid novel that had some issues hence only being a 3 star read for me.
This was an entertaining enough read but despite finishing strongly in the last few chapters overall felt more of a miss rather than a hit.
The multiple pov style isn’t new or groundbreaking , neither is having short or very short chapters which jump from character to character (resembling the prose version of a modern action movie with jump cuts very few minutes). This method can help add tension for the reader/viewer or it causes annoyance.
this case it was a bit of both for me. The edition I read was 528 pages and at times it felt it.
Without the staccato chapters, and different editing choices made this could have been a 4 star read for me
On the plus side I thought the characters were well drawn, as was the island of Alderney. The historical background felt grounded in reality. The plot was an interesting one and didn’t appear too derivative to me at first read (after a few days maybe I will think otherwise).
So overall a solid novel that had some issues hence only being a 3 star read for me.
May 16, 2021
An exciting and fast paced world war 2 thriller from Jack Grimwood that perfectly blends both fact and fiction with real and fictional characters.
The story is of Bill , an expert safe cracker who is forced into the war effort by British Intelligence to help gather information that could turn the Nazi charge on its head.
Sent to the recently occupied Aldernay Island in the channel, Bill is faced with adversity, From both friend and foe as his task becomes increasingly fraught and suspenseful.
Much of the book is set as letters and memos going between both British and nazi intelligence, I particularly enjoyed these small snippets throughout the book. The chapters are small and come fast and many have cliff hangers to ensure you turn the pages that made this is 544 page book feel light and enjoyable
This is high class writing and this completely brilliant thriller is one of the best world war 2 set stories I’ve had the pleasure to read.
The story is of Bill , an expert safe cracker who is forced into the war effort by British Intelligence to help gather information that could turn the Nazi charge on its head.
Sent to the recently occupied Aldernay Island in the channel, Bill is faced with adversity, From both friend and foe as his task becomes increasingly fraught and suspenseful.
Much of the book is set as letters and memos going between both British and nazi intelligence, I particularly enjoyed these small snippets throughout the book. The chapters are small and come fast and many have cliff hangers to ensure you turn the pages that made this is 544 page book feel light and enjoyable
This is high class writing and this completely brilliant thriller is one of the best world war 2 set stories I’ve had the pleasure to read.
December 5, 2021
July 1940 and the Nazis have taken over France and invaded the Channel Islands. Former King Edward, now the Duke of Windsor, has had to flee to Portugal. Here he is being wooed by the fascists to join their cause and return to the throne. Part of the plot involves installing Edward and Wallis on the Channel Islands where a former friend lives. Bill O'Hagan is a career criminal who is facing execution for murder but he is offered a chance, go to Alderney, impersonate the Lord of Renhou and steal the important papers held there.
There is a cracking story here but it is hard to get to through the morass. The first section of the book is so bitty and disjointed that I almost gave up but I'm glad I didn't as the narrative begins to take over. I feel that Grimwood has not been served by his editor as once the action gets underway there is a strong tale here focusing on the embittered Duke.
There is a cracking story here but it is hard to get to through the morass. The first section of the book is so bitty and disjointed that I almost gave up but I'm glad I didn't as the narrative begins to take over. I feel that Grimwood has not been served by his editor as once the action gets underway there is a strong tale here focusing on the embittered Duke.
August 30, 2023
There are several concurrent threads to this novel, loosely based on the German occupation of Alderney in the Channel Islands in 1940. Each thread proceeds approximately turn about in super-short chapters each of c 2 1/2 pages. The short chapters and changing threads took a bit of getting used to; but I very quickly got into the groove and enjoyed this modus operandi. From time to time I had to remind myself that this is a novel, so definitely not "fact / history". Meanwhile the threads kept ticking along energetically as the stories unfolded. When the denouement came in the closing chapters it certainly took me by surprise. I had to read them a few times to work out what was what. Good twists to the tale (tail?). No spoilers here.....
April 24, 2021
One of the best historical spy thrillers I've read in a long time. Well plotted, mixing in real life figures, the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson being the main ones, with Bill and Daisy, two vividly drawn out fictional characters. Also like the snippets of communications from the likes of Churchill and the German hierarchy. These provide a little breather between the relentless plot pace and action.
February 19, 2024
A GOOD STORY WELL TOLD
Being a bit of a WW2 fan, having ben born and raised on an Island in the English Channel, I knew some of the details. I enjoyed the journey the book took me on and I engaged with the characters, some more than others. If you can suspend your imagination when you need to and just enjoy the ride, you'll enjoy the faction, fiction based on fact.
Being a bit of a WW2 fan, having ben born and raised on an Island in the English Channel, I knew some of the details. I enjoyed the journey the book took me on and I engaged with the characters, some more than others. If you can suspend your imagination when you need to and just enjoy the ride, you'll enjoy the faction, fiction based on fact.
March 5, 2024
3 1/2 stars, up from three for the original plot line involving the Duke of Windsor and his wife Wallis Simpson, loses points for the unnecessarily short chapters, averaging 2 - 3 pages, which did little to add to the tension and only confused the several storylines. As much as I like a good WWII thriller, I won't be in a hurry to read more titles by Jack Grimwood.
April 24, 2025
I enjoyed reading this WWII era novel and would gladly read more by Jack Grimwood. This story constructs a revisionist fictional series of events involving known Nazi, American, and English personalities (including the notorious couple Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII.) It held my interest from start to finish and I thought the characters were true to the period and the situation. Well Done!
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