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Treasures of the Fourth Reich

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A Titian, a Bruegel, and a panel from the Amber Room -- Vanished during WWII -- come to life again.

A string of deaths drags Dix Connor and his art expert wife into a suspense-filled game of cat & mouse with a clandestine organization with roots in the closing days of WWII.

It was one of the greatest crimes of the century.... Grand museums and families lost countless valuables and works of art to Nazi lootings in what has been called "the rape of Europa." Parker's story begins just outside the Bavarian salt mines as the American and Russian armies are closing in. Amid the chaos, SS officers scramble to hide ill-gotten treasures that will finance the "Fourth Reich." Only a precious journal detailing an inventory of treasure caches around the Tirol holds a clue.

Forty plus years later, the hunt for Europe's lost art falls to a husband and wife team who become entangled in this web of stolen treasures. Dix and Maria Connor face down a secret and deadly network trafficking in Titians, Bruegels and remnants of Peter the Great's magnificent Amber Room. From northeast Italy to Brussels, these amateur detectives risk everything to right the wrongs of history. Crisscross Europe's past and present in this thinking man's action novel.

The lust for loot crosses paths with history’s ghosts in this high-octane thriller.

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

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About the author

Patrick Parker

5 books41 followers
Patrick Parker brings a lifetime of authentic experience to his pulse-pounding suspense thrillers. A distinguished veteran of the US Army Field Artillery, he served across the globe in assignments spanning Italy, Germany, Panama, and the United States. Following his military career, Patrick dedicated another fifteen years to the defense industry, traveling extensively through Europe, the US, and England, further deepening his insights into global security and covert operations. Complementing his practical expertise, Patrick holds a master's degree in international relations, providing a formidable foundation for the complex geopolitical landscapes within his novels.

Inspired by masters of suspense like Ken Follett, Robert Ludlum, John le Carré, and Tom Clancy, Patrick Parker crafts fast-paced narratives designed to keep readers on the absolute edge of their seat, consistently delivering on his promise to make you wonder: "What was real and what was fiction?"

Dive into the high-stakes world of his Max Kenworth Suspense Thriller series, featuring former Delta Force officer and SOCOM nuclear weapons expert Max Kenworth. In Six Minutes Early, Kenworth races against time to recover stolen nuclear devices and thwart global terrorism. The action continues in Acts of Treason, where Kenworth navigates a perilous political coup, stolen nukes, and a personal vendetta amidst a US presidential campaign.

Explore the unique Dydre Rowyn Suspense Thriller, War Merchant, following a single mother forced into the deadly black market arms trade, fighting for her freedom and her son's life against ruthless adversaries. Or delve into the historical intrigue of Treasures of the Fourth Reich, a standalone thriller where a retired military officer and his art expert wife hunt for Nazi-looted art across Europe, determined to right the wrongs of history.

Now retired and residing in Texas, Patrick enjoys writing, astronomy, traveling, and honing his skills at the gun range. Immerse yourself in his authentic, adrenaline-fueled world today.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for David Lucero.
Author 6 books205 followers
July 16, 2018
"A tongue-in-cheek suspense with enough adventure and thrills to keep your adrenaline on the edge!"

Many crimes were committed by the Nazis during WWII, and one continuing to linger to this day are the properties of victims from all walks of life. You see, during the war the madman Hitler envisioned a huge museum of art from all corners of Europe. It would be the largest display of art in the world, and mark Germany as the dominant country of talent. But when the war came to a close and it was apparent Hitler's Germany would lose, he ordered the art to be destroyed. This was unthinkable even to his most devoted Nazis. Despite their oath of allegiance to Hitler, greed and the will to survive superceded their devotion to Hitler, and key Nazis conjured up one of the worst, and brilliantly executed, thefts in modern history.

Some in the Nazi heirarchy believed they could continue the fight by creating a Fourth Reich. They would, however, need money, and a lot of it! With the spoils of war having been at their doorstep during Europe's occupation by German forces, many Nazis had acquired (stolen) art treasures by some of the world's most talented people. There were Titians, Bruegels, even parts of the treasured Amber Room at their disposal with which to secure away for another day when their dream of continuing the fight would bear fruition. Thus, top Nazi officials like Ernst Kaltenbrunner, a high-ranking Gestapo General, ordered the collection of any and all art to be gathered and secreted away to be hidden in salt mines, caves, dungeons, any place where the Allies could not get their hands on them. But they had a major problem in their plan....

Some Nazis wanted the treasures for themselves. They had no interest in a Fourth Reich, but to survive the war in relative comfort. The very treasures they were ordered to acquire would provide them precisely what they desired.

Entire Major Ulrich Fabian, a Nazi known for his skill in organization. The war is coming to a close and he see's the light quite clearly. He has an opportunity to save his life and live it in full for years to come.... But only if he has the financial means to do so. With the Russians and Americans closing in on all sides, time is of the essence. He knows he cannot secure all of the art, but must escape with enough to carry out his plan for suvival.

1993 in Northeast Italy

Dix and Maria Conner are art experts living in Europe and come across information about a secret organization with possession of the famed stolen art of WWII. The fact that families lost entire fortunes stimulate their desire to learn what they can and help solve the mystery of this crime. But they face danger at every turn. Clues pop up over persons selling art at bazaars, leading them to people who are not who they claim to be. Maria visits people and see's lost art displayed on walls with the current owners unaware of what exactly they have in their homes. "How did they get them?" she wonders. Dix contacts people in the U.S. Army who can help him, but then it appears as though people in the American Army are in on this crime ring, too. Soon Dix and Maria do not know who they can trust. As they come closer to people responsible for creating this ring of thieves, they unknowingly come closer to certain death in this high-octane thriller complete with historical accuracy and fictional characters who most likely represent actual persons on a similar quest.
Profile Image for Patrick Parker.
Author 5 books41 followers
July 23, 2021
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Treasures of the Fourth Reich: A Novel of Suspense by Patrick Parker is set against the backdrop of World War II when the Allied Forces, as they closed in on Germany, came upon loads of treasures looted by the Nazis. Maria is an art aficionado and shows a keen interest in the treasures and art retrieved during World War II. Her husband, Dix, is a retired US military officer and writer who is also interested in European politics. A high ranking Nazi official, who has already accumulated stolen treasure, spares the life of a Jewish girl, but takes her valuable painting. The girl reaches out to Maria to help her find the painting. As the story progresses, readers are pulled into the active art theft ring, the horror that happened in Nazi Germany, the death camps, ghettos, and the invasions in many parts of Europe.

The plot is intriguing and filled with suspense. It has sub plots deftly interwoven, making it a compelling read. The twists and turns as the story progresses will leave readers guessing as to what will happen next. The characters are well portrayed and readers can connect with and relate to them. The story is a good combination of mystery, history, suspense, intrigue, and action. The historical events shared in the book are informative and take readers back to the days of WWII. The narration is detailed and vivid, making the scenes and the characters come alive for readers.
Profile Image for Glenda Findley.
115 reviews17 followers
April 2, 2016
Treasures of the Fourth Reich is not the first novel I've read from Patrick Parker's pen, and since I enjoyed his novel, WAR MERCHANT, I chose to read this debut novel from my Kindle Unlimited choices.

An interesting fiction based on the historical known and unknown along with the mystery surrounding missing NAZI confiscated treasures from WWII. Dix, ex-military, and his wife, Maria, an art expert find themselves thrown into a dangerous international black-market investigation.

The text contains good characterization and scene setting from an inexperienced author written in a formal style. More emotional and introspective personality revealing interaction between the characters, especially Dix and Maria, would have increased my enjoyment.

The tale unfolded at a slow and steady pace and the mystery kept my attention with the author's attention to plot details.

This is one of those times when I dislike the restrictive Amazon rating system. Treasures of the Fourth Reich isn't a strong 4.0, it is definitely better than the average 3.0. With that said, Mr. Parker is a new author to watch and I hope there is a third novel available soon.
Profile Image for Jessica Wren-Wilson.
Author 1 book60 followers
September 22, 2015
By book blogging I have learned a lot of cool stuff. It's better than taking any class. The novels I have reviewed have been thoroughly researched. Patrick Parker's Treasures of the Fourth Reich gives readers an interesting glimpse into the horrors of Nazi Germany. We've all learned about the ghettos, the death camps, and the invasions of many parts of Europe, but I never knew that the Nazis were also involved in the theft of art and other valuables. I also never knew that geese were trained as house guards. How neat is that!

As Hitler's reign of terror comes to a close, a high-ranking Nazi official has accumulated enough confiscated treasure to begin the Fourth Reich (or at the very least, hide out for the rest of his life). In a moment of pity, he spared the life of a Jewish girl, leaving her money but taking with him a valuable painting. Many years later, this girl reaches out to Maria Conner in hopes of recovering her painting (it has a lot of sentimental value for her). Maria and husband, Dix, soon find that the art theft ring has not only continued but is active-and that any resistance is deadly. As the death toll rises, Dix and Maria, along with various supporters, must find a way to stop the vicious ring before they are killed.

Parker had to take quite few fictional liberties to make his plot work. I can't fault him for that as I freely take such liberties. Between the kidnapped woman who is rescued by the next chapter, the explosion the team escapes from at the last second, the enemies who surrender a little too easily, reading Treasures is a little like watching your favorite football team trash their opponent. It doesn't do much for suspense, but it's great to know that your side is winning. There's enough action to keep the reader engaged, but after a while, the reader becomes secure in the knowledge that the "good guys" are in no real danger and that they'll always figure a way out. You will want to read to see how they fared. Treasures has a very strong Mission Impossible and Charlie's Angels feel.

Despite a bit of awkward narration in some places, Treasures is a very smooth read and definitely teaches a lot. As I said, the plot is highly engaging in spite of being just a little predictable. A neat and enjoyable, entertaining story. Most definitely worth a read.
Profile Image for Lynn Hallbrooks.
Author 7 books112 followers
October 27, 2015
I read Mr. Parker's second book, War Merchant, and enjoyed it. When I saw this book on Masquerade Crew's Mob Review, I thought I'd see if I'd like it as well. I was not disappointed in the least. I'm glad I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a combination of Mystery/Thriller, Military, International Intrigue, Crime, and Historical Fiction.

Dix, former military turned writer, is married to Maria who authored some books on art. Maria is interested in the art and treasures that was confiscated during World War II. Dix has interest in European politics. A series of events start both of them on a treacherous course that may end one or both of them.

I love how Mr. Parker starts with events surrounding the last days of World War II and a particular soldier. Then brings it forward to 1993 after the fall of the Berlin Wall. While many historical events are told, don't worry you won't get put to sleep because there is a lot of action as well.

Warning: This is for Mature Audiences due to Violence, Sexual Situations, and Adult Language.

Profile Image for Jeff Dawson.
Author 23 books107 followers
July 14, 2025
Treasures of the Fourth Reich

Nice cover.
The theme is simple. Major Ulrich V. Fabian is an assistant to General Kaltenbrunner. His task is too hide and catalogue all of the stolen treasures of the conquered countries in Alt Ausee, Austria. The purpose is too fund the next Fourth Reich. Unknown to Kaltenbrunner, Fabian is skimming off the top to ensure once Germany is defeated, he will bide his time and slowly sell off what he’s stockpiling making sure he lives comfortably.
Enter the main characters Dixon and Maria Connor They met while working for the government during operation “Just Cause,” the ousting of Noriega. While Maria becomes a top agent, her real specialty is art.
Enter Colonel Mariano Simione of Italy, Dix’s NATO contact in Italy.
They find themselves settled in one of most picturesque parts of Northern Italy, Bressanvido.
The real plot start when Maria visits a friend’s house, Ida Kohne. Maria is convinced she has seen an original Titian. This was not a cheap painting by any stretch and her husband agreed that it would be more than out of their social bracket. This is compounded when she comes across another missing masterpiece at Gergo Zambori’s gallery. Now her interest is more than piqued, she starts digging into old archives to verify that these pieces were some of those marked as missing.
The plot thickens when Dix and Maria start making a connection with the upcoming G-7 summit where Yeltsin, in a show of good faith, is going to release records, previously classified, on the treasures Russia absconded during the war. Needless to say, there is an organization that does not want this information released for it will more than likely expose them the caches of treasures they are still hoarding.
Not a bad read, but it felt like something was missing. The plot was too structured and stiff. Appears the author was trying for a “James Bond” theme, but fell a little short. Way too much time was spent on dining scenes. A few would have been nice, but too many just bogs down the pace.
And like Bond, there are some pretty cool chase scenes in the story. Hair raising to say the least!
The ending left e a little flat. It seemed too contrived and plotted. I didn’t get the feeling the characters were carrying the scene, rather the author was forcing them to make moves.
If you’re looking for a story based on fact, The movie, “The Monument Men,” the book “Nazi Gold,” this one won’t disappoint you.
Solid 3.5 stars round up to four.
Profile Image for Wendy.
2,371 reviews45 followers
July 4, 2023
"Treasures of the Fourth Reich" by Patrick Parker is a mystery thriller based on the historical theft of WW2 treasures by the Nazi regime. Hitler, knowing his time in power was nearing its end ordered the destruction of stolen paintings only to have his loyal officers hide the prized treasures which they planned to sell at a later date to fund a new Fourth Reich.

Historically based the plot follows ex-military turned writer Dix Cooper and his wife Maria an art expert as they get entangled in a dangerous search for the looted treasures. Well-written and intoxicating from beginning to end, the couple travels from Italy to Brussels facing danger and tension at every turn. Suspense-filled the action grows as the plot seamlessly and quickly moves to an exciting ending.

With a multi-faceted cast of characters intertwined in a tense and fascinating plot this is a novel you can't put down until finished. I enjoyed it thoroughly and will look for other books by this talented author.
Profile Image for Jeff Bailey.
Author 2 books130 followers
January 10, 2024
For me Treasures of the Fourth Reich was perfect. I loved the movie Monuments Men and wanted more of the story. Parker provided with fictional plots, believable characters and suspense, a story following the Nazi looting of Europe and North Africa after the war ends. Where did all the looted spoils go. ‘Treasures’ was a gold mine of enjoyment. The fact that portions of it were historically accurate made it all the better. I liked the mixture of art information and history. I especially liked the ending at a formal reception that would have made ‘Mission Impossible’ proud. Highly recommended, highly.
Profile Image for Elowen Starvielle.
6 reviews
December 19, 2025
Treasures of the Fourth Reich is a compelling historical thriller. Patrick Parker follows Dix and Maria Connor on a gripping quest to recover stolen art and uncover hidden conspiracies from World War II. With rich historical detail, a tightly woven plot, and engaging characters, this book is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries and suspenseful adventures.
Profile Image for Naomi Dingess.
3 reviews
December 19, 2025
Patrick Parker’s Treasures of the Fourth Reich is a gripping and meticulously researched historical thriller. The story of Dix and Maria Connor navigating stolen art, hidden conspiracies, and post-war intrigue is both suspenseful and immersive. With well-drawn characters and a fast-paced plot, this novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical mysteries and high-stakes adventure.
Profile Image for Allan Hudson.
Author 26 books57 followers
April 11, 2022
Parker has done his research for this novel. Not only is it a good mystery but full of interesting facts of the treasures stolen by the Nazis. An enjoyable read.
1,008 reviews
July 9, 2013
This was a novel about a real subject matter, the Nazi looting of art treasures during WWII, and what happened to all the art they stole throughout Europe. Interesting subject, and this was a decent novel about what could have happened to some of that treasure.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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