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The Devil's Breath
Auschwitz prisoners Perla and Shimon Divko—she an investigative reporter, he a former lead detective in the Warsaw ghetto—are forced by Kommandant Rudolf Höss to solve the murder of his chief accountant and find millions in missing gold taken from the bodies of Jewish corpses. With Reichsführer Himmler due for his annual audit, they have a week to solve the crime or watch hundreds of their peers executed as the penalty for their failure. Overseen by Nazi Lieutenant Helmut Graf, the three investigators dive deep inside Auschwitz—the Kanada harvesting operation, the killing process and the perils of daily life. The investigation is plagued by multiple red herrings, the murder of prime suspects and witnesses, and the complicated relationship between Höss and his mistress, Gisela Brandt, an SS officer.
- GenresFiction
274 pages, Paperback
Published July 30, 2021
About the author
Tom Hogan
23 books55 followersFrom archaeological digs in Israel to life in both Protestant and Catholic seminaries to launching tech startups in Silicon Valley, Tom Hogan has led a fascinating life. And he brings that richness of experience to his writing, both fiction and non-fiction.
Archaeology: Undergraduate and graduate work in Biblical History and Archaeology led Tom to become a ceramic specialist on digs in Israel, dating strata (levels of civilization) by the type and quality of ceramic shards discovered there. That led to work at the Harvard Semitic Museum, where he worked with the team deciphering the Dead Sea Scrolls.
The Holocaust: Funded by a grant from the National Conference for Community and Justice, Tom developed one of the first programs for introducing the Holocaust into high school and university curricula. He then became a lecturer in Holocaust Studies at Santa Clara University. In 2000 he took a five-year sabbatical from his work in tech marketing (below) to become an associate professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at UC Santa Cruz.
Technology Marketing: Tom joined Oracle in its early days as the company’s first Creative Director, developing the marketing programs (including ORACLE Magazine and Oracle Open World) that distinguished the company in its early days. He eventually migrated to the VC (Venture Capital) world as the founder of Crowded Ocean, a small agency that specialized in launching startups. Crowded Ocean has launched 51 startups, with 17 of them going public or being acquired, a remarkable 33% success rate in an industry where 10% is considered great.
Writing: While doing his graduate work in Biblical Archaeology at Harvard, his novel (which later became What the Hell) was selected by the Nieman Foundation for sponsorship, which included being coached by Ann Beattie. Over the years he wrote for a number of political and travel journals, including an article for Newsweek about pedophilia in the Catholic Church. In 2018 he retired from Silicon Valley and moved to Austin to write full-time.
Archaeology: Undergraduate and graduate work in Biblical History and Archaeology led Tom to become a ceramic specialist on digs in Israel, dating strata (levels of civilization) by the type and quality of ceramic shards discovered there. That led to work at the Harvard Semitic Museum, where he worked with the team deciphering the Dead Sea Scrolls.
The Holocaust: Funded by a grant from the National Conference for Community and Justice, Tom developed one of the first programs for introducing the Holocaust into high school and university curricula. He then became a lecturer in Holocaust Studies at Santa Clara University. In 2000 he took a five-year sabbatical from his work in tech marketing (below) to become an associate professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at UC Santa Cruz.
Technology Marketing: Tom joined Oracle in its early days as the company’s first Creative Director, developing the marketing programs (including ORACLE Magazine and Oracle Open World) that distinguished the company in its early days. He eventually migrated to the VC (Venture Capital) world as the founder of Crowded Ocean, a small agency that specialized in launching startups. Crowded Ocean has launched 51 startups, with 17 of them going public or being acquired, a remarkable 33% success rate in an industry where 10% is considered great.
Writing: While doing his graduate work in Biblical Archaeology at Harvard, his novel (which later became What the Hell) was selected by the Nieman Foundation for sponsorship, which included being coached by Ann Beattie. Over the years he wrote for a number of political and travel journals, including an article for Newsweek about pedophilia in the Catholic Church. In 2018 he retired from Silicon Valley and moved to Austin to write full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 1, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to read this book. Our 21st century world seems so full of doom and gloom, did I really want to read a depressing story set in the Auschwitz camp which was the largest killing machine ever devised? Having finished The Devil’s Breath my answer is a resounding Yes!
Tom Hogan has been, among other things, an associate professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at UC Santa Cruz and he developed one of the first programmes for introducing the Holocaust into high school and university curricula. He should know as much as anyone who wasn’t actually there can know about what happened.
The Devil’s Breath is actually a very good murder mystery. The irony of investigating one murder in a camp where thousands of people are murdered every day is mentioned in the text. The difference from most detective stories is the setting and through his narration Hogan delves into the events of the time, describing them in detail. Although he clearly does not approve of the process, he gives the German reasoning and acknowledges their technical and administration skills.
Hogan has assembled an interesting group of characters from both sides and it is interesting that none of them have an easy life. The Jews that are used as workers are cold, hungry and desperate to survive even though they know that the programme is designed for them to only survive for a few months. The German officers were, in 1943, under tremendous pressure from above to perform. They are starting to doubt the outcome of the war and are making plans for their future. Corruption is rife.
The text is easy to read although I noted that Hogan uses a number of words and expressions that appear to be more 21st Century American than 1940’s German. He explains at the outset that he has kept the German military titles which I appreciated; we can all cope with learning a few new words from every book.
As the deadline for solving the crime approaches the story reaches an excellent climax with some exciting action and more than one unexpected outcome.
In summary The Devil’s Breath provides a detailed and, as far as it could be, a balanced education in the Holocaust combined with a lively and entertaining action thriller.
I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to read this book. Our 21st century world seems so full of doom and gloom, did I really want to read a depressing story set in the Auschwitz camp which was the largest killing machine ever devised? Having finished The Devil’s Breath my answer is a resounding Yes!
Tom Hogan has been, among other things, an associate professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at UC Santa Cruz and he developed one of the first programmes for introducing the Holocaust into high school and university curricula. He should know as much as anyone who wasn’t actually there can know about what happened.
The Devil’s Breath is actually a very good murder mystery. The irony of investigating one murder in a camp where thousands of people are murdered every day is mentioned in the text. The difference from most detective stories is the setting and through his narration Hogan delves into the events of the time, describing them in detail. Although he clearly does not approve of the process, he gives the German reasoning and acknowledges their technical and administration skills.
Hogan has assembled an interesting group of characters from both sides and it is interesting that none of them have an easy life. The Jews that are used as workers are cold, hungry and desperate to survive even though they know that the programme is designed for them to only survive for a few months. The German officers were, in 1943, under tremendous pressure from above to perform. They are starting to doubt the outcome of the war and are making plans for their future. Corruption is rife.
The text is easy to read although I noted that Hogan uses a number of words and expressions that appear to be more 21st Century American than 1940’s German. He explains at the outset that he has kept the German military titles which I appreciated; we can all cope with learning a few new words from every book.
As the deadline for solving the crime approaches the story reaches an excellent climax with some exciting action and more than one unexpected outcome.
In summary The Devil’s Breath provides a detailed and, as far as it could be, a balanced education in the Holocaust combined with a lively and entertaining action thriller.
October 3, 2021
This was a gritty and painful read at times, but it is woven beautifully through a mystery of murder and theft that makes it compelling and addictive.
The initial scenes are very sudden, with the reader thrown straight into the ultimatum the prisoners are given- to solve the aforementioned mysteries or lose their lives. I found this gripping yet a little jarring at the same time, as I felt like I hadn't got a thorough understanding of the characters and their relationships yet. It required me to read these scenes more than once to fully grasp it.
Once done though, it was a strong and fast paced book that I raced to finish around my work.
It is very clever and well researched, and I believe it deserves more recognition.
The initial scenes are very sudden, with the reader thrown straight into the ultimatum the prisoners are given- to solve the aforementioned mysteries or lose their lives. I found this gripping yet a little jarring at the same time, as I felt like I hadn't got a thorough understanding of the characters and their relationships yet. It required me to read these scenes more than once to fully grasp it.
Once done though, it was a strong and fast paced book that I raced to finish around my work.
It is very clever and well researched, and I believe it deserves more recognition.
October 3, 2021
I almost passed on this book. I'm so glad I didn't. It's a rare book that makes me want to grab someone and tell them about it, I want to shout about how good this is.
The Details:
The Devil's Breath by Tom Hogan
Published: 2021
Publisher: Tom Hogan
Genre: Historical Fiction, WWII, Jewish History, Holocaust
Pages: 261
Available: paperback, ebook
My Review:
Reviewers Note: I was sent a free paperback copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Plot in Brief: Detective Shimon Divko and his wife Perla are sent to Auschwitz prison camp in Poland. Separated on arrival, neither believes they will see each other again, let alone survive. When the murder of a Nazi accountant occurs and a secret ledger goes missing, camp Kommandant Ruldolph Höss, forces them to investigate.
The Characters: Shimon and Perla are Jewish Poles; they've fought against the Nazis in the Warsaw ghetto, organized resistance and executed their own for collaborating. Their outward persona is gritty and hard but they are deeply in love however their well of compassion for their fellow Jews is tested to the limits. The Germans are well drawn, not the usual one dimensional baddies we often get. We get a peek behind their hardened façade, not always liking what we see.
The History: I thought I knew a fair bit about the Holocaust but I was wrong. This book is chock-full of historical detail. The description of life at Auschwitz is both fascinating and horrifying. From its beginnings as a work camp to its evolution into a killing machine, the story of the place is dark and painful to read.
The Writing: This is an unusual book: an exciting murder mystery/detective thriller wrapped in the cold dead arms of a Nazi death camp. The narrative is gripping, the pace is fast. The writing is excellent and well edited. Back stories are well placed to fill in the details of the character's nature and motives. The ending will blow you away, so don't cheat yourself and take a peek at the ending.
Overall: I thought this was one of the best books I've read in a long time. I think lovers of historical fiction, historical mystery, readers who enjoy WWII/Holocaust/Jewish history and those who like great detective stories will want to read this book.
My Rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+ Stars!
The Details:
The Devil's Breath by Tom Hogan
Published: 2021
Publisher: Tom Hogan
Genre: Historical Fiction, WWII, Jewish History, Holocaust
Pages: 261
Available: paperback, ebook
My Review:
Reviewers Note: I was sent a free paperback copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Plot in Brief: Detective Shimon Divko and his wife Perla are sent to Auschwitz prison camp in Poland. Separated on arrival, neither believes they will see each other again, let alone survive. When the murder of a Nazi accountant occurs and a secret ledger goes missing, camp Kommandant Ruldolph Höss, forces them to investigate.
The Characters: Shimon and Perla are Jewish Poles; they've fought against the Nazis in the Warsaw ghetto, organized resistance and executed their own for collaborating. Their outward persona is gritty and hard but they are deeply in love however their well of compassion for their fellow Jews is tested to the limits. The Germans are well drawn, not the usual one dimensional baddies we often get. We get a peek behind their hardened façade, not always liking what we see.
The History: I thought I knew a fair bit about the Holocaust but I was wrong. This book is chock-full of historical detail. The description of life at Auschwitz is both fascinating and horrifying. From its beginnings as a work camp to its evolution into a killing machine, the story of the place is dark and painful to read.
The Writing: This is an unusual book: an exciting murder mystery/detective thriller wrapped in the cold dead arms of a Nazi death camp. The narrative is gripping, the pace is fast. The writing is excellent and well edited. Back stories are well placed to fill in the details of the character's nature and motives. The ending will blow you away, so don't cheat yourself and take a peek at the ending.
Overall: I thought this was one of the best books I've read in a long time. I think lovers of historical fiction, historical mystery, readers who enjoy WWII/Holocaust/Jewish history and those who like great detective stories will want to read this book.
My Rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+ Stars!
July 8, 2022
This was a very well-written book about a fictitious murder that occurred in Auschwitz. The details about the atrocities fell in line with others book I have read about the concentration camps of World War II. The characters were very believable and the plot fast paced. I appreciated the small German dictionary he included at the front of the book. I referred to it several times in order to keep the military titles straight.
I definitely plan on reading more books by this author.
I definitely plan on reading more books by this author.
July 1, 2022
In The Devil’s Breath, Tom Hogan has written a gripping fictional story of murder and theft that takes place at the Auschwitz concentration camp. Shimon and Perla Divko are high-ranking members of the resistance until they are sent to Auschwitz. Clandestine activities could put the Base Commander in a precarious position with the homicide of his chief accountant and incriminating items missing. Shimon, a former top detective, and Perla, a former investigative reporter, are given a short period of time to solve the mysteries. However, because the Divko’s are considered “vermin,” Corporal Graf is tasked with acting as the lead investigator. Complications arise as Shimon, Perla, and Graf pursue leads. The Divko’s are working under extreme pressure of whether they will be able to solve the mysteries in the time frame they have been given, as the alternative is a trip to the gas chamber.
Hogan does not shy away from describing the horrors and atrocities the prisoners are subjected to at Auschwitz. At the same time, the author shows the humanity of individuals who disagree that Jews are an inferior race. The Devil’s Breath is a gut-wrenching story that reflects the intestinal fortitude of individuals thrust into agonizing circumstances. This story depicts an accurate rendering of life from the perspectives of Nazi collaborators and Jewish prisoners at a concentration camp from 1943 – 1944.
The Devil’s Breath is a story that will stay with readers long after they have finished the book. This unforgettable story includes torture, genocide, deception, heart-breaking decisions, homicide, thievery, sacrifice, courage, mental health and physically demanding challenges, emotional suffering, resilience in the face of unspeakable cruelty, unscrupulous behavior, bribery, and illegal activities. All the characters are well-developed, and backstories provide insight into actions and decisions. The descriptions of the characters and the setting bring the story to vivid life in readers’ minds. One of the characters is named after a Nazi who was a top-level leader at Auschwitz.
Helpful information in an Author’s Note is provided at the beginning of the book. The author has provided readers with the reason behind the use of German military titles, and there is a list of German titles with the U.S. military equivalent. German terms used in the story are translated.
The Devil’s Breath is a book that will touch the heartstrings of anyone who reads it.
Hogan does not shy away from describing the horrors and atrocities the prisoners are subjected to at Auschwitz. At the same time, the author shows the humanity of individuals who disagree that Jews are an inferior race. The Devil’s Breath is a gut-wrenching story that reflects the intestinal fortitude of individuals thrust into agonizing circumstances. This story depicts an accurate rendering of life from the perspectives of Nazi collaborators and Jewish prisoners at a concentration camp from 1943 – 1944.
The Devil’s Breath is a story that will stay with readers long after they have finished the book. This unforgettable story includes torture, genocide, deception, heart-breaking decisions, homicide, thievery, sacrifice, courage, mental health and physically demanding challenges, emotional suffering, resilience in the face of unspeakable cruelty, unscrupulous behavior, bribery, and illegal activities. All the characters are well-developed, and backstories provide insight into actions and decisions. The descriptions of the characters and the setting bring the story to vivid life in readers’ minds. One of the characters is named after a Nazi who was a top-level leader at Auschwitz.
Helpful information in an Author’s Note is provided at the beginning of the book. The author has provided readers with the reason behind the use of German military titles, and there is a list of German titles with the U.S. military equivalent. German terms used in the story are translated.
The Devil’s Breath is a book that will touch the heartstrings of anyone who reads it.
October 4, 2021
A murder has occurred. A normal event given Auschwitz is known to be an extermination camp. Yet, this effects the Kommandant directly as it was his lead accountant that was killed. Desperate to find the killer he turns to two people he never thought he could ever rely on, Jews.
Tom Hogan intertwines the innerworkings of the Nazi regime with the intrigue of a murder mystery in his book, The Devil’s Breath. With a focus on the mystery aspect, Tom was able to bring the historical factors to the forefront without taking away from the entertainment value. This unique aspect allowed the reader to learn about the Holocaust while engaging them to keep turning the pages.
Due to several profane words a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is awarded. However, given the atmosphere of the story and the neglect shown towards the main characters, a little profanity should be granted.
As with most novels regarding the Holocaust, a gruesome picture of inhumane treatment, both in life and death, of prisoners is portrayed. Please take caution as some events are difficult to grasp.
Overall, a compelling murder mystery wrapped in the historical tragedies of World War II.
Thank you to #BookSirens, #TheDevilsBreath, and #TomHogan, for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.
Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/...
Tom Hogan intertwines the innerworkings of the Nazi regime with the intrigue of a murder mystery in his book, The Devil’s Breath. With a focus on the mystery aspect, Tom was able to bring the historical factors to the forefront without taking away from the entertainment value. This unique aspect allowed the reader to learn about the Holocaust while engaging them to keep turning the pages.
Due to several profane words a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is awarded. However, given the atmosphere of the story and the neglect shown towards the main characters, a little profanity should be granted.
As with most novels regarding the Holocaust, a gruesome picture of inhumane treatment, both in life and death, of prisoners is portrayed. Please take caution as some events are difficult to grasp.
Overall, a compelling murder mystery wrapped in the historical tragedies of World War II.
Thank you to #BookSirens, #TheDevilsBreath, and #TomHogan, for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.
Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/...
September 30, 2022
What a difficult but amazing book to read! It's set at a concentration camp, and that subject matter is always harsh. I felt the author did a great job of realistically portraying what life was like there while not getting more graphic than was necessary.
The actual story involves an investigation being conducted within the camp by a pair of prisoners on behalf of the camp leadership. The actual mystery was good, with the investigators trying their best to uncover the truth on a tight deadline, while encountering constant obstacles as their status as sub-human prisoners made it harder for them to get information. There's plenty of self-interest, double-dealing, and backstabbing going on in the camp hierarchy, and I enjoyed seeing how Perla and Shimon managed to navigate all of this.
Worth reading for the well thought-out mystery. Worth reading for the characters of Perla and Shimon. Still incredibly sad, but realistic and an excellent story.
The actual story involves an investigation being conducted within the camp by a pair of prisoners on behalf of the camp leadership. The actual mystery was good, with the investigators trying their best to uncover the truth on a tight deadline, while encountering constant obstacles as their status as sub-human prisoners made it harder for them to get information. There's plenty of self-interest, double-dealing, and backstabbing going on in the camp hierarchy, and I enjoyed seeing how Perla and Shimon managed to navigate all of this.
Worth reading for the well thought-out mystery. Worth reading for the characters of Perla and Shimon. Still incredibly sad, but realistic and an excellent story.
June 8, 2022
Shimon and Perla Divko, a Jewish couple, have been transported to Auschwitz. Shimon is a former Jewish detective and Perla was an investigative reporter. At times this was a hard book to read as it deals with what happens in a Nazi death camp. The story revolves around Shimon and Perla as they are "recruited" to help solve a crime that has occurred involving a murder and missing gold. This is a story of love, survival, strength and determination. It is beautifully written and a book I would definitely recommend.
June 12, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed The Devil's Breath by Tom Hogan. He embedded a mystery in the horrors of Auschwitz. This book is difficult to read because it highlights many of the horrors of Auschwitz as well as the violent prejudice of the Nazi regime there. Mr. Hogan offers a new perspective by offering a very well orchestrated murder within Auschwitz as well as highlighting the plans of many Nazis to escape should they lose the war which is tightly woven into the murder. I highly recommend this book because of Mr. Hogan's ability to orchestrate such a clever murder within the confines and atrocities that was Auschwitz.
August 10, 2021
This novel is set in Auschwitz and both Jewish and Nazi characters are equally developed in The Devil's Breath. Quite honestly, it paints a vivid picture that is difficult to face for someone with an uncontrollable tendency for deep empathy. I visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum more than a decade ago and struggled to see much of the exhibits past a constant stream of tears. I forced myself to go to the museum to face these truths in order to educate myself, and reading this book was a similar experience.
I normally only read non-fiction because I lean towards more educational than entertaining books. Knowing about the author's background in Holocaust studies intrigued me to immerse myself in the past and view history through this fictional mystery, and it did not disappoint.
Tom Hogan's writing style comes across in a way that drew me in and includes just the right amount of details about the character features and scenes that my imagination could light up the rest. I could see the movie version playing out in my mind and reading this book reinvigorated me with a desire to explore more fiction as a way to unwind and disconnect temporarily from my hectic life.
The embedded mystery unfolds at a pace that matched my growing love for the Divkos – their dedication to their values, to exposing the darkness, and to their own survival. I appreciated the opportunity to learn a lot about the diligent Nazi recordkeeping and more than I wanted to visualize about their torturous and demented atrocities. Even so, this book was one I didn't want to put down until I had finished the final page.
I normally only read non-fiction because I lean towards more educational than entertaining books. Knowing about the author's background in Holocaust studies intrigued me to immerse myself in the past and view history through this fictional mystery, and it did not disappoint.
Tom Hogan's writing style comes across in a way that drew me in and includes just the right amount of details about the character features and scenes that my imagination could light up the rest. I could see the movie version playing out in my mind and reading this book reinvigorated me with a desire to explore more fiction as a way to unwind and disconnect temporarily from my hectic life.
The embedded mystery unfolds at a pace that matched my growing love for the Divkos – their dedication to their values, to exposing the darkness, and to their own survival. I appreciated the opportunity to learn a lot about the diligent Nazi recordkeeping and more than I wanted to visualize about their torturous and demented atrocities. Even so, this book was one I didn't want to put down until I had finished the final page.
November 6, 2026
As with many other reviewers, I originally shied away from this book due to the dark subject matter - Auschwitz. But it turned out to be quite an interesting mystery. You can't avoid the bleak atmosphere and events , and since the author teaches Holocaust history there are lots of disturbing details.
A Jewish husband and wife are part of the Resistance in the Warsaw ghetto until they are picked up and sent to the camp. There are lots of side hustles going on with the Nazi leadership as they "harvest" everything from jewelry and art belongings to removal of gold from victims' teeth. The couple, who haven't seen each other in 7 months, are offered a bizarre opportunity when one of the scammers is found murdered and some gold disappears. He was a police detective before the War, and she was an investigative journalist, and they are "recruited" to solve the crime before the higher ups discover it.
There are a lot of layers to this story and some philosophical discussions. Would they be collaborating if they try to find the murderer? Or should they seize a chance of a few more days together since it is highly likely they won't survive the camp. What is collaboration and what is just survival?
They work with a German soldier who grows increasingly dismayed by what he sees while working with them. The characters are nuanced and while there are some villainous Nazis, there are also some human beings who struggle. This was a thoughful and provocative story and well worth the read.
A Jewish husband and wife are part of the Resistance in the Warsaw ghetto until they are picked up and sent to the camp. There are lots of side hustles going on with the Nazi leadership as they "harvest" everything from jewelry and art belongings to removal of gold from victims' teeth. The couple, who haven't seen each other in 7 months, are offered a bizarre opportunity when one of the scammers is found murdered and some gold disappears. He was a police detective before the War, and she was an investigative journalist, and they are "recruited" to solve the crime before the higher ups discover it.
There are a lot of layers to this story and some philosophical discussions. Would they be collaborating if they try to find the murderer? Or should they seize a chance of a few more days together since it is highly likely they won't survive the camp. What is collaboration and what is just survival?
They work with a German soldier who grows increasingly dismayed by what he sees while working with them. The characters are nuanced and while there are some villainous Nazis, there are also some human beings who struggle. This was a thoughful and provocative story and well worth the read.
March 6, 2022
Historical Fiction is my favourite genre to read because you can learn so much about a period while engrossed in a story. Written by a former university lecturer of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, I expected detail, but was impressed by how sensitively this was achieved for a fictional story within such a setting. Whilst there was no skipping the horrors of the killing machine that was Auschwitz, nothing was added to sensationalize what was happening within the wire. Everything served the purpose of the story; a mystery with the highest of stakes and intriguing characters on both sides.
The setting and the obstacles in the way of prisoners Perla and Shimon Divko as they go about solving a single murder amongst murder on such scale can be hard to read. I had to put it down occasionally and come back to it. But Tom’s writing style is so enveloping - it is one of those books that you soon lose perspective of as a reader and get thoroughly immersed in.
The setting and the obstacles in the way of prisoners Perla and Shimon Divko as they go about solving a single murder amongst murder on such scale can be hard to read. I had to put it down occasionally and come back to it. But Tom’s writing style is so enveloping - it is one of those books that you soon lose perspective of as a reader and get thoroughly immersed in.
Read
August 10, 2021The psychology of fascism and totalitarianism seems to be on everyone’s mind these days after January 6 and as the former President continues to push the Big Lie with the Republican Party following like lemmings. To better understand the Trump phenomenon, read this book. The Devil’s Breath is a different take on Hitler’s death camps that sheds a light on the psychology of our current situation. In the book, the Kommandant is in need of the skills of two of the prisoners, former police investigators, to solve a murder and identify the perpetrator before the arrival of the SS Reichsfuhrer. The book takes you to the depths of Nazi depravity, while, at the same time, illuminating the mindset of the people running the death camps who are depraved and soulless but motivated less by commitment to a cause than by fear for their own survival.
September 5, 2021
The author takes a harrowing, horrific time in history much written about, but successfully adds unanticipated mystery and suspense. This twist and the author's ability to set the stage and build characters, complex and intriguing, keeps the reader engaged, thinking and longing for hopeful resolution, which always excites a mystery fan.
The read, while vigilant in recording true atrocities of the time, also purposefully acknowledges the tenacity of the people to do all one can to survive and stll continue to love and trust in a world of abject loss.
The plot is fast paced and immersive. Blending history and fiction, also masterfully, made reading about the horrors of camp life more palpable for those who may not have the stomach for the brutality of the times.
All in all, 'The Devil's Breath' is a highly recommended and captivating read.
Ed Klotz Bay Area
The read, while vigilant in recording true atrocities of the time, also purposefully acknowledges the tenacity of the people to do all one can to survive and stll continue to love and trust in a world of abject loss.
The plot is fast paced and immersive. Blending history and fiction, also masterfully, made reading about the horrors of camp life more palpable for those who may not have the stomach for the brutality of the times.
All in all, 'The Devil's Breath' is a highly recommended and captivating read.
Ed Klotz Bay Area
May 23, 2022
Some books are hard to read. Some books are hard to put down. Some books make you cry and some books make you sick to your stomach. And some books are all of these. The Devil's Breath is a book that is all of these. Sometimes when I sat down to read it, I could only read a chapter and had to close it for a little bit to get my breath back. But I always picked it back up fairly quickly because I needed to know what happened next. The basic story takes place at Auschswitz and doesn't hesitate to describe in detail what all went on there. Since I don't want to include any spoilers, I will just say everyone should read this book to be aware of how evil people can be and how there are always still some people who are good in the midst of evil.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 12, 2022
Being a mystery fan and interested in WW2 Germany I was of course curious upon learning of The Devil's Breath. This is an extremely unique book, a mystery inside Auschwitz, investigated by two prisoners- a police detective and his investigative journalist wife. There's a very in-depth and interesting look into the camp, and, as evidenced by the bio, the author is obviously well versed in the subject. I appreciated the use of German titles as it adds to the authenticity. The story contains several flashbacks, some of which slightly interrupt the flow of the story, but others well-placed, delivering information at the opportune time and adding to the suspense. Although it takes awhile to get to the actual mystery and investigation (besides the prologue teaser) the plot moves along nicely. A very impressive historical mystery.
October 18, 2021
This book had me riveted from the very beginning. While I've read many WWII books (both historical fiction and non-fiction) this is the first I have read like this. A mystery set in the death camp of Auschwitz- so it is historical fiction, yet it is filled with so many historical facts, told in a way that is interesting and memorable.
The author is gifted at walking the line between these genres. I felt like I learned a lot while being captivated by an amazing mystery and love story with a dose of psychology to boot.
I highly recommend this book, especially now when many people have forgotten the details of what brought the Nazis to power and the danger of that power.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author is gifted at walking the line between these genres. I felt like I learned a lot while being captivated by an amazing mystery and love story with a dose of psychology to boot.
I highly recommend this book, especially now when many people have forgotten the details of what brought the Nazis to power and the danger of that power.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 30, 2021
Another great Hogan read!
The Devil's Breath is full of historical atrocities of The Holocaust and prison camps, mixed with the intrigue of a murder investigation, the love between husband and wife prisoners, and a unexpected (but lasting) friendship. Be prepared for the detailed descriptions of the torture tactics and Auschwitz "life". The plot follows twists and turns during the ensuing investigation, as the prisoner detectives try to stay a step ahead of the Auschwitz Kommandant. Also note the strength and intelligence given to the two main female characters of the cast, in a place and time ruled by evil. This book will thrill to the final page!! Great read!
The Devil's Breath is full of historical atrocities of The Holocaust and prison camps, mixed with the intrigue of a murder investigation, the love between husband and wife prisoners, and a unexpected (but lasting) friendship. Be prepared for the detailed descriptions of the torture tactics and Auschwitz "life". The plot follows twists and turns during the ensuing investigation, as the prisoner detectives try to stay a step ahead of the Auschwitz Kommandant. Also note the strength and intelligence given to the two main female characters of the cast, in a place and time ruled by evil. This book will thrill to the final page!! Great read!
September 21, 2021
This is a delicate handling of the atrocities of Auschwitz, with the lead characters, husband and wife Shimon and Perla, charged with finding a killer, with very little help from anyone. A thankless task that they know will not end well for them, whatever they discover. There are characters loosely based on real people, and obviously what went on in Concentration camps is already well documented. This is a really interesting re-imagining of what might have happened. So well written and moving, and it feels authentic. Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 30, 2021
The Devil’s Breath was recommended to me by an avid reader and from the first page, this was a book you could not put down. The author’s ability to bring alive Nazi Germany Auschwitz extermination camp and humanize the cast of charters in this thrilling who done it mystery was riveting. I got the chills so many times toward the end of this book. It completely blew my mind. It managed to surpass my high expectations AND be nothing at all like I expected. I love fictional history, and this is at the top of the list as a must-read.
August 30, 2021
Meet the steely husband and wife detectives who have been imprisoned twice — shipped by train to a WWII concentration camp and then trapped in a whodunnit they must solve together to survive. It’s a captivating story that introduces you to imaginative characters, loss and romance. And don’t worry that “the wife” of the story, Perla, takes on a traditional role. She’s actually a formidable partner with her husband in a race to solve the crime. I was rooting for Perla from start to finish. A gripping mystery.
June 21, 2021
Taut thriller with tremendous insights into life in a WWII concentration camp. Sleuth is wry and insightful without the Holmesian corn of other detectives. Hogan hooks the reader from page 1 and never lets go. Interesting contrast and style to his other popular work, Left for Alive. Highly recommend for that cross-country flight....
October 21, 2021
This is a historical fiction book about opposing factions in world war 2 and their will to survive. This novel has you routing for the underdogs but shows compassion from members on each side. I have read many books in this time period, but this one leaves you both happy and sad. I highly recommend this read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 17, 2021
I liked it very much, I thought it was going to be “just another camp concentration book”, but as I started reading it, it called my attention and then I couldn’t put it down, easy to read and with a very interesting plot.
April 7, 2022
Surprising Read
This is not what I expected when I entered to win a copy of this book. Mostly being a reader of biographies, nonfiction and history this caught me by surprise.
Based on history of its time, I found it easy to read and fast paced. If you enjoy historical fiction, you'll have more appreciation for it. It is a good book for that purpose. The 4-star review was due to the cause of which 50% of the proceeds go. A just cause.
Thank you Goodreads, Amazon and Tom Hogan for the opportunity to read and review this title.
This is not what I expected when I entered to win a copy of this book. Mostly being a reader of biographies, nonfiction and history this caught me by surprise.
Based on history of its time, I found it easy to read and fast paced. If you enjoy historical fiction, you'll have more appreciation for it. It is a good book for that purpose. The 4-star review was due to the cause of which 50% of the proceeds go. A just cause.
Thank you Goodreads, Amazon and Tom Hogan for the opportunity to read and review this title.
June 21, 2021
If you struggle with insomnia and need something to lull you back to sleep, this is most emphatically not the book for you. I got caught up in the story from the get-go and found it hard to put down. The characters are compelling and the narrative keeps pace. Hogan knows how to create tension and it builds until the very last page. An immensely satisfying read and one you'll be thinking about long after you finish the book.
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