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The Sikora Files #1
The Auschwitz Protocol
Retired US Detective Emil Janowitz lied to his wife for nearly forty years. Having lost his entire family whilst an inmate of Auschwitz-Birkenau it was simply easier on his soul to invent a past than face up to the demons buried deep inside. Life was good, but then the mail arrived bringing a letter which would result in a voyage of discovery, denunciation and confrontation with the past. Life is a journey, history should not be forgotten, the evil still exists.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2019
About the author
Jack Carnegie
9 books20 followersI’m a Liverpool-born writer with a story to tell. I started writing when I was very young, using a school rough book to make up stories and write them down. As I got older, I decided to actually take it seriously. With the motivation of a good friend who tells me where I’m going right or wrong, a hobby I’ve always loved has now become a physical reality. Today, I am the author of WWII historical fiction and thrillers, including the bestselling The Auschwitz Protocol (which has earned over 4,400+ reviews). My fast-paced series, The Sikora Files, drops a new installment every two months.🎧 Exciting Audio News: On June 1st, The Sikora Files officially launches into the Audible Plus "All You Can Listen" catalog, brought to life by Earphones Award-winning narrator Matt Haynes! A review is always welcome—it makes the whole effort of writing these books worthwhile. If you leave a contact email in your review, I will always try to get back to you personally. Thanks and enjoy the journey into history,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
March 8, 2022
This book was nothing short of incredible. I have read many, many books about the horrors of the Holocaust, but I have to say that as I read this, I actually had to set the book down at intervals and just take a little time to process what I just read - and in all my years of prolific reading, I have never felt the need to do that.
Mr. Carnegie has written a brilliant book - the story of an Auschwitz survivor, Emil Janowicz, who has spent his lifetime trying to deal with the horrors he faced daily as well as the loss of his entire family at the hands of the Nazis. The story follows a young Emil through the ordeal of being delivered and processed into the camp along with his parents, his brother and a younger sister. The circumstances of each of their deaths and his feelings of pain as he realized what was happening was positively heart wrenching and written with such effort as to not just reveal the horror, but to make crystal clear what life long pain and trauma was inflicted on them. The evolution of the story and the unforeseen resolution is proof that Mr. Carnegie is not only an excellent writer, but an incredible historian as well.
The Auschwitz Protocol is a fitting tribute to not only those who's lives were taken from them, but to those who "survived" but would never again have a life where the atrocities they experienced would affect their lives forever.
The Auschwitz Protocol exposes readers to a very frank, heart wrenching story which I suspect will have a profound impact on their previous opinions and knowledge of the Holocaust - both the horrors and the hopes for those who survived. This book has surpassed my rating of 5 stars. I would rate it to be one of the most incredible Holocaust stories that I have ever read...
Mr. Carnegie has written a brilliant book - the story of an Auschwitz survivor, Emil Janowicz, who has spent his lifetime trying to deal with the horrors he faced daily as well as the loss of his entire family at the hands of the Nazis. The story follows a young Emil through the ordeal of being delivered and processed into the camp along with his parents, his brother and a younger sister. The circumstances of each of their deaths and his feelings of pain as he realized what was happening was positively heart wrenching and written with such effort as to not just reveal the horror, but to make crystal clear what life long pain and trauma was inflicted on them. The evolution of the story and the unforeseen resolution is proof that Mr. Carnegie is not only an excellent writer, but an incredible historian as well.
The Auschwitz Protocol is a fitting tribute to not only those who's lives were taken from them, but to those who "survived" but would never again have a life where the atrocities they experienced would affect their lives forever.
The Auschwitz Protocol exposes readers to a very frank, heart wrenching story which I suspect will have a profound impact on their previous opinions and knowledge of the Holocaust - both the horrors and the hopes for those who survived. This book has surpassed my rating of 5 stars. I would rate it to be one of the most incredible Holocaust stories that I have ever read...
October 31, 2024
This novel follows the life of an Auschwitz survivor who has found a new life living in the United States and nearly fifty years after the war is asked to verify the identity of five different kapos who were deserving of justice for evils deeds during their time in the concentration camps. The story then evolves into five short stories that involve him traveling to Europe and observing these individuals in their disguised post war lives.
Toward the end of the book his tasks expand to checking out a former SS officer living in Venezuela and taking over the research efforts of the person that had tracked down these various individuals.
The book's narrative includes the plot's protagonist's remembering experiences in Auschwitz which of course involves unpleasant incidents. Since the plot involved administering delayed justice to evil people the reader should feel some satisfaction at justice delivered. I didn't find the experience very satisfying.
Toward the end of the book his tasks expand to checking out a former SS officer living in Venezuela and taking over the research efforts of the person that had tracked down these various individuals.
The book's narrative includes the plot's protagonist's remembering experiences in Auschwitz which of course involves unpleasant incidents. Since the plot involved administering delayed justice to evil people the reader should feel some satisfaction at justice delivered. I didn't find the experience very satisfying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2020
I love books about Auschwitz and similar and this book gave it in spades. It took you back and forth from the reality of horror as it was and what was happening now (when being written). The main character was very wonderful human being even though he had his faults too . The depravity of 'The Final Solution' has always horrified me that one man wants to cleanse the earth of the Jews and make himself the most important man on the planet. Reading about it, especially with such a wonderfully written book makes me feel compassion as never before.
Loved it from start to finish.
Loved it from start to finish.
November 28, 2022
So this book was incredible. I have read many, many books about the horrors of the Holocaust and the camps, but I have to say that as I read this, I had to stop and take breaks. This book didn't shy away from the graphic details of life in Auschwitz.
Although this was a hard read The Auschwitz Protocol is a tribute to both the lives that were unnecessarily taken and to the survivors. If you want to read about The Holocaust this is one of the books you should read
Although this was a hard read The Auschwitz Protocol is a tribute to both the lives that were unnecessarily taken and to the survivors. If you want to read about The Holocaust this is one of the books you should read
June 12, 2024
Breaks my heart
Any book surrounding Auschwitz is a book I feel I must read. This one hurt in a different way to the others. It tugged at the heartstrings with vigor.
I loved the way this story was written and the emotions it evoked.
Any book surrounding Auschwitz is a book I feel I must read. This one hurt in a different way to the others. It tugged at the heartstrings with vigor.
I loved the way this story was written and the emotions it evoked.
July 7, 2024
A novel about an older Auschwitz survivor bringing Kapos and SS Officers to justice after many years is an exciting prospect for a novel.
However the writing as a novel was lacking. The sentences and paragraphs had similar structure which meant the book dragged on in sections where the plot had settled.
If I were to read it again, I would not view it as reading a novel, but an amateur blog or diary, particularly with the use of first person writing and doesn’t feel like it’s written by someone I could be convinced though that this was written by the character. But I’m unsure whether this is the intention.
The plot itself has some exciting moments and remains grounded, just as Emil, the main character is. Emily is a sensible evidence and science loving retired police officer and as a result he’s a very sensible decision maker. There is one instance where he makes a foolish decision and there are some shocking bits to the story but the writing did not inspire that shock in myself. I had to truly reflect and think about it myself and rewrite the story in my head for it to be impactful.
Overall, I had hoped for this book but it didn’t have the writing style which I enjoy.
However the writing as a novel was lacking. The sentences and paragraphs had similar structure which meant the book dragged on in sections where the plot had settled.
If I were to read it again, I would not view it as reading a novel, but an amateur blog or diary, particularly with the use of first person writing and doesn’t feel like it’s written by someone I could be convinced though that this was written by the character. But I’m unsure whether this is the intention.
The plot itself has some exciting moments and remains grounded, just as Emil, the main character is. Emily is a sensible evidence and science loving retired police officer and as a result he’s a very sensible decision maker. There is one instance where he makes a foolish decision and there are some shocking bits to the story but the writing did not inspire that shock in myself. I had to truly reflect and think about it myself and rewrite the story in my head for it to be impactful.
Overall, I had hoped for this book but it didn’t have the writing style which I enjoy.
November 2, 2020
Absolutely wonderful
This book was free and I will give any book the chance to be loved, some parts are a little hard to read but I found this a brilliant book and it made me think of the work it took to research the people wanted
This book was free and I will give any book the chance to be loved, some parts are a little hard to read but I found this a brilliant book and it made me think of the work it took to research the people wanted
April 1, 2021
Very Good!
Story line is excellent! Grammar and punctuation makes it a little difficult sometimes to go from one sentence to another...but it does not take away the story!
Story line is excellent! Grammar and punctuation makes it a little difficult sometimes to go from one sentence to another...but it does not take away the story!
January 21, 2024
This was a great read, but there is one main question I have.
Why when the name Ezra was mentioned, did Emil not have any kind of response? From what came later, this was the biggest red flag for me.
It was quite an interesting choice to have a retired policeman as the main character, and his age was relevant in some of the events that took place. However, much of the writing came across as very matter of fact until some of the later information came to light.
It was enjoyable, but not very satisfying how it ended. It would have been good to have more of a resolution.
Why when the name Ezra was mentioned, did Emil not have any kind of response? From what came later, this was the biggest red flag for me.
It was quite an interesting choice to have a retired policeman as the main character, and his age was relevant in some of the events that took place. However, much of the writing came across as very matter of fact until some of the later information came to light.
It was enjoyable, but not very satisfying how it ended. It would have been good to have more of a resolution.
February 13, 2023
Any book that features stories of the holocaust is bound to be sad and disturbing. This one seemed to go even further into the darkness. Fortunately, about half way through, the tone changed to one of control and empowerment. I was able to feel hope and optimism for our protagonist - I could read the next one in the series.
May 7, 2024
Carnegie's choice to show the family man versus the Auschwitz survivor was moving and kept me connected to this story. Now I want to read true stories of war criminals who were found out and given the punishment they deserved for 50 plus years
September 15, 2024
Couldn’t Stop Reading
I read from beginning to end in one day. Excellent book, well written. I have been reading many books on the Holocaust during this year. This is one of the better ones.
I read from beginning to end in one day. Excellent book, well written. I have been reading many books on the Holocaust during this year. This is one of the better ones.
January 4, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, I really liked the back and forth between present time and the memories of time spent in Auschwitz and connecting those memories to the people being investigated. I just needed to know the whole time how this was going to end and what was going to be uncovered.
August 6, 2026
When I read the synopsis on Barnes and Noble, it sounded interesting but it needed a better editor. It felt super jumpy and I don't like men lying to their partners, especially about something like surviving the Holocaust. DNFed
January 16, 2024
Shocking
I could hardly put the book down. It brought feelings of sadness, desperation, and joy to name a few. I have never been so moved.
I could hardly put the book down. It brought feelings of sadness, desperation, and joy to name a few. I have never been so moved.
April 25, 2025
Never Again
Very good description of how personal lives are forever tainted by one man's evil visions. I keep reading such genre not for enjoyment but for interpreted enlightenment to fight against something similar occurring in my lifetime. Evil will never be extinguished but should never be allowed to exist as portrayed in the book again.
Very good description of how personal lives are forever tainted by one man's evil visions. I keep reading such genre not for enjoyment but for interpreted enlightenment to fight against something similar occurring in my lifetime. Evil will never be extinguished but should never be allowed to exist as portrayed in the book again.
April 27, 2024
Floods of tears throughout. Incredibly powerful story, gut wrenching and devastating.
June 23, 2024
As someone who has been to Auschwitz, it’s impossible to even imagine the scale of the camp without seeing it for yourself. Truly heartbreaking. This story was so well written, it followed the story of a police detective who had been a prisoner, on his quest for justice. The author took us along for journey and I felt involved every step of the way. .. the only thing I didn’t understand was the last chapter? Couldn’t figure out what phenomenon was supposed to have happened there?.
November 25, 2023
The horrors of Auchwitz and the people in charge is well defined in this novel. This nearly became a DNF but stuck with it. Very emotional to read but my god those Nazis had a lot to answer for. Inhumane treatment of another person and they kept on doing the cruelty. Some parts I did have trouble reading but continued on. Yes there are good people in the world and the author certainly captured this in the story.
November 27, 2023
Sweeping tale of the Holocaust and across the generations
This amazing book is a completely different tale about the Holocaust. It tells the story of an Auschwitz survivor who has the opportunity to right wrongs decades after World War II.
This amazing book is a completely different tale about the Holocaust. It tells the story of an Auschwitz survivor who has the opportunity to right wrongs decades after World War II.
January 6, 2024
Brought history to life!
Having visited Auschwitz and Birkenau a few years
ago, this book really brought it to life. As upsetting as it was, I couldn't put the book down!
Having visited Auschwitz and Birkenau a few years
ago, this book really brought it to life. As upsetting as it was, I couldn't put the book down!
April 18, 2025
What an incredible book! I have read so many books about the holocaust, but none quite like this! Well written, captivating, educational and emotionally loaded! Highly recommend!!
December 10, 2025
Better Than I Expected
Although better than expected it was not what I expected, better by far. The story of a Warsaw Ghetto dweller who became an Auschwitz inmate during the holocaust, an inmate who on release turned camp guard hunter.
Parts of the book seemed faintly familiar but through re-reading the relevant parts I came to understand that the familiarity was due to parts being based on actual events.
I enjoyed the book, lots of detail with well fleshed out central characters.
Although better than expected it was not what I expected, better by far. The story of a Warsaw Ghetto dweller who became an Auschwitz inmate during the holocaust, an inmate who on release turned camp guard hunter.
Parts of the book seemed faintly familiar but through re-reading the relevant parts I came to understand that the familiarity was due to parts being based on actual events.
I enjoyed the book, lots of detail with well fleshed out central characters.
April 16, 2024
Harrowing yet enthralling
This is a very harrowing story of Emil an Auschwictz survivor and ex cop.
Emil gives a harrowing and heartbreaking account of his time in Auschwictz. He is then contacted by a fellow inmate to ask him to track down some unpunished Kapos from the camp.
I was totally enthralled by this book and have already started reading the 2nd book in the trilogy.
This is a very harrowing story of Emil an Auschwictz survivor and ex cop.
Emil gives a harrowing and heartbreaking account of his time in Auschwictz. He is then contacted by a fellow inmate to ask him to track down some unpunished Kapos from the camp.
I was totally enthralled by this book and have already started reading the 2nd book in the trilogy.
April 15, 2024
Interesting
I want sure what to expect. It was an interesting story with lots of flashbacks. And the satisfaction of some survivors getting a little justice.
I want sure what to expect. It was an interesting story with lots of flashbacks. And the satisfaction of some survivors getting a little justice.
November 13, 2023
Excellent
I found this book to.be different from any other book I've read. You can't call it enjoyable but I couldn't put it down. I look forward to the next in the series
I found this book to.be different from any other book I've read. You can't call it enjoyable but I couldn't put it down. I look forward to the next in the series
April 6, 2024
True and very sad
I good not put this book down. Every human being should take the time to read anything to do with the holocaust. This is a story that the world should no about. Tragic events. So many people murdered because of their race by a mad man and his followers.
I good not put this book down. Every human being should take the time to read anything to do with the holocaust. This is a story that the world should no about. Tragic events. So many people murdered because of their race by a mad man and his followers.
April 2, 2024
A Great Book
There are many emotions one will experience by reading this story. My emotions was how could anyone do these crimes. Evil exists, it is not new. My favorite is when Emil is greatly praised for hi work in the pension camp.
There are many emotions one will experience by reading this story. My emotions was how could anyone do these crimes. Evil exists, it is not new. My favorite is when Emil is greatly praised for hi work in the pension camp.
March 15, 2023
Having visited Aushwitz a few years ago, I thought this might be an interesting read and it certainly was. Written in the first person, the story is told by a Holocaust survivor from Poland who was sent there as a young boy and witnessed his entire family killed by the Nazis. Having surivived, he made his way to America and married a beautiful woman and lived happily for 50 years...at least until he received a phone call from a fellow survivor whom he had known in the camps. He was convinced to take part in a pursuit of five Kapos who brutalized so many of the Jewish inmates, desperate to please the SS and to survive. However, in many cases, they took pleasure in the beatings, torture and murder of their fellow inmates. This assignment brings back all his memories of the time there but with courage, he travels to several locations and identifies these cowards to the local police. It was a very worthwhile read.
January 21, 2025
Great book about hunting Nazi War Criminals! I have a thing for books on Auschwitz and have a need to remember all the poor people murdered by an evil regime. This one was well researched as the details of the whole event is very accurate but the name of people may not be. I cried in so many places! We don't know how lucky we are. There is a profound sadness you feel for the everyday people rounded up and chosen for selection for nothing more than that they were Jewish . We must never forget them. This book had to be a five star. Not a book I could read in one sitting. The emotions I felt were real and I wondered sometimes if I had been there in a past life such was the emotional pain I felt in places.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews