The Lion's Den

The Lion's Den #1

by Eoin Dempsey

A broken family. A new opportunity in a country on the precipice of unspeakable evil.

November 1932. Seamus Ritter, a widower with four children, returns from riding the rails in an America crippled by the great depression. Realizing that his homecoming will not be how he envisioned it, and in a desperate attempt to make amends with his 16-year-old daughter, Maureen, Seamus accepts an invitation to come and work for his long-lost uncle in Berlin. With little other choice, Seamus takes the ship to Germany with his family. Maureen leaves everything to go with her father she no longer trusts, dedicated to taking care of her younger siblings.

The Germany the Ritter family encounters is vastly different than the one Seamus spent time living in as a child. An upstart politician called Adolf Hitler has come to the fore, but surely it’s only a matter of time before the right-thinking members of society banish him to the fringes of the political landscape he emerged from.

As the Ritter family struggles to adjust to life in a country ravaged by unemployment and internal strife, Seamus meets Lisa, a beautiful and mysterious woman weighed down by the ghosts of her past life. When tragedy strikes, Lisa and Seamus will be forced to act together to save their lives and build a future together in a nation that, unbeknownst to the citizens there, is about to descend into the greatest evil the world has ever known.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Historical, Fiction, War, Germany, Ebooks

282 pages, Paperback

First published November 2, 2021

About the author

Eoin Dempsey was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1977. He grew up in the beautiful Dublin suburb of Dalkey, where he and his friends would jump into the icy waters of the Irish Sea (during summertime) to prove their manliness. Eoin had a fantastic time attending Blackrock College, where he played rugby (poorly) and did his best to coast his way through. Eoin’s first ambition was to play rugby for Ireland. Due to a lack of talent, he soon abandoned that goal for the more reasoned path of the rock star. He played in bands through his teens and well into his twenties before harsh reality came calling, and his dreams of being the next Keith Moon faded.

Eoin made the ill-reasoned decision to study business in university and was accepted into University College Dublin to study Commerce in 1995. While Eoin did attend college, studying wasn’t his priority there.

He met his beautiful wife, Jill, while traveling to the USA in 1997, though it would be several years before he managed to break her down and they got together as a couple. It was during Eoin’s second stint in the USA, which he spent with his brother in New York City, that he decided to start writing a novel, for the express purpose of impressing women. This effort was met with mixed success. Eoin finished his first novel a year later. The over hundred and fifty rejections he received from publishers didn’t discourage him. He pinned them to his wall. After spending a year in Australia, where he was fired from many jobs, including picking red and green peppers and toiling for scallops miles out to sea on a fishing trawler, he returned home and decided to write again. Another novel followed while he phoned it in at a number of jobs in financial services in Dublin.

By this time Eoin had managed to convince Jill, the girl he’d met in the USA years before to move over to Dublin. She did so in 2004. It was the best negotiation he ever undertook. They were married in 2007. Jill’s more brilliant negotiating skills led Eoin to move to her hometown of Philadelphia in 2008, just in time for the economy to collapse. The plan to live with her parents for a few weeks turned into eighteen months, as Eoin struggled to retain employment in a fractured economy. It was during this time that he wrote FINDING REBECCA, which would go on to be his first published novel and be translated into fourteen different languages.

Eoin and Jill have three beautiful sons, Robbie, who was born in 2015, Sam, born in 2017, and Jack who came in 2019. Eoin enjoys playing with them and marveling at how much more talented they are at the sports that he loves, particularly golf.

Reviews

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars

Seamus is a widower who decides to go to Berlin in 1932 with his four children in order to get a better life. He doesn't realise the political situation has changed since he was there as a child and tries to find a way around the pitfalls he encounters.

[AdiTurbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best thing about this book is how well it allows you to "see" the deterioration process of a suicidal democracy on the way to Fascism. It depicts in a very believable and tangible way what it was like to live your daily life in pre-Nazi Germany and through the Nazification of the country. It helped me understand how it became possible, how people felt about what was happening around them.
The characterization is also quite good here, and I felt engaged with what happened to the family, hoping for their survival and worrying about what awaits them.
I think Dempsey is a born storyteller - he really knows how to build suspense and you care to know what's going to happen practically all the time. Even if some of the things that happen are a bit melodramatic, he somehow makes you believe them and want to go on reading. Continuing immediately to the next installment in the series.

[Ian Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly good read!

Bought this book on a whim because I like books with a historical theme. I was not disappointed. I read it so quickly I was surprised and disappointed when I reached the end. Looking forward to the sequel in January. It is an exciting and well-written story with no swearing and no descriptive sex scenes. I cannot recommend this great novel enough and thank the author whose first name is pronounced same as mine - I assume!

[sniksnak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before you read this book, be sure to read The Way Home. It's a novella, the prequel to the Eoin Dempsey's series The Lion’s Den. I really got caught up with the characters enough to want to read the series. You can download a free copy from the author's web site.
The Lion's Den takes place in Ohio, 1932 during the Great Depression. Unable to find work, German-American widower Seamus Ritter moves his children to Berlin to work for his uncle. The author shows how the German people closed their eyes to the rise of Hitler and Fascism. It's a fascinating story.
I'm so looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Ave Jeanne Ventresca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prequel to the Lion’s Den Series, The Way Home, familiarized the reader with Eoin Dempsey’s choice of setting and life’s obstacles, as well as a handful of diverse characters. The year is 1932, and we find ourselves near the city of Akron, Ohio, where the economy continues to deteriorate and unemployment increases, thus destroying the hopes and lives of Americans. The main character is a man who had recently lost his wife, his job, and his ability to make moral and admirable decisions.
Book One of The Lion’s Den Series finds the main character attempting to reconnect with his estranged children and create a new life in Germany. Will the move to Berlin be an advantageous decision? Vibrations of the Nazi Party already abound as citizens develop views of Adolph Hitler. Is he a great leader for the common people, or a monster and narcissist? The book concludes with the main character finding peace with himself, his job, his love, and his children. But is this harmonious portrait a façade? Is it simply a foreshadowing of the horrendous dangers and misfortunes that loom over him once again? The reader is left with many suspicions, fears and questions, eager to read the second book of this series. Eoin Dempsey fans will be excited to start reading this series!

I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow

Wow I kept waiting for something to happen, for things to pick up but finally 20 pages from the end I knew it wouldn't 🙄definitely will not be reading the next one. It took me 6 days to read a 260 page book because it was so slow and boring!!! I normally finish a 400 page book in less than 3 days!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quickly became engrossed in these characters and fascinated by what it was like to live in Berlin at such a pivotal time in history. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Read this one in two days! I listened to the audiobook-highly recommend as the narrator’s German accents really add to the story and setting.

[Tlkirnangmail.com · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not the best book I’ve ever read, but saying that it did keep me engaged to the point that when I finished I immediately started the second book in the series!

[Rona Gurin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This was a solid 4-star read until close to the end when the story felt rushed and less believable. I'm going to read the next in the series because the historical fiction aspect is done well.

[Frank Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in a series by Eoin Dempsey became a keep-me-up-at-night read. The lead character becomes a real person who is faced with family conditions in the great depression which result in his being desperate to care for his family. Desperation leads to making choices, not all good. I was born in the early 1940’s and experienced poverty and the effects of parents living through the depression soon followed by WWII and the evil of the Nazi aggression. It is difficult to comprehend the impact on life under those conditions. This historical novel portrays conditions of human existence in a most exciting, page-turning adventure. The free novella prequel, The Way Home, available on Eoin’s website (www.eoindempseybooks.com) is a great introduction to the Lion’s Den series. Eoin: please hurry up with the next book in this series!

I was privileged to receive an advanced copy of the book and independently offer this review.

[Fiona Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of WW2 fiction and I mean a lot!!

I really enjoyed this book, I liked the contrast between the USA and Germany. How the author showed that not all Nazis were rotten and that life did rumble on as normal for quite a while.

A good weave of historical and fictional characters moved the story on too.

I know who Hans Litten is so it’s interesting to see him linked with Seamus and to see what happens.



Thanks to Eoin for my ARC copy.

[Michelle Schulten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of this amazing new book. I am a huge fan of Eoin Dempsy!!! I usually read American history and hardly anything during this time period. I loved it and can't wait for the next one in the series. This book was captivating from the first chapter. His writing made you love the family he is writing about and brings you right to the time and place of Germany during Hitler's rise to power. My second favorite novel from this author, right after Toward the Midnight Sun!!!!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eoin continues to make my heart race and my mind hope for the best outcome for the Ritter family in his first of what I hope to be many in the series of The Lion's Den. It is written about a time of complete horror from Hitler's rise to power onward. Seamus Ritter seems to miss a beat as he progresses through life trying to make good choices for his family and is caught up in the beginnings of the rise of Hitler. It is a page turner and of course one is left with the wish for more as the last word is read. Eoin promises there will be more so stay tuned for more heart pounding words to take us forward with the Ritter family.

I was fortunate to have an advance copy to read.

Maria

[Cathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, another 5 star book from Eoin Dempsey. Thoroughly compelling look into the pre Hitler Germany and the choices people are forced to make. Desperation and depression lead to bad decisions but come from a good heart and love for family during difficult times.

I was fortunate and honored to receive a prerelease copy from the author. My honest review is it is well worth the read.

[Susan P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read The Longest Echo, The Hidden Soldier, and White Rose, Black Forest--all excellent books by Eoin Dempsey--I was really looking forward to this series, but was disappointed. While situations may have made the unethical actions of the main protagonist understandable, he was just a little too blasé and ready to lay blame on everyone else.

[Raymond P. Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got an advanced copy of this book and really enjoyed it! It follows a down and out Father and his struggle providing for his family in depression era America.He leaves for a job opportunity in Germany taking his family on this journey to a new Country.Germany is in the throes of hitler`s rise to power and it is described well here.An interesting read that leaves you wanting more information on what happens next to this family !

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! Give your historical background of Germany with the Beginning of Hitler .I I felt the like I was there and loved how this story was very emotional with the surprises throughout . I will read more from this author

[Merrilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

True to this authors writing style, he incorporates all the best attributes of an excellent book. Intrigue, loss, forgiveness, suspense and love. Seamus embarks on a new life and an opportunity with his 4 children in Germany. Thought provoking pre WWII, the rise of Hitler.
I received my advanced copy and was super excited to read it!

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Lion’s Den

Was interesting, but not quite up to par with the previous books of Mr Dempsey has written. I enjoyed it and have started the second book of the series.

[ReBecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked about The Lion's Den:
Eoin Dempsey is an incredible historical fiction writer. After reading multiple other pieces of Eoin's work, I was excited to finally read where it all began. Eoin bravely takes readers where few authors dare to go. The Lion's Den offered an intriguing glimpse into the early stages of Adolf Hitler's rise to power, a period that isn't as widely covered in historical fiction. It effectively captures the nascent murmurings of Hitler's ideology and the formation of the Nazi party. I appreciated how the author portrayed the growing polarization among the German people, with some drawn to Hitler's beliefs while others began to resist. This historical context added depth to the narrative and provided valuable insights into a critical period in history.

What I disliked about The Lion's Den:
As a die-hard fan of Eoin Dempsey's heart-wrenching historical fiction, I dove into his debut, The Lion's Den, with high expectations. However, it wasn't quite what I anticipated. While the book is interesting, particularly in its exploration of the early days of Hitler's rise in Germany, it lacks the emotional punch and gripping storytelling of his later works. I struggled to connect with the story and with Seamus, the main character. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the backstory of Seamus's children, especially Maureen, who will eventually have her own series.

What I think would have made The Lion's Den better:
To elevate The Lion's Den to the level of Eoin Dempsey's later work, it could have benefited from incorporating more of the elements that made those books stand out. Firstly, Seamus, the main character, could have used more depth. In Eoin's other books, his characters feel so real they could walk off the page—their fears, hopes, and dilemmas stay with you long after you close the book. However, with Seamus, I didn't feel that same connection. A deeper dive into his psyche and personal struggles with the rising Nazi tide could have made his story more gripping.

Additionally, the book was missing the emotional gut punch that Eoin does so well. In his later works, the characters' choices are so personal and heart-wrenching that you feel every triumph and tragedy. The Lion's Den touches on significant historical shifts, but I wanted to experience them more intimately through Seamus's eyes.

Would I recommend The Lion's Den by Eoin Dempsey:
While The Lion's Den may not be Eoin's strongest work, it still offers an engaging story and valuable historical insights. Despite being historical fiction, it sheds light on Hitler's rise to power. Disturbingly, I also see strong parallels between Hitler's ascent and current political events. As George Santayana famously said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." It terrifies me to read this historical fiction and easily draw comparisons to today's world. Nevertheless, I would highly recommend The Lion's Den series and any other book by Eoin.

****

In 1932, Seamus Ritter, a widower with four children, returns from a struggling America only to face a difficult homecoming. In a desperate attempt to reconcile with his 16-year-old daughter, Maureen, Seamus accepts an invitation to work for his long-lost uncle in Berlin, taking his family to a Germany on the brink of Hitler's rise to power. As they adjust to life in a country ravaged by unemployment and internal strife, Seamus meets Lisa, a mysterious woman burdened by her past. Together, they must navigate the impending turmoil and danger as Germany descends into unprecedented evil. Despite the challenges, Seamus and Lisa strive to build a future in a nation about to be consumed by darkness.

[Annie Mondesir · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Lion’s Den” is such an adequate name for Eion Dempsey’s newest release. It can be read after the prequel “The Way Home”. You can get the prequel FREE at Eoin’s website and meet Seamus, the main character.
Eoin Dempsey always writes on the very pulse of Hitler-era Germany, and in “The Lion’s Den” he introduces us to a pre-Hitler Berlin. Eoin captures the tone of the German people as the first whispers of Adolf Hitler’s name and voice are heard. It is hard to believe that Eoin didn’t live in this era, because I felt so close to the very rumblings of the people.
The strife starting the crack the very core of the heart of Germany is witnessed as we fall in love with the Ritter family.
It is unimaginable what strengths Seamus must have had to muster four children as a widow at this time. He meets a woman named Lisa that grew on me. As they team up, I was practically rooting out loud for them.
The historical references are inspiring. His stories are so visceral, you join the story as if you’ve stepped into the pages. Your heart and soul are so invested in the outcome, it is hard to put down.
No one writes a Novel about Hitler like Eoin Dempsey.
I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange fir a fair and honest review. I loved it so much, I bought the print copy for my library.

[James Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a series of books set during the 1930's. Seamus is a ditch digger. Because of the very bad financial situation in the U.S. due to the economic collapse starting in 1929, he lost his original job and has been trying to find work wherever he can. His children remain elsewhere. His wife has died.

Unfortunately he's not the brightest bulb in the pack. He drinks to much and doesn't make the best decisions which lands him in a lot of trouble.

He ends up back with his children, gets a letter about a job in Berlin and he ends up going there with his kids. The book deals then with their adjusting to Berlin, especially in relation to the rise of Adolph Hitler and his good squads, a possible girlfriend for Seamus. a problematic death and a bunch of other things.

I don't like the character of Seamus but aside from that the story is pretty good, the best part in my opinion being how they have to deal with the rise of Nazism in Germany and how that has an effect on them. I think it's overall a pretty good introduction to what will hopefully be a very interesting second book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book because the author was familiar. Turned out, this was a different author BUT an excellent one. I am so glad I got this book. Well written. You feel like you are living as Seamus Ritter, the main character. It is a story about family and what a father will do to keep his family together. Seamus is a good man but he made some bad decisions. His wife died and he coped by leaving to work in Ohio, leaving his 4 kids with his sister. When he returned home, he found there was no work to be had. When his uncle in Berlin wrote to say he would like to bring Seamus and his family over to live and he would teach Seamus the ropes of his metal factory, Seamus jumped at the opportunity. The younger kids were excited. The older two not so much but they eventually came around. The book is about what happens to them when they arrive in Berlin, just as Hitler is getting his organization in place. This is a commitment because you will want to read the next books in the series. If you are an Amazon Unlimited member, you will be pleased to know that all are available.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've not read a lot about the beginning of Hitler's rise to powers so this was a good read about the very start of the murmurings of him and his intentions. This showed where people started to either be with or against what he was preaching about while still putting together the NA party. This storyline follows a man who has been down on his luck for work since the Great War, and the depression then hitting and decides to take an opportunity offered him, from an uncle and move his family to Berlin from America to have a new beginning and hope to give his kids everything he could imagine. As we all know, one of the worse historical events is just starting to brew below the surface. Thank you to the author for sending me a free ebook to be part of the beta readers, I really enjoyed doing this!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1932, Seamus has been struggling to find work and agrees to go in with some other men at his work camp on a robbery. This results in him having to flee town and return to the children he left behind several years before with family. The younger kids are happy to have him back. His oldest daughter Maureen, who has been forced to step in and fill the role of mother, giving up her childhood, greatly resents him. The family is given the opportunity to move to Berlin and take over a factory for an aging relative. I really enjoyed the historical fiction aspects of the novel, and while I didn’t care for Seamus as a character, I liked the history and time period and Eoin Dempsey’s writing is lovely and I’ll definitely read on to the second book, which looks like it focuses more on Maureen and another character. 4/5 stars.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seamus Ritter, after the loss of his wife to illness and his banking job as a result of the Great Depression, returns home to his four children after riding the rails looking for any type of employment. His sister, who had been caring for his children, urges him to reach out to their Uncle Helmut in Germany for employment. After encouragement from his Uncle, Seamus gathers his family and moves to Germany in 1932 in desperate to provide for his family and rebuild his relationship with his children. While the opportunity looks hopeful, this also the time of the rise of Adolph Hitler and the Nazi party. Seamus and his family must not only navigate their way in a new country and culture but also deal with the rising violence and intolerance of this era. This is the first novel of a 6 book series that I enjoyed and will continue to read.

[Labyrns · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rare did-not-finish book for me. I really enjoyed Dempsey's White Rose, Black Forest and the first half of The Lion's Den was okay. However, the father of the family was completely unable to keep promises to keep his kids safe. Over and over he kept failing them and while I realize he was basically a good but flawed character, I didn't want to read about him any more. I read the summaries of the books for the entire series and each book seemed to have a new disaster for a different family member. Of course they are in Germany in 1933 so what can you expect? But it was the thoughtless decisions made that led me to give up the series. Disappointing since I really enjoy reading a series.

[Alicemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take on the rise of Hitler and Fascism before World War II. The idea that people were surprised by what Hitler stood for, when millions actually voted for him. The way people tried to pretend, if we vote him out, he and his minions, won't be an issue. If we pretend they're not there they won't hurt us they'll eventually go away. Also, how everyday individuals got caught in the Nazi net. And how prejudice lies under the surface of many of us, looking for an excuse to come out. There are eerie parallels to what is happening in the US today. People must remember, be careful what you wish for, it just may come true. But not in any way you could have imagined.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seamus was introduced in a previous book. He has been away trying to earn money for his children, but he makes a serious mistake in trusting the wrong person to make a quick buck. He returns to his family not much better off than when he left. He accepts a position with an uncle in Germany and moves his children. You can read the synopsis, so I won’t reiterate the story here. But I found it fascinating how much many Germans supported Hitler. There is a speech (not fictional) by Hitler quoted in the book, and when you read it, it becomes a little clearer because of his political BS telling people all the good he will do why he was not stopped sooner.

[Tina Galli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read

I’m not a serial reader and I really hope this doesn’t become a long drawn out affair but so far I’m into the story 100% read the book in no time and the plot was interesting and very historically accurate. From the feelings of what was happening on the German home front to what was happening on American soil it’s details will throw you back to and show a side of history many are not familiar with. It’s a very different but needed point of view of people living everyday lives in a period of immense political uncertainty. Very much looking forward to reading book two!