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Alex Kovacs #8
The Alpine Pursuit
The war is over, and Alex Kovacs has returned to his home in Vienna after his years of fighting for the French Resistance. He left Paris to avoid the constant reminders of what he had done for the Resistance, the people he killed, the compromises he made. But in Vienna, he feels anything but home. The city is a wreck, his old life no longer exists, and Alex is adrift until an unexpected employment offer arrives from an old friend. The job is to join up with a new intelligence agency staffed mostly by former German military men and supported by the United States, which needs their contacts in the east. His first task, though, is to find the Gestapo agent who ruined his life in many ways, an unrepentant Nazi attempting to escape to South America through the Alps along the infamous rat line.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2022
272 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Richard Wake
30 books101 followersRichard Wake's first career was as a newspaper reporter, columnist, and editor. Writing fiction was always an aspiration, especially historical fiction set in Europe during the inter-war period, and now it has become a reality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 18, 2024
It’s 1946 and Alex has convinced Leon to go back to Vienna. Leon returns to his old job as a journalist, but Alex has no job to go back to, having sold his interest in the mining company to his father and brother just before the Anschluss. However, one day Fritz Ritter, the former Abwehr officer, sits down next to Alex in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and tells Alex his current “job” is investigating how former Nazis are escaping from European cities and fleeing to South America. He tells Alex that if he’s interested, to go to Salzburg and see an American Army major named Rossi. Then Ritter mentions that Werner Vogl was seen in the so-called “rat line.”
Of course that makes Alex’s decision an easy one. On the way to Salzburg, Alex stops to see his old friend, Edgar Grundmann, at Mauthausen. Edgar is well, but like everyone, his war experiences have changed him, most especially the 17 days he was at the Mauthausen Concentration Camp at the very end of the war.
His visit with Edgar takes Alex to a Displaced Persons Camp, where he meets a Jewish woman named Rachel Friedman. When she learns Alex is going to investigate the rat line, she begs him to take her so she can escape to Palestine. Of course, during the trip, Alex falls in love with her, but they get separated and he can’t find her later.
This book shows the reader that just although the war is over, millions of people are not at peace. There were millions of DPs and as we now know, hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, who lost their entire families to the Nazis.
Of course that makes Alex’s decision an easy one. On the way to Salzburg, Alex stops to see his old friend, Edgar Grundmann, at Mauthausen. Edgar is well, but like everyone, his war experiences have changed him, most especially the 17 days he was at the Mauthausen Concentration Camp at the very end of the war.
His visit with Edgar takes Alex to a Displaced Persons Camp, where he meets a Jewish woman named Rachel Friedman. When she learns Alex is going to investigate the rat line, she begs him to take her so she can escape to Palestine. Of course, during the trip, Alex falls in love with her, but they get separated and he can’t find her later.
This book shows the reader that just although the war is over, millions of people are not at peace. There were millions of DPs and as we now know, hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, who lost their entire families to the Nazis.
July 13, 2022
From nowhere to nowhere: nothing accomplished.
A difficult book to rate. I was not familiar with writer's style so I try to tread carefully. The somewhat course language would make me cautious in recommending this book to many of my friends, but my biggest disappointment is that nothing was accomplished throughout the course of the book. I guess it represents a period in the life of what many would call a loser. I just didn't take a lot from the book.
A difficult book to rate. I was not familiar with writer's style so I try to tread carefully. The somewhat course language would make me cautious in recommending this book to many of my friends, but my biggest disappointment is that nothing was accomplished throughout the course of the book. I guess it represents a period in the life of what many would call a loser. I just didn't take a lot from the book.
June 21, 2022
I have read them all…
This is the worst of his books. I generally like them a lot but this one was hasty with very little resolution, very little story just not very good.
This is the worst of his books. I generally like them a lot but this one was hasty with very little resolution, very little story just not very good.
April 22, 2022
In The Alpine Pursuit, the war may be over, but justice has yet to be served. Alex Kovacs knows only too well that returning home does not mean everything returns to how it was. Vienna has changed, he has changed, the world has changed. First things first, he must find a job and an old friend will make him an offer he’ll be unable to refuse. Nazis are escaping through the ratlines which were routes through the Alps to help them get to South America. Alex, a man who spent time helping the French Resistance, will accept this job, especially since the first target is a Nazi who ruined his life. This dramatic and suspenseful story is filled with well-researched historical information. The storyline is engaging in this great thriller. A wonderful read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 19, 2024
High rating with reservations
Mr Wake writes a great story, featuring a now-grizzled veteran of spy/resistance fighter operations. His take on a myriad of European locations is always a treat, and his midlife sex appeal is amazing. I have a bit of trouble believing that he can achieve near-fluency in Romanian in less than a month, but perhaps this stretch of reality is just a petty complaint. What bothers me is the atrocious proofreading of this online edition of the book. Surely this could be improved immeasurably.
Mr Wake writes a great story, featuring a now-grizzled veteran of spy/resistance fighter operations. His take on a myriad of European locations is always a treat, and his midlife sex appeal is amazing. I have a bit of trouble believing that he can achieve near-fluency in Romanian in less than a month, but perhaps this stretch of reality is just a petty complaint. What bothers me is the atrocious proofreading of this online edition of the book. Surely this could be improved immeasurably.
May 9, 2022
post WW2 scramble
I was excited to read this instalment after the heartbreaking confirmation in the previous story for our lead character, Alex Kovacs. A very interesting tale of the immediate aftermath of the end of WW2 in Europe-hardship, reprisals, turning a blind eye for expediency and the battle to survive. But I struggled with the ending which was a bit too mysterious for its own good. Otherwise a top story.
I was excited to read this instalment after the heartbreaking confirmation in the previous story for our lead character, Alex Kovacs. A very interesting tale of the immediate aftermath of the end of WW2 in Europe-hardship, reprisals, turning a blind eye for expediency and the battle to survive. But I struggled with the ending which was a bit too mysterious for its own good. Otherwise a top story.
January 4, 2025
Can't help but like Alex
When I decided to read Alpine pursuit, my fourth Alex Kovac book, I expected to be tired of his character. But I didn't stop reading it. He was charming and quick whittled as usual. He continued to get in and out trouble. He didn't blow anything this time but the mistrust and half truths needed survive in Europe after WWII made an interesting and suspenseful story. I plan to finish the series.
When I decided to read Alpine pursuit, my fourth Alex Kovac book, I expected to be tired of his character. But I didn't stop reading it. He was charming and quick whittled as usual. He continued to get in and out trouble. He didn't blow anything this time but the mistrust and half truths needed survive in Europe after WWII made an interesting and suspenseful story. I plan to finish the series.
April 28, 2022
1 through 8, a thriller series that holds the reader....
1 through 8, a thriller series that holds the reader's interest through the history of WWII in Western Europe and its mental impact on those that survied the tragedies encountered. If you enjoy historical related novels, Richard Wake is your author to follow.
1 through 8, a thriller series that holds the reader's interest through the history of WWII in Western Europe and its mental impact on those that survied the tragedies encountered. If you enjoy historical related novels, Richard Wake is your author to follow.
May 2, 2022
Great series
Throughly enjoyed all of this series and hope there is more with Alex and his friend. This author is suberb, and his books are well researched. I have read all of the other series as well. I highly recommend these series and this author. Pick up the first in this series you will not be disappointed.
Throughly enjoyed all of this series and hope there is more with Alex and his friend. This author is suberb, and his books are well researched. I have read all of the other series as well. I highly recommend these series and this author. Pick up the first in this series you will not be disappointed.
July 14, 2023
Richard Wake’s ability to weave together this continued series of historical fiction as it unfolds before, during and after World War II is nothing short of masterful. I’ve devoured the first 8 books and never tire of Alex Kouvacs and his lifelong friend, Leon, despite their challenges in life and in love. Thank you, thank you!
October 30, 2023
A very well written and researched continuation of Alex Kovacs’ journey into and through postwar WW2 Europe. I’m a Cold War Army Brat, having spent much of my youth (‘62-65 & ‘68-71) in “occupied” post war Germany due to my Dad’s military assignments. Richard Wake’s journalistic writing style captures every character, locale and movement with historic accuracy and emotional embrace.
May 14, 2024
Beginning of a New Life for Alex
Alex has decided to move on with his life which means doing what he does best. But now he's going to work for the Allies in Occupied Austria. They want him to follow the "rat line" that Nazis and Jews are using to see escape Europe. On the way he falls in love and then is left behind.
Alex has decided to move on with his life which means doing what he does best. But now he's going to work for the Allies in Occupied Austria. They want him to follow the "rat line" that Nazis and Jews are using to see escape Europe. On the way he falls in love and then is left behind.
July 28, 2024
continuing an excellent series
Richard Wake has continued in the aftermath of the war to describe many relevant postwar issues that confronted both the Allied countries and those that were defeated. Alex is a great character fighting the turmoil of several issues of people who came through the war. I look forward to the next installment in this series
Richard Wake has continued in the aftermath of the war to describe many relevant postwar issues that confronted both the Allied countries and those that were defeated. Alex is a great character fighting the turmoil of several issues of people who came through the war. I look forward to the next installment in this series
May 10, 2022
Entertaining historical fiction
Following the flight of Nazis to escape prosecution for war crimes after WW 2 is a fascinating intrigue with many moments of levity. Excellent read in the best tradition of historical fiction.
Following the flight of Nazis to escape prosecution for war crimes after WW 2 is a fascinating intrigue with many moments of levity. Excellent read in the best tradition of historical fiction.
August 12, 2022
Alex should have shot him
Enjoyed the portrait of American bullshit. Found the tracking of the ratline for escaping nazis interesting and believable. Liked the picture of Vienna to Gratz. But when Alex finally found the bad exgestapo guy, he really should have killed him.
Enjoyed the portrait of American bullshit. Found the tracking of the ratline for escaping nazis interesting and believable. Liked the picture of Vienna to Gratz. But when Alex finally found the bad exgestapo guy, he really should have killed him.
April 16, 2024
Another gripping tale
Having followed Alex and his friends / enemies through all the previous adventures, and learned some interesting historical details at the same time, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and will very soon dive into the next.
Having followed Alex and his friends / enemies through all the previous adventures, and learned some interesting historical details at the same time, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and will very soon dive into the next.
August 18, 2024
Peace treaties do not end interpersonal conflicts and hardships
Maybe WWII never ended. The Resistance fighters reinvented themselves, only to revisit past pain and stumble into transitory intimacy. Can revenge and new love coexist?
Maybe WWII never ended. The Resistance fighters reinvented themselves, only to revisit past pain and stumble into transitory intimacy. Can revenge and new love coexist?
October 23, 2025
More of the same
Alex Kovacs and company are starting to become boring . Just more of the same. Drinking, sex and living in the past. Nothing gets settled. Where's the intrigue, the suspence, the undercurrent of fear.
Alex Kovacs and company are starting to become boring . Just more of the same. Drinking, sex and living in the past. Nothing gets settled. Where's the intrigue, the suspence, the undercurrent of fear.
April 25, 2022
Alex Kovacs continues…
I love the Alex Kovacs story and thought it might have ended with the liberation of Paris. This story continues and it’s very good.
I love the Alex Kovacs story and thought it might have ended with the liberation of Paris. This story continues and it’s very good.
May 17, 2022
4.5 stars.
Read
May 21, 2022Alex in love.
Love Alex, Leon and all the ladies . Travel the world with these guys...
But hunting down Nazis has never
been so good.
Love Alex, Leon and all the ladies . Travel the world with these guys...
But hunting down Nazis has never
been so good.
July 11, 2022
Great!
I read the Alex Kovacs series straight through! The books are well written and fast paced. Anyone who enjoys stories about WWII Europe will find these books engaging.
I read the Alex Kovacs series straight through! The books are well written and fast paced. Anyone who enjoys stories about WWII Europe will find these books engaging.
July 17, 2022
Excellent series
I discovered Wake's Alex Kovacs a few years ago and what a lucky break for me. Excellent, fast-moving, vivid stories. Worth every moment.
I discovered Wake's Alex Kovacs a few years ago and what a lucky break for me. Excellent, fast-moving, vivid stories. Worth every moment.
July 23, 2022
Another Alex Kovac’s thriller post war…good in between book!
August 4, 2022
Once again a great well written book. Found it difficult to put down. A real page turner.
August 8, 2022
An enjoyable read. Just enough questions left unanswered to make me curious about the next instalments. (I've already started the next one!)
September 30, 2022
Oh come on, what happened to Rachel? You can’t leave me hanging after Manon and Clarice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2022
Love the author
The author writes a interesting, exciting story that holds your interest from beginning to end. Great author and great stories.
The author writes a interesting, exciting story that holds your interest from beginning to end. Great author and great stories.
February 3, 2023
An engaging read
I really enjoy this series. I find it tough and realistic, and Richard Wake addresses many of the ridiculous ambiguities that come with war.
I really enjoy this series. I find it tough and realistic, and Richard Wake addresses many of the ridiculous ambiguities that come with war.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews