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The Barbarossa Secret
From the darkest days of the Second World War comes an incredible story of a cover-up with staggering implications.
The death of a man in Bavaria in 2020 is the first in a long line of dominos to fall as a journalist searches to uncover the truth of his family’s very personal involvement in one of the greatest hidden episodes of the war. A highly secret pact is revealed between Nazi Germany and the Allies that few ever knew, could ever acknowledge, or even dare speak of.
The journalist’s investigation implicates governments, influential factions, and even royalty in an astounding disagreement at the heart of power triggering a major wartime constitutional crisis. His revelations are so dramatic that they will rock the foundations of present-day government and institutions, placing his own life at risk, as intelligence agencies seek to keep the information hidden.
And they want to keep it hidden.
Christopher Kerr has had a varied career as a civil servant, marketing executive, and entrepreneur. He now concentrates on writing, which has become a passion, based upon a keen interest in politics, and current affairs. Christopher’s genre is modern historical fiction, set against real life events, to give added authenticity, and perspective to human drama. He lives in a village in North Wales, where he is working on his third novel.
The death of a man in Bavaria in 2020 is the first in a long line of dominos to fall as a journalist searches to uncover the truth of his family’s very personal involvement in one of the greatest hidden episodes of the war. A highly secret pact is revealed between Nazi Germany and the Allies that few ever knew, could ever acknowledge, or even dare speak of.
The journalist’s investigation implicates governments, influential factions, and even royalty in an astounding disagreement at the heart of power triggering a major wartime constitutional crisis. His revelations are so dramatic that they will rock the foundations of present-day government and institutions, placing his own life at risk, as intelligence agencies seek to keep the information hidden.
And they want to keep it hidden.
Christopher Kerr has had a varied career as a civil servant, marketing executive, and entrepreneur. He now concentrates on writing, which has become a passion, based upon a keen interest in politics, and current affairs. Christopher’s genre is modern historical fiction, set against real life events, to give added authenticity, and perspective to human drama. He lives in a village in North Wales, where he is working on his third novel.
468 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2022
72 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 1, 2022
Much has been written about WW2, but author Christopher Kerr, has a new "what if" novel. It is a fascinating book that is steeped in great research and actual history, and yet it involves a plot that could easily have happened. Most of us have heard of Operation Barbarossa, but this book takes it a bit further and delves into a fictional agreement between the US, Britain and Germany to forge an alliance against Russia. Sure this did not happen, but "what if?" Great stuff that even takes us into British Royal intrigue and the very real "Operation Willie" that was created to get the Duke of Windsor to support Germany and quite possibly retake the throne of England. As I said, much of this book details actual history, as the author swings back and forth for most of the book between the 1930's and 2020. It is a fast paced and exciting book, that raises many fascinating facts and possibilities.
World War 2 is still a much used genre in both fiction and non-fiction, however in this book the author takes us places that most other books have never ventured. A Top Notch effort by relatively new author Christoper Kerr.
World War 2 is still a much used genre in both fiction and non-fiction, however in this book the author takes us places that most other books have never ventured. A Top Notch effort by relatively new author Christoper Kerr.
May 22, 2022
The Barbarossa Secret by Christopher Kerr
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to The Book Guild and I am leaving this review voluntarily
From the darkest days of the Second World War comes an incredible story of a cover-up with staggering implications.
The death of a man in Bavaria in 2020 is the first in a long line of dominos to fall as a journalist searches to uncover the truth of his family’s very personal involvement in one of the greatest hidden episodes of the war. A highly secret pact is revealed between Nazi Germany and the Allies that few ever knew, could ever acknowledge, or even dare speak of.
The journalist’s investigation implicates governments, influential factions, and even royalty in an astounding disagreement at the heart of power triggering a major wartime constitutional crisis. His revelations are so dramatic that they will rock the foundations of present-day government and institutions, placing his own life at risk, as intelligence agencies seek to keep the information hidden.
I was approached by the publisher and offered the chance to review this book before publication - I was slightly hesitant at first as this is not something I would usually read. I was pleasantly surprised at the level of detail Kerr has put into this book and at times it was difficult to work out if I was reading fact or fiction.
An interesting read, set in different timelines but in a way that is very easy to follow. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to The Book Guild and I am leaving this review voluntarily
From the darkest days of the Second World War comes an incredible story of a cover-up with staggering implications.
The death of a man in Bavaria in 2020 is the first in a long line of dominos to fall as a journalist searches to uncover the truth of his family’s very personal involvement in one of the greatest hidden episodes of the war. A highly secret pact is revealed between Nazi Germany and the Allies that few ever knew, could ever acknowledge, or even dare speak of.
The journalist’s investigation implicates governments, influential factions, and even royalty in an astounding disagreement at the heart of power triggering a major wartime constitutional crisis. His revelations are so dramatic that they will rock the foundations of present-day government and institutions, placing his own life at risk, as intelligence agencies seek to keep the information hidden.
I was approached by the publisher and offered the chance to review this book before publication - I was slightly hesitant at first as this is not something I would usually read. I was pleasantly surprised at the level of detail Kerr has put into this book and at times it was difficult to work out if I was reading fact or fiction.
An interesting read, set in different timelines but in a way that is very easy to follow. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction.
Rating 4/5
July 15, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy of “ The Barbarossa Secret” by Christopher Kerr via Net Galley to review. My thanks to the publisher, author and Net Galley.
Note: “Barbarossa” was the German code word for the invasion of the Soviet Union. The Barbarossa Secret refers to a supposed protocol agreement in 1944 between the Allies and the Nazis to join together to agree to a cease fire and then join in attacking the Russians, thereby saving civilization from the Bolshevik hordes. While the Nazi leaders may have fantasized such a thing as catastrophe approached ( actually something many captured German officers told Allied officers late in the war) Mr Kerr takes this fever dream as the basis for his book.
“The Barbarossa Secret” is written in chapters alternating from the late 1930’s to 2020 , and takes place mostly in Britain and Germany. The characters in the mostly 1930’s chapters are real ones, such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the Mitford women, Joseph Kennedy, and Lord Mountbatten . From what I have read of the history of that time , these chapters can be described as historically accurate as far as I know. While interesting to a point, the story often bogs down with lengthy descriptions of women’s gowns, the interiors of estates’ glittering salons and the flirting flattery of the privileged class admirers of Hitler. A little of this goes a long way; unfortunately, there was a lot of it.
The modern-day chapters of the book involve one Hans von Shirach. Hans is a journalist who finds out who his real father was upon the death of the man whom he thought was his grandfather. The reader then begins to learn of a dossier comprised of letters and documents of Von Sirach’s possession being held by the suppose grandfather. These papers include the plan for Hitler’s deluded plan to strike back against the USSR alongside the Allied armies. This part of the novel is pretty interesting, reminiscent of popular thrillers such as , “ The Marathon Man” and “ The Boys from Berlin and “Notorious” ”. Without dropping spoilers, Herr Hans Von Shirach finds himself targeted by the German Republic’s federal police and various thugs who want to reawaken Naziism . These chapters were the best parts of the book with tight plotting , taut, drama and a dramatic ending.
If only the author had been as focused in the 1930’s chapters, I would have been able to give a better raring and review. As it is, three stars, barely, for “ The Barbarossa Secret.”
Note: “Barbarossa” was the German code word for the invasion of the Soviet Union. The Barbarossa Secret refers to a supposed protocol agreement in 1944 between the Allies and the Nazis to join together to agree to a cease fire and then join in attacking the Russians, thereby saving civilization from the Bolshevik hordes. While the Nazi leaders may have fantasized such a thing as catastrophe approached ( actually something many captured German officers told Allied officers late in the war) Mr Kerr takes this fever dream as the basis for his book.
“The Barbarossa Secret” is written in chapters alternating from the late 1930’s to 2020 , and takes place mostly in Britain and Germany. The characters in the mostly 1930’s chapters are real ones, such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the Mitford women, Joseph Kennedy, and Lord Mountbatten . From what I have read of the history of that time , these chapters can be described as historically accurate as far as I know. While interesting to a point, the story often bogs down with lengthy descriptions of women’s gowns, the interiors of estates’ glittering salons and the flirting flattery of the privileged class admirers of Hitler. A little of this goes a long way; unfortunately, there was a lot of it.
The modern-day chapters of the book involve one Hans von Shirach. Hans is a journalist who finds out who his real father was upon the death of the man whom he thought was his grandfather. The reader then begins to learn of a dossier comprised of letters and documents of Von Sirach’s possession being held by the suppose grandfather. These papers include the plan for Hitler’s deluded plan to strike back against the USSR alongside the Allied armies. This part of the novel is pretty interesting, reminiscent of popular thrillers such as , “ The Marathon Man” and “ The Boys from Berlin and “Notorious” ”. Without dropping spoilers, Herr Hans Von Shirach finds himself targeted by the German Republic’s federal police and various thugs who want to reawaken Naziism . These chapters were the best parts of the book with tight plotting , taut, drama and a dramatic ending.
If only the author had been as focused in the 1930’s chapters, I would have been able to give a better raring and review. As it is, three stars, barely, for “ The Barbarossa Secret.”
January 6, 2023
War time fiction not history!
I like conspiracy theories and looked forward to reading 'The Barbarossa Secret'. Sadly, by the end I was glad to finish.
Way too much descriptive detail for me. I assume the author is hoping this will encourage film studios to create a movie version?
I found the portrayal of many of the main characters very wooden and stereotypical.
I got increasingly frustrated at adding notes correcting German words and phrases that were misspelled or simply wrong. A proof reader with a good knowledge of German would have made such a difference.
I know that peace initiatives did take place between the Western Allies and Nazi Germany, but to have them happen after the Normandy landings seems a bit far fetched.
I didn't like the way Germany was depicted in the novel with the BND being shown as being on the same level as the so-called Fourth Reich. Also implying that the Nazis have so much influence in current German politics and society is just plain wrong. I lived in Germany for a while and only encountered repulsion towards towards the Nazi era and modern neo Nazi groups.
I like conspiracy theories and looked forward to reading 'The Barbarossa Secret'. Sadly, by the end I was glad to finish.
Way too much descriptive detail for me. I assume the author is hoping this will encourage film studios to create a movie version?
I found the portrayal of many of the main characters very wooden and stereotypical.
I got increasingly frustrated at adding notes correcting German words and phrases that were misspelled or simply wrong. A proof reader with a good knowledge of German would have made such a difference.
I know that peace initiatives did take place between the Western Allies and Nazi Germany, but to have them happen after the Normandy landings seems a bit far fetched.
I didn't like the way Germany was depicted in the novel with the BND being shown as being on the same level as the so-called Fourth Reich. Also implying that the Nazis have so much influence in current German politics and society is just plain wrong. I lived in Germany for a while and only encountered repulsion towards towards the Nazi era and modern neo Nazi groups.
August 12, 2022
Plausible and compelling storyline
Once opened, it's hard to put down. I prided myself on knowing a lot about World War Two history, but this put me in my place for I couldn't tell where face and fiction were split. The storyline is completely believable and, as we have all seen from the open dishonesty of recent politicians, practces such as "fogging" the news are pretty widespread. I am now avidly searching for other works by this author.
Once opened, it's hard to put down. I prided myself on knowing a lot about World War Two history, but this put me in my place for I couldn't tell where face and fiction were split. The storyline is completely believable and, as we have all seen from the open dishonesty of recent politicians, practces such as "fogging" the news are pretty widespread. I am now avidly searching for other works by this author.
August 15, 2022
Christopher Kerr https://christopher-kerr.co.uk is the author of three novels. The Barbarossa Secret was published in 2022.
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of delivering a fair and honest review. Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this novel as R. The primary character is journalist Hans Schirach.
In 2020 Schirach is approached. He begins to learn the truth about what happened. The true Nazi legacy from WWII. The Third Reich may have fallen in May of 1945, but a new Reich was now in power. It is hidden behind the scenes, but wields far more power than Hitler.
There are secrets many do not want to be revealed. The revelation of these secrets could cause governments to fall. Efforts are made to keep the information contained. People die.
I enjoyed the 13.5+ hours I spent reading this 468-page thriller. The novel covers from 1932 up to 2020. It is a mix of historical fiction and alternative history. The fictional plot weaves around many historical facts, popular myths, and conspiracy theories. I like the eye-catching cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4.4 (rounded down to a 4) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of delivering a fair and honest review. Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this novel as R. The primary character is journalist Hans Schirach.
In 2020 Schirach is approached. He begins to learn the truth about what happened. The true Nazi legacy from WWII. The Third Reich may have fallen in May of 1945, but a new Reich was now in power. It is hidden behind the scenes, but wields far more power than Hitler.
There are secrets many do not want to be revealed. The revelation of these secrets could cause governments to fall. Efforts are made to keep the information contained. People die.
I enjoyed the 13.5+ hours I spent reading this 468-page thriller. The novel covers from 1932 up to 2020. It is a mix of historical fiction and alternative history. The fictional plot weaves around many historical facts, popular myths, and conspiracy theories. I like the eye-catching cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4.4 (rounded down to a 4) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
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June 26, 2022An absolutely fascinating read for anyone like myself who enjoys novels set around WWII. Excellently researched it reads at times more like a history book than a work of fiction. Based on the idea that Germany was proposing peace with Britain in return for a United front against Russia and Hitler retaining power in Germany. The story is very thought provoking and raises a lot of "what if " questions in my mind. The plot involves many major figures from the period including the Royal Family and at times paints a very uncomfortable picture of British political life in that period. The theory that Hitler escaped to Argentina is explored in a quite convincing way.
A work of fiction based around factual events it educates as well as entertains it is in my opinion a first class piece of writing.
A work of fiction based around factual events it educates as well as entertains it is in my opinion a first class piece of writing.
June 26, 2022
Thank you to the Book Guild and NetGalley for this preview copy.
The book tells the story of a secret pact between Germany and the Allies which only comes to light following the murder of a 97 year old former Nazi in Berchtesgaden. He leaves a trail which is potentially dangerous for the man he has chosen to learn the truth as government agencies are keen to ensure the secret remains hidden.
The timeline jumps between the 1930s and the present day, which I did find a little confusing at times, but the story is well written and makes you want to read on to find out where it will lead.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy modern historical fiction, and thrillers.
The book tells the story of a secret pact between Germany and the Allies which only comes to light following the murder of a 97 year old former Nazi in Berchtesgaden. He leaves a trail which is potentially dangerous for the man he has chosen to learn the truth as government agencies are keen to ensure the secret remains hidden.
The timeline jumps between the 1930s and the present day, which I did find a little confusing at times, but the story is well written and makes you want to read on to find out where it will lead.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy modern historical fiction, and thrillers.
January 13, 2023
This World War II drama is set in the present and in the past. It’s a story of Hitler and the British trying to end the war through a peace treaty. This book is a fiction of the events that may have happened in the 1930’s. In the 2020’s is the son of a German officer found out that his father was second in command behind Hitler. He left his papers to the son who is a journalist. He now has the proof of the Barbarossa Secret. The American, British and German governments do not want this report made public because it could start another war with Russia. The book as lots of twists and turns. Truth or fiction you decide. It’s a must read.
October 13, 2022
This book is so blooming true to life....or is it?
I was hooked from the moment go from page one upwards. Why? Simply if you loved Robert Harris Munich, Led Deighton XPD and Charles Cummings Trinity Six then you won't be disappointed as it is so enriched with true to life stories that you think did this really happened? That's for you to decide as it kept me on edge and couldn't put it down.
Overall a great read of a book. It's definitely one to be made into a TV drama. I do hope so soon. Best wishes Sean
I was hooked from the moment go from page one upwards. Why? Simply if you loved Robert Harris Munich, Led Deighton XPD and Charles Cummings Trinity Six then you won't be disappointed as it is so enriched with true to life stories that you think did this really happened? That's for you to decide as it kept me on edge and couldn't put it down.
Overall a great read of a book. It's definitely one to be made into a TV drama. I do hope so soon. Best wishes Sean
January 4, 2023
I have been reading novels in this genre for many years: Robert Harris and Sebastian Faulks have written several excellent examples and before them Ken Follett and Jack Higgins led the way, but the work of these bestselling writers seems almost insignificant now with the arrival of Christopher Kerr's thriller.
The author juggles fact and fiction, with a massive cast of real-life characters, drawing the reader into an intensely complex plot that is fascinating, thrilling, and poses extraordinary questions about the fate of the Nazi regime and its leaders. A must read thriller.
The author juggles fact and fiction, with a massive cast of real-life characters, drawing the reader into an intensely complex plot that is fascinating, thrilling, and poses extraordinary questions about the fate of the Nazi regime and its leaders. A must read thriller.
June 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this as it was a "What If" thriller with a fascinating and original premise. I will not provide spoilers but this is a good and exciting read for those who like well written and excellently researched World war 11 thrillers.
This certainly thrilled and entertained from start to finish and I will be looking out for other books by an author who was new to me but surely deserves a far wider audience.
This certainly thrilled and entertained from start to finish and I will be looking out for other books by an author who was new to me but surely deserves a far wider audience.
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November 21, 2022If the are into Nazi secrets you will enjoy this book. It jumps from today to time before WWII. Greta Atkins was a spy for the British that I loved. We learn about the German and British sides of the war. My love for history ate this one up.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and to the publisher The Book Guild Ltd.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and to the publisher The Book Guild Ltd.
October 17, 2022
Pretty interesting story that flowed well and relied on real events to lend depth to the story. My only critique would be that the author seemed to have a weird focus of female wardrobe at points in the story.
December 11, 2023
Fascinating
I really enjoyed reading this story as it unfolded. A fascinating period of history, still in the memories of an incredible generation. Good characters with a plot intermingled with a sense of historical accuracy.
I really enjoyed reading this story as it unfolded. A fascinating period of history, still in the memories of an incredible generation. Good characters with a plot intermingled with a sense of historical accuracy.
June 9, 2022
A fantastic read. Very hard to put down!
July 12, 2022
I gave up. I just couldn't get past the premise.
August 1, 2022
The plot was good, but I did see some errors that I would have expected to have been picked up in proofreading. Phrasing of some sentences led to some confusion.
October 7, 2022
Hard to put down
Found it fascinating and involving. Left me wondering how much of it was true, I would recommend this book as a good read and as food for thought.
Found it fascinating and involving. Left me wondering how much of it was true, I would recommend this book as a good read and as food for thought.
November 28, 2023
Took me forever to make my way through a topic I'd normally find interesting - just a very meh read
October 2, 2025
It was ok, but not my favourite from this author
September 7, 2022
A very interesting story, but an unlikely plot
January 1, 2023
Absolutely one of the best books I have read in a very long time.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews