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When Heroes Flew #4
Down a Dark Road
Down a Dark Road transports readers to the shadowy forests of WWII Austria, where a weary and battle-worn Army platoon is about to discover the war’s darkest secret... “...a gut punch of a novel. A tale of war’s end, when the bill comes due in blood...” —Reed Farrel Coleman, New York Times bestselling author of Sleepless City As the war in Europe draws to a close, young Army lieutenant Jim Thayer finds himself and his platoon on the point of the American advance into Austria. Jim and his men are no strangers to the horror of war. But what they find hidden in the forests of Western Austria is beyond anything they have yet experienced. Battling remnants of the legendary Waffen SS, Germany’s elite fighting force, Jim and his men come face to face with the cruel brutality of the Nazi regime. And bear witness to the fields of death left in its wake. Determined to hunt down the architect of this atrocity, Jim dispatches an unofficial team of unlikely allies—an American bomber pilot, a German Luftwaffe fighter pilot, and a young Austrian woman. The war may be ending. But for these strange comrades in arms, the final battle has only just begun... In Down a Dark Road, former Air Force officer H.W. "Buzz" Bernard plunges readers into the final dark and bloody chapter of the war, as they follow Jim and others into the true heart of darkness. ________________________ Praise for DOWN A DARK “Read this book. Share it with your friends and neighbors. Discuss it. Never forget!” —Gene Simmons, cofounder of rock group Kiss “...an action-packed story that also informs on some of the darkest events of World War II.” —Lee Jackson, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of After Dunkirk “Bernard nails the character of Jim and his significant role in the final chaotic days of WWII.” —Major General Raymond F. Rees, USA (ret.) “...reveals the kindness and gentleness—the humanity—of a life-long warrior.” —Ted Kulongoski, Governor of Oregon (2003-2011)
- GenresHistorical Fiction
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2023
1117 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
H.W. "Buzz" Bernard
16 books92 followersH. W. “Buzz” Bernard is a bestselling, award-winning novelist.
His debut novel, EYEWALL, published in 2011, became a number-one bestseller in Amazon’s Kindle Store.
Three of his next four novels won Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition (EPIC) eBook awards in the suspense/thriller category.
In 2020, with the publication of WHEN HEROES FLEW, Buzz switched from writing suspense/thriller novels to WWII historical fiction and began a new series. The first three novels in the series were awarded Gold Medals by the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA). Buzz himself was honored with the MWSA’s highest accolade in 2023, the Founder’s Award.
WHEN HEROES FLEW: THE ROOF OF THE WORLD, the third book in the series, in addition to garnering an MWSA Gold Medal, won the 2023 Nancy Pearl Book Award for genre fiction. The award is sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Writers Association.
Buzz is currently working on his fifth WWII historical fiction book.
Before becoming a novelist, Buzz worked at The Weather Channel as a senior meteorologist for thirteen years. Prior to that, he served as a weather officer in the U.S. Air Force for over three decades. He attained the rank of colonel and received, among other awards, the Legion of Merit.
Buzz is a past president of the Southeastern Writers Association as well as a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, the Willamette Writers, the Military Writers Society of America, International Thriller Writers, and the Atlanta Writers Club.
Although a native Oregonian, Buzz lived for 35 years in Atlanta, and now resides in Kennewick, Washington, with his wife Barbara and their fuzzy Shih Tzu, Stormy . . . who doesn’t live up to his name.
Buzz’s website can be found at www.buzzbernard.com.
His debut novel, EYEWALL, published in 2011, became a number-one bestseller in Amazon’s Kindle Store.
Three of his next four novels won Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition (EPIC) eBook awards in the suspense/thriller category.
In 2020, with the publication of WHEN HEROES FLEW, Buzz switched from writing suspense/thriller novels to WWII historical fiction and began a new series. The first three novels in the series were awarded Gold Medals by the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA). Buzz himself was honored with the MWSA’s highest accolade in 2023, the Founder’s Award.
WHEN HEROES FLEW: THE ROOF OF THE WORLD, the third book in the series, in addition to garnering an MWSA Gold Medal, won the 2023 Nancy Pearl Book Award for genre fiction. The award is sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Writers Association.
Buzz is currently working on his fifth WWII historical fiction book.
Before becoming a novelist, Buzz worked at The Weather Channel as a senior meteorologist for thirteen years. Prior to that, he served as a weather officer in the U.S. Air Force for over three decades. He attained the rank of colonel and received, among other awards, the Legion of Merit.
Buzz is a past president of the Southeastern Writers Association as well as a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, the Willamette Writers, the Military Writers Society of America, International Thriller Writers, and the Atlanta Writers Club.
Although a native Oregonian, Buzz lived for 35 years in Atlanta, and now resides in Kennewick, Washington, with his wife Barbara and their fuzzy Shih Tzu, Stormy . . . who doesn’t live up to his name.
Buzz’s website can be found at www.buzzbernard.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 8, 2025
we are SO back 😎 THIS WAS SO GOOD!!! Went through ALLLLLLLLL THE EMOTIONS MULTIPLE TIMES
June 28, 2023
Down a Dark Road by H. W. "Buzz" Bernard tells the historically fictional story of how Colonel James Thayer of the United States army reserve carried on in the last days of WWII. With historical accuracy and detailed descriptions of tactics and weapons, Bernard brings us down, "boots to the ground," with Jim Thayer and his men. Their mission against the Nazis takes a gruesome turn. They pass through dilapidated towns where disheveled and displaced people are scraping at a semblance of living. But the horrible impact of war on the German people from their own army has not only ravaged the cities and towns. What Jim Thayer and his men find down the road from a particular town horrifies them and would stick in their memory forever. What Jim and his men then did in response was risky but ultimately courageous, honorable, and heroic.
Opinion:
Down a Dark Road was an enjoyable read. The reader can tell that Bernard has done his research and probably has some first-hand experience with the military. The fictional parts (which he mentions at the end of the book) seemed like good choices to make. The historical parts of the story were interesting and seemed accurate. The real genius of the book is how the characters "emote" and the reader gets to feel to some degree what the characters would have felt: the gut-wrenching sorrow and grief, the heartache, the inner struggle whether to fight or flee, and the joy of courage when heroism saves lives. Stories like Down a Dark Road not only stir the heart and mind because of the atrocities and unspeakable things about war, but such stories also remind us why we need brave men and women to fight those wars. Overall, an excellent book, and I would highly recommend it.
Opinion:
Down a Dark Road was an enjoyable read. The reader can tell that Bernard has done his research and probably has some first-hand experience with the military. The fictional parts (which he mentions at the end of the book) seemed like good choices to make. The historical parts of the story were interesting and seemed accurate. The real genius of the book is how the characters "emote" and the reader gets to feel to some degree what the characters would have felt: the gut-wrenching sorrow and grief, the heartache, the inner struggle whether to fight or flee, and the joy of courage when heroism saves lives. Stories like Down a Dark Road not only stir the heart and mind because of the atrocities and unspeakable things about war, but such stories also remind us why we need brave men and women to fight those wars. Overall, an excellent book, and I would highly recommend it.
June 19, 2023
What an amazing series of stories, leading up to one compelling climax. As someone who grew up being fascinated and inspired by WWII books and movies, I would say that this one had elements of Band of Brothers, Memphis Belle, and Saving Private Ryan.
I actually worked for Jim Thayer at two of his office supply stores in Beaverton and Hillsboro Oregon. I wish I had known this story about him back then. I probably would have worked harder. I would never have known any of this by the way Jim carried himself. He was a true "humble hero."
I used to watch Tommy Thayer's band playing locally around Portland back in the 80s, long before he would team up with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. The irony about the Thayer family and the Simmons family connection, and how they go all the way back to a small region of Austria at the end of WWII, is quite eerie.
That Tommy's father would have a hand in helping to liberate Gene's mother back then, and that decades later Tommy would join Gene in arguably the most famous rock band of all time, is just crazy. I hadn't even realized that until I read this book.
I see Tommy's brother "JT," (John) performing with his band occasionally, and have had a few interactions with him. What an interesting family. They do and have done so much for their community, for education, for music lovers, and most importantly, for veterans.
I would encourage everyone to read "Down a Dark Road," and then consider contributing to the Thayer Family Foundation. Peace n Blessings..
I actually worked for Jim Thayer at two of his office supply stores in Beaverton and Hillsboro Oregon. I wish I had known this story about him back then. I probably would have worked harder. I would never have known any of this by the way Jim carried himself. He was a true "humble hero."
I used to watch Tommy Thayer's band playing locally around Portland back in the 80s, long before he would team up with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. The irony about the Thayer family and the Simmons family connection, and how they go all the way back to a small region of Austria at the end of WWII, is quite eerie.
That Tommy's father would have a hand in helping to liberate Gene's mother back then, and that decades later Tommy would join Gene in arguably the most famous rock band of all time, is just crazy. I hadn't even realized that until I read this book.
I see Tommy's brother "JT," (John) performing with his band occasionally, and have had a few interactions with him. What an interesting family. They do and have done so much for their community, for education, for music lovers, and most importantly, for veterans.
I would encourage everyone to read "Down a Dark Road," and then consider contributing to the Thayer Family Foundation. Peace n Blessings..
May 9, 2023
Down a Dark Road by Buzz Bernard is a great read that kept me on the edge of my seat. As a fan of author Bernard, I knew I was in for an unexpected journey covering those messy weeks at the end of World War II. The emotional impact it had was even more of a surprise.
Army lieutenant Jim Thayer and his platoon are sent on a “mop-up” mission into Austria in May 1945. Clearing out the remnants of Germany’s elite Waffen SS had the potential to be bitter fighting to the end. To a man, each soldier was eager to finish the mission so they could go home. All of them dreaded the possibility of dying just before the war ended. What these men found in a dark Austrian forest was nothing short of a grotesque nightmare of atrocities that would stay with them for the rest of their days.
Seeking retribution from the German SS officer responsible for war crimes, Lieutenant Thayer sends an unlikely team into the mountains to track him down. Mo Nesmith, an American bomber pilot shot down over Austria, Jurgen, a German Luftwaffe fighter pilot also shot down over Austria, and a young, naive Austrian woman join Sergeant Bowerman of Thayer’s platoon on a desperate trek into the foothills of the Alps to intercept the dangerous fleeing SS officer. I could not put this book down.
Army lieutenant Jim Thayer and his platoon are sent on a “mop-up” mission into Austria in May 1945. Clearing out the remnants of Germany’s elite Waffen SS had the potential to be bitter fighting to the end. To a man, each soldier was eager to finish the mission so they could go home. All of them dreaded the possibility of dying just before the war ended. What these men found in a dark Austrian forest was nothing short of a grotesque nightmare of atrocities that would stay with them for the rest of their days.
Seeking retribution from the German SS officer responsible for war crimes, Lieutenant Thayer sends an unlikely team into the mountains to track him down. Mo Nesmith, an American bomber pilot shot down over Austria, Jurgen, a German Luftwaffe fighter pilot also shot down over Austria, and a young, naive Austrian woman join Sergeant Bowerman of Thayer’s platoon on a desperate trek into the foothills of the Alps to intercept the dangerous fleeing SS officer. I could not put this book down.
May 9, 2023
This tale, the fourth in the excellent “When Heroes Flew” series, tells of a real-life hero, Lt. Jim Thayer, who liberated a Nazi concentration camp in Austria at the end of WWII. H.W. Buzz Bernard never knew Jim Thayer but interviewed Jim’s sons and friends to create an edge-of-your seat exploit that is both thrilling and suspenseful while being faithful to Jim’s true-life story, his character and moral principles. As with the previous three adventures, Buzz writes action and dialogue that is entirely plausible, realistic and very close to the truth that Jim recounted in his own words late in life. When Jim and his fellow officers found themselves in the midst of almost unimaginable death and suffering, Jim made the decision to call for immediate food and emergency medical care which saved several thousand survivors who would have died from disease and hunger without Jim’s immediate intervention. It was not until after the war that the true intent of the Nazi death camps was fully known and recognized as a Holocaust. Hats off to Buzz Bernard for his heroic story about my long-time friend and mentor, Jim Thayer.
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January 24, 2024MWSA Review
Down a Dark Road by Buzz Bernard is the fourth in his World War II historical fiction series When Heroes Flew. While based somewhat on a real person and some of his experiences, additional characters bring the story to life. The characters and the setting were superbly done and quite believable. Many of the descriptions are not only creative and different with the use of literary devices, but they also have a memorable quality. The characters were written so that I cared about them and was sad when any of them died.
The author uses language that is precise and paints a picture that is easily understood. He uses repetition only for effect (scenes of the death camps). The death camp scenes are well told, although a difficult subject, and may seem overdone to some, but I find that the repetition pointed out exactly how horrible they were.
World War II aficionados will find new material relating to some of the less well-known missions.
Review by Betsy Beard (January 2024)
Down a Dark Road by Buzz Bernard is the fourth in his World War II historical fiction series When Heroes Flew. While based somewhat on a real person and some of his experiences, additional characters bring the story to life. The characters and the setting were superbly done and quite believable. Many of the descriptions are not only creative and different with the use of literary devices, but they also have a memorable quality. The characters were written so that I cared about them and was sad when any of them died.
The author uses language that is precise and paints a picture that is easily understood. He uses repetition only for effect (scenes of the death camps). The death camp scenes are well told, although a difficult subject, and may seem overdone to some, but I find that the repetition pointed out exactly how horrible they were.
World War II aficionados will find new material relating to some of the less well-known missions.
Review by Betsy Beard (January 2024)
February 22, 2023
Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster ride!
While I’ve been entertained by all of Buzz Bernard’s When Heroes Flew and can easily admit to being held in anxious suspense in every flying scene with the hair on my arms standing on end. However, I really wasn’t ready for the emotional rollercoaster he put me through with Down a Dark Road. I had all the normal anxiety and hairs raised, but this is the first of his books that brought tears to my eyes. The characters and their interactions created what I believe is Buzz’s best story. As far as the tears, all I can say is read this book and see how it affects you. If you have read the previous books in the When Heroes Flew series, you owe it to yourself to read this installment in the series. I received an advance Reader Copy of Down a Dark Road from the publisher and chose to provide my honest review.
While I’ve been entertained by all of Buzz Bernard’s When Heroes Flew and can easily admit to being held in anxious suspense in every flying scene with the hair on my arms standing on end. However, I really wasn’t ready for the emotional rollercoaster he put me through with Down a Dark Road. I had all the normal anxiety and hairs raised, but this is the first of his books that brought tears to my eyes. The characters and their interactions created what I believe is Buzz’s best story. As far as the tears, all I can say is read this book and see how it affects you. If you have read the previous books in the When Heroes Flew series, you owe it to yourself to read this installment in the series. I received an advance Reader Copy of Down a Dark Road from the publisher and chose to provide my honest review.
May 9, 2023
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest review. This is historical fiction book with a lot of real history. The story is about a real soldier who survived WWII and the story of his time during the last days of the war. His discovery of a death camp I’m sure is true and having read previously about the discovery of other camps. I feel sure that this part is not fiction. Parts of the book are hard to read because of the human suffering. It’s a story that needs to be told to each generation as a reminder of the brutality of war. I highly recommend this book.
May 17, 2023
Heros who don't feel like heros
This book was hard to put down ..this book pointed out the Astros other that are seen by military men that has a hard place to be placed in the psych. Absolutely amazing I had relatives who walked in and liberated concentration camps they had to take pictures of them and the pictures are terrible but it had an everlasting mental hardship on their minds seeing the actual cruelty of individuals and what they did to people in these camps...the book really emphasis this and in a true factual manner ...well done
This book was hard to put down ..this book pointed out the Astros other that are seen by military men that has a hard place to be placed in the psych. Absolutely amazing I had relatives who walked in and liberated concentration camps they had to take pictures of them and the pictures are terrible but it had an everlasting mental hardship on their minds seeing the actual cruelty of individuals and what they did to people in these camps...the book really emphasis this and in a true factual manner ...well done
November 28, 2023
another home run for Buzz!
I wasn’t certain I was going to like this book. I had read the previous 3 and liked them. But the description of this one informed about infantry and ground assault, with not much about flying, which is my passion, but the character development was top notch, and I got to a point where I couldn’t put the book down. So if your a fan of his previous books, give this one a read. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
I wasn’t certain I was going to like this book. I had read the previous 3 and liked them. But the description of this one informed about infantry and ground assault, with not much about flying, which is my passion, but the character development was top notch, and I got to a point where I couldn’t put the book down. So if your a fan of his previous books, give this one a read. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
May 7, 2024
A legacy of Service
Having been born in 1940, several of my uncles served in the great war. Uncle Kenneth served as a navigator in B-17out of England over Germany, Uncle John was a B29 pilot flying out of Tinnian Island in the Pacific. Uncle Edward was a sailor in the Pacific. Uncle Donald was an Infantryman wounded at the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge. They all survived the war. These stories brought back many memories from photos they shared over the years.
Having been born in 1940, several of my uncles served in the great war. Uncle Kenneth served as a navigator in B-17out of England over Germany, Uncle John was a B29 pilot flying out of Tinnian Island in the Pacific. Uncle Edward was a sailor in the Pacific. Uncle Donald was an Infantryman wounded at the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge. They all survived the war. These stories brought back many memories from photos they shared over the years.
May 14, 2023
Based on a WW2 story, it's an emotional Rollercoaster that is hard to put down. Written in a way that explores the emotions experienced at the end of the war especially with the discovery of the worst examples of man's inhumanity to man but also explores friendship and respect of opponents that can develop.
June 5, 2023
heart wrenching and heartwarming!
I’ve read a lot of Buzz Bernard’s books, and I get very caught up in each one. He weaves excellent tales, historically accurate woven with historical fiction. With Excellent command of the English language, his characters pull you in and don’t let go until the end of the story6.
I’ve read a lot of Buzz Bernard’s books, and I get very caught up in each one. He weaves excellent tales, historically accurate woven with historical fiction. With Excellent command of the English language, his characters pull you in and don’t let go until the end of the story6.
June 14, 2023
Fantastic !!
I have read and loved all of the preceding books in this series. As great as they were this book tops them! Buzz Bernard writes in a way that makes you feel you know or want to meet the characters. The raw he describes the atrocities committed by the German SS is overwhelming. If You like world war historical fiction this is a must read series.
I have read and loved all of the preceding books in this series. As great as they were this book tops them! Buzz Bernard writes in a way that makes you feel you know or want to meet the characters. The raw he describes the atrocities committed by the German SS is overwhelming. If You like world war historical fiction this is a must read series.
August 6, 2023
Great Book !
I've read all four books in this series and didn't stop until I had finished the complete book each time. They all tell a great story . I recommend this last book in the group as a
lesson in history even though it is part fictional.
My admire this author he knows how to gather you into his story and you don't want to leave!
I've read all four books in this series and didn't stop until I had finished the complete book each time. They all tell a great story . I recommend this last book in the group as a
lesson in history even though it is part fictional.
My admire this author he knows how to gather you into his story and you don't want to leave!
March 9, 2024
gritty in the dirt up to you eyeballs in realism and suspense
Living in Germany in the mid 60’s we got to know many fine German families that were completely devastated with HILTLER and the NAZI movement, To remind all of us to watch all government (including ours) leaders bent on changing our constitution and character with liberal agendas,
Living in Germany in the mid 60’s we got to know many fine German families that were completely devastated with HILTLER and the NAZI movement, To remind all of us to watch all government (including ours) leaders bent on changing our constitution and character with liberal agendas,
April 18, 2023
Thai book addresses a dark chapter in WWII, but the author addresses it with careful aplomb. It is fast moving and has well developed characters show both the good and the bad sides of man at war. Highly recommend
May 31, 2023
Great Book
This was a Great Book in the When Heroes Flew Series. Even thought it was not much about Flying. it started out slow for me, but it did pickup pretty quick. Well worth reading!!
This was a Great Book in the When Heroes Flew Series. Even thought it was not much about Flying. it started out slow for me, but it did pickup pretty quick. Well worth reading!!
June 4, 2023
Courage, Honor, Hope and the Horrors of the Holocaust
I have enjoyed reading all of “Buzz” Bernard’s When Heroes Flew series, but I must say this was the first to move me to tears.
I have enjoyed reading all of “Buzz” Bernard’s When Heroes Flew series, but I must say this was the first to move me to tears.
June 20, 2024
excellent historical fiction based on fact
The epilogue and the author’s note at the end, make you realize how small the world is in reality. This is a must read for fans of historical fiction
The epilogue and the author’s note at the end, make you realize how small the world is in reality. This is a must read for fans of historical fiction
July 21, 2024
The inhumanity of man!
Spoiler alert! At the end you learn this was a true story! You just don't learn the outcome of all the characters. Most graphic description of the conditions of a Nazi death camp I have ever read.
Spoiler alert! At the end you learn this was a true story! You just don't learn the outcome of all the characters. Most graphic description of the conditions of a Nazi death camp I have ever read.
April 3, 2025
As real as it gets
Touching, moving, exciting, Bernard has crated a tale based in reality that can tear your heart out and make you want to be a better man. Thrown into an impossible situation, the people in this story rise above it to truly heroic proportions.
Touching, moving, exciting, Bernard has crated a tale based in reality that can tear your heart out and make you want to be a better man. Thrown into an impossible situation, the people in this story rise above it to truly heroic proportions.
October 4, 2025
Based on the true story of LT Thayer, Down a Dark Road weaves a gripping story. Buzz crafts page turners that tend to keep you reading past your bedtime. Worth it. Read it for yourself and see why Buzz consistently receives accolade after accolade.
May 10, 2023
Excelleny
Great read from front to back. Enjoyed immensely. Looking forward to the next one. Authentic and crisp, moves along nicely.
Great read from front to back. Enjoyed immensely. Looking forward to the next one. Authentic and crisp, moves along nicely.
May 13, 2023
Inspiring WW2 story
A nice rad although some of the situations were outlandish. But, it was full of action and surprises. Enjoyed it.
A nice rad although some of the situations were outlandish. But, it was full of action and surprises. Enjoyed it.
May 15, 2023
Excellent Series
All of the books in this series are terrific. With that said, this review is about Down a Dark Road. Buzz hit a grand slam with this book!
All of the books in this series are terrific. With that said, this review is about Down a Dark Road. Buzz hit a grand slam with this book!
June 22, 2023
A good story but very sad in some parts
I live in Lake Oswego ad have met Jim's three of his sons. It was a good read and I learned a few things I didn't know.
I live in Lake Oswego ad have met Jim's three of his sons. It was a good read and I learned a few things I didn't know.
August 21, 2023
Heros
Such heroes are recognized in the five books in this series Pleased know that I salute their epic tales God bless them
Such heroes are recognized in the five books in this series Pleased know that I salute their epic tales God bless them
September 5, 2023
A difficult story be told describing the terrible
acts of war. Although it's
historical fiction, it educated me.
acts of war. Although it's
historical fiction, it educated me.
October 15, 2023
4th in the series, a well researched book about the American soldiers that discovered one of the death camps in Austria and how two of them followed and killed the SS Nazi in charge of it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews