Bloody Soil

by S. Lee Manning

When Lisette was nine, her world was shattered when a man with a wolf tattoo blew away her father's face in front of her. Fifteen years later, she's become a killer, going after members of a neo-Nazi group whom she believes to be murderers. When a mysterious American, Michael Hall, joins Germany Now, the extremist group that she's infiltrated, and shoots a woman in front of her, Lisette targets him for death. But is he who she thinks he is, or is he trying to prevent a secret and horrific plot?

Genres: Thriller

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2022

About the author

S. Lee Manning spent two years as managing editor of Law Enforcement Communications before realizing that lawyers make a lot more money. A subsequent career as an attorney spanned from a first tier New York law firm, to working for the State of New Jersey, to solo practice. In 2001, Manning agreed to chair New Jerseyans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (NJADP), writing articles on the risk of wrongful execution and arguing against the death penalty on radio and television in the years leading up to its abolition. She also published literary short stories, winning the Cincinnati Mercantile Library short story contest. Currently, she is the award winning author of the Kolya Petrov series, Trojan Horse, Nerve Attack, Bloody Soil, and Imminent Risk, and the stand-alone Deadly Choice.

Reviews

[Doug Levandowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense all the way through with clever twists and fun turns! This is the best in a great trilogy!!

[Lynda Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could the holocaust ever happen again?

That is the central question posed by this story, and here a neo-Nazi organisation is once again beginning to gain traction in Germany.

Michael Hall, whose pseudonyms stretch far back into into his past', is tasked into finding out what plots the new Nazis are hatcbing. He has three probles:fist that his Jewishness is not as undetectiblevas he thinks;secondly, he is to clash with a lone vigilante executioner of Nazis, and thirdly, he is still traumatised ftpm his last mission. Will they be able stop and identify the new Leader in time?

This is the work of a professional: the author knows how to ratchet up the tension with subtle cliffhangers, and juggling the stories of his characters: he keeps ratcheting up the tension..

Excellent reading!

[Phillip Kang · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her new book “Bloody Soil”, S. Lee Manning spins a riveting thriller with a credible premise: a diabolical plan is being planned by a shadowy neo-Nazi white supremacy group to overthrow a democratically elected government in Germany and set up a dictatorship.

This is her third instalment of the Kolya Petrov Thriller series. Having read “Nerve Attack” - her second, which I absolutely loved - the latest one certainly didn’t disappoint me one bit.

The U.S. catches wind of the plot and decides that this group must be stopped from carrying it out. U.S. agent Kolya Petrov of the Executive Covert Agency is given his latest mission: to infiltrate the inner sanctum of the group, find out who its leaders are, its plan and take it down before it’s too late.

As Michael Hall (his covert identity), Kolya arrives in Berlin as a new recruit for the group. He meets Frederick Bauer, the group’ apparent leader, who has contacted him through an online chat group. He is welcomed into its ranks after he has passed a test set up by Bauer, given his weapons expertise which would be useful in carrying out its plan.

Now, in the group Michael draws some unwanted attention from Lisette, Bauer’s girlfriend. She has her own secret agenda: to hunt down the wolf-tattooed neo-Nazi who killed her beloved father 15 years back. Having infiltrated the group, she has got rid of a number of killers among them and has targeted Michael as her next kill. But, is Michael a killer she believes him to be?

Having seen some of his members killed in cold blood, Bauer suspects a traitor in their midst. Neither Michael nor Lisette feels safe. Their fears are about to be confirmed when they are both assigned to collect weapons from a farm owned by a neo-Nazi family. Will they put aside their animosity and align their energies to eliminate their common enemy?

Like Manning's second novel, this novel has all the essential elements of a suspenseful thriller. Indeed from the get-go there is no letup in suspense and excitement. Manning's skillful character development is pretty much evident in the lead characters. Each is portrayed wonderfully with captivating backstories.

It has been a most thrilling read for me and hopefully Kolya will be given his next mission.

I received an advance review copy from Booksirens for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Kolya Petrov series and in my opinion the best so far. Now operating as Michael Hall Petrov arrives in Berlin attempting to join the neo Nazi group called Germany Now. It is believed they are planning a coup and he needs to find the leaders. Really well written this is a fast paced and action packed story with some great characters and I particularly liked Lisette, ok so she’s a killer but a killer with morals, of a sort.

Briefly, Hall quickly attracts the attention of the lovely Lisette. As well as the girlfriend of Frederick, one of the leaders of Germany Now, she is, unknown to both Hall and Frederick, a killer seeking revenge for the murder of her father.

One page of violent action follows another in this breathtaking spy thriller as everyone tries to outdo each other in trying to either start a coup or prevent it. In no time at all Michael finds himself fighting for his life. Very cleverly put together story building towards a terrific and yes, violent again, climax. Great read.

[Ilana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as I finished the book, the news about a presumed Neo-Nazi plot aimed to take over the power made the tour of international media. Using a similar context - on a more dramatic and bloody scale -, Bloody Soil is a fast-paced political thriller, with a carefully planned narrative. The story keeps the suspense until the end, but nevertheless acknowledges human-moral questions and episodes of the German history. A recommended read to anyone looking for a thoughtful political thriller based on - unfortunately - way too many everyday realities.
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of a book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

[Martha Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of the series!

Bloody Soil is the best of the Kolya Petrov series. Exciting and provocative from the first chapter. When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. The content is extremely timely and the plot unfolds with a staccato rhythm that had my pulse racing and my heart quickening. Will Lisette turn up again? Hmm, I wonder….

[Rosemary Bohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This book is exciting, believable and extremely well written. In fact I put it down a few pages before the end and read the ending the next day because I didn't want it to end.

[Matthew Cost · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best in the series! A twisting tale that keeps you guessing right up until the end. Highly recommended.

[David Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bloody Soil” brings back Kolya Petrov, the battered but unstoppable hero of the previous two novels in this series.
Like the other spy thrillers by this author, this one doesn’t disappoint. A group of ruthless (of course, they’re ruthless) neo-Nazis plots to bring down the German government and reinstate the Third Reich. It’s Petrov’s job to stop them.
The fetching Lisette, a veteran assassin, is out to make Petrov the next victim of her deadly skills. But whose side is she on?
“Bloody Soil” is a nonstop action novel of suspicions and questionable loyalties, poisons, some bad guys, some really, really bad guys, shootings, beatings, betrayals and a bit of romance—in other words, all the ingredients for a great spy thriller.

[Lauren Flewett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great action packed read. This felt like a unique read for me as I’ve never read any fiction about neo-nazis in Germany.

The characters really came alive in the novel and I liked that they were all suspicious of each other and didn’t know who to trust.

Great spy thriller novel!

[☠Arianne Reads Horror ☠ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read the second in this series called 'Nerve Attack' And after loving so much, the author kindly sent me 'Bloody Soil' which is number three in the Kolya Petrov thriller collection.

One of the things I love most about these books, is that really, they can all be read as standalone stories. S.Lee Manning does a great job at integrating the previous storylines and information learnt in previous books, in a way that doesn't seem repetitive. But character developments of the main characters also gives readers of the previous books, even more information that wouldn't leave standalone readers confused.

'Bloody Soil' Is a brilliant, fast paced, spy thriller surrounding a not always spoken about terror threat of neo-nazism. I found myself reading for chapters and chapters at a time, which mostly I find hard. I usually put my book down after each chapter, but the writing is so bingeworthy that I just couldn't put it down!!

There was a chapter towards the end, where 'the leader' of the neo-nazi group, where I actually felt so chilled by how similar his inner monologues were compared to Hitler, but in a way that was modern for present time. But it really made my blood run cold thinking about the what if's of someone thinking the same as such a despicable person.

As mentioned, it's extremely fast paced and this really goes with how quick the characters stories move, making it a super easy read even though the subject matter is hard. I loved the story and the relationships formed towards the end.

I really hope that Kolya Petrov will be coming back, and that the series will continue for a long while to come(coming from someone who really doesnt read book series at all!!) Thanks so much @sleemanning for sending me the book to read and review!

[Darren Bourn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this exciting novel from the author and Booksirens.com. I received this Advance Review Copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

The book is about an attempted coup of the German government by a neo-Nazi group, known as Germany Now. This plot involves the overthrow of the government and the creation of a dictatorship run on the principles of the NAZI theory of "Blood and Soil".This plot is discovered and soundly thwarted by the American intelligence agency ECA.

As far as a review, I would give this book a solid four and a quarter stars out of five for its intense and riveting action. I believe this novel would be enjoyed by afficiendos of spy/intelligence novels.

As with all of my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intriguing story. Plenty of action to keep you guessing what happens next. Will Lisette find out the truth about Michael on time. I absolutely loved this book.

[Julisa Basak · Rating 4 out of 5]

WARNING: MASSIVE SPOILER-FILLED REVIEW---
--
--
--
S. Lee Manning’s world of spies and espionage is back for a third round in “Bloody Soil” and this time, things take a personal turn with our spy protagonist, Kolya Petrov, as he takes on a dangerous mission into the lion’s den of a Neo-Nazi group in Germany. In this book, his undercover identity as an American Neo-Nazi White Supremacist comes into conflict with his Jewish background as he tries to maneuver the terrifying world of said group. But he isn’t the only one. While we’re used to seeing Kolya and his spy operative teammates in action, another sleuth takes front and center in the form of Lisette, a new character in Manning’s world who is set out for revenge against the Nazi who killed her liberal father. And she grabs my attention immediately.

Like in her previous books, Manning has a great way of introducing new characters that bring something fresh and new to the plot, as well as test and enrich Kolya’s journey. Lisette is a great addition to the story as a second-protagonist, posing as the girlfriend of Frederick, the Neo-Nazi right-hand man of the mysterious leader of Germany Now, while going through her hit-list of Neo-Nazi members to eliminate in order to find her father’s killer. Each and every one of her moves as a believable supporter, from following Frederick’s public demands to fulfilling his intimate desires, is so satisfying to watch. And I love her for it! Things become even more interesting once Kolya is thrown into the mix as ‘Michael’, recruited by Frederick to teach the other members of Germany Now how to use automatic weapons in order to prepare for a hostile takeover of the country. Manning shows her ability to skillfully weave both Lisette and Kolya’s true intentions while navigating in disguise within a sinister circle. I enjoyed reading from both perspectives, their observations and doubts on whether the other is a true Nazi sympathizer, while we as the reader know the truth. It all leads up to a climactic height once Lisette decides to poison Kolya on two occasions.

Both of them walk a thin and shaky line throughout the novel trying to do good while deceiving Frederick and his ugly band of Neo-Nazis. I’m kept on edge from beginning to end, especially during my favorite scenes at Hans’ home and barn. It’s chilling to read Kolya be amidst three generations of xenophobic killers living as a normal family, with the old Third Reich member antagonizing Kolya right away because he suspects him to be a Jew. The horrific activities that Frederick hold there, leading to the final brawl where Kolya and Lisette are finally discovered, make such a homely place a perfect setting for hate and malice to simmer. I held my breath at every point they were close to being found out. Of course, the moment when Frederick decides to visit Lisette’s (Nazi-supporting) grandmother was when I had to let out an audible, ‘Shit!’, because I knew Lisette’s game was over.

Manning, like before, tells the story from various perspectives, and as always, they feel natural to read. Kolya’s teammates-- Jonathan, Elizabeth, Teo, Tehila, and Frick--return to support his mission, while we also get a new arc from the Equality Institute’s head, Ben Rosenberg, who becomes a main target for the Neo-Nazis. While I wasn’t too invested in their side of the story, everything comes together seamlessly in the final showdown against the bad guys.

Overall, this book was another fun and gripping read in the Kolya Petrov universe with personal and public stakes heightened to a more visceral degree. Instead of indulging in characters with grey, redeeming qualities, or those posing as a national or international threat, we instead witness the familiar and menacing mindset of people like Frederick, Han’s grandfather etc. who truly believe in the spiteful cause to cleanse the world of all non-Whites and non-Nazis. In the end, Bloody Soil felt very much like a quest for justice—for Manning to explore her characters’ Jewish heritage within a sea of hatred and bigotry, and allow the forces of good, civilians included, to rise up against a fascist takeover. If only Lisette was the one to put the final bullet into Frederick’s head! Nevertheless, she adds a perfect femme fatale touch while carrying out justice in her own vigilante ways, and I hope to see her again in the future!

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

TROJAN HORSE, #1 - An interesting introduction and intriguing story. Some may not like Vlad, gruesome but not graphic, but he's an interesting part of this story, which is partly set in Romania. Good characters and interesting story lines along with what will be done in the name of love. Source: BookFunnel. 4*

NERVE ATTACK, #2 - Interesting but so wordy in places I was bored. I also had enough about the negative Russian and Jew references being the cause of several actions. I get the prejudice,
especially the Russian in this genre, but the continuous repetition in both books got on my nerves. Story picks up eight months after TH ends. Source: BookSirens. 3*

BLOODY SOIL, #3 - My favorite of the three books in this series. Deadly Choice is my favorite; both favorites due to the better writing style and my favorite character Lizette. Read all four in order but especially BB then DC. Story oucks up where NA ends. Source: BookSirens. 5*

DEADLY CHOICE - What an awesome book! I've never heard of this author and decided to gamble on four of her ARCs. Something told me I would not regret it. Seldom do I get breathless or excited throughout a story but DC is full of intrigue, excitement, twists and interesting, immersing story lines. The characters are pretty much perfect in their roles. Lizette and Patricia are over the top with their thoughts and actions. I cannot wait to read the other three books; so far, this author is a keeper. Source: BookSirens. 5*

[Sharon Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does an author keep us reading a thriller when we know the protagonist will survive? Ask S. Lee Manning whose latest Kolya Petrov thriller does just that. Through the whole of the novel, he’s in a cat and mouse game with Lisette, a woman who has infiltrated a neo-Nazi group in Germany. We watch as each of them wrestles with motives and morality. The stakes are high, the soil bloody both in the past and the present, and the connection to contemporary politics all too real. Bloody Soil is a novel for those who want thrillers to make them think as they turn the pages.

[Kindlelover 1220 · Rating 5 out of 5]

An espionage thriller that is exciting. The story has enough twists and turns that keeps the plot exciting and keeps the reader guessing. Who can be trusted while fighting for democracy? Each chapter keeps the adventure and thrills going until the satisfying end.

Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and BookGoSocial for this book, I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.