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"Fasten your seatbelt for an edge-of-your-seat ride for nonstop action as MI6 agent Katrin Nissen navigates the deadly waters of Nazi Germany on the hunt for a missing agent." –M.G. Chapman, author of the Covert Ops series
A desperate search for a missing MI6 colleague and the microfilm he possesses leads Professor Katrin Nissen deep into the maelstrom of Nazi-controlled Berlin. Impulsive and reckless, Dieter Weiss may have pushed his luck too far and taken one chance too many. Against all odds, Katrin has just one week to find him.
Posing as a research scientist sympathetic to the Nazis, Katrin attends a conference organized by Heinrich Himmler. The conference will showcase the Nazis' dark plans to redesign nature and will become the birthing ground of the Holocaust - a cost far greater than Katrin is willing to accept.
Weiss's sister, Kristine Trautmann, a staff photographer for Himmler, is also at the conference. While Kristine may provide the key to Dieter's whereabouts, she has her own secrets, and should Himmler discover the truth, it will cost her life.
Against a backdrop of a political agenda so bizarre as to seem impossible, Katrin discovers that the Nazis aren't the only ones to fear. A serial killer stalks the university halls. Armed with her wits and her trusty stiletto, Katrin finds herself in the crosshairs of danger in the fight of her life.
A desperate search for a missing MI6 colleague and the microfilm he possesses leads Professor Katrin Nissen deep into the maelstrom of Nazi-controlled Berlin. Impulsive and reckless, Dieter Weiss may have pushed his luck too far and taken one chance too many. Against all odds, Katrin has just one week to find him.
Posing as a research scientist sympathetic to the Nazis, Katrin attends a conference organized by Heinrich Himmler. The conference will showcase the Nazis' dark plans to redesign nature and will become the birthing ground of the Holocaust - a cost far greater than Katrin is willing to accept.
Weiss's sister, Kristine Trautmann, a staff photographer for Himmler, is also at the conference. While Kristine may provide the key to Dieter's whereabouts, she has her own secrets, and should Himmler discover the truth, it will cost her life.
Against a backdrop of a political agenda so bizarre as to seem impossible, Katrin discovers that the Nazis aren't the only ones to fear. A serial killer stalks the university halls. Armed with her wits and her trusty stiletto, Katrin finds herself in the crosshairs of danger in the fight of her life.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 11, 2022
In Crosswind (The WWII Adventures of MI6 Agent Katrin Nissen Book 1), Karen Brees introduces a unique heroine. Katrin Nissen is a Danish-American professor of Botany, who is also a trained spy. In the first of hopefully a successful series, she is sent into Germany itself using her scientific work as cover for a case involving multiple murders, family secrets, and internal squabbling in the American espionage agencies.
The character of Katrin is well-drawn, the history and science well-researched, and the suspense crackling. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more.
Disclosure, I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
The character of Katrin is well-drawn, the history and science well-researched, and the suspense crackling. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more.
Disclosure, I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
October 18, 2022
I thought I’d had my fill of WWII historical fiction. I have read quite a lot of it, and much of it has been very good. Then I had the chance to read an advance copy of Crosswind and I’m so glad that I did. Right from the start, the author discloses that the main character, Katrin Nissen, is not an actual person, but a composite of a number of women. I had to keep reminding myself of this, as Katrin is such a well-written and authentic character
When Professor Nissen goes undercover in Nazi Berlin, she is searching for an M16 colleague and the top-secret microfilm believed to be in his possession. The missing operative is Dieter Weiss, who is desperately trying to locate a sister he has never met. His sister, Kristine Trautmann, is a photographer employed by Holocaust mastermind Heinrich Himmler. She and Katrin Nissen are both in attendance at a conference planned by Herr Himmler, but there may be too many secrets to allow them to work together to find the missing Weiss.
Excellent character development and a plot full of twists and turns. Crosswinds is a must for lovers of political intrigue, wrapped in a beautifully edited historical novel.
I was pleased to see that this is Book One, which must mean a sequel is underway. Great news!!
When Professor Nissen goes undercover in Nazi Berlin, she is searching for an M16 colleague and the top-secret microfilm believed to be in his possession. The missing operative is Dieter Weiss, who is desperately trying to locate a sister he has never met. His sister, Kristine Trautmann, is a photographer employed by Holocaust mastermind Heinrich Himmler. She and Katrin Nissen are both in attendance at a conference planned by Herr Himmler, but there may be too many secrets to allow them to work together to find the missing Weiss.
Excellent character development and a plot full of twists and turns. Crosswinds is a must for lovers of political intrigue, wrapped in a beautifully edited historical novel.
I was pleased to see that this is Book One, which must mean a sequel is underway. Great news!!
July 31, 2023
Just 16 Days
This is a taut, well-written, smart spy thriller with a fascinating lead character named Katrin, a Danish-American. The story takes place in only 16 days, in June of 1940. If you are a student of history, you know what a momentous year that was for Nazi Germany. Since America had not yet entered the war, Katrin could attend a scientific conference in Berlin and that is where the bulk of this book takes place. There we meet many of the most historically notorious Nazis and learn new details of their horrific policies. Interspersed in the anxiety-inducing plot is Katrin's fabulously dry wit which provided some welcome relief to this reader.
As I have discovered in the last few years, reading about Nazi Germany is no longer a historical exercise. There are just too many uncomfortable parallels to what we are seeing here in America which is the best reason to continue reading them.
This is a taut, well-written, smart spy thriller with a fascinating lead character named Katrin, a Danish-American. The story takes place in only 16 days, in June of 1940. If you are a student of history, you know what a momentous year that was for Nazi Germany. Since America had not yet entered the war, Katrin could attend a scientific conference in Berlin and that is where the bulk of this book takes place. There we meet many of the most historically notorious Nazis and learn new details of their horrific policies. Interspersed in the anxiety-inducing plot is Katrin's fabulously dry wit which provided some welcome relief to this reader.
As I have discovered in the last few years, reading about Nazi Germany is no longer a historical exercise. There are just too many uncomfortable parallels to what we are seeing here in America which is the best reason to continue reading them.
August 23, 2023
The invitation to present at a botanical conference is in direct opposition to Dr. Katrin Nissen’s research, but it provides the MI6 agent with the perfect cover for visiting Germany in June 1940. Another American agent has gone missing; Katrin must determine why, find him, and recover missing microfilm. His half-sister may be helpful, but she is a staff photographer for Heinrich Himmler. Or there is the mole within the University of Berlin’s physics department if Katrin can determine who he is. Soon after her arrival, small items go missing, her room is searched, and she happens upon the body of a murdered professor. The deceased is neither the first nor the last victim, and most are in direct opposition to current Nazi thinking. The mystery intrigues her, and there are many suspects, but solving it is not her primary objective.
Crosswind is an entry in a well-researched World War II series, but it is not a spy thriller. There are occasional passages filled with information readers may find themselves skipping over, and the author occasionally repeats explanations about cultural differences within the narrative and the afterword. The story unfolds from three perspectives – Katrin’s is in first person, while the missing agent and his half-sister are in third person – which is the only justification for using similar names for Katrin and the half-sister (Kristine). Although reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, Crosswind lacks as much tension as readers may expect. The most compelling scene unfolds during a side trip in which the Gestapo arrest Katrin, yet her extrication from the situation seems contrived. For readers seeking an interesting tale without full immersion, or who want to see the seemingly innocuous ways in which the Nazis manipulated research to reinforce their goals, Crosswind is worth the read.
(This review originally appeared in Historical Novels Review: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...)
Crosswind is an entry in a well-researched World War II series, but it is not a spy thriller. There are occasional passages filled with information readers may find themselves skipping over, and the author occasionally repeats explanations about cultural differences within the narrative and the afterword. The story unfolds from three perspectives – Katrin’s is in first person, while the missing agent and his half-sister are in third person – which is the only justification for using similar names for Katrin and the half-sister (Kristine). Although reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, Crosswind lacks as much tension as readers may expect. The most compelling scene unfolds during a side trip in which the Gestapo arrest Katrin, yet her extrication from the situation seems contrived. For readers seeking an interesting tale without full immersion, or who want to see the seemingly innocuous ways in which the Nazis manipulated research to reinforce their goals, Crosswind is worth the read.
(This review originally appeared in Historical Novels Review: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...)
September 29, 2022
"Subtle change was coming. There was danger, and everyone knew, although they would never admit it, that soon the danger would become a nightmare from which there would be no escape."
The above is a line from “Crosswind,” the latest novel from Karen K. Brees in which she spins a WWII spy thriller with a fascinating twist: the protagonist, Danish-born Dr. Katrin Nissen, Yale professor of botany, is also an undercover wartime agent for Allied intelligence in the early days of Adolph Hitler’s blitzkrieg across Europe.
When a key German operative working for the Allies suddenly disappears, Dr. Nissen is dispatched to Berlin to find him under the guise of attending an academic conference on Plant Sociology, a far-fetched (and historically true) Nazi construct to the effect that nature seeks to weed out undesirable plants, and that society likewise has an imperative to eliminate undesirable human beings. The botanists at the University of Berlin are required to present this doctrine as science, just as all German scientists are now required to bend their findings so that they fall in line with Hitler’s ideology.
A mysterious string of seemingly accidental deaths among the University botanists, inexplicably missing and misplaced research materials, and the ubiquitous presence of the Gestapo everywhere from the city streets to the halls of academia, create an atmosphere of fear and danger which Dr. Katrin Nissen must carefully and surreptitiously negotiate in her search for an agent who seems to have vanished into thin air.
Full of quick turns, simmering intrigues, and amazing historical events, “Crosswind” is a captivating page-turner that you’ll wish would go on after the last satisfying page. But good news: There’s a sequel on the way!
The above is a line from “Crosswind,” the latest novel from Karen K. Brees in which she spins a WWII spy thriller with a fascinating twist: the protagonist, Danish-born Dr. Katrin Nissen, Yale professor of botany, is also an undercover wartime agent for Allied intelligence in the early days of Adolph Hitler’s blitzkrieg across Europe.
When a key German operative working for the Allies suddenly disappears, Dr. Nissen is dispatched to Berlin to find him under the guise of attending an academic conference on Plant Sociology, a far-fetched (and historically true) Nazi construct to the effect that nature seeks to weed out undesirable plants, and that society likewise has an imperative to eliminate undesirable human beings. The botanists at the University of Berlin are required to present this doctrine as science, just as all German scientists are now required to bend their findings so that they fall in line with Hitler’s ideology.
A mysterious string of seemingly accidental deaths among the University botanists, inexplicably missing and misplaced research materials, and the ubiquitous presence of the Gestapo everywhere from the city streets to the halls of academia, create an atmosphere of fear and danger which Dr. Katrin Nissen must carefully and surreptitiously negotiate in her search for an agent who seems to have vanished into thin air.
Full of quick turns, simmering intrigues, and amazing historical events, “Crosswind” is a captivating page-turner that you’ll wish would go on after the last satisfying page. But good news: There’s a sequel on the way!
January 10, 2023
Crosswind
The WWII Adventures of MI6 Agent Katrin Nissen
by Karen K. Brees
Pub Date 29 Dec 2022
Black Rose Writing
Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers
I am reviewing a copy of Crosswind through Black Rose Writing and Netgalley:
Katrin Nissen is in a desperate search for a missing MI6 colleague and the microfilm he possesses leads. She finds herself deep into the maelstrom of Nazi-controlled Berlin. Impulsive and reckless, Dieter Weiss may have pushed his luck too far and taken one chance too many. Against all odds, Katrin has just one week to find him.
Katrin posses as a research scientist sympathetic to the Nazis, Katrin attends a conference organized by Heinrich Himmler. The conference will showcase the Nazis' dark plans to redesign nature and will become the birthing ground of the Holocaust a cost far greater than Katrin is willing to accept.
Kristine Trautmann, Weiss's sister is a staff photographer for Himmler, is also at the conference. While Kristine may provide the key to Dieter's whereabouts, she has her own secrets, and should Himmler discover the truth, it will cost her life.
In a backdrop of a political agenda so bizarre it seems impossible, Katrin discovers that the Nazis aren't the only ones to fear. A serial killer stalks the university halls. Katrin discovers that the Nazis aren't the only ones to fear. A serial killer stalks the university halls.
I give Crosswind five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
The WWII Adventures of MI6 Agent Katrin Nissen
by Karen K. Brees
Pub Date 29 Dec 2022
Black Rose Writing
Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers
I am reviewing a copy of Crosswind through Black Rose Writing and Netgalley:
Katrin Nissen is in a desperate search for a missing MI6 colleague and the microfilm he possesses leads. She finds herself deep into the maelstrom of Nazi-controlled Berlin. Impulsive and reckless, Dieter Weiss may have pushed his luck too far and taken one chance too many. Against all odds, Katrin has just one week to find him.
Katrin posses as a research scientist sympathetic to the Nazis, Katrin attends a conference organized by Heinrich Himmler. The conference will showcase the Nazis' dark plans to redesign nature and will become the birthing ground of the Holocaust a cost far greater than Katrin is willing to accept.
Kristine Trautmann, Weiss's sister is a staff photographer for Himmler, is also at the conference. While Kristine may provide the key to Dieter's whereabouts, she has her own secrets, and should Himmler discover the truth, it will cost her life.
In a backdrop of a political agenda so bizarre it seems impossible, Katrin discovers that the Nazis aren't the only ones to fear. A serial killer stalks the university halls. Katrin discovers that the Nazis aren't the only ones to fear. A serial killer stalks the university halls.
I give Crosswind five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
December 5, 2022
The WW II Adventures of MI6 agent Katrin Nissen
When MI6 agent, Katrin Nissen, is sent to Berlin to locate a missing MI6 spy and recover badly needed microfilm, she thinks she knows what to expect. As a professor of botany, her cover, attending a worldwide horticulture conference to deliver a research paper is a good fit.
From the minute she arrives in Berlin she senses danger everywhere. Everyone she meets involved in her stay from her hostess, where she is a guest in her home, to the home’s cook, is a spy. Even at the University of Berlin, where the conference is being held, it is clear to Katrin that this conference is less about exchanging scientific knowledge with her hosts than it is a forum for Germany to flex its muscle and display its dominance in every area. Even plants.
This novel exposes the evil and fanaticism of the Nazis that few people know about. What a good read!
I received an advance copy of this book from someone who knows I'm interested in female spies in WW II.
When MI6 agent, Katrin Nissen, is sent to Berlin to locate a missing MI6 spy and recover badly needed microfilm, she thinks she knows what to expect. As a professor of botany, her cover, attending a worldwide horticulture conference to deliver a research paper is a good fit.
From the minute she arrives in Berlin she senses danger everywhere. Everyone she meets involved in her stay from her hostess, where she is a guest in her home, to the home’s cook, is a spy. Even at the University of Berlin, where the conference is being held, it is clear to Katrin that this conference is less about exchanging scientific knowledge with her hosts than it is a forum for Germany to flex its muscle and display its dominance in every area. Even plants.
This novel exposes the evil and fanaticism of the Nazis that few people know about. What a good read!
I received an advance copy of this book from someone who knows I'm interested in female spies in WW II.
October 22, 2022
A riveting spy story that takes the reader deeply into the pervasive fear that gripped Nazi Germany.
Crosswind weaves a multi-layered mystery around seemingly disparate subjects: academia, botany, and the fear and paranoia that permeated Nazi Germany. Told partly through the eyes of botany professor/MI6 agent Katrin Nissen and partly through third-person perspectives, the author made me feel as though I were experiencing a distant era first-hand. Clever storylines, an engaging protagonist, a host of diverse characters, and unstinting attention to scientific and historical details make this book a winner.
I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of Crosswind and have provided this review voluntarily.
Crosswind weaves a multi-layered mystery around seemingly disparate subjects: academia, botany, and the fear and paranoia that permeated Nazi Germany. Told partly through the eyes of botany professor/MI6 agent Katrin Nissen and partly through third-person perspectives, the author made me feel as though I were experiencing a distant era first-hand. Clever storylines, an engaging protagonist, a host of diverse characters, and unstinting attention to scientific and historical details make this book a winner.
I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of Crosswind and have provided this review voluntarily.
December 31, 2022
Superb writing in this complex and harrowing historical tale, so disturbing because so much of it is being repeated in today's frightening world. Got a great feminist theme as well! Dr. Katrin Nissen, a Dane who is a highly-considered botany professor, is also an undercover spy for the Allies in the early days of WWII. She must travel to Berlin to find an important colleague all the while pretending to be simply a participant at an academic conference. Brees carries us through what is not only the politics of the era (so timely compared to now) but a plot that rides alongside fearing Hitler and the Nazis - there's also a serial killer on the loose! A wonderful read, especially for those who appreciate a good spy thriller and love a strong female protagonist.
May 4, 2023
Crosswind takes readers on an action-packed journey into the 1940s during Adolph Hitler’s rise to power in Europe. Agent Katrin Nissen is smart, tough, and relentless. Sent to Berlin on a mission to locate a missing agent, Katrin finds herself in the middle of a second mysterious case as several suspicious deaths plague the university. Faced with danger at every turn, she must protect her own life while tracking down the truth and a killer.
Award-winning author Karen K. Brees is a master at historical fiction while adding suspense and mystery to the plot. Her thorough research of life during World War II and horticulture produced a storyline with twists I didn’t see coming until the very end
Award-winning author Karen K. Brees is a master at historical fiction while adding suspense and mystery to the plot. Her thorough research of life during World War II and horticulture produced a storyline with twists I didn’t see coming until the very end
May 8, 2023
Katrin Nissen is not only professor of botany, but she is also part-time M16 agent. She is sent to Nazi Berlin in the early days of WW2 to locate a missing agent with her plausible undercover story of presenting at a horticulture conference. Danger is everywhere around her, especially when mysterious deaths in the university start to occur. Is this the work of an ordinary madman or is this somehow related to her mission? Karen K. Bree’s Crosswinds is a masterful page-turner of espionage and suspense. Katrin is a strong female character, reminding us of the role that women did play back then in turning the tide of the war and I’m really looking forward to the sequel. Fans of WWII fiction will not want to miss this!
November 1, 2022
Brees deftly weaves the story of two agents determined to help the Allies prevail. Crosswind is masterfully told, as it makes us care about the characters and their realistic danger as they navigate the political landscape of Berlin in 1940. Set amid the climate of paranoia and fear created by Nazi propaganda and the secret police, Agent Katrin Nissen is thrust into German academia. While hiding in plain sight, she must determine the status of a missing agent, investigate a series of deaths, and present her research at the conference, all without attracting the attention of the Gestapo. No easy task. I can't wait to read about her next adventure.
September 18, 2023
Crosswind is one of the more intelligent historical fiction books I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Who knew I needed botanical research mixed in with a well-thought out spy plot? Fact is, Karen K. Brees seamlessly blends the horticultural aspects in with the espionage—depicting the niche historical topic of the Nazi obsession with native plants into a storyline with a well-rounded female protagonist. Set against the scenery of 1940s Berlin, we’re treated to a fantastic story filled with notorious political propaganda, a twisted serial killer, and reconnaissance action. I may be a little bit of a history buff, but this is a novel where you certainly don’t need to be to enjoy it.
February 16, 2023
The main character, Katrin, is a kickass hero with the brains and drive to forge two high-powered career paths. She is smart, crafty, tough, with a sense of humor that made me snort-laugh. 'Crosswind' will keep you turning pages as American Katrin tries to accomplish her mission while navigating the worrisome times of Germany in June of 1940. Brees has written a wonderful historical fiction novel using her deft narrative skills to entertain and her thorough knowledge of the subject matter to inform.
April 8, 2023
A gripping WWII historical fiction novel that follows MI6 agent Katrin Nissen as she travels to Germany on a dangerous mission to uncover the fate of her colleague and retrieve important information critical to the Allied war effort. Navigating the treacherous landscape of Nazi Germany, Katrin must elude the Gestapo and complete her mission while also saving two German women before their own secrets are discovered. Reminiscent of Larry Loftis's national bestseller, Code Name: Lise, Crosswind is meticulously researched and a thrilling tale of espionage and bravery.
November 5, 2022
Set in the early days of World War II before America’s formal entry into the conflict, Crosswind is a taut, engaging spy thriller. The novel features a female protagonist whose role as a university professor serves as a perfect cover for her work as a secret agent. Author Karen K. Brees meticulously recreates Nazi Germany and world of 1940, an uncertain time that would soon plummet into global chaos. For fans of historical fiction, Crosswind is sure to satisfy.
April 19, 2023
Well as far as brilliantly written books go, I think Crosswind is up there with the best. I enjoyed every bit of reading this book. What an Adventure, the setting is perfect. I felt like I was there in the middle of it all. I felt the fear, the love and the relief every character felt in the story. This is quite an interesting read, looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
January 25, 2024
A Good Read
A female M16 agent goes to Germany to rescue another agent. Being a female agent is tough, but using her expertise in botany, she gets an invitation to a conference. Then the adventure begins. The author does a good job with interesting characters and ha second mYstrry to solve. I recommend.
A female M16 agent goes to Germany to rescue another agent. Being a female agent is tough, but using her expertise in botany, she gets an invitation to a conference. Then the adventure begins. The author does a good job with interesting characters and ha second mYstrry to solve. I recommend.
December 19, 2024
I receive many promotions on books of a certain subject. This one seemed good and it was. More often than not a fiction book can be a little hard to believe. Not this one. The author is very good and obviously did some nice research into the period of time during WWII. It flowed well. The characters were credible and the situation was very real. I recommend this book and I look forward to the next one in the series.
February 10, 2023
Well-written World War II spy thriller about an America-based female M16 agent. I was especially impressed with the amount of historical and botanical research the author had to go through to create this unique blend of politics and botany wrapped inside this page-turner novel.
March 12, 2023
This is a new to me author and I can’t wait to continue to read what she writes. This story was spellbinding and very intriguing. I can’t wait to read the next story of this series.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 8, 2023
I loved the strong female character of Katrin. Intelligent, courageous and resourceful. I was captivated from the onset as she flew undercover to Nazi Germany to locate a fellow spy who had gone missing. Carefully researched it is a rare glimpse into the Gestapo mindset. Bravo!
February 26, 2024
Great novel
Enjoyed this book so much, can't wait to read the 2nd one. It is very fast paced, and well researched. This is the first book I have read of Karen Brees but it will not be last.
Enjoyed this book so much, can't wait to read the 2nd one. It is very fast paced, and well researched. This is the first book I have read of Karen Brees but it will not be last.
September 5, 2024
I wanted to like this book. I borrowed an audio unabridged copy from my library. I might have enjoyed the storyline better with a different narrator, but it seemed to me there were missed opportunities for parts of the story, and other areas that were over explained.
January 22, 2023
Crosswind is a brilliantly written WWII spy thriller; more, it is nothing less than a master class in exquisitely sustained tension and intrigue. Superb!”
—Len Boswell, Barnum’s Angel
—Len Boswell, Barnum’s Angel
March 4, 2023
Absolutely wonderful story. The writing just flows beautifully. Read it!
March 5, 2023
Amazing. Can't wait for the next book
July 13, 2023
super fun
Well written and enjoyable. Maybe a little light if you’re looking for something heavier.
If so I recommend Spymistress, a true espionage story.
Well written and enjoyable. Maybe a little light if you’re looking for something heavier.
If so I recommend Spymistress, a true espionage story.
March 13, 2024
Couldn’t put it down.
September 4, 2024
#1 KINDLE
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews