Track 61

by Eve Karlin

MP3 CD Format Midnight, June 13, 1942: Peter Burger stands on a foggy beach, ears primed as a submarine hull scrapes the sandy sea bottom. He has endured seventeen months in a Gestapo prison and seventeen days on a Nazi U-boat only to have landed on American shores with six boxes of explosives and no escape. Inspired by the Nazi saboteurs who landed in Amagansett, Long Island in the summer of 1942,  Track 61  is a World War II spy thriller that seeks justice for those caught on the wrong side of history.

1 pages, Audio CD

Published June 14, 2022

About the author

Eve Karlin is the author of TRACK 61, a World War II spy thriller and love story, and CITY OF LIARS AND THIEVES, about New York City's first murder trail. She works as a bookseller in East Hampton, New York, where she lives with her husband and triplets.

Reviews

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is historical fiction and is based on the actual events of the Nazi saboteur landing in the summer community of Amagansett, New York. During the summer of 1942. four Nazis disembarked from a U-boat off. Peter Burger is just out of a Gestapo prison and spends 17 days on a Nazi U-boat before landing on American shores with explosives and no escape. The target was Grand Central and a secret sub-basement called M42, which housed rotary converters that supplied power to trains which provided power to the war effort in different ways. But, first, they stop by the city's parade in route. Peter meets Grete Baum, a German-Jewish refugee, at a parade in New York City.

This book taught me that people could be stuck on the wrong side of history. In this book, we see World War II through the eyes of a German saboteur and a German Jew who discovers a secret. It was a fascinating and educational story that also gives us a glimpse into New York in the 40s.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

[Lori Zelenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling. Gripping. Historical fiction at its best Excellent read.

[Darby W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this while out in Montauk and it was fun to recognize and the places involved. I also think I bought this book from the author without knowing! She was lovely

[John Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

After escaping Germany for a new life with her Uncle Jacques in New York City, Grete Baum thought she was safe from the Nazis until she bumps into one at a patriotic parade being held in the city. Initially, Grete did not realize Peter Burger was involved with the Nazis; he just seemed like a lonely German refugee much like herself. However, soon afterwards, Peter asks Grete to hold onto a Grand Central Terminal baggage claim ticket for him and his companions. While Grete can’t imagine how a simple bag could be dangerous, the more time she spends with her new friend, the more doubts she has about exactly who Peter is and what he is doing in New York City. Karlin takes the very real historical seeds of Nazi saboteurs, who landed on the shores of Amagansett, NY in 1942, and the secrets hidden in New York City’s Grand Central Terminal station, and with skillful plotting, an impeccably researched setting, and thoughtful characterization grows them into a fascinating historical suspense novel.

[Danielle]

Dunno what to rate this. It’s historical fiction, so some of the plot holes are actually things we don’t know for sure or are part of the messed up history. They danced around a bunch of the specifics on the actual plans. The immediate romance felt a bit forced (but may be realistic for times of extreme stress?). It kind of touched on people who do bad things because of circumstance/desperation but didn’t really resolve that or dig deep enough. In reading the afterward, I loved how many specific details were used from the actual event and trial and also from the authors personal family history. It was a pretty fast read. If interested, I say go for it! But I can’t really blanket reco overall. I didn’t not like it. But I don’t know if I really liked it.

[Sandra Hogenauer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Least thrilling spy thriller ever.

[Reddyus286 · Rating 4 out of 5]

good intresting to read

[Elaine Dreyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting WWII story about German spies landing in Amagansett and planning attacks in the U.S. Struck chord of familiarity with me---Grete's situation in moving to NY without family is similar to my family background. I wanted to like this book better---the writing and the emotions did not pull me in the way I would have liked.

[Daniel Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book!!!