Top Secret Tales of World War II

by William B. Breuer

Espionage, in all its forms, as it evolved in the hands of both Allied and Axis agents of intelligence and counter-intelligence is the basis for these fascinating and ultimately disturbing stories.

Genres: History, World War II, Nonfiction, Military History

244 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2000

About the author

William B. Breuer landed with the first assault waves in Normandy on D-Day (June 6, 1944), then fought across Europe. Later, he founded a daily newspaper on a string in Rolla, Missouri, and after that, a highly successful public relations firm in St. Louis, Missouri. He had been writing books full time since 1982

Reviews

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it and enjoyed it but wished it had more info on each story.
Worth reading. That's about all I can say about this book.

[Cindy B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange tales of the events of WWII, from the winning point of view. Worthwhile reading for history and mystery buffs. We know how it ends but getting there is stranger than fiction. Well and clearly narrated by Christopher David.

[Michael Koch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written in 2000; I read it in 2025. There are 75 short stories and an extended introduction within the 225 pages. The introduction covers training, planning and preparations for war by both Germany and Japan. While the war had not yet started, the pre-war period was mostly held in secret by those countries. While little specific spying was undertaken by the allies, both Britain and the United States were reading whatever communications they could capture and were trying to break codes to learn what they could. Also, during this period, both operated diplomatic offices, and travelers and tourists were allowed in each other’s countries. It is questionable how much of the upcoming war activities were unearthed in detail before their wars with Germany and Japan began.

Many of the stories in the book itself were relatively insignificant whether secret or not. Many impacted individuals, military or civilian, were left hiding from the Nazis. Many stranded individuals after Dunkirk and throughout the war, needed to escape Europe. Active underground channels helped a considerable number of these people to escape through various means and routes. Before the USA entered the war, Germany was active in promoting its positions in America, and Britain was active in diverting these activities.

Certainly, some of the secrets were more important. Perhaps the most significant, the Ultra code breaking is given less than three pages and covers only the first code breaking. The important second code breaking is not really mentioned. Canadian and British soldiers were involved as part of that Dieppe Raid. The Pacific theatre also included minor and more major secrets. Many included the finding where allied prisoners of war were taken by the Japanese as well as equipping civilian and military resistance fighters. The most important secret in the Pacific in my opinion was the breaking of the Japanese code associated with the Midway victory. It was not mentioned.

This book adds little for readers having a robust knowledge of Second World War history especially the European theatre. However, it could be of interest for readers who have little knowledge of that war and would like to read more about how individuals were treated in the war and how individuals faced the war. The book is not really a “war story.” It is made interesting by sound writing, and knowledge of roles played by individuals. Three stars.

[Randy L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book, but not what I was expecting. Basically a collection of short(few paragraphs to a couple of pages) stories about clandestine activities conducted during WW2. It mainly focusing on the western front, though there are a few stories about Russia and Japan. Good choice if you are interested in the subject but want a book you can just pick up and put down on short notice. Would have loved this book if I had read it in middle school due to the easy writing style and numerous stories

[Gonzaga Escauriaza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Son historias muy curiosas pero es un libro que no se puede leer de un tirón.

Hay que leer dos o tres historias y luego dejarlo y volverlo a coger y leer otra tres historias.

En ese caso es entretenido y curioso.

[Peter Swanberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read, short chapters with fascinating little-known anecdotes.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received as a gift. Not a bad read. Light and simple

[Sam W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book detailing Allied and Axis espionage in WWII. It did focus on the European theater for most of the book, but many of the feats detailed almost defy the imagination. A great read.

[Frederick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and easy to read. This will grab you and make you want to read it non-stop.

[Mati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short stories about the most famous dagger and cloak games of WW2.

[Ed Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading books like this I realize my world depends quite a bit on luck or fate. Things had the potential to go entirely different way
Good bathroom book

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

We listened to this book on two long road trips. It was perfect short chapters. Very interesting and we knew nothing of some of the topics. Well-written and well-narrated.

[Joe Holman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Lots of historical tidbits of WWII. There are so many facets to WWII and all of them are worth telling. I recommend this book to anyone who loves military history.

[Jeff Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most stories were very fascinating. A few were wordy and very scattered details. Definitely worth reading.

[Joe Gande · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a huge fan of all things World War II and of that era and being a collector of many books in this genre.. I found the book fascinating...so many very interesting, untold, behind the scenes stories of intrigue and espionage and what was going on leading up to and during the war...it's unbelievable really how many things are simply left out of the major history books we grow up reading in school and those written for the masses...very cool book!

[Tom Oman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pretty damn good book to just pick up and read at random. It is full of short "tales" as the title suggests, so it is easily digestible in short stints. I soon began to realize how thoroughly awesome each story was and saw it for more than just an entertaining distraction.

I was sad when I realized I had read all of the tales.

If you are looking for conversation fodder whilst sitting around having a beer with your friends, choose any story from this book.

[R.L. Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible and fascinating read! Should be a must for anyone with an interest in WWII history. It's written in an easy to read style and packed with little known facts about what was going on behind the scenes during the WWII years. Tales of intrigue and espionage that are sure to interest any reader with a taste for true life suspense. An awesome book!

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

good writing and very interesting and sometimes surprising stories

[Carl Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and well researched.

[Gary Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

very informative...but it was like reading a text book.

[Jerald Nyam · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far so good! It's a very intriguing book that has information about what goes under the table during world war 2!