Books Like...

"Munich" by Robert Harris is a historical thriller set during the Munich Conference of 1938, focusing on the events leading up to the agreement signed by Chamberlain and Hitler. The story follows the perspectives of two men who were once friends at Oxford, now involved in diplomatic services, as they navigate the tense negotiations and intrigue surrounding the peace efforts in Munich. Despite the well-known historical outcome, the author masterfully builds tension and suspense, offering a gripping portrayal of the heightened political climate of the time.

Archangel by Robert Harris is a thrilling semi-historical fiction set in Russia, particularly Moscow and Archangel. The plot revolves around a historian named Fluke Kelso who gets entangled in a dangerous search for Stalin's secret documents, facing Russian criminals and secret service agents. The book seamlessly weaves together real historical characters like Stalin with invented ones, creating an intriguing 'What if' story that keeps the readers engaged till the end. Harris's writing style is described as engaging, well-researched, and interesting, with plenty of twists that keep the readers turning the pages.

"The Girls of Atomic City" by Denise Kiernan delves into the untold story of the women who played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project during World War II, specifically at the secret facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The narrative follows the lives of these young women who worked at Site X, unaware of the exact nature of their work on developing the Uranium for the atomic bombs. Despite the secrecy surrounding their tasks, the book sheds light on the personal experiences of these women, intertwining their stories with the historical events of the time. The writing style combines detailed accounts of the scientific aspects of the project with the individual narratives of the women, providing a comprehensive look at their contributions to the war effort.

'Satan in St Mary's' in the series 'Hugh Corbett' by author Paul Doherty follows the medieval detective Hugh Corbett as he solves a locked room murder mystery in 11th century England. The story is praised for its well-researched historical background, complex characters, and intriguing plot that keeps readers guessing until the end. The narrative provides a glimpse into urban life in London during medieval times, while maintaining authenticity and historical accuracy.

Hugh Corbett is portrayed as a clerk sent on a dangerous mission that forces him to confront his past, present, and future, facing great love and danger along the way. delves into the complexities of preserving the realm at a great personal cost, involving unsolvable crimes, battles, and sacrifices that shape Corbett's character and journey throughout the series.

'We Die Alone' by David Howarth narrates the incredible true story of Jan Baalsrud, a Norwegian resistance fighter who escapes the Germans in Nazi-occupied Norway during World War II. The book details Jan's harrowing journey through the Arctic terrain, facing extreme weather conditions, betrayal, and the kindness of strangers who help him survive. The plot focuses on Jan's endurance, survival instincts, and the selfless sacrifices made by ordinary Norwegians risking their lives to aid him on his path to freedom. The writing style is described as engaging, well-told, and captivating, drawing readers into a narrative of bravery, determination, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Historical novelist Robert Harris tells the story of the German V2 program and the British attempts to defeat it through the eyes of a German propulsion engineer Rudi Graf and a female British air force officer Kay Caton Walsh working to defeat it through photography and algebra. The novel opens with Walsh in bed with her married lover in London about to be hit by a V2. The story goes back and forth between her studying the photographs of the German rocket center at Peenemunde and her calculating the rocket trajectories from a base in Belgium to Holland where Graf is a civilian scientific officer in charge of the launches. Walsh's job in Belgium with her fellow female officers is to utilize radar data taken from the German launches to its ultimate rocket landing in England.

An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris is a historical fiction novel that retells the infamous Dreyfus Affair in late 19th-century France. The story is narrated from the perspective of Colonel Georges Picquart, who becomes convinced of the innocence of Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer wrongly accused of espionage. As Picquart delves deeper into the case, he uncovers corruption and deceit within the French military leadership, leading to a gripping tale of betrayal, injustice, and the pursuit of truth. The author skillfully weaves together historical events with fictional elements to create a compelling narrative that sheds light on the themes of anti-Semitism, government corruption, and the power of individuals to challenge authority.

The writing style of An Officer and a Spy is praised for its ability to capture the tension and drama of the unfolding events, making the historical story feel immediate and engaging. Readers appreciate the meticulous research done by Harris, which brings to life the complexities of the Dreyfus Affair and the political climate of the time. Through the character of Picquart, the novel explores themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of speaking truth to power, making it a thought-provoking and enlightening read.

'Semper Fi' in 'The Corps' series by W.E.B. Griffin follows the story of PFC Kenneth J. McCoy, a US Marine stationed in Shanghai, China in 1941. McCoy finds himself in a predicament after a fight with Italian marines, leading to a court martial and a self-defense claim. The plot delves into McCoy's character development, his relationships with fellow marines, and his journey through adversity and success within the Marine Corps. The writing style of the book immerses the reader into the historical setting of WWII, showcasing the intricacies of military culture and the challenges faced by soldiers at every level of the fighting.

'Rogue Heroes: The History of the SAS, Britain's Secret Special Forces Unit That Sabotaged the Nazis and Changed the Nature of War' by Ben Macintyre delves into the daring and courageous exploits of the Special Air Service during World War II. Through a series of clandestine operations, the SAS, led by unconventional leaders like David Stirling, disrupted and destroyed enemy targets deep behind enemy lines. Macintyre's narrative style vividly brings to life the intense missions, the camaraderie among the soldiers, and the strategic innovations that shaped modern warfare. captures the bravery, humor, and vulnerability of the SAS members, highlighting their individual stories within the larger context of the war.

Macintyre skillfully weaves together historical accuracy with engaging storytelling, showcasing the evolution of the SAS from its unconventional beginnings in the North African desert to its pivotal role in the European campaigns. not only explores the military tactics and achievements of the SAS but also delves into the personal journeys of the men who served in this elite unit. Through a mix of humor, action, and historical insight, 'Rogue Heroes' offers a compelling account of the rogue heroes who defied the odds and made a lasting impact on the course of the war.

'The Woman Who Smashed Codes' by Jason Fagone tells the captivating story of Elizebeth Smith Friedman and her husband, William, who were pioneers in the field of codebreaking in the USA. The narrative follows their journey from founding modern codebreaking in the U.S. to their crucial role in capturing smugglers and Nazis during wartime. delves into their groundbreaking work in deciphering complex codes, including the Enigma machine used by the Germans, and sheds light on how their contributions helped establish agencies like the NSA.