Eight stars
A great fan of Joseph Flynn's work, I have been devouring any of his books I can get. This trilogy contrasts from the author's other work, due to the realistic aspects tied to his own family's experiences in the Second World War, and the themes that come to the surface. Flynn is a stellar storyteller from whom I always learn. I am eager to keep reading and learning more about the hunt for Dan McGill/Charlie Hart and that stash of money.
With southern France in his sights, Major Edward Kinney leads Cohort 1, a well-trained group of American soldiers on land. They will source out the area before getting their bearings and prepare to target the German opposition. Two man teams will ensure sleek movement is possible in this most daring of missions.
Major Kinney assigns Sergeant Charlie Hart and Master Sergeant Russell Weaver to act as the rear guard. Not wanting to just hang around while waiting their turn, Charlie takes it upon himself to investigate a nearby hamlet and see if he might learn something. Loyal to the cause Hart and Weaver tackle many enemies during their watch, none more important than the Germans who cross their paths early on.
As Cohort 1 moves inland, a British spy with a penchant for wooing the enemy makes herself known. Hart takes a fancy to her and leads the men deeper into France, where they are able to make some changes before traipsing across parts of Germany and into the neural principality of Liechtenstein.
Starving and barely hanging on, relief comes when the US president calls Cohort 1 home, leaving Hart, his British comrade, and a few others to stick it out in the European theatre. There is more to be done and Charlie Hart/Dan McGill has to plan his return to include the stash of money is left in an Irish bank.
Back stateside, clues as to where Dan McGill might have gone emerge, which only heightens the tension and keeps the mystery of how he'll handle things upon his return to America. Timing is everything and this will take some planning. Flynn dazzles with this second novel in the trilogy, offering new settings and perspectives for the reader to enjoy.
Joseph Flynn's books always entertain the reader to no end while keeping the action coming. This story keeps a great flow for this series and provides an insight into the European theatre of the Second World War. While I have shied away from this period, Flynn makes it palatable and exciting at the same time, presenting a strong narrative that keeps things moving on both sides of the ocean. Characters provide a strong flavouring of the struggles and intense battles, all of which leaves the reader feeling as though they are in the middle of it all. Issues both in Europe and back in South Carolina fill the narrative as it gains momentum and leaves the reader curious how things will resolve themselves by the end of the piece.
I rely on a strong plot to keep things lively, which Flynn has done so well over the past two novels. The story stays on point with surprises and lesser known aspects of the war effort, while keeping them intriguing for the attentive reader. I am eager to see what is to come, based on the breadcrumbs left in this book and how well I know Flynn's writing style. Bring on the final novel and I hope it packs just as much punch!
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for another strong novel that has me second guessing my dislike for the time period.
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