Booklist Reviews
The title of the fifth in the authors' Clandestine Operations series is the beginning of a famous proverb that concludes with: " . . . is my friend." That, in a nutshell, pretty much sums up the thrust of the novel, which takes places in the first half of 1946. It follows on the heels of 2017's Death at Nuremberg and opens with a punch to the gut: the two Nazi war criminals whom Special Agent Jim Cronley recently captured have escaped from prison, aided by person(s) unknown. Now Cronley must hunt the Nazis all over again. Does the prison breakout have anything to do with the rumors that Heinrich Himmler, just before war's end, laid plans for Germany to reign supreme in the years to come? How willing is Cronley to join forces with an enemy to defeat a greater foe? It's an interesting, mostly well-told historical adventure, marred by some too-clunky exposition and some bewildering dialogue. Fans of Griffin's dozens of popular military-themed novels (cowritten, of late, with his son) will want to read this one, but it's not likely to bring in new readers. Copyright 2019 Booklist Reviews.
Library Journal Reviews
Post-World War II, special agent James Cronley Jr. neatly entrapped two nasty Nazi war criminals. Now they've been whisked from prison—but by whom?—and Cronley must chase them down while also hunting the fortune Heinrich Himmler apparently hid to facilitate the founding of a Fourth Reich. The next Clandestine Operations novel, vivifying the advent of the CIA and the Cold War.
Copyright 2018 Library Journal.LJ Express Reviews
Coauthors Griffin and Butterworth continue their "Clandestine Operations" series with the fifth tale featuring Special Agent James Cronley Jr. (after Death at Nuremberg). Known as "Super Spook" for his uncanny espionage skills, this time Cronley is after two Nazi war criminals who have escaped from jail, presumably aided by Odessa. His quest gives him common purpose with an agent of the Soviet NKGB—it's in the best interest of both the United States and the USSR to see the Nazi threat exterminated. Investigating the missing prisoners puts Cronley on the trail of a cache of Nazi money earmarked for a secret religion dedicated to the late Heinrich Himmler, and following the money takes Cronley to some unexpected places, forcing him to use his wit and talents to ensure that justice is served. While readers new to the series may need a few chapters to find their footing, series fans will jump right in to Cronley's continuing adventures—and the ending will leave readers wondering what's next for the Super Spook. VERDICT Readers who enjoy World War II espionage thrillers will appreciate the combination of intricate conspiracies and fast-paced action.—Nanette Donohue, Champaign P.L., IL (c) Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
PW Annex Reviews
It's the spring of 1946 in bestseller Griffin and son Butterworth's tight fifth Clandestine Operations novel (after 2017's