This time, the Russians have been spared - for once. What we have, instead, are the Germans and the last days of the Reich when thousands of children of the Nazis are sent out of Germany to all the corners of the world - by plane, by boat, by submarine - to await a destiny that was chosen for them. And they wait, for over 30 years when the wheels are set into motion as a Swiss banker meets an American - one Mr. Noel Holcroft and hands over 2 documents.
One of documents is a letter from Heinrich Clausen, Holcroft's biological father - whom he never knew - who was also one of Hitler's men. In the letter, Clausen has pleaded with his son to do what is right, to make amends for the horrors that were committed on the innocents during the war. A vast sum of money has been stashed away in a Swiss bank account for the same purpose. But to get his hands on it, Holcroft must find the children of the two men who assisted Clausen in looting the Reich secretly to amass this cache - Wilhelm von Tiebolt and Erich Kessler. And together they have to approach the Swiss bank to unlock the account to start the disbursement.
The second letter is more sinister.It is from those who claim to be from Wolfsschanze. It tells Holcroft, plainly, that should he fail to carry out this mission, they will destroy whatever it is that is dear to him in this world. Holcroft is confused, angry and bewildered. What makes matters worse is when he finally decides to carry out his dead father's wishes, he discovers that there are those who would do anything to stop him from doing so.
As attempts are made on Holcroft's life and people around him start dropping dead - at the speed that would put the dominos to shame - he succeeds in making contact with the children of Wilhelm von Tiebolt and Erich Kessler.
The million dollar question, however, remains - who is his friend and who is his enemy.
The narrative is super fast-paced - truly like a roller-coaster ride and leaves you wondering about just who the good guys are. The temptation to finish the novel in one sitting is truly irresistible. But I wasn't prepared for the end. Maybe it has got to do with the fact that I am an Indian - used to the typical 'and they lived happily thereafter' movie fare. Anything other than that leaves me feeling as if I have been cheated. :-) Oh, and that thing about Gretchen and Johann, wasn't at all needed. :-(
One of documents is a letter from Heinrich Clausen, Holcroft's biological father - whom he never knew - who was also one of Hitler's men. In the letter, Clausen has pleaded with his son to do what is right, to make amends for the horrors that were committed on the innocents during the war. A vast sum of money has been stashed away in a Swiss bank account for the same purpose. But to get his hands on it, Holcroft must find the children of the two men who assisted Clausen in looting the Reich secretly to amass this cache - Wilhelm von Tiebolt and Erich Kessler. And together they have to approach the Swiss bank to unlock the account to start the disbursement.
The second letter is more sinister.It is from those who claim to be from Wolfsschanze. It tells Holcroft, plainly, that should he fail to carry out this mission, they will destroy whatever it is that is dear to him in this world. Holcroft is confused, angry and bewildered. What makes matters worse is when he finally decides to carry out his dead father's wishes, he discovers that there are those who would do anything to stop him from doing so.
As attempts are made on Holcroft's life and people around him start dropping dead - at the speed that would put the dominos to shame - he succeeds in making contact with the children of Wilhelm von Tiebolt and Erich Kessler.
The million dollar question, however, remains - who is his friend and who is his enemy.
The narrative is super fast-paced - truly like a roller-coaster ride and leaves you wondering about just who the good guys are. The temptation to finish the novel in one sitting is truly irresistible. But I wasn't prepared for the end. Maybe it has got to do with the fact that I am an Indian - used to the typical 'and they lived happily thereafter' movie fare. Anything other than that leaves me feeling as if I have been cheated. :-) Oh, and that thing about Gretchen and Johann, wasn't at all needed. :-(
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