Garden Of Beasts Reviews
“Deaver fans expect the unexpected from this prodigiously talented thriller writer, and the creator of the Lincoln Rhyme series and other memorable yarns (The Blue Nowhere, etc.) doesn’t disappoint with his 19th novel, this time offering a deliciously twisty tale set in Nazi Berlin. Deaver weaves three manhunts — Paul after his target, Kohl after Paul, and the Nazi hierarchy after Paul — with a deft hand, bringing to frightening life the Berlin of 1936, a city on the brink of madness. Top Nazis, including Hitler, Himmler and Goring, make colorful cameos, but it’s the smart, shaded-gray characterizations of the principals that anchor the exciting plot. An affecting love affair goes in surprising directions, as do the main plot lines, which move outside Berlin as heroes become villains and vice versa. This is prime Deaver, which means prime entertainment.”
— Publishers Weekly starred review
“World War I veteran Paul Schumann is a hit man with a conscience—he kills only bad guys. But then he is arrested, and the Office of Naval Intelligence makes him an offer: go to jail or go to Germany disguised as an Olympic athlete and kill a ranking Nazi. If he succeeds, he will be both forgiven and rich; if he fails, he’ll be dead. Taking a break from his successful Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs thrillers, Deaver plays out an intriguing plot against the ominous backdrop of Hitler’s growing power. Incredibly, there are still many Germans in 1936 who don’t feel that Hitler is either serious or will last very long. Denial runs strong, but even stronger is the blanket of evil that is snuffing out dissent and freedom. Following Schumann through a multitude of twists, turns, and betrayals is exciting and helps illuminate the early days of the Third Reich. Highly recommended.”
— Library Journal
“Although not known for historical fiction, Deaver takes the new genre in stride, subtly and plausibly working real people into the tale while delivering his signature sense of story, depth of characterization, and sharply rendered dialogue. Readers looking for the author’s usual startling plot twists will not be disappointed, either. Deaver’s audience will be pleased with this one, but it will be an equally big hit with fans of such Nazi-era thrillers as Philip Kerr’s Berlin Noir trilogy or Robert Harris’ Fatherland.”
— Booklist
“Deaver’s novel, equal parts noir thriller and historical extrapolation, is a page-turner that offers a twisting visceral experience of the tension in Berlin during that fateful summer.”
— Amazon.com Editorial Review
