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What We Say in the Dark
WWII Lisbon. In the city of light spying is the national sport, lying is the universal language, and dying is an occupational hazard. Watch what you say in the dark.
"A breathtaking, immersive masterpiece that sweeps you up into the haunting reality as the world is torn apart as it plunges into World War II." - Lori Peterson, Bookbub.
In 1944 Lisbon Portugal, a city teeming with spies and assassins, Don Gibson, U.S. Army intelligence Officer, is exiled because of past indiscretions. Demoted to the cover of a refugee case worker, secretly he collects scraps of information to pass on to his superiors. He finds the assignment dull but comes to enjoy the pleasures of Lisbon. His idle existence is disturbed when he crosses paths with Isabelle, a Frenchwoman who works alongside him at the relief agency. Rumors about a shadowy past swirl around her like a mist of lies. Don is soon caught up in a deadly guessing game that puts his life at risk.
"A breathtaking, immersive masterpiece that sweeps you up into the haunting reality as the world is torn apart as it plunges into World War II." - Lori Peterson, Bookbub.
In 1944 Lisbon Portugal, a city teeming with spies and assassins, Don Gibson, U.S. Army intelligence Officer, is exiled because of past indiscretions. Demoted to the cover of a refugee case worker, secretly he collects scraps of information to pass on to his superiors. He finds the assignment dull but comes to enjoy the pleasures of Lisbon. His idle existence is disturbed when he crosses paths with Isabelle, a Frenchwoman who works alongside him at the relief agency. Rumors about a shadowy past swirl around her like a mist of lies. Don is soon caught up in a deadly guessing game that puts his life at risk.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2025
5 people are currently reading
1506 people want to read
About the author
Gary Baysinger
3 books26 followersGary loves a good story. His debut work, "A Kind of Homecoming" was selected as a First Place Winner by Chanticleer International Book Awards. He is a graduate of the University of Baltimore and a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. Gary lives in Milwaukie, Oregon with his wife, two children, and two dogs. You can hear him spinning Swing & Country records on KBOO.FM every fifth Saturday from 6:00-9:00am PST.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 25, 2025
A story that takes place during World War II within the theatre of conflict. From the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany, the Anschluss to the Allied invasion of Europe on D Day.
These momentous events are seen through a series of characters who provide us with glimpses of the brutality, hardship and drama by being caught up in these events.
From the neutrality of Portugal in 1944, dealing with refugees seeking to escape the expanse of Nazism. Then returning to the impact for a Jewish family as persecution and impact of the Holocaust with the arrest of Jews in occupied capitals from Vienna to Paris. Linked together through intrigue, with the quest for secrets and information, co-ordinated by spies and their networks.
Told through the human relationships that enriched the present, rather than on the uncertainty the future held.
It is a story of love, compassion, ambition, betrayal and faith. Written as an espionage thriller within a real timeframe alongside historical events.
The writing is descriptive, full of colour initially describing Lisbon, its architecture and environment. The sounds and smells also lift from the page. Vienna goes from a city of joy and musical celebration to one of threat, abuse and deportations coloured by browns and darker shades. Paris is briefly seen with its luxury and excess before the scourge of German dogma extinguishes one’s dreams.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I particularly enjoyed the depth of conversations between these substantive characters; while the plot may seem simplistic at times it captured the danger and threat on the streets, who to trust and those unguarded words.
The scene on the bridge encircling those making their way home was particularly terrifying, with lasting effects.
There is also a humanity within the writing that isn’t always present in books.
Reflecting attitudes to relationships, atonement, parental influence and karma. In this manner I feel the author leaves us with a book that works on a number of levels. Taking us through dark days, the plight of refugees and providing a sense of restorative justice and hope into the future.
These momentous events are seen through a series of characters who provide us with glimpses of the brutality, hardship and drama by being caught up in these events.
From the neutrality of Portugal in 1944, dealing with refugees seeking to escape the expanse of Nazism. Then returning to the impact for a Jewish family as persecution and impact of the Holocaust with the arrest of Jews in occupied capitals from Vienna to Paris. Linked together through intrigue, with the quest for secrets and information, co-ordinated by spies and their networks.
Told through the human relationships that enriched the present, rather than on the uncertainty the future held.
It is a story of love, compassion, ambition, betrayal and faith. Written as an espionage thriller within a real timeframe alongside historical events.
The writing is descriptive, full of colour initially describing Lisbon, its architecture and environment. The sounds and smells also lift from the page. Vienna goes from a city of joy and musical celebration to one of threat, abuse and deportations coloured by browns and darker shades. Paris is briefly seen with its luxury and excess before the scourge of German dogma extinguishes one’s dreams.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I particularly enjoyed the depth of conversations between these substantive characters; while the plot may seem simplistic at times it captured the danger and threat on the streets, who to trust and those unguarded words.
The scene on the bridge encircling those making their way home was particularly terrifying, with lasting effects.
There is also a humanity within the writing that isn’t always present in books.
Reflecting attitudes to relationships, atonement, parental influence and karma. In this manner I feel the author leaves us with a book that works on a number of levels. Taking us through dark days, the plight of refugees and providing a sense of restorative justice and hope into the future.
February 24, 2025
Well written story in the WW2 time period. It’s got a bit of everything…love, betrayal, death. It’s placed in Europe during Nazi oppression and covers about a 6-7 year span. Good storyline. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Ending left a little to be desired. Too quick. Could have fleshed it out a bit after the main characters got together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2025
“What We Say in the Dark” by Gary Baysinger is an interesting spy novel set in 1944 Portugal. If you are interested in WW2 spy novels, give this book a try. The main characters are a US Army Intelligence office, Don Gibson, and a French refugee, Isabelle, who are working as refugee case officers for a relief agency to assist refugees seek visas to other countries. Two other primary characters are Kurt Steiner, Captain in the German Abwehr, and Leah, Isabelle’s cousin.
Gibson’s job is primarily to interview refugees to try and gather information on conditions and the military within Germany and occupied countries. He becomes interested in Isabelle over time. He meets with several refugees who are hanging out in Lisbon waiting for information on relatives and also provide him with information on the conditions within occupied Europe. Isabelle is also looking for information on Jewish relatives from Vienna. Kurt Steiner had recruited Isabelle’s husband as an informant in Paris when he was trying to smuggle money to Isabelle’s family in Vienna. Kurt had then promised to protect the family from the camps. Eventually, he arranged a trip for Leah and her parents to escape Vienna, but only Leah was able to get out.
There is some action in the story, but this is primarily a thinking man’s spy novel. It was a very enjoyable read.
Gibson’s job is primarily to interview refugees to try and gather information on conditions and the military within Germany and occupied countries. He becomes interested in Isabelle over time. He meets with several refugees who are hanging out in Lisbon waiting for information on relatives and also provide him with information on the conditions within occupied Europe. Isabelle is also looking for information on Jewish relatives from Vienna. Kurt Steiner had recruited Isabelle’s husband as an informant in Paris when he was trying to smuggle money to Isabelle’s family in Vienna. Kurt had then promised to protect the family from the camps. Eventually, he arranged a trip for Leah and her parents to escape Vienna, but only Leah was able to get out.
There is some action in the story, but this is primarily a thinking man’s spy novel. It was a very enjoyable read.
March 27, 2025
This is story set in pre-war and during WW2. It has four main characters with several other characters that play a large role in the in the book. It is an unlikely love story with a some Jewish persecuation and spy tension. The characters are well described and their roles in the plot well thought out. The back stories on the main characters realy help with understanding their character and moral values and how the trauma of loss changes them. And how love brings out their better nature.
I found the book compelling enough to read it in one sitting which is unusual for me because I swap back and forth betweeen two or three books at the same time.
There are still some editing problems that need to be worked out. ( A word crosed out, on that should have been of and a few other small things like a person standing at his desk but gets up from his seat to greet a character)
Overall it was a very good book with a great story line and well written characters, dialogue and scene descritpions. Four Stars because of the editing.
I found the book compelling enough to read it in one sitting which is unusual for me because I swap back and forth betweeen two or three books at the same time.
There are still some editing problems that need to be worked out. ( A word crosed out, on that should have been of and a few other small things like a person standing at his desk but gets up from his seat to greet a character)
Overall it was a very good book with a great story line and well written characters, dialogue and scene descritpions. Four Stars because of the editing.
April 4, 2025
What We Say in the Dark by Gary Baysinger is a very well written WW2 Spy Story with a difference.
What initially begins as an attempt by an aspiring German Officer to force a young Jew to spy for the Germans by threatening harm to his family, slowly becomes true affection between the Officer and younger daughter. Treated with fear and distrust, simply because of the uniform he wears, he is a man with his own rules and morals. It appears that not all German soldiers are evil, and he treads a very fine line between keeping the Jewish family safe while ensuring he is not discredited and disgraced (or shot) himself.
Characters are well described and filled with realism and the storyline is wholly believable and flows well. Abounds with secrets and subterfuge on both sides and is one of those books which really draw the reader in.
Hard to put this one down.
Very well written and tastefully done.
DISCLAIMER: I received this book at no cost in return for an honest and unbiased review, and what I have written above is wholly my own opinion and recommendation.
What initially begins as an attempt by an aspiring German Officer to force a young Jew to spy for the Germans by threatening harm to his family, slowly becomes true affection between the Officer and younger daughter. Treated with fear and distrust, simply because of the uniform he wears, he is a man with his own rules and morals. It appears that not all German soldiers are evil, and he treads a very fine line between keeping the Jewish family safe while ensuring he is not discredited and disgraced (or shot) himself.
Characters are well described and filled with realism and the storyline is wholly believable and flows well. Abounds with secrets and subterfuge on both sides and is one of those books which really draw the reader in.
Hard to put this one down.
Very well written and tastefully done.
DISCLAIMER: I received this book at no cost in return for an honest and unbiased review, and what I have written above is wholly my own opinion and recommendation.
May 10, 2025
This WWII story is set in Portugal, which remained neutral during the war. because of their nonparticipationit became a place for refugees as well as spies and aid agencies. Don is sent there to work under cover with a church affiliated aid group so he can interview incoming refugees and gelan information to pass on. He works with Isabelle, a Jewish woman who is in Portugal in hopes of finding her cousin Leah. Part 2 of the book gives us Isablle and Leah's backstory. As the reader, you now know what Isabelle doesn't know, and you can see this is not going to end well.
the drop from 4 to 3 stars is because I found the ending rushed. It would have been better if it had played out with more tension. Isabelle and Leah seemed to get past their deep-seated emotions way too fast.
I recommend this book to those who like historical fiction.
My thanks to Goodreads and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for this honest review. I would read a book by this author again.
the drop from 4 to 3 stars is because I found the ending rushed. It would have been better if it had played out with more tension. Isabelle and Leah seemed to get past their deep-seated emotions way too fast.
I recommend this book to those who like historical fiction.
My thanks to Goodreads and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for this honest review. I would read a book by this author again.
April 3, 2025
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I really enjoyed this book. The author bought the complicated world of spies, not knowing who and what to trust or believe in war torn Europe, even neutral, supposedly "safe" Portugal, to life. The story is skilfully woven, like stories within a story, where everyone has a past they'd rather forget, or secrets to hide. There are several principal characters at the different places in the book. I think the two men, Don and perhaps especially Kurt, have complicated characters that are dramatically changed by unexpected love and those of the two women by truths coming to light. The author gives chilling accounts of Jews living under Nazi rule and the evil that could unexpectedly catch a person unawares, even when they believed they were safe.
An excellent read, that kept me on the edge of my seat until the end.
An excellent read, that kept me on the edge of my seat until the end.
May 15, 2025
Set against the backdrop of Lisbon in 1944—a city filled with intrigue—this spy tale follows Don Gibson, a disgraced U.S. Army Intelligence officer in exile. As a refugee case worker, Don gathers intelligence while enjoying the city’s deceptive calm.
His life changes when he meets Isabelle, a mysterious French colleague who draws him into a dangerous web of suspicion. Their partnership exposes a world of half-truths and betrayals, where identities are often concealed.
The story's heart is Don's struggle for redemption amidst shifting loyalties. As he searches for answers, he yearns to rediscover hope.
This compelling mix of espionage, romance, and inner conflict delivers suspense and emotional depth, creating a historical thriller with a touch of noir.
Try it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
His life changes when he meets Isabelle, a mysterious French colleague who draws him into a dangerous web of suspicion. Their partnership exposes a world of half-truths and betrayals, where identities are often concealed.
The story's heart is Don's struggle for redemption amidst shifting loyalties. As he searches for answers, he yearns to rediscover hope.
This compelling mix of espionage, romance, and inner conflict delivers suspense and emotional depth, creating a historical thriller with a touch of noir.
Try it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 29, 2025
Don gets sent to Lisbon to work with refugees who want to go to the US and also to collect information for the allies. He finds it a dull job until he meets Isabelle, a widow of a Resistence leader who apparently betrayed France (and she might have also be involved in treason). There are many rumours in Lisbon regarding the work of spies for several countries and although Portugal is neutral ground, the Nazis are also there. In Vienna a Jewish family receives special treatment from Kurt who is also a spy with business in Lisbon. Don's and Kurt's path will cross and they'll find that their lives are intertwined by the women they met and their own actions regarding the war and those who they trusted.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 17, 2025
Full marks for setting a World War 2 spy story, with the majority set, in neutral Portugal. Don't know if it's been done before. It's a well flavoured story, beginning with the Prologue in Vienna 1939, then a short section in Washington DC 1944 to introduce the American spy. This is prior to the main core of the story, in picturesque Portugal, with nasty Nazis operating in the shadows.
It's a well paced, interesting and imaginative thriller. Some twists maybe guessable. The writing is not that of a novice and not that of a seasoned pro. It needs extra meating out, for some characters in some places.
It's an entertaining and really gripping read.
It's a well paced, interesting and imaginative thriller. Some twists maybe guessable. The writing is not that of a novice and not that of a seasoned pro. It needs extra meating out, for some characters in some places.
It's an entertaining and really gripping read.
May 26, 2025
This is a hard review to write because I have very different feelings. The author does a fabulous job combining historical context and grammatical excellence. There are several languages which may or may not be accurate but the German was fine based on 3 years of HS lessons.
The first third of the book took 2 weeks for me to read. It was sluggish and I almost stopped. But then it got GOOD!!! I finished the last 2/3s in less than a day. It’s really a shame because otherwise it would have been a 5 star read! If you like spy thrillers and can slog through the beginning you won’t regret reading this book!
The first third of the book took 2 weeks for me to read. It was sluggish and I almost stopped. But then it got GOOD!!! I finished the last 2/3s in less than a day. It’s really a shame because otherwise it would have been a 5 star read! If you like spy thrillers and can slog through the beginning you won’t regret reading this book!
February 27, 2025
Received as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review. A breathtaking, immersive masterpiece that sweeps you up into the haunting reality as the world is torn apart as it plunges into World War II. Interwoven the atmosphere of desperation and ever-changing fear are the beautifully written characters Anton, Isabella, Leah and Kurt and their gritty fight for survival as Germany and its allies increasingly erode the freedoms of the countries they consume... and each action taken could end with shattering consequences.
Poignant and gut wrenching
Highly recommended.
Poignant and gut wrenching
Highly recommended.
May 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. There are so many WWII historical fiction books being published at the moment, but this definitely stands out from the crowd. A spy thriller in essence, but with threads of romance, this book has much to offer to keep the reader held right to the final page. Based mainly around Portugal, this story gives a different aspect of the torment the Jewish people endured during WWII, and the author has clearly researched his subject matter well. I will definitely be on the lookout for other books by this author.
May 10, 2025
Intrigue and suspense will draw you in to a story that has lots of twists and turns and unexpected things that happen. Like the strong male lead character and the mysterious female that makes the story interesting and keeps you turning the page until the end. Like the time setting and the historical aspect of the story. Great story with lots of unexpected things that happen. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2025
This book pulls you into the shadowy world of 1944 Lisbon, where nothing is what it seems and danger hides behind every charming smile. Don Gibson is a compelling lead—flawed, sharp, and unexpectedly human—and his entanglement with the mysterious Isabelle adds layers of suspense. The setting is vivid, the tension constant, and the twists keep you guessing until the end. A must-read for fans of historical thrillers and spy fiction.
May 9, 2025
I love WWII stuff, even fiction...IF it's done right. I really enjoyed this. Don & Kurt made this story for me. You never know where life and circumstances are going to take you and who you will meet along the way. Glad I picked it up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2025
The author paints Lisbon with such vivid detail that it almost becomes another character in the story. I loved the subtle romance and moral complexity — no one is purely good or evil here. My only wish is that the ending had been a little longer, but otherwise, it’s a brilliant WWII espionage tale.
March 27, 2025
This is a good story with a reasonable plot and a moderate amount of action. I like the historical time frame. The only reason this did not get four stars from me was the number of grammatical errors.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 13, 2025
This book reads like a movie or series. It’s such a page turner. Don is a great character. Very layered. I enjoyed the other characters too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2025
A unique story set in WW2 era. Has a little bit of everything. I really enjoyed this one. Ending seemed a bit rushed, but a good read.
Want to read
March 18, 2025From Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan's Literary Services
What We Say in the Dark opens in 1939, where Parisian boy Anton is reflecting on his involvement in freeing his wife Isabelle’s family from the grip of the Nazis in Vienna.
From the story’s opening lines, Gary Baysinger demonstrates an astute ability to capture the atmosphere of the looming Nazi incursion in a realistic manner that allows modern-day readers to step right into social and political milieus of the past.
The tale’s shift to a milieu in which Isabelle and U.S Army Intelligence Officer Don Gibson meet under unexpected circumstances in Lisbon, where Isabelle’s shadowy past emerges to impact her future, adds a full flavor of development. This approach benefits from the time Baysinger has taken to build social and psychological insights from the Nazis’ rise in 1940s Europe.
From book clubs interested in fostering debates about how political repression impacts personal relationships and choices to readers seeking outstanding characterization that makes the story’s spy component more realistic and believable than most, What We Say in the Dark is a compelling, thought-provoking page-turner.
What We Say in the Dark opens in 1939, where Parisian boy Anton is reflecting on his involvement in freeing his wife Isabelle’s family from the grip of the Nazis in Vienna.
From the story’s opening lines, Gary Baysinger demonstrates an astute ability to capture the atmosphere of the looming Nazi incursion in a realistic manner that allows modern-day readers to step right into social and political milieus of the past.
The tale’s shift to a milieu in which Isabelle and U.S Army Intelligence Officer Don Gibson meet under unexpected circumstances in Lisbon, where Isabelle’s shadowy past emerges to impact her future, adds a full flavor of development. This approach benefits from the time Baysinger has taken to build social and psychological insights from the Nazis’ rise in 1940s Europe.
From book clubs interested in fostering debates about how political repression impacts personal relationships and choices to readers seeking outstanding characterization that makes the story’s spy component more realistic and believable than most, What We Say in the Dark is a compelling, thought-provoking page-turner.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews