WW II Spy Novels discussion

The Mask of Dimitrios (Charles Latimer, #1)
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message 101: by [deleted user] (new)

Hello Jim here, avid reader of anything espionage, spy or WWII related. Currently seeking reliable information on Operation Pastorius and the Saboteurs travels in America prior to their apprehensions.


message 102: by Feliks, Moderator (last edited Jun 07, 2015 02:33PM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
Howdy Jim.

Well there's this book (from our own group bookshelves)
Operation Pastorius: Eight Nazi Spies Against America

One of our group members suggested it. Fascinating subject

I think this fiction novel also covers the topic:
'The Ninth Man'


message 103: by Feliks, Moderator (last edited Jun 08, 2015 10:41PM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
'Anne' is is this group's ONE HUNDREDTH MEMBER!

She joined today.

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...

Hurrah!


message 104: by [deleted user] (new)

Thanks Felix!


message 105: by Feliks, Moderator (last edited Jul 06, 2015 10:13AM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
Paul, you probably wanna mention your news event in the 'author promo' thread. It will be seen more readily.

As ever, I suggest any promo-post include a brief story synopsis or 'thumbnail sketch' of the story premise; rather than just the bare 'advert info'. Do it as a habitual thing; so that readers 'get a fix' on your story. That's the way to get a nibble. "Price, availability, and date" ...readers see those 'bare-bones style' ads all the time.


message 106: by Feliks, Moderator (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
Stick wit me kid, you'll learn de ropes soon


message 107: by Feliks, Moderator (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
p.s. Dan, what kind of engineer were you?

This guy could answer some occasional engineering questions which invariably arise around here...


message 108: by Feliks, Moderator (last edited Jul 06, 2015 11:41AM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
Well I wasn't exactly in that line. Found it kind of a slippery slope. I went into electricity instead; I have better connections there.

SSsssst-badomp-da-BOMP (high hat)


message 109: by Linda (new)

Linda Pennell (lindabennettpennell) | 5 comments Hi All,
I not only love reading historical fiction, especially set during WWII, but I am the author of a new release Casablanca: Appointment at Dawn, set in 1943 in the weeks leading up to the First Allied Conference and featuring an OSS officer on a deadly mission. Is there any other kind? I am delighted to find this group and look forward to stimulating discussions!!


message 110: by Feliks, Moderator (last edited Sep 17, 2015 07:04PM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
Well, its actually a fairly 'somnolent' group. Sleepy. Of course, people over the few months were (I'm sure) on vacation. But still, there's never a lot of 'hot activity' hereabouts; even though we are the only group of its kind on the site.

Perhaps we're too narrowly-defined? I believe our group founder coined this outfit to help promote his own book release. Not sure, I've never asked him about it.

There is a massively large WWII history readers group which we are 'neighbors' with; perhaps they garner all the action. Although I can tell you personally: they have 1,300 members and I only ever see about a dozen active. So its maybe just a web thing: the web is for mindlessness, like playing word games and trivia. People shy away from actual 'thought'.

When people are quiet in this group, I feel they're probably reading. Its always better to be *reading* books than typing comments about them on-line. So I'm not worried.

I applaud you for being an author in this genre and keeping good values alive. That means one less author in the PNR/BDSM genres!

Its astounding to me that we as Americans don't take more pride in our nation. Ask anyone today, what was the battle of Midway? They don't know!


message 111: by Linda (new)

Linda Pennell (lindabennettpennell) | 5 comments Too true, Feliks. It disturbs me greatly that the liberal arts in general seem under attack as worthless pursuits. It astounds me that colleges no longer require the core junior college standard courses that were once required of all freshmen and sophomores. A generation or so ago, everyone would have had to take 2-3 credits of English and literature, American history, western civilization, 1-2 maths, 2 biology, 1 chemistry, 2-4 credits of a foreign language, and assorted electives in addition to course work in one's major. I guess being well educated is now defined as knowing a lot in a narrow area and little to nothing in everything else.


message 112: by Feliks, Moderator (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
WHAT?!?


message 113: by Linda (new)

Linda Pennell (lindabennettpennell) | 5 comments Have you read any of the news feeds lately or a college catalog where they list requirements for graduation? It can be very disheartening.


message 114: by Pat (last edited Sep 26, 2015 12:15PM) (new)

Pat Obermeier | 5 comments Hello. I'm a fan of John Le Carre (sorry about that), Joseph Kanon, Higgins and a slew of others. I'm also the author of "The President Factor," a political satire.


message 115: by Feliks, Moderator (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
Ahoy there! Glad to know ya


message 116: by Pat (new)

Pat Obermeier | 5 comments Paul wrote: "Haha. was... I was an oilfield engineer. I was a contractor or Aramco. You?" Hey Paul. Great place to run into you.


message 117: by Lirim (new)

Lirim (lirimjusufi) Perhaps (not sure) youngest WW2 reader here. Love Spy Books and read many of them. Will look for suggestions here too. Cheers.


message 118: by Gustavo (new)

Gustavo | 10 comments Hello, guys! How are you doing? My name is Gustavo and I am from Brazil. This group is awesome! I am here because I want to see people's recommendations about WW2 spy novels and, of course, I want to make friends who have the same interests as me.

I am currently reading The Foreign Correspondent by Alan Furst. Have you ever read this book? If so, did you like it?


PS.: Sorry for my english! I am not an english native speaker


message 119: by Feliks, Moderator (last edited Jun 29, 2016 12:10PM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
Welcome Gustav! Glad to know you. Thanks for the compliment!

There's more good book WWII rec's on our bookshelf (to the right of the page)

What part of Brazil?

Yes,. many here are familiar with Furst. Feel free to join my other espionage groups (as well) if no one here speaks up with any opinions...pretty sleepy around here lately...

I myself, am not a 'Furst' reader. LeCarre, Follett, Ambler, and Deighton for me...


message 120: by Gustavo (new)

Gustavo | 10 comments Hello, Feliks! I am from Rio de Janeiro.

This is my first Furst book! It's been a good reading. Last year I read Jackdaws by Ken Follet and....wow! The book is awesome! Have you ever read Jackdaws?

What are your other espionage groups?


message 121: by Feliks, Moderator (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
ah, Rio..I knew it well ...but only briefly. Tell me, what is the name of the district for dancing? La something? La paz?

Old, old mansions and estates converted into dance clubs? I learned how to dance samba, there..

My other groups are listed here under our 'doorstop' section of our group (for quick links and ressources):
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Ken Follett: yes, I'm a KF fan! But haven't kept up with his later works, I admit. He became so obsessed with medieval history..

p.s. your english is quite good!


message 122: by Feliks, Moderator (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
p.s. Gustav, can you recommend any good Brazilian music? Classic or recent; either/or. I need to reconnect with the music down there. Export out part of your everyday playlist, maybe? And post it?




message 123: by Feliks, Moderator (last edited Jun 29, 2016 03:10PM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
p.s. your name reminds me of Brazilian tennis great, Gustavo Kuerten


message 124: by Gustavo (last edited Jun 29, 2016 06:14PM) (new)

Gustavo | 10 comments Hey, Feliks! Nice to know that you interested in Brazil.

"Tell me, what is the name of the district for dancing? La something? La paz?"
La Paz is a city in Bolivia haha

"Old, old mansions and estates converted into dance clubs?"
I have never heard about this. Sorry haha

"Gustav, can you recommend any good Brazilian music? Classic or recent; either/or. I need to reconnect with the music down there. Export out part of your everyday playlist, maybe? And post it?"

Feliks, to tell you the truth I am not a huge fan of Brazilian music. I don't like Samba, for example. I usually listen to American or British music. However, there are some Brazilian singers and songs that I like.

Listen to these songs:

O Rappa - Anjos (Pra quem tem fé)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPbCL...)

Nando Reis - Luz dos Olhos
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-nWA...)

Cassia Eller - Malandragem
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkGF4...)

Charlie Brown Jr. - Zóio de Lula
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSCzt...)

O Rappa - Na Frente do Reto
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_raY...)

Marcelo D2 - Você Diz Que O Amor Não Dói
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRGIY...)

Matanza - Bom é Quando Faz Mal
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1DJ2...)

After listening to it, tell me whether you like it or not.


message 125: by Gustavo (new)

Gustavo | 10 comments What about you? Where are you from? Could you recommend me any song/writer from your country?

P.S.: I am going to join your other groups!


message 126: by Feliks, Moderator (last edited Jun 29, 2016 07:16PM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
Thanks Gustav. I will explore those links.

New York City here. Nueva York. My friend, the music in my city here is patently horrible. I can't recommend any of it to you. Its all record-company stuff, phony, corporate, over-promoted and falsified. There is no genuine music made here, after all--we receive almost all of it from national outlets in Los Angeles, where the music companies are.

That's why I admire your city much more than mine: at least in Rio, people actually create new music from their own ability.

Nevertheless...sigh...yes, I can recommend some music from 'el Norte". Perhaps from Chicago, or New Orleans.

But it may not earn you any 'cachet' among your friends--I only listen to classics! Aka, music played on genuine guitars, bass, horns, keyboards, and drums. None of this modern 'remixing' bunk. When they stop making music with actual instruments and simply churn it out all from computerized mixers and sampling machines (which is what they do now) that's where I wash my hands of the entire matter. I don't enjoy listening to 'automated' music...no matter how trendy it is. I want real live musicians.


message 127: by Feliks, Moderator (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
p.s. the dance club neighborhood: was it called: "Lapa"?


message 128: by Gustavo (new)

Gustavo | 10 comments Yes, its name is Lapa! Have you ever been to Rio de Janeiro?


message 129: by Feliks, Moderator (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
Certainly, I've been there! Concluded a very successful mission there once. It's my favorite city in the world.


message 130: by A.P. (new)

A.P. Martin (apmartin) Looks like the group has waited a long time since its last new member joined - let's hope I prove to be worth the wait! I'm a retired academic, living in the Swiss Alps enjoying myself reading and, of course, writing too. I enjoy spy fiction generally, but my favourite period is the Second World War. Look forward to some lively discussions.....


message 131: by Feliks, Moderator (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
Living in the Swiss Alps!?

Welcome!

I have good memories of Lucerne. Other than these reminisces though, I can't promise 'lively' conversations. It's a pretty quiet group these days; and I'm not sure there's anything wrong with that. The topic just doesn't yield much controversy or vicissitude. There's an occasional new book published to remark on; but for the most part everyone's had their say about this-or-that.

Fortunately, Goodreads has a very active World War Two fiction / nonfiction group (a sister group to ours) for more in-depth lore.

Me--well, I moderate two other espionage groups; which leaves me a little short of time to do anything but keep things swept/neat. I've had to drop my role as activities-director.

Anyway, a hearty welcome to you. Glad to have you aboard. Poke around and see what you find interesting!


message 132: by Gustavo (new)

Gustavo | 10 comments Hello, A.P.! How are you?
It might be awesome to live in the Swiss Alps! Is it very cold there? haha

What are the best spy fiction books you have ever read?
The only spy fiction books that I've already read were Jackdaws by Ken Follet and The Foreign Correspondent by Alan Furst, have you ever read any of these?

P.S. Welcome to the group


message 133: by Feliks, Moderator (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
Brazil and Switzerland, ha


message 134: by A.P. (new)

A.P. Martin (apmartin) Hi Gustavo. It certainly can be cold up here in the mountains, but it's a dry cold, often accompanied by snow and sunshine! Now it's summer and warm (though not to Brazilian levels!)
I have read Jackdaws and, I'm sorry to say, was not massively impressed. Indeed, I hope my own novel is a bit better than that. I have read a couple of Alan Furst books, which I think are much better. I wish I could write like him!


message 135: by Gustavo (new)

Gustavo | 10 comments Are you writing a novel? That's fantastic!

Jackdaws by Ken Follet is the best fiction book I've ever read haha
I've read The Foreign Correspondent by Furst. It's a delightful reading. However, in my opinion, there's a lack of action.


message 136: by Gustavo (new)

Gustavo | 10 comments What about you Felix!? How are you? What spy fiction book have you been reading?


message 137: by A.P. (new)

A.P. Martin (apmartin) I have just published a spy novel, Gustavo. It's called 'Codename Lazarus' and is available on Amazon Kindle and paperback. Check out the first 4+ chapters for free on its Kindle page and let me know what you think. No more hard sell from me!,!


message 138: by Gustavo (new)

Gustavo | 10 comments A.P., I read your book synopsis on Amazon and It looks to be a fantastic reading. it reminds me the Double Cross System used by the British against the Nazis.

Unfortunately, I am not going to read your book now because I'm not ready for this reading. I have to develop my english reading. Therefore, when I feel confident I will read it. Bye!


message 139: by A.P. (new)

A.P. Martin (apmartin) Thanks for that Gustavo. Best of luck with your English lessons. With determination, I'm sure you'll soon be reading anything you like in English!


message 140: by Feliks, Moderator (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
Gustavo wrote: "What about you Felix!? How are you? What spy fiction book have you been reading?"

Oy Gustav
I'm reading (as is usual with me) espionage nonfiction and research.

For example, Dezinformatsia: Active Measures In Soviet Strategy

Gustav, I have some unrelated questions about Rio--they've just arisen, so I am glad you just joined this group. I'm going to private message you (so as not to bore anyone else on this thread)


message 141: by Adam (new)

Adam Chance | 12 comments Hi I'm Adam. I'm a WW2 history buff & like fiction/non fiction in that genre.


message 142: by Feliks, Moderator (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
Welcome Adam!


message 143: by Gustavo (new)

Gustavo | 10 comments Welcome, Adam! What book have you been reading?


message 144: by Adam (new)

Adam Chance | 12 comments Gustavo wrote: "Welcome, Adam! What book have you been reading?"

Hi Gustavo. ATM I'm reading 'The Secret Agent's Pocket Manual 1939-45' which is a reprint of original WW2 allied field guides. It's actually the second time I've read it.


message 145: by Melanie (new)

Melanie Fraser (melaniefraservoiceuk) Hello Moderators and Members

I've just found your group. Espionage is my favourite genre to read and WWII is of particular interest.

Although not an author, I'm an audiobook narrator.

Looking forward to discovering more books in this genre to which I'm drawn like a magnet!


message 146: by Praveen (new)

Praveen | 1 comments Hello,

I'm from India, presently residing in France. I read almost all genres of fiction though I prefer Espionage, thrillers and mystery.

I am currently catching up on Ken Follet books that I have missed during my college years !!

I found this group on a search for groups to join related to WWII. There is so much information here that piqued my interests. Thanks guys !!!!


message 147: by Feliks, Moderator (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
Welcome!


message 148: by Denise (new)

Denise Frisino | 3 comments Praveen,

Welcome to the group!

My father, Joe Frisino, an American journalist, served in the Signal Corps in Burma in the CBI theatre for 2.5 years.

The topic of my research is Japanese spies on American soil. This subject has rarely been discussed but is factual and is an important facet of any discussion on WWII.

If you are interested in espionage and WWII you might consider my new novel Orchids of War. Five years of research, including reading FBI, ONI and other military records, live interviews with men and woman from WWII and an extensive list of history books, went into the making of Orchids.

You can find more information on my website (www.denisefrisino.com).

World War II was an important time in our history and espionage played a big role in the outcome.


message 149: by Bojan (new)

Bojan | 1 comments Greetings to all group members!

I'm a big fan of spy thrillers, but in general, thrillers are my love. While saying that it does not really matter which kind of thriller novels they are.

As all of you for sure know, there are dozens of WWII great spy thrillers. I don't even know where to start from....because I'm a blogger and a freelancer too. I saw that in this topic was mentioned the fire of Notre Dam-"Is Paris Burning? Well....as a matter of fact, it is.
As I was writing some serious story of today's "young cyber army recruiting," for future way of warfare, where this topic, was named on the Bilderbergs discussion, among others important issues on the meeting in 2018, in Italy, Torino. But the same topic was also important at this years meeting of the above mentioned Bilderberg Meetings which
happens every year. But all this info is freely available on the internet, even
better is all explained by a former spy.


message 150: by Feliks, Moderator (new) - rated it 3 stars

Feliks (dzerzhinsky) | 467 comments Mod
H'mmm ...not quite sure I followed all of that. Anyway a hearty welcome to the group!


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