The German Messenger

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Pub Date 20 Jan 2023 | Archive Date 17 May 2023
HQ | HQ Digital

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Description

Liverpool, 1940. “Where’s George?” Ruth didn’t realise that she had grabbed hold of the other woman’s arms. “Where’s my son?”

Journalist Ruth Holt is struggling in the terror of the Blitz when her young son is suddenly snatched away in broad daylight. Soon after, the kidnappers’ demands arrive. They are working with the Nazis, and she has no choice but to co-operate, or the authorities will learn that she is harbouring secrets of her own.

Ruth’s job gives her access to critical information, and if she does not share it with Britain’s enemies, her child will face the consequences. Desperate, she falsifies information, lying to everyone: her employers, her family and her lover. But as the demands increase, the knife edge she walks on grows increasingly thin. If she falls, she will never save her son.

A powerful and heartbreaking WWII historical novel for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale and Beneath a Scarlet Sky.

Readers LOVE The German Messenger!

A mesmerizing historical novel that gripped me from the start… Simply marvellous.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved this book… I finished it in one sitting.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A wonderful combination of the impact of the World War II Blitz, skullduggery and friendship all thrown in together… Would recommend.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I did not want to put this book down… I finished in two sittings. I loved it.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Liverpool, 1940. “Where’s George?” Ruth didn’t realise that she had grabbed hold of the other woman’s arms. “Where’s my son?”

Journalist Ruth Holt is struggling in...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9780008530396
PRICE £1.99 (GBP)
PAGES 352

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Average rating from 32 members


Featured Reviews

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

The story of this book is based in Liverpool at the time of WW2 blitz.

Ruth works as a journalist, and her son is kidnapped. She now has to carry out the ransom in the current bombs dropping circumstances.

I loved this book, it made me happy and sad, and I loved Ruth. I finished it in one sitting.

I recommend this book.

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This had a wonderful combination of the impact of the World War II Blitz, skullduggery and friendship all thrown in together. I learnt about the effect of the Blitz on everyday life in a city that I hadn't realised had been hit so hard - Liverpool.
It tells the story of journalist Ruth Holt struggling in the terror of the Blitz when her young son is snatched away in broad daylight. Soon after, the kidnappers’ demands arrive. They are working with the Nazis, and she has no choice but to co-operate, or the authorities will learn that she is harbouring secrets of her own.
I found the book well written and easy to read and would recommend it.

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The German Messenger by M J Hollows is a mesmerizing historical novel that gripped me from the start.
The story is set in Liverpool 1940-1941 at the height of the blitz. M J Hollows writes of the horrors facing the brave people of the city. As the city burns, we witness brave firefighters running towards the flames. Comprehensive descriptions bring the landscape to life as we see a landscape right out of Dante’s inferno.
Ordinary citizens with German roots were viewed with suspicion. Some were interred in camps. It is heartbreaking to see the elderly wrenched from their homes to spend their last days incarcerated simply because of their roots.
There is a question of trust. Some, surprisingly, placed their loyalty with Hitler. These evil characters would prey on the vulnerable, using leverage to get classified information.
War throws people together. Neighbours help each other. Homes are opened to those in need of shelter and care.
We witness the rescues on bomb sites, seeing amazing miracles of survival.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and realistic.
I thoroughly enjoyed The German Messenger. I always love M J Hollow’s books that educate and entertain. This tale is simply marvelous.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

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