"Dark Shadows Looming Ahead" by Marion Kummerow is a gripping thriller that masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and intrigue. The story likely follows complex characters navigating dark secrets and looming dangers, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. With its atmospheric tension and engaging plot, this book is perfect for fans of psychological thrillers and mystery novels. Kummerow's writing crafts a sense of foreboding, making it difficult to predict what will happen next. Overall, it's a thrilling ride that explores the darker aspects of human nature.

Dark Shadows Looming Ahead is another riveting WWII story from author Marion Kummerow. Having read the first of her series, Escaping the Reich, I was eager to read this second book. Even though it is part of a new series it can certainly be read as a stand alone novel since the main characters and their story is new - we only see the carryover in some of the secondary characters in the series. As in Three Children in Danger, Book 1 of the series, the main characters in this second book - Judith and Koloss, are in great danger for their lives if they are found anywhere in Germany. They need to get out of the country but to make an escape to Switzerland - the closest country not under Nazi rule - requires proper papers, money, and an escape route. How they manage from day to day as they work to gather all that they need and then meet setback after setback is nerve-wracking. Will they make it or will they ultimately be caught and turned over to the Gestapo? This is the sixth book by author Kummerow that I've read and it does what the others do - keeps you in suspense and turning the pages to see what comes next. I one hundred percent recommend this book to anyone interested in novels set in WWII Nazi Germany. I rate this as a 4.5 instead of a 5 only because I was shocked by the ending and need to wait for her next book so I can see what happens next. I received an ARC from NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

Book 2 of Escaping the Reich. Another inspiring story of sheer will and determination to overcome oppression and the will to survive. I really enjoyed the 2nd book in the series and eagerly look forward to the next book. The author has a lovely writing style and draws you into the story so you feel fully immersed.

What a fantastic story about people trying to escape the Nazi regime. Once I started, I had to continue reading this book, which is set around Lake Constance. It's a compelling story and has an unexpected ending.

A harrowing escape story for two people from Nazi Germany. I can’t wait for the next installment! I want more!

Really enjoyed this story set in WW2. Judith is an Olympic Swimmer and also happens to be Jewish so she is on the run fighting for her life trying to escape the Nazis. In hiding she meets Koloss a German army deserter. This is the story of their brave escape into Switzerland who are neutral in the war. The story is full of sadness, fear and immense courage. A really enjoyable read that I highly recommend

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC in return for an honest review. Publication date 7 July 2025.

Book 2 of 3 - Marion Kummerow is one of my favorite WWII authors. This is the story of an Olympic swimmer on the run for her freedom. Wonderful story, I suggest reading it.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely amazing. Easiest 5 stars given to a fantastic book! Excited to read more by this author! Will be sharing with my Facebook group.

Dark Shadows Looming Ahead is a pulse pounding, hold your breath gripping read that will have you turning the pages as fast as you possibly can.

Judith is an Olympic athlete who along with Koloss a German desserter are fleeing for the lives from the Nazis.

There are good people that desperately try to help them but when their hostess is arrested they know they must escape and time is of essence.

The solution was to swim to Switzerland but the odds are against them from the beginning.

My heart was in throat as they attempt to escape, I could feel the iciness of the water and felt their fear.

Dark Shadows Looming Ahead is about more than escaping. It is the heroism, the tenacity, bravery and courage and so much more.

Marion Kummerow writes beautifully and makes her characters and story come alive. If you have not read any of her books you are in for a treat.

This book can absolutley be read as a stand alone although you are missing out on the amazing first book in this series Three Children in Danger.

I hope we see more of Judith soon .

Thanks to NetGalley and Book Whisper for the privilege of reading and reviewing Dark Shadows Loomin Ahead.

Judith Rosner used to be an Olympic Champion for Austria, but when war broke out, she became targeted overnight because of her religion.

Having gone from a celebrity to a constant target must have been awful, always scared and unsure, however she was determined to survive and that was awe worthy.

There’s also Koloss, who is a German deserter.
He ends up at Lake Constance, where Julia is hiding.

At one point, they try to escape across Lake Constance.
As patrol boats closed in. It got so heart-rending and tense.

If you love strong women, high-stakes drama, and historical fiction that hits deep—this one’s for you. 🙌📚

I've read many of Marion Kummerow's books, but this one might be my favorite. Although this is the second book in the Escaping the Reich series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone, so if you are new to this author, don't let that stop you. That said, if you've read the German Wives series, you'll recognize the cameo appearances of a few characters. Because this book is set in 1943, it addresses pivotal historical events, such as the infamous International Red Cross visit to the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp. (The commandant is a familiar character!)

This is more than Judith Rosen's story, although she is such a fascinating character that it would have been enough for me. Her escape plan is interwoven with that of Koloss, the familiar, massive welder from the Berlin train car factory/Resistance member. Although he is 42 years old, he receives a draft notice but cannot bear to serve in the Wehrmacht. The third person of importance in this story is Countess Sophie Borsoi and her continued work with the Swedish pastor, Perwe. Combined, the tensions in the plot were almost more than I could bear. Characters that I was sure would be "safe" weren't. For the last 100 pages, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough while also being afraid to see what the next page would bring. Kudos to the author for a plot twist at the end of Dark Shadows Looming Ahead that I never saw coming, but was perfect!

"Without the many followers who looked the other way instead of acting, Hitler could never hold on to power. The silent masses have become the guarantors of his rule."

"For every active perpetrator, there are ten people who look the other way. They are the reason the Nazis manage to do their evil work."

I'll be thinking of what I learned in this book for a very long time and I highly recommend it to all historical fiction lovers.

What a lovely story of heroism, sacrifice, love and resilience. Once again Marion has written this story which is written into the historical facts of the time. Berlin: with the risky lives of resistance workers and the Jews and half Jews living in secret. Side by side with the collaborating neighbours who are watching everything. The main characters are strong and determined and the reader gets the feeling that they know the people too. I hope to read at some point the story of how these people made lives for themselves after the war. How do you settle back into normal living after hiding in a flat for years and having to hide in the base of a wooden sofa when someone comes to call? Or, living life on the run, how do you live knowing that you are not being hunted...? How do you begin again in a land where the language is not your first and the culture is different? Can you ever fit in again? Thank you Marion for writing this book. As usual I have enjoyed asking in my head what part I would have been comfortable doing. I look forward to reading the next in the series. Thank you Net galley for the ARC and to the publisher, book whisperer,

these books truly come off the pages to you. it makes you feel. it make you think. it makes you sit for a few beats every now and then just to reflect and contemplate. and sometimes you have to sit so as not to get too angry at a time in our history that still does and still should bring that anger.
this book is more angst than others of the time. there is a real risk and compulsion then as a reader to read on and on. you need to be right alongside our characters as they face the dangers ahead.
because this story brings us just that, dangers ahead for Judith and Koloss who are fleeing the Nazis.
they have been helped alone the way but then tragedy strikes when the brilliant and brave woman protecting and hosting them is arrested by the enemy. frightened, they know they have to escape and run for it, there is no time to waste or wait.
the only option available to them now is Switzerland. and yes that involved crossing water. but for many known and unknown reasons this will be a heroic and heart hurling mission to the other side.
and oh i felt i was wishing and wary for them all the way across. and could feel their fear and their bravery. again, i dont know how these people did what they did in those times. i honestly cant get my head around it.
there is so much to this book. i would and could write far too much and still not do what i want to put down in some form of correlated understand of just how much this book hooked me.
this book reached out and never let go right until the end.

“Dark Shadows Looming Ahead” is a WWII historical fiction book by Marion Kummerow. This book felt like the middle part of a series - there obviously had been a story before (though Ms. Kummerow in a few sentences filled in background) and there’s obviously going to be a continuation (from the ending and the Author’s Note). This wasn’t a bad book, but what I enjoy about Ms. Kummerow’s stories is that I learn something I didn’t before about WWII … and in this case, I didn’t learn anything really new (in the previous book I learned about Operation Swedish Furniture, which was fascinating). The book moved along at a good clip, there’s no romance, and the characters are enjoyable. For me, this book is about a 3.5 star read, but I bumped it up because three stars seems too low a rating.

Another incredible book from Marion Kummerow! Her writing never fails to keep me gripped from start to finish.

This book was fast paced, and I found myself holding my breath alongside the characters in some parts. I found myself googling maps to track their journey, as I had no idea just how close freedom in Switzerland was for those persecuted by the Nazis in Germany.

I can’t wait for her next book!

5 stars out of 5 ⭐️

fantastic read and this isn't my normal genre. so much emotion felt. I will be reading more from this author

A gripping and emotionally rich read!

Dark Shadows Looming Ahead by Marion Kummerow is a beautifully written historical novel that blends fast-paced suspense with deeply human characters. I couldn’t put it down; I started reading in bed last night and finished it on a short airplane ride this morning! The writing is vivid and immersive, pulling you straight into the uncertainty and tension of wartime. I was especially drawn to the strength and complexity of the characters—they felt real and relatable, and their emotional journeys were deeply moving. Dark Shadows Looming ahead is a compelling story of resilience, hope and the quiet strength and courage that stays with you long after you finish.

It's a story about resilience, loyalty, hope and the quiet strength that ordinary people summon in extraordinary times. Marion Kummerow has written a poignant, unforgettable tale that lingers with you long after the final page. If you like historical fiction with inspirational characters, this book is for you. Dark Shadows Looming Ahead is the second in a planned trilogy; I can’t wait to read the next one!

Marion Kummerow has done it again with Dark Shadows Looming Ahead. This gripping sequel in the Escaping the Reich series pulls you into the desperate and courageous world of Judith Rosner, a Jewish Olympic athlete fleeing the Nazis. The tension is palpable as she teams up with Koloss, a German deserter, to escape across Lake Constance. Kummerow’s writing is vivid and immersive. She captures the era’s dread and hope with masterful detail, balancing historical accuracy with emotional depth. The characters are layered, their choices complex, and their journey absolutely unforgettable. If you enjoy stories of resistance, survival, and unexpected alliances during WWII, this book will not disappoint. Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Another gripping story by Marion Kummerow! Based (loosely) on real characters and their courageous acts, this novel has hooked my attention up to the end. I was never sure whether the helpers would be successful in hiding or providing escape! Really suspenseful! I enjoyed the characters, their wit and boldness. They felt very real . This is the second book of the trilogy, but definitely can be read as a standalone. The first book was as gripping as well as interesting (based on real help organisations) as this second novel. I now wait impatiently for the third story!
A great read!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

This was a very well written book. It was very heart breaking to see what people went through during this time just to stay alive. Would definitely recommend.