In the surreal and paranoid underworld of wartime Prague, fugitive lovers Felix Andel and Magdalena Ruza make some dubious alliances – with a mysterious Roman Catholic cardinal, a reckless sculptor intent on making a big political statement, and a gypsy with a risky sex life. As one by one their chances for fleeing the country collapse, the two join a plot to assassinate Hitler’s nefarious Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda, Josef Goebbels.
But the assassination attempt goes wildly wrong, propelling the lovers in separate directions.
Felix’s destiny is sealed at the Bone Church, a mystical pilgrimage site on the outskirts of Prague, while Magdalena is thrust even deeper into the bowels of a city that betrayed her and a homeland soon to be swallowed by the Soviets. As they emerge from the shadowy fog of World War II, and stagger into the foul haze of the Cold War, Felix and Magdalena must confront the past, and a dangerous, uncertain future.
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About the Author
Victoria Dougherty writes fiction, drama, and essays that often revolve around spies, killers, curses and destinies. Her work has been published or profiled in The New York Times, USA Today, International Herald Tribune and elsewhere. Earlier in her career, while living in Prague, she co-founded Black Box Theater, translating, producing and acting in several Czech plays. She lives with her husband and children in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Review
Series: N/A
Release Date: 15 April, 2014
Publisher: Pier's Court Press
Genre: Historical Fiction/Thriller/Suspense
Genre: Historical Fiction/Thriller/Suspense
ISBN: B00JOSCDA4
Edition: ebook
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review Written: 23 July, 2014
World War II thrillers are always highly popular, most tending to focus on the allies or the axis, and very rarely taking into account other people who were trapped in this web of political backlash and life threatening situations.
Felix Andel has watched people die, including his own father. A fugitive in wartime Czechoslovakia with Magdalena Ruza, Felix wants nothing more than to stay out of the public view... and to stay alive. One thing after another goes wrong however, the trip to Bratisalava cut short by their stop in a rural town where the pair are married by the Mayor but captured by S.S. soldiers after a murder at jewelry store. Taking advantage of a chaotic situation at one of the train stops in the way to Krakow, the pair escape and elude capture again - only to be forced to return to Prague. Things continue to go south for the pair, eventually pushing them into two separate directions as the world tries to stumble out of World War Two and straight into the mire that is the Cold War.
Dougherty doesn't spare the reader details that some might, describing out the death of a small girl who was foolish enough to try and feed the prisoners on the train to Felix's conversations with the dead. Her writing is masterful, superb and rich with details of the time period showing she knows her history. If you like mysteries and suspense, this book is definitely one you should pick up!
Thanks so much for having me on and for such a thoughtful, lovely review! I was at the beach with my family this week, so I'm a little late in responding :) Coming back home to your blog made my day!
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