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No Man Dies Twice
For fans of Tom Rob Smith comes a detective novel set during World War II. One spy has been sent to assassinate Hitler. One spy has been sent to stop him. A single policeman is all that stands in the way of changing history.
“Riveting…Smith takes us into an area of wartime Germany we have rarely read about before.” —Joseph Heywood, New York Times bestselling author of The Berkut and The Domino Conspiracy
Inspector Peter Ritter, one of the few honest detectives left in wartime Germany, is losing his grip on reality. The word on the street in the small Bavarian city of Rosenheim is that Ritter is not long for this world. He’s made too many enemies with his rants against the regime and his obsession with solving crime, even when the villains are Nazi officials. The Gestapo are tracking his every move, and his marriage is falling apart. His only refuge is in drunken conversations with the specter of his dead father-in-law.
When the killing of a Jew is followed by the bloody and brutal stabbing of the local Gestapo chief, Ritter realizes there is far more going on than just homicide. He uncovers a plot to assassinate Hitler, with British spies fighting a turf war on his patch. Ritter is left with a stark call in the Gestapo or let the assassins succeed, in the hope that killing the Führer will save the Germany he loves.
“A powerful debut full of fear, suspense, violence and geopolitical machinations…Michael Smith explores turf reminiscent of the historical fiction of Alan Furst and Joseph Kanon.” —Sebastian Rotella, author of Rip Crew
“Riveting…Smith takes us into an area of wartime Germany we have rarely read about before.” —Joseph Heywood, New York Times bestselling author of The Berkut and The Domino Conspiracy
Inspector Peter Ritter, one of the few honest detectives left in wartime Germany, is losing his grip on reality. The word on the street in the small Bavarian city of Rosenheim is that Ritter is not long for this world. He’s made too many enemies with his rants against the regime and his obsession with solving crime, even when the villains are Nazi officials. The Gestapo are tracking his every move, and his marriage is falling apart. His only refuge is in drunken conversations with the specter of his dead father-in-law.
When the killing of a Jew is followed by the bloody and brutal stabbing of the local Gestapo chief, Ritter realizes there is far more going on than just homicide. He uncovers a plot to assassinate Hitler, with British spies fighting a turf war on his patch. Ritter is left with a stark call in the Gestapo or let the assassins succeed, in the hope that killing the Führer will save the Germany he loves.
“A powerful debut full of fear, suspense, violence and geopolitical machinations…Michael Smith explores turf reminiscent of the historical fiction of Alan Furst and Joseph Kanon.” —Sebastian Rotella, author of Rip Crew
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2018
About the author
Michael Smith
26 books45 followersThere is more than one Michael Smith in the database.
Michael Smith is a British author and screenwriter who specializes in spies and espionage.
Source: Wikipedia.
Michael Smith is a British author and screenwriter who specializes in spies and espionage.
Source: Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 13, 2018
Unusual WW2 police procedural
Michael Smith knows the spy trade. He served in British military intelligence and has written numerous espionage books.
Set in the real town of Rosenheim in Southern Germany the story revolves around civilian detective Ritter and his investigation into murder which uncovers hidden political overtones and secrets.
This book has all the detail around spy tradecraft and intrigue, but I felt the characters beyond Detective Ritter lacked any sort of depth. The story bowls along at a sufficient pace, but overall the story didn't engage with me as much as I’d hoped, however I'm sure others will enjoy this more than I did.
It’s still an entertaining read and more interesting as its set away from the usual Berlin locations that typify the German WW2 crime genre shelf.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but wasn’t required to provide a positive review.
Michael Smith knows the spy trade. He served in British military intelligence and has written numerous espionage books.
Set in the real town of Rosenheim in Southern Germany the story revolves around civilian detective Ritter and his investigation into murder which uncovers hidden political overtones and secrets.
This book has all the detail around spy tradecraft and intrigue, but I felt the characters beyond Detective Ritter lacked any sort of depth. The story bowls along at a sufficient pace, but overall the story didn't engage with me as much as I’d hoped, however I'm sure others will enjoy this more than I did.
It’s still an entertaining read and more interesting as its set away from the usual Berlin locations that typify the German WW2 crime genre shelf.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but wasn’t required to provide a positive review.
March 15, 2018
'Smith has mixed together a heady cocktail of spies, detectives, homicide, mystery, crime, Gestapo, British Intelligence.' The Spybrary Podcast
British journalist Michael Smith (Killer Elite and Foley the Spy Who Saved 10,000 Jews) has penned his first ever fiction novel. The former Intelligence Expert is not some cable news talking head. One of his former tasks included listening in to East German military and political leaders when he served in the Intelligence Corps and delivering intelligence to the British SAS in the field (and that's all I could get out of him on a recent podcast interview I am sure there is more!)
So Smith is well versed in tradecraft and fieldcraft and it shows in No Man Dies Twice. In the mid 90s Michael Smith unearthed documents at the National Archive - Operation Foxley, a SOE plan to kill Hitler. It was never carried out. Those files and the intrigue within them inspired Smith to write his first fiction book.
What if the British had sent someone to kill Hitler?
The main character Ritter is a hard working cop in WW2 Bavaria who has no time for the Nazi regime and is not scared to show it. Couple that with an intense rivalry with the local Gestapo, a marriage on the rocks and a dead body in his town you have the making of a good mystery thriller. But when the spies turn up the story takes a dramatic and possibly history changing turn.
British journalist Michael Smith (Killer Elite and Foley the Spy Who Saved 10,000 Jews) has penned his first ever fiction novel. The former Intelligence Expert is not some cable news talking head. One of his former tasks included listening in to East German military and political leaders when he served in the Intelligence Corps and delivering intelligence to the British SAS in the field (and that's all I could get out of him on a recent podcast interview I am sure there is more!)
So Smith is well versed in tradecraft and fieldcraft and it shows in No Man Dies Twice. In the mid 90s Michael Smith unearthed documents at the National Archive - Operation Foxley, a SOE plan to kill Hitler. It was never carried out. Those files and the intrigue within them inspired Smith to write his first fiction book.
What if the British had sent someone to kill Hitler?
The main character Ritter is a hard working cop in WW2 Bavaria who has no time for the Nazi regime and is not scared to show it. Couple that with an intense rivalry with the local Gestapo, a marriage on the rocks and a dead body in his town you have the making of a good mystery thriller. But when the spies turn up the story takes a dramatic and possibly history changing turn.
December 14, 2017
Very credible procedural set during WWII inspired by the MI6 plan to assassinate the Fuhrer. The plan never took place in reality, but that what fiction's for. I've never read the author before, but he seems to have a very respectable resume loaded with nonfiction books about spies and things of that nature plus the man has actually worked for British military intelligence, so that's real life experience, and hence this book is, as aforementioned, credible, technically. Dramatically it left something to be desired, though this might be an entirely subjective thing based on my mood at the time. I'm fascinating by that specific historical era, so that wasn't it, it just didn't engage as much as I would have liked, there was something mechanical about the writing. It's dynamic enough with plenty of dialogue and short sentence structure to move the narration along swimmingly, it's just that much like the 90's supermodel there wasn't quite enough meat on the bones to present a very compelling experience of a well rounded novel. Then again it was a quick read and fans of spy fiction should find much to enjoy here, not exactly 007, but complete with the Bondesque title and Bondish femme fatale and more than enough war time intrigue. Thanks Netgalley.
March 24, 2018
It must be tricky for a writer to make a German policeman sympathetic during the Nazi period and WW2. British author Philip Kerr managed to do so with his Bernie Gunther character, but even there Kerr had to walk a fine line. Bernie Gunther was a member of the SS, but supposedly of the non-violent type, even though he had served on the Russian Front. In British author's new novel, "No Man Dies Twice", his lead, Peter Ritter is a cop in a small Bavarian town. He has to work with the Gestapo and other Nazi officials to help catch a killer (or killers) striking in Rosenheim. And he seems to have anti-Nazi views. Could the reader sympathise with him if he hadn't? (A question for another post.)
Anyway, Peter Ritter has a fraying marriage to a woman cozying up to the local Nazi leader, a young assistant who's a pain in the butt, and, most importantly, a number of dead bodies piling up that he is supposed to investigate. But along with the growing number of bodies is a growing number of suspects. The town of Rosenheim seems to be ground central for everybody from British spies to political dissidents of all stripe. Michael Smith, who writes mostly non-fiction, gives the plot and characters in his novel a real go. For those readers who like WW2 fiction, I think you'll like "No Man Dies Twice".
Anyway, Peter Ritter has a fraying marriage to a woman cozying up to the local Nazi leader, a young assistant who's a pain in the butt, and, most importantly, a number of dead bodies piling up that he is supposed to investigate. But along with the growing number of bodies is a growing number of suspects. The town of Rosenheim seems to be ground central for everybody from British spies to political dissidents of all stripe. Michael Smith, who writes mostly non-fiction, gives the plot and characters in his novel a real go. For those readers who like WW2 fiction, I think you'll like "No Man Dies Twice".
December 3, 2017
A solid and interesting police procedural at the heart of WW2. Unique in the sense that it’s not in Berlin or Munich for example but centered in a small town that has not really been on the map for this type of story.
It was fascinating to find out about the real life town of Rosenheim and the level of murder and political intrigue at the heart of this place. I looked up the town and researched a bit more to find out that it’s very closely linked to true events and you can tell the author has done his research. Michael Smith is an award-winning UK journalist and author. He served in British military intelligence before becoming a writer, and has written numerous books on spies and special operations. That level of authenticity shines through.
The level of underlying danger, the Gestapo and all that history has told us, made this book really intriguing. I will definately look for the second novel from this author as there’s a lot to learn from him and he’s a great guide to that part of history, putting a unique spin on the subject matter and themes within.
Full review to come along with map of course!
It was fascinating to find out about the real life town of Rosenheim and the level of murder and political intrigue at the heart of this place. I looked up the town and researched a bit more to find out that it’s very closely linked to true events and you can tell the author has done his research. Michael Smith is an award-winning UK journalist and author. He served in British military intelligence before becoming a writer, and has written numerous books on spies and special operations. That level of authenticity shines through.
The level of underlying danger, the Gestapo and all that history has told us, made this book really intriguing. I will definately look for the second novel from this author as there’s a lot to learn from him and he’s a great guide to that part of history, putting a unique spin on the subject matter and themes within.
Full review to come along with map of course!
January 22, 2018
This is a World War 2 thriller with a difference. Set in a small town in Bavaria called Rosenheim it is the story of a German police detective, Ritter who is investigating a murder of a stranger. Ritter is anti Nazi and principled so when he discovers the murdered man is Jewish he refuses to give up his investigations despite urging from his superiors who care little about the killers of Jews.
We also see some of his personal life, his crumbling marriage to Sophie whom he suspects of having an affair with Gestapo officer Kleidorfe, his arch rival and nemesis.
The author creates the sinister atmosphere of Second World War Germany where everyone is suspicious and ready to denounce their neighbours in order to curry favour with the authorities.
This is a complicated plot which also includes British spies and assassins and at times it is hard to keep up with all that is going on.
I liked the character of Ritter and his attempts to remain human in difficult conditions. His talks with his late father in law who was a law professor serve to allow the reader an insight into his motivations and choices and are an interesting method of explaining why he acts as he does.
The author has obviously done a lot of research and knows about espionage so the story does seem realistic.
Although it moved at a slow pace as Ritter tried to puzzle out what was happening the book did hold my attention. It reminded me of Child 44 by Tom Robb Smith and would appeal to readers of this type of historical thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
We also see some of his personal life, his crumbling marriage to Sophie whom he suspects of having an affair with Gestapo officer Kleidorfe, his arch rival and nemesis.
The author creates the sinister atmosphere of Second World War Germany where everyone is suspicious and ready to denounce their neighbours in order to curry favour with the authorities.
This is a complicated plot which also includes British spies and assassins and at times it is hard to keep up with all that is going on.
I liked the character of Ritter and his attempts to remain human in difficult conditions. His talks with his late father in law who was a law professor serve to allow the reader an insight into his motivations and choices and are an interesting method of explaining why he acts as he does.
The author has obviously done a lot of research and knows about espionage so the story does seem realistic.
Although it moved at a slow pace as Ritter tried to puzzle out what was happening the book did hold my attention. It reminded me of Child 44 by Tom Robb Smith and would appeal to readers of this type of historical thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2022
‘No Man Dies Twice’ is the debut novel from the pen of established literary author, Michael Smith. He introduces us to Peter Ritter, a maverick detective working in Rosenheim which is a small city in Bavaria. The book is written in the past tense and the third person and we see the most of the action from the perspective of Ritter.
The story opens with a body being found in a shallow ditch and it’s made clear that the Munich police regard investigating the death as a waste of time. It soon becomes apparent that adhering to the official party line is far more important than catching a killer. It is therefore little wonder that Ritter is an unpopular figure as he refuses to allow it to become yet another unsolved case. As time goes by, the bodies start to mount up and it is impossible for the establishment to prevent an official investigation.
Ritter’s home life is also far from perfect as he suspects his wife of having an affair with her old university friend and his nemesis, Obersturmführer, Klaus Kliedorfer from the local Gestapo. Ritter gains solace and perspective from imaginary conversations with his wife’s late father who was his tutor many years ago.
After a few chapters, the author introduces a second thread and we meet some new characters. We then see the plot developing and share the thoughts of British agents, Kate Stevenson and Johann Litwak.
The suspect list is quite short and Ritter believes he knows the identity of the murderer but has the difficult job of proving it. This is inevitably complicated by his reputation and antipathy for the Nazi Party and he comes up against many players with their own agendas. Ritter is flawed but definitely an honest and honourable man. There seems little doubt that in spite of all the obstacles in his way he will find a resolution in the end, albeit by somewhat unorthodox means.
Michael Smith has created a multi-layered story and at times it seems the murders are secondary to the machinations of Party members with whom Ritter is constantly in conflict. The characters are all three-dimensional and I didn’t find it difficult to thoroughly dislike everyone the author intended.
Winter in Bavaria with its icy conditions was used by Smith to create a vivid backdrop for the story and added to the atmosphere of cold detachment and menace. Several chapters open with descriptive passages and then the characters are dropped in to play out each scene. We touch on several themes and Smith uses pathos and a smattering of irony to embellish his tale.
If you enjoy this genre then you won’t go wrong here. Michael Smith is a remarkable historian who easily uses his vast knowledge of the time to create a fast-moving interwoven story. I congratulate him for a professional and entertaining piece of fiction. I award five stars.
The story opens with a body being found in a shallow ditch and it’s made clear that the Munich police regard investigating the death as a waste of time. It soon becomes apparent that adhering to the official party line is far more important than catching a killer. It is therefore little wonder that Ritter is an unpopular figure as he refuses to allow it to become yet another unsolved case. As time goes by, the bodies start to mount up and it is impossible for the establishment to prevent an official investigation.
Ritter’s home life is also far from perfect as he suspects his wife of having an affair with her old university friend and his nemesis, Obersturmführer, Klaus Kliedorfer from the local Gestapo. Ritter gains solace and perspective from imaginary conversations with his wife’s late father who was his tutor many years ago.
After a few chapters, the author introduces a second thread and we meet some new characters. We then see the plot developing and share the thoughts of British agents, Kate Stevenson and Johann Litwak.
The suspect list is quite short and Ritter believes he knows the identity of the murderer but has the difficult job of proving it. This is inevitably complicated by his reputation and antipathy for the Nazi Party and he comes up against many players with their own agendas. Ritter is flawed but definitely an honest and honourable man. There seems little doubt that in spite of all the obstacles in his way he will find a resolution in the end, albeit by somewhat unorthodox means.
Michael Smith has created a multi-layered story and at times it seems the murders are secondary to the machinations of Party members with whom Ritter is constantly in conflict. The characters are all three-dimensional and I didn’t find it difficult to thoroughly dislike everyone the author intended.
Winter in Bavaria with its icy conditions was used by Smith to create a vivid backdrop for the story and added to the atmosphere of cold detachment and menace. Several chapters open with descriptive passages and then the characters are dropped in to play out each scene. We touch on several themes and Smith uses pathos and a smattering of irony to embellish his tale.
If you enjoy this genre then you won’t go wrong here. Michael Smith is a remarkable historian who easily uses his vast knowledge of the time to create a fast-moving interwoven story. I congratulate him for a professional and entertaining piece of fiction. I award five stars.
March 26, 2018
Had a promising start but it went downhill once a second POV was introduced. I think there are too many characters in the book and it became unfocused. Because there were too many characters, there wasn't enough time to fully develop them and they became flat. I think the author would have been better off with a single POV and a closer development of the main figure.
I got this book as a free ARC.
I got this book as a free ARC.
May 30, 2018
I have read many of Michael's non-fiction books I especially like' Foley the Spy who saved 10,000 Jews. ' This is his first novel and is indeed a good read! If you are interested in SOE you should read this book. The relationship between SOE and MI6 is explored. It walks you into the heart of WW2 Germany in a way no other book I have read has done.
February 21, 2018
I really enjoyed this well written, plotted and thought through thriller which demonstrates the author's deep knowledge of the second world war and the German war machine. There are twists and turns and the book never fails to fascinate and entertain.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
September 3, 2018
The first half of this book was painful to read. I almost gave up. It didn’t get interesting until Ritter started getting violent and I felt a little emotion from him. Just wish the first half of the book was as interesting as the second half.
May 24, 2020
This was an okay story. It was a quick read. None of the characters seemed real and the plot and conclusion seemed somewhat contrived. I did feel a certain sympathy with the German police detective. I think I might try another of this Author's books to see if the writing has improved.
March 17, 2018
I re-read this one to make sure I still felt the same way about it and still couldn’t bring myself to enjoy it at all.
Thanks Net Galley
Thanks Net Galley
November 8, 2021
An enjoyable genre novel that hits all the right notes, but nonetheless still gets bogged down in a poorly laid out espionage plot.
May 10, 2022
I always like it when historical crime is done well.
A clever and twisty detective read with a WW2 backdrop.
The research from this author is astonishing, as whilst in a fictional scenario, it definitely draws on the look and feel of that time.
A great detective and crime too.
Enjoyable read.
A clever and twisty detective read with a WW2 backdrop.
The research from this author is astonishing, as whilst in a fictional scenario, it definitely draws on the look and feel of that time.
A great detective and crime too.
Enjoyable read.
February 13, 2018
An interesting and unusual police procedural. The plot was interesting but the setting was what really struck.
There are very few mysteries set in the Nazi Germany and it was really interesting to read about the way of life.
Interesting and recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Diversion Books
There are very few mysteries set in the Nazi Germany and it was really interesting to read about the way of life.
Interesting and recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Diversion Books
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews