891. "The Fifth Column" by Andrew Gross – 5 Stars

The Fifth Column by Andrew Gross – 5 Stars

Publisher: St, Martin’s Press

ISBN: 9781250180001

The fifth Column is very straight forward, enjoyable novel. Although it may lack the complexity and action of so many other spy novels, this novel presented a good history re pre World War II Nazi sympathizers and espionage in America. It was relaxing to read about a common individual, Charles Mossman, who accidently killed a spectator while fending off German loyalists, spent time in prison, lost his graduate teaching job, and lost the trust of his wife. They had a daughter Emma who lived with her mother in Yorkville, NY which is was known as the home of the American German Bund, the pro-Nazi group.

Charles’ adventure begins when he is released from prison, visits his daughter, and stumbles across her nanny and friends who don’t seem to be who they say they are. Hint after hint leads him to believe his family has befriended a Nazi espionage group and his prison past doesn’t help in convincing the right people that a spy ring is right there in his wife’s neighborhood. His involvement continues with a lot of twists right up to the end when his daughter’s life is at stake.

What were the spies up to? How did he get the evidence he needed? Who did he tell and what were the responses? What was the Nazi goal? How does it end? You’ll have to read it to find out. So, next time you have a yearn for a real good book and need a break from the books that clutter your mind jumping around and requiring you to reread previous sections, pick up this book and have an enjoyable and relaxing page-turner.  

Reviewer: Rich