By John Anthony Miller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The story follows Monika Graf, a woman living a comfortable life in Vienna who never expects to find herself drawn into something dangerous and life-changing. After witnessing the treatment of Jewish families under Nazi rule, she makes a split-second decision that completely alters the course of her life. From that point on, what begins as a single act of compassion slowly grows into something much larger, and far more risky than she could have imagined.
At first, the story feels quite grounded in everyday life, but there’s an immediate sense that something isn’t right. The tension builds through small moments — the way people behave, what’s left unsaid, and the constant presence of authority watching from the background. It creates this underlying unease that never really goes away, which I thought worked really well. The book doesn’t overwhelm you with action, but instead lets the pressure build gradually.
There’s also a strong emotional thread running throughout the story, particularly in the relationships Monika forms along the way. Her connection with Janik develops under difficult circumstances, which gives it a sense of urgency and depth rather than a traditional slow build. It doesn’t feel overly romanticised, but instead shaped by everything happening around them, which made it feel more believable.
I did find it quite a slow read in places, especially as the author takes time to build the setting and atmosphere. Personally, I appreciated that, as it made everything feel more real and immersive, but I can see that it might not suit readers who prefer a faster pace.
The ending is powerful and doesn’t shy away from the reality of the situation. It doesn’t try to neatly resolve everything, but instead leaves you reflecting on what the characters have been through and what it all means. It’s not an easy ending, but it feels appropriate for the story being told.
A moving and thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page.
John Anthony Miller writes all things historical—thrillers, mysteries, and romance. He sets his novels in exotic locations spanning all eras of space and time, with complex characters forced to face inner conflicts—fighting demons both real and imagined. He’s published twenty novels and ghostwritten several others, including Another Soul Saved. He lives in southern New Jersey.
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