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The Nazi Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer, Josh Mensch

The Nazi Conspiracy

The Secret Plot to Kill Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill

by Brad Meltzer, Josh Mensch
  • BookBrowse Review:
  • Critics' Consensus (4):
  • Readers' Rating (37):
  • First Published:
  • Jan 10, 2023, 400 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Jan 2024, 400 pages
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Reviews

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There are currently 33 reader reviews for The Nazi Conspiracy
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Melissa S. (Rowland, NC)

The Untold History Lessons
Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch's account of the possible conspiracy to assassinate the leaders of the three largest WWII allied countries is a historical work that reads, in most places, like a true crime fiction novel. I found myself engrossed throughout most of the book and eager to turn the page. I do however, think the title does not give the work justice. Both sides of the inner workings of leadership of the war are represented and the multitude of actions that took place before the big three meeting. There's so much history woven into a book that is written in a such a way that the reader eagerly absorbs the lessons presented.

Having little knowledge (ok, maybe next to none) of the Soviet's plight during WWII, I found myself talking about the book with family throughout the reading of it. To me, that eagerness to discuss is a sign of such a smooth engrossing style of writing that is much different than the history book lessons we learned as kids. The "human" element of the three allied leaders' personalities that Meltzer brings to life makes the book very interesting. Even the intimate representation of the axis leaders and spies' personalities add a rich level to the book.

My only issue with the work is I found myself a little bogged down towards the middle (before the "big three summit") and I found the sole focus on the leaders and the logistics of the war a little cold. The atrocities to the Jewish, and many other, populations were only mentioned briefly and practically none, other than the actual numbers, on the Soviet side. However, I do understand this particular account is meant to focus on the leaders and the inner workings of the war, not so much the human suffering and casualties. I can appreciate that direction.

I definitely recommend this work not just to history buffs, but to all readers. My interest has been sparked and I have lots of questions to research on aspects of the war touched on in "The Nazi Conspiracy".
Connie

Much More Than a Conspiracy
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the big three - Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin. The author described their personalities as well as their intrigues and strategies.
The opening and closing of each chapter made me want to keep reading, and I was not disappointed. There was drama and intrigue.
What a pleasant way to learn the history of the pivotal battles of World War II!
Florrie C. (Indianapolis, IN)

World War II with a twist
Well written and meticulously researched, The Nazi Conspiracy offers a fascinating look into a heretofore little examined story of a plot to kill Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill. As an avid reader of both thrillers and history, I feel that the authors do a masterful job of combining suspense with historical fact without confusing the two. Highly recommended to anyone who is already a fan of World War II history and wants to explore a different perspective or those who want to expand their knowledge of iconic events and leaders of the 20th century.
Janet H. (Utica, NY)

History Brought to Life
As an avid reader of both histories and mysteries, I found this book both informative and exciting and just what I was looking for with a true story as engrossing as fiction (no dry lists of dates and battles here). Even though I have a good knowledge about the people and events of WW2, this book taught me much I didn't know. It moved from location to location, from Allies to Axis, person to person. I thought this was a great approach, but it did require paying attention to chapter headings. Besides an engaging writing style and well organized plot lines, I was left pondering what a difference small twists and turns of fate make to our history.
Linda J. (Ballwin, MO)

What We Didn't Know
While most of us are familiar with WW2 such as how it started, Hitler's insane racism and anti-Semitic views, Omaha Beach, and the bombing of Hiroshima. However, I for one had no idea a plot to assassinate Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin at their first "Big Three" conference was hatched and thwarted. Author Brad Meltzer has done an excellent job of researching this event and addressing the questions of how the Soviets found out about it and squashed it - or did they? Many questions remain, but I found this book riveting from beginning to end.
Janis H. (Willow Street, PA)

Sensational Page Turner
The Nazi Conspiracy is apparently a well known theory known to many World War II scholars and fans. I was only aware that the Big Three Conference in 1943 occurred in Teheran with Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt, and the famous picture of the three in history publications encouraged the world that victory was possible.The twist and turns in this book kept me up late turning the pages. Although I certainly knew that there were no attacks on the lives of Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt, the details convinced me that it could have happened. The authors do offer other opinions that the press ran with Roosevelt's offhand comment, "It would have been quite a haul if the Nazis had gotten all three of us. The British could have been jealous that they were not informed of the plot and had no part in its exposure that quite possibly saved the world.

The Germans were losing. They were ruthless. I am on the side of the evidence that Meltzer and Mensch present. No one will never know for sure, but the authors kept me on the edge of my seat. Plus they filled in a lot of names and events that were important on both sides that I either forgot or never knew. This book is the best thriller I read in 2022. I thank BookBrowse for the advance reading copy.
Anke V. (Portland, OR)

THE NAZY CONSPIRACY
The story centers around a possible Nazi attempt to kill Franklin D. Roosevelt (USA), Winston Churchill (UK), and Joseph Stalin (USSR) while they met at the secret summit of the Big Three in Tehran, Iran, in 1943, while WWII is raging. The book details the history of these three different men, how their countries were plunged into the war, the decisions they made to work together to strategically end WW2, and the very pressure this war has put upon them mentally, emotionally, and physically. In parallel, Franz Mayr, a Nazi spy in Iran, upon finding out about this meeting hatches a secret assassination plot that would have altered the course of the war and rewritten history. 

The book is easy to follow, with a clear and concise voice narration of the story that skillfully relates the drama and suspense involved, making it seem like historical thriller rather than a history book. I enjoyed the book and recommend it if you are interested in WWII, politics and a story that moves fast and never lets up. 
Barbara C. (Riverside, CA)

Nonfiction Thriller
One of best books I read this year. Very smooth writing. I have read several Meltzer books, and have never been disappointed. This era of history happened when I was under six years old. School history classes give WW2 short shrift, and much of this was very new to me. I plan to reread it soon and maybe pick up some other books about the era. A winner!

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