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Kaspar Brothers #4
Lines of Deception
A West German nightclub owner goes behind the Iron Curtain on a desperate mission to save his brother, in this Cold War thriller by the author of Lost Kin.
West Germany, 1949. Former actor Max Kaspar suffered greatly in the Second World War. Now he owns a nightclub in Munich—and occasionally lends a hand to the newly formed CIA. Meanwhile, his brother Harry has ventured beyond the Iron Curtain to rescue an American scientist. When Harry is also taken captive, Max resolves to locate his brother at all costs. The last thing he expects is for Harry to go rogue.
Max’s treacherous quest takes him to Vienna and Prague to Soviet East Germany and Communist Poland. Along the way, dangerous operators from Harry’s past join the pursuit: his former lover Katarina, who’s working for the Israelis, and former Nazi Hartmut Dietz, now an agent of East German intelligence. But can anyone be trusted? Even the American scientist Stanley Samaras may not be the hero Harry had believed him to be . . .
West Germany, 1949. Former actor Max Kaspar suffered greatly in the Second World War. Now he owns a nightclub in Munich—and occasionally lends a hand to the newly formed CIA. Meanwhile, his brother Harry has ventured beyond the Iron Curtain to rescue an American scientist. When Harry is also taken captive, Max resolves to locate his brother at all costs. The last thing he expects is for Harry to go rogue.
Max’s treacherous quest takes him to Vienna and Prague to Soviet East Germany and Communist Poland. Along the way, dangerous operators from Harry’s past join the pursuit: his former lover Katarina, who’s working for the Israelis, and former Nazi Hartmut Dietz, now an agent of East German intelligence. But can anyone be trusted? Even the American scientist Stanley Samaras may not be the hero Harry had believed him to be . . .
- GenresHistorical Fiction
280 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2024
About the author
Steve Anderson
15 books231 followersSteve Anderson writes the Kaspar Brothers historical thrillers and other novels. His latest novel is Lines of Deception. Anderson was a Fulbright Fellow and has translated bestselling German fiction. He lives in Portland, Oregon.
More about Steve Anderson:
Years ago, Steve Anderson planned to become a history professor. He even landed a Fulbright Fellowship in Munich. Then he discovered fiction writing — he could make stuff up, he realized, using actual events and characters to serve the story. Now he writes novels that often introduce a little-known aspect of history, mixing in overlooked crimes, true accounts, and gutsy underdogs.
Steve has also written narrative nonfiction, short stories, and screenplays. His day jobs have included busy waiter, Associated Press rookie, language instructor, and copywriter. As a freelancer, he translates bestselling German fiction and edits novels.
He lives in his hometown of Portland, Oregon with his wife René. He’s loved and played soccer since he was a kid and still follows Portland Timbers FC.
More about Steve Anderson:
Years ago, Steve Anderson planned to become a history professor. He even landed a Fulbright Fellowship in Munich. Then he discovered fiction writing — he could make stuff up, he realized, using actual events and characters to serve the story. Now he writes novels that often introduce a little-known aspect of history, mixing in overlooked crimes, true accounts, and gutsy underdogs.
Steve has also written narrative nonfiction, short stories, and screenplays. His day jobs have included busy waiter, Associated Press rookie, language instructor, and copywriter. As a freelancer, he translates bestselling German fiction and edits novels.
He lives in his hometown of Portland, Oregon with his wife René. He’s loved and played soccer since he was a kid and still follows Portland Timbers FC.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 26, 2024
In the fourth novel of the Kaspar Brothers series, Steve Anderson cranks up the dramatic tension. The story is set in a postwar Europe transitioning to the Cold War. The Soviets have begun to flex their muscles in Europe, and the Americans are trying to hold them off while the U.K. and France are busy mending their wounds. Weary of war, all sides have resorted to brinkmanship to see who takes the leadership role for the second half of the twentieth century.
Into this setting, we reunite with Max, who we first met in The Losing Role, where he was an operative in Operation Greif during the Battle of the Bulge. Max spent most of that novel running scared, fearing for his life. He wasn't a hardened soldier or zealous SS officer. He was just a down an out German actor conscripted into service.
But since the war, he's spent the time trying to forget it, except when he's called upon to do the right thing (as in Lost Kin) because the factions may have changed, but there are still evil men in the world bullying the weak and downtrodden. And it makes him angry. When he's visited by an odd, little man while working at his nightclub that anger resurfaces. The man claims that Max's brother Harry is being held for ransom, which Max must deliver. Max is furiously protective of his brother and can barely restrain himself from taking it out on the messenger. Later, when Max encounters the man responsible for the death of a dear friend, he so desperately wants the man to suffer, but as the man is necessary to complete the mission, he has to tamp down that anger.
As suggested in the book blurb, no one is completely forthright with Max. Whether that's to protect him or deceive him is dependent on the person in question. It leads to a constant string of surprises for Max (and the reader), forcing him to react quickly or change plans in order to find his brother and get home safely. He reacts differently to these deceptions. They become a way for him to work through his anger, on some level accepting what he cannot change, which leaves him exhausted.
Lines of Deception is another solid entry in the Kaspar Brothers series. The setting is thoroughly researched with Anderson dragging in historical events to craft a credible and entertaining story. Strong characterization leads the reader into believing what the characters are telling Max, but when their deceptions are revealed, it doesn't strike one as being out of character. One realizes that Anderson left clues all along the way. Ultimately, it enables Anderson to turn a spy thriller into catharsis for his protagonist.
I received a free copy of an advance release manuscript in exchange for an honest review.
Into this setting, we reunite with Max, who we first met in The Losing Role, where he was an operative in Operation Greif during the Battle of the Bulge. Max spent most of that novel running scared, fearing for his life. He wasn't a hardened soldier or zealous SS officer. He was just a down an out German actor conscripted into service.
But since the war, he's spent the time trying to forget it, except when he's called upon to do the right thing (as in Lost Kin) because the factions may have changed, but there are still evil men in the world bullying the weak and downtrodden. And it makes him angry. When he's visited by an odd, little man while working at his nightclub that anger resurfaces. The man claims that Max's brother Harry is being held for ransom, which Max must deliver. Max is furiously protective of his brother and can barely restrain himself from taking it out on the messenger. Later, when Max encounters the man responsible for the death of a dear friend, he so desperately wants the man to suffer, but as the man is necessary to complete the mission, he has to tamp down that anger.
As suggested in the book blurb, no one is completely forthright with Max. Whether that's to protect him or deceive him is dependent on the person in question. It leads to a constant string of surprises for Max (and the reader), forcing him to react quickly or change plans in order to find his brother and get home safely. He reacts differently to these deceptions. They become a way for him to work through his anger, on some level accepting what he cannot change, which leaves him exhausted.
Lines of Deception is another solid entry in the Kaspar Brothers series. The setting is thoroughly researched with Anderson dragging in historical events to craft a credible and entertaining story. Strong characterization leads the reader into believing what the characters are telling Max, but when their deceptions are revealed, it doesn't strike one as being out of character. One realizes that Anderson left clues all along the way. Ultimately, it enables Anderson to turn a spy thriller into catharsis for his protagonist.
I received a free copy of an advance release manuscript in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2024
Twists and Turns should be the name of this book. I've never traveled a literary road that had so many steep hills and bumps along the way.
Set in Allied-occupied East Germany and Poland shortly after World War II, Lines of Deception is the fourth book in the Kaspar Brothers series by Steve Anderson. The story revolves around Max and his younger brother Harry, who mysteriously disappears, possibly kidnapped. Against the backdrop of the chaotic post-World War II era, Max navigates a dangerous path in search of his missing sibling, where he encounters a network of doubt and suspicion within secretive organizations. There is a web of uncertainty and deception at every turn.
The plot goes into the unpredictable and dangerous side of the post-war era, where allegiances were murky and trust was a scarce commodity. Anderson's brilliant descriptions vividly recall the time and place, immersing readers in a rich espionage thriller woven with historical details.
For those seeking an engrossing, fast-paced read with constant surprises, Lines of Deception is a highly engaging must-read for you.
Set in Allied-occupied East Germany and Poland shortly after World War II, Lines of Deception is the fourth book in the Kaspar Brothers series by Steve Anderson. The story revolves around Max and his younger brother Harry, who mysteriously disappears, possibly kidnapped. Against the backdrop of the chaotic post-World War II era, Max navigates a dangerous path in search of his missing sibling, where he encounters a network of doubt and suspicion within secretive organizations. There is a web of uncertainty and deception at every turn.
The plot goes into the unpredictable and dangerous side of the post-war era, where allegiances were murky and trust was a scarce commodity. Anderson's brilliant descriptions vividly recall the time and place, immersing readers in a rich espionage thriller woven with historical details.
For those seeking an engrossing, fast-paced read with constant surprises, Lines of Deception is a highly engaging must-read for you.
March 28, 2024
4.4
Endgame, trust, ratlines…
*Thank you to Partners in Crime Tours for including me in this tour!
The Kaspar brothers, Harry & Max, go behind the Iron Curtain on a desperate mission in the post-war year of 1949.
A tale of pursuit, deception, PTSD, trusting, and the origins of the CIA.
This was a high-level, adventurous, cat-n-mouse game of deception! This Cold War thriller includes surprise after surprise . The last 50 pages especially revealed many unanticipated twists.
Lines of Deception is Book #4 of the Kaspar Brothers series. This book can be a standalone - I did not read the first three books and was able to follow the storyline.
An intriguing, satisfying tale with detailed research and very descriptive writing. I recommend!
P.S. The author has a very impressive résumé!
Endgame, trust, ratlines…
*Thank you to Partners in Crime Tours for including me in this tour!
The Kaspar brothers, Harry & Max, go behind the Iron Curtain on a desperate mission in the post-war year of 1949.
A tale of pursuit, deception, PTSD, trusting, and the origins of the CIA.
This was a high-level, adventurous, cat-n-mouse game of deception! This Cold War thriller includes surprise after surprise . The last 50 pages especially revealed many unanticipated twists.
Lines of Deception is Book #4 of the Kaspar Brothers series. This book can be a standalone - I did not read the first three books and was able to follow the storyline.
An intriguing, satisfying tale with detailed research and very descriptive writing. I recommend!
P.S. The author has a very impressive résumé!
March 19, 2024
Lines of Deception
Can you play a role in life as an actor and then create others in order to save someone you care about to help find his brother. . Harry Kaspar is missing, and Max is the only one to find him or is he? Max owns a bar called the Kuckoo and now Mas I shuttering deeply and knows that he has to find a way to help Marry but hat is just the start of an winding road through many cities, places and leading to a road that would start in one part of Germany and leading to others until he could find his brother and Max fled but was found by an American Intelligence agent Aubrey Slaipe and this is where his journey and night getting. Max was worried and Slaipe would know and not tell him all he knew, and Harry wanted to keep his work from Max so Slaipe claims. Given the ransom money and sent on the path to find the people demanding it the goal to get his brother back but in the end the result would place Max in the crosshairs of some dangerous people and more. Interactions with the men who demanded the ransom and learning what their true motive was and then Harry was moved, and a man named Dietz is part of the plot and dangerous and Harry is on a mission but where, why and what for? Dietz had convinced his wife Mistress and overseer that he could get Harry to talk and in the end the story gets more intense, more involved and Max winds up on hunt and dangerous paths to find Harry.
Deitz was double dealing and threatened Max before leaving him and then he went to Prague, and Slaipe was there to hand over the prisoner, but Harry was not there. Max rode the train to Munich and here is where the action builds, the tension takes its toll on him, and he is about to enter in a chase along with a young girl who comes out of nowhere and claims she is they’re on a case but will help him find Harry. Going through Bohemia, encountering danger and having to understand how to Crete different roles for themsles as he and Katarina who attached herself to him and had a plain within her own mind as you travel deep into bushes and explained more about Harry but the best and most intriguing has yet to me. But first Karlovy Wary and Marz and Katarina Buchholz discover a lost medley and then they hear something but ordering Max to wait in specific location he does not feel right, and something is off until you learn what and how he turns a situation around. They travel to different terrains, rest in the shadows and leave no place or stone unturned until Katarina realizes where Harry might be but when they get there he has disappeared and gone rogue but why and where?
Then they find their mark, or the scientist named Stanley that they want to return to America, but he has been watching them follow him and his girlfriend, Dora and what happens next is fast paced, dangerous and you don’t know which side anyone is really on and the Dietz comes front and center claiming he wants to defect but first some harsh truths and realities.
As we get to know Stanley in English he related that both sides are doing or developing germ weapons that could wipe out cities and continents focusing on America only at first. The timeline goes from Munich May 17, 1949 to Vienna, May 18, to the entire day and each time period explained with the plans, how Max would proceed, why he won’t give up and learning about Dietz and then His double dealing as it moves to May 29 in Prague where they meaning Max and Slaipe an American intelligence agent talk over the failure and Harry’s escape then moving ahead to Bohemia and the author introduces us to Katarina and she’s a complex character who claims like Max to be able to change appearances and roles. They exchange information to a point then go to Karlovy Vary where events lead them back to Bohemia and the goal is to find Harry his brother and the tension rises and it moves to Dresden and entering East Germany and the intrigue makes you wonder who can be trusted and why is Dietz there and his purpose. Finding Harry was just the tip of more dangerous situations and deceptions, lies and more betrayals as Max and Harry get to know Katarina but do they really know her as the three exchange thoughts and plan and understand who the person they need to extract leading to surprises and a shocking twist that will send the reader back and forth to reread and wonder how dud the author creates this blindside? Meet the scientist, Stanley a hear his words as he reflects on his life and past on page 179 and 180. Learn about his work, what he was doing working for the Germans , his girlfriend Dora and Katarina’s insight or way of handling the situations that come up until Dietz arrives, hidden lies and truths come out as the author takes each character and reflects on who they are when Stanley learns a harsh truth about someone he trusted, Katarina does the unexpected and you wonder who she really is and finally, crossing the border of the Soviet Zone of Austria and what Stanley wants and learns as decides which if either to share his work with and what they were planning to create, the author created an ending frightening and so realistic like inside before you will be stunned and rereading it over again. Just where will Max and Harry wind up? Author Steven Anderson can only answer that question. As the term Lines of Deception takes on multiple meanings.
Fran Lewis just reviews
Can you play a role in life as an actor and then create others in order to save someone you care about to help find his brother. . Harry Kaspar is missing, and Max is the only one to find him or is he? Max owns a bar called the Kuckoo and now Mas I shuttering deeply and knows that he has to find a way to help Marry but hat is just the start of an winding road through many cities, places and leading to a road that would start in one part of Germany and leading to others until he could find his brother and Max fled but was found by an American Intelligence agent Aubrey Slaipe and this is where his journey and night getting. Max was worried and Slaipe would know and not tell him all he knew, and Harry wanted to keep his work from Max so Slaipe claims. Given the ransom money and sent on the path to find the people demanding it the goal to get his brother back but in the end the result would place Max in the crosshairs of some dangerous people and more. Interactions with the men who demanded the ransom and learning what their true motive was and then Harry was moved, and a man named Dietz is part of the plot and dangerous and Harry is on a mission but where, why and what for? Dietz had convinced his wife Mistress and overseer that he could get Harry to talk and in the end the story gets more intense, more involved and Max winds up on hunt and dangerous paths to find Harry.
Deitz was double dealing and threatened Max before leaving him and then he went to Prague, and Slaipe was there to hand over the prisoner, but Harry was not there. Max rode the train to Munich and here is where the action builds, the tension takes its toll on him, and he is about to enter in a chase along with a young girl who comes out of nowhere and claims she is they’re on a case but will help him find Harry. Going through Bohemia, encountering danger and having to understand how to Crete different roles for themsles as he and Katarina who attached herself to him and had a plain within her own mind as you travel deep into bushes and explained more about Harry but the best and most intriguing has yet to me. But first Karlovy Wary and Marz and Katarina Buchholz discover a lost medley and then they hear something but ordering Max to wait in specific location he does not feel right, and something is off until you learn what and how he turns a situation around. They travel to different terrains, rest in the shadows and leave no place or stone unturned until Katarina realizes where Harry might be but when they get there he has disappeared and gone rogue but why and where?
Then they find their mark, or the scientist named Stanley that they want to return to America, but he has been watching them follow him and his girlfriend, Dora and what happens next is fast paced, dangerous and you don’t know which side anyone is really on and the Dietz comes front and center claiming he wants to defect but first some harsh truths and realities.
As we get to know Stanley in English he related that both sides are doing or developing germ weapons that could wipe out cities and continents focusing on America only at first. The timeline goes from Munich May 17, 1949 to Vienna, May 18, to the entire day and each time period explained with the plans, how Max would proceed, why he won’t give up and learning about Dietz and then His double dealing as it moves to May 29 in Prague where they meaning Max and Slaipe an American intelligence agent talk over the failure and Harry’s escape then moving ahead to Bohemia and the author introduces us to Katarina and she’s a complex character who claims like Max to be able to change appearances and roles. They exchange information to a point then go to Karlovy Vary where events lead them back to Bohemia and the goal is to find Harry his brother and the tension rises and it moves to Dresden and entering East Germany and the intrigue makes you wonder who can be trusted and why is Dietz there and his purpose. Finding Harry was just the tip of more dangerous situations and deceptions, lies and more betrayals as Max and Harry get to know Katarina but do they really know her as the three exchange thoughts and plan and understand who the person they need to extract leading to surprises and a shocking twist that will send the reader back and forth to reread and wonder how dud the author creates this blindside? Meet the scientist, Stanley a hear his words as he reflects on his life and past on page 179 and 180. Learn about his work, what he was doing working for the Germans , his girlfriend Dora and Katarina’s insight or way of handling the situations that come up until Dietz arrives, hidden lies and truths come out as the author takes each character and reflects on who they are when Stanley learns a harsh truth about someone he trusted, Katarina does the unexpected and you wonder who she really is and finally, crossing the border of the Soviet Zone of Austria and what Stanley wants and learns as decides which if either to share his work with and what they were planning to create, the author created an ending frightening and so realistic like inside before you will be stunned and rereading it over again. Just where will Max and Harry wind up? Author Steven Anderson can only answer that question. As the term Lines of Deception takes on multiple meanings.
Fran Lewis just reviews
April 10, 2024
While this is a novel, as Anderson says in his Afterward, it is set in the time when the CIA had just been formed. It was a fledgling entity still finding its way. Communists were intently trying to gain power after WW II and the CIA was trying to establish intelligence networks behind the Iron Curtain but was not doing well. Hence, in this novel, operative Harry goes rogue to complete the mission of gathering a scientist to bring him back to the U.S.
There are aspects of the novel I like. One is Anderson's descriptions. One character is introduced with eyes hard marbles, his weak chin and soft cheeks all angles and iron. The descriptions of all the locations in the novel are well crafted too. I liked learning about the Jewish group hunting and assassinating Nazi war criminals and the possibility of countries developing something like germ warfare. There was also an interesting discussion about how immigrants were received by various countries.
I can tell Anderson has done a great deal of research to write this novel, resulting in a plot with good accuracy concerning the clandestine government agencies and their associated activities. This is the fourth novel in this series and there are several references to events in previous novels. I would suggest reading the series from the beginning to fully enjoy this one. Anderson's writing style required more concentration on my part than I am used to in novels of this kind. The methodical pace is consistent.
This is a good novel for readers looking for one about the activities of people and agencies at the beginning of the Cold War.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
There are aspects of the novel I like. One is Anderson's descriptions. One character is introduced with eyes hard marbles, his weak chin and soft cheeks all angles and iron. The descriptions of all the locations in the novel are well crafted too. I liked learning about the Jewish group hunting and assassinating Nazi war criminals and the possibility of countries developing something like germ warfare. There was also an interesting discussion about how immigrants were received by various countries.
I can tell Anderson has done a great deal of research to write this novel, resulting in a plot with good accuracy concerning the clandestine government agencies and their associated activities. This is the fourth novel in this series and there are several references to events in previous novels. I would suggest reading the series from the beginning to fully enjoy this one. Anderson's writing style required more concentration on my part than I am used to in novels of this kind. The methodical pace is consistent.
This is a good novel for readers looking for one about the activities of people and agencies at the beginning of the Cold War.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 26, 2024
Kaspar Brothers book #4
West Germany, 1949
Munich nightclub owner Max Kaspar occasionally lends a hand to the newly formed CIA so when his brother Harry ventured beyond the Iron Curtain to rescue an American scientist, Max sets out to locate him.....he never expected the treacherous quest he would face....
Many moons ago I had read the prequel “Lost Kin” but my memory failed me I had a hard time placing what had happened to bring us to this stage. Luckily I had my notes and the synopsis helped a lot. We have a lot going on, this author has packed more information that I could absorb in the first third of the book but I gradually got the hang of it and I truly couldn’t put this story down from then on. The quest brings Max to Vienna, Prague, Soviet Est Germany and Communist Poland. Once Harry was located, joining in the pursuit was dangerous operators, Harry’s former lover Katarina, an Israelis agent and former Nazi Hartmut Dietz, now an East German Intelligence agent...and what about Stanley Samaras, the scientist? Was he really who he said he was.....food for thought and Mr. Anderson give us a mouth full. Along the way we are into an exciting saga. Hang on there, the pacing is relentless, not one minute of peace.
I appreciate the notes the author gives us at the end of the book it clarify so much and I understood and appreciated far more this fiction, By using actual events and characters to serve his story he introduces us to aspect little-know of history. The dramatization is well researched and is excellently and vividly said to give the “cold” atmosphere of place and time. Mr. Anderson definitely is a master when it comes to high adventure.
A big thank you Steve Anderson, do keep up giving us tit-bits of history
West Germany, 1949
Munich nightclub owner Max Kaspar occasionally lends a hand to the newly formed CIA so when his brother Harry ventured beyond the Iron Curtain to rescue an American scientist, Max sets out to locate him.....he never expected the treacherous quest he would face....
Many moons ago I had read the prequel “Lost Kin” but my memory failed me I had a hard time placing what had happened to bring us to this stage. Luckily I had my notes and the synopsis helped a lot. We have a lot going on, this author has packed more information that I could absorb in the first third of the book but I gradually got the hang of it and I truly couldn’t put this story down from then on. The quest brings Max to Vienna, Prague, Soviet Est Germany and Communist Poland. Once Harry was located, joining in the pursuit was dangerous operators, Harry’s former lover Katarina, an Israelis agent and former Nazi Hartmut Dietz, now an East German Intelligence agent...and what about Stanley Samaras, the scientist? Was he really who he said he was.....food for thought and Mr. Anderson give us a mouth full. Along the way we are into an exciting saga. Hang on there, the pacing is relentless, not one minute of peace.
I appreciate the notes the author gives us at the end of the book it clarify so much and I understood and appreciated far more this fiction, By using actual events and characters to serve his story he introduces us to aspect little-know of history. The dramatization is well researched and is excellently and vividly said to give the “cold” atmosphere of place and time. Mr. Anderson definitely is a master when it comes to high adventure.
A big thank you Steve Anderson, do keep up giving us tit-bits of history
March 29, 2024
When Max Kaspar receives a ransom note and a severed ear purporting to belong to his brother, he packs the ear carefully in ice and gathers the money.
Unfolding against the backdrop of an Allied-occupied Germany just a few years after World War II, Lines of Deception is the fourth installment in the Kaspar Brothers series by Steve Anderson.
While it works well as a standalone, the reader will miss out on character development by not reading in sequence. The author’s attention to detail in creating the post-war atmosphere gives readers a front-row seat to the past.
The adventure mounts as Max searches for his brother behind the Iron Curtain. It turns out Harry is on a secret mission for the fledgling CIA to rescue someone and, for all intent and purposes, appears to have gone rogue.
Lines of Deception offers a rich espionage thriller set in post-World War II Europe that features two brothers neck deep in secrets and lies. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
Unfolding against the backdrop of an Allied-occupied Germany just a few years after World War II, Lines of Deception is the fourth installment in the Kaspar Brothers series by Steve Anderson.
While it works well as a standalone, the reader will miss out on character development by not reading in sequence. The author’s attention to detail in creating the post-war atmosphere gives readers a front-row seat to the past.
The adventure mounts as Max searches for his brother behind the Iron Curtain. It turns out Harry is on a secret mission for the fledgling CIA to rescue someone and, for all intent and purposes, appears to have gone rogue.
Lines of Deception offers a rich espionage thriller set in post-World War II Europe that features two brothers neck deep in secrets and lies. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
March 25, 2024
I am opening this review with stating I have not read the previous books in the series. You can read this book as a stand alone, however it would be wiser to read the series before this book as this is book number 4.
This is a book about Max and his brother Harry. Harry disappears, may be kidnapped, etc. and more in this adventurous thrilling read! This book takes place in post WW2 Germany and is a highly engaging read from the author.
There is so much to the setting that the author wrote and as I read through the book I was more and more immersed in post ww2 Europe. The writing kept me on the edge of my seat and riding along on the search for Harry! You can tell that the author put in quite a bit of research on Germany, the CIA, and the researchers at the time. This was such a great read overall for any historical fan of fiction to read also.
We, as the reader, head all over Europe trying to figure out where Harry is and what is happening. If you like fast-paced thrillers, you will love this book y’all!
This is a book about Max and his brother Harry. Harry disappears, may be kidnapped, etc. and more in this adventurous thrilling read! This book takes place in post WW2 Germany and is a highly engaging read from the author.
There is so much to the setting that the author wrote and as I read through the book I was more and more immersed in post ww2 Europe. The writing kept me on the edge of my seat and riding along on the search for Harry! You can tell that the author put in quite a bit of research on Germany, the CIA, and the researchers at the time. This was such a great read overall for any historical fan of fiction to read also.
We, as the reader, head all over Europe trying to figure out where Harry is and what is happening. If you like fast-paced thrillers, you will love this book y’all!
February 19, 2024
‘He’s gone’ Max said. ’Again’ – The Kasper Brothers unveil post WW II
Oregon author Steve Anderson is an impressive and noteworthy author, a man with history in his veins and wars in his imagination. To date his fifteen published novels have dealt with WW II in the Germany setting and he knows that period and that country well (he as lived in Germany as a Fulbright Fellow and his knowledge of the atmosphere and landscape of that country are evident): he became a translator of German to English books whose focus is on crime and mystery. But Anderson has a richer and more entertaining background than simply a fine historical novelist: he has backpacked into Eastern Europe when the Berlin Wall fell, written narrative nonfiction, short stories and screenplays, worked in advertising, marketing, and journalism, and has been a waiter, a language instructor, a freelance copywriter. Full life? Enough to make his canvas for his books well prepared with personal gesso.
Anderson continues to gain stature as a novelist successfully capturing a period in history, making past terror seem contemporary. His Kasper Brothers Series – THE LOSING ROLE, LIBERATED, LOST KIN, and now LINES OF DECEPTION – revisits WW II as brothers Harry and Max Kasper reinvent it. This volume opens in 1949, and inserts a touch of humor before the action to come: “Max Kaspar learned about his brother, Harry, from the little man who brought him the severed ear. The nasty fellow even had the gall to bring it to the Kuckoo Nightclub, keeping it in a small purple box on his table along the wall. Up on the club’s small stage, Max had just finished belting out a recent jump blues hit from the States, “Good Rockin’ Tonight,” everybody clapping along. He flubbed a couple lines but his few fellow Germans had no idea and the Americans were too drunk to care. The little man never clapped along. He’d just stared at Max. Max used to be fairly certain that a man watching like that was either a talent agent or a producer. But that was before Total War, before fire bombings, and concentration camps, stranded orphans, souls scarred for life. Before his own rehabilitation…” From that vantage, Anderson opens volume 4, suggested in the outline: ‘Former actor Max Kaspar suffered greatly in the Second World War. Now he owns a nightclub in Munich—and occasionally lends a hand to the newly formed CIA. Meanwhile, his brother Harry has ventured beyond the Iron Curtain to rescue an American scientist. When Harry is also taken captive, Max resolves to locate his brother at all costs. The last thing he expects is for Harry to go rogue….’
Steve Anderson has mastered that rare arc of humor admixed with high adventure. For the true thrill of it all, read this entire series – though LINES OF DECEPTION is a fine standalone! Highly recommended.
Oregon author Steve Anderson is an impressive and noteworthy author, a man with history in his veins and wars in his imagination. To date his fifteen published novels have dealt with WW II in the Germany setting and he knows that period and that country well (he as lived in Germany as a Fulbright Fellow and his knowledge of the atmosphere and landscape of that country are evident): he became a translator of German to English books whose focus is on crime and mystery. But Anderson has a richer and more entertaining background than simply a fine historical novelist: he has backpacked into Eastern Europe when the Berlin Wall fell, written narrative nonfiction, short stories and screenplays, worked in advertising, marketing, and journalism, and has been a waiter, a language instructor, a freelance copywriter. Full life? Enough to make his canvas for his books well prepared with personal gesso.
Anderson continues to gain stature as a novelist successfully capturing a period in history, making past terror seem contemporary. His Kasper Brothers Series – THE LOSING ROLE, LIBERATED, LOST KIN, and now LINES OF DECEPTION – revisits WW II as brothers Harry and Max Kasper reinvent it. This volume opens in 1949, and inserts a touch of humor before the action to come: “Max Kaspar learned about his brother, Harry, from the little man who brought him the severed ear. The nasty fellow even had the gall to bring it to the Kuckoo Nightclub, keeping it in a small purple box on his table along the wall. Up on the club’s small stage, Max had just finished belting out a recent jump blues hit from the States, “Good Rockin’ Tonight,” everybody clapping along. He flubbed a couple lines but his few fellow Germans had no idea and the Americans were too drunk to care. The little man never clapped along. He’d just stared at Max. Max used to be fairly certain that a man watching like that was either a talent agent or a producer. But that was before Total War, before fire bombings, and concentration camps, stranded orphans, souls scarred for life. Before his own rehabilitation…” From that vantage, Anderson opens volume 4, suggested in the outline: ‘Former actor Max Kaspar suffered greatly in the Second World War. Now he owns a nightclub in Munich—and occasionally lends a hand to the newly formed CIA. Meanwhile, his brother Harry has ventured beyond the Iron Curtain to rescue an American scientist. When Harry is also taken captive, Max resolves to locate his brother at all costs. The last thing he expects is for Harry to go rogue….’
Steve Anderson has mastered that rare arc of humor admixed with high adventure. For the true thrill of it all, read this entire series – though LINES OF DECEPTION is a fine standalone! Highly recommended.
April 8, 2024
Lines of Deception by Steve Anderson is one of those historical suspense thrillers that keep readers on the edge of their chairs. There is much at stake in this novel. Two brothers go different ways. Soon one of them is chasing after the other. Themes of betrayal, secrets, trust, good versus evil, are found in this read. Siblings, danger, chaos, and war make this read pop to life. So many questions arise that pull in readers, like me. The answers can only be found while reading this book. This book is similar to books by James Patterson, Tom Clancy, and Brad Thor. I highly recommend this thrilling action-paced mystery to all.
I received this copy from the publishers. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publishers. This is my voluntary review.
March 13, 2024
This is another fabulous novel by Steve Anderson in the Kasper Brother series. I really enjoyed the first three books, and this one was right up there as one of my favourites. I especially like that the story took us to back in time to East Germany and Poland, to an era when the Soviets and communism played a big part. You can understand that Max wanted to do everything in his power to get his lost brother back, but of course that wasn’t going to be easy. The Author has that wonderful ability to pull you so deep into the story that you can picture the characters and what happening with such vivid clarity.
Hands down this is a story worth reading. 5/5 Star Rating.
Hands down this is a story worth reading. 5/5 Star Rating.
March 22, 2024
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. This is the first book I have read in the series, but it is a standalone.
The beginning was a shock! Max Kaspar finds out that his brother, Harry, is missing behind the Iron Curtain, and he has to find him. As he investigates, he uses sources to follow his brother’s trail. The problem is that Max doesn’t know who he can trust. And it seems that Harry doesn’t want to be found.
Lines of Deception is suspenseful and difficult to put down once you get into it. I’m looking forward to reading the first 3 books in the series.
The beginning was a shock! Max Kaspar finds out that his brother, Harry, is missing behind the Iron Curtain, and he has to find him. As he investigates, he uses sources to follow his brother’s trail. The problem is that Max doesn’t know who he can trust. And it seems that Harry doesn’t want to be found.
Lines of Deception is suspenseful and difficult to put down once you get into it. I’m looking forward to reading the first 3 books in the series.
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