"This powerful and compelling cold-war thriller sees a journalist investigating rumours of a Nazi leader who has been hiding out in Berlin since the end of the war. "
A biting debut thriller set in Berlin just after the fall of the Berlin Wall. If you enjoy atmospheric tales full of tension then this one is for you. A journalist looking for a quiet life, begins to investigate rumours that a senior Nazi has been hiding out in Berlin since the end of the Second World War.
The author’s note at the end is absolutely fascinating, this novel morphed into being after William Cook started to write a non fiction book about his grandfather. Many sections of the novel come from the author’s own investigations, and that is why there is such an authentic feel to this story, even though at times the phrase ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ applies.
The sense of place is immense, and I was able to see in my minds eye exactly where I was. The journalist in the story, Michael Braun, isn’t particularly likeable which ensured a feeling of apprehension twisted through me as the story evolved. It’s cleverly done and I really appreciated the intricate layers of suspense building as Braun tells his own tale.
I felt as though I was on the narrowest of ledges, wondering which way he and I would fall. Chosen as a Liz Pick of the Month, The Fifteenth Man is an absolutely compelling thriller I can highly recommend.
| Primary Genre | Espionage and spy thriller |
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THE WALL MAY HAVE FALLEN. BUT THERE ARE STILL NAZIS IN BERLIN.
The Fifteenth Man features in the following genres: Liz Robinson's Picks of the Month, Recommendations, Espionage and spy thriller, Historical Fiction, Thriller and Suspense, Historical crime and mysteries, Espionage and spy thriller, Historical crime and mysteries, Thriller and Suspense, Second World War fiction, Berlin, Espionage and spy thriller, Narrative theme: Sense of place
Paperback, Hardback. £15.29, down from the £16.99 cover price. Pre-order. 1st October 2026.
The Fifteenth Man was written by William Cook and published by Viper an imprint of Profile
The Fifteenth Man has 336 pages
£15.29, reduced from £16.99. Pre-order. 1st October 2026.
