Smoke in Berlin by Oriana Ramunno

After the catastrophic German defeat at Stalingrad, Joseph Goebbels delivered one of the most infamous propaganda speeches of WW2.

His goal? To convince the German population to accept "total war" - an extreme mobilization of civilians.

This speech demonstrated how the Nazi regime used mass manipulation and propaganda to maintain full control over the people.

Smoke in Berlin is the story of bravery leading up to his speech.

Hugo is a Nazi.

And a criminal investigator working for the very people he hates the most. National Socialists.

After being exposed to the mass murder and cruelty of Hitlers regime, he made a decision to smuggle a jewish boy from Auschwitz.

With the help of a nurse and his loyal father, Hugo is able to hide Gieole in his apartment under the guise of another name and as his biological son.

Still an SS officer and criminal investigator, Hugo is asked to take on a new case.

A murder suicide - open and shut case they said - but when he wasn't allowed to see the bodies, the crime scene or be present for the autopsy.. Hugo knew something about it wasn't adding up.

Even with the bomb sirens going off daily and the city crumbling, Hugo cannot accept the victims death as he was ordered to.

Everyone deserves justice.

As Hugo talks to more people he finds even more question marks.

One of the deceased is likely involved in a massive conspiracy. One that will not rest until Hitler is dead and the German people can take back the city.

He begins a new and risky investigation.

Diving deep into the lives of the murder victims. Who they associate with and what they believe in. The problem with these groups in they are often operating in plain sight around others who share the same views... but are to afraid to share any information with each other for the risk of the Gestapo finding out the truth.

That would be suicide.

One rule that scared the German people and forced them into alignment with Nazi beliefs was Sippenhaft...

Meaning "kin liability" or "clan guilt".

It is a brutal concept in which family members are held responsible or punished for the actions of one individual.

Sippenhaft was justified by the Nazis as a way to ensure absolute loyalty.

It was also a death sentence for your entire family if you were caught conspiring against the Nazis.

Gioele pairing up with Hugo to investigate is both admirable and shows their bravery to uncover the truth. Gioele gains the respect of Hugo as not just a boy, but a brave young man also putting his life on the line to uncover the truth.

Soldiers, nurses, children and regular German civilians all working together to save as many Jews as they can right under the noses of the Gestapo.

It is admirable and a mission that comes with the most terrifying risks.

If war, conspiracy, and standing up for what's right is your thing, this book is for you.

Until next time,

Sheila