ROMANCE

The Axmann Conspiracy: The Nazi Plan for a Fourth Reich and How the U.S. Army Defeated It

by Scott Andrew Selby
Berkley Caliber: Penguin. 2012. c.320p. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780425252703. $26.95. HIST
COPY ISBN
This book details a successful operation by the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Corps (CIC) in postwar Germany. Selby (coauthor, Flawless: Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History) refers to a cabal of former Nazi officials who conspired to form a political movement and, he contends, sought to resurrect the Third Reich. Unfortunately, the book never quite makes good on its promise. The conspiracy seems to have been rather thin, half-hearted and disorganized, easily infiltrated by CIC, and no real threat to the postwar order. Artur Axmann, the Nazi fugitive whose name is in the book's title, barely figures in the actual drama until his capture at the end of the account. In its favor, Selby uses some German primary sources (perhaps uncritically), and records of the CIC investigation.
VERDICT The book is well paced; the story is colorful, and the author conveys the havoc of occupied Germany immediately after World War II. Selby does his utmost to deliver a cracking yarn and can be entertaining, but some readers may find that the title oversells its premise.
Reviewed by RF , Nov 15, 2012
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

Secret Fling with the Billionaire
by Douglas, Michelle
FICTION

Holiday Under Wraps
by Mettner, Katie
FICTION

Tracking Down the Lawman’s Son
by Fossen, Delores
FICTION

Cold Case Protection
by Helm, Nicole
FICTION

One Waltz with the Viscount
by Martin, Laura
FICTION

When Cinderella Met the Duke
by Williams, Sophia
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?