Iron Curtain Lies and Spies: The Cold War is Beginning by Gary Kidney recounts the adventures of Don Richardson, Fred Brown, and Zelly Zellner, all one person, in his profession as a spy. It is 1946, the beginning of the Cold War, and the Allies, victors of World War II, are jostling for both power and knowledge. The hero is sent to Europe to discover if Hitler is really dead, how close Russia is to developing a nuclear bomb, and pinpoint the escape rat lines which whisk the Nazis out of Europe to safety in South America. As Zelly moves from one occupied zone to the other, he must adopt one cover story after another. He is chased by Russian members of SMERSH, assassins who want to either recruit him or, if that fails, eliminate him. Moving from Germany, with excursions into Austria, Italy, and on to Argentina, the characters leave a trail of dead bodies behind.

Iron Curtain Lies and Spies by Gary Kidney is the result of extensive research in Europe, as the author weaves a tale of a spy with a split personality. But this book is not just a spy story; it also contains accurate historical facts. It paints a clear picture of Europe at the time and reminds the reader of the devastation of war, but the author also adds vivid descriptions of the scenery and the towns and villages. There is non-stop action with characters who meet many people prepared to help them, while dodging bullets from the opposition. There are several sex scenes with the Russian spy, trained to seduce and subjugate her agents and her target. This fast-paced novel never falters, and the action moves with breathtaking speed, as the hero battles to keep one step ahead of his pursuers. Recommended for lovers of John le Carré and Frederick Forsyth.

Iron Curtain Lies and Spies by Gary Kidney pulls you straight into the exciting world of post-WWII espionage. The story follows Fred, a Texas family man forced to leave his simple life behind and head back to a broken Europe. During the war, Fred managed to stay alive by playing the part of a Nazi named Zelly Zellner, but now the Americans need his secret knowledge again. He has to take on multiple fake identities, including a US counterintelligence officer and an elite SD officer, to track down what the Soviets are doing with missing rocket technology. With a lethal Russian female operative chasing him across different occupation zones, Fred has to stay one step ahead while his own mind begins to splinter. Will he manage to complete this impossible mission before he fully loses his real identity?

Gary Kidney’s Iron Curtain Lies and Spies is an exciting historical spy thriller that delivers a rollercoaster ride, which kept me scrolling through the pages at the speed of light. What really stands out is the fascinating psychological battle happening right inside the main character’s head, as the American family man and the hardened German alter ego constantly bicker over control. The pacing is very fast, leaping from high-stakes vehicle chases in Hamburg to tense conversations along the Vatican ratline. The author writes in a very direct, cinematic style that makes the historical setting feel vibrant and alive without slowing things down. Watching Fred use his wits to outmaneuver rival intelligence networks while dealing with his own guilt was the most moving part of the story. It’s a fantastic piece of historical fiction that offers a refreshing, human look at the early days of the Cold War. Historical thriller fans will relish every word.