"Ominously up-to-date." -- Kirkus Reviews

That snipped from the back of the book jacket pretty much sums up The Kaiser's Web. While the truth behind that statement, Fascism being on the rise in Europe (and even more so the US, the world's only superpower), and all that it entails, I can't say I liked the convoluted way it was presented in this story.

This was one long book, more than 550 pages, but nothing much of substance happens throughout. It should have been more interesting. The story takes place across three continents, about a third of the time spent on each, but this is not much more than a weird treasure hunt. Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt are led around by the nose the entire narrative for no other purpose than to draw out the story for 550 plus pages. Some things happen, Malone and Vitt are ensnared in the web, but the entire time they travel somewhere, some new piece of information is uncovered, but it is only one piece of the thousand they need to solve the puzzle. The problem with that is that there is zero reason for it. The people leading them around don't need them. So it is a lot of unnecessary breadcrumbs and then... all will be revealed! When? Well, not until the next breadcrumb and then we get... all will be revealed! And that happens like 200 times. In between it is all filler, more talk about the state of the world and the rise in Fascism (which is in no way new), and people are killed and things blown up for no real reason other than waiting for... all to be revealed! is actually revealed... or the story ends.

The writing is fine and all of that, and the researches and descriptions of the locales are good although Steve Berry has condors - instead of vultures - in South Africa (a minor grievance, but still). It is a plausible story based on historical knowns and unknowns, sure, but the involvement of Malone and Vitt, again, wasn't really necessary the way all the information was held by others who only made the story implausible the way it played out. ( )

Here comes the time for my yearly ritual, a new Cotton Malone book. They never fail to make me excited and I definitely needed that today, when I’m feeling sick. And I’m even more glad that I got to read this early.

Every book in this series has been something I’ve read mostly in a single sitting because the author captures my attention right from the prologue and I can’t stop myself. As someone who loves books related to Nazi Germany and WWII, the plot of this one was fascinating and I really loved how the author mentioned all the actual historical events in his note. That’s definitely one of the things which brings me back to this series every year - in the middle of all the impossible plot lines and amazing chases and action sequences, I also get to know some real history and visit some amazing new places through the book. I especially loved the descriptions of the locales in South Africa and some of the estates which were visited by the characters.

It was also exciting to see Cotton and Cassiopeia together for a whole book after a long time. They really do make a wonderful team and I enjoyed this adventure with them. All the side characters were also well developed, especially the two politicians whose dramatically opposite ideologies were fascinating to read about. I was actually surprised that the author didn’t shy away from expressing his political views through the characters, but his alarm over the rise of far right political parties and their violent extremism all across Europe is genuine and something we all need to keep an eye over.

In the end, this book gave me everything I was expecting - a cool adventure, an interesting twist on historical events, lots of political intrigue and some fun globetrotting. If these are some elements you enjoy, you should totally read this book. Even though this is part of a series, I think it works fine as a standalone. But as a huge fan of the series, I would always recommend that you start at the beginning and enjoy the journey. ( )

Elections are pending in Germany, and the incumbent Marie Eisenhuth had led the country for years. She is calm, centrist, and anti-Nazi, but facing a far right opponent, Theodor Pol, who is pushing an anti-immigrant agenda. Ex-U.S. President Danny Daniels is asked by Eisenhuth to investigate whether Theodor Pol is the son of Martin Bormann, Hitler’s personal secretary. Daniels asks Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt to help, sending them around the world, chasing clues around world: Chile, South Africa, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. The scenery and double dealing in Chile was pretty amazing, sending the duo back over the Atlantic to follow leads, with some exciting and hair raising plane ride. As is always true with Steve Berry, he weaves a story of the past (Nazi plunder and progeny) and present (German elections.) I liked that Cotton and Cassiopeia got to spend time together in this book. ( )

The Kaiser’s Web (2021) (C. Malone #16) by Steve Berry. Mr. Berry’s faithful pawn Cotton Malone is back in his latest thrilling adventure. At stake is the future of German politics. The threat is a few Nazi secrets, gold, and Martin Bormann perhaps escaping from the Fuhrerbunker. A further perhaps has Eva Braun having made her escape.
Many Germans had, before WWII, moved out of their country. Many came to America. More than a few to South America, specifically Peru and Argentina. Some to Africa. This book has Malone and his love interest, Cassiopia Vitt, on the trail of hidden Nazi assists, bloodlines, and truths that could topple a long standing chancelorship.
There wave been many adventure tales of hidden treasures, old Nazis trying to reclaim the world and political intrigue, but The Kaiser’s Web puts a new slant on everything. And nothing is as it seems.
Like the past Malone books, My Berry has managed to weave a tale using threads of real history, exotic places and plot twists, along with non-stop action, to give us a thrilling read. ( )

All our favorite characters are back, this time looking for old Nazis and deciding whether Eva Braun really did die in that bunker in Berlin. From the plan crash at the beginning to the shocking ending, it was Steve Berry at his best. It's not great literature but the history is interesting and it's always a fun read.