The German Wife

Once again, Kelly Rimmer has turned my emotions upside down. With every book of hers I read, I become a more thoughtful and empathetic person, but The German Wife is, without a doubt, the jewel in her crown – SALLY HEPWORTH

The New York Times bestselling author of The Warsaw Orphan returns with a gripping novel inspired by the true story of Operation Paperclip: a controversial secret US intelligence programme that employed former Nazis after WWII.

Berlin, 1934. Sofie Rhodes is the aristocratic wife of a scientist whose post-WWI fortunes change for the better when her husband, Jurgen, is recruited for Hitler's new rocket project.

Alabama, 1949. Jurgen is one of hundreds of Nazi scientists offered pardons and taken to the US to work for the CIA's fledgling space programme. Sofie, now the mother of four, misses Germany and struggles to fit in among the NASA wives.

When news about the Rhodes family's affiliation with the Nazi party spreads, idle gossip turns to bitter rage, and the act of violence that results will tear apart a community and a family before the truth is finally revealed - but is it murder, revenge or justice?

'Rimmer is a master at finding a little-known part of a huge topic like World War II and exploring it through fascinating fiction' – Herald Sun

'Compelling' – Weekend Australian

'A fast-paced, emotional and utterly riveting tale of love, loss and the choices we make to protect our families - a must-read' – KRISTIN HARMEL

'Riveting' – Sunday Telegraph

'Powerful' – Better Homes & Gardens

'Exceptional . . . The German Wife is an impressive and addictive read that will grip you until its last dramatic page' – Canberra Weekly

'An unforgettable novel that explores important questions highly relevant to the world today' – CHRISTINE WELLS

'A thoroughly enjoyable read, one that challenges and informs' – Living Arts Canberra