The Man from Mittelwerk

By: M. Z. Urlocker

Narrated by: Jonathan Strait

1950. The Cold War simmers, and ex-GI Jack Waters is called in to investigate a fatal accident at a research lab in California.

When Waters recognizes the victim, he realizes he must revisit his hidden past in World War II to solve a murder and prevent Nazi scientists from creating a terrible, new weapon in America.

Blending noir detective fiction with post-WWII history, The Man from Mittelwerk builds from the facts of Operation Paperclip, the US government’s secret recruitment of 1,600 top Nazi scientists, to pose a dark what-if scenario.

©2022 M. Z. Urlocker (P)2022 M. Z. Urlocker

Critic reviews

“A fast-paced, smart debut novel that blends noir and Lovecraftian elements. If you like J. J. Abrams' alternate history Overlord, this book is for you.” (James Kestrel, author of Five Decembers)

Loved it!

Like some other listeners said, be sure to pay keen attention! This book can be somewhat complex given the time travel and there are hints dropped throughout, so be on alert. Overall it’s a great story and you’ll walk away both entertained and educated about some WWII things you may not have known.

Not another simple insurance case

I expected a crime novel in the style of Raymond Chandler. What I got was something much more complex. Some twists could be anticipated; others definitely could not. An exceptional first novel from the boundary-breaking Z.Urlocker.

Great book

I rarely read fiction anymore because it’s hard to find well written books with a great story and suspense, but the Man from Mittelwerk kept me intrigued and looking forward to my next trip in the car to see what happens. Lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end! It’s well written and the narrator does a superb job. I highly recommend it.

Pay Attention!

Like most books that involve time travel and different dimensions, the story is complex and jumps around, a lot. However, this is very nicely done with its noir, 50's music, WW2 Nazi's, Commies, and local heroes. Very loosely based on some real events, but deeply researched, its an excellent blend of fact and fiction, mystery and action. I can't express my only disappointment in ending, as it would be a Spoiler, and it had to be what it was...

Fantastic audio book for traveling

Normally I fall asleep on planes but this audiobook had me wide awake and interested in the story. Great build up and suspense throughout the read. Hard to put down once you get invested!

Futuristic and historic

Futuristic, historic, yet as present day as today’s fake news and congressional deals. The narration is stellar.

Fun and interesting genre-hop!

This was an really fun story that brought in the best of several genres - historical fiction, noir, sci-do, mystery. The characters are compelling and well fleshed-out. It was great as an audiobook with a solid performance from the reader that brought out the intrigue.

Mittelwerk

I was given an advanced copy of this book and I'm willing leaving this honest review. narration was good story was interesting if you like this kind of story well written.

Dark Matters: A must read fusion of Noir and physics.

“The Man from Mittelwerk” masterfully pays homage to classic detective noir, while ingeniously weaving in a multitude of other themes. The narrative is rich and engaging, with each chapter presenting a new, unexpected twist that keeps the reader thoroughly captivated. It’s a novel that not only respects its roots in the noir genre but also stretches the boundaries, making it a unique and exhilarating read.”

An electrifying sci-fi noir that keeps you binging chapters

After I read this electrifying sci-fi noir, I wanted to read it again and decided to indulge via audiobook. This wonderfully narrated production is Blake Crouch meets Lovecraft meets post-WWII history. Love!