Andrew Gross delivers another World War II thriller but this time his hero is an ordinary person. Charles Mossman is an untenured professor in Columbia's History Department who is having marriage problems when he spends the evening in a bar near Madison Square Garden just as it is surrounded by Nazi sympathizers who arrive angry, drunk and high on emotions after a pro-Nazi rally. Mossman himself is angry and gets into a brawl that leads him to jail.

When Mossman is released, he has lost his family, his job, and his old life. The only thing that he can hold on to is his close relationship with his young daughter. As he spends time with her, he begins to question whether their kindly neighbors in Yorkville (Upper East Side) in Manhattan are possibly embedded spies for the Nazis. Mossman grows increasingly convinced that the sweet elderly Swiss couple are spies and Mossman decides to hunt for the proof himself.

Mossman's actions lead do not go unnoticed. As Mossman ignores his wife's disbelief and anger, he grows more isolated. How much is Mossman willing to risk to protect his family even as they push him away?

We find how persistence and luck lead him to unexpected revelations and we find ourselves rooting for Mossman. Andrew Gross captures New York City's neighborhoods and takes us to a time of uncertainty and danger.

Charlie Mossman was a university lecturer who had planned to earn his doctorate, until everything went to ashes. He has a beautiful wife, Liz, and an adorable daughter, Emma. Unfortunately, Charlie drinks too much and becomes embroiled in a violent altercation that lands him in a correctional facility for two years. His misdeeds will have dire consequences for his reputation, career prospects, and marriage. When he is released in 1941, he has no job, is separated from his wife, but sees six-year-old Emma twice a week in the afternoons. Liz insists, however, that she wants Charlie gone before she gets home from the dress shop where she works.

"The Fifth Column," by Andrew Gross, is set in New York City. Anti-Semitism is on the rise, such prominent people as Charles Lindbergh are openly sympathetic to the Nazi cause, and isolationists in the United States want their young men safe at home, not risking their lives fighting in Europe. Meanwhile, during his visits with Emma, Charlie becomes suspicious of Willi and Trudi Bauer, an elderly couple who are neighbors and friends of his family. As the weeks pass, Charlie finds evidence that the Bauers may be spying for the Nazis. When Charlie reports what he has heard and seen, the authorities treat his claims with skepticism, if not outright scorn. In addition, Liz is horrified that her estranged husband has been bad-mouthing these two lovely people who have been so kind to Emma.

In spite of the book's unsophisticated writing and predictable plot, this espionage thriller propels us along. Charlie is a hapless hero whose naïveté costs him dearly and, when things heat up, his choices could have serious consequences for himself, his country, and his little girl. It is unfortunate that the one-dimensional villains are straight out of central casting and the conclusion is unrealistically tidy. On the other hand, "The Fifth Column" is based on fact, since there were German spies operating in the United States before and during the Second World War. At best, the author presents us with an escapist and intermittently entertaining tale about a good-hearted but weak-willed fellow who, after making a series of terrible mistakes, is at last trying to turn his life around.

Like previous books by Andrew Gross, it takes a while for the story to develop and capture my attention. A different take on the period prior to WWII in metro New York City. America is not sure if they want to remain neutral, there is a significant portion of the population that is pro-Germany and anti-communist, and Nazi Germany has already embedded spies into America in anticipation of them becoming involved against Germany. The second half of the book was very good and the first half could have been better with less fluff.

Andrew Gross has quickly become one of my favourite authors in the historical fiction/thriller genre. "The One Man" and "Button Man" were both 5 star reads for me and now I can add "The Fifth Column".
This story tells of the Nazi sympathizers and potential saboteurs in NY before the U.S. entered WWII beginning with the pro-Nazi rally at Madison Square Garden.
Charles Mossman, apart from his wife and young daughter, uncovers signs that his wife's neighbours are Nazi spies. He will do anything to protect them including risking his own life.
A character driven story, the Fifth Column is not only a tale of deceit, tragedy and violent crime but a tale of hope and forgiveness.
Highly Recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I'm a fan of World War II and "what if" stories. This book combines an intriguing story with a dark time in history. Andrew Gross is an expert at giving readers well developed characters and a back story that sets them up to be in the right place at the wrong time. As our hero works through the consequences of prior bad decisions, he is trying to make life better for his daughter. As the story ratchets up to a point that will force our hero to take a dramatic action, the events happen so quickly it will take your breath away. A great action/ thriller from an author who keeps on giving us excellent stories.

Even though I really loved The One Man, Gross's latest book just did nothing for me. I keep trying to read his books, but they are not interesting to me anymore. I hope that changes in the future but for now I can't recommend this book.

I always look forward to books by Andrew Gross because I know there will be compelling characters, an exciting story, and a history lesson slipped in there too!! I don't generally like spy stories but this book emphasizes the human aspect more than the spy intrigue. I figured Charlie would come out of everything ok - he's the hero of the book after all - - but still I found myself holding my breath during each of the nail-biting situations in which he found himself.

A truly enjoyable read!!

This book was fast paced. Hard to put down. It flowed well and it was very well written. It caught hold of me and had me hooked from the start . I was literally on the edge of my seat reading this book.

Decent Plot Concept Poorly Executed!

After reading The Fifth Column book description I was sure -- being a big fan of historical fiction set just prior to or during WWII -- that its plot concept would be one that I’d really enjoy. Having now finished the book, however, I, unfortunately, was very disappointed in it and can not recommend it.

The two main reasons for my overall opinion are as follows. One reason is that, despite the good concept on which it is based, almost every aspect regarding how Gross executes his plot is too contrived, telegraphed and, especially, implausible for me to consider The Fifth Column to be believable and memorable. I won't discuss the ways in which the various plot elements are contrived, telegraphed and implausible because doing so this would require me to provide spoilers.

My second, but just as important, reason is that Gross' character development and dialogue skills in The Fifth Column are poor. I found the characters to primarily be one-dimensional and stereotypical, and considered his dialogue to be soap opera-y and B movie-ish.

Despite my negative perceptions, in fairness to Gross, he, does move the story along at a fast, brisk pace.

Net, Net -- 1 1/2 stars generously rounded up to 2 stars!

#The Fifth Column. #Net Galley

Great idea and well written but the story felt too simplistic and the ending too neat. Enjoyable but not memorable

“The Fifth Column” by Andrew Gross is a story of domestic terrorism, sleeper cells, and political complications as current as the evening news tonight, but this drama is set in WWII. The “Home Front” during WWII, is not peaceful and quiet with patriotic souls doing their best to support the war effort. The situation in Europe is deteriorating; Hitler threatens to take over everything, and a wave of “America First” proponents advocate ignoring the looming danger.
The story opens in February 1939 with a first person narrative by Charles Mossman, whose once-promising career and marriage are now in a downward spiral. He is filled with guilt over the death of twin brother, killed fighting fascists in Spain. Today is their birthday, and not a good day to get into a racially charged bar fight. With one punch, life as he knows it comes crashing to an end.
Two years later, 1941, upon being released from jail, Mossman finds the political climate has changed, and circumstances for him, an ex con, are grim. Readers get to know Mossman well as he continues as if giving a report on his life; he shares his feelings about himself, his family, and his life choices. The discourse is factual and emotional at the same time with a hint of self-depreciation as he describes the world and the trickle-down effect of international politics on New York. He recounts specific details of events, “Then there was the time the following week when I was sitting in the Old Heidelberg again on Third Avenue having a coffee.” He talks directly to readers; “I have to admit I felt a little foolish, following them.” Readers hear what he says to others; “’All these customers,’ I said to Emma when we got outside. ‘ Do you know what Uncle Willi and Aunt Trudi do for work?’” Readers listen in as others talk to him; “’You’re suggesting they’re spies . . . ?’ she said, her eyes locked on me. Then she laughed. “’Well, that’s absurd.’” He teases readers with anticipation; “But little did I know.”
The story starts slowly and builds in intensity and complexity. Readers wonder how Mossman will fare in the approaching storm and willingly follow him on the perilous journey into it. Mossman’s narrative is occasionally interrupted by other conversations, and readers learn what the narrator does not know … yet. Has Mossman wandered into a nest of German spies or are people overreacting and just seeing spies everywhere?
“The Fifth Column” reveals the cost of war on the home front, a subject that is sometimes overlooked in novels set in WW II. Gross creates believable characters, flawed characters, who struggle to balance duty to family, duty to government, and duty to society while fearing that more lives will be lost because the real war is yet to come. I received a review copy of “The Fifth Column” from Andrew Gross, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books.

Andrew Gross is a literature legend who doesn't disappoint. He's done it yet again with his latest thriller "The Fifth Column. This fast paced thriller will have you at the end of your seat until the very end begging for more.

Rating 4

Andrew Gross never fails to delver a great book! Tightly written, excellent plot! You are on the edge of your seat when reading this book!

In 1939, Germany is aggressively attacking its European neighbors, but in the United States, the support for entering another war is far from unanimous. In fact, in New York City, there are many pro-Nazi demonstrations and rallies. After one such rally, Charles Mossman is sitting in a bar bemoaning the loss of his job and the seeds of failure of his marriage, when four guys draped in Nazi flags come in and Charlie reacts with tragic results - the death of a teenager and a subsequent prison sentence. Two years later, he is out of prison and is trying to get his life back together. His wife has moved to a small apartment in Yorkville, a NYC neighborhood, with his daughter. During his twice weekly visits, Charlie meets his wife’s neighbors, Trudy and Willi Bauer, who portend to be Swiss citizens and are very fond of Emma. But Charlie notices some strange visitors to the Bauer apartment, and begins to think that all is not what it seems to be. Charlie refuses to step back from what he thinks is some kind of conspiracy, and even the fears of a “fifth column”, an enemy intrusion not on the battlefield, which fuels a well-intentioned, poorly executed adventure to determine what is going on. A good story, but I just did not like the way it was written - Charlie is sort of a bumbling detective, and the “bad guys” are somewhat stereotyped. Nonetheless, it kept my interest despite the fact that I had suspicions early on of what was going on as each new character was introduced. Gross is a good story teller, but not a great writer. My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC in exchange for my review.

It's February 1939 in New York City and Charles Mossman is trying to drown his sorrows over the mess he's made of his life. After a split second decision ends in tragedy, he officially hits rock bottom. When Charlie tries to rebuild his relationship with his daughter after a two year absence , he becomes suspicious of his estranged wife's kindly, old neighbors. Vividly painting the picture of pre-World War II America, the story starts slowly gradually building to the exciting, frantic ending. Prepare for a late night because you'll want to keep reading until you finish!

With his book, The Fifth Column, Andrew Gross gives us a closer look at the early days of WW II.

"It is 1939 and the Pro-Nazi movement is strong in America. And the Isolationists hold sway in Congress. Charles Mossman makes a terrible mistake and goes to prison for two years. After he gets out, his wife wants a divorce and he struggles to find meaningful work. He meets the nice Swiss couple across the hall from his wife. But...somethings off about them. Who are they really? Charles makes a discovery that puts himself and his family in terrible danger. And now he must make an awful choice."

Gross does an excellent job giving us the mood of 1939-41 America. In hindsight we wonder what took so long, but Gross shows us the ugly side of free speech. Mossman, at times, is a hard character to pull for because of his mistakes. But he is willing to do anything for his family. You feel Mossman's frustration as he tries to get someone to believe him. It feels like you know what the ending will be, but Gross adds just enough uncertainty to make you wonder.

It was good to read about a period in history that is largely ignored in fiction. With his last four books, Gross has shown he is adept at giving us a good story at different points in history. This is another excellent book from Gross. Fans of historical fiction will love it.

Charlie Mossman, recently released from prison after serving two years for manslaughter, begins to reconnect with his daughter, Emma and estranged wife Liz. The neighbors across the hall from Liz and Emma come under suspicion from Charlie that they are Nazi spies, not the charming Swiss couple everyone else believes them to be. So Charlie sets out to investigate.

What ensues is an engrossing read. The interactions between Charlie and Emma were very well written as was the investigation. The plot was somewhat predictable, however, it doesn't take away from one's enjoyment of the story. The pacing was well done, with an even mix of character development and action. A very enjoyable book!

My appreciation to St. Martin's Press, Andrew Gross, and NetGalley for gifting me an e-copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

The United States is on the threshold of entering World War II. Charlie Mossman, a Jewish college instructor, husband, and father who drinks a bit too much accidentally kills a young man while engaging in fisticuffs with Nazi sympathizers.

Two years later, he is released from prison. His wife has moved on, but does allow him visits with their daughter, Emma. Charlie soon suspects that the Swiss couple living across the hall from his wife and Emma may not be who they claim and decides to investigate.

Although the story does take a while to play out and there are no real surprises here, this was a fast, easy, engrossing read. While there are some minor anachronisms, much of the background of the story is historically factual and fasciniating.

It is pre-WWII and war is waging in Europe though the US has not yet entered the war. There are significant nazi sympathizers in the US who defend Hitler and the Germans, holding large scale rallies, planning and carrying out acts of sabotage.

This is a fast-paced and intricate tale of one man’s efforts to report the nazi sympathizers and saboteurs. A great read with surprising twists and turns along this Patriot’s journey to defend his country, his family and his heritage.

* will post online and list links closer to publication. Great read!

Loved this book! I have learned more about the happenings in the US prior to entering WWII than ever before. The story is taking place solely in the US which seems strange in the beginning but it really works. Charles Mossman is the main character who returns from a short stint in prison to find his wife and daughter extremely friendly with a supposedly Swiss couple who of course ends up being nazis.
Charles falls out with his wife and only gets to see his daughter occasionally while always being watched by the Germans. Of course as it has to everything comes to a head and things end up happening very quickly.
I will definitely recommend this book and thank NetGalley, Andrew Gross and the publishers for letting me read this advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review. An easy five stars.