Andrew Gross is the master of writing historical fiction! A fast moving book and full of history about Nazis infiltrating America to further their cause. Kudos to Andrew Gross for delivering another winner!

Charles Mossman is one of the...hmm, dumbest...no, most naive protagonists in fiction today. He stumbles into suspicious behavior from the neighbors of his estranged wife and makes some of the worst decisions available to him. His blinded eyes put himself and his 6-year old daughter Emma in peril of their lives. Author Andrew Gross has created a spy scenario that brings it right next door. The action builds, with naive Charlie at the forefront, continuing to make unwise decisions. It's an interesting read and my early antagonism towards him warms up as Gross builds the plot. Some surprises are in store, but Gross keeps Charlie at the center of things. Will I warm up to him? Will his estranged wife warm up to him? Oh, and the Nazis. Will they get away with what they have planned? See for yourself!
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.
4.5 stars

Andrew Gross does it again!! The term fifth column refers to "a secret subversive group that works against a country or organization from the inside". This can include foreign spies who have become embedded in the day-to-day life of a country working with domestic traitors. Such is the case in Gross' The Fifth Column, a historical fiction novel based on true events.

The issue of whether America should become involved in WWII was a topic of heated discussions and strong feelings. Many Americans wanted to support the Allies, others favored isolationism. Some wanted America to enter the war for their own personal gain and others were Nazi sympathizers working and conspiring behind the scenes to force America to join the war. The group of Nazi sympathizers included people within the American government.

Gross brings this part of American history alive through the story of the Mossman family (Charles, Liz and Emma) and their Swiss neighbors Willi and Trudi Bauer. (I won't repeat the publisher's book blurb here as they did a fine job of setting the scene.) Realistic, complex characters, scenes described in a way that makes the reader feel as if they are actually involved, and a plot that compels the reader to keep turning pages are all hallmarks of books written by Andrew Gross. I have read nine of his books to date, and have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them!

Several of Gross' books have a theme of what a huge impact/effect/difference the life and choices of an ordinary person can make. Charles Mossman is an excellent example of that.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books and the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The book will be available to the public on September 10, 2019. I highly recommend you add it (and all of Andrew Gross' other books) to your TBR pile!

4.5 stars, actually.

As a general rule, I don't enjoy books, movies or TV shows that involve battles, conflicts and wars. I've even given up on a couple of previously favorite authors because the focus of their latest books shifted too heavily in that direction. So when I started this one, I was more than a bit wary. Can't imagine I'll like it much, I said to myself.

And it just goes to show me not to prejudge. Not only did I enjoy it, but I finished it in only two sittings. In fact, it's a very intriguing plot that is related to World War II but, happily, does not take place on a battlefield at all. It opens in New York in February 1939, when unrest in Europe is heating up and people everywhere are taking sides for and against the Nazis. Charlie Mossman, a sometimes-practicing Jew and often drunk, is in a bar and approached by some belligerent Nazi supporters. A fight ensues, and Charlie unintentionally hits a teenager, an innocent bystander. The young man dies, Charlie is charged and convicted of involuntary manslaughter, and spends the next two years in prison.

When he gets out, he learns his wife has given up on him, although she's still friendly and allows him to spend time with their young daughter Emma. The United States is trying to avoid a war that's growing by leaps and bounds and fast. When he visits Emma, he meets Trudi and Willi Bauer, a couple who seem to love Emma dearly and claim to be Swiss. It doesn't take long, though, for Charllie to find clues that lead him to believe they're something else entirely. Perhaps, he suspects, they might even be members of a "fifth column," a network of German spies embedded in day-to-day life in the states (if you've watched "The Americans" on TV, you get the drift).

As time goes on, Charlie becomes even more suspicious and finally discovers sufficient evidence to be sure he's right. Problem is, no one will believe him. His soon-to-be-ex-wife loves the "Swiss" couple, and Charlie's prison background doesn't exactly make him a reliable source to the police or FBI. Still, he's convinced that something big is about to go down - something that could threaten thousands of U.S. lives. When Pearl Harbor is attacked, drawing America into the war, Charlie just can't pretend everything is fine. What he does, how he does it and what happens in the end make for an exciting story.

So what did I not like so much? There's a fair amount of repetition - Understandably, Charlie has to retell his findings over and over to people he thinks he can trust. But after the second or third time, even somewhat abbreviated, it got a little boring. And it didn't take long for me to wonder if the author is on a crusade against Charles Lindbergh - he pointed out several times that the late pilot at one time was a vocal supporter of Nazi Germany. Actually, that's an historical fact; but one mention would have sufficed.

Those small issues aside, I was very satisfied with this book and thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

Charlie, having been released from prison after serving two years for manslaughter returns home to his wife and daughter. Rumors of Nazi spies run rampant before the United States entered WWII so after meeting his wife's neighbors, Trudi and Willi, Charlie is out to prove that they are spies. A lot of the story was predictable but there was a few surprises and a satisfying ending. Not really historical fiction but fun to read.

The fifth Column is a character driven book by Andrew Gross. I have read many of his books and they have all been good. I was introduced to him in the Blue Zone. This book is set in New York during WW11 before America enters the war. Charles Mossman is a College professor who killed a man in a drunken brawl. He is out of prison and goes to see his wife and daughter. His wife Liz lets him visit his daughter Emily but not come back.
He becomes suspicious of the couple next door who seem to not who they appear to be. Charles is a felon and finds it hard to find someone to take him seriously
The story of the fifth column, where people are trying to bring down America, is very well written. I read the story in just a couple of sittings. Thank you for an advantage copy for a review Net Galley

Andrew Gross is my all time favorite writer
He used to write psychological mysteries, and now he has written 3 war books
The One Man and Saboteur were terrific
The Fifth Co,u n might be his best
It is about a family that is torn apart by the ravages of war
A great story which parallels our own history
Read this book. It is so great

Andrew Gross returns to the WWII era in this good stand alone thriller about a disgraced New Yorker caught up with German Spies. Gross’ plot moved along, and though predictable at times, I enjoyed the characters and was caught up in the time period. Gross knows how to spin a good yarn.

Andrew Gross certainly writes well. I raced through and loved his previous books. While I raced through The Fifth Column and found the subject to be of considerable interest, I found his character development not to be up to his par. For example, Charlie’s regret over the consequences of his drunken punch just didn’t run deeply enough to seem realistic. At the same time, despite his educational level and two years spent in prison, he seemed incredibly naive. Liz’s character is so underdeveloped that her decisions at the end of the novel were not surprising only because by that time the reader has figured out how everything will play out. Nonetheless, this is an enjoyable novel that provides information about the little known Fifth Column movement and that can be read quickly,

Wonderful tale, it has it all and grabs you and pulls you right in. This is my first Andrew Gross book and now I know why my husband raves about him! 4 -1/2 stars.

Andrew Gross has written another entertaining involving character driven novel.Enjoyed all his previous novels and I highly recommend this one.#netgalley#st.Martinspress

Andrew Goss is an underrated thriller writer whose previous work I have enjoyed and he has come up with the goods yet again in this thrilling encounter dealing with the German fifth column based in New York in the period leading up to and just after America's entry into World War 2.

It is perhaps not surprising to learn that apparently many of the German immigrant population were supporters of the Nazi regime but I did not realise quite the depth of feeling generally against America entering the war on the allied side.

This book covers these issues well and then tells the story of one brave man, who has fallen almost into the gutter through his own shortcomings redeems himself and also uncover a Nazi spy rings set upon committing a dastardly act of sabotage, murder and treason.

An excellent well written thriller, if slightly predictable in terms of guessing the plot turns but well worth reading.

The Fifth Column by Andrew Gross – 5 Stars
Publisher: St, Martin’s Press
ISBN: 9781250180001

The fifth Column is very straight forward, enjoyable novel. Although it may lack the complexity and action of so many other spy novels, this novel presented a good history re pre World War II Nazi sympathizers and espionage in America. It was relaxing to read about a common individual, Charles Mossman, who accidently killed a spectator while fending off German loyalists, spent time in prison, lost his graduate teaching job, and lost the trust of his wife. They had a daughter Emma who lived with her mother in Yorkville, NY which is was known as the home of the American German Bund, the pro-Nazi group.

Charles’ adventure begins when he is released from prison, visits his daughter, and stumbles across her nanny and friends who don’t seem to be who they say they are. Hint after hint leads him to believe his family has befriended a Nazi espionage group and his prison past doesn’t help in convincing the right people that a spy ring is right there in his wife’s neighborhood. His involvement continues with a lot of twists right up to the end when his daughter’s life is at stake.

What were the spies up to? How did he get the evidence he needed? Who did he tell and what were the responses? What was the Nazi goal? How does it end? You’ll have to read it to find out. So, next time you have a yearn for a real good book and need a break from the books that clutter your mind jumping around and requiring you to reread previous sections, pick up this book and have an enjoyable and relaxing page-turner.

Reviewer: Rich

Reading The Fifth Column by Andrew Gross was an emotional experience for me. I had heard so many stories about how are country was reluctant to enter WW!! but this book made the experience real. The plot centers around a famly where the father was in trouble with the law and as a result separated from his wife and child. When he returns they live in an apartment across the hall froman elderly couple who say they are Swiss nationals. This couple is very found of the little girl but her father is suspicious of them, He feels they are German and he doesn't trust them. The book raises a lot of issues about what was going on inour country at that time as well as being an exciting thriller.

This was another hit from the author. His variety of stories always leaves me waiting for his next book. This story was filled with fun mystery and adventure. This is a book that I would recommend to all.

An excellent look into an important period in American history. Prior to Pearl Harbor, America was deeply divided with factions favoring isolationism and others wanting to support allies in Europe. Others even promoted supporting Nazi government in Germany. Andrew Gross introduces a college professor from NYC into this setting. After serving two years in prison for manslaughter, the professor is out of a job and a family, but those seem to be the least of his problems as he discovers a ‘fifth column’ — Nazi sympathizers living in America. It seems like it’s Charlie versus the world as he must convince others that he’s not just a conspiracy theorist.

I should start by saying I grew up in post WWII Yorkville hearing stories about the activities of the German Bund In the area. In fact, I was not allowed to go to several stores and restaurants in the area because my parents remembered them having Nazi flags and signs in their windows. So, I was deeply impressed by the knowledge and research that Gross put into writing this thriller.

Despite the insertion of the Mossman family in the book, many of the events are true. Submarines coming to Montauk and threats to our water supply were real.

Creating Charlie Mossman as a centerpiece made this totally engaging. I really enjoyed this reminder of Yorkville in the 30’ s and 40’ s. Until a few years ago many of the places that were mentioned still existed. I truly enjoyed this book and urge students studying the home front during WW II , as well as those of us who enjoy a superb thriller to grab this.

I really thank NETGALLEY for this great thriller which brought back so much of my own childhood.

The Fifth Column is an intriguing story about nazi spies in the US as world war two is about to start. This is interesting story about characters from seemingly everyday life. A real page turner. A different look at the war and events that took place at this time in history. Very enjoyable.