Thank you so much to NetGalley and Permuted Press for my copy of Searchers in Winter by Owen Pataki in exchange for an honest review. It published May 18, 2021.
This was not the typical historical fiction book that I read. I personally don't know much about the Napoleonic wars or his empire, so that is why I initially requested it. However, this was definitely what I call a "dad-book". It was definitely written toward more of an audience for me, (which isn't bad), it just wasn't character-driven and I found it hard to come back to.

Very good. I don't think is a genre called speculative historical fiction, but if there was this would fit right in. Interesting characters, a well written plot and a page turner. It's hard to tell if a good book will sell well (many don't), but I hope this one does. Recommended.

Thanks very much for the review copy!!

Owen Pataki brings the Napoleonic era to vivid, convincing life in this epic historical novel. His richly varied characters and settings convey the complexity of European power struggles and the diverse ways individuals responded to the ever-changing opportunities and challenges they posed. Deftly chosen detail balances the novel’s broad scope, creating a narrative that is never less than absorbing. Pataki offers plenty for those who already know the period well to enjoy but also grounds his narrative firmly enough to make it accessible to those unfamiliar with the historic background that informs his intertwined plot lines. Highly recommended!

The story is set during the War of the Fourth Coalition (1806-1807), a tumultuous period when under a new French Empire, Napoleon seeks to consolidate his power.

1806: Colonel Andre Valiere serves his conscription by leading Napoleon’s efforts in Germany and Poland. He is a man of honor, volunteering to serve Napoleon in exchange for not listing the young farmers who work for him and thus saving their lives. While serving his conscription and before being able to return home to his family, his situation gets complicated when he is presented with an offer to help uncover an unimaginable fortune, which would bestow glory and wealth upon whoever delivers it to Napoleon. Will he be lured into a plot to seize a hidden fortune?

1805, France. Jean-Luc St. Clair is a lawyer and widower with two children. He comes to Paris to deliver a message from Mayor Bergasse of Marseille to Joseph Bonaparte. Jean-Luc makes such flattering first impression on Joseph that he is offered a position in Paris. As a lawyer, he is a servant of the State, and as a man he holds himself to the highest standards. But he learns that the message that he delivered in a letter also held another message written in invisible ink. He was warned against the one who reveals that information to him. He is offered a deal of providing certain information when needed in exchange for information necessary for the execution of his daily duties. Is he being deceived? And by whom?

1806, France. Sophie Valerie is left to manage the estate while her husband serves his conscription. She receives an offer from a Count to help her manage it as her estate is overpopulated and farmers are in a state of rivalry. Both estates might profit from mutual friendship and cooperation. But the so-called friend makes also advances on Sophie. Is he honest with offering his help?

As the story alternates among three POVs, it continually builds in suspense and throws small hooks, with intriguing characters who meet challenges and have to make moral decisions. They value humanity against those lusting after power and greed, but you don’t always see clearly who is telling the truth and who is not. The descriptions are animated which are the highlight of the story before progressing it. Humanity is a distinct characteristic of all three main characters whose paths are marked by perseverance against terrible odds.

The historical background which was inspiration for this story brings the mysterious origins of the Rothschild’s fortune, the presence of the “outlanders” on fictional estate who are refugees and combatant from Brittany, and the character of Alicja Jarzyna is loosely inspired by Maria Walewska, “the Polish noblewoman who presented herself before Napoleon and became his mistress while he campaigned in Poland and Prussia,” later leading to creation of the Duchy of Warsaw as Poland did not exist on the map at the time.

This is one of those stories where I thought that the historical background would be very rich, but it doesn’t feel so. It’s more about vivid descriptions of actions, which takes its time and progresses the story slowly. Also, the characters are interesting, but I’d like them to be better developed.

Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com

A story with a lot of threads but that didn't flow especially well for me. Set just after the French Revolution the story/ies encompass a conscripted soldier trying to get home and his wife keeping the family estate afloat. All mixed with Parisian politics. Well researched historical settings. Thanks to NetGalley and Permuted Press for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Searchers in Winter is a story of war, spycraft, political intrigue, and individual bravery. Clearly written by a lover of history, it is sure to delight anyone fascinated by the Napoleonic wars.

That said, this book was only middle-of-the-road for me.

The author also writes screenplays, which makes a great deal of sense; much of the book feels more like a screenplay than a novel. In some respect this is good: there are many cinematic scenes of action; however, I felt the downsides. Some scenes I can tell would look visually wonderful in a film, but they fall flat in straight prose. The dialogue never fully fit with the characters, as though waiting for some actor to embody the roles and add individual inflection to them (perhaps those interested in reading the book would enjoy it more as an audiobook?).

At times, I felt the author was more interested in delivering twists and turns than in justifying them.

There is much to enjoy in this book: the political intrigue is spicy, the settings are varied and distinct, the history is grounded. I just didn’t get along terribly well with the writing style; others may and certainly will love this book.