“The File” by Gary Born is a riveting thriller that takes readers on a whirlwind journey from the depths of the African jungle to the heart of European intrigue. The novel opens with Sara West, a 28-year-old graduate student, who, while on a scientific expedition in Africa, stumbles upon a crashed WWII German bomber. Inside, she discovers a cache of Nazi files that reveal the location of a secret war chest hidden in Swiss bank accounts. This discovery sets off a chain of events that sees Sara running for her life, pursued by Russian and American hitmen across continents.

The narrative is fast-paced, with a cinematic quality that could easily translate to the big screen. The action sequences are vividly described, and the tension is palpable throughout the book. Sara West is a compelling character, a mix of vulnerability and determination that makes her easy to root for.

The plot is a classic treasure hunt with a modern twist, involving historical secrets that could change the present. The inclusion of real historical events lends an air of authenticity to the narrative, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters add a layer of complexity to what could have been a straightforward action thriller.

“The File” is an action-packed, globe-trotting thriller that offers a perfect blend of history, suspense, and adventure.

This was requested when I first found out about NetGalley and I had requested so many ARCs that I could not get to all of them before they were archived. I really wanted to get to this one, as it seemed interesting. If I can find this somewhere for a reasonable price, I will try to get it! I am giving this book three stars, as I don't want to give it a good or bad rating, since I did not get to it and we have to leave a star rating.

This ticked a lot of boxes for me - a strong female protagonist, interesting historical context and plenty to details on different subject matter areas including botany. The author does a great job of taking the reader into the heart of the action and giving a sense of adventure which can be hard to convey in written form. Really well done.

This wasn't for me. I couldn't get past the first 5 chapters as I kept losing the thread of the story.

Thanks to Histria Books for the opportunity to read an arc on Netgalley.com.

Sarah West got her love of botany from her father the most renowned botanist in the world, she got her taste for revenge watching him and her friends being murdered in the rainforest. When one of their guide’s came to tell the group he found a machine in the forest most laughed at him but Sarah who is kind and respectful she asked him to show her where it was. When they find the “machine“ it starts a murderous attack on her dad and fellow botanist and cheese forced to flee into the rainforest a place she’s very familiar with. After days of being haunted she is so over it and decides to become the hunter. The files she is being hunted for could ruin a political family and the reputation of the head of the CIA but they’re not the only ones looking for her because she also has the key to millions of dollars in the Russian government wants it. Sarah will use her intellect and knowledge of the rainforest and its plants to get her revenge but in order to get her freedom she may have to turn to one of her hunters. This book was so good and although the summary doesn’t do it justice trust me when I say this girl is bad ass and the story is just as bad. I love a story where someone has to go above and beyond and Sarah does this and more and not only is it plausible but it’s entertaining fast paced and OMG so good! This is a book I honestly wish I could give 10 stars too because it is that awesome. I received this book from NetGalley and a publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

The File is like bringing together Tomb Raider, James Bond all under one story. Gary Born eloquently illustrates the world of Sara West after she discovers Nazi files while on an expedition through Africa. This action-packed thriller is for everyone, but if you love International Relations or WW2 books, this is for you.
The file features intriguing, fully rendered characters. The sheer number of people we must keep track of seems daunting, but the author helpfully titles each chapter with the name of the character most prominent in the chapters as the plot plays out. That makes it far easier to avoid getting lost in what is a very intricate and creative plot. Born’s prose is satisfyingly descriptive, and his writing is of literary caliber. He grips the reader’s attention with the first chapter and sustains the tension and suspense throughout. Travel across Europe and Africa with Sara West as she discovers the truth while escaping those who want their hands on the treasure.