I was there with Dexie and Harri as they try to find and identify an ex nazi soldier, now turned respectable, respected businessman. The thick, killer fog in 1950’s London does nothing to help them, but they do find something that they weren’t expecting!
Loved it!

Thank you to net galley for giving me this opportunity to read this book.
I have read all of Mandy Robotham books and have enjoyed every one of them.
This story takes place in London, England in 1952 during a deadly fog.
Helen Dexter is a young widow who works in the London Metropolitan Police.
Harri Schroeder is a police officer with the Hamburg police in Germany. Harri is requested by the Met to help hunt down a former Nazi who has turned into a successful English businessman but with a different name.
Harri is teamed up with Helen to hunt the former Nazi down.

I have to say that I really liked the characters of Helen and Harri. The book was an exciting read. There were twists and turns in the story.
Will be recommending it to others to read.

Fun story set during the Great Smog of London during 1952. Never before have I read a book in that setting, very original. Great characters hunting Nazis. A little bit of romance. Very enjoyable book. For some reason I did not lose myself in the book like I have in some of her other stories.

Great read, thanks for this ARC!

Mandy Robotham is an auto buy for me as you are always guaranteed a great read. Once again her story is from post World War II - on this occasion, 1952 London during the Great Smog. It was at times frightening to be on the streets of smoggy London as our two leads battled not only the elements but also Nazi war criminals. Who are the leads? None other than ‘your beloved grumpy Inspektor, Harri’ from Mandy’s last book, The Hidden Storyteller. Mandy states, “... in writing the closing pages of my previous book, The Hidden Storyteller, I sensed I wasn’t finished with Harri - he needed space to show us more of his unorthodox policing methods, to shed some of his cynicism, and to heal” - and we could not be happier! To read another story with Harri is reward enough - he is such an endearing character and although he berates his ‘self-conceit that he can actually right the wrongs of an entire war’, you can’t help but cheer him on!

‘You mean former Nazis - war criminals and murderers - are now employed by various security services? As agents? That governments are now rewarding these bastards for doing the Fuhrer’s bidding? You can’t be serious.’

Interestingly, this is a story of not only historic details surrounding the infamous London Smog but also incorporates a thriller detective drama. Mandy does well in combining the gripping tale of a Nazi war criminal on the loose. Towards the end the pace is fast with danger and several tense moments for all involved and readers are sure to be cheering loudly for Harri and Dexie.

‘She can’t die, not here or now, not from a bloody fog!’

Congratulations Mandy on yet another winning book. I have read and adored all your books and cannot recommend them highly enough. 'A Dangerous Game' is a fabulous thriller with a dash of romance. A tale of cat and mouse espionage during the real-life 'Great Smog' of 1952 where it's estimated some 4,000 - 10,000 people died.

‘The hunters have become the hunted.’








This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

I loved this one it was engaging and so good and I loved the setting after the war in England
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review book

I loved this book from the beginning. It helps that it's a time period that is fascinating and I didn't know too much about (I had to start the book by googling if Hamburg was in east or west Germany, but as someone who has lived in London, it was easy to picture the foggy city after the decay of the Blitz, all powered by cups of milky tea. There was strong sense of place that I felt like I was there, queuing for the tube impatiently while breathing in the coal.

Too often in historical fiction, the characters (particularly the women characters) are coded as "ahead of their time", which can really e a bit jarring. But our main characters, Women's Police Constable Helen "Dexie" Dexter and German Inspektor Harri Schroeder, are very much products of their time, with different expectations and experiences as a result of living through World War II. The characters gave me a chance to feel like I better understood them and the time, which I really appreciated.

There is not really a traditional mystery - we know from the outset whodunnit, but the how and why really give our characters a chance to reflect on who they are and how their experiences changed them. This is a reflective mystery with a great sense of place and character, and I'd recommend to fans of Agatha Christie, Tana French or Sophie Hannah.

Another fantastic read from one of the very best writers of historical fiction. This was a brilliantly plotted, fast paced thriller of a book, which kept me turning the pages as I was so desperate to know what would happen next. Set in the infamous December 1952 "pea soup" London fog, it tells the story of Harri Schroder (loved that he, plus Georgie and Max, came back from the last book) on secondment to the UK from Germany, and ambitious but downtrodden WPC Helen Dexter who are suddenly on a mission to find a missing Nazi man believed to have reinvented himself in the UK. Really good.

This book was a great read! I loved it.

1. I really enjoyed the writing style of this novel and I liked how the history was written. It wasn't too dense but it was interesting all the same! I really liked Mandy Robothams writing style and plot development.

2. I found the characters really interesting, they were really well constructed but also well written. I loved how Helen was in the spotlight and I loved the whole 'woman in a mans world' vibe but also making her a strong, intelligent, willful character. Harri was also great, witty, intelligent. I think they were a great duo! It really helped the story along and made it even more interesting.

3. The historical atmosphere and setting was really good!

I loved this so much! I highly recommend this read. It is a great historical fiction!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this eCopy to review

A Dangerous Game is a captivating read! Set in 1950s London, the story follows Helen 'Dexie' Dexter, a determined woman trying to prove herself as an officer in the London Metropolitan Police. When Harri Schroder, a German detective haunted by personal loss, arrives from Hamburg, their paths cross in an unexpected way.

The plot thickens as they team up to hunt down a Nazi war criminal who has integrated into British society. The chemistry between Dexie and Harri is palpable, and their journey is filled with danger, suspense, and emotional depth. The backdrop of post-WWII London adds a rich historical layer to the narrative, making it a compelling blend of historical fiction and thriller.

Overall, it's a gripping tale with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

December 1952, London. Inspector Harri Schröder from Hamburg is seconded to liaise with the Metropolitan Police Force in an Anglo-German liaison between the two former warring nations. Upon his arrival in London, he received notification that he was required to report to New Scotland Yard. It transpired that there was an additional reason for this request; the Metropolitan Police were merely a front, as his true purpose was to assist in locating a specific individual—someone he had known before the war. He was among the few who could identify a man named Helmut Praxer, a former classmate of Harri's from police training school nearly two decades earlier. It is understood that Praxer may have undergone significant plastic surgery. It appears that Praxer joined the Nazi Party in 1936, quickly advanced within its structure, and that he became their money man. He now goes by the name James Remmington, the chairman of a substantial holding company. The reason they need to find him urgently is that he is about to sign a very lucrative contract that will be embarrassing for the British government if it turns out that he profited from the war. They need Harri to positively identify him.

Harri is thus assigned to investigate a man he barely knew, for a foreign country and agency. He proposed to his superiors that WPC Helen Dexter (Dexie), whom he had met on his first day, be his partner.

All of this plays out during the deadly smog that hit London and lasted for five days, a time when over 10,000 people died as a direct result. Will Harri and Dexie be able to find Praxer before it is too late, and at what cost?

Another brilliantly woven tale from Mandy Robotham! I love how she incorporates fact into her stories and the brilliant characters she develops. I hope to see more of Harri and Dexie!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

‘A Dangerous Game' is a riveting tale flipping between two POVs: WPC Dexter (Dexie) and Inspektor Schroder (Harri). This suspenseful adventure is set in London in December 1952, during the devastating smog. The use of this freak weather event and international tensions post-WWII grounds the fictional story and heightens the intensity of the peril and mystery. Mandy Robotham's writing is smooth and engaging. Note, there is some foul language.

If you enjoy reading high-stakes historical fiction, then I recommend this book to you! The hints of romance between the main characters is a nice addition, and I would love to see them solve more cases together in future books.

Special thanks to the Publisher, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I've read a number of Mandy Robotham books and this one by far has been my favorite. The combination a cat and mouse game and the Great Smog of London made for a thrilling atmospheric read. I love finding historical fiction reads that highlight life postwar Europe. Robotham's eye for historical detail brought the story alive. I need to go back and read her first Harri Schroder book now.

📚 a dangerous game - Mandy Robotham 📚

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you to @netgalley for accepting me on this ARC 🙊

Blurb - London, 1952. Seven years after the chaotic aftermath of World War II, London has is coming alive again, with jazz clubs and flickering cinema awnings lighting up the night sky.

But for widowed Helen ‘Dexie’ Dexter, she’s still a woman in a man’s world. She longs to prove herself as an officer in the London Metropolitan Police, yet she’s stuck intervening in domestics and making tea for her male colleagues.

Then Harri Schroder arrives, seconded from Hamburg to the Met. Haunted by the loss of his wife and child, Harri is unlike any man Dexie has ever known. Compassionate and sharp-witted, he sees her not as a threat, but as an intelligent, canny officer full of potential.

And when Harri is tasked with hunting down a Nazi war criminal-turned-respected-businessman, with connections to the upper echelons of British society, it’s Dexie he turns to for help.

But as their bond deepens, a deadly fog engulfs London. Dexie and Harri must expose the fugitive before he vanishes, risking everything for justice – and each other…

Thoughts - this was a gripping read and really enjoyed reading the characters journeys. This is the first thriller I’ve read set in this timeline but o really did enjoy.

#bookreview #booksbooksbooks #arcbookreview #netgalley

Mandy Robotham’s A Dangerous Game excels in its atmospheric portrayal of post-war London. Set in 1952, as the city struggles to rebuild after the war, the story draws readers into the harrowing days of the infamous London Smog. Inspektor Harri Schroeder, a German detective fluent in English, is called to London to help investigate a deadly plot. There, he meets Constable Dexter ("Dexie"), a determined young woman navigating a male-dominated police force. Together, they must stop a man whose actions could destroy everything.

The setting is vividly rendered, and as someone familiar with the London Smog from The Crown, I could easily visualize the suffocating, toxic atmosphere. Robotham’s exploration of grief is equally impactful; both Harri and Dexie bear deep emotional scars from the war, and their resilience makes them compelling protagonists. Inspired by Sherlock Holmes, the dynamic between these characters feels fresh yet familiar, with Dexie’s sharp instincts complementing Harri’s thoughtful approach.

The novel’s core message that winning a war doesn’t ensure moral righteousness for all involved resonates deeply. The political intrigue driving the plot keeps the tension high, and the satisfying conclusion ties together the story’s complex threads.

Thank you, Avon Books UK and NetGalley, for providing a digital galley of this gripping historical thriller.

A Dangerous Game by Mandy Robotham is a real page turner. I think this book is probably my favourite by this author to date. It was fast paced, full of intrigue, suspense, danger, and kept you guessing what would happen next.

The main character Harri Schroeder, a German policeman is on loan to the London police force where he pairs up with Helen Dexter an English constable. Together they are on a secret assignment in search of a Nazi war criminal who was the financial mastermind for Hilter. As the search for the accused continues the deadly fog of 1952 rolls in causing lots of havoc and many deaths. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat and reading well into the night. Will they be able to catch their man or will he escape again?

This is a great story with well developed characters. I would highly recommend it. Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advanced copy of this book.

I love how I always learn something new when reading a Mandy Robotham book. This time, I learned about The Great Smog which affected London in 1952, taking thousands of lives, and yet an event I knew nothing about.

At the start of the year (and the last few days or 2024), we had a smog problem in my city, which I couldn't help but think back to as I read A Dangerous Game. Luckily, our smog wasn't as deadly as the one described here, but it was certainly harder to breathe.

So I related to Harri and Dexie in more ways than one would expect! And Harri specifically, was a character I wanted to see more of, after reading The Hidden Storyteller, so I'm glad he got his own book, and a little romance to boot.

It was also nice to see Georgie and Max making a cameo appearance, and helping out in their own way. But Harri and Dexie were the real stars, I loved seeing their dynamic duo in action as they tracked down a Nazi hiding in plain sight, and got to know each other on a deeper level in the process.

Through Dexie, we got to see what life was like for a policewoman back in the 50s, down to the tiniest detail (yes, someone did make her fetch tea as if she were a secretary). It only made me appreciate Harri all the more, because he always praised his fellow colleagues back in Germany, and was adamant nothing would've been solved if it hadn't been for them.

He also gave Dexie the space to be herself, and treated her like a person, one more than capable of doing her job. It's no wonder she fell for him, really, I would too!

We got to explore post-war London, which I don't read about often, and see the effects WW2 had on every person we encounter.

Which reminds me, there is a moment where a character hesitates before making a decision, and even I can't say what I would've done in their place. I know my brain would've panicked and it probably would've ended exactly the same.

As that was happening, the image that flashed in this character's mind was chilling and brought tears to my eyes.

On a lighter note, there's a cute canine companion, who's one of my favourite characters in the book!

The plot was engaging and well-researched. I had no trouble following all the threads, thanks to Robotham's excellent writing.

You can read A Dangerous Game on its own, or you can start the journey with The Berlin Girl, get to know Georgie who started it all, and then follow her on a different adventure in The Hidden Storyteller where she meets Harri, and the rest is history. Hah. I had to.

Whichever book you choose to start with, you won't regret it, because Mandy Robotham is a master of historical fiction. You'll be pulled into the lives of her characters in no time.

*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

This novel takes place in London in 1952, seven years after the end of WWII. Helen ‘Dexie’ Dexter has been striving to prove herself as an officer in the London Metropolitan Police, hoping to move up in the ranks, but she has one thing working against her.... she is a woman. Then, Harri Schroder gets sent from his station in Germany to hunt down a Nazi war criminal-turned-respected-businessman, with connections to the upper echelons of British society, He partners up with Dexie for the job. Then, just as they have found their man, a deadly fog engulfs London. Dexie and Harri must expose the fugitive before he vanishes

I loved this book. It made me feel like I was right there in the thick of it all. There was high-stakes action, intrigue, lots of history, and even some romance between Harri & Dexie. If you are a fan of historical fiction, then you will love this.

Once again Mandy has delighted her readers with a delightful story set in London in 1950s. Harri Schroder, of Berlin, has his third case. This time he is on secondment to the London Metropolitan Police. He expected a goodwill busman’s holiday but he is specially chosen for a mission involving a mysterious businessman with a suspicious new identity.
With his links to Germany’s past history and a new partner being a WPC Dexie, a woman in a man’s world, the scene is set for another adventure. There is much to get excited by and enjoy : post war British culture, prejudice in the workplace and in society, this novel has it all. There is sadness and joy; love, tears and some laughter, not to mention fog and pollution.
I enjoyed this story sooo much. This is another must read from Mandy. Thank you for bringing these characters to life in this engaging story. And thank you NetGalley for the advance copy - my review reflects my own thoughts freely given.

I am a huge fan of Mandy Robotham and really enjoy the way she builds up her stories.

I also love that there is always a connection to WWII and how it impacted different types of people all over the world.

In this latest book, we are in London in 1952 during the week of the Great Smog with German Policeman Harri and English Constable Dexie.
Together that are on a secret assignment in search of a Nazi war criminal who was the financial mastermind of war.
They don’t get given all the details and find themselves in precarious and life threatening situations along the way.
This started a bit slow but turned into a page turner that I couldn’t put down!

A huge thank you to Author Mandy Robotham, publisher Avon and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

It's 1952, just seven years after the war ended. Nuremberg Trails have put most of the Nazi war criminals behind the bars but Inspector Harri from Hamburg police have been called to find a Nazi war criminal and the war criminal was someone that Harri used to know--someone that he used to be trained at police cadet with. Together with a British officer, Dexie, Harrie and Dexie must find this person before he would flee again.

This was an interesting historical fiction read. I actually enjoyed reading it and learned so much tits and bits about what life was like after the war. The story is also well written and realistic and the author must have done research on this topic before writing the story. Overall, I actually enjoyed reading this historical fiction. This also could be read as a thriller since there is some mystery is also involved in the story. Overall, this story is worth four stars.