Excellent historical thriller framed around one of my hero’s, Winston Churchill—-this novel is fast paced, well written and knowing about spycraft, war, and diplomacy. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a good spy thriller-set in the first half of the twentieth century—or any period for that matter.

"The Gemini Agenda" eBook was published in 2018 (original paper edition was published in 2012) and was written by Michael McMenamin and Patrick McMenamin (http://www.winstonchurchillthrillers.com). Mr. McMenamin Sr. has authored or co-authored 12 books. Mr. McMenamin Jr. has authored or co-authored 6 books. This is the third in their “Winston Churchill 1930s Thriller” series.

I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence and Mature Situations. The story is set in 1932. The primary characters are Mattie McGary, Churchill's goddaughter and a reporter for the Hearst newspapers, and Bourke Cockran a law professor, former US Army MID agent, and the son of one of Churchill's former mentors. Also playing a significant role in the story is the German Kurt von Sturm. 

By this point, McGary and Cockran are an intimate pair, though not yet engaged. McGary is drawn into a mystery of grisly murders across the US by Hearst. She encounters ruthless thugs who try to discourage her investigations. Meanwhile, Cockran is engaged as the divorce attorney for Ingrid, the wife of Wesley Waterman. Waterman and Cockran have already crossed paths earlier in the book series. Waterman uses his wealth and power to block the divorce including violence and murder. 

When Ingrid's siblings disappear while traveling in Europe, she and Cockran set out to find them. McGary's investigation of the murders also leads her to Europe where there is evidence that some Americans that have been abducted are being held. Both paths lead to a secret medical facility where studies are being conducted under the direction of the Nazis.  

Von Sturm has had affairs with both McGary and Waterman and still carries deep feelings for both women. When he finds Waterman under threat, he steps in to rescue the young woman. In doing so he risks the deadly retribution of both colleagues and his employers if they find out. He feels honor bound to do what he can to save Waterman's siblings. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the 11+ hours I spent reading this 400 page historical thriller. I have enjoyed the three major characters in the novels, as well as the other real people of the era that are woven into the story. While this isn't a true WWII story, it deals with real factors that lead up to the war. The cover art is OK, but an image of one of the Pitcairn autogiro craft that Cockran and McGrady repeatedly use would have been better in my opinion. I give this novel a 5 out of 5.

Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).

The third book in the authors’ compelling historical thriller series with Winston Churchill. Set in 1932, when a host of disturbing murders is happening across the United States. 5/5 for a highly original combination of historical fiction, suspense and romance.

Thanks to the authors, First Edition Design Publishing and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#TheGeminiAgenda,AWinstonChurchillThriller #NetGalley

It's been a year since Mattie and Cockran's adventure to find The Spear in the Austrian Alps. Mattie and Cockran seem to have reconciled after their fight last year. Mattie is once again assigned a case, this time in America. Her boss, W.R. Hearst asks her to investigate the mysterious murders of ten Americans. The M.O. of the killer is the same in all cases- the body is found naked and eyes of the victims, missing. What is initially thought to be the work of a serial killer turns out to be something else - something that involves the handiwork of the Nazis.

Meanwhile, Wesley Waterman, the chairman, and president of the International Calculating Equipment, or in short, I.C.E, is funding the eugenics project, code-named Gemini Project. Mattie has to work with the second best journalist of Hearst papers, Ted Hudson. He also happens to be Mattie's ex-flame. Cockran is not on good terms with Hudson either, after all, he and Hudson were in the same group during their MID training.

Mattie turns detective and comes across a proof that shows that the murder victims were related - they were twins. On further investigation, she discovers that the Nazis, along with I.C.E are conducting experiments on twins to develop what they call The Master Race.

Cockran is Ingrid Waterman's divorce lawyer. Things go haywire when Wesley hires Kurt Von Sturm and his protegee` to kill Ingrid. Kurt, who happens to be Ingrid's lover has other plans in mind. Ted Hudson, Cockran, and The Apostles, Kurt, Ingrid, Mattie, along with Churchill and Randolf (Churchill's son) solve the mystery behind the mysterious disappearance and murder of twins.

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The Gemini Agenda is the third and final book in the Churchill Thrillers Trilogy. Cockran is happy that Mattie's work is in America. Although he is not very happy about Ted Hudson joining Mattie, he is relieved to know that Mattie will be protected by an ex-MID agent. Ted Hudson tries to hit on Mattie, in spite of her refusal. He even tries to poison Cockran's mind by saying that he and Mattie are more than just co-workers.

Ingrid, Waterman's wife plays a major role in this book. Cockran is initially reluctant to take her divorce case but when she comes to him with a black eye and bruises all over her body, he decides to fight her case. Kurt realizes that Ingrid's life is in danger and rescues her from an assassination plot. The relationship between Ingrid and Kurt is interesting. From one-night stand to lovers, they have come a long way. Kurt is in two minds though, after all, he feels that he is still in love with the red-haired woman he met last year during his search for The Spear - Mattie McGary.

The Eugenics Science seemed to start just before the start of WW II. With hatred towards Jews rising to all-time high and the quest to develop the pure-breed, horrific experiments are conducted on innocent people. Apart from being drugged, the victims are also raped by the SS guards. This story reminded me of a book that I read a couple of years ago - Horrific experiments were conducted on Jews in the concentration camps. Without any anesthesia, the victims had to undergo torturous and painful experiments, and finally, they were shot to death.

Kurt, who is an ardent follower of Hitler is confused. With people like Himmler supporting the Eugenics cause, Kurt is not satisfied that Hitler is really unaware of all this gore. From assassin to someone who lives by his word, honor, and truth, it is interesting to see the all-new Kurt.

Overall, this book was a good read. Like the first book in this series, there is gore, betrayal, and violence. If you like historical fiction, then you will like this fast-paced thriller.