Mike Yorkey

This book starts just as Paris is about to be liberated from the Germans but it does set up a bit of the back history of the resistance movements going on during the occupation. The Free French following de Gaulle and the various communist groups all worked to rid the country of the Nazis and each expected their party to rule after their goal was achieved. History has shown how it all played out and this book uses the conflict between the two groups to good use.

The Mona Lisa is one of show more France's greatest treasures. The fear of losing it is the premise of the book. My problem is that although she is considered a masterpiece and a major work of art she never impressed me and all the fawning done over what is a very small, dark painting didn't ring true to me. I have seen the Mona Lisa in the Louvre and I was disappointed at best. I can understand the popular feeling of losing a treasure but not all of the individuals in the book exclaiming over this painting.

That being said......I did enjoy the overall story. It moved along quite nicely and the characters were well rounded. I found myself rooting for the main romance between Gabi and Eric - they worked well together both as spies and as boyfriend/girlfriend. It was fascinating to learn about the various efforts to keep the Mona Lisa hidden and far away from Nazi hands. The epilogue did seem a bit of a non sequitur with nothing in the beginning of the book to precede it. show less

This fast paced novel is set at the close of World War II in German occupied France just as France gains it's freedom. Four people are racing to save the beloved French artwork - the Mona Lisa while German Reichmarschall Hermann Goring sets out to claim it for himself.

From the first page the action and intrigue is non-stop. I was surprised at the depth of the characters since there were so many in the novel. Just as the reader thinks they have it all figured out - and have chosen the show more character they want to see win - things change. As it is in war time there are so many dynamics that the reader is torn between loyalty for certain characters and the greater cause.

What is it about this mysterious lady that makes her the most sought after piece of art - she truly is the most wanted lady in the world? Yet as each character takes their first look at this beloved piece of art they are captivated by her smile and poise.

I am forever amazed at the this particular period of history. Those living in this time were forced to make choices that I would never want be forced to make. Loyalty is constantly tested as black and white shifts to a hazy color of grey. Which side is the right side to belong to - and how should one serve to benefit the whole?

In this story you are invited into an exciting, life altering race that will forever change the lives of four individuals. show less

The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer is well worth reading. I now have a better understanding about Switzerland during WWII, the reasons for its neutrality and what under cover activities went on during that period.

There were quite a few characters, both on the Swiss and Germany side. The history was well researched and made me even more curious about the role of Allen Wells Dulles, the director of the CIA. I intend to read more about him.

The main character is Gabi Mueller. She works for the show more American Office of Strategic Service. Born to a Swiss Mother and a pastor from the United States. She has a boyfriend who works in the family dairy and she is very committed to the cause of victory of the Germans. Her father has been educating her about what is happening to really going on in Germany with plan of full scale genocide.

There is also a student who is working on the wonder bomb and is unaware that he was adopted . He did not know that he was Jewish. That fact was uncovered during an investigation into his natural parents.

The story goes very smoothly until the end when the suspense is heightened and you just have to keep reading. I encourage every one to read this and learn more about Switzerland during WWII and the role of the CIA at the time. show less

This was a gripping tale of loyalty, love and courage set in the days of WWII. It is 1944 and the Gestapo is searching out enemies of the Third Reich after someone tried to kill Hitler. A young lady, Gabi Mueller, who lives in Switzerland, finds herself in harm's way as she tries to make a difference by being a courier and helping to get a German scientist out of the hands of Hitler before it is too late.

This could make a wonderful movie as I felt as I was watching one while I was reading. show more It gives you the place, the time and the date at the beginning of each chapter and the descriptions and attention to details showed that these authors did their homework and even though some of the details were above my head, I still found it very interesting and full of suspense and intrigue. I won't spoil the story, but will say I was taken by complete surprise near the ending of this story and must say I really liked the surprise. If you like history and intrigue you won't be disappointed by "The Swiss Courier". show less