ALA Booklist (Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2015)

Blankman's sequel to Prisoner of Night and Fog (2014) furthers her budding reputation as one able to seamlessly incorporate impressive amounts of research into a rich, surprising narrative. Gretchen, 18, and her Jewish boyfriend, Daniel, might have escaped Hitler's Germany, but a fabricated murder charge draws them back to clear Daniel's name. It's a somewhat unconvincing motivation, but after the duo hits Berlin, the book's meld of romance, action, and thriller is utterly convincing. Blankman organizes her story around a series of gangbusters set pieces: first, our heroes land at a Nazi rally; next, Gretchen goes undercover in a brothel; then, she and Daniel find themselves among a gang of tough-nosed Communist resisters; then, Gretchen finds herself at a ballroom dance, suddenly swept into the arms of the infamous Reich military leader Hermann Göring d so forth, creating a heady sweep of truth and fiction. The mystery, revolving around Göring and a mistress he might have killed, twists effectively, ramping up to a real-life historical conspiracy. Bold and brave.

Horn Book (Sat Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2015)

Gretchen and Daniel (Prisoner of Night and Fog) return to Germany to clear Daniel's name after he's framed for murder by the Nazis. The teens find unlikely allies in the Ringverein men (organized crime) and, as Gretchen fears, come face-to-face with "Uncle Dolph." Blankman belabors some points (we get it: Daniel is restless in Oxford), but danger and suspense keep things crackling. Bib.

School Library Journal (Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2015)

Gr 8 Up-Using false identities, Gretchen Whitestone and Daniel Cohen barely escape to England as the Nazis come to power in Germany. Gretchen, now Gisele, is living with Dr. Whitestone and his family, finishing high school with the goal of becoming a psychoanalyst. Meanwhile, Daniel is frustrated working for a society column that publishes meaningless news, yearning for the work he did back home. Living in safety, they can't help but feel powerless as they hear of the terrible events unfolding in Germany. Then Daniel receives a disturbing telegram that forces him to return despite the risks. When Gretchen receives news that Daniel is wanted for murder, she knows she must face her greatest fears in order to save him. As the Nazi net tightens it grip around the pair, they find allies in the most unlikely of places. This leads to information that will not only clear Daniel's name but could taint the credibility of Hitler and the Nazi party. In the sequel to Prisoner of Night and Fog (HarperCollins, 2014), Blankman once again expertly crafts a powerful story full of mystery, intrigue, romance, and edge-of-your-seat terror and suspense. The well-researched plotlines are fascinating, while the multidimensional cast of characters drive the story. Readers will root for Gretchen and Daniel as they place themselves in danger while fighting to uncover the truth. VERDICT A captivating historical fiction title with an author's note for reference. Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Voice of Youth Advocates

Gretchen Muller, now Gretchen Whitestone, was once part of Adolf Hitler's inner circle. That was before she fell in love with Daniel Cohen, the Jewish reporter who uncovered a shocking detail related to her father's death. Gretchen and Daniel manage to escape Germany before Hitler has an opportunity to find them. After seeking refuge in England, Gretchen finds herself much happier than she had ever been in Munich. She thinks her troubles with the chancellor of Germany are far behind her; however, Daniel receives a telegram that sends him back to Germany. Several days later, Gretchen receives a telegram explaining that Daniel is wanted for murder and she knows she must return to her dangerous homeland. As the pair tries to gather proof of Daniel's innocence, they stumble upon a scandalous conspiracy that could ruin the political campaign of Hitler and the entire National Socialist Party. Gretchen and Daniel must expose the truth before Hitler discovers them.This thrilling sequel to Prisoner of Night and Fog (HarperCollins, 2014) will leave the reader breathless with each unpredictable plot twist. Blankman's extensive research shines through the vivid historical details that transport the reader to pre-WWII Germany. áGretchen is a strong protagonist whose moral compass enables her to stand up for her beliefs. The reader can sense her maturity as she comes to terms with the truth about her dead father'sánot-so-virtuous past and Hitler's psychopathic habits. This novel will appeal to the high school reader as it combines history, suspense, violence, and romance. It is highly recommended for school and public libraries.Lindsey Dawson.