Invitation to Valhalla

Rating:
Summary: Simply brilliant
Review: Although I live in Evansville (the city at the heart of the novel), I had to be turned on to Invitation to Valhalla by someone on the other side of the world. The recommendation I received, from a friend in Australia, demonstrates the story's universal appeal. I am not usually a fan of the genre, but Invitation was so brilliant I read it three times in a row. Everything from the setting to the characters is brilliant, and obviously painstaking research makes the story undeniably accurate. The approach Whicker takes is refreshingly open. The Nazis are simply Nazis, not glorified or sympathetic, but not demonized either. The metallurgist Mayer is not made to be an impossibly pious representation of his people; this is becoming increasingly rare in books dealing with the era. The heroes are heroes because of their actions, and the villains are such for the same reason. I enjoyed the novel as a Midwesterner, a Jew, and as a historian. Most of all however, I enjoyed the novel as a book lover. You will enjoy this book, and like me you will be waiting anxiously for a second helping of Whicker.

Rating:
Summary: Expect alot - Got more than I expected! Incredible
Review: Being tired of reading best seller fiction, I went to the depths of Amazon reviews during a late night marathon browsing session. "Invitation to Valhalla" was the first spy genre novel I have read. It is also one of the best written novels. Fellow Amazon reviewers were right on the money on this one. A classic which should get far more exposure.

DWC

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Fantastic
Review: I can't think of enough accolades for this book. If you haven't read it yet I envy you. I wish I could read it again for the first time. The author develops the main character so well I found myself feeling guilt because I was routing for her -- a Nazi! Absolutely the best book I have read in years!

Rating:
Summary: Top Notch Historical Thriller
Review: I don't know who Mike Whicker is, but came across some positive reviews and took a shot. I'm glad I did. Great characters and storyline- and it's based on a true story! Fantastic research. I was so sad the book had to end. Only minor gripe- some grammatical errors- i.e. role for roll, passed for past, mist for midst. Grab an editor Mike, and keep em coming!

Rating:
Summary: What a great traveling companion!
Review: I read Mike Whicker's book while enroute to and during a summer vacation in Maine and Massachusetts. I may forget the details of
my trip, but I won't soon forget INVITATION TO VAHALLA! To say I
couldn't put it down sounds trite, but it was nevertheless true of this gripping spy-thriller based on WWII espionage in my home
town. The German spy who penetrated our weak homeland defences was a remarkable woman who accomplished remarkable feats. This book will hold the attention of a wide age-range and both genders.

Rating:
Summary: Greatest suspense novel I've ever read!
Review: I'm not exaggerating when I say that Invitation to Valhalla is the most spine-tingling novel I've ever read. By the time I was half way through the book I absolutely could not put it down. I don't know who this author is but I hope we see more novels from him soon.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating and just plain hard to put down!
Review: If this book were fiction, it would be a great read, but what makes it even better is that it is based in fact. I love strong women characters. Erika Lehmann must have been an amazing person (too bad she wasn't on our side). Whicker's writing just sweeps you along and I can't even fathom the amount of research he put into this book. Can't wait for his next one.

Rating:
Summary: Great historical/suspense novel!
Review: Invitation to Valhalla is a rare perspective of the Nazi spy effort. Whicker develops the female lead to such a degree that the reader cheers for the enemy. It is hard to distinguish where fact leaves off and fiction begins!

Rating:
Summary: Who is this guy?
Review: Invitation to Valhalla is the best book I've read in years. I was truly sad that I had finished it. For three evenings I was totally taken away and I so looked forward to getting home after work so I could read more. Who is this author? The author bio information says he is a football coach? Unbelievable.

Rating:
Summary: A Page Turner!
Review: Strong characters, well-researched material, intrigue, and a great WWII story, based on fact, describes this incredible book. Mike Whicker is a master story teller. Invitation to Valhalla is a page turner from beginning to end. The story of Ericka needs to be on the silver screen.