A Secret Soldier’s Confession by Dennis Barger (Book Review #2107)

“Pursuit of her grandfather’s last request seemed straightforward. The adventure proved troublesome.”

So begins A Secret Soldier’s Confession, an exhilarating debut novel by Dennis Barger—a high-stakes action-adventure mystery that seamlessly blends historical intrigue, globe-trotting peril, and an emotionally compelling journey of discovery.

Set against a richly imagined international backdrop, the novel follows Emma and Jordan, newlyweds and recent graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy. Their adventure begins innocently enough as they attend Emma’s grandfather’s funeral in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. But what starts as a farewell quickly turns into a mystery when a long-buried family secret is revealed at the reading of the will. Emma’s grandfather, it turns out, had an entire hidden past in Germany—one that connects her family to the final days of WWII and to secrets long buried beneath the ruins of history.

As the couple travels from Germany to the Canary Islands and finally to Argentina, they’re drawn deeper into a web of cryptic clues, lost Nazi treasure, and a chilling resurrection of terrorist plans tied to a modern neo-Nazi threat. Each step forward involves more than just unraveling puzzles—it tests their courage, their loyalty, and their ability to trust not only each other but those they meet along the way.

Dennis Barger writes with a confident hand and a keen sense of pacing. His background in literature is evident in his command of dialogue, structure, and suspense. What’s particularly refreshing is his choice of protagonist. Emma is a capable, intelligent, and determined lead—a strong female character who refuses to sit on the sidelines as the story unfolds. Her dynamic with Jordan adds emotional resonance to the action, grounding the danger in a relationship that feels authentic and tender without ever becoming saccharine.

The narrative also benefits from its timely yet timeless themes: family legacy, the weight of secrets, and the enduring shadows of war. Barger skillfully intertwines historical fact with thrilling fiction, offering a story that doesn’t just entertain but invites the reader to reflect on how the past continues to shape the present.

With its brisk pace, cinematic scope, and puzzle-filled plot, A Secret Soldier’s Confession reads like a cross between The Da Vinci Code and National Treasure, but with its own unique voice. It’s a deeply satisfying debut that promises great things to come from this new author.

Whether you’re a fan of WWII-era mysteries, treasure hunts, or action-packed thrillers with a heart, A Secret Soldier’s Confession delivers a memorable and page-turning ride.

Written by Jeyran Main

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