SS-GB

A very well researched, authentic Alternate History tale. First of this type Len Deighton novel I've read. Read a lot of Deighton's Espionage Fiction, WWII- related novels, non -fiction but this read was exceptional !!! Douglas Archer - aka "Archer of the Yard" (Scotland Yard) is the protagonist in this quick paced "what-if" alternative history novel. The Germans, having successfully invaded the UK, have installed SS General Kellerman as the head of Britain's Scotland yard. And Kellerman has kept on Douglas Archer -- now known throughout Britain by Britain's newspaper readers and Germans alike as the famous ARCHER OF THE YARD, his exploits in solving the hardest, grisliest cases written up in the daily papers - as the head of the MD (Murder Department). There are twists and turns abounding (famously known as a Deighton hallmark) in this novel. With the defeated British resistant groups and the SS Sicherhiendienst* Colonel Hutt, a flinty eyed marvel prodigal intelligence whiz mentored by Himmler, head of the SS - not only the fighting Waffen SS but the * SD Intelligence Service and the feared Gestapo. It soon becomes apparent that there is nuclear science going on in Britain unknown to anyone outside the Wermacht (Armed Forces), who hate the SS and have allied secretly with the British Resistance Underground to prevent both Archer and the SS investigators to find out anymore about the murder of 'the man in the book store'. Cracking good action, suspense and superb detective work by Archer of the Yard make this a must read to any one who a) likes alternative history, or b) well developed detective novels, fans of World War II era novels or anyone who just likes a well drawn good yarn.

Known for his popular series of spy novels, this was a departure in to the "what if" of Britain losing their struggle against Hitler. It creatively and thoughtfully shows how everyday people, such as an English police detective, would have to cope with an occupying Nazi bureaucracy. Deighton's skill as a writer shine as the plot and characters unfold. Where many writers would have a simple ending where the "good guys" won and the "bad guys" lost, this story is more creative and nuanced, giving the reader a satisfying "a-ha" take away. Having read many of the authors spy novels, I think this may be one of his best works - although probably not as well known or commercially successful...

Len Deighton is a superb writer. This atl-history story is told through the eyes of a Scotland Yard detective, a man caught up in the machinery of the Nazi state after the UK loses its fight against Hitler. To be in a brutal dictatorship is bad enough, but the policeman also has to contend with different factions of the resistance and deadly power plays among the Nazis. The captive King of England must be slithered out of the country as well, which provides further complications. This is a top flight novel by an important writer. Highly recommended.

It’s 1941. The British have surrendered to the Nazis, who are allies with Russia and the USA is not far behind, unwilling to come to Britain’s aid in its hour of need. Britain is under Nazi rule. Churchill has been executed. King Edward, who never abdicated, is being held prisoner in the Tower of London. Is he next? Douglas Archer, a dogged inspector with Scotland Yard, now reports to the SS. But that doesn’t mean who won’t do his job catching murderers, in this case finding the killer in the mysterious death of a man who appears to deal in black market goods. But what are the burnt documents doing at the crime scene? And spent flashbulbs? And why is there a piece of a prosthetic arm left behind? Archer must report to his Nazi masters during the investigation, who, although at cross-purposes with each other, are exceedingly interested in the case. Meanwhile Archer is also attacked by members of the UK Resistance who view him as a collaborator. He is also raising a motherless son in a world of reduced circumstances where rationing is severe and punishment strict. Then he learns of a plot to ferret King George out of the Tower of London and offshore to safety. The ailing king doesn’t seem to have much time left. What’s a true patriot to do? Few people can write a military thriller as well as Len Deighton did. This alternative history – SS-GB – is no exception. Highly recommended.

I suggest watching the movie version on Amazon Prime before reading the book. It fills in a few “holes” in the book

Alt history, but really a murder mystery.

Looking forward to days of enjoying this book.

Just not one of his best efforts

Rather a heavy read with many plot swings. It was as much about the rival factions in the German system, as about the British resistance. However, Deighton did a good job in evoking the grim and gritty lifestyle in a defeated Britain. The most vivid scene was the bomb incident at Marx's grave in Highgate, I have yet to see the TV series and it will be interesting to see if it is faithful to the book.

I've read many of his books in hard copy and the recent series but not this one. In an alternative world, it is early 1941 and after the Blitz in 1940, Nazi Germany walked into England captured the country. Douglas Archer is a senior detective in Scotland Yard which was taken over by the SS. Archer is a widower with his wife being killed by a bomb in London, but his son little Dougie survives His sargent is Harry Woods. His manager is Kellerman and following the murder of a scientist and senior officer, called Huth, arrives from Berlin to take over the case. Archer is forced to work for him. It turns out that the scientist was working in the nuclear area, hence Huth's arrival. In parallel some wealthy and aristocratic men approach Archer through an American reporter called Barbara Braga and they tell Archer that they are going to rescue the King from the tower of London and send him to America. The Queen and her daughters are in New Zealand. Archer us dedicated to finding the killer of the scientist and on his way he discovers that the two issues are connected. The aristocrats will use the codes that Archer finds as incentives to the Americans for the King. All over Barbara gets killed. The king is already sick when he is rescued from the Tower and when they are trying to get him on the boat they are attacked by the Germans and the King is killed with many others. Kellerman frames Hugh and has him executed. It then finishes with Douglas and Harry surviving and continuing to report to Kellerman.

Very interesting book which eventually led to TV series. Another example of NOT comparing film with it’s book. Once you start this novel it’s hard to put down until fully read

Though perhaps not as compelling as the author's "Bomber", SS-GB is an alternative history account of what might have been if Britain hadn't prevailed in the eponymous battle. And as such is bone-chilling, reminding us how close the world came to catastrophe. If at times the story is confusing, and the reader is constantly wondering who is on whose side, Deighton was never anything but realistic in his books. So if you're looking for a happy ending, to quote Yeats, pass by.

Was wäre gewesen, wenn die Nazis Großbritannien besetzt hätten? Handlung 1940: Adolf Hitler befiehlt die Invasion Großbritanniens und der deutschen Armee gelingt die Eroberung. 1941: Aus London ist eine zerbombte Stadt geworden, George VI., König von Großbritannien und Kaiser von Indien, wurde von Heinrich Himmler im Tower of London festgesetzt. Die Gemahlin des Königs und seine zwei Töchter bekommen Asyl in Neuseeland. Die Bevölkerung hat sich mehr oder weiniger mit der Besetzung Großbritanniens durch die Nazis abgefunden und doch gibt es ein paar im Untergrund agierende Widerstandsgruppen. Superintendent Douglas Archer von Scotland Yard muss einen Mordfall bearbeiten. Douglas Archer muss bald feststellen dass es sich bei dem Toten um einen Physiker handelt. Der Mordfall sorgt dafür dass Douglas Archer auf eine große Verschwörung stößt. Ein Kampf auf Leben und Tod beginnt. Diesen Alternativweltroman finde ich sehr realistisch geschildert und erfreut alle Leser von weiteren Romanen, in denen die Geschichte einen anderen Verlauf genommen hat. Für alle Leser von Robert Harris "Vaterland" und Philip K. Dicks "Das Orakel vom Berge".