One particularly interesting of these “volunteer” characters was Hermann Matull, a world-class hustler with a talent for making up the most intricate stories on the fly. There was another reason that made Matull such a perfect candidate. He had already managed to evade the Gestapo as a deserter before ending up in an Allied POW camp thanks to his web of contacts in the black market underground, contacts on which, the OSS hoped, he could rely again. But Matull's mission encountered a complication from the most pedestrian source, proving that the successful covert intelligence operations succeed or fail based on how careful or sloppy the agents and the planners are about the most seemingly insignificant details.
They Dared Return is first-rate reading that captures the action and the drama of war in the shadows. Unlike film and spy novel fantasies, this is the real deal, popular history at its best.
Article comments
1 - Fran
Excellent review. You have done your job very well ... I must read this book! Thanks!
2 - heloise
I just saw The Black Book dvd and this book reminds me of that movie which was fab. I hope they make a movie out of it. I read and watch all things Jewish and Austrian re the war. I might have to get this book too.
3 - andy
Superb review. Adds to the eagerness to read your book. I'd love to see this story as a movie. Good work!
4 - A. Jurek
Thank you for your comments!
5 - Mark
I have meet Mr. Mayer, truly an amazing hero. I can not wait to buy and read this book
6 - David Strom
It is a fascinating book and almost unbelievable.