by Michael McMenamin & Kathleen McMenamin
The Prussian Memorandum, a thrilling installment in the Mattie McGary and Winston Churchill 1930s Adventure series by Michael McMenamin and Kathleen McMenamin, delivers an unforgettable tale of courage, intrigue, and historical resonance. This gripping novel seamlessly blends fact and fiction, shedding light on a dark chapter of history while keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Set in 1934, the story follows the fearless journalist Mattie McGary, Winston Churchill’s goddaughter, as she unravels a sinister conspiracy involving Nazi Germany and U.S. Military Intelligence. Based on the real-life “Prussian Memorandum,” the novel reveals how American racist laws inspired the Nazis’ oppressive policies against German Jews. Mattie, aided by the courageous German lawyer Hanna Raeder, ventures into the heart of danger to expose this shocking collusion. From Churchill’s estate in England to the perilous streets of Berlin and the canals of Amsterdam, the plot unfolds with breathtaking intensity and vivid historical detail.
The McMenamins excel at crafting compelling characters and high-stakes drama. Mattie McGary is a heroine for the ages—brave, resourceful, and unyielding in her pursuit of justice. Winston Churchill’s presence adds gravitas and authenticity, while Hanna Raeder’s determination and moral courage provide a poignant counterpoint to the darkness of the era. Together, they form an unforgettable trio facing Gestapo agents, U.S. MID operatives, and the chilling reality of a Nazi-controlled concentration camp.
The novel’s chilling climax, where Mattie and Hanna face show trials in a Gestapo-run concentration camp, is as heart-pounding as it is heartbreaking. The authors’ meticulous research and evocative prose bring this harrowing scene to life, immersing readers in the terrifying stakes of resistance against tyranny.
The Prussian Memorandum masterfully combines historical accuracy with edge-of-your-seat suspense. It’s more than just a thriller; it’s a stark reminder of the consequences of prejudice and the power of courage in the face of evil. The McMenamins’ ability to weave a fictional narrative around historical events is unparalleled, making this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction, political intrigue, and heroic tales of defiance.
This is a story that lingers long after the final page—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring fight for justice. The Prussian Memorandum is not just an adventure; it’s an essential exploration of history, humanity, and hope. Highly recommended.
About the authors: Michael McMenamin is the co-author with his son Patrick of the first five award-winning 1930s era historical novels featuring Winston Churchill and his fictional Scottish goddaughter Mattie McGary. He is currently at work with his daughter Kathleen McMenamin on the ninth Mattie + Winston historical adventure, The Phoenix Progression. He is also the author of Becoming Winston Churchill, a biography of the young Churchill and his Irish-American mentor, the New York lawyer and statesman Bourke Cockran. Kathleen, the other half of the father-daughter writing team, has been editing her father’s writing for longer than she cares to remember. She is the co-author with him of the 2018 novella, Appointment in Prague, A Mattie McGary + Winston Churchill World War II Adventure, and the 2019 novel, The Liebold Protocol, A Mattie McGary + Winston Churchill 1930s Adventure. She also is the co-author with her sister Kelly of Organize Your Way: Simple Strategies for Every Personality.