We’re thrilled to introduce you to “The Berlin Letters: A Cold War Novel,” an upcoming historical fiction and espionage thriller by the bestselling author Katherine Reay (known for “The Brontë Plot” and “The London House”).
What has us particularly excited about this new novel is its unique setting at the end of the Cold War, featuring dual timelines, suspense, and even a charming character that promises to captivate readers.
Harper Muse will release “The Berlin Letters” on March 5, 2024, and it sounds like it will be an intense and exciting read. We’ve participated in a promotional cover reveal to celebrate its upcoming release.
Here’s everything you need to know about this new inspirational fiction novel, including the official book description, a message from Katherine Reay, purchase links, and more about the author. And, of course, don’t miss the stunning new book cover.
OFFICIAL BOOK DESCRIPTION OF THE BERLIN LETTERS
As the Cold War nears its end, a CIA code breaker recognizes a symbol from her childhood, sending her on a quest to Berlin just before the wall falls.
In November 1989, CIA cryptographer Luisa Voekler discovers a hidden cache of letters containing vital intelligence. These letters reveal that her father, who she believed was dead, is actually imprisoned in an East German Stasi jail. Piecing together the letters with articles her grandfather saved, Luisa turns to journalists Bran Bishop and Daniel Rudd, who direct her to her CIA boss, Andrew Cademan.
When Cademan refuses to help, Luisa drains her savings and flies to West Berlin, determined to save her father. Overwhelmed and unsure of her next steps, she is relieved when a friend arrives with connections and a basic plan to smuggle her across the wall.
Through alternating storylines focused on Luisa and her father, “The Berlin Letters” brings to life the early days of the Berlin Wall and the dramatic events in Berlin, the Cold War’s epicenter. The novel weaves a tale of one family’s journey through secrets, lies, and division to find love, freedom, and reconciliation.
PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS
MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR
Dear Readers,
Thank you so much for your incredible support for my current novel, “A Shadow in Moscow.” I am still on tour, sharing the story with libraries and bookstores, and I am deeply grateful for your reviews and support on social media.
I’m excited to reveal the cover for my new novel, “The Berlin Letters,” which will be released on March 5, 2024. After writing “A Shadow in Moscow,” I felt compelled to write this book. As I delved into the stories of sacrifice, freedom, courage, and love, I stumbled upon photographs from the early days of the Berlin Wall in 1961. These images inspired me to imagine the lives of people affected by the wall.
Luisa Voekler, the main character, is a young girl who uncovers her past in the final week of the Berlin Wall in 1989. She embarks on a mission to rescue her father and, in the process, discovers herself.
“The Berlin Letters” is a split-time story. One perspective takes you behind the Wall with Haris Voekler, Luisa’s father, while Luisa’s narrative guides readers from Washington DC to Berlin. The novel features a mix of characters you’ll love, question, and worry about.
This book is a race, a chase, a spy novel, and a love story. And yes, there’s an old friend who comes to Luisa’s aid—I developed quite a crush on Daniel, and you might too.
Thank you for sharing the cover of this new story—I love it! It features Luisa in an outfit from a memorable scene in East Berlin, leaning against a yellow Trabant, the only car East Berliners could buy at the time. Doesn’t that font just scream the 1980s?
Though the story explores deep themes, it also has plenty of lightness and fun. I hope you finish this book with a smile, a sigh, and a sense of hope.
All the best,
Katherine
AUTHOR BIO
Katherine Reay is a national bestselling and award-winning author of several novels and one work of nonfiction. Her fiction often serves as love letters to literature, with stories that delve into the past to uncover the best way forward. In “The Brontë Plot,” her character Lucy Alling describes her writing as capturing “that time when you don’t know where you’ll be, but you can’t stay as you are.”
Without further ado, here is the cover for “The Berlin Letters”! The cover design is unique and intriguing, featuring an intelligent-looking female character set against the backdrop of the Berlin Wall, capturing the essence of the period.
What are your thoughts on the new book cover? Are you excited about this historical fiction novel? Do you plan to add it to your reading list? Let us know in the comments below!
