It also means constant surveillance by the SS, and perpetual worry over whom among the staff can be trusted. Residing at the Berghof, the Fuhrer’s eastern headquarters, means protection from the dangers of war and plenty of good food. From that moment, Magda is in a state of perpetual anxiety, frightened that each bite might bring about her death.

Expecting to be a house servant, she is appalled and terrified when selected to be one of the crew of fifteen women who have the great honor of “testing” Hitler’s food for poison before each of his meals. Magda Ritter, though not a Nazi sympathizer, needs a job, and following a rigorous vetting process, is chosen to “go into service” for Hitler. It’s been several years since I last picked up a novel about the horrors of WWII, but this particular plot drew me back to the genre. Tags 16th century 17th century 18th century 19th century 20th century 21st century American animals archaeology art biography books Christmas Civil War Connecticut crime death England event fall fantasy fiction folklore food France ghosts Halloween historical fiction History holidays humor Italy just for fun Life literature Massachusetts medieval medieval art modern fiction modern literature mystery mythology nature New England news New York nonfiction paranormal plants poetry psychological psychological suspense reading recipe relationships religion romance romantic comedy Rome science Scotland seasons Shakespeare society supernatural suspense thriller tradition traditions travel Venice witch women WWII WW II

The Taster by V.S. Alexander