December 21, 2025
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Action Adventure Book Reviews Historical Fiction Mystery

A Secret Soldier’s Confession By Dennis Barger Book Review

Author: Dennis Barger

Genre: Historical fiction / Mystery / Action-adventure

Year Published: 2024

Nerdection Rating:

“Nerdection Excellent Read”

This novel is a perfect blend of thrill, mystery, and fiction, delving into the historical depths of hidden secrets. It promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout the entire plot.

Spoiler-Free Plot:

This novel takes place when Emma and Jordan, a married couple and recent graduates of the US Naval Academy, return to Emma’s hometown for her grandfather’s funeral. 

She always admired him, yet she is shocked and heartbroken when a revelation at the reading of his will exposes secrets he had kept hidden for decades. Among his final requests, Emma receives a mysterious task, one that hints at a hidden past no one in her family ever knew. Determined to honor him, she embarks on a journey to Germany, searching for the truth. 

But what begins as a personal mission quickly turns into something much bigger. She and Jordan uncover shocking connections to World War II, leading them to believe her grandfather was more than just a soldier. Along the way, they encounter allies and enemies they never expected, each with their own motives. Their pursuit of answers sends them racing across Europe, from the historic streets of Berlin to the Canary Islands and all the way to Argentina. They realize they aren’t the only ones searching for answers, powerful forces with dangerous intentions are after the same truth. Each step forward brings new threats and hidden codes to decipher.

As the past and present collide, Emma and Jordan must rely on their training, instincts, and most of all, each other. What started as a mission to fulfill her grandfather’s last request becomes a fight for something much greater.  And by the time they uncover the final truth, they come to realize- some secrets were never meant to stay hidden.

My Take on A Secret Soldier’s Confession:

This novel is a perfect mix of history, fiction and thrill, all tied together by a man’s long buried secrets. Every clue Emma and Jordan found made me wonder how much the past can still affect the present in surprising ways.

The author did a perfect job of combining the past and present, bringing both historical and modern settings to life. The plot is exciting, with plenty of twists and puzzles to keep you guessing. Just when you think Emma and Jordan have found the answers, a new clue or enemy appears, making their journey even more dangerous.

However, the characters themselves felt a bit flat at times. While their actions moved the story forward, it was sometimes hard to connect with their personalities or emotions on a deeper level. They served the plot well, but their inner struggles and personal growth didn’t always stand out as much as the mystery and action around them.

The writing is clear and easy to follow, but still paints a vivid picture of every place they visit and every clue they uncover. 

If you like stories with history, adventure, and a bit of danger, A Secret Soldier’s Confession is a book you might enjoy, especially if you love fast-paced plots more than character-driven stories.

Trigger Warning:

The book contains an intimate scene between Emma and Jordan in one chapter.

Age Rating:

The book is recommended to all 16+.


About The Author Of A Secret Soldier’s Confession

Dennis Barger

A Secret Soldier’s Confession is Dennis’ debut novel. Dennis is the oldest of six siblings, raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended the University of Cincinnati, graduating with a BA English Literature and a Business Certificate. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and is now retired after a 44-year insurance career. Dennis and his wife of 43 years reside in Duluth, GA, a suburb of Atlanta. They have three married adult children and three grandsons. He is an avid golfer, and also enjoys woodworking, hiking trails in north Georgia, daily walks with his Wheaton terrier, skiing, going to the beach, spending time with friends and family, and traveling with his wife.

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