Kyle Palmer

Late 1946, shortly after the end of World War II, and the Soviets continue to threaten peace in Europe. The Soviets have successfully developed a fusion bomb, and a group of men are summoned to Washington DC for a secret meeting with President Truman. Truman sets out his ‘Marshall Plan’, a grand scheme to resurrect Europe and position the United States of America as the leading world power. The plan brings together the great and the good of warfare, science, technology and business to construct and manage a new independent, intelligence agency, and build a fusion bomb. The new agency will be a rival of the Central Intelligence Agency, but entirely devoid of governmental influence or awareness. But when the men learn that Adolf Hitler did not die at the end of the War, their mission becomes even more critical. They discover that Hitler and other Nazi leaders fled to Argentina under the cover and protection of President Juan Peron. The men face an arduous journey by land and sea, to track down and eliminate the world’s most dangerous predator.

The Last Rival: A Time of Our Choosing is an alternate history novel, set shortly after the end of World War II, by author Kyle Palmer.  This is a chilling story, which imagines a world with a different outcome at the end of the War. The book poses a number of thought-provoking, but terrifying questions. What might have happened if Hitler survived World War II? What would you say if you came face to face with the Fuhrer?

Palmer masterfully blends history, politics and detective fiction into a disturbing, but believable story.  At over 500 pages this is a long novel, but very easy to read. A must read for fans of alternate history, political thrillers and detective fiction.

Star rating: 5 Stars 

Summary: A well-researched and believable alternate history, with a compelling mix of mystery, suspense and espionage.