W. E. B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth IV’s new Clandestine Operations novel pits special agent James Cronley, Jr. against not only Russian operatives but also his military superiors. Cronley, distinguished for having been awarded the Legion of Merit, now comes under the radar of the President of the United States. In 1946, Germany has been divided by its conquerors into two military-occupied zones: East and West Germany. The climate is ripe for intrigue, with the Russians and Americans in total distrust of one another, and the Nuremberg trials for war crimes set to begin.

Cronley’s title is Chief, DCI-Europe, a secret arm of Central Intelligence that replaces the Office of Strategic Services. Now promoted to Captain, he answers to Major Harold Wallace. The youngest officer of his ranking, Cronley obeys orders to report to the Major, along with Admiral Sidney Souers of the Navy. He is photographed while receiving his Legion of Merit award, presumably for the benefit of President Harry Truman. Truman’s personal friend, Justice Robert H. Jackson, will be the U.S. Chief Prosecutor in Nuremberg. Admiral Souers considers the honor of Jackson’s security a plum assignment for Cronley.

"DEATH AT NUREMBERG is packed with military detail, personality clashes, unknown loyalties, a distant relative’s treachery discovered, and a race to provide safety for those Americans in charge of that city. "

During the discourse and explanation of his new duties, Cronley’s “automatic mouth” astounds the brass with untimely remarks. Despite his uncanny abilities, he is most known for his lack of self-control. He may even tend to cross the fine line of his authority.

In Nuremberg, rumors fly that Justice Jackson is being targeted for kidnapping by the Russians. But Cronley discovers an even bigger threat: Odessa, an organization dedicated to smuggling former Nazi officials and their families into South America. Cronley feels that Odessa must be stopped and dismantled so that the trials may proceed without disruption. The biggest names, Nazi perpetrators, are jailed in the city and await trial. Both Russian and American occupiers seek the glory for justice to come.

A chilling discovery opens the window to the past activities of SS Commander Heinrich Himmler, with the setup of a new world religion, his brainchild. Unraveling its full extent, the lengths to which its proponents have gone to spread the ideology even after Germany’s defeat, is the task Cronley now accepts. If Odessa is part and parcel of Himmler’s plan, it must be stopped.

Good espionage books need a bit of feminine appeal, and the authors provide one in Janice Johansen, a war correspondent who inserts herself into the German happenings with ease. When Cronley’s quarters upgrade to a former hotel, Janice comes along “for her safety.” Incidentally, she provides amorous relief for him when time permits. Her role is not only to ask questions and pry into matters far above her security clearance, but also to cooperate fully with Cronley’s investigations.

DEATH AT NUREMBERG is packed with military detail, personality clashes, unknown loyalties, a distant relative’s treachery discovered, and a race to provide safety for those Americans in charge of that city. Never mind the fact that Jim Cronley is targeted more than once for murder. The Clandestine Operations series gives the reader a generous education into the intrigue leading up to the Cold War with Russia.