Weimar Berlin, 1927Having recovered from the hyperinflation, the decadent metropolis is prospering against all odds. Unbothered by the turbulent events of the previous years, Berlin plunges into an orgy of life, entirely oblivious to the dangerous signs of an upcoming catastrophe. Much like the rest of Berlin’s artistic elite, Margot von Steinhoff is too preoccupied with her work on the set of … work on the set of the infamous Fritz Lang, to pay attention to the dark shadow of the nationalistic threat hanging over the city. When Ernst Weniger, her former lover and now an official NKVD officer, asks for her help in aiding the German communists, she refuses at first, choosing to stay apolitical, just like Lang. However, when the new Gauleiter of Berlin, Joseph Goebbels, arrives in the city and begins his relentless campaign of harassment and misinformation, Margot realizes that staying neutral is no longer an option. Playing on the wrong side can cost her not only her career but her freedom, yet Margot has never been more certain of her choice.
“I don’t read political newspapers, Margot. I only want to make my films… I don’t want to have anything to do with all those politics.”
“I don’t want to have anything to do with them either. But the sad fact is that sometimes politics wants to have everything to do with us, regardless of our desires. At some point, all of us will have to take sides. The good news, Fritz, is that I’ll always be on yours.”
Dark, gritty, yet full of hope, “Spies” is the novel of the doomed Weimar Republic and the last generation of free-thinking artists who lived and created their masterpieces in a city, on the verge of collapse.
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Dark times are approaching
I read the first book in this series, Metropolis, earlier this year, and was looking forward to the second book. This one carried on from the first book so there is a good continuity of story, and the same depth of characters established in the first book. Like meeting up with an old friend. As before, the author adds credible authenticity to the scenes, and its easy to become engrossed in the reality of late 1920s era of Berlin. Margot, the main character is an aspiring film maker with her own ambitions to pursue, which are more difficult and increasingly tense and dangerous as Berlin moves toward dark times. There is more to come, so I’ll be looking out for book 3 in the series. Highly recommended.
Ellie Midwood is a magnificent story teller, and this book is no exception.
Set in the world of cinematography in pre-World War 2 Berlin; the seedy nightclubs, the arrival of the Nazis, and a surprise return of an important person from Margot’s past, all make this an amazing page-turner.
A thoroughly enjoyable read which I cannot recommend highly enough.
***** Another Look at 1920s Berlin
SPIES is the sequel to METROPOLIS, and as in her first book, Ms. Midwood fills this new one with rich, minute details of a time past. A time in Berlin 1927, when her main character, Margot, once again, teams up with the famous director, Fritz Lang. Only here, he is creating a horror film. His techniques and tirades are repeated, but Margot has moved up in ability and stature to not only assist him more, but also to apparently get away with suggesting different camera angles, close up shots, and trying her hand at screen writing. Now, Fritz not only apologizes to his female helper for his outbursts, we also see his more personal side––his vulnerability when dealing with his former wife, acting in his film.
Along with Margot’s continuing relationship with her boyfriend, Paul, we are up close and personal with the seediness of Berlin, with its general poverty, the desperation of prostitutes, and above all, the hunger prevalent everywhere. So, too, are we introduced to the politics of that time. And what frightening politics they were. Just before the Reichstag elections, Nazism is suddenly no longer banned and the SA are roaming the streets as well as the political police, SIP. Her old friend, Ernest, a devoted Communist, feels more heat from Hitler than ever before, and someone new comes on the horizon to deliver his first of many speeches: Goebbels. Add some spying that Margot is asked to do, and you have the makings of another fascinating work from this very talented author! Highly recommended.
Brilliant. Absolutely loved it and can’t wait for book 3.
Spies picks up where Metropolis ended. The author has created a fantastic and believable central character, Margot. Her ‘true’ husband is a skilled photographer and she works as an assistant to the renowned film director, Lang. I was fully engaged in her personal story on the set of Spies and her desire to direct a film of her own, Dracula as the first German full-length film with sound. The attention to detail, whether it’s action on the film sets, the fashion and cars or the events carrying on in the background is incredible.
As well as Margot’s personal journey the atmosphere in Germany in the late 1920s is depicted perfectly. The influence of the Nazi party is growing in official circles as is that of the brown shirts on the streets. Jewish property is attacked and prominent people are desperately hiding their Jewish ancestry. The increasing sense of menace and forthcoming dramatic change is palpable throughout the book.
Highly recommend to historical fiction fans.
I was thoroughly enthralled by the second in Midwood’s Metropolis Series. Several of her works have been about WWII and the characters who struggled to survive in a time of horror dealing directly with the war. This series is set in the 30’s and I find it particularly fascinating because it’s a period between wars. While the unrest during this period is real, it isn’t the focus, but rather the backdrop for the characters living their lives in the shadow of what is to come. Midwood weaves an exciting pattern of nightlife, movies, artists, opium dens creating an almost mystical mood in Berlin. Margo is easily one of the most unique characters I’ve read in a long time. In Spies, Margo maintains her former relationship, and dips into the waters of espionage while deepening her artistic relationship with Fritz Lang, the producer who introduces her to film and gives her a leg up to produce the first “talkie” of the era, which makes me look expectantly forward to the third in the series.
An enthralling read.
Ellie Midwood’s stories are like magic: once you start reading you cannot shake the enchantment of her writing off. Spies is just one of them. Margot’s life, who the reader first meets in Metropolis, continues unfolding in the instantly grabbing and brilliant narrative. You find yourself in Margot’s world full of romance, danger, dark and cheerful events and, brilliantly portrayed, in the realm of her participation in creating films. The tension of the 1920s when National Socialism starts penetrating the lives of the people (Berliners in this particular story) is palpable. The ability to place the reader into the epoch is another of the author’s undeniable accomplishments. History itself unfolds in front of the reader’s eyes. Scrupulously researched (read Author’s Note) and truthfully presented, it’s an example of historical fiction at its best. Can’t help but highly recommend Spies as I do all books by this amazing storyteller.
Wow! Spies is even better than book one.
Margot is a brilliant, relatable, unique character and I loved the setting – it’s my favorite setting of all Midwood’s books – the creatives paint such an atmospheric, realistic portrait of the awe-inspiring, prosperous city that is getting back on its feet…But of course, the tension builds, as we know what’s coming and the realization blooms in our lovely MC and it’s both fascinating and painful to experience along with her. Margot, torn between two sides and determined to stay neutral, is forced to take a stand. I enjoyed experiencing this through Margot’s perspective. I found her so to be genuine and remarkable. The story itself was captivating, romantic, inspiring but also rich in themes that apply today, and with such dark undertones, you can’t help reading on the edge of your seat. I wanted to stay there in prosperity and beauty forever … but as we know, there’s a dark reality in all of Midwood’s stories.
Midwood is a FORCE – her ability to build a world and make us fall in love with, and deeply understand, her characters regardless of their background or perspective, is what keeps me coming back for more! I absolutely can’t wait to see how this evolves in book 3 …
Spies is a must read, and a great book to lose yourself in during quarantine!
– Carissa Ann Lynch
I have yet to read one of Ellie Midwood’s books and not like it. I don’t think it’s possible. Spies picks up where Metropolis left off. The character arcs for Margot and Fritz Lang continue to develop, but Paul Schneider, Werner, Leni Riefenstahl, and Ernst seem to be treated as supporting characters. Midwood’s expertise in her knowledge of Nazi Germany is, as always, crucial to the story; I don’t think the book or series would get much attention if someone else wrote it.
I began reading this series not only because I love Midwood’s writing, but also because of the setting – Germany’s post WWI movie making machine. I got my BA in tv and film production and direction, and I’m a fan of Fritz Lang as well. It’s very interesting to read a non-academic viewpoint of the man and what made him tick.
It is EXTREMELY difficult not to see the comparison between the early days of Nazi power and the last two years of Trump’s presidency. Unless, of course, you’re a fan of his. It is also very difficult not to compare the one American in the book (a Hollywood representative of Warner Brothers) with our last president.
I’m anxious to read the next book in the series; I know I won’t be disappointed.
One thing I love about this series is how the author ties the movie making into the Title and theme of the story. The first one, Metropolis, was as much about the city of Berlin as it was about the creation of the movie. In this one, you get immersed into the beginnings of the world of spies–both in the movie and what is happening with the characters. There’s direct mention of getting information… Ernst asking Margot to give him information about changes at the movie production set… and indirect methods… what is Fritz’s wife really up to? I’m sure in future books in the series, these themes will be even more developed.
In this book, the Nazis–at first thought of as only bothersome, but overall inconsequential and brainless–are gaining momentum. The first mention of certain names, such as “Goebbels,” will send shivers down your spine, knowing what a tremendous role he had in the Nazi rise to power.
So many wonderful descriptions of the characters and surrounding, a contrast between the rich and poor, makes the story come alive. As with the first book, when I finished this one, I was eager to watch the Spies film that Fritz produced.
Well done. I’m looking forward to more books in the series. It’s refreshing to see all the events that led to the Nazi rise to power.
An informative Historical fiction set in Berlin during the late 1920’s . The author
created a perfect atmosphere while weaving fact and fiction throughout the story and painted a vivid picture of what’s to come. She also did a superb job bringing the characters to life . Margot, the extremely talented Cinematographer was faced with situations that engulfed her . She possessed such strength, endurance and willpower and managed to leave her mark on whatever came her way. Margo stayed politically neutral, but if she doesn’t make a choice it just may have an adverse affect on her freedom.
Throughout this novel you will be at the edge of your seat with its underlying dark tones , romance and twists and turns. It’s definitely a must read
In this second book of the Metropolis series, the reader returns to Weimar Berlin. While book one primarily focused on Margot’s relationship with the various men in her life and trying to get her foot in the door of film making, book two deals with her dreams of becoming her own director as well as her growing and often complicated relationship with director Fritz Lang.
Truthfully, the portrayal of Lang made this book. The story itself would have been good and entertaining without Lang but he really made the book highly enjoyable and you could tell Ms. Midwood liked writing about him. I would recommend this book alone just for reading about this complicated but intriguing man. I only hope Lang continues to play as big of a role in the next book as he did in this one. I do hope Ms. Midwood centers book three around my favorite Fritz Lang film, M. I would love to see what she does with it.
BOOK REVIEW: SPIES by author, Ellie Midwood; Book 2 of the Metropolis Series
Ms. Midwood has done it again by creating an intriguing journey that will take you deeper into a place and time that screams historical fiction~ a gritty yet hopeful journey through the streets, the lives, and artistic persona of Weimar, Germany during the late 1920’s. A fascinating narrative that stands alone as to its unique and ambitious character line-up, masterful descriptions as to each and every scene, and impeccable detail as to the research revealed throughout as the story builds.
Spies paints a picture of the dramatic, the alluring, and factual, through the eyes of Margot, a woman who continues to prove herself as strong, edgy, empathetic~ one who leaves her mark on whatever comes her way all the while being faithful to those closest to her, as well as her beliefs, no matter the situation.
Although Ms. Midwood is a fairly new author to me personally, after reading just two of her novels, I feel as if I’ve been reading and enjoying her stories for much longer as to their level of entertainment and ability to capture my immediate attention and interest.
I thank the author for my copy of Spies~ a story (series) that has pleasantly enriched my already fierce devotion towards the historical fiction genre.
5 Stars
#Spies
#EllieMidwood
Wild Sage Book Blog
I chose this story because I have fond memories of my time living in Germany many years ago, and particularly of the German people, and also that Spies covers an interesting period of German history, in that in the background we see the gradual rise of National Socialism. But the main focus of Spies is film making, in this case Fritz Lang’s commercially-focussed movie Spies. I found it almost fascinating that a story primarily around making a film could keep me captivated if not enthralled. Many of the real names I already knew, but they all seemed to be there and real, as were the fictional characters. It’s characters which make Spies the story it is, which is why it isn’t totally necessary to read the predecessor novel Metropolis. I recommend Spies to anyone who likes a good read and I may see what next happens in Romania when that comes out.
Thank you HFVBT and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Spies
Metropolis Series #2
By: Ellie Midwood
REVIEW
Welcome back to Weimar Berlin, late 1920’s. If you read Metropolis, book one of this series, you are familiar with this decadent place. Once again are Margot, Fritz, Paul and others reprising their roles. Fritz persuades Margot to work on his production, Spies, and she agrees. In this era between WWI and WWII, Berlin is tense, as if holding its breath in anticipation of something dark and dangerous. Meanwhile, the artists, dreamers, writers, layabouts and critics flourish in their work, gossip, cigars and coffee and conflicting opinions. Neither Margot nor the others think much about politics and government. They are simply too cocooned in their own lives to see much else.
Margot intends to remain neutral, apolitical, and avoid the trouble brewing. As it turns out, this will not be possible for Margot because someone from her past asks her to truly spy on those around her. Has Margot chosen the right side? Is she equipped to handle the task at hand? As Margot plunges deeper into this spy world, she begins to understand important truths about her own life. Margot must balance her career with her secret life. Can she?
Spies is darker than Metropolis, and as the story progresses the atmosphere feels more despairing and unmoored. I do so love the visualizations of the time and place because they transport me to this once fascinating place. The characters are genuinely just people hoping to make the right decisions. I’m interested to know where book three goes and anxiously awaiting to read it. I know it will be fabulous because Ellie Midwood is an awesome author! You must read Metropolis and Spies for yourself, especially if you love historical fiction with strong women.
Margot is at it again! She is on set, with the every hated infamous Fritz Lang shooting his wife’s new screen play about Spies. This one is more action, and movement and secrets. The no can do wrong Margot is quickly getting herself incorporated into more than just being a side cinematographer for Fritz and so far it is turning out quite well.
Paul, her lover has also come up with a side project that he is consumed with, and soon Margot gets wrapped up in it herself. Between Paul’s photo shoot, and shooting Spies Margot hardly has anytime for anything else. But she then gets an offer to be a real life spy herself, and can’t turn it down.
This novel is written at the end of the twenties, so Hitler and his Nazi party are starting to emerge and trying to ensue numbers and power. Margot gets herself in a bit of hot water when a gang comes to the moving picture set looking for the culprit who is handing out union pamphlets. Is her spy work and other means of infiltrating what the Nazi’s are working towards going to get her caught, or her husband?
I think I enjoyed this novel, a little more than the first one. This one was very interesting to read, in that it is the footsteps leading up to the Nazi party and Hitler gaining powers, so it was intriguing to read about that part of history.
I need to thank the author, Ellie Midwood for the free book, as well as HFVBT for getting me hooked up with this tour! I am looking forward to seeing what Margot does next with her project, as well as what happens as the Nazi party gains power with Hitler leading the way.
Ellie Midwood weaves fact and fiction seamlessly together to tell a wonderful historical novel, complete with a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Margot is a force of nature, I love how feisty she is, no one gets the better of her. Margot works as a cinematographer with Fritz Lang on his new movie, Spies, but he is a hard man to deal with and their working relationship is often tumultuous. Berlin in the late 1920s is a masterpiece of upper-class parties, opium dens, and excess. The Nazi threat is slowly building in the background and it’s unnerving to see Berliners going about their daily business, oblivious to what’s waiting on the horizon. Can’t wait for book 3, where Margot will become the designer of her own destiny as she finally produces her longed-for movie. Highly recommended.
Beginnings
I loved this book as much as the first book Metropolis. It was exciting and romantic. It showed Berlin and not always the best places in a way you could experience what you were reading. From the high class parties with the Nazi sympathizers to the Opium Den with the American Producer. What a ride and what a series of complicated relationships.
Margot reluctantly accepted an offer from the producer Fritz Lang to work as a Cinematographer on his new silent movie “Spies”. She worked with him closely and learned much about the movie trade and also some personal items such as he was half Jewish.
Things became hectic when a new pro Nazi man bought into the film industry and butted heads with producer Lang. Margot stuck up for her producer and he never forgot it. They worked together professionally on the film although it was sometimes difficult to work with Mr. Lang.
When Margot met her old friend and ex Ernest who was now a policemen she did not believe in his communist ideas. However, after the Nazi threatened producer Lang she agreed to spy on the Nazi’s and to distribute literature to the workers to join the union.
When Margot wrote a script for a movie about Dracula Fritz Lang helped her get a meeting with an American Producer for the equipment she needed to make her film a talking film instead of a silent film. This meeting turned into a catastrophe.
Would Margot find the financing to produce her film? Would anyone even finance a first time director , especially a woman in Berlin?
This book sets the background for the beginning of the Nazi takeover in Berlin, but only borders on the beginnings. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to find out what happens next.
If you like the glitz of the movies, the romance of the stars and the excitement of a spy novel you have to read this book. I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Ellie Midwood for allowing me to read an advance copy for an honest review.
The second book in the Metropolis series set in Berlin in the twenties.
There are glamorous parties with lots of booze and great food. Moviesets which are’t as glamorous filled with hard work, temperamental artists and gossip. There are hopes and dreams.
But underneath this all the political climate is changing. Slowly but surely the nazi;s are making their home in Berlin. Goebbels with his visions and speeches has arrived. An old friend come back and Margot has to make a choice.
What i loved about this book is the way Ellie Midwood has a way off setting a eerie, scary undertone to the story. We all know what will happen, but seeing the beginning of it all makes it even more intense
This is the first book I have read by this author which follows on from a previous book. It continues the story perfectly. There is no change in direction or personality. The characters evolve in a realist and believable way.
The other books I have read by this author have centred around world war 2 and its effects on various people. I never thought I would enjoy books on this topic, but these stories are written in a way that makes me want to read more. Unlike the other books, this series is set before the war. It’s centred around the film industry, which I am not interested in at all, but somehow the characters are brought to life in a way that made me want to not put the book down. The things which happen which ultimately lead up to and cause the war are mentioned so subtly in the background that it is easy to believe that’s what really happened. I often wondered why how the Nazis came to power without anyone stopping them and this series sheds some light on it.
At the end of the book, the author states her research resources. Even if she hadn’t done that, I could easily believe that some of the characters and events were real. It’s impossible not to as the author makes you feel you are living the characters’ lives with them and makes you care about what happens to them
I can’t wait for book 3.