The Losing Role (Kaspar Brothers)
A German actor conscripted into WWII will play the role of his life as he makes a daring escape in this espionage thriller inspired by true events.
When the SS orders banned entertainer Max Kaspar to impersonate a US officer during the Battle of the Bulge, Max devises his own secret mission to escape the war and flee to America. With his career in Germany over, this plan is his big break—and his last chance.
But Max’s mission is doomed from the start. Trapped between the lines in the freezing Ardennes Forest, he must summon all of his acting talents and newfound courage to evade perilous traps laid by both sides. Inspired by a real-life 1944 operation, this gripping wartime thriller is the first book in the Kaspar Brothers series.
"The book’s pacing and dialogue are sharply turned ... Anderson skillfully portrays transformation in all of his characters."
—Historical Novels Review, Historical Novel Society
"A touching yet painful story ... [Max] is human in the face of hardship and chooses to continue living, but on his own terms."
—Awesome Indies
"A terrific book that deserves a wide audience. It is exciting and funny and keeps you thinking long after the action is over."
—Rose City Reader
"Excellent dialogue, well-crafted characters, and enough dramatic tension to saw a Panzer in half."
—The New Podler Review of Books
The Losing Role is the first book in the Kaspar Brothers series.
My newsletter post “Never Had a Chance: German Spies in US Uniform” reveals the real-life WWII mission that inspired The Losing Role.