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Defending Britta Stein

A Novel

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Defending Britta Stein

By: Ronald H. Balson
Narrated by: Gabra Zackman
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Defending Britta Stein is a story of bravery, betrayal, and redemption—from the winner of the National Jewish Book Award.

Chicago, 2018: Ole Henryks, a popular restauranteur, is set to be honored by the Danish/American Association for his many civic and charitable contributions. Frequently appearing on local TV, he is well known for his actions in Nazi-occupied Denmark during World War II—most consider him a hero.

Britta Stein, however, does not. The ninety-year-old Chicago woman levels public accusations against Henryks by spray-painting “Coward,” “Traitor,” “Collaborator,” and “War Criminal” on the walls of his restaurant. Mrs. Stein is ultimately taken into custody and charged with criminal defacement of property. She also becomes the target of a bitter lawsuit filed by Henryks and his son, accusing her of defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Attorney Catherine Lockhart, though hesitant at first, agrees to take up Mrs. Stein's defense. With the help of her investigator husband, Liam Taggart, Lockhart must reach back into wartime Denmark and locate evidence that proves Mrs. Stein's innocence. Defending Britta Stein is critically-acclaimed author Ronald H. Balson's thrilling take on a modern day courtroom drama, and a masterful rendition of Denmark’s wartime heroics.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

20th Century Denmark Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Jewish Mystery Private Investigators Thriller & Suspense World Literature Crime Thriller Exciting Holocaust
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Critic reviews

"This brilliantly imagined novel [is] part courtroom drama, part historical reckoning. Chock-full of finely wrought detail about the war and dashed with suspense and intrigue, it's a must-read for historical fiction buffs." —Newsweek

Praise for Eli's Promise:

"A captivating saga of the Holocaust and its aftermath spanning decades and continents...Balson’s meticulous historical detail, vivid prose and unforgettable characters further solidify his place among the most esteemed writers of historical fiction today." —Pam Jenoff, bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris

"A powerful, superbly crafted tale...equal parts heartbreaking and life affirming, with themes that are as relevant today as ever. Eli's Promise is historical fiction at its finest, a riveting page turner that will hook readers from the start." —Jane Healey, bestselling author of The Beantown Girls

"Balson pulls no punches...His story is a five star version of a period of history that proved a horror for those living in it." —Stacy Alesi, BookBitch

"Balson juggles between his three stories effectively, writing with great emotion but without overt melodrama, always aware of the tragic ways in which history repeats itself." —Bill Ott, Booklist

Praise for The Girl from Berlin:
"...dynamic plotting, compelling characters, and back-and-forth between-eras action...an unvarnished testament to the ugly truth." —Library Journal

"A fascinating mystery that will stick with readers for weeks." —Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Balson never disappoints with his rich, historical thrillers.” —Alyson Richman, bestselling author of The Lost Wife

“A fascinating, fast-paced dual-narrative that I could not put down. It is a heart-wrenching story of survival, hope and, ultimately, redemption that is sure to thrill!” —Jane Healey, author of The Saturday Evening Girls Club

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Thank for your latest holocaust story. It was very moving and also very informative about what happened in Denmark during the war. It was not a story I was familiar with.

A tragic yet enlightening story

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A wonderfully constructed story, beautifully told. Gripping and interesting without any unnecessary sensationalism. Highly recommend!

Gripping in a quiet way

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I enjoyed this book but felt a tead cheated as it was identical to other novels by author Narration was good but no Liam this time

Undoubtedly a good noelbut a repeated story

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