Book Review: The Phantom by Bob Drury & Tom Clavin

“Soldier, spy, scout, saboteur, and French Resistance leader in the heart of Nazi-occupied Europe–the untold story of Marine legend Pete Ortiz.”

Blurb for The Phantom

Review:

I never tire of coming across new biographies of people who fought in World War II. How have I never heard of this man before?!

The Phantom tells the story of Pete Ortiz, a Marine who served in Europe during World War II. From gunshot wounds and parachuting into enemy territory to multiple escapes, there seemed to be no way to destroy this man, try as the Nazis did. Though Pete Ortiz is the main focus, the book also discusses William “Wild Bill” Donovan at length, as well as the particulars of the war and the resistance efforts in the regions where Ortiz operated.

Honestly, a review doesn’t do the story of this man justice. At a glance, his life seems almost implausible. Kudos to the authors for their research! I liked how well everything flowed and that it included other players who made Pete Ortiz’s military career possible. I do wish it had been slower-paced since there is so much action. It would have been nice to sit with the major events a little longer.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of the book!

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• Well-researched and engaging.

What I didn’t like:

• It could have been longer for sure, especially with the secondary focus on ‘Wild Bill’ Donovan.

Afterthoughts:

This made for a fun road trip read!

Where to buy the book: