Author John H. Grandits has announced the release of his latest book, “1936, A Novel,” published by Buffalo-based NFB Publishing.
“The book is a historical thriller involving a young reporter and a gang of Nazis,” said Grandits, a resident of South Buffalo. “Set in Buffalo before World War II, it incorporates real events into the storyline, and many of its area settings should stir the interest of local readers.”
In 1936, as Hitler cemented his grip on Germany, his evil ideology was making inroads in other countries, including the United States, where these toxic beliefs were resonating with hate groups such as the KKK, along with a new organization, the German American Bund, whose ultimate goal was to spread the Nazi message.
Alex Wagner is the scion of a wealthy, German American family in Buffalo. Hoping to find himself, he is currently working as a reporter for a German American community newspaper owned by a friend of his father. After covering the inaugural convention of the Bund for his paper, Alex confronts a gang of fanatical Nazis, intent on anti-semitic and racist attacks.
Eventually, he enlists his girlfriend and her grandfather — a retired police commissioner — to help investigate the terrorists. In the course of pursuing the story, they make a discovery that could have national security implications. With little help from authorities, they rush to foil the scheme. At the same time, she becomes the target of the gang.
Set against a colorful backdrop that includes jazz clubs, big band dances, a bustling aircraft factory, a grand train terminal, a 1930’s era ballpark, and an exclusive German American campground, the story captures the atmosphere of pre-War America, yet is as topical as today’s headlines. The book takes readers on a thrilling, action-packed adventure of espionage, terror, family tensions, betrayal, romance and a quest for justice.
“1936, A Novel” is currently available online at Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble and NFBpublishing.com, and locally at Dog Ears Bookstore in South Buffalo. Grandits welcomes the opportunity to be interviewed and/or discuss his book, and can be reached by email at jo************@***il.com.
