Historical fiction: Action tinges postwar search for Nazis

It might have been expected that Van Osdol, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Central Oklahoma, would produce writing that is pedantic. With this book, that is not the case at all. The writing is crisp, and the language takes flight in the dialogue and the love scenes.

ODESSA, an organization of former Nazi SS members, saw many of its affiliates go into hiding in South America, in the Vatican, in Austria and elsewhere. The story’s main character, Zack Derream, and his associates undertake to hunt down the Nazi war criminals, often endangering life and limb.

The closest call was in Argentina, where Derream underwent unspeakable torture and was close to dying. An unlikely rescuer arrived just in time. The swiftly moving story never lags nor falters. Van Osdol’s talent for building character is evident, and the research into places and events is flawless. The descriptions of the trials and the hanging of captured Nazis are among the book’s highlights.

Praise is due Van Osdol for being so vital and energetic at 81 years old. This wasn’t the first book for this world traveler, and it’s not likely to be his last.

— Dennie Hall