Stolen Babies is a gripping historical novel that weaves together a post-Cold War investigative thriller with the haunting legacy of Nazi crimes. At its heart is the story of Adam Schultz, a successful German entrepreneur whose life is upended by two American journalists claiming he was one of thousands of Polish children abducted by the Nazis under the Lebensborn program. As the mystery unfolds, the narrative cuts between the present-day investigation and the chilling events of wartime Poland, painting a vivid portrait of trauma, identity, and truth. It’s a multilayered tale spanning continents, decades, and generations, delivered with cinematic pacing and emotional depth.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster. I found the writing visceral and immersive, especially in the historical scenes. The prologue is heart-wrenching—it pulled me in instantly and didn’t let go. The author doesn’t sugarcoat the horrors, and some moments—particularly the scenes in Auschwitz—left me stunned. But what really impressed me was how these big, harrowing events were told through the lens of very personal stories. The characters felt authentic, from Emilia’s quiet strength to Rob and Sam’s dogged pursuit of truth. The dialogue was snappy and believable, and the settings were richly described without ever bogging down the pace. I found myself caring deeply about these people.

The timeline hops can be a little tricky at first. But that didn’t derail the story. I appreciated that the author didn’t try to tie everything up too neatly. The emotional scars linger, just as they should. What also struck me was the balance between history and fiction. It’s clear the research was meticulous, but it never read like a lecture. The revelations came with a punch, not preaching.

Stolen Babies is a powerful and moving novel that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of history with compassion and urgency. I’d highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction, investigative thrillers, or anyone interested in stories about identity and redemption. It’s the kind of book that makes you think, makes you feel, and makes you grateful for stories that remember what others might forget.