The Ultimate Traitor
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Literary Redhead
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2026
The Ultimate Traitor is unlike any WWII historical novel I’ve ever read, revealing the the terrifying murders by Dr Marcel Petiot, a serial killer operating in Paris under the cover of war.
The author unspools a hypnotic story so real my heart beat frantically as I followed one pregnant young woman unknowingly to her death in the 16th arrondissement. Then in a cramped office at 64 Baker Street in London, I found myself overcome by the pungent scent of Spymistress Vera Atkins’ Chanel No 5 perfume mixed with the heavy smoke of her unfiltered cigarettes, terrified as I overheard her discussion with three other top spies of the inexplicable disappearance of allied agents and civilians.
This gripping tale grabbed me from the first page and would not release me until I spent a sleepless night furiously paging to the end, horrified and riveted by one of the best WWII thrillers I have ever read. And the thing is, I can’t stop thinking about this unimaginable tale of human suffering. A histfic must-read!
Beth HaslamReviewed in the United States on August 13, 2026
This brilliantly written novel takes the reader to a world at war, where an unforeseen menace lurks beneath the chaos of Occupied France – a terror that will take years to resolve.
The evocative opening, seen through the eyes of a child, is immediately arresting. It hints at the significance of what is to come, while providing a stark reminder of the terrors that remained hidden for so long. The evidence, however, is there.
As always with Kathryn Gauci, the writing is excellent, but for me, her interpretation of this true story is particularly riveting. Much of the novel is set in Paris, where members of the French Resistance and their collaborators work to help Jews and others escape Nazi tyranny. They inhabit a clandestine world of secrecy and subterfuge. It’s dangerous. Every mission carries the risk of death.
I was as fascinated by the characters, their activities and the various sub-plots as I was by the gradual discovery of the harrowing crimes committed by Docteur Petiot. To think that these events actually happened is horrifying enough; that Kathryn Gauci has transformed them into such a compelling and absorbing novel is a remarkable achievement.
SandyAn exceptionally compelling story
Reviewed in Australia on 28 August 2026
This author never disappoints, and she has done it again with this exceptional World War II novel.
Based on fact, it is a compelling and heart-wrenching story is set in war ravaged Paris, where a Resistance group are investigating a suspicious escape network run by a local doctor.
Kathryn Gauci’s books are always well written and researched, and this one is no exception.
Highly recommended for lovers of this genre.
Peter BarberNot bedtime reading. Not if you value sleep.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 August 2026
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Suzi Stembridge
Are you strong enough to survive in wartime Paris?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 8, 2026
Few authors have the ability to create a scene, where the reader has no option but to be totally immersed in the action but in this book Kathryn Gauci is one such. Page turner is not applied lightly.
From the very first few pages, when the trains rattle over the fields of 1942’s northern France, pulling trucks of animals to all intents and purposes except the child can see hands through the carriages vents and can retrieve notes and pieces of paper drifting from these trucks, on to the land, the reader is caught up in the ‘now’ of the scene.
Further more this intimacy of the story, and much is based on fact, is maintained throughout every chapter until the war’s end; from the disappearance of villagers to the prisoner of war camps, to those who simply vanished, from the agent’s working undercover in German occupied Paris, the city folk who found themselves backing one side or the other, few were sleeping easily. Whether detective, police, shopkeeper, serial killer, whether clothed in high fashion or high end jewellery this book must be one of the author’s most meticulously researched stories and most beautifully written. Friend or foe, lover or criminal, German, Brit or French national these unique characters are beautifully drawn and I challenge the reader not to look up from their sofa and momentarily be surprised that their own life is thankfully not immersed in the horrors and fears of war.
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Kindle Customer
Enthralling……plots……..twists and turns,,,exciting
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 3, 2026
I was mesmerised by the story based on the real lives of WWII spies and traitors, unimaginable plots and intrigues,
which meant for me no TV watching as I had to continue reading …………..even with a special bottle of German wine. One must continue to read all of Kathryn Gauci’s books……….You will be enthralled
lady earlshallReviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 August 2026
A marvellous book by Kathryn Gauchi superbly written. Set in WW2 France. Featuring the French resistance and the SOE London. Based on a true story it encompasses the horror and brutality of war and the human costs. I fully recommend this book and applaud the author.
The Ultimate Traitor : Based on True Events in WWII Paris (The French Collection)
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Kathryn Gauci has done it again. The Ultimate Traitor is a brilliant combination of true crime, Churchill’s SOE, and the struggles of the French Resistance. This novel takes place mainly in Paris, with the author using her extensive background in textiles and fashion, including opulent jewelry, to create believable characters. The story is intense, from the first page to the last, with experienced agents being betrayed to the Nazis. The paranoia and frustration in London and Paris seeps from the pages.
If you’re familiar with historical figures of the SOE, you will recognize some of the agents mentioned, both heroes and traitors. I was unaware of the French serial killer, Dr. Petiot, but war has always enabled the criminal element to operate with impunity. The Ultimate Traitor presents a different look at the SOE operations in occupied Paris, where the threat is not only from the Nazis but also from a twisted, unknown killer. This is a good one!
