Secrets of the Totenkopf Rings

Secrets of the Totenkopf Rings by Barb Goodwin and Doug Penikas is the second book in the Lost Treasures series, and it delivers a thrilling narrative that features espionage, betrayal, and hidden historical elements. 19-year-old Becca has just survived the hunt for the Royal Danish Egg when she discovers a new lead that leads to the mysterious Totenkopf Rings given to Himmler’s SS in Nazi Germany. While this could have been a sheer object of curiosity, it quickly plunges Becca into the mysteries of World War II Nazi rings, clandestine organizations, and her family secrets. Cryptic messages from a fallen comrade further entangle Becca in a perilous chase across Europe to recover stolen artifacts, confront a treacherous traitor, and decipher a coded message that could compromise global security. Teamed with treasure hunter Reed Alexander Carter (RC), her journey is fraught with peril, deception, and revelations that challenge her understanding of loyalty and truth.

There is much to look forward to in this engaging thriller, and readers will be delighted to follow the work of secret organizations like the League of Griffins, a secret society that originated during the Crusades and continues to operate in modern society. The characters are finely drawn, and I was deeply moved by Becca’s intelligence and resourcefulness, as well as RC’s complex nature, which evolves from being supportive and protective of Becca to becoming a traitor. Mason Carter, the mysterious leader of the Griffins, and the authors use this character to deepen the tension in the story. The setting spans the opulent mansions of Germany, ancient castles in the Harz Mountains, secret Griffin headquarters, and the labyrinthine streets of European cities, creating a vivid backdrop for high-stakes espionage. The organization’s hidden history heightens the intrigue, as do the Nazi rings’ cryptic inscriptions and the sinister Brotherhood of the Fox, a shadowy enemy with a long-standing vendetta. Fans of The Silent Corner by Dean Koontz and readers who enjoy histories and conspiracy-driven plots will find this book irresistible. Secrets of the Totenkopf Rings is deftly plotted, fast-paced, and intriguing.