Action-filled WWII thriller story of brave Norwegians

Wars generate myriad stories about heroism, resistance groups and intrigue.

Some tales endure time, while others fade because other wars, other sagas take their place.

In “The Saboteur,” Andrew Gross returns to World WarII for a thrilling take about members of the Norwegian resistance who undertake a nearly impossible mission to stop a Nazi plan to build an atomic bomb. To do this, they have to sabotage the heavy-water production at a remote Norwegian factory.

Gross, who started his writing career as one of James Patterson’s co-authors before switching to his own high-concept thrillers, has found a niche in historical fiction set in World WarII. Gross showed his affinity for his era in his gripping 2016 novel “The One Man,” set during the Holocaust, and keeps those high standards in “The Saboteur.”

Based on a true incident, Gross weaves fact into fiction, keeping the suspense high and the twists based on reality. Gross makes us forget we already know the outcome of WWII by adding an anythingcould-happen to his plot.

“The Saboteur” is Kurt Nordstrum. He and his small band of resistance fighters aim to liberate Norway from the Nazis and the country’s dictator, Vidkun Quisling.

The team learns Hitler wants to control the Norsk Hydro plant because it secretly produces “heavy water” — deuterium oxide — that would be used to make an atomic bomb. Getting to the plant to destroy the heavywater supply is no small feat — it is located on near unscalable cliffs above a deep gorge.

Then there is the single suspension bridge and, to add to the danger, the plant is constantly under heavy guard. The last time the British Special Operations tried to reach the plant, 40 elite soldiers were killed. But the Norwegians won’t give up, and the unforgiving terrain is in their wheelhouse.

Gross showcases the team’s bravery without embellishing the facts. No high-tech weaponry or spycraft one would find in a James Bond or Tom Clancy novel here.

Instead, “The Saboteur” relies on the team’s insight; physical skills such as world-class skiing; and intelligence. Gross also shows the emotional toll on these soldiers. Because his resistance activities have made him a wanted man, Kurt can’t visit his father because that would make the older man a target of the Nazis. Nor can Kurt afford to fall in love right now.

This Norwegian team’s adventures were the basis of the 1965 “The Heroes of Telemark,” starring Kirk Douglas and Richard Harris.

In many ways, Gross’ “The Saboteur” delivers an even more edge-ofthe-seat thriller.

“The Saboteur” (Minotaur, 416 pages, $26.99) by Andrew Gross