The Alpine Fortress
By Rowena Kinread
Publication Date: 12th September 2025
Publisher: Goldcrest Books
Page Length: 311
Genre: Thriller
In the shadow of the Bavarian Alps, a forgotten map leads to an unsolved mystery buried for decades. When Ivanna discovers the sketch among her late grandfather’s belongings, she stumbles upon a secret that connects her family’s harrowing past to the Nazi regime's stolen treasures.
What begins as a curious family discovery quickly escalates into a perilous adventure, drawing the attention of law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and dangerous criminals.
The Alpine Fortress is a thrilling tale of survival, betrayal, and redemption. From the chilling depths of Nazi conspiracies to the breathtaking heights of the Alps, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat as the past and present collide in an unforgettable race against time.
Will Ivanna uncover the truth—or will the secrets of the fortress remain buried forever?
“The Alpine Fortress” by Rowena Kinread is a captivating crime thriller that immerses readers in a suspenseful narrative set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps.
Ivanna Petrenko is a dedicated federal policewoman stationed at Stuttgart Airport, where she navigates the complexities of law enforcement in a bustling international travel hub. The story opens with her clearing out her grandfather’s attic, where she discovers a weathered map tucked away between some dusty books. Intrigued, she realises that it outlines the locations of treasure stolen by the Nazis during World War II. This revelation ignites her curiosity, and she becomes determined to uncover the truth. However, when Ivanna takes the map to the police station, things take an unexpected turn for the worse. The police are not interested in the map, but somebody is; her home is ransacked, leaving her shaken and vulnerable. To make matters worse, she begins to suspect that she is being followed by shadowy figures who have a vested interest in the map’s hidden secrets. Desperate for a way out of her increasingly perilous situation and feeling that the police dismiss her concerns as mere paranoia, Ivanna seizes an opportunity to escape by taking her friend’s place and name on a police training exercise in Berchtesgaden. But her stalkers follow her to the camp. However, instead of sharing her concerns with her fellow officers, she thinks she can outrun them. This risky choice proves to have dire consequences that ripple beyond her personal safety, threatening the well-being of her colleagues and family, who remain blissfully unaware of the true danger closing in. In these heart-racing moments, Ivanna’s instinct and resourcefulness are put to the ultimate test as she grapples with the weight of her decisions, all while racing against time and unseen adversaries intent on stealing the map and the treasure.
Matteo is the central character who propels the story forward with his unwavering determination and strong sense of justice. Throughout the narrative, his exceptional commitment to his fellow officers shines through, highlighting the bonds of camaraderie that unite them in these challenging times. His extensive knowledge of the Berchtesgaden Alps proves to be an invaluable asset, guiding him and his team through treacherous terrain and complex situations. A man of integrity, Matteo stands firm in his beliefs, even when faced with numerous obstacles and adversities. His resilience and moral compass drive him to seek justice. This unwavering commitment to doing what is right, even in the darkest moments, is what makes him a compelling character. As readers follow Matteo’s journey, they are captivated not only by his likeable personality but also by his remarkable courage and relentless determination. He embodies the qualities of a true hero, earning admiration and respect as he navigates the trials that come his way. Matteo is more than just a character in the story; he represents the ideals of loyalty, bravery, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
There are a multitude of antagonists, each one intricately connected by their allegiance to a singular, menacing figure: Esteban Vargas, known ominously as “the Argentinian.” Vargas is a character shrouded in power and mystery, driven by an insatiable desire to obtain the coveted treasure map that promises untold riches. His resourcefulness is rivalled only by his ruthlessness, as he meticulously strategises to eliminate any obstacles that threaten to thwart his ambitions. While the Argentinian himself remains a shadowy presence for most of the book, orchestrating events from behind the scenes, his loyal henchmen carry out his nefarious bidding with precision. Each antagonist operates under his influence, serving as unwitting pawns in a grander scheme. The tension escalates as Vargas manipulates them with a masterful hand, pulling strings to ensure his plans remain intact. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that this puppet master’s determination is matched only by his cunning, setting the stage for a thrilling confrontation as characters manoeuvre through a web of deception and danger, all in pursuit of the elusive treasure.
The story unfolds at an exhilarating pace right from the beginning and maintains its momentum all the way to the dramatic climax. The second half of the book, in particular, captivates the reader’s attention as the tension escalates and the stakes become increasingly high.
Kinread intertwines meticulous attention to detail with the overarching necessity of narrating a compelling story. This balance allows the reader to fully grasp the treacherous nature of the Alps, highlighting how perilous these majestic mountains can be, even for the most seasoned climbers. The narrative meticulously illustrates that the threats faced by the climbers extend beyond just the looming presence of the Argentinian and his band of men; the capricious and often violent weather plays an equally dangerous role. The elements stand as a formidable adversary, enhancing the tension and urgency of the climbers’ journey. This duality of danger serves to enrich the storytelling, making the reader acutely aware of the myriad of challenges that await those who dare to scale the heights of the Alps.
This story contains several scenes that may be deeply disturbing to some readers. It includes graphic depictions of violence, murder, and the traumatic aftermath of gang rape, which can be particularly unsettling. Kinread has intentionally portrayed the antagonists in a way that highlights their brutality and moral corruption, providing insight into the darker aspects of human nature. Readers should be prepared for intense emotional experiences as they navigate through these challenging themes.
This novel is steeped in tension, as the criminals grow increasingly audacious in their actions. Their audacity is matched only by their relentless determination to evade capture by the police. With each daring escapade, the stakes rise, and the narrative crackles with suspense, drawing readers into a gripping game of cat and mouse where it seems that the Argentinian and his men are always one step ahead of the police.
"The Alpine Fortress" by Rowena Kinread is certain to captivate fans of the genre. The story draws readers into a meticulously crafted world, filled with suspense and unexpected twists that keep them on the edge of their seats from the very first chapter. Kinread’s vivid imagery and masterful storytelling make each scene come alive, ensuring that fans will be eagerly turning pages right up until the thrilling conclusion.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion
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Rowena Kinread
Rowena Kinread grew up in Ripon, Yorkshire with her large family and a horde of pets. Keen on travelling, her first job was with Lufthansa in Germany.
She began writing in the nineties. Her special area of interest is history, after researching her ancestry and finding family roots in Ireland with the Dalriada clan, particularly this era. Her debut fiction novel titled “The Missionary” is a historical novel about the dramatic life of St. Patrick. It was published by Pegasus Publishers on April 29th, 2021 and has been highly appraised by The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post and the Irish Times.
Her second novel “The Scots of Dalriada” centres around Fergus Mór, the founder father of Scotland and takes place in 5th century Ireland and Scotland, and is published by Pegasus Publishers.
The author lives with her husband in Bodman-Ludwigshafen, Lake Constance, Germany. They have three children and six grandchildren.
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