The Puppet King

Life is a game of chess, and Russians like to play―but they're not the only ones.

The world witnesses the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The border's opening brings happiness and hope, but not all East Germans are smiling. As Western ideology takes root, the entire Soviet Empire falls into collapse, and Moscow sits silent as Erich Strauss loses his job as General Secretary of East Germany's Socialist United Party. Betrayed by his leadership and his people, and as loyal Communists flee Berlin for the safety of the Soviet Union, Strauss returns home to Jena, Germany.

Strauss remains secluded in the restored family castle, but the isolation becomes too much for the ousted leader. For three decades he plans his comeback, with the help of his son and other well-positioned loyalists, many with motives of their own. He wants to be king. Then a mysterious man in the East takes notice of Strauss' personal ambitions. Strauss cannot refuse the offer of assistance, but it will be costly. With plans now in motion, their organization attracts the wrong attention.

Gwen Patterson, New York's best and brightest investigative reporter, is sent to Germany to uncover that country's sudden financial decline. As sources step forward and details emerge, the more she learns the less she wants to know. As she does her job, her ad hoc film team helps her identify the German and American conspirators and track the stolen money. Those connections lead back to New York City and Washington, DC.

Gwen's mother gets pulled into the narrative, confessing her dark past in Cold War Europe. Now this reporter is left to face possible personal ties with the would-be king. With the future of the world economy at stake, she must choose between family and country. However, with all she is offered, even Gwen questions where her loyalties lie.