“A fast-paced, smart debut novel that blends noir and Lovecraftian elements. If you like J.J. Abram’s alternate history Overlord, this book is for you.” —James Kestrel, author of Five Decembers

1950. The Cold War simmers, and ex-GI Jack Waters is called in to investigate a fatal accident at a research lab in California.

When Waters recognizes the victim, he realizes he must revisit his hidden past in World War II to solve a murder and prevent Nazi scientists from creating a terrible, new weapon in America.

Blending noir detective fiction with post-WWII history, The Man from Mittelwerk builds from the facts of Operation Paperclip, the U.S. government’s secret recruitment of 1,600 top Nazi scientists, to pose a dark what-if scenario.

Twin brothers Michael and Zack Urlocker write under the name M.Z. Urlocker. Michael is a former newspaper reporter and financial analyst living in Ottawa. Zack is a software executive living in Traverse City, Michigan. They are inspired by the three-Ks of historical fiction, Philip Kerr (Berlin Noir), Joseph Kanon (The Good German) and James Kestrel (Five Decembers).

M.Z. Urlocker's profile page

2023 Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence Finalist

“The Man From Mittelwerk is a mind-bending thriller that will keep you turning pages." —D. Eric Maikranz, author of The Reincarnationist Papers

“From the dark caves of a Nazi slave labor complex to sunny southern California, The Man from Mittelwerk delivers on all fronts. Snappy dialog, a fast-paced narrative, and complex moral questions all combine to make this hard-boiled thriller a winner. Superb!” —James R Benn, author of the Billy Boyle WWII mysteries

"A thrilling, at times devastating, sci-fi noir adventure that juxtaposes Nazi human experimentation against modern pursuits of power." —Tal M. Klein, Author of The Punch Escrow

"A compelling page-turner with a chilling what-if scenario drawn from the truth." —Rick Mofina, USA Today bestselling author of Her Last Goodbye

“A fascinating blend of noir and cosmic horror focusing on a man seeking his brother, lost at war, while trying to hold on to the woman he loves.” —Bev Vincent, author of The Road to the Dark Tower and The Stephen King Illustrated Companion