“Hunting Evil”, by Guy Walters – a meta-review

“Hunting Evil”, the story about the Nazi fugitives after World War 2 written by Guy Walters, was released in South Africa in July 2009.

After the end of World War 2, some of the highest ranking members of the Nazi party escaped real justice. “Hunting Evil” follows the trail of those who got away and the people who helped them, and also debunks some of the most persistent myths surrounding Nazi fugitives.

Guy Walters travelled the international ‘ratlines’ transporting Nazis from Germany to other parts of the world, interviewed Nazi hunters and former members of Mossad, and poured over archives to write a book not so much about Nazi crimes as about the lies surrounding Nazi fugitives.
He chronicles the role that the Catholic Church, Russian and Allied intelligence services, comrades, corrupt regimes and dictators played in protecting these criminals.

He explains that Odessa – an organisation of former SS members which assisted Nazis to avoid capture and prosecution – never existed.
Perhaps most importantly, he reveals famed Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal to be a liar who fabricated much of his so-called success in hunting down what he claimed to be more than a thousand Nazis.

Who is the author?

Guy Walters is the author of six books on World War 2. His 2006 book “Berlin Games”, which provides a history of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, was short-listed for two sport-book prizes. He was formerly a journalist for “The Times”.

What do others say?

Reviews of “Hunting Evil” were overwhelmingly positive, with praise focusing specifically on Walters’ thorough research and highly readable style. Although other books have been written on the Nazi hunt, “Hunting Evil” is said to add fresh insight through new information and less sensationalism.
Criticism of the book is primarily that it assumes foreknowledge of many key Nazi role-players, meaning that readers delving into this topic for the first time may struggle to put together the context.
Also, Walters’ insistence on revealing the truth about Wiesenthal has been criticised as being a distraction at times.

“Sunday Telegraph”: "While his research is undeniably impressive, Walters has managed to weave this mass of information into an absorbing and thoroughly gripping whole… Walters proves emphatically that the reality of Nazi hunting is far more fascinating than the myth."

“Irish Times”: "'Hunting Evil' is a widely researched, occasionally ponderous but ultimately satisfying investigation into the web of interlocking interests that assisted many high-ranking Nazis as the Third Reich collapsed."

“Daily Telegraph”: "It is gripping and well documented, and deserves a lasting place among histories of the war."

How do I get hold of it?

“Hunting Evil” is published in South Africa by Transworld Publishers. It is available at Exclusive Books at a recommended retail price of R239.00.