Praise for To Save the Nation

“Forced disappearance is not only a serious human rights violation but also an international crime, punishable as a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Unfortunately, this crime is notoriously under-prosecuted and many forced disappearances remain unpunished.

Bob Kass’ novel is a great legal page-turner but also a courageous book, bringing out horrendous crimes from a recent past, which were justified in the eyes of their perpetrators as something they had to do ‘for the nation.’ In drawing attention to crimes of this nature and the political intricacies behind them, he contributes to public awareness as part of a much needed international fight against impunity.”

— Christine Van den Wyngaert, former Judge at the International Criminal Court, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Court of Justice, currently Judge at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers

“My father was one of the ‘disappeared’ in Argentina’s Dirty War of the 70s. My mother fled the country with me and my sister and we eventually found asylum in Switzerland. Kass’ book, To Save the Nation, is a reminder of what happened back then. Unfortunately, ‘enforced disappearances’ continue in nearly 100 countries today. This book is a contribution to the conversation about how far a country should go in violating human rights when its leaders feel the nation is under a threat from dissidents.”

—Antonio Hodgers, Swiss politician, Conseiller d’Etat of the Canton of Geneva, Switzerland. As a member of the Swiss Parliament, Mr. Hodgers voted for the adoption of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

“The respect of fundamental rights, individual liberties and the rule of law is the guarantee for every human being to be protected against arbitrary action of a State. Enforced disappearances are among the worst of the illegal actions a State allows itself to take against its own citizens, supposedly in order to protect the State in question, or any alleged greater value.

“Today, in our democratic countries, in the name of the fight against terrorism, States are making their populations accept restrictions on their liberties, invoking the need for greater security. Those breaches in our fundamental liberties are not to be taken lightly. We citizens deserve liberty as much as security, within a democratic state fully applying the rule of law. Any step that restrains our human rights is a dangerous step toward the risk of being submitted to the arbitrary power of the State, towards one of the most terrifying illegal actions: enforced disappearances.

“Bob Kass’ book reminds us of those terrible crimes committed by the power of a State against its own population. Let us not forget the danger of any unregulated power within a State. Let us also be fully aware of those dangers in order to be able to recognize and challenge any breach that threatens the rule of law, our rights and our liberties.”

— Olivia Venet, Belgian Attorney, specialized in criminal law, criminal procedure, international criminal law, international humanitarian law and human rights. President of the Belgian Human Rights League.

“In Kass’ debut thriller, a lawyer takes a case that pulls him into the dark world of organized crime and the grim legacy of a past Argentinian conflict.*** A feast of political intrigue and an astute exploration of Argentina’s nefarious past.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Based on dark history of global politics and global bank mystery, this book truly was a page turner. What is truly frightening is that much of the background consists of true events that are interwoven throughout the storyline. The author is quite versed in the topic and has done considerable research. This truly is a fast paced legal/political thriller that is full of twists and turns. Highly recommend.”

—Five Star Review posted on Amazon

“Mr. Kass joins a select group of writers who craft compelling works of legal/suspense fiction. Like John Grisham (e.g., The Firm), Scott Turow (Presumed Innocent) and Michael Connelly (The Lincoln Lawyer Mickey Haller novels), Kass draws the reader into a tangled legal web, with a keen minded attorney, here David Winkler, as protagonist. Global, national and law firm politics cast their light on an historically based plot derived from Argentina’s “Dirty War” of the 1970s. Winkler must navigate thru a complex assortment of perils and obstacles in search of justice, including risks to his own life.

“Kass’ writing style is spare, clean and tight. Very lawyer-like, which is to be expected, since Kass, like Scott Turow, is a practicing attorney. That lends his work authenticity along with credible insights into how a capable lawyer goes about his business.

“All the plot twists and turns keep the reader eager to turn the page to learn what happens next. I must say that, as I looked forward to spending time with this book each evening, I was sad to finish it. I hope Mr. Kass already has another in the works!”

—Five Star Review posted on Amazon

“The promotional blurb is right on target, as this novel is, in fact, fast-paced and intriguing, with some rather surprising twists that impelled me to complete the book in just a few days. I'm also more aware of the global issue that Mr. Kass exposes, and am willing to join the effort to stop it. Thanks for a superlative experience!”

—Five Star Review posted on Amazon

“Even though I knew about the underlying events in Argentina I learned a lot about some aspects of the situation. I was captivated by this book. It is fast paced. I finished it in a few days. I definitely recommend it.”

—Five Star Review posted on Amazon

Perfect for fans of legal thrillers, historical novels, or both:

“It should no longer surprise us that history repeats itself, or worse yet, that the horrors of history continue into the present. This novel exposes a terrible part of the past in the form of a fast-paced legal thriller based on historical events, and it will appeal to you if you are a fan of either. When I reached the end I especially appreciated the Author's Note section, which answers the inevitable question we all have at the conclusion of movies or books based on actual events. Which parts are true? One question Mr. Kass did not answer: who will play the role of the protagonist when the book becomes a movie?”

—Five Star Review posted on Amazon - Audio book purchaser

“Your book opened my eyes to a different genre of literature. I began reading “To Save the Nation” Friday evening. I continued throughout the weekend. I was riveted to the story and writing. The real testament to my obsession with your book is when I finished it, Monday morning. I could not allow the story to end on Sunday night. I had to save the climax for the next morning. I have already told my family about your powerful book and am eager to share it with them.”

—Unsolicited note from a reader

Suspenseful, informative thriller, with plot twists and fascinating character development:

“Fantastic story based on history of Argentina’s strong-armed right wing government in the 1970’s and U.S. role in supporting it. Keeps the reader guessing what’s coming next throughout.”

—Unsolicited note from a reader (RJ)

"I was somewhat familiar with events taking place in Argentina in the 70's because of a position I had on two bank boards. However, I never knew the extent of the details of the corruption outlined in this book.  It was disappointing to realize that the U.S. was backing a regime like this during and after the Vietnam war period.  Start reading ‘To Save The Nation’ early in the day because you will not want to put it down."

—Unsolicited note from a reader (RW)

“Thank you for writing a book with a heart and a message, for daring to broach uncomfortable truths, for having the courage to write your “J’accuse” and for giving us a good thriller. 

“I do share the democratic principles and the ethos of Mr. Winkler and I am as concerned as he is about the dangerous slide towards totalitarianism that seems to occur in the USA. Also, the recent past of Argentina is close to my heart - my father was born there in 1900, and until the age of 18, I was deemed to be an Argentine myself. Thanks again!”

—Unsolicited note from a reader (FC, in Belgium)

Easy reading for the legal story fan, mystery at its best:

“Fantastic reading, twists and turns all the way to the end. Only an author with Mr. Kass’ credentials could tell this story and make the reader feel like he is sitting right there listening instead of just reading about what is happening.”

—Five Star Review posted on Amazon