Great once it gets into fifth gear. 4/5 stars. 
 This review was originally published on my book blog. 
 Wolf by Wolf is set in a twentieth century in which the Nazis won World War II and our heroine is on a mission to kill Hitler. As set-ups go, they don't get much better than that and I'm delighted to report that once Wolf by Wolf eventually gripped me, it was a terrific read. 
 I say "eventually", because it was the last third of this book which earned it its fourth star. Up until then I was interested, but not enthralled. This is partly because there's a lot of build-up and back story to cover, but also because the main character - Yael - is emotionally detached and distant. This is completely understandable given her history, after all, it would be unusual to find a concentration camp and torture survivor who was quick to trust. However it does mean it takes a little longer to identify with her and her mission. 
 In fact, the book is pleasingly plot-driven. Usually I find character the most important thing in a story, but not in the case of Wolf by Wolf. The motorcycle race gives the tale a strong linear backbone off which to hang various flashbacks and character development. It's a credit to the writing that although the story jumps about it time, we're never confused as to where we are or what's going on. Also, it gives me high hopes for the sequel because you know that nothing that happens is random and the author is setting things up nicely for the future. 
 Overall: Wolf by Wolf is a very promising first installment of this story. I look forward to reading the sequel later this year!