What do you think?
Rate this book
Remmich/Miller #2
Counter Identity
Imagine you find yourself losing bits of time. Almost like a dream you only slightly remember. Envision yourself committing treason in that altered state.Having been drugged, hypnotized, and conditioned, Paul Remmich believes the Tariq'Allah organization is a force for good in the world. Delighted with his performance when stealing documents from the US, the underground Tariq'Allah once again deploy him on a new mission. The scheme is to abduct another man to increase their profits.Major Eric Miller is the target. He extends his military intelligence role and also accepts a position in the CIC, the counterintelligence corps.A temporary transfer to Cuba is both a training exercise and a hunt for AWOL soldiers. When Miller catches a glimpse of Remmich meeting with Iraqi cohorts in Havana, his suspicions are raised.The former soldier’s longtime friend, Major Eric Miller, becomes suspicious when Remmich gets caught up in lies. Unbeknownst to Miller, he is the target to recruit. Although Remmich uses the same scheme used to overpower his friend’s resistance, the outcome of Miller's abduction is unexpected and revealing.The Russians don’t want to be left out of anything Tariq'Allah gets. They must verify Remmich’s fulfillment of tasks.Can Miller escape their clutches, or is he destined to become another brainwashed mole for the Iraqi underground?Remmich and Miller are playing dangerous games. One of them must be stopped before they both are killed."He reached under his V-neck sweater to his shirt pocket and pulled out the pillbox. Two Rohypnol tablets dropped into the beer. He closed the box and looked around the bar to see if anyone was watching him"
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2021
About the author
Karl Braungart
10 books2,214 followersBorn in Baltimore, Maryland, Karl grew up in the Catonsville area with four siblings.
While in the US Army and living in Germany, Karl gained hands-on experience in military intelligence during the Cold War. He worked in the administration of a security intelligence department, assisting soldiers completing security clearances and fingerprinting before submitting to the FBI for verification.
The military work also entailed seminar training to familiarize MI soldiers about Soviet/Russian espionage. Because the MI work also included driving the CO to intelligence meetings in Stuttgart, he was able to attend some meetings related to espionage matters as a bystander. While stationed overseas, Karl's travels throughout Europe helped develop his understanding of foreign cultural differences.
After serving, Karl worked full-time and part-time in commercial construction for financial support during college. He spent .seven years working in this area; attaining journeyman status. He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, majoring in Political Science (International Affairs, Comparative Government), and minored in English Literature. After college, Karl worked as a construction manager for construction and engineering firms.
Karl has spent the last several decades maintaining his awareness of Middle East politics and social movements. Before retiring, Karl began to fulfill a long-held desire to write novels. Now fully retired, he has written four, one family saga and three espionage novels. He is in progress of writing the fourth spy novel. Karl is a member of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, the Rehoboth Beach Writers Guild, and the Maryland Writers Association. He attends the Creatures, Crime and Creativity conference annually as well as many others.
While in the US Army and living in Germany, Karl gained hands-on experience in military intelligence during the Cold War. He worked in the administration of a security intelligence department, assisting soldiers completing security clearances and fingerprinting before submitting to the FBI for verification.
The military work also entailed seminar training to familiarize MI soldiers about Soviet/Russian espionage. Because the MI work also included driving the CO to intelligence meetings in Stuttgart, he was able to attend some meetings related to espionage matters as a bystander. While stationed overseas, Karl's travels throughout Europe helped develop his understanding of foreign cultural differences.
After serving, Karl worked full-time and part-time in commercial construction for financial support during college. He spent .seven years working in this area; attaining journeyman status. He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, majoring in Political Science (International Affairs, Comparative Government), and minored in English Literature. After college, Karl worked as a construction manager for construction and engineering firms.
Karl has spent the last several decades maintaining his awareness of Middle East politics and social movements. Before retiring, Karl began to fulfill a long-held desire to write novels. Now fully retired, he has written four, one family saga and three espionage novels. He is in progress of writing the fourth spy novel. Karl is a member of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, the Rehoboth Beach Writers Guild, and the Maryland Writers Association. He attends the Creatures, Crime and Creativity conference annually as well as many others.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 14, 2022
Counter Identity is book two of the Remmich series by author Karl Braungart.
It follows on from Lost Identity that sets the stage for the series and introduces the reader to the characters. However I don’t think that reading the first book in the series is absolutely necessary as the author does begin this novel with an introduction for anyone who is new to the books.
Paul Remmich is deployed for a second time by the Iraqi Tariq’Allah organization, who had previously turned him into one of their moles. His assignment is to kidnap another US intelligence office a Major Eric Miller so that he too can be turned.
I have to say I loved Counter Identity. The character building from Braungart is very clever and I found it drew me into the plot ever deeper than with the first book. The plotl-ine in this installation was fast and exciting and full of drama that fans of the genre will appreciate. Another great read from Braungart, and I’m itching to read the next addition.
It follows on from Lost Identity that sets the stage for the series and introduces the reader to the characters. However I don’t think that reading the first book in the series is absolutely necessary as the author does begin this novel with an introduction for anyone who is new to the books.
Paul Remmich is deployed for a second time by the Iraqi Tariq’Allah organization, who had previously turned him into one of their moles. His assignment is to kidnap another US intelligence office a Major Eric Miller so that he too can be turned.
I have to say I loved Counter Identity. The character building from Braungart is very clever and I found it drew me into the plot ever deeper than with the first book. The plotl-ine in this installation was fast and exciting and full of drama that fans of the genre will appreciate. Another great read from Braungart, and I’m itching to read the next addition.
October 13, 2022
‘The psychiatrist recommends I stay with him’ – The espionage thriller continues
Delaware author Karl Braungart brings his extensive experience in military intelligence gained during the Cold War as well as his familiarity with Middle East politics and social movements to the reading public with his Remmich/Miller Series (aka the Spy Determination Series). The triptych explores Russian, Iraqi, and Iranian spy tactics immersed in amazingly realistic stories. COUNTER IDENTITY is Book 2 of the series.
Braungart first lists the characters and places for those who are entering the series for the first time. The novel opens with a tense atmosphere: ‘Two Russian SVR agents rode in a van marked Schmidt Sanitarfirma, identifying it as a plumbing business. They’d stopped behind two vehicles at the US Army MI (military intelligence) V Corps base at Patch Barracks, in Stuttgart. One of the cars in front belonged to Paul Remmich, an American former military officer raised in England, now a civilian. The MPs noted his BMW’s army license plate and the US government sticker inside at the left of the windshield. Remmich didn’t return their salute before he drove on base…’
The series progresses as follows: ‘Having been drugged, hypnotized, and conditioned, Paul Remmich believes the Tariq'Allah organization is a force for good in the world. Delighted with his performance when stealing documents from the US, the underground Tariq'Allah once again deploy him on a new mission. The scheme is to abduct another man to increase their profits. Major Eric Miller is the target. He extends his military intelligence role and also accepts a position in the CIC, the counterintelligence corps. A temporary transfer to Cuba is both a training exercise and a hunt for AWOL soldiers. When Miller catches a glimpse of Remmich meeting with Iraqi cohorts in Havana, his suspicions are raised. The former soldier’s longtime friend, Major Eric Miller, becomes suspicious when Remmich gets caught up in lies. Unbeknownst to Miller, he is the target to recruit. Although Remmich uses the same scheme used to overpower his friend’s resistance, the outcome of Miller's abduction is unexpected and revealing. The Russians don’t want to be left out of anything Tariq'Allah gets. They must verify Remmich’s fulfillment of tasks. Can Miller escape their clutches, or is he destined to become another brainwashed mole for the Iraqi underground?’ For those who appreciate and enjoy tense drama that seeps out of spy thrillers, this book is a must read. Very well written and compelling.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
Delaware author Karl Braungart brings his extensive experience in military intelligence gained during the Cold War as well as his familiarity with Middle East politics and social movements to the reading public with his Remmich/Miller Series (aka the Spy Determination Series). The triptych explores Russian, Iraqi, and Iranian spy tactics immersed in amazingly realistic stories. COUNTER IDENTITY is Book 2 of the series.
Braungart first lists the characters and places for those who are entering the series for the first time. The novel opens with a tense atmosphere: ‘Two Russian SVR agents rode in a van marked Schmidt Sanitarfirma, identifying it as a plumbing business. They’d stopped behind two vehicles at the US Army MI (military intelligence) V Corps base at Patch Barracks, in Stuttgart. One of the cars in front belonged to Paul Remmich, an American former military officer raised in England, now a civilian. The MPs noted his BMW’s army license plate and the US government sticker inside at the left of the windshield. Remmich didn’t return their salute before he drove on base…’
The series progresses as follows: ‘Having been drugged, hypnotized, and conditioned, Paul Remmich believes the Tariq'Allah organization is a force for good in the world. Delighted with his performance when stealing documents from the US, the underground Tariq'Allah once again deploy him on a new mission. The scheme is to abduct another man to increase their profits. Major Eric Miller is the target. He extends his military intelligence role and also accepts a position in the CIC, the counterintelligence corps. A temporary transfer to Cuba is both a training exercise and a hunt for AWOL soldiers. When Miller catches a glimpse of Remmich meeting with Iraqi cohorts in Havana, his suspicions are raised. The former soldier’s longtime friend, Major Eric Miller, becomes suspicious when Remmich gets caught up in lies. Unbeknownst to Miller, he is the target to recruit. Although Remmich uses the same scheme used to overpower his friend’s resistance, the outcome of Miller's abduction is unexpected and revealing. The Russians don’t want to be left out of anything Tariq'Allah gets. They must verify Remmich’s fulfillment of tasks. Can Miller escape their clutches, or is he destined to become another brainwashed mole for the Iraqi underground?’ For those who appreciate and enjoy tense drama that seeps out of spy thrillers, this book is a must read. Very well written and compelling.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
December 13, 2022
Counter Identity (The Remmich/Miller Series)by Karl Braungart is another great book by this talented author. The first book, Lost Identity set the stage and introduced the main characters of Remmich and Miller. Here, you get to know them even more, along with their nuances while facing challenges. It's always fun to read as characters develop and grow while you get used to them. Along with great characters, the plot delivers again as well, serving up intrigue and excitement. The plot develops well, the action is paced accordingly and once again the author delivers another compelling conspiracy-style thriller. A must-read and looking forward to the next installment.
October 30, 2022
Braungart upped his storytelling with this book (the second book in the series); book 1, Lost Identity, had a great story, too. The characters in this book have more depth, and the plot is just as captivating as the first. I found myself questioning Miller a lot here, but overall his actions enhanced the human underneath the surface much more than the first book did. Remmich also does an excellent job of serving his purpose. I immensely enjoyed the dynamic between Miller and Remmich in this book, especially knowing precisely what Remmich was up to in the first book (no spoilers here!). The conflict and relationship between the two are raised in this book, with Miller being the focus of recruitment. Though the first book had a lot more espionage, this book dials it back. It’s there, of course, but it does a good job of adding a dramatic flair between the characters that wasn’t always present in the first book. It sucked me in, and I'm sure it'll do the same to you!
December 28, 2022
I quickly got through Counter Identity after reading the first in the series Lost Identity. It was such a fast paced book that I immediately jumped into book 3 Fatal Identity. I had to stop myself in order to write a more accurate review! First Karl Braungart writes fast paced in this espionage series so pay attention while reading. Paul is to recruit his friend Eric to become a mole with him as per the Iraqi Tariq'Allah organization. Thankfully Paul is not successful and it becomes Eric's mission to save Paul from his hypnotized state that he has been living for the last 6 months. Jump into the series and find out what happens with Eric and Paul!
January 3, 2023
Sometimes book two in a series lags, but this one most definitely did not. Braungart brings a certain amount of realism to the story, making it seem believable while also dropping the reader right into the book, watching events unfold before their eyes. This book opens with the stakes already high, and doesn’t let up. It was interesting to see Reimmich now playing for the other side, and trying to recruit Miller. Of course, nothing is easy, and soon we’re deep in a web of lies and espionage. There’s plenty of tension and action peppered throughout the story. I definitely recommend reading book one to get a better feel for the characters before diving into this great thriller.
February 12, 2023
Counter Identity by Karl Braungart is the second book in a series of three. We are introduced to Remmich again quickly in the book. Is he ok now? Too soon to tell. But we find out quickly that his friend Captain Eric Miller is suspicious of him and has seen Remmich do some questionable things. It appears Remmich is after Miller to try to get him in on being a mole, but Miller seems to realize something is off. He works to help his friend get out of this hypnotic state he is in and back on the right side. But can he do it? The Iraq organization, Tarig’Allah, is still trying to accomplish their mission and will not stop. This is another fast-paced thriller by Braungart that keeps you guessing. It’s a quick read- I had to know what was going to happen. This is such a great series and I’m so glad I came across it. I quickly moved on to the third book in the series after finishing this one. They are written so well, and I really enjoy the two main characters.
December 8, 2023
Following Lost Identity, this second installment in the Remmich series dives deeper into the world of spies, and covert operations.
The novel’s protagonist, Paul Remmich, continues with his involuntary servitude to the Iraqi Tariq’Allah organization. Only this time, his mission is to recruit his friend and US intelligence officer, Major Eric Miller, into the fold. However, things don’t go to plan, which started a cat-and-mouse game that kept me hooked.
The characters are well fleshed out, with layers of emotion and conflict, making it more than a mere spy thriller, it’s about loyalty, betrayal and the morality of espionage. Remmich’s inner turmoil and Miller’s suspicion and determination really did make this a captivating read.
It’s a story that gripped me from the very beginning and it didn’t loosen its grip, even after the last word. Highly recommended.
The novel’s protagonist, Paul Remmich, continues with his involuntary servitude to the Iraqi Tariq’Allah organization. Only this time, his mission is to recruit his friend and US intelligence officer, Major Eric Miller, into the fold. However, things don’t go to plan, which started a cat-and-mouse game that kept me hooked.
The characters are well fleshed out, with layers of emotion and conflict, making it more than a mere spy thriller, it’s about loyalty, betrayal and the morality of espionage. Remmich’s inner turmoil and Miller’s suspicion and determination really did make this a captivating read.
It’s a story that gripped me from the very beginning and it didn’t loosen its grip, even after the last word. Highly recommended.
December 21, 2023
This book is a marvelous work by the skilled writer Karl Braunghart, adding to the Remmich/Miller series. Even though the characters were introduced and drafted very well in the first part, you can start reading this book by skipping the first part. This reveals the beauty of a writer's writing style in creating independently woven stories in a series.
The characters are drafted as per their requirements to crave intrigue and relevance. Their challenges in terms of drugs, hypnosis, and conditioning would keep you on edge, and the storyline involving the truth of Tariq Allah's group would unfold an intriguing version of the book.
This book has certainly increased expectations for a crime thriller book. The plots are serving the interest and relevance to the readers in a very well-weighed amount. I was deeply engrossed to read "What happens next" and "How reality unfolds." This is a definite travel partner for a long journey.
The characters are drafted as per their requirements to crave intrigue and relevance. Their challenges in terms of drugs, hypnosis, and conditioning would keep you on edge, and the storyline involving the truth of Tariq Allah's group would unfold an intriguing version of the book.
This book has certainly increased expectations for a crime thriller book. The plots are serving the interest and relevance to the readers in a very well-weighed amount. I was deeply engrossed to read "What happens next" and "How reality unfolds." This is a definite travel partner for a long journey.
November 4, 2022
Each novel in the Remmich/Miller Series by Karl Braungart gets more intense and intriguing. Counter Identity takes a twist when Paul Remmich becomes a Tariq'Allah ambassador to third-world countries. He stays on as a military consultant decoding encrypted work. Unknown to his superiors, he is a mole that has been hypnotized by an Iraqi group. Paul isn't enough, so they attempt to recruit Major Eric Miller for their cause. Will the Iraqis' greed put their whole maze of espionage in jeopardy?
I found Counter Identity an amazing read. The first novel, Lost Identity, set the plot and familiarized the reader with the characters. With precision and fervor, Karl Braungart created a series that raises the bar in conspiracy thrillers. I can't wait to begin Fatal Identity.
I found Counter Identity an amazing read. The first novel, Lost Identity, set the plot and familiarized the reader with the characters. With precision and fervor, Karl Braungart created a series that raises the bar in conspiracy thrillers. I can't wait to begin Fatal Identity.
December 31, 2023
OMG everything is heating up and I cannot wait for the third installment of the Remmich/Miller Siri‘s The Tera Cala spi Netwerk wants to use Paul again but this time they want to use him to get his best friend Captain Miller to work for them and even show Paul how he is supposed to do it. This is just a minor part of a bigger story because true to form the military has too many checks and balances to have one of the best although retired working for Tara Cala. General Ed Sutherland is getting closer or will it be the intended victim Eric Miller himself who helps save his doomed friend? There is so much I want to say about the second book in this series but it would give too much away and OMG it is getting so good. The author writes military jargon as if it is his second language . I don’t know if the story is ramping up but I don’t remember feeling this way at the end of the last story. Fatal identity is the next book and I Think I’m going to listen to the audio I cannot believe the author has written 4 books and so far I have loved them all. What a brilliant idea the books read like thrillers and I cannot get enough of them. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
January 17, 2024
Review of 'Counter Identity' by Karl Braungart – A Rollercoaster in the World of Espionage
Okay, so, diving into Karl Braungart’s “Counter Identity,” I was like, “Wait, is this going to be as twisty as a bag of pretzels or what?” Spoiler: It totally is.
First off, this book is the second in the Remmich series. If you haven't read the first, “Lost Identity,” don’t panic. Braungart's like that cool teacher who gives you the CliffsNotes version at the beginning. You're welcome, latecomers.
Our main guy, Paul Remmich, is back and he's gotten himself in deeper with the Iraqi Tariq’Allah folks. They're like, “Hey, kidnap this US intelligence dude, Eric Miller.” And I'm sitting there thinking, “Paul, buddy, this is not a great career move.”
The thing about Braungart’s writing – it’s like he's had five espressos and is relaying a story at a breakneck speed. You’re there for it, but you also kinda want to tell him to take a breath. The plot’s got more twists than my intestines after Thanksgiving dinner.
Character-wise, Paul and Eric are like two sides of a very messed-up coin. Their dynamic is as complicated as trying to explain TikTok to your grandma. It’s fascinating, but you're not sure she’s getting it.
Let’s talk style. Braungart’s got this background in military intelligence, and it shows. It’s like he’s sprinkling in these nuggets of spy wisdom, and I’m here collecting them like a conspiracy theorist at a UFO convention.
But, and there’s always a but, sometimes it feels like the book is sprinting, and I'm in my pajamas trying to keep up. The pace is exhilarating, sure, but sometimes you need to slow down and smell the espionage... or something like that.
“Counter Identity” is a whirlwind. It’s like if Jason Bourne had a baby with a soap opera. Intriguing, a bit over the top, but you can't look away. For those who like their spy stories with a side of “What the heck just happened?”, this one's for you. And now, I'm off to read the next one, because who needs sleep anyway?.
Okay, so, diving into Karl Braungart’s “Counter Identity,” I was like, “Wait, is this going to be as twisty as a bag of pretzels or what?” Spoiler: It totally is.
First off, this book is the second in the Remmich series. If you haven't read the first, “Lost Identity,” don’t panic. Braungart's like that cool teacher who gives you the CliffsNotes version at the beginning. You're welcome, latecomers.
Our main guy, Paul Remmich, is back and he's gotten himself in deeper with the Iraqi Tariq’Allah folks. They're like, “Hey, kidnap this US intelligence dude, Eric Miller.” And I'm sitting there thinking, “Paul, buddy, this is not a great career move.”
The thing about Braungart’s writing – it’s like he's had five espressos and is relaying a story at a breakneck speed. You’re there for it, but you also kinda want to tell him to take a breath. The plot’s got more twists than my intestines after Thanksgiving dinner.
Character-wise, Paul and Eric are like two sides of a very messed-up coin. Their dynamic is as complicated as trying to explain TikTok to your grandma. It’s fascinating, but you're not sure she’s getting it.
Let’s talk style. Braungart’s got this background in military intelligence, and it shows. It’s like he’s sprinkling in these nuggets of spy wisdom, and I’m here collecting them like a conspiracy theorist at a UFO convention.
But, and there’s always a but, sometimes it feels like the book is sprinting, and I'm in my pajamas trying to keep up. The pace is exhilarating, sure, but sometimes you need to slow down and smell the espionage... or something like that.
“Counter Identity” is a whirlwind. It’s like if Jason Bourne had a baby with a soap opera. Intriguing, a bit over the top, but you can't look away. For those who like their spy stories with a side of “What the heck just happened?”, this one's for you. And now, I'm off to read the next one, because who needs sleep anyway?.
January 26, 2024
Counter Identity is the second book in the Remmich Miller series, and it maintains the same exciting pace and action-packed pages that captivated me the first time in the first book. This series has introduced me to a whole new genre, and I am glad I have branched out as I know this isn't the type of book I would usually pick up.
Now, since Paul did such a great job the first time (the events that happen in the first book), he is given another mission. He is going to be sent out to abduct somebody else. But of course, not everything goes as smoothly as you would expect it to.
Personally, to understand the recurring characters better, it would be best to read the first book. You get a lot more insight based on what they have done and why they do 'certain' things in this book. However, Counter Identity still gives you a general idea about the characters from this one, as well as a general idea of the story itself.
Now, go into this book with expectations of an action-packed journey, because it will keep you on your toes. The unfolding events, the characters, and the conclusion will leave you yearning for more. This book will no doubt give you a satisfying reading experience.
Now, since Paul did such a great job the first time (the events that happen in the first book), he is given another mission. He is going to be sent out to abduct somebody else. But of course, not everything goes as smoothly as you would expect it to.
Personally, to understand the recurring characters better, it would be best to read the first book. You get a lot more insight based on what they have done and why they do 'certain' things in this book. However, Counter Identity still gives you a general idea about the characters from this one, as well as a general idea of the story itself.
Now, go into this book with expectations of an action-packed journey, because it will keep you on your toes. The unfolding events, the characters, and the conclusion will leave you yearning for more. This book will no doubt give you a satisfying reading experience.
May 16, 2023
I am sure many will love this series, but it’s not for me.
Read
October 14, 2024I accidentally clicked on this book as Currently reading. Maybe I will someday read it, but not at this moment. For some reason it would not let me change it from Currently reading.
June 13, 2024
Karl Braungart's Counter Identity (The Remmich/Miller Series) is another outstanding work by this gifted writer. The setting and primary characters Remmich and Miller were introduced in the first book, Lost Identity. Although the author does start this book with an introduction for anyone who is unfamiliar with the books, I don't believe that reading the first book in the series is absolutely necessary to enjoy this one.
Following drugging, hypnosis, and conditioning, Paul Remmich comes to believe that the Tariq'Allah group is a force for good in the world as the television show unfolds. He was once again assigned to a fresh task by the subterranean Tariq'Allah, who was pleased with his performance when taking documents from the US.
Karl Braungart crafted a series that elevates the bar for conspiracy thrillers with rigour and zeal.
You might like to check out more similar books here.
Following drugging, hypnosis, and conditioning, Paul Remmich comes to believe that the Tariq'Allah group is a force for good in the world as the television show unfolds. He was once again assigned to a fresh task by the subterranean Tariq'Allah, who was pleased with his performance when taking documents from the US.
Karl Braungart crafted a series that elevates the bar for conspiracy thrillers with rigour and zeal.
You might like to check out more similar books here.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews