A propulsive, never-before-told story of one family’s shocking involvement as Nazi and Japanese spies during WWII and the pivotal role they played in the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
It began with a call from a screenwriter, asking about a story. Your family. WWII. Nazis spies. Christine Kuehn was shocked and confused. When she asked her 70-year-old father, Eberhard, what this could possibly be about, he stalled, deflected, demurred, and then he wept. He knew this day would come.
The Kuehns, a once prominent Berlin family, saw the rise of the Nazis as a way out of the hard times that had befallen them. When the daughter of the family, Eberhard’s sister and Christine’s Aunt Ruth, met Nazi leader Joseph Goebbells at a party, the two hit it off, and they had an affair. But Ruth had a secret – she was half jewish, and Goebbells found out. Rather than having Ruth killed, Goebbels instead sent the entire Kuehn family to Hawaii, to work as spies half a world away. There, Christine’s grandparents and her Aunt Ruth established an intricate spy operation from their home, just a few miles down the road from Pearl Harbor, shielding their son Eberhard from the truth. They passed secrets to the Japanese leading to the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, and only after that did Eberhard first learn of the family’s spying. After Christine’s grandfather was arrested and tried for his involvement in planning the attack on Pearl Harbor, her father left. Eberhard turned his back on the entire family, joined the US Army, and fought the Japanese in Okinawa.
Jumping back and forth from Christine discovering her family’s secret to the untold past of spies in Germany, Japan and Hawaii, Family of Spies is fast paced history at its finest, and will rewrite the narrative of December 7, 1941.
The Kuehns, a once prominent Berlin family, saw the rise of the Nazis as a way out of the hard times that had befallen them. When the daughter of the family, Eberhard’s sister and Christine’s Aunt Ruth, met Nazi leader Joseph Goebbells at a party, the two hit it off, and they had an affair. But Ruth had a secret – she was half jewish, and Goebbells found out. Rather than having Ruth killed, Goebbels instead sent the entire Kuehn family to Hawaii, to work as spies half a world away. There, Christine’s grandparents and her Aunt Ruth established an intricate spy operation from their home, just a few miles down the road from Pearl Harbor, shielding their son Eberhard from the truth. They passed secrets to the Japanese leading to the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, and only after that did Eberhard first learn of the family’s spying. After Christine’s grandfather was arrested and tried for his involvement in planning the attack on Pearl Harbor, her father left. Eberhard turned his back on the entire family, joined the US Army, and fought the Japanese in Okinawa.
Jumping back and forth from Christine discovering her family’s secret to the untold past of spies in Germany, Japan and Hawaii, Family of Spies is fast paced history at its finest, and will rewrite the narrative of December 7, 1941.
Christine Kuehn Schiponi was cocooned in the sanctity of a quiet suburban life when a letter from a historian in 1994 pierced that bubble, sending her on a 30 year quest to discover the truth behind a horrendous family secret kept hidden for half a century. Following a career in journalism, public relations, and non-profit, Christine now lives in Maryland with her husband close to their three grown children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We are located above The Ridgway restaurant on the 2nd floor at 1300-3rd Street South, Suite 201.
What are your hours?
Beginning October 1st, our seasonal hours are Monday through Saturday 9am - 7pm and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
Is your store stroller and ADA accessible?
Yes! Our stroller and ADA entrance is accessible at the back of the building from the sidewalk and parking lot. Take the ramp up to the main floor and the elevator to the 2nd floor to access the store. We have an ADA accessible restroom in-store.
Where can I park near your store?
There is a parking lot immediately behind our building off 14th Ave between 2nd St S and 3rd St S, a parking lot across 13th Street from the store, and street parking available in the neighborhood.
Do you host events?
We have a robust event calendar including book and author talks, signings, writing workshops, children's story time and others. Please visit our Events page to see our upcoming offerings and sign up for our newsletter to be notified of event announcements.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes! Gift cards are available for purchase in-store.
Can you help with our community event, author event, or B2B bulk order?
Yes, we support a variety of organizations around town who are hosting book talks or authors for speaking engagements and can facilitate book sales, signings, pre-order campaigns, book club suggestions and more. Please email events@booksonthird.com with your request and we will contact you.
I would like to work at your store, are you hiring?
We're thrilled you're interested in joining our book-loving team. Open positions will be posted on our website if anything becomes available.
Will you stock my book?
Congratulations on publishing your book! Please fill out the Local Author Book Submission form to tell us more about your book. We review these submissions and our book buyers will reach out within one month if they are interested in stocking your book on our shelves. Due to the high volume of submissions, we are not able to respond to every request. We regret that we are unable to respond to email, phone, or in-person inquiries. Thank you for understanding.
Our Story
Our Story
We're not just another bookstore - we're a curated literary experience. Founded in friendship, we've poured our enthusiasm for books into creating a unique haven for readers.
We believe in the power of personalized curation, hand-selecting titles that resonate with individual tastes and fostering unexpected discoveries. This commitment drives us to offer a diverse and thoughtfully chosen collection.
Beyond the books themselves, we've crafted a high-design space that invites you to linger, explore, and connect. From cozy reading nooks to striking architectural details, our shop is a feast for the senses.
Books on Third is a community hub. Expect the familiar comforts of author events and book clubs, but also prepare for creative gatherings that push the boundaries of what a bookstore can be. We're dedicated to fostering a love of reading and creating memorable experiences for every visitor.
Come explore our shelves, share your literary interests, and discover the magic of a bookstore built on friendship, curated taste, and a genuine love for the written word.
Shipping Details
Shipping Details
We offer $5 flat-rate shipping on all orders.
Orders are typically fulfilled within 3 to 5 business days. During peak periods, processing times may be longer.
Local pickup is available at our Naples storefront. Please bring your order number and a photo ID to retrieve your purchase.