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Berlin Wartime Thriller #1
Blackout
Berlin, December 1939
As Germany goes to war, the Nazis tighten their terrifying grip. Paranoia in the capital is intensified by a rigidly enforced blackout that plunges the city into oppressive darkness every night, as the bleak winter sun sets.
When a young woman is found brutally murdered, Criminal Inspector Horst Schenke is under immense pressure to solve the case, swiftly. Treated with suspicion by his superiors for his failure to joining the Nazi Party, Schenke walks a perilous line - for disloyalty is a death sentence.
The discovery of a second victim confirms Schenke's worst fears. He must uncover the truth before evil strikes again.
As the investigation takes him closer to the sinister heart of the regime, Schenke realises there is danger everywhere - and the warring factions of the Reich can be as deadly as a killer stalking the streets . . .
As Germany goes to war, the Nazis tighten their terrifying grip. Paranoia in the capital is intensified by a rigidly enforced blackout that plunges the city into oppressive darkness every night, as the bleak winter sun sets.
When a young woman is found brutally murdered, Criminal Inspector Horst Schenke is under immense pressure to solve the case, swiftly. Treated with suspicion by his superiors for his failure to joining the Nazi Party, Schenke walks a perilous line - for disloyalty is a death sentence.
The discovery of a second victim confirms Schenke's worst fears. He must uncover the truth before evil strikes again.
As the investigation takes him closer to the sinister heart of the regime, Schenke realises there is danger everywhere - and the warring factions of the Reich can be as deadly as a killer stalking the streets . . .
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First published August 28, 2020
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About the author
Simon Scarrow
161books2,074followersSimon Scarrow is a UK-based author, born in Nigeria, and now living in Norfolk. He completed a master's degree at the University of East Anglia, and, after working at the Inland Revenue, went into teaching as a lecturer at City College, Norwich.
He is best known for his "Eagle" series. This is Roman empire military fiction, starting with the second invasion of Britain, and continuing with subsequent adventures in every corner of the empire. The stories are told through the eyes of two centurions, Macro and Cato. To date there are eighteen books in the series.
Scarrow has also written a series of four novels on the Napoleonic wars, focusing on the lives of Wellington and Napoleon.
He is best known for his "Eagle" series. This is Roman empire military fiction, starting with the second invasion of Britain, and continuing with subsequent adventures in every corner of the empire. The stories are told through the eyes of two centurions, Macro and Cato. To date there are eighteen books in the series.
Scarrow has also written a series of four novels on the Napoleonic wars, focusing on the lives of Wellington and Napoleon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 500 reviews
February 8, 2021
Simon Scarrow ventures into WW2 historical fiction with his latest novel set in the bitterly cold, freezing snow ridden winter in Berlin 1939 that is claiming many lives, featuring Kripo Criminal Inspector, Horst Schenke, head of Pankow station, from an aristocratic background, a former racing driver who suffered a terrible accident that left him with a permanent limp. Approaching Christmas, the city has dark, unsafe streets with its enforced blackout, feeding paranoia and fear, as it provides cover for the rising criminality, morale further lowered by the tense and anxious wartime worries for serving soldiers, and rationing. Amidst the background of ambitious warring factions in the Nazi party, the powerful and ruthless SS Oberfuhrer Muller, head of the Gestapo, forces Schenke to lead the sensitive and perilous investigation of the rape and murder of the glamorous former film star, Gerda Korzeny, married to a senior party official, a woman with connections to Goebbels.
Schenke has few illusions, he has refused to join the SS and the party, arousing suspicions of his loyalty, he has been selected for his dispensability, and he is aware of the consequent dangers this brings to his trusted police team as they move to the Schoneberg precinct station to conduct the inquiry. Schenke is feeling the heat as Muller demands quick results, becoming ever more aware that he is being played, as he is drip fed specific information and has to have a member of the Gestapo observing him and the team. Schenke's girlfriend is the beautiful, if difficult, Karin, which brings her powerful uncle, Admiral Wilhelm Canaris, the head of Abwehr, the German military intelligence, into his sphere. As another woman's body is discovered with the same MO as Gerda, Schenke hunts for a serial killer within a deadly political environment where justice and truth is whatever the Nazis want it to be.
Scarrow evokes the darkness and atmosphere of the period beautifully, a Berlin with its illicit Jazz clubs, the heavy surveillance, the need for Berliners to be extremely careful about what they say, many being denounced by their own children, where perceived disloyalty and opposition to the ruling party is a death sentence. There is the conflict between the leading members of the party as they closely watch each other in an effort to gain any advantage. Schenke makes a fascinating protagonist, having to accommodate unpalatable realities whilst undergoing various internal philosophical debates as to how far he will go to defend his duty to truth and justice, whilst all too aware truth and justice have already been lost. This will appeal to those who love their historical fiction, particularly that set in WW2. Many thanks to Headline for an ARC.
Schenke has few illusions, he has refused to join the SS and the party, arousing suspicions of his loyalty, he has been selected for his dispensability, and he is aware of the consequent dangers this brings to his trusted police team as they move to the Schoneberg precinct station to conduct the inquiry. Schenke is feeling the heat as Muller demands quick results, becoming ever more aware that he is being played, as he is drip fed specific information and has to have a member of the Gestapo observing him and the team. Schenke's girlfriend is the beautiful, if difficult, Karin, which brings her powerful uncle, Admiral Wilhelm Canaris, the head of Abwehr, the German military intelligence, into his sphere. As another woman's body is discovered with the same MO as Gerda, Schenke hunts for a serial killer within a deadly political environment where justice and truth is whatever the Nazis want it to be.
Scarrow evokes the darkness and atmosphere of the period beautifully, a Berlin with its illicit Jazz clubs, the heavy surveillance, the need for Berliners to be extremely careful about what they say, many being denounced by their own children, where perceived disloyalty and opposition to the ruling party is a death sentence. There is the conflict between the leading members of the party as they closely watch each other in an effort to gain any advantage. Schenke makes a fascinating protagonist, having to accommodate unpalatable realities whilst undergoing various internal philosophical debates as to how far he will go to defend his duty to truth and justice, whilst all too aware truth and justice have already been lost. This will appeal to those who love their historical fiction, particularly that set in WW2. Many thanks to Headline for an ARC.
January 4, 2023
I thought I would read this excellent thriller again, as the sequel (Dead of Night) will be published next month. Still a great read the second time around & here's my original review from 2021....
In December 1939 Germany is in the grip of a freezing cold winter, the country is at war & the blackout dampens the spirit of everyone's Christmas celebrations. As if this wasn't bad enough in the city of Berlin (in the words of Thin Lizzy) there's a killer on the loose.
Simon Scarrow uses the backdrop of wartime Berlin for a gripping thriller, in which real & fictional characters merge seemlessly.
Blackout starts as a slow burner before the tension builds brilliantly as ex racing driver, now Criminal Inspector, Horst Schenke hunts a murderer who uses the blackout as the perfect hunting ground. Schenke is a superb creation & Simon Scarrow fills the novel with a great supporting cast.
This is an excellent stand alone novel, but I really hope it's going to be the first one in a series. Fingers crossed.
In December 1939 Germany is in the grip of a freezing cold winter, the country is at war & the blackout dampens the spirit of everyone's Christmas celebrations. As if this wasn't bad enough in the city of Berlin (in the words of Thin Lizzy) there's a killer on the loose.
Simon Scarrow uses the backdrop of wartime Berlin for a gripping thriller, in which real & fictional characters merge seemlessly.
Blackout starts as a slow burner before the tension builds brilliantly as ex racing driver, now Criminal Inspector, Horst Schenke hunts a murderer who uses the blackout as the perfect hunting ground. Schenke is a superb creation & Simon Scarrow fills the novel with a great supporting cast.
This is an excellent stand alone novel, but I really hope it's going to be the first one in a series. Fingers crossed.
August 30, 2022
Cuando me enteré de que Scarrow había publicado una novela ambientada no en la Roma antigua sino en la Alemania nazi, no dudé en adquirirla. Me ha gustado, pese al cambio de escenario, Scarrow no defrauda. Estamos ante lo que parece la primera entrega de una nueva serie y ya quiero leer la siguiente.
Dice la sinopsis
Berlín, 1939. Es un invierno especialmente frío, las calles están cubiertas de nieve y hielo, y resuena, en la distancia, el estruendo de la guerra. El Tercer Reich cerca la ciudad, y el pánico y la paranoia aumentan entre la población. Cada noche, durante los constantes apagones nocturnos, Berlín se sumerge en una oscuridad opresiva y sofocante y, entre las sombras, un asesino en serie encuentra vía libre para sus objetivos. La reputación del inspector Horst Schenke está en juego. No ha aceptado unirse al partido nazi y ahora, al hallar el cadáver de una mujer joven brutalmente asesinada, está obligado a resolver el caso con rapidez y eficacia; de lo contrario, las consecuencias podrían ser fatales. Los peores temores de Schenke se confirman cuando aparece una segunda víctima: poco a poco, la investigación lo conduce a los pasillos más profundos y oscuros del régimen. El peligro acecha detrás de cada esquina, y las distintas facciones del Reich, enfrentadas entre sí, pueden ser tan letales como el asesino que acecha en las calles...
¿Qué me ha gustado de este libro?
El estilo. Scarrow ha escrito una novela policiaca más que correcta. Es entretenida y engancha. El ritmo va de menos a más. Tras un comienzo, algo más lento, en el que nos presenta el contexto, se agiliza progresivamente. El último 30% ya a ritmo de thriller, es un no parar de leer.
El escenario. Berlín, diciembre de 1939. Alemania acaba de conquistar Polonia, la Segunda Guerra Mundial está en sus comienzos. Muchos ciudadanos, desconocedores de las intenciones de su Führer, creen todavía posible que Inglaterra y Francia lleguen pronto a un acuerdo de paz. Mientras tanto, los berlineses sufren apagones nocturnos, racionamientos y carencia de combustibles. El aparato del partido lo controla todo. Desde su ascenso al poder, muchos ciudadanos se han afiliado a él, bien por convicción, bien para no quedar relegados en sus puestos de trabajo o ser considerados sospechosos. En las fuerzas policiales y de seguridad, centralizadas por Himmler, los pocos que no lo han hecho viven con la perpetua amenaza de ser acusados de traición.
En ese contexto se comete un asesinato que, dada la identidad de la víctima, puede salpicar a figuras muy cercanas a Hitler. Las distintas facciones del aparato nazi pueden entrar en conflicto. Por ello, el Oberführer Müller, encarga su resolución a Horst Schenke, un inspector de la Kripo (policía criminal), no afiliado al partido. Schenke, que hasta entonces ha procurado mantenerse al margen de la política, va a constatar el precio de estar gobernados por una banda de psicópatas.
El desarrollo de la trama basado en una investigación meticulosa y bien llevada, en la que tampoco faltan escenas de acción.
El protagonista, Horst Schenke. Es el personaje mejor trazado. Representa a esos alemanes que, si bien deseaban que su patria saliese de la crisis impuesta por el tratado de Versalles y recuperase su orgullo, tenían muchas dudas hacia el nazismo. Schenke es consciente de que navega en aguas procelosas. Confía en que su buen hacer policial lo proteja ante el hecho de no estar afiliado al partido ni haber solicitado un puesto en las SS. No le gustan las leyes a medida promulgadas por el partido, pero las cumple y se cuida de manifestar sus opiniones en público y hasta en privado. La investigación del caso supondrá para él un antes y un después.
El resto de los personajes están esbozados al estilo de lo que es este género. Entre los secundarios destaco a Ruth, la testigo y a Liebwitz, el chico de la Gestapo. Me ha gustado igualmente como imbrica personajes reales como Müller, Heydrich o Canaris con los ficticios.
La nota final del autor. Aclaratoria y de las que por similitud con la actualidad pone los pelos de punta.
El final, muy ajustado y coherente.
¿Y qué me ha fallado?
Nos dice Scarrow en su nota final que ha intentado poner distancia entre su reconstrucción de la Alemania Nazi y esa otra, más histriónica, tan recreada por el cine. El tema es, que se le ha ido un poco la mano, y en ese intento de poner distancia, el producto final no termina de transmitir al lector todo el horror de, y cito sus palabras, "esos tiempos oscuros en toda su horrible paranoia". Confío en que sea un aspecto que mejore en las siguientes entregas.
En conclusión. Una novela policiaca ambientada en el Berlín de 1939, entretenida, bien escrita y bien llevada. Recomendable.
Dice la sinopsis
Berlín, 1939. Es un invierno especialmente frío, las calles están cubiertas de nieve y hielo, y resuena, en la distancia, el estruendo de la guerra. El Tercer Reich cerca la ciudad, y el pánico y la paranoia aumentan entre la población. Cada noche, durante los constantes apagones nocturnos, Berlín se sumerge en una oscuridad opresiva y sofocante y, entre las sombras, un asesino en serie encuentra vía libre para sus objetivos. La reputación del inspector Horst Schenke está en juego. No ha aceptado unirse al partido nazi y ahora, al hallar el cadáver de una mujer joven brutalmente asesinada, está obligado a resolver el caso con rapidez y eficacia; de lo contrario, las consecuencias podrían ser fatales. Los peores temores de Schenke se confirman cuando aparece una segunda víctima: poco a poco, la investigación lo conduce a los pasillos más profundos y oscuros del régimen. El peligro acecha detrás de cada esquina, y las distintas facciones del Reich, enfrentadas entre sí, pueden ser tan letales como el asesino que acecha en las calles...
¿Qué me ha gustado de este libro?
El estilo. Scarrow ha escrito una novela policiaca más que correcta. Es entretenida y engancha. El ritmo va de menos a más. Tras un comienzo, algo más lento, en el que nos presenta el contexto, se agiliza progresivamente. El último 30% ya a ritmo de thriller, es un no parar de leer.
El escenario. Berlín, diciembre de 1939. Alemania acaba de conquistar Polonia, la Segunda Guerra Mundial está en sus comienzos. Muchos ciudadanos, desconocedores de las intenciones de su Führer, creen todavía posible que Inglaterra y Francia lleguen pronto a un acuerdo de paz. Mientras tanto, los berlineses sufren apagones nocturnos, racionamientos y carencia de combustibles. El aparato del partido lo controla todo. Desde su ascenso al poder, muchos ciudadanos se han afiliado a él, bien por convicción, bien para no quedar relegados en sus puestos de trabajo o ser considerados sospechosos. En las fuerzas policiales y de seguridad, centralizadas por Himmler, los pocos que no lo han hecho viven con la perpetua amenaza de ser acusados de traición.
En ese contexto se comete un asesinato que, dada la identidad de la víctima, puede salpicar a figuras muy cercanas a Hitler. Las distintas facciones del aparato nazi pueden entrar en conflicto. Por ello, el Oberführer Müller, encarga su resolución a Horst Schenke, un inspector de la Kripo (policía criminal), no afiliado al partido. Schenke, que hasta entonces ha procurado mantenerse al margen de la política, va a constatar el precio de estar gobernados por una banda de psicópatas.
El desarrollo de la trama basado en una investigación meticulosa y bien llevada, en la que tampoco faltan escenas de acción.
El protagonista, Horst Schenke. Es el personaje mejor trazado. Representa a esos alemanes que, si bien deseaban que su patria saliese de la crisis impuesta por el tratado de Versalles y recuperase su orgullo, tenían muchas dudas hacia el nazismo. Schenke es consciente de que navega en aguas procelosas. Confía en que su buen hacer policial lo proteja ante el hecho de no estar afiliado al partido ni haber solicitado un puesto en las SS. No le gustan las leyes a medida promulgadas por el partido, pero las cumple y se cuida de manifestar sus opiniones en público y hasta en privado. La investigación del caso supondrá para él un antes y un después.
El resto de los personajes están esbozados al estilo de lo que es este género. Entre los secundarios destaco a Ruth, la testigo y a Liebwitz, el chico de la Gestapo. Me ha gustado igualmente como imbrica personajes reales como Müller, Heydrich o Canaris con los ficticios.
La nota final del autor. Aclaratoria y de las que por similitud con la actualidad pone los pelos de punta.
El final, muy ajustado y coherente.
¿Y qué me ha fallado?
Nos dice Scarrow en su nota final que ha intentado poner distancia entre su reconstrucción de la Alemania Nazi y esa otra, más histriónica, tan recreada por el cine. El tema es, que se le ha ido un poco la mano, y en ese intento de poner distancia, el producto final no termina de transmitir al lector todo el horror de, y cito sus palabras, "esos tiempos oscuros en toda su horrible paranoia". Confío en que sea un aspecto que mejore en las siguientes entregas.
En conclusión. Una novela policiaca ambientada en el Berlín de 1939, entretenida, bien escrita y bien llevada. Recomendable.
August 26, 2022
7,5/10
Me apetecía ver a Scarrow fuera de su zona de confort, y lo cierto es que al final nos ha dado una novela notable y sobre todo entretenida.
La acción arranca justo en el inicio de la expansión del Tercer Reich. Polonia acaba de ser conquistada con mucha facilidad y el nazismo se encuentra en la cima de la ola. Esto hace que vivir en el Berlín de 1939 sea complicado para aquellos que no quieran unirse al partido. El miedo a ser considerado un traidor está a la orden del día y la falta de combustible y víveres, tampoco ayuda a sobrellevar la situación.
Bajo esta premisa se produce un asesinato que puede salpicar a altas esferas del nazismo, por lo que nuestro protagonista es elegido para llevar la investigación, ya que carece de afiliación a alguno de los muchos bandos en que se divide el gobierno. Esto que en principio debería ser una ventaja, se irá convirtiendo en un lastre, conforme vaya investigando y descubra que hay mucho más de lo que parece detrás de ese asesinato.
A su favor tiene que la trama detectivesca no esta mal, es muy difícil mostrar algo novedoso y este no es el caso, pero en general está a la altura. Es fácil empatizar con el protagonista y sus dudas hacia el nazismo. Por otro lado los secundarios cumplen con el aprobado sin más, salvo alguna excepción. En este apartado me hubiera gustado un poco más en alguno de los compañeros de nuestro inspector. El ritmo narrativo es bueno, en esto se nota que Scarrow es un escritor veterano y sabe como evitar que el lector pierda el interés.
En su contra pondría sobre todo un gran pero, y es que Scarrow no ha sido capaz de trasladar la atmosfera de miedo que sufrieron millones de personas en ese Berlín al lector. Si, se nos explica durante la narración lo desalmada que era la Gestapo, de que uno debía de rezar para no cruzarse con la SS, pero como digo ese sentimiento de pánico no le llega al lector.
En cualquier caso, buena novela de detectives que no nos va a aportar nada nuevo, pero que cumple su objetivo de entretener. Tiene buen ritmo, un protagonista interesante y transcurre en un periodo histórico que a mi siempre me ha llamado mucho la atención.
Me apetecía ver a Scarrow fuera de su zona de confort, y lo cierto es que al final nos ha dado una novela notable y sobre todo entretenida.
La acción arranca justo en el inicio de la expansión del Tercer Reich. Polonia acaba de ser conquistada con mucha facilidad y el nazismo se encuentra en la cima de la ola. Esto hace que vivir en el Berlín de 1939 sea complicado para aquellos que no quieran unirse al partido. El miedo a ser considerado un traidor está a la orden del día y la falta de combustible y víveres, tampoco ayuda a sobrellevar la situación.
Bajo esta premisa se produce un asesinato que puede salpicar a altas esferas del nazismo, por lo que nuestro protagonista es elegido para llevar la investigación, ya que carece de afiliación a alguno de los muchos bandos en que se divide el gobierno. Esto que en principio debería ser una ventaja, se irá convirtiendo en un lastre, conforme vaya investigando y descubra que hay mucho más de lo que parece detrás de ese asesinato.
A su favor tiene que la trama detectivesca no esta mal, es muy difícil mostrar algo novedoso y este no es el caso, pero en general está a la altura. Es fácil empatizar con el protagonista y sus dudas hacia el nazismo. Por otro lado los secundarios cumplen con el aprobado sin más, salvo alguna excepción. En este apartado me hubiera gustado un poco más en alguno de los compañeros de nuestro inspector. El ritmo narrativo es bueno, en esto se nota que Scarrow es un escritor veterano y sabe como evitar que el lector pierda el interés.
En su contra pondría sobre todo un gran pero, y es que Scarrow no ha sido capaz de trasladar la atmosfera de miedo que sufrieron millones de personas en ese Berlín al lector. Si, se nos explica durante la narración lo desalmada que era la Gestapo, de que uno debía de rezar para no cruzarse con la SS, pero como digo ese sentimiento de pánico no le llega al lector.
En cualquier caso, buena novela de detectives que no nos va a aportar nada nuevo, pero que cumple su objetivo de entretener. Tiene buen ritmo, un protagonista interesante y transcurre en un periodo histórico que a mi siempre me ha llamado mucho la atención.
March 24, 2024
What is the value of being a criminal investigator in a state run by criminals?�
I recently read the second book in this series by Simon Scarrow. An author I only knew from his Roman stories of the legionaries Macro and Cato.
Now having read the first in the series I am looking forward to a third. The Kripo police officer Horst Schenke is an interesting character. He comes from an old family and deliberately dropped the Von from his surname. He was a famous racing car driver who damaged his leg in an accident. So not fit for the army he joins the police. Also he is dating the niece of Admiral Canaris of the Abwehr. He also has a strong moral compass and rejects the third reich.
Strong story about the hunt for a serial killer. A nice twist at the end and a rollicking good read.
I recently read the second book in this series by Simon Scarrow. An author I only knew from his Roman stories of the legionaries Macro and Cato.
Now having read the first in the series I am looking forward to a third. The Kripo police officer Horst Schenke is an interesting character. He comes from an old family and deliberately dropped the Von from his surname. He was a famous racing car driver who damaged his leg in an accident. So not fit for the army he joins the police. Also he is dating the niece of Admiral Canaris of the Abwehr. He also has a strong moral compass and rejects the third reich.
Strong story about the hunt for a serial killer. A nice twist at the end and a rollicking good read.
February 26, 2023
After Bernie Gunther policeman and later PI in Berlin, Max Heller policeman in Dresden there is now Horst Schenke a police inspector in Berlin. All three have in common that they had a policeman’s job in Adolf Hitler’s era and all three men do not believe in their Fuhrers ideas and find themselves caught in a job where their bosses are not very interested in policing but how the outcome makes them look.
Horst Franke former racingdriver and now policeman who does not want to chose for the Nazi-party but for his job as a policeman is doing Allright a short time before Christmas hunting down people who are counterfeiting foodstamps and dating a nice girl.
However his masters decide that he should solve the ghastly murder of of a former Moviestar, who used to date one Goring. With Schenke not being a political policeman he gets the job and as a added bonus a Gestapo man to follow the procedures.
Very soon Schenke and his team discover that the murder is not the only one and it seems that Berlin has a serial killer operating, and it becomes a whole new ballgame when the killer fails to kill one of his victims who can identify him.
This whole story plays in a post Poland invasion Berlin, where a blackout is mandated, one of the colder winters in play, Germany already caught in major shortage to heat and to eat, because the Allied force are not yet at war with Germany but are seriously hindering its supplies from other countries. The Nazies are still flexing their muscles but WW2 has only just begun with the annexation of Poland, and the Nazies are busy changing the infra structure of German Society.
In this atmospheric Berlin Police inspector Schenke has to track down a serial killer and his bosses from the Gestapo want it not to be a good Nazi. Thankfully Schenke also has his romantic adventure with A lovely girl whose uncle happens to be none other than admiral Canaris.
A very strong first installment of historic drama in WW2 Berlin, that is certainly very well written and captures the madness of those early days of a coming storm and how people go about their business but also about the influence of the Nazi thinking.
An excellent story with a nice twist in the tale in a very repressed society about to go to war but already at war among themselves.
As I already bought this installment together with its recent second installment I can continue in what looks to be an interesting series situated in Nazi Germany.
Certainly reading material for the fans of Kerr’s Bernie Gunther books, we get some exciting tales now that Kerr is no longer around with his passing.
Well worth your reading time.
Horst Franke former racingdriver and now policeman who does not want to chose for the Nazi-party but for his job as a policeman is doing Allright a short time before Christmas hunting down people who are counterfeiting foodstamps and dating a nice girl.
However his masters decide that he should solve the ghastly murder of of a former Moviestar, who used to date one Goring. With Schenke not being a political policeman he gets the job and as a added bonus a Gestapo man to follow the procedures.
Very soon Schenke and his team discover that the murder is not the only one and it seems that Berlin has a serial killer operating, and it becomes a whole new ballgame when the killer fails to kill one of his victims who can identify him.
This whole story plays in a post Poland invasion Berlin, where a blackout is mandated, one of the colder winters in play, Germany already caught in major shortage to heat and to eat, because the Allied force are not yet at war with Germany but are seriously hindering its supplies from other countries. The Nazies are still flexing their muscles but WW2 has only just begun with the annexation of Poland, and the Nazies are busy changing the infra structure of German Society.
In this atmospheric Berlin Police inspector Schenke has to track down a serial killer and his bosses from the Gestapo want it not to be a good Nazi. Thankfully Schenke also has his romantic adventure with A lovely girl whose uncle happens to be none other than admiral Canaris.
A very strong first installment of historic drama in WW2 Berlin, that is certainly very well written and captures the madness of those early days of a coming storm and how people go about their business but also about the influence of the Nazi thinking.
An excellent story with a nice twist in the tale in a very repressed society about to go to war but already at war among themselves.
As I already bought this installment together with its recent second installment I can continue in what looks to be an interesting series situated in Nazi Germany.
Certainly reading material for the fans of Kerr’s Bernie Gunther books, we get some exciting tales now that Kerr is no longer around with his passing.
Well worth your reading time.
September 24, 2022
Oye, que MUY bien esta historia clásica de inspector que busca a asesino. Ya, ya sé que eso sólo define el género.
Pero lo que marca la novela es que la trama está ambientada en Berlín en diciembre de 1939, justo cuando la Alemania nazi acaba de invadir Polonia pero todavía no se ha declarado la guerra con Francia ni Inglaterra y la gente normal, no perteneciente al Partido Nacionalsocialista, espera, confía, ruega porque acabe la cosa con esa invasión de Polonia y no haya más guerra.
Y ahí se produce el asesinato de una ex-amante de Goelbels y ahí es donde hacen entrar en la investigación al inspector Schenke y su equipo.
El inspector no está afiliado al partido y tiene grandes recelos sobre sus dirigentes, pero no le queda otra que asumir la investigación.
En este contexto Scarrow no mete en una trama ágil y que a mí me ha mantenido pegado al libro. Había leído a amigos (Carmen, Javir) que han dicho que no consigue meterte en la angustia de esos momentos con el Partido omnipresente. Bueno, pues yo sí me he metido. Igual es xq he leído bastante sobre la época nazi y ya solo “soltarme� en esos años leo con el corazón encogido.
He hablado de la trama ágil y no se espera otra cosa del muy buen hacer de Scarrow, aunque se haya ido de la Roma clásica a ese otro “imperio de los mil años� que gracias a Dios no lo fue.
Respecto a personajes…bueno, bien el inspector, aceptables otros dos secundarios y el resto flojos pero suficientes para hacer fluir la cosa. Y como casi todas las novelas de detectives comienzan a un ritmo normalito según nos van mostrando las piezas y al final la cosa se acelera y no hay forma de soltar el libro.
Otro detalle: no le hace falta al autor tirar de casquería o gore para una trama que enganche (gracias, Scarrow). Ni grandes giros de guion ni conejos sacados de la chistera. O sea, trama clásica pero sólida.
Mis cinco estrellas son en realidad un 8,5/10. Si le he puesto 5 en vez de 4 es xq la época histórica me atrae mucho, engancha, y con solo 360 pags consigue una buena novela aun sacrificando construcción de personajes por la corta extensión. Que aparezcan por ahí Heydrich o Cannaris tb me ha gustado.
Por personajes se le pueden quitar puntos. Por trama detectivesca lineal tb podéis. O xq no os “sumerja� más en la barbarie del nazismo. Yo no le he quitado estrellas.
Pero lo que marca la novela es que la trama está ambientada en Berlín en diciembre de 1939, justo cuando la Alemania nazi acaba de invadir Polonia pero todavía no se ha declarado la guerra con Francia ni Inglaterra y la gente normal, no perteneciente al Partido Nacionalsocialista, espera, confía, ruega porque acabe la cosa con esa invasión de Polonia y no haya más guerra.
Y ahí se produce el asesinato de una ex-amante de Goelbels y ahí es donde hacen entrar en la investigación al inspector Schenke y su equipo.
El inspector no está afiliado al partido y tiene grandes recelos sobre sus dirigentes, pero no le queda otra que asumir la investigación.
En este contexto Scarrow no mete en una trama ágil y que a mí me ha mantenido pegado al libro. Había leído a amigos (Carmen, Javir) que han dicho que no consigue meterte en la angustia de esos momentos con el Partido omnipresente. Bueno, pues yo sí me he metido. Igual es xq he leído bastante sobre la época nazi y ya solo “soltarme� en esos años leo con el corazón encogido.
He hablado de la trama ágil y no se espera otra cosa del muy buen hacer de Scarrow, aunque se haya ido de la Roma clásica a ese otro “imperio de los mil años� que gracias a Dios no lo fue.
Respecto a personajes…bueno, bien el inspector, aceptables otros dos secundarios y el resto flojos pero suficientes para hacer fluir la cosa. Y como casi todas las novelas de detectives comienzan a un ritmo normalito según nos van mostrando las piezas y al final la cosa se acelera y no hay forma de soltar el libro.
Otro detalle: no le hace falta al autor tirar de casquería o gore para una trama que enganche (gracias, Scarrow). Ni grandes giros de guion ni conejos sacados de la chistera. O sea, trama clásica pero sólida.
Mis cinco estrellas son en realidad un 8,5/10. Si le he puesto 5 en vez de 4 es xq la época histórica me atrae mucho, engancha, y con solo 360 pags consigue una buena novela aun sacrificando construcción de personajes por la corta extensión. Que aparezcan por ahí Heydrich o Cannaris tb me ha gustado.
Por personajes se le pueden quitar puntos. Por trama detectivesca lineal tb podéis. O xq no os “sumerja� más en la barbarie del nazismo. Yo no le he quitado estrellas.
August 2, 2021
This very gripping murder mystery set in Nazi Germany from the author, Simon Scarrow, is another daring project of his, and one I absolutely and fully approve.
At the beginning of the book you'll find two well-drawn maps, one of Central Berlin, and one of the Chain of Command of the Nazi Regime, and we need to take a particular interest in Admiral Wilhelm Canaris, Head of Abwehr (Military Intelligence), Reinhard Heydrich, Chief of the Reich Main Security Office, and the Head of Gestapo, Heinrich Müller, for each will play a very devious and sinister part in this murder mystery, while at the back of the book you'll notice a Note on Police and SS Ranks and an Author's Note, where the thoroughly researched historical details concerning this tale are superbly documented and explained.
Storytelling is of a top-notch quality, all characters come vividly to life within this mystery of corruption, intimidation and death, and its a story where the once beautiful surroundings and buildings of Berlin in these dark, bleak and deadly conditions at the end of 1939 are wonderfully pictured and described.
This tale is set in December 1939, in Berlin, and there we find our main protagonist, formerly from an aristocratic family but now financially ruined due to economics and Nazi Party politics, Kriminalinspektor Horst (von) Schenke, at the Head of Pankow Kripo Section.
What at first seems to be a routine investigation into forgeries of food coupons, becomes suddenly a nightmare from hell when Horst Schenke gets a phone call from SS Oberführer Müller, and a summons to show up asap at the office of Müller, where Schenke will be informed to lead an investigation into the death of former actress Gerda Korzeny (Schnee).
This investigation, which is undertaken with German efficiency and strict protocol, Horst Schenke, who's not a Nazi Party member, is from now on closely watched in his doings and dealings from all angles within the Nazi Regime, and in these suppressing circumstances Horst Schenke and his team, consisting of Sergeant Hauser, female officers, Frieda Echs and Rosa Mayer and the probationer, Brandt, will have to conduct their investigation to the best of their abilities.
When another murder has been committed, quickly followed by an attempted murder, Schenke and his team will enter into a maelstrom of occurrences in which several institutions within the Nazi Regime will do anything to influence the investigation in an attempt to put the blame towards another faction within this same Nazi Regime, but finally in an action-packed intriguing mystery which is set in chilling and deadly environments, Horst Schenke and his team are finally able to catch the culprit and bring him to justice.
Highly recommended, for this is a top-class murder case set in war-time Berlin, and one that shows us how the political and ruthless machinations of the Nazis work at its cruellest and deadliest, and that's why I want to call this great book: "A Very Captivating Blackout Murder Thriller"!
At the beginning of the book you'll find two well-drawn maps, one of Central Berlin, and one of the Chain of Command of the Nazi Regime, and we need to take a particular interest in Admiral Wilhelm Canaris, Head of Abwehr (Military Intelligence), Reinhard Heydrich, Chief of the Reich Main Security Office, and the Head of Gestapo, Heinrich Müller, for each will play a very devious and sinister part in this murder mystery, while at the back of the book you'll notice a Note on Police and SS Ranks and an Author's Note, where the thoroughly researched historical details concerning this tale are superbly documented and explained.
Storytelling is of a top-notch quality, all characters come vividly to life within this mystery of corruption, intimidation and death, and its a story where the once beautiful surroundings and buildings of Berlin in these dark, bleak and deadly conditions at the end of 1939 are wonderfully pictured and described.
This tale is set in December 1939, in Berlin, and there we find our main protagonist, formerly from an aristocratic family but now financially ruined due to economics and Nazi Party politics, Kriminalinspektor Horst (von) Schenke, at the Head of Pankow Kripo Section.
What at first seems to be a routine investigation into forgeries of food coupons, becomes suddenly a nightmare from hell when Horst Schenke gets a phone call from SS Oberführer Müller, and a summons to show up asap at the office of Müller, where Schenke will be informed to lead an investigation into the death of former actress Gerda Korzeny (Schnee).
This investigation, which is undertaken with German efficiency and strict protocol, Horst Schenke, who's not a Nazi Party member, is from now on closely watched in his doings and dealings from all angles within the Nazi Regime, and in these suppressing circumstances Horst Schenke and his team, consisting of Sergeant Hauser, female officers, Frieda Echs and Rosa Mayer and the probationer, Brandt, will have to conduct their investigation to the best of their abilities.
When another murder has been committed, quickly followed by an attempted murder, Schenke and his team will enter into a maelstrom of occurrences in which several institutions within the Nazi Regime will do anything to influence the investigation in an attempt to put the blame towards another faction within this same Nazi Regime, but finally in an action-packed intriguing mystery which is set in chilling and deadly environments, Horst Schenke and his team are finally able to catch the culprit and bring him to justice.
Highly recommended, for this is a top-class murder case set in war-time Berlin, and one that shows us how the political and ruthless machinations of the Nazis work at its cruellest and deadliest, and that's why I want to call this great book: "A Very Captivating Blackout Murder Thriller"!
April 15, 2021
Horst Schenke works as an inspector for the KriPo Berlin at the beginning of WWII. Several women are murdered and he must find the murderer. The atmosphere is tense and threatening, there's a lot of intimidation by the Nazis. I enjoyed it.
January 20, 2022
On first impression ,Blackout is a standard, competently written serial killer crime thriller. The kind we've all read a hundred times before. What makes this one stand out though, is the setting.
The author creates an authentic atmosphere of fear and paranoia in his recreation of Nazi Germany. I really liked his central character of Horst Schenke ; an upright and moral police officer who increasingly struggles to reconcile the fact that he is serving a brutal and repressive police state.
Gripping with plenty of twists and turns, this is one I very much enjoyed.
Fans of this should also check out the Bernie Gunther novels by the sadly late,great Phillip Kerr.
The author creates an authentic atmosphere of fear and paranoia in his recreation of Nazi Germany. I really liked his central character of Horst Schenke ; an upright and moral police officer who increasingly struggles to reconcile the fact that he is serving a brutal and repressive police state.
Gripping with plenty of twists and turns, this is one I very much enjoyed.
Fans of this should also check out the Bernie Gunther novels by the sadly late,great Phillip Kerr.
March 7, 2021
Simon Scarrow is an author that has been on my reading radar forever, but I never seem to have got around to. However, when I came across this, it seemed time to change that. I have long loved crime novels set during WWII and with no more Bernie Gunther novels forthcoming (with the ending of one of my all-time favourite series, due to the untimely death of Phillip Kerr), I thought I would give this a try.
'Blackout,' is set in Berlin, in 1939, so at the very start of the war. Criminal Inspector Horst Schenke is an honest man in a city where politics has, suddenly, become central to everything and people need to change sides. It is December, the city snowy and dark, as the blackout comes down every evening. At a Christmas party, ex-film star, Gerda Korceny, has a row and storms out. When her body is found the next morning, Schenke finds himself dragged in to investigate, by the head of the Gestapo. A reliable and discreet man is required and Schenke does not yet have a party badge, so is ordered to solve the murder quickly. This is most important as Gerda was once linked to Goebbels and this is information which can be used � either to save embarrassment, or for other means�
Schenke is an interesting character. A man who is linked, through his girlfriend, Karin, to Rear Admiral Canaris. A previous motor car driver, who missed the call up through an injury he sustained while racing. A Berliner, like many others, who is unsure who he can trust and has to watch his mouth at every turn. This was a good start to what will, hopefully, become a series. I liked many of the other characters, including the intriguing Scharfuhrer Otto Liebwitz and look forward to getting to know them better. I think Scarrow has won me over and I look forward to exploring his other series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
'Blackout,' is set in Berlin, in 1939, so at the very start of the war. Criminal Inspector Horst Schenke is an honest man in a city where politics has, suddenly, become central to everything and people need to change sides. It is December, the city snowy and dark, as the blackout comes down every evening. At a Christmas party, ex-film star, Gerda Korceny, has a row and storms out. When her body is found the next morning, Schenke finds himself dragged in to investigate, by the head of the Gestapo. A reliable and discreet man is required and Schenke does not yet have a party badge, so is ordered to solve the murder quickly. This is most important as Gerda was once linked to Goebbels and this is information which can be used � either to save embarrassment, or for other means�
Schenke is an interesting character. A man who is linked, through his girlfriend, Karin, to Rear Admiral Canaris. A previous motor car driver, who missed the call up through an injury he sustained while racing. A Berliner, like many others, who is unsure who he can trust and has to watch his mouth at every turn. This was a good start to what will, hopefully, become a series. I liked many of the other characters, including the intriguing Scharfuhrer Otto Liebwitz and look forward to getting to know them better. I think Scarrow has won me over and I look forward to exploring his other series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
August 25, 2022
Me ha gustado, me ha tenido enganchado y con eso ya digo bastante.
No creo que había leído nada de Scarrow pero me parece que es para seguirle la pista. Recomendable.
No creo que había leído nada de Scarrow pero me parece que es para seguirle la pista. Recomendable.
August 27, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up because the author does an admirable job creating an environment for Berlin after the Nazi's took Poland in 1939. Otherwise is it a relatively straightforward mystery which involves multiple killings of women alone, at night, traveling on the same train line into Berlin.
Although there are a few suspenseful points for this reader those were offset by the number of times I had to read about how the Nazis treated Jews in Germany then. I understand how horrific and unconsciable (is that a word?) they were and how civilization seemingly disappeared during the Nazi's reign. I have read extensively about WWII and even have read The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. I feel that the author went way-too heavy-handed beating the readers about this.
Although there are a few suspenseful points for this reader those were offset by the number of times I had to read about how the Nazis treated Jews in Germany then. I understand how horrific and unconsciable (is that a word?) they were and how civilization seemingly disappeared during the Nazi's reign. I have read extensively about WWII and even have read The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. I feel that the author went way-too heavy-handed beating the readers about this.
March 15, 2021
Blackout is an atmospheric and richly-detailed piece of historical fiction set against the backdrop of World War II Berlin. The prologue begins on 19 December 1939 and the alluring Gerda Korzeny, a well-known former actress married to senior Nazi party lawyer, Gustav Korzeny, who has close connections to Joseph Goebbels, Minister of Propaganda for the Nazi party, and her escort and secret lover, Oberst Karl Dorner, have just arrived at a Christmas party. It's frigid outside so she is dressed head to toe in fur to keep out the chilly evening air. Anyone worth their salt is at the gathering. Gerda scans the room and notices film stars, producers, artists and writers and those from the ranks of the navy, army and air force as well as recognisable Nazis. After an argument, Gerda leaves early and is followed out by Dorner into the cold, snowy night. The quarrel continues and eventually, Gerda disappears alone into the darkness. Heading towards Pape-Strasse station a man begins to follow her. She manages to board the train heading towards Anhalter. Criminal Inspector Horst Schenke is a prominent figure in the Kriminalpolizei, or Kripo, who is now in charge of Pankow precinct and the ten men that work under his command.
Since a crash on the Nürburgring circuit six years ago that brought an end to his glittering motor-racing career, Schenke has found some comfort in bringing justice to Berlin despite suffering from pain, mobility issues and a slight limp. His political cynicism � notably, his refusal to join the party � has, however, not gone unnoticed. Schenke receives a call from the head of the SS Oberführer Heinrich "Gestapo� Müller, a former policeman, requesting him to make his way to the Reich Main Security Office on Prinz-Albrecht-Strasse. He enlists him to investigate the rape and murder of Korzeny whose body was found by the tracks outside Anhalter station. She appeared to have been killed by a blow to the head, which crushed her skull. Her clothes were torn and there was evidence of assault. The orders must be carried out without question. The Nazi party believe that the investigation will be perceived as more unbiased if carried out by a detective that is not a party member. But Schenke is warned to tread carefully so as not to upset the warring factions inside the party and is left with a highly dangerous politicised case that must be handled sensitively. The investigation is to be held at Schöneberg precinct and Schenke is feeling the pressure from Müller’s office to resolve the issue rapidly and to their approval.
And to make it an even more stressful situation, Scharführer Otto Liebwitz, a pedantic intelligence analyst, has been allocated to Schenke’s division as a Gestapo spy, to report back on the murder investigation. When another women’s body is found Schenke realises he has a serial killer on his hands. But what is the value of being a criminal investigator in a state run by criminals? This is a riveting and exceptionally compelling historical mystery that evokes the time and place beautifully and authentically. Berlin at this time was living under a nightly blackout which led to a rise in crime as criminals felt bolder under the cover of darkness. The research carried out by Scarrow on Germany at the time, the Nazi party and how the police force operated under such oppression and pressure to conform to the party line is extensive and illustrates just how torn those who were seekers of truth and justice, like Schenke, were. Scarrow captures the captivating internal struggle and crisis of conscience Schenke feels between obeying the desires of the party and delivering justice for those who perished. This is a scintillating, absorbing and chilling read with plenty of surprises and palpable tension that runs throughout. It really brings the history of the Third Reich alive. Highly recommended.
Since a crash on the Nürburgring circuit six years ago that brought an end to his glittering motor-racing career, Schenke has found some comfort in bringing justice to Berlin despite suffering from pain, mobility issues and a slight limp. His political cynicism � notably, his refusal to join the party � has, however, not gone unnoticed. Schenke receives a call from the head of the SS Oberführer Heinrich "Gestapo� Müller, a former policeman, requesting him to make his way to the Reich Main Security Office on Prinz-Albrecht-Strasse. He enlists him to investigate the rape and murder of Korzeny whose body was found by the tracks outside Anhalter station. She appeared to have been killed by a blow to the head, which crushed her skull. Her clothes were torn and there was evidence of assault. The orders must be carried out without question. The Nazi party believe that the investigation will be perceived as more unbiased if carried out by a detective that is not a party member. But Schenke is warned to tread carefully so as not to upset the warring factions inside the party and is left with a highly dangerous politicised case that must be handled sensitively. The investigation is to be held at Schöneberg precinct and Schenke is feeling the pressure from Müller’s office to resolve the issue rapidly and to their approval.
And to make it an even more stressful situation, Scharführer Otto Liebwitz, a pedantic intelligence analyst, has been allocated to Schenke’s division as a Gestapo spy, to report back on the murder investigation. When another women’s body is found Schenke realises he has a serial killer on his hands. But what is the value of being a criminal investigator in a state run by criminals? This is a riveting and exceptionally compelling historical mystery that evokes the time and place beautifully and authentically. Berlin at this time was living under a nightly blackout which led to a rise in crime as criminals felt bolder under the cover of darkness. The research carried out by Scarrow on Germany at the time, the Nazi party and how the police force operated under such oppression and pressure to conform to the party line is extensive and illustrates just how torn those who were seekers of truth and justice, like Schenke, were. Scarrow captures the captivating internal struggle and crisis of conscience Schenke feels between obeying the desires of the party and delivering justice for those who perished. This is a scintillating, absorbing and chilling read with plenty of surprises and palpable tension that runs throughout. It really brings the history of the Third Reich alive. Highly recommended.
May 19, 2021
Simon Scarrow turns his attention from Cato and Macro to Horst Schenke, a Criminal Investigator in Nazi Germany in December 1939. This is a well-written and fascinating portrayal of Berlin in the early weeks of the war, when those who loved the fine things in life (now Nazi party members, one and all) have to cope with a shortage of fine wines and other delicacies from France and England. The serial killer investigation part of it is bleak and I rather think that women have a hard time of it generally in this novel. Nobody seems to like them very much, including Horst Schenke, who, like other men in the novel, are very critical of the women they profess to love. However, the historical side of the book is very good. 3.5 stars rounded up. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights
May 27, 2023
Fans of Bernie Gunther (Philip Kerr) Police detective and later PI in 2ww Germany will quickly come to mind if you are familiar with the stories; 1st one written in 1989. Both detectives have a strong ethical view of not being lead by political doctrine of the time and focused upon getting their man or woman for the right reasons. Horst Schenke walks the moral/ethical tightrope between right and wrong (Gestapo, Abwehr and the SS all jostling for control of Berlin and ultimately the ear of Hitler).
Great easy read and insights into Berlin during the first year of the 2nd WW and the invasion of Poland. Very strong characters with ongoing development as book two in the series was published Jan 2023. Smooth style and one that you just want keep reading.
Great easy read and insights into Berlin during the first year of the 2nd WW and the invasion of Poland. Very strong characters with ongoing development as book two in the series was published Jan 2023. Smooth style and one that you just want keep reading.
February 7, 2022
An entertaining thriller/historical fiction set in Germany during a bitterly cold December 1939. A famous actress and wife of an SS party lawyer has been murdered. She’s also a past lover of a powerful and prominent figure in the German government. Against the backdrop of rival police departments in Germany, Horst Schenke has been ordered by the head of the Gestapo to lead the investigation. To exacerbate the situation, a Gestspo agent and junior analyst - Otto Liebwitz - has been assigned to his group to keep an eye on him. An interesting character, Schenke has his private views of the current conditions in Germany. It’s telling that he has not signed up as an SS party member. It’s unclear to which rival chain of command his allegiance lies, if any, which is why he has been commanded to lead this sensitive murder. Besides, Schenke is a former race car driver and from an aristocratic family, both details he prefers not to advertise. As Schenke and his team investigate the murder, they uncover other similar murders, all committed at night during blackout. Balancing his determination to find the murderer, holding back from expressing what he really thinks of the government, keeping the various government factions appeased, and managing his love life is a juggling act that Schenke has to perform. Dialogue wise, there were a few times I winced at the words, e.g. “ain’t� and “reckon,� which seem more associated with Americans and Britishers rather than Germans. I wondered at the usage of “Hail� instead of “Heil� - I’ve usually seen the former. The other question left with me is - was there a deeper reason the murderer had for his deeds, other than the obvious one? Given that the author did a nice job with both the Schenke and Liebeitz characters - that are interesting multidimensional characters, the murderer felt fairly one dimensional to me and I was a tad disappointed. Overall though this was a fast-paced enjoyable mystery thriller - a solid 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 8, 2022
Fand den geschichtlichen Hintergrund deutlich interessanter als den Kriminalfall an sich.
March 9, 2023
A exciting crime thriller set in 1939 Berlin. Shortly before Christmas a woman is found raped and murdered next to a city railway line. The victim is a former film star with connections to Joseph Goebbels, Minister of Propaganda for the Nazi party.
Criminal Inspector Horst Schenke is ordered to take over the case by Heinrich Müller, head of the Gestapo, who tells him the matter must be resolved quickly.
But as the investigation begins, another woman's body is found and the Schenke and his colleagues in the Kripo (criminal investigation department) discover that similar murders have occurred. Now they are hunting a serial killer who uses the Berlin blackout as cover for his attacks on women.
Although Schenke is not a member of the Nazi party, many of his Kripo colleagues are and "Gestapo" Müller takes the opportunity to place one of his agents alongside Schenke's squad. It enforces the belief that the Kripo officers are "ultimately the servants of the (Nazi) party, rather than the guardians of law & justice." Schenke realises that the law "had become whatever the party said it was and justice was irrelevant".
So it is that he and his team have to tread carefully so as not to upset any of the warring factions within the Nazi party as they continue their hunt for the murderer.
Throughout the story we find what Schenke thinks of the Nazis and their methods and how he must walk a fine line as a professional police detective striving to stay out of the politics which elevate many to positions of power.
From start to finish his investigation is hampered by interference from high-ranking officials and he is constantly reminded of his failure to join the Nazi party. At one point he is reminded of the reality of life in Nazi Germany when told by Reinhard Heydrich (chief of the Reich Main Security Office (including the Gestapo, Kripo, and SD) : "You don't own the truth any more. We do."
The author, Simon Scarrow, is better known for his series of novels of the Roman Empire, but he manages to depict life in wartime Berlin with ease and Horst Schenke is a sympathetic character who one reviewer has compared to the late Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther.
Blackout is a must read for fans of WWII historical fiction.
My thanks to the publisher Headline and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
Criminal Inspector Horst Schenke is ordered to take over the case by Heinrich Müller, head of the Gestapo, who tells him the matter must be resolved quickly.
But as the investigation begins, another woman's body is found and the Schenke and his colleagues in the Kripo (criminal investigation department) discover that similar murders have occurred. Now they are hunting a serial killer who uses the Berlin blackout as cover for his attacks on women.
Although Schenke is not a member of the Nazi party, many of his Kripo colleagues are and "Gestapo" Müller takes the opportunity to place one of his agents alongside Schenke's squad. It enforces the belief that the Kripo officers are "ultimately the servants of the (Nazi) party, rather than the guardians of law & justice." Schenke realises that the law "had become whatever the party said it was and justice was irrelevant".
So it is that he and his team have to tread carefully so as not to upset any of the warring factions within the Nazi party as they continue their hunt for the murderer.
Throughout the story we find what Schenke thinks of the Nazis and their methods and how he must walk a fine line as a professional police detective striving to stay out of the politics which elevate many to positions of power.
From start to finish his investigation is hampered by interference from high-ranking officials and he is constantly reminded of his failure to join the Nazi party. At one point he is reminded of the reality of life in Nazi Germany when told by Reinhard Heydrich (chief of the Reich Main Security Office (including the Gestapo, Kripo, and SD) : "You don't own the truth any more. We do."
The author, Simon Scarrow, is better known for his series of novels of the Roman Empire, but he manages to depict life in wartime Berlin with ease and Horst Schenke is a sympathetic character who one reviewer has compared to the late Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther.
Blackout is a must read for fans of WWII historical fiction.
My thanks to the publisher Headline and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
February 2, 2022
Blackout by Simon Scarrow is set in Berlin in 1939 and it starts with a murder, soon it lands in the hands of the young criminal inspector Horst Schenke. He is not a party member which is the reason why he is picked to solve the murder. It is very clear to him that there is some politics behind the reason he is picked and he is under a lot of pressure. Then they find another victim and Horst and his loyal team suspects a connection and they find more murders with some similarities. The author has created some great characters and the setting in Germany is wonderfully described. The dialogue and balance act in this time in history are some of the things I relly liked about this book and I will definitely read the next book in this new series. I must thank @netgalley #Netgalley @this_is_edelweiss #Edelweiss @KensingtonBooks for giving me this advance copy of #Blackout and @SimonScarrow for making this stuff appear on paper. Highly recommended.
December 28, 2024
3.5⭐️
September 20, 2021
It’s December 1939 and Germany’s in the grip of a blisteringly cold winter. The Country is at war and the enforced blackout has the Captial’s inhabitants in bleak spirits, with the darkness only intensifying the mass fear and paranoia. Under this chaotic blanket of darkness, a killer stalks the streets...
When a woman is murdered, Criminal Inspector Horst Schenke is under pressure to catch the killer and quickly. Under suspicion of his superiors for refusing to join the Nazi part, Schenke is walking a perilous line—one wrong move could spell his death.
But, when a second body confirms his worst fears and the investigation leads him closer to the regime he despises, Schenke realises the warring factions of the reich are just as merciless and bloodthirsty as the killer he’s hunting...
A really interesting and detailed take on the crime/thriller genre. Simon Scarrow perfectly paints a viscerally stark and atmospheric scene that really feels ominous. The secret Jazz Clubs and the constant surveillance do nothing the assuage the sinisterly feelings that arose as the blow burn style narrative unfolded.
I’ve been branching out into reading different genres this year and was definitely excited to give this a read,but unfortunately, I just don’t think the WW2 crime/thriller genre is for me.
The writing was well developed, exquisitely detailed and the concept was really intriguing—I think lovers of WW2 era fiction or connoisseurs of the crime/thriller genre are really going to enjoy this one.
I also want to say a MASSIVE thank you to Headline for sending me a copy for review.
When a woman is murdered, Criminal Inspector Horst Schenke is under pressure to catch the killer and quickly. Under suspicion of his superiors for refusing to join the Nazi part, Schenke is walking a perilous line—one wrong move could spell his death.
But, when a second body confirms his worst fears and the investigation leads him closer to the regime he despises, Schenke realises the warring factions of the reich are just as merciless and bloodthirsty as the killer he’s hunting...
A really interesting and detailed take on the crime/thriller genre. Simon Scarrow perfectly paints a viscerally stark and atmospheric scene that really feels ominous. The secret Jazz Clubs and the constant surveillance do nothing the assuage the sinisterly feelings that arose as the blow burn style narrative unfolded.
I’ve been branching out into reading different genres this year and was definitely excited to give this a read,but unfortunately, I just don’t think the WW2 crime/thriller genre is for me.
The writing was well developed, exquisitely detailed and the concept was really intriguing—I think lovers of WW2 era fiction or connoisseurs of the crime/thriller genre are really going to enjoy this one.
I also want to say a MASSIVE thank you to Headline for sending me a copy for review.
February 24, 2021
Was very lucky to get an ARC for this one. Great WW2 story with a great protagonist. Horst Schenke is an ex racing car driver turned policeman. He is reluctant to join the nazi party as his political views and ideas dont align. However he does want to be the nest at his job and holds what he does in high regard. Great backdrops in the winter of Berlin..great mix of crime fiction with the history. Pacing was great and characters were also very likeable. I think this will be the start of something great for the author
November 14, 2021
My rating is a little harsh, three and a half stars would be spot on.
I did enjoy this detective novel set in a period that interests me.
I'm sure a lot of readers of this novel were hoping for a 'Bernie Gunther' type character and Kripo inspector Horst Schenke isn't far off. It just lacks the wit and dry gallows humour of Philip Kerr's Berlin detective.
An enjoyable read though.
Set over Christmas 1939 during the 'phoney war' in a freezing Berlin winter a serial killer is using the blackout restrictions to assault and murder lone women.
Because he's not a member of the Nazi party and therefore expendable Schenke is taken off his current case and ordered by the dreaded head of the Gestapo, Muller, to find the killer or else.
Forced to work with an S.S man an unlikely partnership develops between the pair as they try to solve the case.
It looks like this may be the start of a series and I'd certainly like to see where further cases might take Schenke and Liebwitz. At the end of 'Blackout' Schenke encounters Ogorzow the real life 'U-Bahn killer' so maybe that's a clue to the next story?
I did enjoy this detective novel set in a period that interests me.
I'm sure a lot of readers of this novel were hoping for a 'Bernie Gunther' type character and Kripo inspector Horst Schenke isn't far off. It just lacks the wit and dry gallows humour of Philip Kerr's Berlin detective.
An enjoyable read though.
Set over Christmas 1939 during the 'phoney war' in a freezing Berlin winter a serial killer is using the blackout restrictions to assault and murder lone women.
Because he's not a member of the Nazi party and therefore expendable Schenke is taken off his current case and ordered by the dreaded head of the Gestapo, Muller, to find the killer or else.
Forced to work with an S.S man an unlikely partnership develops between the pair as they try to solve the case.
It looks like this may be the start of a series and I'd certainly like to see where further cases might take Schenke and Liebwitz. At the end of 'Blackout' Schenke encounters Ogorzow the real life 'U-Bahn killer' so maybe that's a clue to the next story?
March 21, 2022
3.5
My first book by the author and it was a good read. I'm not a big reader of WWII fiction these days but I wanted to give him a try. It was clear this story was setting up for a series, which is not an issue, and it did have some thrilling, page-turning moments. I think if I read more from the author, I will try some of his non-WWII fiction works. He let us in on some of his political views in the author's note and I prefer not to have that in my reading choices unless I specifically go in knowing they will be shown to us, knocked off 1/2 a star. If you like thrilling reads and those set in WWII, I would recommend giving this one a try.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for an advanced ebook in exchange for a fair and honest review.
My first book by the author and it was a good read. I'm not a big reader of WWII fiction these days but I wanted to give him a try. It was clear this story was setting up for a series, which is not an issue, and it did have some thrilling, page-turning moments. I think if I read more from the author, I will try some of his non-WWII fiction works. He let us in on some of his political views in the author's note and I prefer not to have that in my reading choices unless I specifically go in knowing they will be shown to us, knocked off 1/2 a star. If you like thrilling reads and those set in WWII, I would recommend giving this one a try.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for an advanced ebook in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 27, 2022
This was an amazing read. I truly enjoyed every second of the ride I was taken on. I have a true love of historical fiction novels dealing with World War 2, and this novel ticked all of the boxes for me. The characters were rich and made me feel like they were taking me along on the investigation. The plot was fast paced and left me guessing even as the end neared.
Truly a great read.
Truly a great read.
December 31, 2024
Ein Frauenmord führt die Kripo um Kommissar Schenke auf die Spur eines Serienmörders. Dabei geht es spannend und dynamisch einher. Die Story spielt dazu kurz nach Kriegsbeginn an Weihnachten 1939. Und auch die politischen Stimmungen spielen dabei mit in die Story ein.
Hervorragend geschrieben und erzählt, spannend bis zur letzten Seite. Wer die Reihe um Kommissar Oppenheimer von Harald Gilbers mag, wird diese Reihe ebenfalls lieben. Bin gespannt wie es weitergeht.
Hervorragend geschrieben und erzählt, spannend bis zur letzten Seite. Wer die Reihe um Kommissar Oppenheimer von Harald Gilbers mag, wird diese Reihe ebenfalls lieben. Bin gespannt wie es weitergeht.
January 6, 2025
Fantastic book, absolute page turner. Very chilling at times and extremely clever writing, I didn’t guess the ending at all.
Loved the integration of Nazi Germany history - one of the most interesting time periods of history for me. Definitely 5🌟, cannot wait to read the sequel.
Loved the integration of Nazi Germany history - one of the most interesting time periods of history for me. Definitely 5🌟, cannot wait to read the sequel.
February 23, 2022
Thought it was really good to excellent, Horst is an excellent protagonist (reminded me of Harlan Coban’s Myron Bolitar) and very atmospheric feeling when it comes to living in Nazi Germany.
I thought the ending seemed a little rushed but that was 350 pages deep so not sure how much more could be said.
Hearing there might be a sequel soon so that would be cool.
I thought the ending seemed a little rushed but that was 350 pages deep so not sure how much more could be said.
Hearing there might be a sequel soon so that would be cool.
December 20, 2021
Blackout: A World War II Thriller by Simon Scarrow is a great historical police procedural that takes place in Berlin and kept me entertained from beginning to end.
I love myself a great historical novel, and this is a WWII murder/mystery that is part police procedural, part thriller, part historical fiction. It is set in Berlin, Germany 1939. There is plentu of unease and instability cooking as part of the backdrop and threaded within the plot itself to lend intrigue, suspense, and to heighten the stakes.
Here we have CI Horst Schenke who is a complicated and conflicted character. An excellent detective who is an asset to The Third Reich, yet is a black sheep in that he is morally and ideal logically against the new Nazi regime.
The twists and turns within this dark, gritty plot, and the fact that Schenke is diving deeper and deeper into dark corners and layers within important government figures and situations at odds with what he believes, takes this double homicide to a whole new level.
With the Investigator be able to solve the murders, find the culprit, yet keep the heat off of himself, and escape this sticky situation unscathed?
I enjoyed finding out.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts immediately upon publication on 3/29/22.
I love myself a great historical novel, and this is a WWII murder/mystery that is part police procedural, part thriller, part historical fiction. It is set in Berlin, Germany 1939. There is plentu of unease and instability cooking as part of the backdrop and threaded within the plot itself to lend intrigue, suspense, and to heighten the stakes.
Here we have CI Horst Schenke who is a complicated and conflicted character. An excellent detective who is an asset to The Third Reich, yet is a black sheep in that he is morally and ideal logically against the new Nazi regime.
The twists and turns within this dark, gritty plot, and the fact that Schenke is diving deeper and deeper into dark corners and layers within important government figures and situations at odds with what he believes, takes this double homicide to a whole new level.
With the Investigator be able to solve the murders, find the culprit, yet keep the heat off of himself, and escape this sticky situation unscathed?
I enjoyed finding out.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts immediately upon publication on 3/29/22.
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