This is a 3rd book in a Bernie Gunther's series. It is set in post-WWII Berlin and Vienna.
The Countries of Europe occupied by Red Army following Nazi defeat end up in a very precarious position. Now, in people's opinion Europe represents a a place of plenty and security but for a few years after WWII it was a dark place. No Food, no medicine, no security. People could be abducted by Russian security, military or any number of unofficial paramilitary services for no reason at all and they could do whatever they wanted with them.
How to survive in this situation? Black market, crimes, prostitution flourished. Culture norms shifted to tolerate new environment.
So it is in such situation Gunther takes a job to investigate death of American military in Vienna. His former Nazi-friend is accused for this crime and Bernie's job is to clear his name and of course, he wonders why he wants to do that. In reality however Bernie's job is a cover up to catch a bigger fish without Bernie even knowing about it until it is too late.
posted by David
