"A German Requiem" by Philip Kerr -- Vienna 1948

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

      

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Philip Kerr's "March Violets" - Detective story set in Germany in 1930s

This is a great book. A fictional account of private investigator, Bernie Gunther, working in Nazi Germany in 1930s. It nicely shows how totalitarian system is established in free country slowly, step-by-step. 

This book is a first novel in the series about Bernie Gunther. Bernie's character reminds me of Humphrey Bogart's character as private detective. Takes no bullshit. Although he tries to accommodate the regime to survive but he does it without losing his integrity. 

posted by David

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Judge Dee's first case by Robert van Gulik

This book about Golden Buddha is part of detective stories whose main character is Judge Dee set in 7th century China. It is said Judge Dee's character is based on real historical Chinese statesman and magistrate. 

In this book Judge Dee is investigating murder of another Judge in a port town. 

Even though it is well written novel, I was not very impressed. Judge Dee is open-minded and curious personality but I did not see anything remarkable in his character to make me to want to read other stories.

posted by David

  

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