I only realised this was the third in a series towards the end - it certainly provides all the information you need to understand the characters and their personal context again the wider geopolitical context of Berlin 1940. Reminiscent in some ways of Babylon Berlin, insomuch that the initial focus is on a Weimar-era nightclub that keeps running for those with the position to keep going to clubs, this police procedural is perhaps less subtle but by no means less enjoyable. Being the third in the series makes more sense when some of the “bigger names” in the nazi hierarchy make an appearance - I can’t imagine they were all making cameos in the earlier books… and perhaps the ending of the book stretches credibility somewhat, but in the world Scarrow has created for Inspector Schenke in wartime Berlin it roughly holds together and is - most importantly- entertaining.

I’ve read a great deal of Simon Scarrow. His books are always written so well, with tremendous emphasis on strong, realistic characters carrying engaging and creative stories.
I’m indebted to the publisher for allowing me to read this book early as it was a sheer joy to read. By far the strongest book in this series to date, with a searing story that is punctuated throughout with moments of sensitivity and respect, relating to the real life horrors perpetrated by the Nazis.
Once again the author creates an authentic world, populated by love and hope, perpetually threatened by mob mentality and violence.

I’ve become a firm fan of this excellent series set in Berlin during World War 2. Horst Schenke is a police inspector doing his best to combat crime in the Third Reich. He realises the difficulty he faces working for a regime which he opposes, the supreme irony of catching criminals in a society run by men equally as vile “ When it came down to it, such men were no worse than the gangsters running the Nazi Party……… There was very little difference between any of them. And the Führer ….. was the greatest criminal of all”
Schenke is an honourable man, in love with a woman forbidden to him by the times he lives in, trying to do his job and keep both himself and those close to him safe.
Whilst investigating a forged ration coupon scheme, Schenke and his team become involved in the investigation of the murder of a criminal gang leader, Remer. As they look into the crime they begin to discover a lot of information, none of it easy to tie up.
Meanwhile a new boss arrives at the precinct and tries to persuade Schenke to join the SS to help his career leading to encounters with some very high up officials in the regime. Schenke still works with Sergeant Hauser and the slightly odd Liebwitz who uses his sharp mind to help crack the case.
This is a fast moving and exciting thriller and the setting only serves to add more tension to the plot. The reader is always on edge worrying that Schenke will give his true feelings away.
The book is well researched by the author and the historical details he adds makes the book all the more believable
For me this is definitely a five star read and I thoroughly recommend it to all historical. crime thriller fans- I can’t wait for the next one in the series and just hope that Schenke manages to to survive the war!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

This is my first read by this author and it really hit the mark with me. I think this can be read as a standalone although I'll definitely be looking to read the previous books in this series. I'm a fan of historical fiction and I think the author portrays his characters and the era the story takes place in so well. I really liked Schenke and his work colleagues who investigate forged ration coupons, murders and the criminal underworld in Nazi Germany. The authors writing is engaging, the story flows well and I was drawn into the story straight away. The plot line is well thought out with plenty of surprises that had me second guessing what would happen next. I loved the intrigue, suspense and mystery the author creates in his story and the build up to the ending is fast paced and thrilling. If you like historical fiction with a crime element then I'd recommend this book, although if you're new to this author you're best to read the series in order to know the characters and their backgrounds from the start.

4 stars

*A big thank-you to Simon Scarrow, Headline, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
Mr Scarrow continues with the Schenke series and keeps the writing style and period details at the high level. I have read two previous books, and was delighted with Book 3.
Horst Schenke investigates another case which this time involves forgery of food coupons and brutal killings behind it. Horst's loyalties lie with his conscience despite attempts to bribe him.
Mr Scarrow shows both the official Nazi Berlin and the underworld which exist along each other. The series is well-researched and is an interesting take on the Nazi regime at its heart.

The third in the Schenke series of police procedurals is a worthy addition to the genre as it paints an accurate and evocative picture of wartime Berlin, the crime and corruption that was rife in such troubled times.

The characters continue to develop and are credible and well depicted. The writing is compelling and engaging and draws the writer in.

I still have withdrawal pangs for the incomparable Bernie Gunther but this is a pretty good substitute.

"A Death in Berlin" opens in May 1940, three months after the events of "Dead of Night".

Inspector Horst Schenke and his Kripo colleagues are investigating a forged food ration coupon ring.

One of their prime suspects is found dead in an alley and the criminal gangs close ranks to block the police.

Schenke is investigating the victim's colleagues and rivals in order to identify the culprits but many are protected by their political connections in the upper echelons of the Nazi Party.

Schenke finds himself threatened with the exposure of his secrets in order to make him turn a blind eye but his sense of honour makes this difficult to contemplate.

This series is shaping up to be one of Scarrow's best


I would like to thank Netgalley and Headline Publishing for the chance to read and review this book

This series gets darker and better all the time.

"A Death in Berlin" opens in May 1940, a mere three months after the events of "Dead of Night". Criminal Inspector Schenke and his colleagues in the Kripo are continuing their work, trying to keep the streets of Berlin safe. But the city is beset with criminals, both career criminals and self-serving Nazis. Gangs rule the underworld - organised, well-provisioned and protected by high-ranking Nazis, whom they blackmail or bribe. When the head of one gang is brutally murdered, Schenke and his men embark on a dangerous mission to track down the killers.

Quickly the reader is drawn into the dark and dangerous world of WW2 Berlin - not because of allied bombers, but from the people who are benefiting from the war - people who lie, and plot and kill to serve their own ambitions. Schenke refuses to bow to the Nazi Party, nor does he intend to give the gangs free rein in his city. He just want to do his job.

Readers of the previous books will relish meeting again the key players - Schenke, whose unwillingness to join the Nazi party or the SS, places him under suspicion; Sergeant Hauser, dogged and pragmatic, and Liebwitz, who despite being a Gestapo officer and lacking most social skills, is becoming a very likeable and interesting character. There's also a wonderful cast of gangsters, gangster's molls, and Berliners who are simply trying to survive. Plus there are several cameo appearances which are both chilling and thrilling.

As usual wartime Berlin forms the backdrop to the story - still decadent, full of those trying to carry on as normal. Threads from the earlier books are carried through, some to the end, in a satisfying course of events which see Shenke having to make choices that will stay with him forever. The book certainly examines the depths of depravity and evil WW2 took people to. And you wouldn't have to look far to see modern-day comparisons.

The climax of the book is worthy of the biggest and best film Hollywood ever produced. The Schenke books have been compared to the Bernie Gunther novels or the Gregor Rheinhart series , but "A Death in Berlin" surely shows this series has established its own credentials.

Thoroughly recommended for fans of Douglas Jackson, Luke McCallin and Chris Lloyd.