‘Blackout’ by Simon Scarrow is a historical crime thriller set in Germany at a time when Hitler and the Nazi’s were in power. Having never read a Simon Scarrow book before I was happy to be invited to the ‘Blackout’ Blog Tour. I am a huge geek when it comes to history, and the second world war is one I know quite well, so I was really looking forward to reading this book. There is even two maps to show us the way around Central Berlin and one to educate us on the chain of command of the Nazi regime. I like that little detail it does help if you don’t know any of it.
Berlin 1939, a few days before Christmas Day and it’s freezing cold. Hitler is firmly in place and it did not matter whether they are seen as bullies or heroes they can do as they wish at any moment, that includes changing the law if they feel like it. This is what the police have to work with on a daily basis.
We meet Criminal Inspector Schenke who has been given a case by the Nazi bosses. It is the murder of a beautiful and famous woman and he knows whichever way he goes he will upset one or another party faction. In fact, he stands a good chance he may upset every single one of them. He doesn’t even know if identifying the killer will save him from the danger he could be in by failing to identify him. As the investigation gets closer to the Nazi regime, Schenke realises they will stop at nothing.
This is a book in which Simon Scarrow has successfully recreated Berlin in vivid detail and highlighted the corruption of the regime in charge and brought it to life, the bleakness and the darkness of the desperate times is apparent. Schenke is not a favourite because he refuses to join the Nazi Party, so, as it was then if you are not with them you are, oh so obviously, against them and are treated accordingly. This was a time that danger was around every corner and we certainly feel that as the story develops.
The author’s storytelling is on point. The characters are so richly detailed it almost feels like they jump out the pages. The story itself is an action-packed, intriguing mystery. It does keep you on your toes as you see the machinations of the regime that is so cruel as we all know it to have been and that adds to the tension as well.
I found this a captivating read and am hoping Simon Scarrow will be writing another Schenke story.
Thanks to Anne Cater and Headline for the copy of the book.
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