This is a difficult review to write. The subject German National Socialism and the periods covered: 1936 (Olympics in Germany), 1938 (Sudetenland crisis), and 1947 (emerging cold war in Berlin and Vienna) are disturbing to many and difficult to think of in connection with Noir Fiction. However, Philip Kerr has managed to create an interesting trilogy out of it. The biggest drawback to the books is the over the top use of Noir cliches and characters. He might have done better to forego the language of Noir and to have stuck with the atmosphere and general aesthetic. The main reason I have only given these books 2 stars is this.

But the hook is fascinating...an ex-police detective now working as a private detective in Berlin and brushing against the famous and, mostly, infamous in the Nazi regime. History is used effectively and an attempt to explain why Germany became what it did and did what it did is made. This fails but then all attempts have failed so I do not hold that against the author.

I would give this trilogy a mild recommendation for anyone familiar with the history of this period and those that would like a writer's take on the time. Also, the stories are not bad....not really compelling and enthralling but interesting. The solution found to the crimes/mysteries are predictable but that does not take away from the experience.

The first book is the weakest...it is here that the Noir cliches are out of control and it does damage the story...but books 2 and 3 are quite good.

If you have any interest in National Socialist Germany then this trilogy is for you.

Enjoy.