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The Summer of Long Knives
In the summer of 1936, the racial and political climate in Munich are growing tense, and Kommisar Rolf Wundt and his wife Klara are increasingly desperate to leave Nazi Germany while they still can. But when a member of the League of German Girls is found brutally murdered and posed in the yard of a dilapidated farmhouse, Rolf's supervisor declares that they can't leave until he's solved the case. Rolf's investigation leads him from the depths of the underground Communist movement to the heights of Germany's elite Nazi society, exposing the cracks in Germany's so-called unified society as well as the unspoken tensions in Rolf's complicated marriage. Ultimately, long-buried secrets and overwhelming evidence are laid bare, but how can Rolf bring the killer to justice in a country devoid of justice? And how can he protect himself, his wife, and his former lover from the barbarism of a corrupt and power-hungry government?
322 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2013
2 people are currently reading
886 people want to read
About the author
Jim Snowden
4 books57 followersJim Snowden is an award winning writer, editor and educator who lives in the Seattle area with his partner, Venice. Jim’s passion is telling stories about people who find the rules they’ve lived by turning against them.
Jim received his MFA from the University of Washington in 2004, where he won the David Guterson award for his work on Dismantle the Sun. He also runs a small press, MMIP Books, which published its first short story collection, Coming Unglued: Six Stories About Things Falling Apart, in May of 2011. Its next collection, Blood Promises, And Other Commitments will be out in November of 2012.
Jim received his MFA from the University of Washington in 2004, where he won the David Guterson award for his work on Dismantle the Sun. He also runs a small press, MMIP Books, which published its first short story collection, Coming Unglued: Six Stories About Things Falling Apart, in May of 2011. Its next collection, Blood Promises, And Other Commitments will be out in November of 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 9, 2015
Please note: I was going to rate this book 3 stars, yet because of a spiteful and totally undeserved 1-star review on Amazon that bears no facts and no sense, I have decided to give this book 5 stars to make up for this injustice.
The basic story of this novel is great.
A young BDM-girl has been brutally murdered. The investigating Kommissar is skilled and dedicated, yet the fusing of the KRIPO with the Gestapo has made it rather impossible to solve crimes, especially when the suspect is an "honorable" SS-man. Thus, neither the Gestapo-trained co-worker of Rolf, the Kommissar, nor the higher-uppers are interested in finding the real murderer, who seems to be a serial killer, expected to hit again. They rather accuse a bunch of Jewish teenagers of the crime. While Rolf's direct superior is no Nazi, he is an opportunist and has little interest in risking his career, and much less his head, in the cause of justice. All the while, Rolf's wife urges her husband to emigrate to France, but he is obsessed with stopping the alleged serial killer before he kills again.
The author has done an immense amount of research about the Third Reich of the 1930s, which he has also publicized in blogs. Therefore, the political background is genuine. Hitler, Goering, Heydrich, and Himmler are portrayed authentically, and so are their interactions. And if someone was not familiar with Gestapo methods to extract confessions (be they true or false), they will be after reading this book.
So, why would I not rate this book 5 stars to start out with?
As diligently as the author did the historic research, he did not do his homework in regard to the social environment. He lets his protagonist interact with other people (for instance, his boss, his assistent, and his neighbor) in a way, people just simply do not interact in Germany, and especially not in the 1930s. He lets them use language for which there is no German equivalent. He gives them first names that do not exist (for instance, "Dortmund", which is a city name and is as such banned to be used as a first name, in Germany), and he lets them eat hot dogs and drink Coke; none of which was known in Germany until after the war, and even then it would have been many years until sausage stands would have offered it. And, and, and, and, ... Having grown up in Germany -- even in the very same area -- only few years later, I am familiar with the place and the time. And I cringed. All in all, I felt like watching a performance of Aida where the Roman soldiers in the triomph march were wearing wrist watches and sunglasses while using American foul language. (A beta-read by someone who is familiar with the social environment of the country and the era could have easily eliminated these flaws. Unfortunately, I did not know the author when he wrote his book; otherwise, I would have been glad to assist him.)
I also had a problem with the story drifting more and more into the horror genre, and I could have done without the complicated sex life of the protagonist, his wife, and his mistress. But this may only be me. I am in my 70s and a bit old-fashioned.
Should you read this book? In case you don't mind to read about horror scenarios and are not fussy about a book getting the social atmosphere right, I would say, go ahead. The story is a very interesting read, and the book is compelling and hard to put down. Even with all the cringing I had to do, I must say that I enjoyed reading this novel.
The author, no doubt, is a talented writer, and if he gets the social environment right in the future, his next book, set in Germany, during the Third Reich, might well earn him 5 stars from me without any reservations.
The basic story of this novel is great.
A young BDM-girl has been brutally murdered. The investigating Kommissar is skilled and dedicated, yet the fusing of the KRIPO with the Gestapo has made it rather impossible to solve crimes, especially when the suspect is an "honorable" SS-man. Thus, neither the Gestapo-trained co-worker of Rolf, the Kommissar, nor the higher-uppers are interested in finding the real murderer, who seems to be a serial killer, expected to hit again. They rather accuse a bunch of Jewish teenagers of the crime. While Rolf's direct superior is no Nazi, he is an opportunist and has little interest in risking his career, and much less his head, in the cause of justice. All the while, Rolf's wife urges her husband to emigrate to France, but he is obsessed with stopping the alleged serial killer before he kills again.
The author has done an immense amount of research about the Third Reich of the 1930s, which he has also publicized in blogs. Therefore, the political background is genuine. Hitler, Goering, Heydrich, and Himmler are portrayed authentically, and so are their interactions. And if someone was not familiar with Gestapo methods to extract confessions (be they true or false), they will be after reading this book.
So, why would I not rate this book 5 stars to start out with?
As diligently as the author did the historic research, he did not do his homework in regard to the social environment. He lets his protagonist interact with other people (for instance, his boss, his assistent, and his neighbor) in a way, people just simply do not interact in Germany, and especially not in the 1930s. He lets them use language for which there is no German equivalent. He gives them first names that do not exist (for instance, "Dortmund", which is a city name and is as such banned to be used as a first name, in Germany), and he lets them eat hot dogs and drink Coke; none of which was known in Germany until after the war, and even then it would have been many years until sausage stands would have offered it. And, and, and, and, ... Having grown up in Germany -- even in the very same area -- only few years later, I am familiar with the place and the time. And I cringed. All in all, I felt like watching a performance of Aida where the Roman soldiers in the triomph march were wearing wrist watches and sunglasses while using American foul language. (A beta-read by someone who is familiar with the social environment of the country and the era could have easily eliminated these flaws. Unfortunately, I did not know the author when he wrote his book; otherwise, I would have been glad to assist him.)
I also had a problem with the story drifting more and more into the horror genre, and I could have done without the complicated sex life of the protagonist, his wife, and his mistress. But this may only be me. I am in my 70s and a bit old-fashioned.
Should you read this book? In case you don't mind to read about horror scenarios and are not fussy about a book getting the social atmosphere right, I would say, go ahead. The story is a very interesting read, and the book is compelling and hard to put down. Even with all the cringing I had to do, I must say that I enjoyed reading this novel.
The author, no doubt, is a talented writer, and if he gets the social environment right in the future, his next book, set in Germany, during the Third Reich, might well earn him 5 stars from me without any reservations.
August 26, 2013
It's a great read. I couldn't put it down over the last 150 or so pages.
A very powerful story from many perspectives: plot, character interactions, surprises, humor, word choices, literary references.
Plus a well-presented and quite plausible visit with Goering and Hitler in their personal lairs and the opportunity to gain greater understanding of the conflicts between the various Nazi thugs. Even with each other, they were really hateful people.
August 13, 2016
In the summer of 1936, the racial and political climate in Munich are growing tense, and Kommisar Rolf Wundt and his wife Klara are increasingly desperate to leave Nazi Germany while they still can. But when a member of the League of German Girls is found brutally murdered and posed in the yard of a dilapidated farmhouse, Rolf’s supervisor declares that they can’t leave until he’s solved the case.
The numerous outstanding features making this novel a must read are plenty. Snowden does a wonderful job with the political climate in Germany with Hitler’s ascent. He paints a clear and rather accurate picture of the various parties, the horrific and unfair treatment of the Jewish population. The 1930′s, the intimate intricacies of the Third Reich are exposed and all too real. The overall tone of the time is well executed, really creating a powerful backdrop for the narrative. You will be captivated with this story from the very beginning. The characters pique your interest and are well developed. Not your average murder mystery, Snowden encompasses all aspects of a more than competent author to provide a unique reading experience along with masterful storyline. Snowden certainly deserves acknowledgment of his stellar research, very apparent with the historical references, nothing less than accurate.
To reiterate the comprehensive research really makes this book standout. The political aspects immaculately accurate. The major political players of the time presented with such clarity and certitude it enhances the entire reading adventure – Hitler, Himmler, Heydrich and Goering. Snowden thoroughly brings these figureheads to life through his prose, interactions and persons.
A different take on a murder mystery, allowing the peruser an in depth view of Germany’s crude past complete with power struggles among the Third Reich. Highly highly recommend this well crafted and researched novel.
The numerous outstanding features making this novel a must read are plenty. Snowden does a wonderful job with the political climate in Germany with Hitler’s ascent. He paints a clear and rather accurate picture of the various parties, the horrific and unfair treatment of the Jewish population. The 1930′s, the intimate intricacies of the Third Reich are exposed and all too real. The overall tone of the time is well executed, really creating a powerful backdrop for the narrative. You will be captivated with this story from the very beginning. The characters pique your interest and are well developed. Not your average murder mystery, Snowden encompasses all aspects of a more than competent author to provide a unique reading experience along with masterful storyline. Snowden certainly deserves acknowledgment of his stellar research, very apparent with the historical references, nothing less than accurate.
To reiterate the comprehensive research really makes this book standout. The political aspects immaculately accurate. The major political players of the time presented with such clarity and certitude it enhances the entire reading adventure – Hitler, Himmler, Heydrich and Goering. Snowden thoroughly brings these figureheads to life through his prose, interactions and persons.
A different take on a murder mystery, allowing the peruser an in depth view of Germany’s crude past complete with power struggles among the Third Reich. Highly highly recommend this well crafted and researched novel.
October 21, 2014
As a Goodreads newbie, I feel Imust explain the few titles I have intially added to my bookshelf. They are all, in one way or another, related to the year 1936 and in particular to developments in Germany. The reason for this focus is the fact that my current work-in-progress as a writer is a story in that setting. And so it has been instructive to read novels which were written during that time. Actually more than instructive... it was a true joy to discover belatedly the work of Dorothy L. Sayers.
I have also read the work of contemporary writers whose narrative is set in that dramatic era. One I started reading yesterday. "The Summer Of Long Knives" by Jim Snowden.
After three chapters there are some observations I feel moved to make.
1) The crisis of conscience of the protagonist, a Munich police Kommissar, is well established from the outset.
2) There are passages of scene-setting which surprise with quite lyrical eloquence.
3) In an important sequence Snowden risks peopling his storytelling with real-life characters who happen to be the most high-profile leaders of the Nazi regime. He manages to handle this challenge amazingly well, given that such a construct could easily result in disaster.
However my reading enjoyment was spoiled on almost every page by Snowden's use of language which clashes crassly with the era he describes. Turns of phrase which would be unthinkable in dialogue exchanged between people talking in the 1930s have a jarring effect. Okay, in reality they would have been talking in German. But surely the English should not include terms and references which are glaringly anachronistic. The most offensive instance came close to the end of Chapter Three. There was a description of refuse left behind after a Nazi party rally on Königsplatz in Munich... the detritus included 'gum wrappers'! As if chewing gum was widely enjoyed in Germany in the thirties!
I hope the story will keep me sufficiently enthralled to be able to ignore the language problem.
18 October... I have now reached a point one-third through the book, having finished Chapter Eleven. Although I find the storytelling more and more compelling I am still cringing every now and then when American usages intervene and there are assumptions made about life in Germany in 1936 which I find implausible. The Kommissar has a radio in his office (which I find odd) and he switches on "his favourite music station"... Sorry, but the term 'music station' is quite out of keeping for the thirties when no such genre/format broadcasters existed. Snowden's research is in some areas admirable, in others however sadly deficient.
19 October... I have now finished Chapter Sixteen and the progress bar tells me that I have read 61% of the book.
During my third reading session the Kommissar's use of radio in his automobile struck me as a probable anachronism. Even in 1937, wireless communication with police cars in England meant employing Morse code for messages and two-way radio was introduced only in the post-war years.
Apart from that I noted that when Snowden makes excursions into realms scatological, his language is colourfully contemporary, but such passages are few and can be skipped by the fastidious.
Otherwise as the plot thickens the story gallops ahead nicely.
20 October... A final reading session took me to the end of the book. I find myself in agreement with others who were well pleased by the intricate, dynamic and and finally most satisfactory plotting of the story.
And so why have I been so complaining about the Transatlantic tone adopted by the author? For many readers it might be quite acceptable, particularly those whose preferred thrillers are set in America. It is, after all, probably a question of individual taste.
I think that the several historical inaccuracies are another matter, however. My sensitivity in this respect probably owes something to my background in film and television. 'Continuity errors' in movies are an embarrassment and 'bloopers' are the cause of life-long shame. The story of the Roman gladiator in "Spartacus" wearing a Rolex wristwatch may be apocryphal but lists of movie gaffes are long.
Novelists can also err. When in London Dan Brown's protagonist seeks to take a tube train to get to King's College he makes for Temple Station. But in fact that is the station which is closest of all to King's and boarding a train there would only take him away from his destination. All in all, Jim Snowden's 'gum wrappers' and such can probably be forgiven!
My underlying point remains a simple one: the aim of an author is to immerse the reader in a world he describes, a world with its own integrity and authenticity. Any glaring improbability or crass anachronism jolts the reader out of this immersion and... in my view... spoils the fun of a good read.
I have also read the work of contemporary writers whose narrative is set in that dramatic era. One I started reading yesterday. "The Summer Of Long Knives" by Jim Snowden.
After three chapters there are some observations I feel moved to make.
1) The crisis of conscience of the protagonist, a Munich police Kommissar, is well established from the outset.
2) There are passages of scene-setting which surprise with quite lyrical eloquence.
3) In an important sequence Snowden risks peopling his storytelling with real-life characters who happen to be the most high-profile leaders of the Nazi regime. He manages to handle this challenge amazingly well, given that such a construct could easily result in disaster.
However my reading enjoyment was spoiled on almost every page by Snowden's use of language which clashes crassly with the era he describes. Turns of phrase which would be unthinkable in dialogue exchanged between people talking in the 1930s have a jarring effect. Okay, in reality they would have been talking in German. But surely the English should not include terms and references which are glaringly anachronistic. The most offensive instance came close to the end of Chapter Three. There was a description of refuse left behind after a Nazi party rally on Königsplatz in Munich... the detritus included 'gum wrappers'! As if chewing gum was widely enjoyed in Germany in the thirties!
I hope the story will keep me sufficiently enthralled to be able to ignore the language problem.
18 October... I have now reached a point one-third through the book, having finished Chapter Eleven. Although I find the storytelling more and more compelling I am still cringing every now and then when American usages intervene and there are assumptions made about life in Germany in 1936 which I find implausible. The Kommissar has a radio in his office (which I find odd) and he switches on "his favourite music station"... Sorry, but the term 'music station' is quite out of keeping for the thirties when no such genre/format broadcasters existed. Snowden's research is in some areas admirable, in others however sadly deficient.
19 October... I have now finished Chapter Sixteen and the progress bar tells me that I have read 61% of the book.
During my third reading session the Kommissar's use of radio in his automobile struck me as a probable anachronism. Even in 1937, wireless communication with police cars in England meant employing Morse code for messages and two-way radio was introduced only in the post-war years.
Apart from that I noted that when Snowden makes excursions into realms scatological, his language is colourfully contemporary, but such passages are few and can be skipped by the fastidious.
Otherwise as the plot thickens the story gallops ahead nicely.
20 October... A final reading session took me to the end of the book. I find myself in agreement with others who were well pleased by the intricate, dynamic and and finally most satisfactory plotting of the story.
And so why have I been so complaining about the Transatlantic tone adopted by the author? For many readers it might be quite acceptable, particularly those whose preferred thrillers are set in America. It is, after all, probably a question of individual taste.
I think that the several historical inaccuracies are another matter, however. My sensitivity in this respect probably owes something to my background in film and television. 'Continuity errors' in movies are an embarrassment and 'bloopers' are the cause of life-long shame. The story of the Roman gladiator in "Spartacus" wearing a Rolex wristwatch may be apocryphal but lists of movie gaffes are long.
Novelists can also err. When in London Dan Brown's protagonist seeks to take a tube train to get to King's College he makes for Temple Station. But in fact that is the station which is closest of all to King's and boarding a train there would only take him away from his destination. All in all, Jim Snowden's 'gum wrappers' and such can probably be forgiven!
My underlying point remains a simple one: the aim of an author is to immerse the reader in a world he describes, a world with its own integrity and authenticity. Any glaring improbability or crass anachronism jolts the reader out of this immersion and... in my view... spoils the fun of a good read.
November 2, 2013
What I liked about this novel is the mystery and although it veered towards horror, it was gripping. The political history was very good, well researched and described Hitler and his henchmen perfectly.
What I didn't like about this novel is all the American vernacular, the American tone of the writing, the errors in social history, interaction and dialogue between the characters that made it hard to believe this story was occuring in 1936 Germany. This is its biggest fault. The dark, brooding Nazi Germany of 1936 was lost and should have added depth to this mystery.
I received this book compliments of Goodreads First Read for my honest review.
What I didn't like about this novel is all the American vernacular, the American tone of the writing, the errors in social history, interaction and dialogue between the characters that made it hard to believe this story was occuring in 1936 Germany. This is its biggest fault. The dark, brooding Nazi Germany of 1936 was lost and should have added depth to this mystery.
I received this book compliments of Goodreads First Read for my honest review.
December 27, 2024
This book drew me to it most of all because of the setting in which it takes place. Munich, 1936. The Nazi Party was in power. Kommisar Rolf and his wife desperately want to leave Germany for safer ground. Their politics will only make them targets for those in charge. Already Rolf's wife, a once respected psychiatrist, is out of her job because of politics and her gender. Soon, the Gestapo will be taking over the police force, and where would that leave Rolf?
With pressure from his wife who desperately wants out and his boss who wants him to stay, at least to finish out Rolf's current investigation, Rolf finds himself between a rock and a hard place. If it weren't for his own strong sense of justice, Rolf probably would have defied his boss and left sooner, but he just can't let it go, especially when the wrong people are accused, tried and found guilty of the crime. The crime: the brutal assault and murder of a girl, a member of the League of Girls. Rolf's investigation takes him to the underground Communist movement and among the most powerful in the Nazi Party. His marriage is tested as he wars with moral issues within himself.
Rolf is met with quite a bit of resistance in his investigation, from Jewish people who will not trust him to those in privileged positions who believe themselves above the law. With the Nazis breathing down his neck, trying to thwart his investigation with their conspiracy theories about Jews and Communists being the perpetrators of all crime, Rolf finds he must be cautious and cunning in his efforts to find the truth.
What I liked most about the novel were the historical details about what life was like in Germany right before the war, although admittedly some of the more minor details I question the accuracy of (use of certain terms and items not yet widely known or used in 1936). I was not pulled out of the story at all, however.
As I read, I may have blurted out loud my frustration at the rhetoric and obvious prejudice of some of the characters, even knowing most were fictional. Like Rolf, I wanted to get to the truth of who the killer was and stop him from killing anyone else. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for him, working with such incompetent people who really were only out for themselves, and who did not seem to care about justice nor about their fellow human beings, regardless of race or politics.
I was not too sure what to think about Rolf in the beginning. The first two chapters did not warm me to him, particularly the way he treated his first suspect in the murder investigation. By the third chapter though, I found I liked Rolf and was completely on his side. He is a flawed character, as were many of the characters in the book, and while I did not agree with all the decisions he made, I could see why he made them. His wife was an interesting character, and Rolf called upon her expertise quite a bit throughout the case. I appreciated his honesty with her--a product of past slights, to be sure, but refreshing just the same.
The Summer of Long Knives is not just a mystery about a murder investigation. It is also about a dark time in our world's history, about the abuse of power, morality, and how it impacted the people at the heart of it. I appreciated the depth the author went to in creating Rolf's character as well as his wife's. The Nazi characters were less fleshed out and seemed stereotypical, but given the type of book this is, it did not bother me too much. I do wish I could have known more about Hans-Josef, Rolf's protege. There's one part of the story in which I was both happy and sad for him--over good news--knowing the fate of his country.
An old case of Rolf's that still haunts both him and his wife is mentioned several times, along with an old affair Rolf had with a Communist Jewess. The woman he once had an affair with plays an important role in this book. I thought for sure as I read this book must be part of a series. It reads like one given how vague and yet prominent the details were about the previous case and affair. The Summer of Long Knives is a stand alone, however.
Overall, I quite enjoyed Jim Snowden's The Summer of Long Knives. There is nothing light about this mystery thriller. It is very dark, and well it should be given the time period and place in our history. I was swept up in Rolf's life and investigation, anxious to see justice brought to the killer, while at the same time sad knowing the fate of the country, of the war to come and the many more injustices that would occur in the meantime.
Review copy provided by author for review. Review originally posted on my blog, Musings of a Bookish Kitty.
With pressure from his wife who desperately wants out and his boss who wants him to stay, at least to finish out Rolf's current investigation, Rolf finds himself between a rock and a hard place. If it weren't for his own strong sense of justice, Rolf probably would have defied his boss and left sooner, but he just can't let it go, especially when the wrong people are accused, tried and found guilty of the crime. The crime: the brutal assault and murder of a girl, a member of the League of Girls. Rolf's investigation takes him to the underground Communist movement and among the most powerful in the Nazi Party. His marriage is tested as he wars with moral issues within himself.
Rolf is met with quite a bit of resistance in his investigation, from Jewish people who will not trust him to those in privileged positions who believe themselves above the law. With the Nazis breathing down his neck, trying to thwart his investigation with their conspiracy theories about Jews and Communists being the perpetrators of all crime, Rolf finds he must be cautious and cunning in his efforts to find the truth.
What I liked most about the novel were the historical details about what life was like in Germany right before the war, although admittedly some of the more minor details I question the accuracy of (use of certain terms and items not yet widely known or used in 1936). I was not pulled out of the story at all, however.
As I read, I may have blurted out loud my frustration at the rhetoric and obvious prejudice of some of the characters, even knowing most were fictional. Like Rolf, I wanted to get to the truth of who the killer was and stop him from killing anyone else. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for him, working with such incompetent people who really were only out for themselves, and who did not seem to care about justice nor about their fellow human beings, regardless of race or politics.
I was not too sure what to think about Rolf in the beginning. The first two chapters did not warm me to him, particularly the way he treated his first suspect in the murder investigation. By the third chapter though, I found I liked Rolf and was completely on his side. He is a flawed character, as were many of the characters in the book, and while I did not agree with all the decisions he made, I could see why he made them. His wife was an interesting character, and Rolf called upon her expertise quite a bit throughout the case. I appreciated his honesty with her--a product of past slights, to be sure, but refreshing just the same.
The Summer of Long Knives is not just a mystery about a murder investigation. It is also about a dark time in our world's history, about the abuse of power, morality, and how it impacted the people at the heart of it. I appreciated the depth the author went to in creating Rolf's character as well as his wife's. The Nazi characters were less fleshed out and seemed stereotypical, but given the type of book this is, it did not bother me too much. I do wish I could have known more about Hans-Josef, Rolf's protege. There's one part of the story in which I was both happy and sad for him--over good news--knowing the fate of his country.
An old case of Rolf's that still haunts both him and his wife is mentioned several times, along with an old affair Rolf had with a Communist Jewess. The woman he once had an affair with plays an important role in this book. I thought for sure as I read this book must be part of a series. It reads like one given how vague and yet prominent the details were about the previous case and affair. The Summer of Long Knives is a stand alone, however.
Overall, I quite enjoyed Jim Snowden's The Summer of Long Knives. There is nothing light about this mystery thriller. It is very dark, and well it should be given the time period and place in our history. I was swept up in Rolf's life and investigation, anxious to see justice brought to the killer, while at the same time sad knowing the fate of the country, of the war to come and the many more injustices that would occur in the meantime.
Review copy provided by author for review. Review originally posted on my blog, Musings of a Bookish Kitty.
February 10, 2014
Set in Munich three years after the Nazis assumed power in Germany, The Summer of Long Knives by Jim Snowden is a wonderfully tense murder mystery crackling with political and personal intrigue, and filled with small details that bring the period to vivid life.
When Kommisar Rolf Wundt is called to the scene of brutal murder, he finds a dead German girl with an ambiguous but — given the time and Nazi policy — politically charged phrase carved into her skin. Is the killer a Jew calling his peers to action? Or is the killing a warning by a German against the persecuted religious group?
A former prisoner of war who fought for Germany in The First World War, Wundt is a seasoned investigator whose psychiatrist wife Klara provided vital assistance in the biggest case of his career to this point, tracking down the notorious Dresden Vampire. It took years to stop the Vampire, an undertaking that put tremendous strain on the Wundt’s marriage, but they don’t have the luxury of time in this case.
It took years to stop the Vampire, an undertaking that put tremendous strain on the Wundt’s marriage, but they don’t have the luxury of time in this case. Political outsiders, Rolf’s a Social Democrat and lapsed Catholic while Klara’s a Socialist who was forced out of her practice, the couple have seen enough of the Nazi agenda to know it is time for them to leave the country. But Rolf must solve the girl’s murder before his boss will approve his exit visa.
Which won’t be easy, given the deep political and personal waters Rolf will have to navigate. SS leader Heinrich Himmler and his frightening lieutenant Reinhard Heydrich are looking to combine the country’s political and criminal police forces, and Rolf’s marriage is … complicated, to say the least. No spoilers, but there are plenty of twists and turns that had me glued to my Kindle.
I give Mr. Snowden great credit for picking a fascinating time to set his novel. With Kristallnacht a bit more than two years in the future, the Nazis have been in power long enough for their anti-Semitic and “intellectual purity” programs to have permeated through much of German society but even so many Jews and other “non-desirables” still live and work openly in the country. Still, the seeds of a totalitarian regime have been planted and are sprouting; fear of betrayal and imprisonment for any number of offenses is omnipresent for nearly everyone, creating an underlying tension that affects the most mundane actions.
As an example, and to highlight Mr. Snowden’s whip-smart dialogue, the following is part of an exchange between Rolf and Katz, a blind Jew who may have witnessed an earlier crime:
Intellectual and politically out of step, Rolf and Klara represent an untold number of Germans who, as one character puts it, didn’t think the Nazis would last. But last they have, and now can Rolf’s sense of justice prevail in the face of a government which doesn’t abide inconvenient truths? It makes for a great read and I highly recommend it. For more from Mr. Snowden visit his website
When Kommisar Rolf Wundt is called to the scene of brutal murder, he finds a dead German girl with an ambiguous but — given the time and Nazi policy — politically charged phrase carved into her skin. Is the killer a Jew calling his peers to action? Or is the killing a warning by a German against the persecuted religious group?
A former prisoner of war who fought for Germany in The First World War, Wundt is a seasoned investigator whose psychiatrist wife Klara provided vital assistance in the biggest case of his career to this point, tracking down the notorious Dresden Vampire. It took years to stop the Vampire, an undertaking that put tremendous strain on the Wundt’s marriage, but they don’t have the luxury of time in this case.
It took years to stop the Vampire, an undertaking that put tremendous strain on the Wundt’s marriage, but they don’t have the luxury of time in this case. Political outsiders, Rolf’s a Social Democrat and lapsed Catholic while Klara’s a Socialist who was forced out of her practice, the couple have seen enough of the Nazi agenda to know it is time for them to leave the country. But Rolf must solve the girl’s murder before his boss will approve his exit visa.
Which won’t be easy, given the deep political and personal waters Rolf will have to navigate. SS leader Heinrich Himmler and his frightening lieutenant Reinhard Heydrich are looking to combine the country’s political and criminal police forces, and Rolf’s marriage is … complicated, to say the least. No spoilers, but there are plenty of twists and turns that had me glued to my Kindle.
I give Mr. Snowden great credit for picking a fascinating time to set his novel. With Kristallnacht a bit more than two years in the future, the Nazis have been in power long enough for their anti-Semitic and “intellectual purity” programs to have permeated through much of German society but even so many Jews and other “non-desirables” still live and work openly in the country. Still, the seeds of a totalitarian regime have been planted and are sprouting; fear of betrayal and imprisonment for any number of offenses is omnipresent for nearly everyone, creating an underlying tension that affects the most mundane actions.
As an example, and to highlight Mr. Snowden’s whip-smart dialogue, the following is part of an exchange between Rolf and Katz, a blind Jew who may have witnessed an earlier crime:
“I did not have my sight ten years ago, Kommissar,” Katz said. “I lost it at Verdun.”
“Gas?”
“No. Shrapnel from an exploding shell. It’s what I was doing before we all stabbed Germany in the back.”
— Snowden, Jim (2013-07-25). The Summer of Long Knives (p. 135). Booktrope. Kindle Edition.
Intellectual and politically out of step, Rolf and Klara represent an untold number of Germans who, as one character puts it, didn’t think the Nazis would last. But last they have, and now can Rolf’s sense of justice prevail in the face of a government which doesn’t abide inconvenient truths? It makes for a great read and I highly recommend it. For more from Mr. Snowden visit his website
November 5, 2016
Kommisar Rolf Wundt is ready to leave Germany. His political views make him a potential target in spite of having made a name for himself in solving the Dresden Vampire case. To that end, he and his wife have been working to obtain a visa that will allow them to settle elsewhere when another murder shocks the local community. A young girl - a member of the League of German Girls - has been killed, her body carved with a message whose meaning so far eludes investigators. Rolf's boss has requested that he stay long enough to solve the case, but with things growing even more tense in the country Rolf knows staying could mean very real danger for his marriage and his life.
Snowden's Summer of Long Knives was really an impressive historical thriller. In a lot of ways it brought to mind Tom Rob Smith's debut Child 44. Both deal with countries in the midst of political upheaval. And both deal with police whose jobs are hampered by their respective political atmospheres. While Rolf doesn't toe the party line the same way that Leo does, they do face similar emotional turmoil.
And like Child 44, Snowden's book relies heavily on believable (and hopefully accurate) history of the setting. Readers will recognize many famous names - Rolf and his wife mingle with the upper-crust a bit, which means that many of the BIG NAMES in WWII Germany have cameos. It sets the scene very nicely for both the overall read and the tension that plays such a huge role in the plot. As mentioned, Rolf and his wife are trying to leave the country. It's not a secret that they are at the mercy of those around them.
The case is quite interesting. The carvings on the body, for example, are such that other officers immediately want to turn an eye to a Jewish murderer (Germany in WWII, remember) but Rolf himself points out that the message can be interpreted many ways. It was interesting to see how Rolf's investigation evolved vs the expectations of others in authority. (I should note, too, that a fellow officer's obsession with phrenology is another nice nod to both the time and atmosphere in which the story is set.)
The Summer of Long Knives is a great read for mystery/thriller fans, especially those with a penchant for historical settings.
Snowden's Summer of Long Knives was really an impressive historical thriller. In a lot of ways it brought to mind Tom Rob Smith's debut Child 44. Both deal with countries in the midst of political upheaval. And both deal with police whose jobs are hampered by their respective political atmospheres. While Rolf doesn't toe the party line the same way that Leo does, they do face similar emotional turmoil.
And like Child 44, Snowden's book relies heavily on believable (and hopefully accurate) history of the setting. Readers will recognize many famous names - Rolf and his wife mingle with the upper-crust a bit, which means that many of the BIG NAMES in WWII Germany have cameos. It sets the scene very nicely for both the overall read and the tension that plays such a huge role in the plot. As mentioned, Rolf and his wife are trying to leave the country. It's not a secret that they are at the mercy of those around them.
The case is quite interesting. The carvings on the body, for example, are such that other officers immediately want to turn an eye to a Jewish murderer (Germany in WWII, remember) but Rolf himself points out that the message can be interpreted many ways. It was interesting to see how Rolf's investigation evolved vs the expectations of others in authority. (I should note, too, that a fellow officer's obsession with phrenology is another nice nod to both the time and atmosphere in which the story is set.)
The Summer of Long Knives is a great read for mystery/thriller fans, especially those with a penchant for historical settings.
September 27, 2013
I received an advanced copy of this book for review. I love a good murder mystery, and this story did not let me down. The premise of the story takes place in 1936 in Munich during Hitler's rise of power. The story revolves around a Kommisar Wundt, a well respected detective known for his skills in tracking serial killers and criminals. When a young girl is brutally murdered, and her mutilated body left on a farm outside of town, the Kommisar is called in to investigate.
The author does an excellent job portraying the political struggles in Germany during Hitler's rise. From elite parties with the upper German command, to the treatment and injustice towards the Jewish population, the author did an excellent job portraying the climate of the time. The story draws you in and holds you. The pace is good, and the characters are well developed. It is a refreshingly different type of murder mystery. The historical references are accurate, the author did an excellent job of researching.
There were a couple minor things I personally didn't like about the book, the first being there were three key scenes where I found them unbelievable. Reading them, I felt like they were created to tie together random threads. The odds of them happening in real life seemed to me highly unlikely. The other issue I had was that I felt the book should have ended earlier than it did. This is just my personal opinion. The issues were minor compared to the overall story.
I enjoyed reading this murder mystery. I highly recommend it, not only for the mystery, but for the opportunity of seeing a window into Germany's past.
The author does an excellent job portraying the political struggles in Germany during Hitler's rise. From elite parties with the upper German command, to the treatment and injustice towards the Jewish population, the author did an excellent job portraying the climate of the time. The story draws you in and holds you. The pace is good, and the characters are well developed. It is a refreshingly different type of murder mystery. The historical references are accurate, the author did an excellent job of researching.
There were a couple minor things I personally didn't like about the book, the first being there were three key scenes where I found them unbelievable. Reading them, I felt like they were created to tie together random threads. The odds of them happening in real life seemed to me highly unlikely. The other issue I had was that I felt the book should have ended earlier than it did. This is just my personal opinion. The issues were minor compared to the overall story.
I enjoyed reading this murder mystery. I highly recommend it, not only for the mystery, but for the opportunity of seeing a window into Germany's past.
October 6, 2014
Definitely not a book I would have picked up at the book store because it's just not a genre I can really get into. Surprisingly though, I had a hard time putting this book down because you start off immediately with the murder of a young girl and the story ramps from there. What little I know of this era comes from The Diary of Anne Frank and a few documentaries I watched in school, so I did have a hard time really understanding the actions of some of the book characters. So when it comes to how accurate the description of the time and other things in the book, honestly I can't tell you how close it was. What I can tell you is that it is fascinating and I thought a lot of the crime scenes and crime elements were quite good for what feels like a political thriller to me.
Can we talk about how I did NOT see it coming with Klara towards the end? We learn that earlier, Rolf had an affair and it was fairly devastating to his marriage. Obviously it would be. But Klara was really angry and I mean, while I could understand why she'd be angry, something felt off. Until we found out why and holy cripes- did not see that coming. Not at all. So that was a fun twist in the story as well. Because while trying to solve the murder, Rolf is dealing with his wife, the infidelity, trying to leave the country but basically being blackmailed to not leave, and the growing tensions in the country and making sure he doesn't get on the wrong side of anyone at any time. It's stressful.
If you are a fan of political thrillers, and/or a fan of Nazi Germany era stories, this is definitely something you need to add to your list.
Can we talk about how I did NOT see it coming with Klara towards the end? We learn that earlier, Rolf had an affair and it was fairly devastating to his marriage. Obviously it would be. But Klara was really angry and I mean, while I could understand why she'd be angry, something felt off. Until we found out why and holy cripes- did not see that coming. Not at all. So that was a fun twist in the story as well. Because while trying to solve the murder, Rolf is dealing with his wife, the infidelity, trying to leave the country but basically being blackmailed to not leave, and the growing tensions in the country and making sure he doesn't get on the wrong side of anyone at any time. It's stressful.
If you are a fan of political thrillers, and/or a fan of Nazi Germany era stories, this is definitely something you need to add to your list.
September 18, 2014
A killer is on the loose in Munich and Kommisar Rolf Wundt is tasked with finding the culprit. Of course in 1936 Germany, plenty of people are being murdered and going missing, but the victims are young women of ideal German stock. When the hierarchy of the police structure becomes more complex with the interference of the SS, Rolf finds it difficult to do his job properly.
This is a very cerebral novel, and for a good part of the book not much happens other than witnessing Rolf’s mental process as he occasionally comes across a lead. It’s really more about the psychological state of the nation than the murders themselves. Framing innocent Jews satisfies the authorities more than finding the actual perpetrator. As the country descends into madness, there is less dedication to justice.
Rolf’s character is raw and vulnerable, but smart and cautious. He is compelled by his sense of duty despite his desire to escape Germany. As Rolf becomes more embroiled in the case, he struggles with his loyalties and his conscience.
This is not a light or easy read. The prose is rather dense, as there are so many complexities to consider in the case and in Rolf’s life. But it is well written with very clever uses of language, dialogue, and imagery. There are great literary and historical references (including the killer from The Devil in the White City). The somewhat plodding narrative is well worth it for the escalation of the conclusion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via TLC Book Tours.
This is a very cerebral novel, and for a good part of the book not much happens other than witnessing Rolf’s mental process as he occasionally comes across a lead. It’s really more about the psychological state of the nation than the murders themselves. Framing innocent Jews satisfies the authorities more than finding the actual perpetrator. As the country descends into madness, there is less dedication to justice.
Rolf’s character is raw and vulnerable, but smart and cautious. He is compelled by his sense of duty despite his desire to escape Germany. As Rolf becomes more embroiled in the case, he struggles with his loyalties and his conscience.
This is not a light or easy read. The prose is rather dense, as there are so many complexities to consider in the case and in Rolf’s life. But it is well written with very clever uses of language, dialogue, and imagery. There are great literary and historical references (including the killer from The Devil in the White City). The somewhat plodding narrative is well worth it for the escalation of the conclusion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via TLC Book Tours.
October 30, 2013
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book but I really enjoyed reading it. The writing was very good, the story complex and very interesting.
I have read a lot about Nazi Germany but this story of a police officer trying to do his job the right way, not the Party way, provided a very different perspective. The book also discusses how the general population went along with Hitler and his cronies, and what happened if you were different.
I definitely recommend this book.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I have read a lot about Nazi Germany but this story of a police officer trying to do his job the right way, not the Party way, provided a very different perspective. The book also discusses how the general population went along with Hitler and his cronies, and what happened if you were different.
I definitely recommend this book.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
December 19, 2015
Different setting for a serial murder story
This serial murder/police procedural takes place in Nazi Germany in the 1930's, so we have a mix of honest detectives trying to solve a serial killer case, with the SS and the Gestapo involving themselves and trying pin the murders on Jews, because that's what they do. It'll take involvement from the highest levels of the Third Reich to catch the serial killer. Traditional historical bad guys become good guys, well sort of.
Good characters and plot twists make this a pretty decent read.
This serial murder/police procedural takes place in Nazi Germany in the 1930's, so we have a mix of honest detectives trying to solve a serial killer case, with the SS and the Gestapo involving themselves and trying pin the murders on Jews, because that's what they do. It'll take involvement from the highest levels of the Third Reich to catch the serial killer. Traditional historical bad guys become good guys, well sort of.
Good characters and plot twists make this a pretty decent read.
December 2, 2013
Most of the 1930s Germany books I've read have come from the standpoint of the typically persecuted. But that this was from the standpoint of a German policemen made for a very interesting and different murder mystery. I was impressed with the different stories the author weaved together and the struggles for the Germans who did not agree with the insanity of Hitler and his moronic followers.
October 7, 2013
This murder mystery set in Germany 1930's draws you into the era of Nazi Germany. Communist underground, Nazi society,how can a police detective solve a murder. Take the journey with him. His job, his life, his survival.
I recieved a free copy from Goodreads.
I recieved a free copy from Goodreads.
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