A German Requiem

By: Philip Kerr

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

A supremely disturbing thriller set in the ruins of the Third Reich by an internationally acclaimed master of historical suspense.

Bernie Gunther had his first brush with evil as a policeman in 1930s Berlin and came to know it intimately as a private eye under the Nazis, when each case drew him deeper into the enormities of the regime. Now the war is over and Gunther’s in Vienna, trying to clear an old friend of the murder of an American officer. Amid decaying imperial splendor he traces concentric circles of depravity that lead him to a former head of the Gestapo. 

Gripping, frightening, and pungently atmospheric, A German Requiem demonstrates Philip Kerr’s power to take his listeners hostage.

©1991 Philip Kerr (P)2008 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Kerr has the talent to....take you places you have never been." (The Washington Post Book World) 

“Echoes of Raymond Chandler but better on his vivid and well-researched detail than the master.” (Evening Standard, London)

More than just a mystery/thriller

The book is very interesting. It depicts the people trying to survive after WWII and the occupation of both the USA and USSR. The writing depicting this period is much better than any movie I've seen showing this period. Additionally, the perspective is unique, because it is not the story of GIs in post war Germany.

The plot is very good and never got boring (espionage). It was realistic in that bad things happened to 'good' characters...

What makes this a great book is the setting, the characters, and author's depth of knowledge of the period and expressing the subtleties in his writing. I read this book before March of Violets (March of Violets is set in 1936). Each book stands on it's own and I would say I liked this book better.

a great german whodunnit, cont'd

Continuing off from where March Violets trails away from a few years before, Philip Kerr continues to exploit Bernie Gunther's sardonic wit, his continued cynicism of most things bureaucratic, and his dislike all things criminal. A great listen - really liking John Lee's version of Gunther - a no holds barred reading here.

The Best

There is no current writer who comes close to Kerr in evoking an historical period - and to telling a great story with vivid characters and delightful plot twists - read this book, or better listen to it. It's one of the best.

Philip Kerr and John Lee- a great team!

As with every other Philip Kerr book I've read, I enjoyed it from beginning to end. He has become one of my favourite writers and the experience is enhanced by John Lee's superb narration. I believe John Lee is simply the best audiobook narrator in the world. He makes a great book even better.

Excellent

Fabulous narration, great atmosphere and compelling story. Highly recommended.

A German Requiem

Terrific read, fabulous narrator, looking forward to reading more of Kerr's books and doing more of John Lee, he is a great one to listen to.

Another solid story from Philip Kerr!!

This was my third audiobook from Philip Kerr, and he does not disappoint! This was as good, or even better, than the first two (see my other reviews). Great post-WW II story, absolutely superb narration by John Lee. Engaging intrigue, really fine characters, and rare sense of humor woven in. Highly recommended!

good book

Interesting story, well plotted. Gives a lot of information about what life was like in post world war II Germany and Austria.

I really Love this series.

Really enjoy this series. John Lee's narration pulls me immediately into the story. I often look up references made in the Gunther series to check historical accuracy. Entertaining and educational. Still waiting for Movie/TV interpretations. So sad we no longer have Mr. Kerr.

Excellent.

A bit hard to follow the plot at times,
but it’s a good one, and ties up nicely at the end. The series gets steadily better.