Blackout

By: Simon Scarrow

Narrated by: Simon Mattacks

Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's Summary

The stunning Second World War thriller from the celebrated Sunday Times best-selling author Simon Scarrow.

Berlin, December 1939

As Germany goes to war, the Nazis tighten their terrifying grip. Paranoia in the capital is intensified by a rigidly enforced blackout that plunges the city into oppressive darkness every night, as the bleak winter sun sets.

When a young woman is found brutally murdered, criminal Inspector Horst Schenke is under immense pressure to solve the case, swiftly. Treated with suspicion by his superiors for his failure to join the Nazi Party, Schenke walks a perilous line - for disloyalty is a death sentence.

The discovery of a second victim confirms Schenke's worst fears. He must uncover the truth before evil strikes again.

As the investigation takes him closer to the sinister heart of the regime, Schenke realises there is danger everywhere - and the warring factions of the Reich can be as deadly as a killer stalking the streets.... 

©2021 Simon Scarrow (P)2021 Headline Publishing Group Limited

Critic Reviews

"Taut and chilling - I was completely gripped." (Anthony Horowitz) 

"A wonderfully compelling thriller, reeking of authenticity, and a terrific depiction of the human world within the chilling world of the Third Reich." (Peter James) 

"Pivotal moments in history; utterly authentic characters; a gripping plot. The perfect way to bring history alive." (Damien Lewis)

A Provocative Setting for a Story

It seems the further away we get from the time of Nazi Germany, the more interested we (or at least, I) become in wondering what it must have been like living there as an average citizen. With Russia conducting a war on Ukraine and its citizens, I think about the Russian people, isolated from the world, where some willingly take in what the state of tells them and others struggle with the truth of what’s really happening to them and their way of life—all the while trying to live as normally as possible. What the Russians have faced so far for a month, the Germans had faced for years inside a growing nightmare, only to deal with the repercussions for the next two generations.

Blackout could not have come at a better time, where good people in Berlin try to solve a heinous crime against the backdrop of the largest one of the century. I thoroughly enjoyed Simon Scarrow’s Eagle and Young Bloods series, and this one does not fail to entertain. I can’t wait for the next one in this series.

Wow - Something I had never considered.

A true delight. One of those books that make you look for excuses at home with your family to find the time to sneak out away from all and continue listening.

Very Enjoyable.

Simon Scarrow normally deals with the Roman Empire. This foray into the German Police during the early stages of WW2 is a pleasant surprise. Great characters and a story mixed around real person's of the time. A book you struggle to take a break from. I hope he writes another installment soon.

He’s only gone and done it again!

For a bloke who is known for Roman adventures this is a complete change. Different era, different character, different dynamic, but it works very well indeed.
This has to be a first in a new series as it’s far too good as a standalone novel.
There are far too many options for storylines for this not to be followed up again and again.
Definitely recommend it.
Well worth a listen!!

Standard murder story, unusual setting

The story itself (outsider detective given difficult case only to crack it despite interference from above) is pretty standard and unremarkable, with most of the characters fitting into cookie-cutter roles. What makes ‘Blackout’ different is the setting, a 1939 Berlin largely untouched (yet) by the war it seems to be winning. Can anyone really search for the guilty when the Party will decide who will be blamed? Who do you fear most, the villains of your own side, and is there a difference? A well-told tale with plenty of detail of life in the Reich, mixing historical figures with fictional.

Like Foyles War only in Berlin!

Another fantastic offering from Scarrow. Indepth and great attention to detail. Superb characters look forward to the next from Schenke and Co.

Simon Scarrow - Blackout

A fantastic debut thriller for Simon. Thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the characters were excellent. I loved the narrator he made the story interesting and the tension built all the way through. Finished it in two days. Hope to have more as throughly enjoyed it

Atmospheric and absorbing

Another fantastically crafted novel from Simon Scarrow, it’s unusual backdrop and choice of protagonist add depth to a well paced plot. I sincerely hope this is the first in a new series of books as I would love to see these characters develop with the continuing events of WW2 and the further rise and eventual fall of the Third Reich.

Excellent book and writer.

living under the cruel dictating mad Nazi's was difficult for good people, sense their fears and hopelessness whist trying to live and work.

Good stuff

Thoroughly enjoyable. It rattles along at a good pace with a suitably compromised but brilliant cop at the head of a team fighting criminals and sometimes the state. It’s a classic premise really but very well done.

excellent

Great story well read. a gripping read my first crime book in a while and I hope he writes more.