If the Dead Rise Not

A Bernie Gunther Novel

By: Philip Kerr

Narrated by: Paul Hecht

Length: 16 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

The best-selling author of 20 novels, Philip Kerr has won a devoted following - and there are none more ardent than those who devour his Bernie Gunther series. In 1934, Bernie found himself in Berlin, where he was caught up in intrigue surrounding Hitler, America, and the upcoming Olympiad. Two decades later, Bernie surfaces in Havana. But an old associate has appeared there as well - and might spell trouble of a decidedly deadly nature.

©2010 Philip Kerr (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

I'm hooked on the series... but this was DEPRESSING!

I am hooked on Bernie Gunther and his improbable escapades. I still prefer John Lee as a narrator, finding Hecht's "vocal fry" rather grating.
But this is a compelling series and I just have to get through all 12 books!

Brilliant story line

I'm fascinated how the author has developed Bernie Günther's character throughout the decades of the 20th century and wove them into historical events. Bravo Philip Kerr!

Kerr keeps getting deeper as a story teller.

Kerr's ability to keep wending Bernie's past and present through the upheavals of history and the sordid trials of a man's life are what make this series the grand and sprawling accomplishment it's become. And the narration is spot on. Bernie lives in your head and the whole sky lights up.

Great book but bring back John Lee

I am a big fan of Phillip Kerr. The Bernie Gunther novels are always a pleasure, so I was very excited to download this latest entry in the series. I failed to notice the change in narrator. I was extremely disappointed by his delivery.

Wow stay for the final 30mins

Phillip Kerr does not disappoint. Great back story. 2/3 of the book. Make so much sense! Great secondary characters Max Waxy Doreen Dina even Dora was well done. Probably best in the series. Narrator was excellent

Noir for the ages

Our Hero Bernie talks too much and goes where angels fear to tread…and I suppose that is in part why it is such a great story. The plot was twisty, suspenseful and ultimately satisfying. And Kerr has a classic noir voice and classic noir wit that even Chandler would respect. Hecht does a great job as a sardonic reader. Great Experience.

Top Gunther Outing

This Gunther outing (#6 in the series) is really good. It follows the also excellent #4 and #5, Kerr was on a good run at this point. This one is unusual in that it is almost like 2 shorter novels in one; both stories work well and are equally intriguing, even as they take place 20 years apart. Also, I may be in a minority but really do prefer Paul Hecht narrating the Gunther books, as in this one. Recommended.

Wonderful writing

Great story - telling, terrific personalities, some fantastic turns of phrase. The reader also adds measurably to the pleasure of it!

Best Noir/Mystery writer since Jim Thompson

Kerr is a wonder - the Bernie Gunther books are in an entirely different league; literate, stylish, historically intriguing. Skip M. Connelly and J.L. Burke - this is the best you will find. I only wish Audible would get around to adding in the "The Quiet Flame" (not to mention all of Jim Thompson's work).

Bernie/Carlos

I really like this series and this book fits right in with the rest.

In reading the summary of this book I thought it would be mostly set in Cuba, Bernie having gone there after his time in Argentina. But a good portion of the book takes place in 1934 Berlin. At the time Bernie was the house detective at the Adlon Hotel in Berlin. He gets caught up in a tough situation that doesn't really get settled until 1955 Havana.

One of the key things I enjoy in this series are the settings. 1934 Berlin is interesting as the backdrop to the story is the growing power of the Nazis and how it affected everyday life for the common person which includes Bernie. Then you go to 1955 Havana which is just a few years before the Castro takeover and you get a feel for what life was like then with a big American presence, casinos, gambling, the mob, it's all there.