• A German Requiem

  • By: Philip Kerr
  • Narrated by: John Lee
  • Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (752 ratings)

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A German Requiem  By  cover art

A German Requiem

By: Philip Kerr
Narrated by: John Lee
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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)

What listeners say about A German Requiem

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Convoluted plot, but overall excellent Ambience of post war Vienna.

Evocative of “The Third Man” in Settings and amorality. Superb performance by narrator. Very well developed characters; horrendous, graphic and totally gripping scenes of torture and violence which are, unfortunately, historically accurate.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Exciting Page Turner Set in Post WW II Germany

This was an excellent read of what Germany was like immediately after
WW II. The book provides wonderful insight into the history of the time and set behind a first class thriller about an investigator try to gather information to clear an old coworker of murder. It is very difficult to know who to trust, which leads to several surprising murders and betrayals. Always exciting with many original plot twists you will never see coming.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great writing, great story, very good reading

Any additional comments?

Mr. Kerr can really write a great story - time and time again. I have listened to several "Bernie Gunther" novels and each one is exceptional.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

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!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Definitely a griping series...

This novel takes gives you some insight into Nazi era Germany. It is a well written mystery and the narration is excellent. I am looking forward to the next installment. I highly recommend this series.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Perhaps the best Gunther

Complex story and super characterization. I have The Third Man in mind picturing Vienna. John Lee us superb.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful

Fantastic the accents are incredible. A great feeling of drama and suspense. That period in history well presented.

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