Fans of Philip Kerr and his wonderful series featuring Berlin policeman Bernie Gunter will warm to this German version. The book reeks of authenticity in its depiction of pre-Nazi Berlin and the insidious take-over of the police by them.

The storyline is as compelling as you could want. Decadent corrupt Berlin and a fraud on wine from east Prussia leading inexorably to murders. Added into the mix are revenge killings and a bizarre character who lives in the wilderness of the Masurian Lakes.

Kutscher also develops a female detective as a buddy to Gereon Rath (the principal). The usual tropes are employed and the story swings along beautifully. A worthy successor to the late, great Kerr.