It is 1944 Berlin. Gruesome murders of women with Nazi connections are taking place and the SS is desperate to solve the case. Former Inspector Richard Oppenheimer, one of the few Jewish Germans allowed to remain in Berlin as his wife Lisa is deemed Aryan, is advised that he will assist Captain Vogler of the SS to find out who is behind the murders. Fearing for his and Lisa’s safety, Oppenheimer has no choice but to put his skills to best use. He ends up becoming energized by the opportunity to work again while realizing he is being used by the Nazis.
Germania - A Novel of Nazi Berlin is not your typical crime mystery as the story is set in Germany during WWII as the Allies are closing in on the SS. Bombs are continually being dropped. As the serial murders continue, the case becomes more complicated leading to an underworld that includes prostitution and the Lebensborn program, which was the Nazi’s scheme to breed a master race. As the investigation advances, Oppenheimer continues to face personal danger. He is aided by a German friend who is against everything the Nazi party stands for. You’ll want to find out who is behind the murders but more importantly, you’ll want to know how Oppenheimer will fare after the case is done and he will no longer be needed.
I enjoyed the book but the lack of connection Oppenheimer seems to have with his heritage was disappointing, even if he was not religious. While realizing the grave danger he was in, his non-Jewish wife appeared to have an even greater hatred towards the Nazis.
Germania is the first in the Oppenheimer series, which has been an international bestseller. It is now being introduced in the U.S. and Canada. I will be interested in seeing how the series progresses in post war years.
Many thanks to Thomas Dunne Books / St. Martin's Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Germania in advance of its release.
Rated 3.75 out of 5 stars.
Historical Fiction / Mystery & Suspense.
Publication Date: December 1, 2020.
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