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Blackout

The Richard and Judy Book Club pick
Series: CI Schenke
4.19 goodreads logo

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( 5,228 ratings, 534 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In _Blackout_ by Simon Scarrow, a detective in 1939 Berlin embarks on a challenging investigation amidst the tense atmosphere of Nazi Germany on the brink of war. As power dynamics shift and fear permeates society, he grapples with political pressures while seeking justice. The novel evocatively captures a city overshadowed by looming conflict, exploring themes of morality and integrity.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy historical fiction set during World War II, with intricate plots that mix mystery with a rich historical backdrop. The narrative weaves thrilling suspense with well-researched historical details, making it a compelling read for fans of both crime novels and historical dramas.

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A Richard and Judy Bookclub Pick
A Times Top Ten bestseller

Berlin 1939. War has begun. Winter has blanketed the city in snow. A serial killer is at work... '
Taut and chilling' Anthony Horowitz

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

THE STUNNING SECOND WORLD WAR THRILLER FROM THE CELEBRATED SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR SIMON SCARROW

'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

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 murdered, Criminal Inspector Horst Schenke is under pressure to solve the case swiftly. Distrusted 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...

'A character who's a more than worthy successor to Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther, a gripping, terrifying read' David Young

Series: CI Schenke

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  • Blackout
    THE STUNNING SECOND WORLD WAR THRILLER FROM THE CELEBRATED SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR SIMON SCARROW '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 Berlin, December 1939 As Germany goes to war, the Nazis...
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  • A Death in Berlin
    BERLIN. MAY 1940. AS HITLER PREPARES TO INVADE WESTERN EUROPE, THERE IS BLOODSHED CLOSER TO HOME. CI Horst Schenke is an investigator with the Kripo unit. Powerless against the consequences of the war, he fights to keep criminals off his patch. But with doubts growing about his loyalty to the Nazi regime, he is walking a tightrope. If his relationship...
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  • A Death in Berlin
    THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER! Scarrow's Berlin is sharply drawn with closely observed detail, a place that reeks of threat and fear - and not just from the Gestapo. Financial Times Gripping, with an electric atmosphere and cracking pace. Sun Berlin. 1940. Hitler's rule casts a menacing shadow over the city. As the distant war moves closer, Criminal Inspector Horst...
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  • A Death in Berlin
    THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER! 'Scarrow's Berlin is sharply drawn with closely observed detail, a place that reeks of threat and fear - and not just from the Gestapo' Financial Times 'Gripping, with an electric atmosphere and cracking pace' Sun Berlin, 1940. Hitler's rule casts a menacing shadow over the city. As the distant war moves closer, Criminal Inspector Horst...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Simon Scarrow's Blackout is praised for its taut and chilling narrative, capturing the essence of a gripping and thrilling historical crime fiction. Reviewers commend the book for its authentic depiction of the Nazi regime's harrowing atmosphere and the intricacies of Berlin society during World War II. The protagonist, Inspector Schenke, is highlighted as a sympathetic and well-crafted character navigating the treacherous political landscape. The novel is described as a page-turner with a seamless blend of suspense and historical accuracy, making it a standout in the genre.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472258564

Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 16 September 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Headline Book Publishing

Illustration: Map of Berlin

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 310g

Pages: 432

About the Author

SIMON SCARROW is the bestselling author of the Eagles of the Empire novels, most recently The Emperor's Exile, the Wellington and Napoleon quartet and many other acclaimed works of fiction, including Hearts Of Stone, set in Greece during the Second World War. Simon shared his passion for history as a teacher for many years before becoming a full-time writer. He lives in Norfolk with his wife.

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