Berlin Noir by Philip Kerr

Berlin Noir

A three book "starter kit" introducing Kerr's protagonist Ex-policeman turned private detective Bernie Gunther, who roams the streets of Berlin (and, eventually other parts of the world) from the mid-1930's into the early 1950's. He solves mysteries while navigating a Nazi sub-culture which is even more grim and bizzare than we can imagine.

Kerr's brilliant, ironic characterization and plot imerses us in a compelling atmosphere that exceeds most historical fiction. The plots of Kerr's books are incredibly inventive, but  I find his characters most gripping. With sarcastic, dark humor they heroically struggle to survive in a macabre totalitarian state while attempting to maintain some sense of integrity.

While these stories are frequently compared to those of Raymond Chandler, I find them much more complex, detailed, and articulate. I know that I will come back to re-read these gems again. Phenomenal.