An engaging historical crime fiction set in Germany during WWII. I enjoyed the plot and the story was well paced. The characters are likable and interesting. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Simon Scarrow, NetGalley and Kensington Books–Kensington for the arc of this book.

Really enjoyed this book. It was an exciting plot. Well played out. Interesting characters which the author built up well. The book was written. I need to look for more from this author

Horst Schenke is back in Dead of Night another great historical mystery by Simon Scarrow. It can't be easy trying to solve crime in Berlin in the 1940s? Espesially since some in the government don't see everything as a crime. It is a balancing act not to get in trouble even for a police detective. I found the first book very good and couldn't stop myself from reading this the second as well, there is a lot of material to choose from and this story could go on for longer than the war did. I actually read this parallel to Mark Pryors serie about a french detective in Paris during the same era, very interesting. I haven't read much by Scarrow but I will rectify this when I find some time. He has written a few books. I can really recommend this series if you like murder mysteries, historical fiction or just a good book. I must thank Kensington Books and Netgalley for giving me this copy.

Criminal Inspector Horst Schenke walks a tightrope in Nazi Germany in the early days of World War II. His dedication to solving crimes is admirable especially with party members looking over his shoulder hoping to find any missteps. Scarrow sets his murder mystery/police procedural during an extreme cold spell in Berlin, a setting that emphasizes the cold-hearted crimes that confront Schenke. Like all good mysteries what seems obvious is not exactly the solution and things begin to unravel as Schenke's loyal officers find more and more alarming situations that will ultimately lead to the Nazi's infamous final solution. This is a sastisfying tale but also presents a plot by-the-numbers with a bloody climatic scene more suited to an action thriller than a cerebral whodunit. Still, the story has its strong points and there are only minor quibbles how danger is almost too easily resolved. In Dead of Night (following 2022's Blackout) Schenke has become a complex character who seems torn between his love lives and dedication to duty.

This is the second book in an excellent series and it is not necessary to read the first book, Blackout, to fully enjoy this one.
I gave it the following SCORE:
Setting: Nazi Germany, Berlin, 1940
Characters: Kripo Criminal Inspector Horst Schenke is back, diligently and meticulously trying to solve a murder mystery despite opposition from his commander and his general opposition to the Nazi party. There is a well-defined supporting cast including Horst’s girlfriend and his two partners, gruff veteran Sergeant Hauser and enigmatic, young Gestapo-on-loan, Scharfuhrer Liebwitz, each contributing their own special skills in the pursuit of truth.
Overview: Trying to help a Jewish woman, who could be more than a friend, Schenke goes against orders and continues to investigate a proclaimed suicide that he astutely determines to be murder. There is a parallel plot involving the covered-up death of a friend’s child that ultimately converges with the main story. The search for truths leads the investigation team far beyond simple murder into the most heinous Nazi projects with handicapped children and high up in the sinister chain of command.
Recommendation: I rate this book 4 stars
Extras: Although the subject matter is difficult, at times a break is needed to think about the real atrocities this story portrays. The diligence of the investigation team, against all odds, carries through to the end and this is a terrific historical fiction book. Hopefully, there will be many books in this series.
Thanx to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to provide this candid review.