No Man Dies Twice

This is a World War 2 thriller with a difference. Set in a small town in Bavaria called Rosenheim it is the story of a German police detective, Ritter who is investigating a murder of a stranger. Ritter is anti Nazi and principled so when he discovers the murdered man is Jewish he refuses to give up his investigations despite urging from his superiors who care little about the killers of Jews.
We also see some of his personal life, his crumbling marriage to Sophie whom he suspects of having an affair with Gestapo officer Kleidorfe, his arch rival and nemesis.
The author creates the sinister atmosphere of Second World War Germany where everyone is suspicious and ready to denounce their neighbours in order to curry favour with the authorities.
This is a complicated plot which also includes British spies and assassins and at times it is hard to keep up with all that is going on.
I liked the character of Ritter and his attempts to remain human in difficult conditions. His talks with his late father in law who was a law professor serve to allow the reader an insight into his motivations and choices and are an interesting method of explaining why he acts as he does.
The author has obviously done a lot of research and knows about espionage so the story does seem realistic.
Although it moved at a slow pace as Ritter tried to puzzle out what was happening the book did hold my attention. It reminded me of Child 44 by Tom Robb Smith and would appeal to readers of this type of historical thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.

A solid and interesting police procedural at the heart of WW2. Unique in the sense that it’s not in Berlin or Munich for example but centered in a small town that has not really been on the map for this type of story.

It was fascinating to find out about the real life town of Rosenheim and the level of murder and political intrigue at the heart of this town. I looked up the town and researched a bit more to find out that it’s very closely linked to true events and you can tell the author has done his research. Michael Smith is an award-winning UK journalist and author. He served in British military intelligence before becoming a writer, and has written numerous books on spies and special operations. That level of authenticity shines through.

The level of underlying danger, the Gestapo and all that history has told us, made this book really intriguing. I will definately look for the second novel from this author as there’s a lot to learn from him and he’s a great guide to that part of history, putting a unique spin on the subject matter and themes within.

I really enjoyed this well written, plotted and thought through thriller which demonstrates the author's deep knowledge of the second world war and the German war machine. There are twists and turns and the book never fails to fascinate and entertain.

Highly recommended.