This book is the first in Kerr’s trilogy titled Berlin Noir. These books are well-researched novels of life in Berlin before World War II. The main character is Bernie Gunther, a former policeman who does not agree with the policies and laws of the powerful dictator, Hitler. As an independent investigator, Gunther is contacted by a wealthy industrialist to find some jewels missing from his daughter and son-in-law’s apartment, where they had been found burned beyond recognition. Gunther is puzzled why the distraught father is not more curious about his only child’s death. He finds he must carefully maneuver the complex and deadly politics of the Nazis, the SS Defense Squads, the SA paramilitary forces, and increasingly frightened citizens to track down missing persons, killers, and the secrets of others. Neither Gunther nor the reader can be sure who are trustworthy and who are operating under their own rules. As we follow Gunther through the dark days of Germany’s first steps into war, we can glimpse what life must have been like for those living in Berlin at that time.
The book’s title refers to a derogatory term coined by Nazis loyal to Hitler before March 1933, when Hitler officially took over as ruler of the German Democratic Republic. After his overwhelming victory by election, thousands of Germans rushed to join the Nazi party. By May, the party froze its membership, and thereafter referred to those members who joined between March and May as March Violets.
This book is a good read for history buffs, especially those interested in European history in the first half of the 20th century. Those who just like a good read regardless of the setting will also enjoy this.
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