Fascinating!

Written in 1992, this very original detective story is set in 1964 Germany … with the unique premise that the latter won World War II.

The plot is well constructed with multiple twists and much treachery, this in coherence no doubt with the prevalence for decades of Nazi mentality. Some readers may object however to the graphic violence described in detail in certain scenes.

Clearly, the most interesting aspect of the work is the quite plausible construction of world and European order given the Allied defeat. Berlin, for instance, is rebuilt in accordance with Albert Speer’s visions and Germany has expanded East to the Ural Mountains, where the war still simmers with the Slavs. America maintains a Cold War tactic, as it did, in reality, with the USSR.

The main character, a policeman since the 1930’s, is a quiet rebel to Nazi totalitarianism. Though he spent the War away from Germany in a submarine, one wonders how he did succeed in maintaining his individuality.

Overall, this is a very worthwhile work.