Prague Fatale

As a big fan of Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther novels, I was really looking forward to the latest installment. Unfortunately it didn't live up to the expectations set by previous books. Kerr's command of WWII history is astounding and on full display in the book, but as in Field Gray, the previous Gunther novel, the fun, sardonic and sarcastic Gunther is gone. What made these books so great is that they captured the spirit and style of the best Raymond Chandler or Dashiell Hammett stories--Bernie Gunther, like Philip Marlowe, always had a twinkle in his eye when he spoke. But no more. A book that starts off with the main character contemplating suicide is not noire material--it's just depressing. And with the background of Nazi Germany in every book, it's critical that the main character have a rosier attitude. The depressing outlook makes more sense in Field Gray because it takes place in the 1950's; Gunther is a lot older. This book takes place between the second and third books, so the style difference is doubly noticeable. If you're a diehard Bernie Gunther fan like me, just buy it. It's still got a good mystery story and the setting is just as terrifying and mesmerizing as always. But if you're new to the series, I highly recommend starting with the earlier books.

Really enjoyed this book. I think the wit and intellect of the writer really comes out in the lead character. Not only was it a good mystery, but it encouraged me to look up some history as well.

Talk about a humdinger of a story...this is it. I was absolutely floored at the turns in the plot. One of Kerr's best IMHO.