Reviews

Blackout by Simon Scarrow

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cgcang's review against another edition

3.0

I'm a bit torn. The writing was nice, the atmosphere was excellent, but the plot was somewhat mediocre. Some story decisions straight up don't make sense and I don't even usually mind one plot hole or two, so go figure. Is it a good WW2 murder mystery? Yes. Is it excellent? Not at all. Still, I'm likely to check out the second book.

ayodelepearce's review

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

hippoponymous's review

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adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

abibliofob's review against another edition

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5.0

Blackout by Simon Scarrow is set in Berlin in 1939 and it starts with a murder, soon it lands in the hands of the young criminal inspector Horst Schenke. He is not a party member which is the reason why he is picked to solve the murder. It is very clear to him that there is some politics behind the reason he is picked and he is under a lot of pressure. Then they find another victim and Horst and his loyal team suspects a connection and they find more murders with some similarities. The author has created some great characters and the setting in Germany is wonderfully described. The dialogue and balance act in this time in history are some of the things I relly liked about this book and I will definitely read the next book in this new series. I must thank @netgalley #Netgalley @this_is_edelweiss #Edelweiss @KensingtonBooks for giving me this advance copy of #Blackout and @SimonScarrow for making this stuff appear on paper. Highly recommended.

pmorewood's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

4.75

thelibraryofimagination's review against another edition

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5.0

At the beginning of WWII, the unfortunate murder of a woman triggers an investigation into her death. The Regime, concerned for its reputation, places ex-racing car driver now Criminal Inspector Horst Schenke in charge of the brutal murder investigation.

From beginning to end this story is brilliant. Not only does it leave you in suspense, it surprises you with twists and turns. A story set in the war has its own edginess, but a murder investigation in the middle of it leaves the reader on tenterhooks. The setting and the characters in this story are vivid and dark. Each contributed to the edginess of this story that had me feeling like I was watching a film noir.

Not only mysterious, this book examines the Nazi Regime and its core values. It’s relentless torment and corruption is at the heart of this story and Schenke is the moral compass that questions it. This book is so much more than a murder investigation, it is an introduction to a cast of characters meant to entertain for longer than just one story. I see this cast in more books and I am eager to get my hands on the next Schenke story.

I had the pleasure of reading this book with The Pigeonhole online book club. As it always is, it was a treat. The discussions that happen behind the scenes add a level of entertainment that the book alone would not have; reading along with others adds a new dimension. So thanks to the author, the publisher and The Pigeonhole for the eARC of this book.