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Greeks Bearing Gifts
544 pages, 2019
The tragic murder of a Holocaust survivor leads a former Nazi collaborator to a killer he once investigated in a riveting WWII thriller. In 1956, an old friend in Athens implores Bernie Gunther, who's recently left the police force after receiving an anonymous death threat, to take a job as a claims adjuster for an insurance company there.
The job will keep Bernie on the straight and narrow, but his new client is Siegfried Witzel, the brutal former Wehrmacht soldier Bernie once investigated for war crimes. At first, Witzel's claim seems legitimate: He lost several million dollars in Greece during the war when he served as an SS officer on an extermination unit that was responsible for shipping hundreds of Jews to concentration camps. And Witzel insists he wants to obtain restitution—in cash—from the Greek government.
But when Bernie starts digging into Witzel's disappearance from the German army at the end of World War II, he uncovers something far more complex: Because some of Witzel's disappeared soldiers are still alive, including Siegfried himself, their Nazi past threatens their lives if they return home. And now that one former Wehrmacht soldier has been found dead and another missing under suspicious circumstances.
In Greeks Bearing Gifts, Philip Kerr takes us on a journey through post-war politics. He paints a vivid picture of the political climate in Greece during the 1950s, showing us the complexities and challenges of this era. It's a great opportunity to explore the historical context of the Cold War period.
Kerr's protagonist, Bernie Gunther, is a character you'll find hard to forget. He's a former Berlin detective turned insurance investigator, with a knack for getting himself into trouble. Kerr's skill in character development is evident as he brings Bernie to life, making him relatable and real. You'll find yourself rooting for Bernie, despite his flaws.
If you're a fan of mystery and suspense, you'll love Greeks Bearing Gifts. Kerr masterfully weaves a tale that keeps you guessing until the very end. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Kerr isn't afraid to delve into the darker side of human nature. Through his characters and their actions, he explores themes of corruption, betrayal, and the struggle for power. It's a thought-provoking look into what people are capable of when pushed to their limits.
One of the standout aspects of Greeks Bearing Gifts is Kerr's attention to historical detail. He meticulously researches his settings and events, providing an authentic backdrop for his story. It's a great example of how historical accuracy can enhance a narrative and make it more engaging.
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Philip Kerr's Greeks Bearing Gifts is a masterful work of suspense and intrigue. It's a must-read for any fan of historical fiction.
Stephen King - Horror Fiction AuthorGreeks Bearing Gifts is a riveting tale that showcases Kerr's storytelling prowess. It's a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Ian Rankin - Crime NovelistPhilip Kerr's Greeks Bearing Gifts is a thrilling ride through history. It's a book that will leave you breathless.
Lee Child - Thriller NovelistGreeks Bearing Gifts is a captivating and meticulously researched historical thriller. It's a testament to Kerr's skill as a writer.
John Grisham - Legal Thriller AuthorPhilip Kerr's Greeks Bearing Gifts is a masterclass in historical fiction. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.
Patricia Cornwell - Crime WriterRecommendations
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