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Some Murders in Berlin
A serial killer on the loose. A profiler with a hidden past. A world at war.
Trust is a luxury no one can afford.
September 1943: Berlin is the heart of darkness—and the last place Dr. Elin Lund wishes to be. An expert in psychological profiling, she’s been summoned from Copenhagen to investigate the gruesome murders of eight young women. Even in the midst of unspeakable evil, these killings stand apart. And with her homeland now under Nazi occupation and a young son to protect, Elin can’t refuse such a request.
Homicide Detective Kurt Schneider, head of the criminal police unit, is grudging in his welcome. The orders to find the killer come from the top, and to fail means death. The stakes are too high to risk any mistakes—or to trust a stranger. Yet the pair, trapped in an uneasy partnership, each has expertise the other needs. And Schneider, like Elin, is clearly guarding secrets of his own.
Racing to complete the investigation and return to her son, Elin feels the net tightening. Every sliver of evidence reveals a killer infinitely more dangerous, and more powerful, than anyone suspected. And in drawing closer to the terrifying truth, Elin has unwittingly made herself his new obsession…
Trust is a luxury no one can afford.
September 1943: Berlin is the heart of darkness—and the last place Dr. Elin Lund wishes to be. An expert in psychological profiling, she’s been summoned from Copenhagen to investigate the gruesome murders of eight young women. Even in the midst of unspeakable evil, these killings stand apart. And with her homeland now under Nazi occupation and a young son to protect, Elin can’t refuse such a request.
Homicide Detective Kurt Schneider, head of the criminal police unit, is grudging in his welcome. The orders to find the killer come from the top, and to fail means death. The stakes are too high to risk any mistakes—or to trust a stranger. Yet the pair, trapped in an uneasy partnership, each has expertise the other needs. And Schneider, like Elin, is clearly guarding secrets of his own.
Racing to complete the investigation and return to her son, Elin feels the net tightening. Every sliver of evidence reveals a killer infinitely more dangerous, and more powerful, than anyone suspected. And in drawing closer to the terrifying truth, Elin has unwittingly made herself his new obsession…
448 pages, Hardcover
First published June 25, 2024
312 people are currently reading
7175 people want to read
About the author
Karen Robards
126 books3,246 followersKaren Robards is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than fifty books and one novella. She has won multiple awards including six Affaire de Coeur Silver Pen Awards for favorite author.
Karen has been writing since she was very young, and was first published nationally in the December 1973 Reader's Digest. She sold her first romance novel, ISLAND FLAME, when she was 24. It was published by Leisure Books in 1981 and is still in print. After that, she dropped out of law school to pursue her writing career.
Karen was recently described by The Daily Mail as "one of the most reliable thriller....writers in the world."
Karen has been writing since she was very young, and was first published nationally in the December 1973 Reader's Digest. She sold her first romance novel, ISLAND FLAME, when she was 24. It was published by Leisure Books in 1981 and is still in print. After that, she dropped out of law school to pursue her writing career.
Karen was recently described by The Daily Mail as "one of the most reliable thriller....writers in the world."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
August 20, 2024
This is an entertaining, well-written, WWII historical fiction fiction novel. It is fast paced with a likable, intelligent female protagonist, murder, mystery, intrigue, suspense, a touch of romance, several unexpected twists, and a satisfying conclusion. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Ms. Nancy Peterson, does an outstanding job depicting the characters in Ms. Robards' engaging story.
July 22, 2024
I was excited to read Karen Robards’ newest book, Some Murders in Berlin. I had previously read The Black Swan of Paris and The Girl from Guernica by her and had been impressed with her writing and plot development in both of those books. Some Murders in Berlin definitely lived up to my expectations. It was fast paced, filled with tension and was action packed. It was set in Berlin, Germany during World War II and examined a very unique situation that was occurring in the city. I would describe Some Murders in Berlin as a World War II historical fiction murder mystery thriller.
A serial killer had made their presence known in Berlin and had already killed eight young Aryan women in much the same way. The German government was trying to prevent the public from finding out about these horrific killings. They needed the German men to continue fighting for the Nazis. If German husbands, sons or brothers were made aware that a serial killer existed and was still loose on the streets, those men would probably want to return home to protect their wives, mothers, sisters and daughters. That was something that the Nazis wanted to avoid at all costs. The Nazis had their best personnel working on this case but so far they had not been able to stop the killings or identify the killer. They needed help.
Shortly after the Nazis took control of Denmark, Dr. Elin Lund was summoned to Berlin. Dr. Elin Lund was a well respected psychological profiler. Many referred to Elin as “The Murder Doctor “. In September of 1943, Elin dropped her young son off with her late husband’s family and boarded a train headed for Berlin. Elin usually worked alone but this time she was accompanied by two academic colleagues of hers who were also members of the Danish Resistance. Both Pia and Jens needed an escape route from Copenhagen. They were in danger of being caught by the Nazis for the acts they carried out for the resistance. Pia was a photographer and was able to sketch portraits from verbal descriptions given by witnesses. Jens was a brilliant mathematician. Beside wanting to help them escape from Denmark, Elin knew their expertise would prove valuable in helping her solve the case. Elin was not thrilled about going to Berlin. The last time that she was there, Elin had been a young girl. She had accompanied her parents to Berlin. Her father was scheduled to speak at a conference in Berlin. Elin’s father had been a well known and respected police detective. The day her father was speaking, Elin and her mother spent the day together. That was the worst day of Elin’s life. Her mother had tragically died in a hit and run accident as her mother started to cross a road. The car came out of nowhere and hit her mother head on and then sped away. Elin had witnessed the entire incident. She had not been back to Berlin since that tragic day.
When Elin, Pia and Jens arrived in Berlin, they were introduced to Kriminalinspektor Kurt Schneider, the head of the criminal police and in charge of the case Elin would be working on. Kurt Schneider was far from welcoming. He probably resented that Dr. Elin Lund had been brought in on this case. The two were forced to work together. Kriminalinspektor Schneider informed Elin that she always had to be aware of who was listening when she wanted to convey something. Phones were tapped and listening devices were planted everywhere. As Elin began to build a psychological profile of the killer, she suspected that the killer had ties to the police department, had a troubled childhood that included violence, was fluent in Kurrent, a distinct way of writing and reading German and had type A blood. As Kurt and Elin explored all the leads and clues they gathered, they started to develop respect for one another. That eventually led them to develop feelings for one another. There was more to Kurt than Elin had suspected at first. The more Elin got to know Kurt, the more she began to understand him and like him. Kurt became very protective of Elin once the killer set his sights on her. Real danger awaited both of them around every corner. Elin’s main goal was to identify and catch the killer as quickly as possible so she could return to Denmark and to her young son. She missed him dearly and worried about his safety. Would Kurt and Elin be able to put the pieces of the puzzle together and discover who the killer was before the killer struck again?
I really enjoyed reading this riveting historical fiction murder mystery book by Karen Robards. Some Murders in Berlin was full of twists. Many of the characters were harboring secrets, including Elin and Kurt. Karen Robards included many high profile Nazis in the book, explored the existence of German nightclubs which often played music that was forbidden by the Nazis and took a close look at the Lebensborn society and the Black Orchestra, a small group of Nazis who were secretly sympathetic to the welfare of the Jewish people and helped them escape. i couldn’t read Some Murders in Berlin fast enough to see what was going to happen next. It was the kind of story that put me at the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. I highly recommend it if you enjoy a good mystery that was set in Nazi Germany during World War II.
Thank you to Harlequin/ MIRA Publishing for allowing me to read Some Murders in Berlin by Karen Robards through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
A serial killer had made their presence known in Berlin and had already killed eight young Aryan women in much the same way. The German government was trying to prevent the public from finding out about these horrific killings. They needed the German men to continue fighting for the Nazis. If German husbands, sons or brothers were made aware that a serial killer existed and was still loose on the streets, those men would probably want to return home to protect their wives, mothers, sisters and daughters. That was something that the Nazis wanted to avoid at all costs. The Nazis had their best personnel working on this case but so far they had not been able to stop the killings or identify the killer. They needed help.
Shortly after the Nazis took control of Denmark, Dr. Elin Lund was summoned to Berlin. Dr. Elin Lund was a well respected psychological profiler. Many referred to Elin as “The Murder Doctor “. In September of 1943, Elin dropped her young son off with her late husband’s family and boarded a train headed for Berlin. Elin usually worked alone but this time she was accompanied by two academic colleagues of hers who were also members of the Danish Resistance. Both Pia and Jens needed an escape route from Copenhagen. They were in danger of being caught by the Nazis for the acts they carried out for the resistance. Pia was a photographer and was able to sketch portraits from verbal descriptions given by witnesses. Jens was a brilliant mathematician. Beside wanting to help them escape from Denmark, Elin knew their expertise would prove valuable in helping her solve the case. Elin was not thrilled about going to Berlin. The last time that she was there, Elin had been a young girl. She had accompanied her parents to Berlin. Her father was scheduled to speak at a conference in Berlin. Elin’s father had been a well known and respected police detective. The day her father was speaking, Elin and her mother spent the day together. That was the worst day of Elin’s life. Her mother had tragically died in a hit and run accident as her mother started to cross a road. The car came out of nowhere and hit her mother head on and then sped away. Elin had witnessed the entire incident. She had not been back to Berlin since that tragic day.
When Elin, Pia and Jens arrived in Berlin, they were introduced to Kriminalinspektor Kurt Schneider, the head of the criminal police and in charge of the case Elin would be working on. Kurt Schneider was far from welcoming. He probably resented that Dr. Elin Lund had been brought in on this case. The two were forced to work together. Kriminalinspektor Schneider informed Elin that she always had to be aware of who was listening when she wanted to convey something. Phones were tapped and listening devices were planted everywhere. As Elin began to build a psychological profile of the killer, she suspected that the killer had ties to the police department, had a troubled childhood that included violence, was fluent in Kurrent, a distinct way of writing and reading German and had type A blood. As Kurt and Elin explored all the leads and clues they gathered, they started to develop respect for one another. That eventually led them to develop feelings for one another. There was more to Kurt than Elin had suspected at first. The more Elin got to know Kurt, the more she began to understand him and like him. Kurt became very protective of Elin once the killer set his sights on her. Real danger awaited both of them around every corner. Elin’s main goal was to identify and catch the killer as quickly as possible so she could return to Denmark and to her young son. She missed him dearly and worried about his safety. Would Kurt and Elin be able to put the pieces of the puzzle together and discover who the killer was before the killer struck again?
I really enjoyed reading this riveting historical fiction murder mystery book by Karen Robards. Some Murders in Berlin was full of twists. Many of the characters were harboring secrets, including Elin and Kurt. Karen Robards included many high profile Nazis in the book, explored the existence of German nightclubs which often played music that was forbidden by the Nazis and took a close look at the Lebensborn society and the Black Orchestra, a small group of Nazis who were secretly sympathetic to the welfare of the Jewish people and helped them escape. i couldn’t read Some Murders in Berlin fast enough to see what was going to happen next. It was the kind of story that put me at the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. I highly recommend it if you enjoy a good mystery that was set in Nazi Germany during World War II.
Thank you to Harlequin/ MIRA Publishing for allowing me to read Some Murders in Berlin by Karen Robards through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 1, 2024
Another hit for Karen Robards! She's such a good mystery writer. This one is a bit of historical fiction as well set during World Ward II.
Description:
September 1943: Berlin is the heart of darkness—and the last place Dr. Elin Lund wishes to be. An expert in psychological profiling, she’s been summoned from Copenhagen to investigate the gruesome murders of eight young women. Even in the midst of unspeakable evil, these killings stand apart. And with her homeland now under Nazi occupation and a young son to protect, Elin can’t refuse such a request.
Homicide Detective Kurt Schneider, head of the criminal police unit, is grudging in his welcome. The orders to find the killer come from the top, and to fail means death. The stakes are too high to risk any mistakes—or to trust a stranger. Yet the pair, trapped in an uneasy partnership, each has expertise the other needs. And Schneider, like Elin, is clearly guarding secrets of his own.
Racing to complete the investigation and return to her son, Elin feels the net tightening. Every sliver of evidence reveals a killer infinitely more dangerous, and more powerful, than anyone suspected. And in drawing closer to the terrifying truth, Elin has unwittingly made herself his new obsession…
My Thoughts:
This was a very different story than a typical World War II novel. When Elin Lund from Copenhagen was called in to assist the Berlin detectives there were obvious trust issues on both sides and they each had very good reasons for distrust. There was danger everywhere, so the atmosphere thoughout the book was fraught with tension. Everyone had to be careful of what they said and who they said it to - even where they they said it because the Nazis were listening in buildings and on phones. There was added difficulty in trying to keep a lid on the fact there was a serial killer loose in Berlin so that the general public stayed uninformed. This was fast-paced, action-packed, and kept me on edge throughout the book. The danger was palpable. I recommended to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller.
Thanks to MIRA through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
September 1943: Berlin is the heart of darkness—and the last place Dr. Elin Lund wishes to be. An expert in psychological profiling, she’s been summoned from Copenhagen to investigate the gruesome murders of eight young women. Even in the midst of unspeakable evil, these killings stand apart. And with her homeland now under Nazi occupation and a young son to protect, Elin can’t refuse such a request.
Homicide Detective Kurt Schneider, head of the criminal police unit, is grudging in his welcome. The orders to find the killer come from the top, and to fail means death. The stakes are too high to risk any mistakes—or to trust a stranger. Yet the pair, trapped in an uneasy partnership, each has expertise the other needs. And Schneider, like Elin, is clearly guarding secrets of his own.
Racing to complete the investigation and return to her son, Elin feels the net tightening. Every sliver of evidence reveals a killer infinitely more dangerous, and more powerful, than anyone suspected. And in drawing closer to the terrifying truth, Elin has unwittingly made herself his new obsession…
My Thoughts:
This was a very different story than a typical World War II novel. When Elin Lund from Copenhagen was called in to assist the Berlin detectives there were obvious trust issues on both sides and they each had very good reasons for distrust. There was danger everywhere, so the atmosphere thoughout the book was fraught with tension. Everyone had to be careful of what they said and who they said it to - even where they they said it because the Nazis were listening in buildings and on phones. There was added difficulty in trying to keep a lid on the fact there was a serial killer loose in Berlin so that the general public stayed uninformed. This was fast-paced, action-packed, and kept me on edge throughout the book. The danger was palpable. I recommended to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller.
Thanks to MIRA through Netgalley for an advance copy.
May 4, 2024
I used to read Karen Robards way back when I was a younger woman. So when I had the opportunity to read this, I was excited.
What drew me in:
1. The mystery! This was riveting and original. The killing of women in 1943. Ellin Lund, or “The Murder Doctor”, is called from Copenhagen to Berlin by Nazi officials to give her expertise in the investigation. Her 2 colleagues are part of the Resistence in Copenhagen, and need to get out because they are in danger, so Ellin brings them with her. While they investigate, there are things that they would normally do, that they are now forbidden from the Nazi regime to do. And they have to act and behave in a “respectful” way to the higher officers.
The investigation is interesting and fast paced.
2. The setting in place and time. This added an extra layer of tension. Everyone had trust issues, and rightly so! They struggled to talk freely because there were “eyes and ears” everywhere. Part of what drove the story was Ellin learning who she could trust.
3. The way history is as interweaved through the story- with Ellin’s family, the Jews in Copenhagen, the children.
4. Detective Kurt Schneider. His waters run deep! And trying to figure out his history, motivation and belief’s was intriguing.
5. The mystery involving Ellin’s parents!
My only holdback was the sex! That seemed to take away from a story that had depth and darkness. I also wasn’t sure if I would like Ellin at the beginning, because as she argues with Kurt about how she does things and what she wants to do- she keeps making a lot of demands, yet seems to forget where she is and who called and insisted she help the investigators. If I had been called to do this at that time period, I’d think I’d keep my head down, mouth shut, do my job then get the heck out of there!! Especially with a young son back at home!
Overall, this is a really good historical mystery, with a very interesting premise! Highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin/MIRA Publishing for the ARC. This is my voluntary, honest review.
What drew me in:
1. The mystery! This was riveting and original. The killing of women in 1943. Ellin Lund, or “The Murder Doctor”, is called from Copenhagen to Berlin by Nazi officials to give her expertise in the investigation. Her 2 colleagues are part of the Resistence in Copenhagen, and need to get out because they are in danger, so Ellin brings them with her. While they investigate, there are things that they would normally do, that they are now forbidden from the Nazi regime to do. And they have to act and behave in a “respectful” way to the higher officers.
The investigation is interesting and fast paced.
2. The setting in place and time. This added an extra layer of tension. Everyone had trust issues, and rightly so! They struggled to talk freely because there were “eyes and ears” everywhere. Part of what drove the story was Ellin learning who she could trust.
3. The way history is as interweaved through the story- with Ellin’s family, the Jews in Copenhagen, the children.
4. Detective Kurt Schneider. His waters run deep! And trying to figure out his history, motivation and belief’s was intriguing.
5. The mystery involving Ellin’s parents!
My only holdback was the sex! That seemed to take away from a story that had depth and darkness. I also wasn’t sure if I would like Ellin at the beginning, because as she argues with Kurt about how she does things and what she wants to do- she keeps making a lot of demands, yet seems to forget where she is and who called and insisted she help the investigators. If I had been called to do this at that time period, I’d think I’d keep my head down, mouth shut, do my job then get the heck out of there!! Especially with a young son back at home!
Overall, this is a really good historical mystery, with a very interesting premise! Highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin/MIRA Publishing for the ARC. This is my voluntary, honest review.
June 21, 2024
I did it! I finished! Took me almost two months, but I finished. Unfortunately, this book was really slow for me. Plot wise, it’s solid, it’s engaging, the characters aren’t idiots. I won’t lie, I didn’t think of the main bad guy as who it was till the reveal- which isn’t always something that happens to me. I’m not sure if the fact that it took me so long because it’s a historical thriller set in WW2 and a lot of people in that time were AWFUL, but props to the author to keep me guessing. My biggest struggle I think, was the pacing. It starts out with a dead body and I liked the crime solving skills the FMC uses to find evidence at each murder scene. I also appreciated the fact that the people that died stayed dead… or maybe that’s a fantasy trope that just drives me nuts and this is clearly not a fantasy. Anywho. I finished it, and didn’t DNF so two stars for that. It’s decent, but I don’t see myself reading more historical thrillers anytime soon. Oh, one last comment, there was another review complaining about sex in the book, and I gotta say, it’s fade to black and tastefully done- I was expecting something crazy with what the other person complained about.
Shoutout to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Shoutout to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2024
A twisty WWII historical murder mystery that sees a new psychiatric forensic scientist helping the German police track down a serial killer. Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Tara Moss. This was great on audio narrated by new to me reader Nancy Peterson.
January 12, 2025
3.5 stars, I would say. The romance aspect was small, as is usual for her RS books but the story was good. It definitely kept me turning the pages.
There were sweet moments between Kurt and Elin, I like those. But the ending was abrupt and their reunion was literally 3 sentences. I wanted more, for sure.
Pretty much closed door loving with a few mentions of breast and nips.
A good thriller bit difficult to.reqd since it takes place in Berlin during WWII.
I used to love her historical romance books. I have several. But mostly her bodice rippers from the late 80s early 90s. She's pretty much just Romantic Suspense now and the last historical of hers I read was BORING.
Enjoy her romantic thrillers. They're pretty good reads.
There were sweet moments between Kurt and Elin, I like those. But the ending was abrupt and their reunion was literally 3 sentences. I wanted more, for sure.
Pretty much closed door loving with a few mentions of breast and nips.
A good thriller bit difficult to.reqd since it takes place in Berlin during WWII.
I used to love her historical romance books. I have several. But mostly her bodice rippers from the late 80s early 90s. She's pretty much just Romantic Suspense now and the last historical of hers I read was BORING.
Enjoy her romantic thrillers. They're pretty good reads.
July 31, 2024
I listened to the audio. I am probably taking away a star because I really struggled with the off and on German accents.
The story is ok. The plot is ok. The historical aspects are ok.
The story is ok. The plot is ok. The historical aspects are ok.
October 6, 2024
4 stars - WW II Historical Fiction/Mystery/Suspense/Thriller/Romance
September 21, 2024
I simply cannot with this book. I should have DNF'd it when it became clear it wasn't a mystery, but actually a romance novel between a Nazi police captain and a widowed single mother of a Jewish son, but alas.
Beyond that, it was flat out boring. The characters were all predictable cliches that fit tired tropes to a T with extremely weird and unnecessary backstories, the ending was overly rushed, and the mystery - the only reason I forced myself to finish the book - had a "oh, I guess I better tie this up" feel to it. I felt like I was reading the screenplay to a crappy Netflix movie, and I don't mean that in a good way. Yeah. Not good.
And what was the point of Pia and Jens? I don't feel like they actually did anything, and if the point was to heighten tension, I'm pretty sure "single mother of a Jewish son in 1943 Berlin" is all the tension you need.
Beyond that, it was flat out boring. The characters were all predictable cliches that fit tired tropes to a T with extremely weird and unnecessary backstories, the ending was overly rushed, and the mystery - the only reason I forced myself to finish the book - had a "oh, I guess I better tie this up" feel to it. I felt like I was reading the screenplay to a crappy Netflix movie, and I don't mean that in a good way. Yeah. Not good.
And what was the point of Pia and Jens? I don't feel like they actually did anything, and if the point was to heighten tension, I'm pretty sure "single mother of a Jewish son in 1943 Berlin" is all the tension you need.
January 29, 2024
I have loved Karen Robards novels back when she was mostly focusing on romantic suspense, but her recent foray into historical fiction is even better!
I loved the main characters in this book and very much enjoyed the serial killer mystery. Absolutely recommend this one!
I loved the main characters in this book and very much enjoyed the serial killer mystery. Absolutely recommend this one!
July 1, 2024
Exact rating: 3.8
June 24, 2024
Complex thriller in 1943 Berlin!
Heartstopping thriller set in Berlin in 1943. Denmark had just surrendered to the Nazis when Professor Elin Lund, a forensic psychiatrist, from Copenhagen is directed by Nazi command to go to Berlin to investigate a serial killer. Blonde women have been found murdered in identical situations.
Elin can’t disobey. She’s hiding a secret, or two. She takes two fellow academics with her as consultants, members of the Danish Resistance, who need to get out of Denmark. Pia is a photographer and Jens is a brilliant mathematician. They are members of the Danish Resistance.
She is to work the stern CID detective, Kriminalinspektor Kurt Schneider.
It turns out Kurt’s a man with his own set of secrets. I really came to appreciate the man Kurt is.
Convinced the killer has some attachment to the police, Elin methodically follow all the evidence to build a picture of their man.
Elin has always hated being in Berlin. Her mother, a prominent psychiatrist, had been killed in a hit and run accident when Elin had been a young girl. (More revelations!) Going back there was hard, leaving her son was harder. The search for the seriously deranged killer becomes more dangerous as the pair infiltrate his lair and upset his regime. Elin receives threatening notes from the killer. The pair are beset on all sides. It turns out the killer seems to be targeting young women of the Lebensborn Society—women who will give birth to pure Aryan babies.
Add to this Kurt had displeased General Reinhard Heydrich, part of Hitler’s the heirachy, He'd been part of the bloody, failed invasion of Russia, Operation Barbarossa. Kurt had returned wounded by shrapnel blasts and with and shell shock. Elin is made very nervous by General Haupt who’d requested her presence.
The developing relationship between these two wounded people is a thing of delight.
A spine tingling thriller that leads into the jackals’ den that was the Berlin under the Third Reich.
A Harlequin Trade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Heartstopping thriller set in Berlin in 1943. Denmark had just surrendered to the Nazis when Professor Elin Lund, a forensic psychiatrist, from Copenhagen is directed by Nazi command to go to Berlin to investigate a serial killer. Blonde women have been found murdered in identical situations.
Elin can’t disobey. She’s hiding a secret, or two. She takes two fellow academics with her as consultants, members of the Danish Resistance, who need to get out of Denmark. Pia is a photographer and Jens is a brilliant mathematician. They are members of the Danish Resistance.
She is to work the stern CID detective, Kriminalinspektor Kurt Schneider.
It turns out Kurt’s a man with his own set of secrets. I really came to appreciate the man Kurt is.
Convinced the killer has some attachment to the police, Elin methodically follow all the evidence to build a picture of their man.
Elin has always hated being in Berlin. Her mother, a prominent psychiatrist, had been killed in a hit and run accident when Elin had been a young girl. (More revelations!) Going back there was hard, leaving her son was harder. The search for the seriously deranged killer becomes more dangerous as the pair infiltrate his lair and upset his regime. Elin receives threatening notes from the killer. The pair are beset on all sides. It turns out the killer seems to be targeting young women of the Lebensborn Society—women who will give birth to pure Aryan babies.
Add to this Kurt had displeased General Reinhard Heydrich, part of Hitler’s the heirachy, He'd been part of the bloody, failed invasion of Russia, Operation Barbarossa. Kurt had returned wounded by shrapnel blasts and with and shell shock. Elin is made very nervous by General Haupt who’d requested her presence.
The developing relationship between these two wounded people is a thing of delight.
A spine tingling thriller that leads into the jackals’ den that was the Berlin under the Third Reich.
A Harlequin Trade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
July 5, 2024
It has been a long time since I’ve read a Karen Robards book - too long. I love historical fiction, and adding in a mystery with the best parts of a thriller, and you have an amazing story. This book is excellent.
The world is at war, and it is September of 1943. There is a serial killer on the loose in Berlin.
Dr. Elin Lund is a psychiatrist and profiler nicknamed Dr. Murder. She is renowned for helping to solve murders. Elin is brought in to help solve the murders of multiple women by a serial murderer. Elin also has secrets she is protecting.
Dr. Lund is sent to Berlin from Copenhagen to work with Homicide Detective Kurt Schneider. Detective Schneider is also keeping secrets of his own. Their tenuous relationship is the heart of this story.
I absolutely loved this book. The history was incredibly well-written and full of suspense. Elin and Kurt are fully realized characters that the reader really gets an opportunity to know. I flew through the pages. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Mira Books for the opportunity to read this phenomenal book! I will be going back to check out this author’s other historical fiction books. This one is out now - pick it up!
The world is at war, and it is September of 1943. There is a serial killer on the loose in Berlin.
Dr. Elin Lund is a psychiatrist and profiler nicknamed Dr. Murder. She is renowned for helping to solve murders. Elin is brought in to help solve the murders of multiple women by a serial murderer. Elin also has secrets she is protecting.
Dr. Lund is sent to Berlin from Copenhagen to work with Homicide Detective Kurt Schneider. Detective Schneider is also keeping secrets of his own. Their tenuous relationship is the heart of this story.
I absolutely loved this book. The history was incredibly well-written and full of suspense. Elin and Kurt are fully realized characters that the reader really gets an opportunity to know. I flew through the pages. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Mira Books for the opportunity to read this phenomenal book! I will be going back to check out this author’s other historical fiction books. This one is out now - pick it up!
July 9, 2024
3-1/2 STAR REVIEW
A serial killer is stalking Arian women in war-torn Berlin, and the Nazis bring in Danish psychological profiler Dr. Elin Lund, “Dr. Murder,” to help solve the murders in Some Murders in Berlin by Karen Robards.
Due to a recent incident with the Dutch Resistance, Elin brings two of her academic colleagues with her as they are suspected of being part of the incident. Pia is an artist, and Jens, a brilliant mathematician. Elin must find a way for them to assist in the investigation.
Elin, Pia, and Lars all hate the Nazis but find themselves helping the police find this serial killer, minding their words and actions to cover their actual feelings. Elin is supposed to be a highly intelligent woman, yet throughout the book, she makes idiotic, unsafe, and irrational decisions.
Finding a serial killer in a country riddled with thousands of serial killers (Gestapo, SS, etc.) was a giant plot hole I struggled with. How do you differentiate one murder from all the atrocities committed during that time?
Though the writing is well done, I grappled with the premise of this novel, as so much seemed far-fetched and implausible. There were too many things I couldn’t get past. Bringing Dutch Resistance fighters to the heart of Nazi Germany rather than finding a way for them to hide underground or get out of any Nazi-occupied country was just the first of many implausible elements.
Robards is a fabulous author, and it pained me to deduct stars from this one, but part of writing is coming up with plausible storylines, and this one just didn’t work for me. However, this could appeal to others.
Some Murders in Berlin takes a profiler into the heart of Berlin to find a serial killer before he kills again. ~ Dayna for Novels Alive
A serial killer is stalking Arian women in war-torn Berlin, and the Nazis bring in Danish psychological profiler Dr. Elin Lund, “Dr. Murder,” to help solve the murders in Some Murders in Berlin by Karen Robards.
Due to a recent incident with the Dutch Resistance, Elin brings two of her academic colleagues with her as they are suspected of being part of the incident. Pia is an artist, and Jens, a brilliant mathematician. Elin must find a way for them to assist in the investigation.
Elin, Pia, and Lars all hate the Nazis but find themselves helping the police find this serial killer, minding their words and actions to cover their actual feelings. Elin is supposed to be a highly intelligent woman, yet throughout the book, she makes idiotic, unsafe, and irrational decisions.
Finding a serial killer in a country riddled with thousands of serial killers (Gestapo, SS, etc.) was a giant plot hole I struggled with. How do you differentiate one murder from all the atrocities committed during that time?
Though the writing is well done, I grappled with the premise of this novel, as so much seemed far-fetched and implausible. There were too many things I couldn’t get past. Bringing Dutch Resistance fighters to the heart of Nazi Germany rather than finding a way for them to hide underground or get out of any Nazi-occupied country was just the first of many implausible elements.
Robards is a fabulous author, and it pained me to deduct stars from this one, but part of writing is coming up with plausible storylines, and this one just didn’t work for me. However, this could appeal to others.
Some Murders in Berlin takes a profiler into the heart of Berlin to find a serial killer before he kills again. ~ Dayna for Novels Alive
August 22, 2024
The ending was too rushed. I need better closure than the bow that was slapped on it. Overall a good read tho - 3.75 stars
August 21, 2024
This book takes place in Berlin during WWII, so it is definitely in a historical setting. But ROBARDS herself calls it a work of fiction and outside of the setting there is no historical cast of characters or incidences. It is pertinent to the mystery thriller as Professor Lund, a profiler, is summoned to Berlin and forced to work with Nazis in order to find a serial killer. Lund has a Jewish son back home in Copenhagen which adds to the drama. Very suspenseful read with in-depth characters.
December 2, 2024
The book is not terrible but my choice of books that deal with crime during the third right would always be Phillip Kerr. His books are way more masterful and less predictable.
February 27, 2025
10/10 book that combines thriller, murder mystery and romance plots that takes place in Nazi Germany (although the historical fiction aspect isn’t too overwhelming)
March 23, 2024
Some Murders in Berlin by Karen Robards Historical thriller that features murder, mystery and romance. Action packed and fast paced with engaging characters, . Included in the narrative were Interesting facts about wartime Berlin.. An enjoyable and entertaining read.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
January 20, 2025
When you read the premise is a Danish female psychologist is called to 1943 Berlin to find a serial killer you only hope the book lives up to the premise, it does.
September 12, 2024
I’ve read a bunch of Karen Robard’s novels but none of her historical fiction. I’ll have to change that.
This was an interesting blend of genres. Historical fiction (WWII based), with a serial killer investigation interspersed with a bit of romance. Fans of Kristin Hannah’s Nightingale might like this.
Elin is a psychiatrist who is known for criminal profiling. She is summoned from Denmark to assist the German’s with a serial killer investigation. Unbeknownst to the Germans, Elin has a son who is half Jewish. With no choice, Elin goes, and takes two colleagues who are in danger of capture due to involvement in the resistance. She needs to tread carefully in working with the Detective in charge and the Nazis who demanded her presence. And they do not want an Aryan serial killer identified, making the investigation tricky.
In the midst of the investigation, Elin finds herself in the killer’s crosshairs. She also becomes aware of some possibly Jewish children in peril and wants to help. She needs to figure out whether Detective Schneider is friend or foe.
Everyone has their secrets.
Someone is always listening.
This was a great blend of history, thriller and romance.
This was an interesting blend of genres. Historical fiction (WWII based), with a serial killer investigation interspersed with a bit of romance. Fans of Kristin Hannah’s Nightingale might like this.
Elin is a psychiatrist who is known for criminal profiling. She is summoned from Denmark to assist the German’s with a serial killer investigation. Unbeknownst to the Germans, Elin has a son who is half Jewish. With no choice, Elin goes, and takes two colleagues who are in danger of capture due to involvement in the resistance. She needs to tread carefully in working with the Detective in charge and the Nazis who demanded her presence. And they do not want an Aryan serial killer identified, making the investigation tricky.
In the midst of the investigation, Elin finds herself in the killer’s crosshairs. She also becomes aware of some possibly Jewish children in peril and wants to help. She needs to figure out whether Detective Schneider is friend or foe.
Everyone has their secrets.
Someone is always listening.
This was a great blend of history, thriller and romance.
May 9, 2025
The historical aspects of this novel were new to me. I had not realized Denmark had been occupied by Germany. So many brave people. These parts, though not the main story, added compelling drama and setting.
Elin's character lacked consistency. Was her childhood history helpful? Was her obsession with the children while trying to solve a murder? Was she instrumental in solving the case? Would the Kripto have solved it without her and her team?
Elin's character lacked consistency. Was her childhood history helpful? Was her obsession with the children while trying to solve a murder? Was she instrumental in solving the case? Would the Kripto have solved it without her and her team?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2024
An excellent read! I love the look at the infancy of forensic science and that Elin was Danish but dispatched to Berlin to solve murders.
The action was fast paced and kept my attention.
I wasn’t sure how the book would turn out but happily it had a good ending against the backdrop of strife and agony.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mira for the digital copy.
The action was fast paced and kept my attention.
I wasn’t sure how the book would turn out but happily it had a good ending against the backdrop of strife and agony.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mira for the digital copy.
April 9, 2025
In spite of a slow start, this was an exciting, interesting, complicated book looking at a murder investigation in Berlin during the most months of World War II. The characters are complex with a multitude of secrets.
I don’t wish to give away the marvelous journey that these people take, but this book is well worth reading, as it is exciting to the last page.
I don’t wish to give away the marvelous journey that these people take, but this book is well worth reading, as it is exciting to the last page.
August 29, 2024
Very well written and entertaining book. Couldn’t put it down. Kept me guessing. Wish it were a series to know what the future holds for the main characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2024
Very cool story! World War 2 with a serial killer twist 😅
September 15, 2024
There was some tight suspense in this book and I learned a few things about this era in Nazi Germany. What I didn't take to was the love story. Just felt pushed.
November 4, 2024
Good book, .but my copy from the library was missing 2 chapters.
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