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Smoke in Berlin
A beautiful, atmospheric detective story set in Berlin during The Second World War, Orianna Ramunno's Hugo Fischer series is full of tension, drama and, ultimately, hope.
A DETECTIVE WITH A SECRET
Berlin, June 1944. Hugo Fischer is forced to work for the Nazi secret service, but he carries dangerous secrets he must conceal. Gioele is not his son, but a Jewish boy he rescued during an investigation at Auschwitz.
A FATEFUL SERIES OF CRIMES
The murder of a prominent Nazi couple. The suicide of a Reich journalist. An alleged accident that killed fifteen Hitler Youth children.
As Fischer investigates, he begins to suspect the deaths in Berlin are intertwined.
A CITY FIGHTING BACK
But when suspicion starts to fall Fischer’s way, he finds himself walking a knife edge. To be found part of the conspiracy means death. Yet how can he betray those who stand up for what is right?
A DETECTIVE WITH A SECRET
Berlin, June 1944. Hugo Fischer is forced to work for the Nazi secret service, but he carries dangerous secrets he must conceal. Gioele is not his son, but a Jewish boy he rescued during an investigation at Auschwitz.
A FATEFUL SERIES OF CRIMES
The murder of a prominent Nazi couple. The suicide of a Reich journalist. An alleged accident that killed fifteen Hitler Youth children.
As Fischer investigates, he begins to suspect the deaths in Berlin are intertwined.
A CITY FIGHTING BACK
But when suspicion starts to fall Fischer’s way, he finds himself walking a knife edge. To be found part of the conspiracy means death. Yet how can he betray those who stand up for what is right?
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 20, 2025
4.5 rounded up
Hugo Fischer #2; a criminologist reluctantly working with the Nazi secret service.
Fight, flee or freeze?
June 1944. Whilst the smoke rises in Berlin from the after effects of enemy bombing, who is safe underground?? Multiple sclerosis sufferer Hugo Fischer is harbouring a dangerous secret in the form of Gioele, a Jewish boy whom he rescues during his last investigation in Auschwitz. Early one morning as he sips his ersatz coffee, trying to keep his many demons at bay, he’s collected and taken to Wansee where a renowned Nazi couple are dead. This is the.Weidts, the husband is a well-known ophthalmologist and the wife an expert in eugenics. As the investigation gets underway, it seems that barriers to the truth are being put in Hugo‘s path. These deaths are followed by a suicide and the death of a number of Hitler Youth and Jungvolk children. All these deaths connected? Hugo grows to believe so and places himself in acute danger.
The first Hugo Fischer (Ashes in the Snow) is very good, but I think this is even better, partly because it’s so atmospheric. There are excellent and vivid descriptions of Berlin in 1944 in the dying embers of a long war which makes for even greater danger as there’s desperation. It’s brimming with suspense and tension as Fischer walks a tight rope of truth seeking with keeping those he cares for safe and deep concerns about who he can trust.
Hugo is an excellent central character and I grow to admire him for his steadfastness and bravery. I love his father Edmund, who is good, kind and amusing in turn as he and Hugo shield Gioele as best they can. Gioele proves himself a marvel, adapting to his circumstances with great ingenuity. There’s the return character of Adele who Hugo meets at Auschwitz, she is also trying to do good in the face of danger and great adversity. Amongst these terrific characters there are some brief moments of levity that lightens the very dark load.
The plot is excellent, it’s very well connected as it goes back-and-forth between 1941 and 1944 with the writing flowing as fact is seamlessly woven in with fiction giving the action an air of authenticity. It’s tense, dangerous, tragic and violent, there’s recrimination alongside bravery and courage as the events take unexpected directions.
Overall, there’s everything here you’d want from a gripping, taut and well written World War II thriller which I recommend to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, Harper Fiction/Hemlock Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Hugo Fischer #2; a criminologist reluctantly working with the Nazi secret service.
Fight, flee or freeze?
June 1944. Whilst the smoke rises in Berlin from the after effects of enemy bombing, who is safe underground?? Multiple sclerosis sufferer Hugo Fischer is harbouring a dangerous secret in the form of Gioele, a Jewish boy whom he rescues during his last investigation in Auschwitz. Early one morning as he sips his ersatz coffee, trying to keep his many demons at bay, he’s collected and taken to Wansee where a renowned Nazi couple are dead. This is the.Weidts, the husband is a well-known ophthalmologist and the wife an expert in eugenics. As the investigation gets underway, it seems that barriers to the truth are being put in Hugo‘s path. These deaths are followed by a suicide and the death of a number of Hitler Youth and Jungvolk children. All these deaths connected? Hugo grows to believe so and places himself in acute danger.
The first Hugo Fischer (Ashes in the Snow) is very good, but I think this is even better, partly because it’s so atmospheric. There are excellent and vivid descriptions of Berlin in 1944 in the dying embers of a long war which makes for even greater danger as there’s desperation. It’s brimming with suspense and tension as Fischer walks a tight rope of truth seeking with keeping those he cares for safe and deep concerns about who he can trust.
Hugo is an excellent central character and I grow to admire him for his steadfastness and bravery. I love his father Edmund, who is good, kind and amusing in turn as he and Hugo shield Gioele as best they can. Gioele proves himself a marvel, adapting to his circumstances with great ingenuity. There’s the return character of Adele who Hugo meets at Auschwitz, she is also trying to do good in the face of danger and great adversity. Amongst these terrific characters there are some brief moments of levity that lightens the very dark load.
The plot is excellent, it’s very well connected as it goes back-and-forth between 1941 and 1944 with the writing flowing as fact is seamlessly woven in with fiction giving the action an air of authenticity. It’s tense, dangerous, tragic and violent, there’s recrimination alongside bravery and courage as the events take unexpected directions.
Overall, there’s everything here you’d want from a gripping, taut and well written World War II thriller which I recommend to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, Harper Fiction/Hemlock Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
October 10, 2025
Good effort,but not engaging. 5/10
September 24, 2025
Finished reading: September 23rd 2025
"Every single thing, in that city where he'd grown up, was slowly crumbling to ashes or melting in the flames."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Hemlock Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
August 18, 2025
Utterly gripping thriller set in the Second World War! Weaving historical characters/events with fictional ones, the author succeeded in creating an excellent piece of work. Along with Hugo, the reader also wonders whom to trust, whom to believe in his search for a murderer. Cleverly imagined, the plot keeps up the oppressive tension felt through the novel. The characters are original and extremely convincing. I loved Hugo's father! While working on his investigation, the reader learns about acts of resistance which might appear small, but will prove incredible as they are non fiction acts of courage. Brilliant! Highly recommended!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
September 1, 2025
A dark and harrowing story of a detective caught up in the final days of WW2.
"Smoke in Berlin" is the follow up to "Ashes in the Snow" - the harrowing story of a Berlin detective, Hugo Fischer, who finds himself sent to Auschwitz to investigate the death of an SS officer. This book takes place some months later in June 1944 and Hugo is struggling not only with recent events, but with hiding the growing effects of his health condition.
When a prominent German couple are found dead in their home, apparently the victims of a robbery gone wrong. Hugo is assigned the case, and is soon faced with many questions about the murder, the couple, and their lives. One was a devoted Nazi, the other a self-confessed non-Nazi. He is also paired with a young, and ambitious policeman, who may not be what he seems. Further deaths point to a conspiracy, as the investigation deepens and Hugo struggles to uncover the truth.
The story is set against the backdrop of Berlin in the final days of the war - subjected to nightly bombings, full of the sights and smells of dearth, the people fearful of the enemy and the zealots amongst them. The descriptions of the streets are harrowing and graphic but fully capture the period.
For those who have read the first book in this series, there is the welcome return of several characters - young Gioele , Hugo's father Edmund, and nurse Adele, all of whom we learn more of, and all suffering from the events in Auschwitz. Gioele is masquerading as Hugo's son, but faces exposure when he is called up to join the Hitler Youth. His courage, and that of Edmund and Adele is a bright light in the darkness.
"Smoke in Berlin" is another dark and harrowing story of the people of Germany, Berlin in particular, who lived through the final days of the war, and the price paid for the Nazi's refusal to admit defeat. The constant bombing, the food shortages, and the fear of living under the Nazi regime. It's especially a story of those who did not fit the Nazi's Aryan quest for perfection.
The book is translated from German, and there are a few passages which seem a little uneven and stilted, but this does not detract from the story. This book will appeal to fans of Simon Scarrow, Douglas Jackson and Rory Clements. Highly recommended.
"Smoke in Berlin" is the follow up to "Ashes in the Snow" - the harrowing story of a Berlin detective, Hugo Fischer, who finds himself sent to Auschwitz to investigate the death of an SS officer. This book takes place some months later in June 1944 and Hugo is struggling not only with recent events, but with hiding the growing effects of his health condition.
When a prominent German couple are found dead in their home, apparently the victims of a robbery gone wrong. Hugo is assigned the case, and is soon faced with many questions about the murder, the couple, and their lives. One was a devoted Nazi, the other a self-confessed non-Nazi. He is also paired with a young, and ambitious policeman, who may not be what he seems. Further deaths point to a conspiracy, as the investigation deepens and Hugo struggles to uncover the truth.
The story is set against the backdrop of Berlin in the final days of the war - subjected to nightly bombings, full of the sights and smells of dearth, the people fearful of the enemy and the zealots amongst them. The descriptions of the streets are harrowing and graphic but fully capture the period.
For those who have read the first book in this series, there is the welcome return of several characters - young Gioele , Hugo's father Edmund, and nurse Adele, all of whom we learn more of, and all suffering from the events in Auschwitz. Gioele is masquerading as Hugo's son, but faces exposure when he is called up to join the Hitler Youth. His courage, and that of Edmund and Adele is a bright light in the darkness.
"Smoke in Berlin" is another dark and harrowing story of the people of Germany, Berlin in particular, who lived through the final days of the war, and the price paid for the Nazi's refusal to admit defeat. The constant bombing, the food shortages, and the fear of living under the Nazi regime. It's especially a story of those who did not fit the Nazi's Aryan quest for perfection.
The book is translated from German, and there are a few passages which seem a little uneven and stilted, but this does not detract from the story. This book will appeal to fans of Simon Scarrow, Douglas Jackson and Rory Clements. Highly recommended.
September 4, 2025
Smoke in Berlin is an utterly compelling historical thriller that blends a tense murder investigation with the brutal realities of World War II.
It is June 1944, and Berlin is a city under siege—bombed nightly, its citizens starving, fearful, and desperate. Hugo Fischer, once a criminologist and now reluctantly working under the Nazi regime, is summoned to investigate the deaths of a prominent Nazi couple. At first it looks like a robbery gone wrong, but Hugo quickly realizes there is far more at play. As more deaths follow—including a series of disturbing suicides and the deaths of Hitler Youth children—he finds himself entangled in a dangerous conspiracy.
At the same time, Hugo is hiding Gioele, the young Jewish boy he rescued from Auschwitz in the previous book. Protecting him while navigating the deadly politics of the investigation puts Hugo, his family, and his friends in constant danger. Adele, the courageous nurse, and Hugo’s kind, quietly humorous father Edmund provide moments of light against the darkness, while Gioele himself proves resourceful and brave beyond his years.
The atmosphere is harrowing and vividly drawn. Ramunno’s Berlin is a city of rubble and smoke, fear and suspicion, where trust is scarce and survival is never guaranteed. The dual timelines—shifting between 1941 and 1944—add depth and context, weaving fact seamlessly with fiction.
Hugo is a fascinating protagonist: brave, flawed, and quietly steadfast. His health struggles, his moral dilemmas, and his relentless search for truth make him an easy character to root for.
This is a dark, tense, and beautifully written novel that captures both the horror of the Nazi regime and the small acts of defiance and humanity that shine through even in the bleakest times. A must-read for fans of Philip Kerr, Rory Clements, or anyone drawn to WWII crime fiction that doesn’t shy away from its history.
With thanks to NetGalley, Harper Fiction, and Hemlock Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
It is June 1944, and Berlin is a city under siege—bombed nightly, its citizens starving, fearful, and desperate. Hugo Fischer, once a criminologist and now reluctantly working under the Nazi regime, is summoned to investigate the deaths of a prominent Nazi couple. At first it looks like a robbery gone wrong, but Hugo quickly realizes there is far more at play. As more deaths follow—including a series of disturbing suicides and the deaths of Hitler Youth children—he finds himself entangled in a dangerous conspiracy.
At the same time, Hugo is hiding Gioele, the young Jewish boy he rescued from Auschwitz in the previous book. Protecting him while navigating the deadly politics of the investigation puts Hugo, his family, and his friends in constant danger. Adele, the courageous nurse, and Hugo’s kind, quietly humorous father Edmund provide moments of light against the darkness, while Gioele himself proves resourceful and brave beyond his years.
The atmosphere is harrowing and vividly drawn. Ramunno’s Berlin is a city of rubble and smoke, fear and suspicion, where trust is scarce and survival is never guaranteed. The dual timelines—shifting between 1941 and 1944—add depth and context, weaving fact seamlessly with fiction.
Hugo is a fascinating protagonist: brave, flawed, and quietly steadfast. His health struggles, his moral dilemmas, and his relentless search for truth make him an easy character to root for.
This is a dark, tense, and beautifully written novel that captures both the horror of the Nazi regime and the small acts of defiance and humanity that shine through even in the bleakest times. A must-read for fans of Philip Kerr, Rory Clements, or anyone drawn to WWII crime fiction that doesn’t shy away from its history.
With thanks to NetGalley, Harper Fiction, and Hemlock Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 4, 2025
Smoke in Berlin by Oriana Ramunno and translated from the original Italian by Antony Shugaar is the second book in the Hugo Fischer series set in Berlin during the second world war. While this book could be read without having read book 1, Ashes in the Snow, I would highly recommend picking up that book first, not just because it lays the foundations of some of the most important character relationships in this book but also because it is a really good book in its own right.
It is now 1944 and Hugo Fischer is hiding several secrets any one of which could get him killed if the wrong people were to find out, especially his superiors in the secret service. Not only is he hiding a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, a "genetic weakness " that would result in at least his sterilisation if it were to be discovered, he is hiding a young Jewish boy in his home. He rescued Gioele from Auschwitz (See Ashes in the Snow for that story) and has grown to love him like a son, but keeping him hidden is proving something of a challenge.
When Fischer is called in to investigate the apparent murder of a prominent Nazi couple he finds himself caught up in something far bigger and more dangerous than he ever imagined and soon finds himself having to consider whether continuing the investigation will endanger his family, especially since some very powerful people seem very invested in covering up what really happened.
This book is an excellent blend of history and mystery and it is abundantly clear that the author has done a huge amount of research. There was lots of detail about day to day life in Berlin and that really helped to transport me while I read. The pacing was on point and I was absolutely hooked from beginning to end as I tried to figure out the mystery while desperately hoping that Hugo's secrets would remain safe. Given the setting it should not be surprising that there were some truly heart breaking scenes described, especially in the flashback chapters which were set in Ukraine, so I would warn readers to be prepared for some gore as the author does not shy away from the harsh realities of war. That being said it is the characters that are the heart of this book, and it has further cemented my love for Hugo and Gioele, I am fully invested in their fates, especially given the ending of this book and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
This is an excellent work of historical fiction and deserves to stand out in a crowded genre.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
It is now 1944 and Hugo Fischer is hiding several secrets any one of which could get him killed if the wrong people were to find out, especially his superiors in the secret service. Not only is he hiding a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, a "genetic weakness " that would result in at least his sterilisation if it were to be discovered, he is hiding a young Jewish boy in his home. He rescued Gioele from Auschwitz (See Ashes in the Snow for that story) and has grown to love him like a son, but keeping him hidden is proving something of a challenge.
When Fischer is called in to investigate the apparent murder of a prominent Nazi couple he finds himself caught up in something far bigger and more dangerous than he ever imagined and soon finds himself having to consider whether continuing the investigation will endanger his family, especially since some very powerful people seem very invested in covering up what really happened.
This book is an excellent blend of history and mystery and it is abundantly clear that the author has done a huge amount of research. There was lots of detail about day to day life in Berlin and that really helped to transport me while I read. The pacing was on point and I was absolutely hooked from beginning to end as I tried to figure out the mystery while desperately hoping that Hugo's secrets would remain safe. Given the setting it should not be surprising that there were some truly heart breaking scenes described, especially in the flashback chapters which were set in Ukraine, so I would warn readers to be prepared for some gore as the author does not shy away from the harsh realities of war. That being said it is the characters that are the heart of this book, and it has further cemented my love for Hugo and Gioele, I am fully invested in their fates, especially given the ending of this book and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
This is an excellent work of historical fiction and deserves to stand out in a crowded genre.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
September 30, 2025
I read and enjoyed the first book in this historical mystery series set in Berlin in the 1940s featuring Detective Hugo Fischer so was excited to find this second book in what now appears to be a new series.
Hugo is a sympathetic character who is doing his best to solve murders in a country that is run by a bunch of murderers - the irony is not lost on the reader. He also has several secrets- he has rescued a Jewish child, Gioele, from Auschwitz and is passing him off as his son along with the help of his father, Edmund. He also suffers from multiple sclerosis, something his superiors and indeed the government would not tolerate if they found out.
In this book he is investigating the supposed murder of a married couple and the death of a journalist. A complicated case which his superiors seem keen to hush up.
Trying to navigate the regime whilst also finding out the truth proves very difficult and it is only at the end that he realises what he has uncovered and sadly it puts his own life and that of his loved ones in extreme danger.
There are also flashbacks to a horrendous event in the Ukraine, which eventually ties in with the plot - at first I could not work out the connection but by the end the two plot strands came together nicely.
I really liked Hugo and his father, retired magician, Edmund, both full of humanity in inhumane times. Gioele is a child who has seen much suffering but he is resilient and old beyond his years.
The book left me wanting to know more about Hugo, Edmund and Gioele- what is next for them as the ending was rather traumatic.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
Hugo is a sympathetic character who is doing his best to solve murders in a country that is run by a bunch of murderers - the irony is not lost on the reader. He also has several secrets- he has rescued a Jewish child, Gioele, from Auschwitz and is passing him off as his son along with the help of his father, Edmund. He also suffers from multiple sclerosis, something his superiors and indeed the government would not tolerate if they found out.
In this book he is investigating the supposed murder of a married couple and the death of a journalist. A complicated case which his superiors seem keen to hush up.
Trying to navigate the regime whilst also finding out the truth proves very difficult and it is only at the end that he realises what he has uncovered and sadly it puts his own life and that of his loved ones in extreme danger.
There are also flashbacks to a horrendous event in the Ukraine, which eventually ties in with the plot - at first I could not work out the connection but by the end the two plot strands came together nicely.
I really liked Hugo and his father, retired magician, Edmund, both full of humanity in inhumane times. Gioele is a child who has seen much suffering but he is resilient and old beyond his years.
The book left me wanting to know more about Hugo, Edmund and Gioele- what is next for them as the ending was rather traumatic.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
September 17, 2025
This is a remarkable and very different novel. On the face of it, a murder mystery thriller set in Berlin during the latter end of the Second World War. But beneath that facade Ramunno explores a number if very difficult themes with honesty and compassion. Fischer, the central figure is working under duress for a Nazi regime he hates, Personally, he faces danger as he’s harbouring a Jewish youngster. Professionally, he’s investigating a double murder and in doing so, uncovers deceit, mass murder and more. The characters are really well drawn and the slow pace of the story is in keeping with the dark issues the author is highlighting. As a British reader, born soon after the end of the war, I was subjected to the good/bad dictate…Hitler and Germans were bad and Britain and the Allied forces bombed and ‘won’ the war. Real life is far more nuanced and it was some years, after wider reading and challenging, before I realised the way populations are brainwashed. There are countless instances of Germans rallying against their regime, but those stories have remained largely repressed. This book is thought provoking and at times a difficult read because of the subject matter. But it’s so well written and has such an honest feel…I’ve grown to admire Fischer and will be looking for the first book in this series. This is a story of substance and it kept my attention from start to finish.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.
September 17, 2025
Hugo Fischer #2
Berlin, June 1944: Hugo Fischer is forced to work for the Nazi secret service, but he carries dangerous secrets to must conceal. Gisele is not his son, but a Jewish boy he rescued during an investigation at Auschwitz.The murder of of a prominent Nazi couple. The murder of a Reich journalist. An alleged accident that killed fifteen Hitler Youth children. As Fischer investigates, he begins to suspect the deaths in Berlin are intertwined. But when suspicion starts to fall Fischer's way, he finds himself walking a knife edge. To be found part of the conspiracy means death. Yet how can he betray those who stand up for what is right.
This is a tense murder investigation that's set during WWII. Fischer had been a criminologist, but now he's reluctantly working under Nazi regime. He's investigating the deaths of a prominent Nazi couple. It looked like a robbery that had went wrong, but Hugo is fully aware that there is far more going on.
The pace is on the slow side. The characters are well-developed and believable. This is quite a dark read. The story-line was intriguing. My attention was held throughout this thoroughly enjoyable read.
Published 25th September 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #OrianaRamunno for my ARC of #SmokeInBerlin in exchange for an honest review.
Berlin, June 1944: Hugo Fischer is forced to work for the Nazi secret service, but he carries dangerous secrets to must conceal. Gisele is not his son, but a Jewish boy he rescued during an investigation at Auschwitz.The murder of of a prominent Nazi couple. The murder of a Reich journalist. An alleged accident that killed fifteen Hitler Youth children. As Fischer investigates, he begins to suspect the deaths in Berlin are intertwined. But when suspicion starts to fall Fischer's way, he finds himself walking a knife edge. To be found part of the conspiracy means death. Yet how can he betray those who stand up for what is right.
This is a tense murder investigation that's set during WWII. Fischer had been a criminologist, but now he's reluctantly working under Nazi regime. He's investigating the deaths of a prominent Nazi couple. It looked like a robbery that had went wrong, but Hugo is fully aware that there is far more going on.
The pace is on the slow side. The characters are well-developed and believable. This is quite a dark read. The story-line was intriguing. My attention was held throughout this thoroughly enjoyable read.
Published 25th September 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #OrianaRamunno for my ARC of #SmokeInBerlin in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2025
Another story following Hugo Fischer in war torn Berlin. He lives with his elderly father and Gioele, a jewish boy he rescued from Auschwitz. Despite suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, Hugo still works for the Nazi secret service while holding his own secrets close. Investigating the double murder of a married couple and the suicide of someone believed to be connected to them, Hugo embarks on an increasingly dangerous mission. An atmospheric and tense story that brings to life the horrors of the final full year of the second world war. Destruction and hardship is evident throughout but the fear and mistrust of fellow German citizens makes every move and conversation difficult. With increasing doubt about Hitler and his methods, violence against those who voice their opinions is cruel, vicious and often fatal. Hugo doesn’t know who he can trust but with every move he makes, he knows he must keep Gioele safe. An excellent story that is extremely dark but in all the death and destruction there is a glimmer of hope.
October 7, 2025
Thank you for giving me the chance to review this very moving book. Hugo Fischer is a detective in Berlin during the Second World War. He is working for the Nazis, but hiding a Jewish boy he rescued from Auschwitz. He treads a very challenging path as he sets out to investigate the deaths of a prominent Nazi ,couple. Was it a murder & suicide, or 2 murders? Is the suicide of another man linked? What about the 'bombing' of a vehicle carrying members of the Hitler Youth? Hugo is a caring character, and he is a well written character. I felt every sympathy for him. The descriptions of Berlin at this time are very well written, creating an atmospheric setting. His father Edmund is an old man hiding secrets from his son, but showing great empathy for his 'grandson' who is being kept in hiding.
I can recommend this historical crime fiction, set in Berlin at a difficult time, with an interesting back story for the main characters. Even a romance.
I look forward to reading more from this author
I can recommend this historical crime fiction, set in Berlin at a difficult time, with an interesting back story for the main characters. Even a romance.
I look forward to reading more from this author
September 24, 2025
Berlin at the end of WW2, Hugo Fischer works for the Nazi Secret Service even though he has MS. He lives in Berlin with his father and his son, although he is not his son, but a Jewish boy rescued from Auschwitz. He is investigating the murder of a couple and the alleged suicide of a friend of the couple. Fischer does not know who to trust but must keep going or face to much scrutiny as he must keep the boy safe.
I have not read any books by this author before, this is quite a dark read and quite slow in places, but on the whole a good read.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
I have not read any books by this author before, this is quite a dark read and quite slow in places, but on the whole a good read.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
September 25, 2025
A glimpse into the horrors of war for those groups of people considered ‘undesirable’. Despite being a tale of fiction, this story paints a picture of the awful way people were treated and expected to conduct their lives.
It stirs the reader and fills us with feelings of sorrow, loss and every other emotion that goes hand in hand with war and killing. The biggest of these, I think, would be fear.
The book made me think about how terrified everyone must have been and yet, even amidst the horror, there were those who quietly tried to help and relieve suffering of their fellow Man, from wherever they came and whatever their state in life.
An excellent book and very well worth reading.
It stirs the reader and fills us with feelings of sorrow, loss and every other emotion that goes hand in hand with war and killing. The biggest of these, I think, would be fear.
The book made me think about how terrified everyone must have been and yet, even amidst the horror, there were those who quietly tried to help and relieve suffering of their fellow Man, from wherever they came and whatever their state in life.
An excellent book and very well worth reading.
October 5, 2025
This is the second Hugo Fischer book. Following the first one where criminologist Hugo was investigating murders in Auschwitz, culminating with him smuggling out a Jewish child. Hugo is home in Berlin, Gioele now living as Bastian, his son. He is called to investigate the deaths of a prominent Nazi couple, but is thwarted at every turn. Danger is all around for Gioele but Edmond, Hugo's father provides some light relief and fun in the child's life. A gripping story set in terrifying times in Berlin, and highlighting the dangers facing even Germans from the Nazi party. #netgalley #smokeinberlin
November 20, 2025
I was sent a copy of Smoke in Berlin by Oriana Ramunno to read and review by Netgalley. This is the second story featuring Detective Hugo Fischer, following on from the brilliant Ashes in the Snow. This novel is equally as compelling and just as important, highlighting as it does the atrocities implemented by the Nazis in the Second World War. Once again the author has woven a great detective story with historical facts, which are incredibly pertinent to the politics of certain factions in the world today – which is absolutely terrifying. Once again I think this book should be on the curriculum in schools to educate as well as entertain. More than worthy of my maximum 5 stars.
January 5, 2026
3.75 🌟
This had me interested from the very first page.
The short, snappy chapters made it quick and easy to read.
I dont generally read these types of books, but I was interested about this one. It was dark at times but it was also quite fascinating following Hugo.
Hugo put himself and his family at risk to find out the truth, I wonder if there will be an after for them as the last few chapters had me on edge the whole time.
It was dangerous but brave at the same time
I would read more books by this author in the future
Thank you HarperFiction for sending me a copy
This had me interested from the very first page.
The short, snappy chapters made it quick and easy to read.
I dont generally read these types of books, but I was interested about this one. It was dark at times but it was also quite fascinating following Hugo.
Hugo put himself and his family at risk to find out the truth, I wonder if there will be an after for them as the last few chapters had me on edge the whole time.
It was dangerous but brave at the same time
I would read more books by this author in the future
Thank you HarperFiction for sending me a copy
January 17, 2026
A relative comfortable read, but warning…. If you have never delved into the atrocities of the WWll , this will be an eye opener. Confronting images told through the characters will transport you to a time we want to forget but mustn’t.
As much of my favourite reads, a gripping novel based on true life events ( and some characters based on real life peoples) told through the eyes of a good man, struggling to bring a truth and propriety to a war torn Berlin. Interweaving story lines that come to a well crafted , and sometimes sad, crescendo. Thoroughly enjoyed and recommended
As much of my favourite reads, a gripping novel based on true life events ( and some characters based on real life peoples) told through the eyes of a good man, struggling to bring a truth and propriety to a war torn Berlin. Interweaving story lines that come to a well crafted , and sometimes sad, crescendo. Thoroughly enjoyed and recommended
August 24, 2025
This was a slow burn which grew on me the further into it I got and what did it for me was the authenticity of the characters who were all credible and beautifully depicted, the complex plot, as well as the descriptions of a Berlin ravaged by air raids and the knowledge that the tide had turned and the war was lost.
Philip Kerr is still the King of Wold War 11 Berlin police procedurals and thrillers but this is a more than worthy addition to the genre.
Philip Kerr is still the King of Wold War 11 Berlin police procedurals and thrillers but this is a more than worthy addition to the genre.
October 17, 2025
Another fascinating crime mystery for our criminologist Hugo Fischer set in Berlin in 1944. All is not well in Nazi Germany and Hugo is asked to look at the ‘murder/suicide’ of a prominent Nazi couple.
What he uncovers is a conspiracy that threatens everything he holds dear and even his life.
What he uncovers is a conspiracy that threatens everything he holds dear and even his life.
November 26, 2025
An interesting mix of crime thriller and exposition of the myriad cruelties of the Nazi regime and the brave groups and individuals who did their best to save even one life, often at great personal expense.
November 16, 2025
this was ok. Though I won't be reading any more in the series.
December 9, 2025
Purely a fascinating story, based on real events.
December 26, 2025
Easy read, surprising twist.
January 18, 2026
Good book.
October 20, 2025
It is an intriguing and heartbreaking read. Hugo Fischer is asked to investigate the deaths of a married couple during while Berlin was being bombed by the Allied Forces.. As he investigated he realises some things don't add up. I was engrossed in this book from start to finish
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