What do you think?
Rate this book
Prussian Blue
The last desperate days of the First World War. Pandemic sweeping the world. Outside Berlin, in a house of secrets, a wife dies leaving a fortune. They say it was the infection; it looks like murder.
Oberstleutnant Alaric von Trelow, a decorated intelligence officer on the Western Front, returns home to bury his beloved wife. Instead, he finds himself hunting a killer in the crumbling heart of Imperial Germany.
As revolution brews in the streets and defeat looms at the front, von Trelow is drawn into a deadly web of intrigue. Powerful industrialists, scheming politicians, and ruthless officers all hide secrets—and someone will kill to keep them.
From the mud-soaked horror of no-man’s-land to the gilded corruption of Berlin’s high society, von Trelow must uncover a conspiracy that could change the future of Germany itself. Grief is a luxury he cannot afford—because in this war, even peace has a body count.
Prussian Blue, a thrilling new historical mystery, is the first gripping instalment in the Alaric von Trelow Mysteries—a series of detective thrillers set in Weimar Germany.
Perfect for fans of noir detective stories,
Philip Kerr’s Bernie Gunther novels
Ben Pastor’s Martin Bora series
Volker Kutscher’s Babylon Berlin series
Charles Todd’s Inspector Rutledge mysteries
Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series
Quotes from
“True craftsmanship of the highest order.”
"Loads of fun, kept me guessing and taught me a thing or two."
"A very thoughtful, well-researched and yet amazingly gripping novel."
"Original, well crafted and stylish page turner."
"What a great story! I was immediately drawn in by the page-turning mystery, but most of all, I was immersed in the vivid historical setting."
Ready to dive into the intrigue?
Click “Buy Now” (or “Read for Free” in Kindle Unlimited) and begin the journey into Weimar Berlin’s mysteries
Oberstleutnant Alaric von Trelow, a decorated intelligence officer on the Western Front, returns home to bury his beloved wife. Instead, he finds himself hunting a killer in the crumbling heart of Imperial Germany.
As revolution brews in the streets and defeat looms at the front, von Trelow is drawn into a deadly web of intrigue. Powerful industrialists, scheming politicians, and ruthless officers all hide secrets—and someone will kill to keep them.
From the mud-soaked horror of no-man’s-land to the gilded corruption of Berlin’s high society, von Trelow must uncover a conspiracy that could change the future of Germany itself. Grief is a luxury he cannot afford—because in this war, even peace has a body count.
Prussian Blue, a thrilling new historical mystery, is the first gripping instalment in the Alaric von Trelow Mysteries—a series of detective thrillers set in Weimar Germany.
Perfect for fans of noir detective stories,
Philip Kerr’s Bernie Gunther novels
Ben Pastor’s Martin Bora series
Volker Kutscher’s Babylon Berlin series
Charles Todd’s Inspector Rutledge mysteries
Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series
Quotes from
“True craftsmanship of the highest order.”
"Loads of fun, kept me guessing and taught me a thing or two."
"A very thoughtful, well-researched and yet amazingly gripping novel."
"Original, well crafted and stylish page turner."
"What a great story! I was immediately drawn in by the page-turning mystery, but most of all, I was immersed in the vivid historical setting."
Ready to dive into the intrigue?
Click “Buy Now” (or “Read for Free” in Kindle Unlimited) and begin the journey into Weimar Berlin’s mysteries
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2025
9 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 27, 2026
I read the book blurb and was immediately drawn to the plot. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I rate the book 3.75* and round up to 4*. The book immerses you in WWI Germany as the war nears the end. The trench warfare and the unrest and poor conditions of the civilian population. It is a love story in that we revisit Alaric's marriage through memories and his wife's journal. I do wish I had noticed the Glossary (at the back of the book) as a lot of the German phrases and names for equipment give it authentic feel but I sometimes felt pulled out of the story to google what it was. Alaric investigates his wife death was it murder? Secrets are reveled and the ending was surprising. I look forward to reading more of the series.
October 24, 2025
A strong and atmospheric start to the series.
The setting in early Weimar Germany feels real — cold, tense, and full of moral ambiguity.
Perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn mysteries with depth and historical realism.
The setting in early Weimar Germany feels real — cold, tense, and full of moral ambiguity.
Perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn mysteries with depth and historical realism.
February 2, 2026
Prussian Blue by Jason Collings is a sharply written and atmospheric historical mystery that captures both the personal cost of war and the moral collapse of a nation at the edge of transformation. Set in the final, desperate days of the First World War, the novel blends a compelling murder investigation with the broader political and social unraveling of Imperial Germany, creating a story that feels both intimate and historically weighty.
Alaric von Trelow is a particularly strong protagonist intelligent, disciplined, and deeply scarred by grief. His return from the Western Front to bury his wife, only to discover that her death may not have been natural, immediately grounds the story in emotional realism. Collings handles this balance well: the mystery never overshadows von Trelow’s personal loss, nor does the grief slow the momentum of the plot. Instead, it sharpens it.
The historical detail is clearly well researched and confidently presented, from the chaos of postwar Berlin to the quiet menace of powerful men protecting their secrets. Industrialists, politicians, and military officers move through the story with believable motives, and the sense of paranoia and decay feels authentic rather than decorative. The prose is controlled and stylish, with a noir sensibility that fits the era perfectly.
What stands out most is how Prussian Blue uses its mystery to explore larger themes power, corruption, and the cost of truth in times of collapse. It’s a thoughtful, gripping debut that kept me engaged from start to finish and left me eager to continue the series. Fans of Philip Kerr, Volker Kutscher, or Ben Pastor will feel very much at home here.
Alaric von Trelow is a particularly strong protagonist intelligent, disciplined, and deeply scarred by grief. His return from the Western Front to bury his wife, only to discover that her death may not have been natural, immediately grounds the story in emotional realism. Collings handles this balance well: the mystery never overshadows von Trelow’s personal loss, nor does the grief slow the momentum of the plot. Instead, it sharpens it.
The historical detail is clearly well researched and confidently presented, from the chaos of postwar Berlin to the quiet menace of powerful men protecting their secrets. Industrialists, politicians, and military officers move through the story with believable motives, and the sense of paranoia and decay feels authentic rather than decorative. The prose is controlled and stylish, with a noir sensibility that fits the era perfectly.
What stands out most is how Prussian Blue uses its mystery to explore larger themes power, corruption, and the cost of truth in times of collapse. It’s a thoughtful, gripping debut that kept me engaged from start to finish and left me eager to continue the series. Fans of Philip Kerr, Volker Kutscher, or Ben Pastor will feel very much at home here.
January 2, 2026
At first, it took me a while to get into this book and its characters and glad I kept reading. Once the ball got rolling it was hard to put down. I had the main character pictured as an older man and was surprised he was portrayed as young as he was and pleased for him in the end. Not your typical war drama but based around historical events. Looking forward to the rest of the series
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
November 29, 2025
I wasn't sure about this book when I first started - it seemed like it might just be a "mindless war story", but after the first few pages I was hooked.
(Maybe the very opening scenes could have been briefer to draw the reader into the main story faster… but then I don't know if there are open loops there that will be referenced in later books in the series?)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found this an interesting read, both because Weimar Germany is a subject I find interesting (I majored in German and live in Austria) and also to get to know the main character - not just a stereotypical "Prussian Junker officer" but a multilayered personality.
This was an extremely good read and I'm really looking forward to future books in the series and learning how this will evolve…
(Maybe the very opening scenes could have been briefer to draw the reader into the main story faster… but then I don't know if there are open loops there that will be referenced in later books in the series?)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found this an interesting read, both because Weimar Germany is a subject I find interesting (I majored in German and live in Austria) and also to get to know the main character - not just a stereotypical "Prussian Junker officer" but a multilayered personality.
This was an extremely good read and I'm really looking forward to future books in the series and learning how this will evolve…
October 29, 2025
German aristocrat and army intelligence officer Alaric von Trelow trades espionage for detective work in the chaotic final days of World War I. When his young wife Jana dies, possibly because of foul play, von Trelow must navigate the rarefied social circles of her parents to uncover the truth. His investigation plunges him into a world of political extremists, disillusioned veterans, and the wealthy elite, where allegiances shift like sand and yesterday's allies become today's enemies.
Jason Collings demonstrates exceptional command of both period detail and pacing. The writing style elevates this beyond standard historical mystery fare. It’s elegant without being florid, capturing the fevered atmosphere of late-WW1 Germany where revolution and reaction clash both in the streets and behind the scenes. Von Trelow's intelligence background provides a natural entry into the conspiracy's layers without feeling contrived.
The mystery unfolds with satisfying momentum against the backdrop of a society tearing itself apart. Collings expertly weaves the personal tragedy of Jana's death into the broader political instability, making the stakes both intimate and historical. The setting proves particularly rich, portraying a nation caught between monarchical collapse and an uncertain democratic future. The “twenty-year armistice” is on the horizon, but the nation still suffers. Anything seems possible, yet nothing feels safe.
Alaric Von Trelow is a compelling protagonist: competent without being superhuman, grieving without ceasing to function. His journey through Germany's fractured political landscape feels authentic to both the period and the genre. The resolution satisfies while leaving threads for future installments (of which there will apparently be many).
A superb series opener that should appeal to fans of intelligent historical mysteries set in the inter-war period.
Jason Collings demonstrates exceptional command of both period detail and pacing. The writing style elevates this beyond standard historical mystery fare. It’s elegant without being florid, capturing the fevered atmosphere of late-WW1 Germany where revolution and reaction clash both in the streets and behind the scenes. Von Trelow's intelligence background provides a natural entry into the conspiracy's layers without feeling contrived.
The mystery unfolds with satisfying momentum against the backdrop of a society tearing itself apart. Collings expertly weaves the personal tragedy of Jana's death into the broader political instability, making the stakes both intimate and historical. The setting proves particularly rich, portraying a nation caught between monarchical collapse and an uncertain democratic future. The “twenty-year armistice” is on the horizon, but the nation still suffers. Anything seems possible, yet nothing feels safe.
Alaric Von Trelow is a compelling protagonist: competent without being superhuman, grieving without ceasing to function. His journey through Germany's fractured political landscape feels authentic to both the period and the genre. The resolution satisfies while leaving threads for future installments (of which there will apparently be many).
A superb series opener that should appeal to fans of intelligent historical mysteries set in the inter-war period.
November 13, 2025
russian Blue by Jason Collings is one of those rare novels that lingers long after the final page a haunting blend of history, grief, and moral reckoning set against the crumbling grandeur of Imperial Germany. From the moment Oberstleutnant Alaric von Trelow steps out of the trenches and into the shadows of his own home, the novel grips you with quiet intensity. What begins as a personal tragedy the death of his wife unfolds into a vast web of deceit, political rot, and existential despair.
Collings’ writing is masterfully evocative. The air feels thick with gunpowder, desperation, and fading honor. His depiction of postwar Germany doesn’t rely on spectacle but on atmosphere, the quiet menace of corridors where power shifts, the hollow clink of glasses in salons filled with corruption. Von Trelow himself is a deeply human protagonist: scarred by war, haunted by love, and bound by duty in a world losing all sense of truth.
What truly moved me was how Collings balances intellect and emotion. The book’s mystery is sharp, its pacing taut, yet beneath every clue lies a meditation on loss, loyalty, and the fragility of morality under pressure. It’s both a page-turner and a lament the kind of historical fiction that feels eerily timeless in its portrayal of human frailty and power’s decay.
For readers of Philip Kerr or Ben Pastor, this is an absolute gem. But Prussian Blue stands on its own as a work of rare craft and heart. It doesn’t just recreate history, it resurrects its ghosts.
Collings’ writing is masterfully evocative. The air feels thick with gunpowder, desperation, and fading honor. His depiction of postwar Germany doesn’t rely on spectacle but on atmosphere, the quiet menace of corridors where power shifts, the hollow clink of glasses in salons filled with corruption. Von Trelow himself is a deeply human protagonist: scarred by war, haunted by love, and bound by duty in a world losing all sense of truth.
What truly moved me was how Collings balances intellect and emotion. The book’s mystery is sharp, its pacing taut, yet beneath every clue lies a meditation on loss, loyalty, and the fragility of morality under pressure. It’s both a page-turner and a lament the kind of historical fiction that feels eerily timeless in its portrayal of human frailty and power’s decay.
For readers of Philip Kerr or Ben Pastor, this is an absolute gem. But Prussian Blue stands on its own as a work of rare craft and heart. It doesn’t just recreate history, it resurrects its ghosts.
February 14, 2026
The last desperate days of the First World War. Pandemic sweeping the world. Outside Berlin, in a house of secrets, a wife dies leaving a fortune. They say it was the infection; it looks like murder.
Oberstleutnant Alaric von Trelow, a decorated intelligence officer on the Western Front, returns home to bury his beloved wife. Instead, he finds himself hunting a killer in the crumbling heart of Imperial Germany.
As revolution brews in the streets and defeat looms at the front, von Trelow is drawn into a deadly web of intrigue. Powerful industrialists, scheming politicians, and ruthless officers all hide secretsand someone will kill to keep them.
From the mud-soaked horror of no-man’sland to the gilded corruption of Berlin’s high society, von Trelow must uncover a conspiracy that could change the future of Germany itself. Grief is a luxury he cannot affordbecause in this war, even peace has a body count.
Prussian Blue, a thrilling new historical mystery, is the first gripping instalment in the Alaric von Trelow Mysteriesa series of detective thrillers set in Weimar Germany.
Oberstleutnant Alaric von Trelow, a decorated intelligence officer on the Western Front, returns home to bury his beloved wife. Instead, he finds himself hunting a killer in the crumbling heart of Imperial Germany.
As revolution brews in the streets and defeat looms at the front, von Trelow is drawn into a deadly web of intrigue. Powerful industrialists, scheming politicians, and ruthless officers all hide secretsand someone will kill to keep them.
From the mud-soaked horror of no-man’sland to the gilded corruption of Berlin’s high society, von Trelow must uncover a conspiracy that could change the future of Germany itself. Grief is a luxury he cannot affordbecause in this war, even peace has a body count.
Prussian Blue, a thrilling new historical mystery, is the first gripping instalment in the Alaric von Trelow Mysteriesa series of detective thrillers set in Weimar Germany.
November 19, 2025
Jason Collings’ “Prussian Blue: Alaric von Trelow: Book 1 (Alaric von Trelow Mysteries) is the first book in the trilogy. The historical fiction follows intelligence officer Alsric von Trelow as he returns home from the Western Front in the final days of World War 1 to bury his wife.
Dismissing her death as the result of the same infection that is causing a worldwide pandemic, he begins his pursuit of his wife’s killer. His pursuit takes the reader into the final days of the first world war, behind the scenes of revolution, conspiracy, and high society, and against powerful opponents.
“Prussian Blue” is well-written, historically accurate, and interesting. Its characters are well developed as is its engaging plot.
The book is the first installment of a series that promises to effectively combine elements of historical fiction, noir murder mystery, and suspense. With “Prussian Blue,” author Jason Collings has set the bar high for the second and third books of his trilogy.
Dismissing her death as the result of the same infection that is causing a worldwide pandemic, he begins his pursuit of his wife’s killer. His pursuit takes the reader into the final days of the first world war, behind the scenes of revolution, conspiracy, and high society, and against powerful opponents.
“Prussian Blue” is well-written, historically accurate, and interesting. Its characters are well developed as is its engaging plot.
The book is the first installment of a series that promises to effectively combine elements of historical fiction, noir murder mystery, and suspense. With “Prussian Blue,” author Jason Collings has set the bar high for the second and third books of his trilogy.
November 3, 2025
Prussian Blue is the kind of historical mystery that pulls you in from the very first line. The atmosphere feels thick with tension; you can almost smell the gunpowder and sense the exhaustion of a country on the edge of collapse. Alaric von Trelow is such a compelling lead, a soldier turned investigator who’s forced to confront not only the death of his wife but the moral decay around him.
What makes the story stand out is how seamlessly it blends war, politics, and personal grief. Every scene feels alive with detail from the chaos of the front to the corruption of Berlin’s elite. There’s this slow burn of dread that keeps you turning the pages, wondering who can be trusted.
It’s dark, intelligent, and beautifully written. If you love mysteries rooted in real history and characters who carry both strength and sorrow, this one delivers completely.
What makes the story stand out is how seamlessly it blends war, politics, and personal grief. Every scene feels alive with detail from the chaos of the front to the corruption of Berlin’s elite. There’s this slow burn of dread that keeps you turning the pages, wondering who can be trusted.
It’s dark, intelligent, and beautifully written. If you love mysteries rooted in real history and characters who carry both strength and sorrow, this one delivers completely.
October 27, 2025
“Prussian Blue” hits that perfect blend of gripping mystery and rich historical atmosphere. From the trenches of the Western Front to the political shadows of Berlin, the story never lets up. Alaric von Trelow is a brilliant and complex lead driven by grief but sharp enough to cut through layers of lies and danger.
What I loved most is how the book brings Imperial Germany’s final days to life: the tension, the paranoia, the sense that the world is about to change forever. It’s immersive, smart, and packed with twists right up to the final pages.
If you’re into noir detective stories and historical intrigue, this is absolutely a must-read. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
What I loved most is how the book brings Imperial Germany’s final days to life: the tension, the paranoia, the sense that the world is about to change forever. It’s immersive, smart, and packed with twists right up to the final pages.
If you’re into noir detective stories and historical intrigue, this is absolutely a must-read. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
November 3, 2025
Prussian Blue captures the final days of World War I with haunting precision. It isn’t just a mystery, it’s a portrait of a nation unraveling. The story follows Alaric von Trelow, a man torn between duty and despair, as he tries to uncover the truth behind his wife’s death while the world around him falls apart.
The writing feels authentic and immersive, full of the quiet tension of post-war Germany. The author doesn’t rely on cheap twists; instead, the suspense builds through layers of secrets, power struggles, and human emotion. It’s the kind of book that reminds you how fragile both justice and sanity can be in times of chaos.
The writing feels authentic and immersive, full of the quiet tension of post-war Germany. The author doesn’t rely on cheap twists; instead, the suspense builds through layers of secrets, power struggles, and human emotion. It’s the kind of book that reminds you how fragile both justice and sanity can be in times of chaos.
November 3, 2025
This book feels like stepping into a film, moody, intense, and heartbreakingly human. Prussian Blue takes the despair of war and turns it into a story about loss, loyalty, and truth. Alaric von Trelow isn’t just investigating a murder; he’s trying to hold on to his soul in a world that’s forgotten what mercy means.
Every page feels heavy with meaning, and the pacing keeps you right on edge. You can feel the cold Berlin air, the whispers of betrayal, the ache of grief. It’s a powerful start to a series that promises both depth and danger.
Every page feels heavy with meaning, and the pacing keeps you right on edge. You can feel the cold Berlin air, the whispers of betrayal, the ache of grief. It’s a powerful start to a series that promises both depth and danger.
November 9, 2025
Prussian Blue is a brilliant start to the Alaric von Trelow Mysteries. Set in the final, desperate days of the First World War, it captures the tension and decay of a collapsing empire with stunning detail.
Von Trelow is a compelling protagonisthaunted, intelligent, and relentless as he searches for his wife’s killer amid the chaos of revolution and defeat. The mix of espionage, murder, and political intrigue keeps the pages turning, and the writing crackles with atmosphere.
Dark, elegant, and deeply human, Prussian Blue is historical crime fiction at its finest. I couldn’t put it down.
Von Trelow is a compelling protagonisthaunted, intelligent, and relentless as he searches for his wife’s killer amid the chaos of revolution and defeat. The mix of espionage, murder, and political intrigue keeps the pages turning, and the writing crackles with atmosphere.
Dark, elegant, and deeply human, Prussian Blue is historical crime fiction at its finest. I couldn’t put it down.
October 10, 2025
What a great story!
I was immediately drawn in by the page-turning mystery, but most of all, I was immersed in the vivid historical setting.
The characters are excellent, and even as someone who already loves this period, I learned a lot I didn’t know about the situation and politics in Germany during the final days of World War One.
I’m already partway through the second Von Trelow book and looking forward to many more!
I was immediately drawn in by the page-turning mystery, but most of all, I was immersed in the vivid historical setting.
The characters are excellent, and even as someone who already loves this period, I learned a lot I didn’t know about the situation and politics in Germany during the final days of World War One.
I’m already partway through the second Von Trelow book and looking forward to many more!
November 11, 2025
Prussian Blue is a gripping and beautifully written mystery that captures the chaos and emotion of post–World War I Germany. Jason Collings weaves history and suspense with remarkable skill, creating a story that’s both intelligent and deeply human. Alaric von Trelow is a character who stays with you long after the last page. A powerful and impressive debut to what promises to be an unforgettable series.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews