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The Scholl Case: The Deadly End of a Marriage
In December 2011, a corpse was found in a forest in Ludwigsfelde, a small and peaceful town south of Berlin. The body was hidden between pine trees, covered with leaves. The victim was Brigitte Scholl, sixty-seven, cosmetician, and wife of Ludwigsfelde’s former mayor, Heinrich Scholl. There were rumours that Brigitte was raped, and killed by a serial killer. While the police hunted for the murderer, parents kept their children indoors, and joggers avoided the forest. Three weeks later, the police arrested the victim’s husband.
The residents were shocked. Heinrich Scholl was well-respected in his community, regarded as the most successful mayor of East Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall. This charming man had it all: a successful career, influential friends, and a marriage of almost fifty years. But behind closed doors, it was a very different story. Friends and family were staggered at the picture that emerged during the trial.
In 2012, Heinrich Scholl was pronounced guilty of murder, and sentenced to life in prison. To this day, he pleads not guilty. Journalist, and author, Anja Reich-Osang followed the trial and talked to family, friends, and Heinrich Scholl himself. She tells a gripping story about marriage, sex, and politics, where nothing is as it seems.
Anja Reich-Osang is a German journalist. She received the German Reporter Award in 2012, and is currently senior editor at Berliner Zeitung.
The residents were shocked. Heinrich Scholl was well-respected in his community, regarded as the most successful mayor of East Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall. This charming man had it all: a successful career, influential friends, and a marriage of almost fifty years. But behind closed doors, it was a very different story. Friends and family were staggered at the picture that emerged during the trial.
In 2012, Heinrich Scholl was pronounced guilty of murder, and sentenced to life in prison. To this day, he pleads not guilty. Journalist, and author, Anja Reich-Osang followed the trial and talked to family, friends, and Heinrich Scholl himself. She tells a gripping story about marriage, sex, and politics, where nothing is as it seems.
Anja Reich-Osang is a German journalist. She received the German Reporter Award in 2012, and is currently senior editor at Berliner Zeitung.
213 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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December 27, 2016
This is a non-fiction account of the murder of Brigitte Scholl and the subsequent arrest and conviction of her husband Heinrich Scholl, a respected businessman and recently retired Mayor of Ludwigsfelde, a small East German town in Brandenburg. The author is a journalist who sat through the trial and became fascinated by the man and the anatomy of his marriage to his wife Brigitte. How could a man who had done so much for Ludwigwigsfelde, literally building it up from scratch after the Berlin wall was pulled down, be guilty of murdering his wife of 47 years?
Instead of delving into the details of the murder and trial, the author first builds us a picture of the man Heinrich Scholl and his wife, painting in the details of Heinrich's upbringing by cold and unloving parents to his marriage of convenience to Birgitte, a local beauty used to having men at her fingertips. It makes for a fascinating story of how Heinrrich, known as Heiner to his friends, was henpecked and ordered around by Birgitte who always had to have total control, not only of Heinrich but also her friends and what they wore to her parties or events. Heinrich's escape was to immerse himself in his work, although even here he was at Brigitte's beck and call. After the fall of the Berlin wall, Heinrich was elected Mayor and worked hard to bring prosperity to the town. He appears to have been loved by everyone, except his wife, who nevertheless kept up the public facade that theirs was a strong marriage. However, once Heinrich retired, he could no longer bear to live at home under Brigitte's thumb and not only moved out to a flat in Berlin but also took a much younger lover who stripped him of his savings. Returning home to Ludwigsfelde with his tail between his legs and Brigitte gloating, he is believed to have hatched his plot of murdering his wife.
The last third of the book describes the murder of Brigitte and her dog in the woods where she liked to walk, the evidence against Heinrich and the German court system of trial by a judge and a panel of judges and lay people rather than by a jury. Most of the evidence against Heinrich offered up to the judge was circumstantial.Witnesses became confused about which day they had seen Heinrich walking in the woods with his wife and when they had seen him at the places he gave in his alibi, but nevertheless the judge found him guilty and he is currently serving a life sentence. The author does not speculate on what she thought happened but does raise one further factor that was not brought up at the trial. She spent many hours interviewing Heinrich in prison and has done an excellent job detailing his life and the facts of the case. The writing is a little dry and unemotional but the account is given in a very straightforward, factual way that make it easy to read this fascinating tale.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Text for a digital copy to read and review
Instead of delving into the details of the murder and trial, the author first builds us a picture of the man Heinrich Scholl and his wife, painting in the details of Heinrich's upbringing by cold and unloving parents to his marriage of convenience to Birgitte, a local beauty used to having men at her fingertips. It makes for a fascinating story of how Heinrrich, known as Heiner to his friends, was henpecked and ordered around by Birgitte who always had to have total control, not only of Heinrich but also her friends and what they wore to her parties or events. Heinrich's escape was to immerse himself in his work, although even here he was at Brigitte's beck and call. After the fall of the Berlin wall, Heinrich was elected Mayor and worked hard to bring prosperity to the town. He appears to have been loved by everyone, except his wife, who nevertheless kept up the public facade that theirs was a strong marriage. However, once Heinrich retired, he could no longer bear to live at home under Brigitte's thumb and not only moved out to a flat in Berlin but also took a much younger lover who stripped him of his savings. Returning home to Ludwigsfelde with his tail between his legs and Brigitte gloating, he is believed to have hatched his plot of murdering his wife.
The last third of the book describes the murder of Brigitte and her dog in the woods where she liked to walk, the evidence against Heinrich and the German court system of trial by a judge and a panel of judges and lay people rather than by a jury. Most of the evidence against Heinrich offered up to the judge was circumstantial.Witnesses became confused about which day they had seen Heinrich walking in the woods with his wife and when they had seen him at the places he gave in his alibi, but nevertheless the judge found him guilty and he is currently serving a life sentence. The author does not speculate on what she thought happened but does raise one further factor that was not brought up at the trial. She spent many hours interviewing Heinrich in prison and has done an excellent job detailing his life and the facts of the case. The writing is a little dry and unemotional but the account is given in a very straightforward, factual way that make it easy to read this fascinating tale.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Text for a digital copy to read and review
August 20, 2019
The book gives a lot of background info on Brigitte and Heinrich Scholl. The author attended the trial, had interviews with family and friends, and had several long talks with Heinrich himself.
I felt it was well-researched. It's not full of blood-and-gore, like some true crime, it is more a study of two very different people who end up married to each other. I'm still not sure if he 'did it', or not. But if he didn't, then who would have? A puzzle.
3 Stars = Okay. Maybe not a page-turner, but not sorry I read it.
I felt it was well-researched. It's not full of blood-and-gore, like some true crime, it is more a study of two very different people who end up married to each other. I'm still not sure if he 'did it', or not. But if he didn't, then who would have? A puzzle.
3 Stars = Okay. Maybe not a page-turner, but not sorry I read it.
September 22, 2016
Written by a journalist and subtitled, “The Deadly End of a Marriage,” this is a sobering account of the murder of Brigitte Scholl and of her husband, Henrich Scholl’s, trial for her murder. However, this is not really a typical true crime book. In terms of style, it is a little dry in parts – although that might be due to the translation. Unlike many true crime books, it also does little more than tell the story of Henrich and Brigitte Scholl; there are no sudden revelations, no real suggestions of another culprit offered and certainly no sensationalism.
Despite that, though, this is a fairly sensational story – in the way that many real lives are so interesting when you peer beneath the surface. For, on the face of things, the couple seemed to be successful, happily married and had just celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary the day before Brigitte went to walk her dog in the woods and never came back… However, what unfolds is a tragic tale of a couple who were extremely different. Brigitte confident (some might say over-bearing), promiscuous, adored by her parents and fairly wealthy by the East German standards in which she grew up. Meanwhile, Heinrich was unloved by his parents (the reason for which was never really clear) and who gravitated towards Brigitte’s family, where he made himself useful in return for being tolerated, fed and cared for.
This is the story of secrets, lies and a small town where Heinrich rose from lowly beginnings to become mayor. Of a marriage of convenience, which was seen differently by the couple’s friends. Of a man infatuated with a younger woman and of a woman who insisted her husband would not share her grave… It is a fascinating account of the couple and of the crime and trial, but it ultimately did not offer much in the way of a solution, other than to report on the account of the investigation. Still, it was a gripping read and a good portrait of a place and of a couple who played out their real lives behind closed doors. Most of all, it is a fascinating psychological portrait of Heinrich Scholl and yet, even after reading this book, I do not feel I know him or what really motivates him. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Despite that, though, this is a fairly sensational story – in the way that many real lives are so interesting when you peer beneath the surface. For, on the face of things, the couple seemed to be successful, happily married and had just celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary the day before Brigitte went to walk her dog in the woods and never came back… However, what unfolds is a tragic tale of a couple who were extremely different. Brigitte confident (some might say over-bearing), promiscuous, adored by her parents and fairly wealthy by the East German standards in which she grew up. Meanwhile, Heinrich was unloved by his parents (the reason for which was never really clear) and who gravitated towards Brigitte’s family, where he made himself useful in return for being tolerated, fed and cared for.
This is the story of secrets, lies and a small town where Heinrich rose from lowly beginnings to become mayor. Of a marriage of convenience, which was seen differently by the couple’s friends. Of a man infatuated with a younger woman and of a woman who insisted her husband would not share her grave… It is a fascinating account of the couple and of the crime and trial, but it ultimately did not offer much in the way of a solution, other than to report on the account of the investigation. Still, it was a gripping read and a good portrait of a place and of a couple who played out their real lives behind closed doors. Most of all, it is a fascinating psychological portrait of Heinrich Scholl and yet, even after reading this book, I do not feel I know him or what really motivates him. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
December 19, 2017
A rather dry, but very readable account of a marriage gone bad. Heinrich and Brigitte married for convenience, it came to a bloody end in December, 2011 after 50 years of marriage. Heinrich, a successful retired Mayor of a small East German city murdered his wife and her dog.What makes the book interesting is that this marriage began at the same time the Berlin Wall fell, Heinrich took a small East German village and made it a show place. The author gives us an idea of how life was in Germany around that time, but as to really delving into the true character of the Scholl's the story is a bit weak.
Interview with the author Anja Reich-Osang This review was originally posted on The Pfaeffle Journal
September 26, 2016
The Scholl Case is a non-fiction book by German journalist and author, Anja Reich-Osang. At midday on December 29th, 2011, Brigitte Scholl drove her silver Mercedes from her home in Ludwigsfelde to nearby woods for her daily walk with her cocker spaniel, Ursus. She never returned.
In early 2012, Heinrich Scholl was charged with the murder of his wife of 47 years. Her body, and that of her cocker-spaniel, were found in woods on December 30th, 2011. Heinrich was the former mayor of Ludwigsfelde, and well-respected in the community. His trial lasted eight months and he was convicted of Brigitte’s murder, for which he is currently serving a life sentence in the prison in Brandenburg an der Havel. He maintains his claim of innocence.
Reich-Osang attended the trial and was given permission by Scholl to conduct research about him. She states that her book is based on observations made during the trial, and interviews with the defendant, with friends and relations of both the victim and the defendant as well as business colleagues, politician friends, lawyers and others who could provide information about the couple.
This book examines in detail the events in the lives of this couple, both as individuals and together, from their teenage years onwards. Reich-Osang tracks the changes in what was essentially a marriage of convenience, changes that ultimately led to Brigitte’s murder. Reich-Osang herself makes no judgment on Scholl’s guilt or innocence, allowing the facts that her meticulous research has uncovered to speak for themselves. Flawlessly translated by Imogen Taylor, this is a fascinating read.
In early 2012, Heinrich Scholl was charged with the murder of his wife of 47 years. Her body, and that of her cocker-spaniel, were found in woods on December 30th, 2011. Heinrich was the former mayor of Ludwigsfelde, and well-respected in the community. His trial lasted eight months and he was convicted of Brigitte’s murder, for which he is currently serving a life sentence in the prison in Brandenburg an der Havel. He maintains his claim of innocence.
Reich-Osang attended the trial and was given permission by Scholl to conduct research about him. She states that her book is based on observations made during the trial, and interviews with the defendant, with friends and relations of both the victim and the defendant as well as business colleagues, politician friends, lawyers and others who could provide information about the couple.
This book examines in detail the events in the lives of this couple, both as individuals and together, from their teenage years onwards. Reich-Osang tracks the changes in what was essentially a marriage of convenience, changes that ultimately led to Brigitte’s murder. Reich-Osang herself makes no judgment on Scholl’s guilt or innocence, allowing the facts that her meticulous research has uncovered to speak for themselves. Flawlessly translated by Imogen Taylor, this is a fascinating read.
September 19, 2016
This is the true story of the death of Bridgette Scholl, a 67 year old cosmetician who was found murdered by her husband Heinrich. Heinrich was considered one of the best former mayors their town has had and he has an outstanding reputation in the community. He is used to being treated well and cannot believe it when he is considered a suspect in his wife's murder. The story then takes us back to when Bridgette and Heinrich first met and we learn more about their characters and personalities and their relationship. This was an interesting story and I had not heard of these people before. Quite enjoyable, an easy read. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2018
Trigger warnings: murder, animal cruelty, domestic violence, cheating, slut shaming.
3.5 stars.
I've been staring at this cover on my library's Overdrive site for at least a year now, debating whether or not to read it. And I finally caved, given that I've been listening to true crime podcasts nonstop and was craving more true crime.
It's surprisingly short - less than 160 pages - and yet it seems much longer. The story unfolds in a very linear fashion - we start with the murder, then jump back and follow Scholl through the course of his life and his marriage to the events that led up to him murdering his wife, before following the court case and his ultimate imprisonment.
There were moments where I was like "Dude, WTF? What is wrong with you?!", but on the whole, it was a pretty decent read. It would have been 4 stars, but there were occasional moments of weirdness in the writing and I don't know whether they came from the author or the translator.
3.5 stars.
I've been staring at this cover on my library's Overdrive site for at least a year now, debating whether or not to read it. And I finally caved, given that I've been listening to true crime podcasts nonstop and was craving more true crime.
It's surprisingly short - less than 160 pages - and yet it seems much longer. The story unfolds in a very linear fashion - we start with the murder, then jump back and follow Scholl through the course of his life and his marriage to the events that led up to him murdering his wife, before following the court case and his ultimate imprisonment.
There were moments where I was like "Dude, WTF? What is wrong with you?!", but on the whole, it was a pretty decent read. It would have been 4 stars, but there were occasional moments of weirdness in the writing and I don't know whether they came from the author or the translator.
May 25, 2018
I was expecting the author to flesh out the murder of Brigitte. instead, it was more centred around their marriage, their facades, and their family life. I can’t help but think that a true crime novel should focus on the “whodunnit”, rather than try to have us guess who the bad guy was. It became very misogynistic - labelling Brigitte the cruel, cold, poor little rich girl, when in fact it was her husband that was a manipulative, social climbing abuser. She was painted as a woman who tried to keep every aspect her life seperate from her husband, when in reality, she had to work hard to keep their social status, and because she was ultimately a businesswoman. I don’t think this novel did her any justice at all. THE AUDACITY to just write off his behaviour and actions, just because he wasn’t treated the best in his formative years was outrageous.
Whilst i really appreciated the step back in time - we see post-war era Germany, the building and fall of the Berlin wall - I din’t get much closure at all. Why did he wait to kill her after almost 5 decades together? Was it because he was scared that he’d lose his cash cow? I feel like the murder was an afterthought in all of the history - but I read this book to delve into the mystery/ crime aspect of the story. Maybe something was lost when the book was translated? Maybe the directness was not carried across as intended? Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the history, I wish it had taken a backseat for the crime itself.
Whilst i really appreciated the step back in time - we see post-war era Germany, the building and fall of the Berlin wall - I din’t get much closure at all. Why did he wait to kill her after almost 5 decades together? Was it because he was scared that he’d lose his cash cow? I feel like the murder was an afterthought in all of the history - but I read this book to delve into the mystery/ crime aspect of the story. Maybe something was lost when the book was translated? Maybe the directness was not carried across as intended? Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the history, I wish it had taken a backseat for the crime itself.
January 6, 2018
This was more 'interesting' than actually being enjoyable. The winner of the 2017 CWA non-fiction award (and I could see why) this examination of a uxoricide in Germany was quietly and thoroughly written, slowly fleshing out the histories of the murdered wife and accused husband, striking a tone which I felt was even and fair - yet reminiscent of some of the more cold and Nordic crime fiction I have read.
Despite my admiration for the author's hard work and research, her putting together such a complete story told so convincingly, despite the intelligence and thought-provoking aspects of the book (questions about the nature of gender roles, loneliness, responsibility, culture, upbringing), despite it leaving me very glad that the author hadn't egotistically put themselves centre of the story (compare 'This House of Grief' by Helen Garner) it didn't quite hit the spot that I'd call it an complete triumph in my eyes. Though not a long book, there was a section of biographical information in the middle which dragged a little as it didn't relate as strongly to the crime as I felt other parts did, the reality of the trial made for a less compelling end than would be present in a fictional crime drama, and the fact it all just left me feeling rather sad... a worthwhile read but not one which I'd recommend to all and sundry.
Despite my admiration for the author's hard work and research, her putting together such a complete story told so convincingly, despite the intelligence and thought-provoking aspects of the book (questions about the nature of gender roles, loneliness, responsibility, culture, upbringing), despite it leaving me very glad that the author hadn't egotistically put themselves centre of the story (compare 'This House of Grief' by Helen Garner) it didn't quite hit the spot that I'd call it an complete triumph in my eyes. Though not a long book, there was a section of biographical information in the middle which dragged a little as it didn't relate as strongly to the crime as I felt other parts did, the reality of the trial made for a less compelling end than would be present in a fictional crime drama, and the fact it all just left me feeling rather sad... a worthwhile read but not one which I'd recommend to all and sundry.
November 6, 2016
Finished reading: October 27th 2016
“No one could imagine that he has killed his wife, he was the former mayor of Ludwigsfelde, an honourable man. And yet here in the courtroom you often get to know sides of a person that no one could previously have conceived possible.”
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Text Publishing Company in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
June 30, 2018
This was a book I found hard to put down. It was both interesting and enjoyable. The author did a great job of bringing the lives of two people with all their differences to life. This book is not weighed down with technical or miscellaneous data but is a story told in a language which made for a compelling read. Thank you to Google for providing faces to the names as there are no photos included. Was the case proven beyond reasonable doubt? Could not have been suicide as some advanced.
April 19, 2023
Boring. Literally waste of my life.
October 11, 2016
I am totally mind-blown by this book! The synopsis itself astounded me that much so I requested this copy from Text Publishing to be read and reviewed here in my blog (Thank You!). This was sent to me in exchange for an honest and fair review. I must admit that this story is pretty gripping and intense! I read and finished it in two consecutive days (with bladder break in between, hahaha!). The Mystery/Crime/Thriller genre triggers my adrenaline so badly! I am able to explore and deal with a wrecked relationship; how it affected both the husband and the wife not just physically but emotionally as well.
The story took place in a small town called Ludwigsfelde. It is set right after the World War II. This is the place where the two main characters, Henry and Brigitte, grew up and built their family. I am not sure if young adult readers will find this creation appealing because the setting per se is kind of odd and boring. I personally enjoy reading historical fiction themed books so I did not have a hard time appreciating its beauty.
The main character is Henry Scholl. He is accused and convicted for allegedly murdering and raping his wife. He is an intelligent man, career-oriented, and reserved. He always does things that he thinks is right but he mistakenly did one thing that is not right, and that is marrying Brigitte. It is all for obligation and the promise of belonging. He gets what he wants but not the affection that he needs from his wife. He is actually considered a miserable man. Brigitte, on the other hand, is a glamorous woman who came from a well-off family. She is sophisticated and always after on what other people will think of her and their family. She is an almost perfect wife except for the fact that she is constantly neglecting Henry.
The writing style is awesome! I am really impressed by how the author showed the readers a real life situation. All the important details to be expected are present; from the day that the couple met until the day that the horrifying death of Brigitte occurred. All the people around their circle are interviewed in a manner that the significant details in the case are presented. This is a very interesting case because a couple who have been married for 50 years and overcame plenty of obstacles in their relationship still ended up being separated, but this one is very tragic. Overall it is a fun reading experience but there are certain things that I dislike about it. There is no closure and the case is not solved, yet. I am left puzzled and hanging; I still want more, more information, and more of everything. The third person narration also bothered me because I am not able to look at Henry’s perspective to be able to understand or guess if he really murdered his wife. I am giving this book 3.5 out of 5.
I made a lot of realizations after diving into their world but I will just state the major thing that made a huge impact on me. Forced relationships do not really work out well. I have met some people in the past who underwent the same situation like Henry and Brigitte (not the tragic part, though). It is so depressing to find two people who are just staying for the sake of the kids or for the sake of not having a broken family. It is stupid and heartbreaking to be in a situation like this. They do not love each other even from the start. They just need each other and it is a win-win situation. This is indeed one of the worst feelings in the world. If you do not want to be with the person any longer, just be straight forward about it. There is no point in staying when you are both aware that you are better off without the other person. In the end, it will just ruin the whole family which is exactly what happened to the main characters. Respect should always be present because once it is gone, everything else will fall.
~JaNnA (@BibliophileMom)~
The story took place in a small town called Ludwigsfelde. It is set right after the World War II. This is the place where the two main characters, Henry and Brigitte, grew up and built their family. I am not sure if young adult readers will find this creation appealing because the setting per se is kind of odd and boring. I personally enjoy reading historical fiction themed books so I did not have a hard time appreciating its beauty.
The main character is Henry Scholl. He is accused and convicted for allegedly murdering and raping his wife. He is an intelligent man, career-oriented, and reserved. He always does things that he thinks is right but he mistakenly did one thing that is not right, and that is marrying Brigitte. It is all for obligation and the promise of belonging. He gets what he wants but not the affection that he needs from his wife. He is actually considered a miserable man. Brigitte, on the other hand, is a glamorous woman who came from a well-off family. She is sophisticated and always after on what other people will think of her and their family. She is an almost perfect wife except for the fact that she is constantly neglecting Henry.
The writing style is awesome! I am really impressed by how the author showed the readers a real life situation. All the important details to be expected are present; from the day that the couple met until the day that the horrifying death of Brigitte occurred. All the people around their circle are interviewed in a manner that the significant details in the case are presented. This is a very interesting case because a couple who have been married for 50 years and overcame plenty of obstacles in their relationship still ended up being separated, but this one is very tragic. Overall it is a fun reading experience but there are certain things that I dislike about it. There is no closure and the case is not solved, yet. I am left puzzled and hanging; I still want more, more information, and more of everything. The third person narration also bothered me because I am not able to look at Henry’s perspective to be able to understand or guess if he really murdered his wife. I am giving this book 3.5 out of 5.
I made a lot of realizations after diving into their world but I will just state the major thing that made a huge impact on me. Forced relationships do not really work out well. I have met some people in the past who underwent the same situation like Henry and Brigitte (not the tragic part, though). It is so depressing to find two people who are just staying for the sake of the kids or for the sake of not having a broken family. It is stupid and heartbreaking to be in a situation like this. They do not love each other even from the start. They just need each other and it is a win-win situation. This is indeed one of the worst feelings in the world. If you do not want to be with the person any longer, just be straight forward about it. There is no point in staying when you are both aware that you are better off without the other person. In the end, it will just ruin the whole family which is exactly what happened to the main characters. Respect should always be present because once it is gone, everything else will fall.
~JaNnA (@BibliophileMom)~
November 3, 2016
Also read my review here: http://bookbum.weebly.com/book-review...
He smiles, but he doesn’t show what he has in his heart.
I really enjoyed this book, but for reasons I can’t really pinpoint. It wasn’t like any other true crime book I’ve read, it was more like a memoir of Heinrich Scholl’s life. It was certainly a very dry read in parts, in terms of the actual crime, but I just quite liked reading about how well Heinrich succeed in his life. By the time we got the trial, I was actually very excited to see how it all played out, and I was really rushing through the pages (in a good way). The one big downfall with this book was that I don’t know enough about the history of Germany - the war and the fall of the Berlin wall etc - so a lot of the relevance to these events and Scholl’s life were a little lost on me.
Heinrich was abused mentally as a child and by his wife - even after all his successes in life, so it was kind of unstandable for him to fall into these relationships, with the lady from the town hall and with Nani. and call it “love”. Because he was never loved beforehand. It’s sad really. And his desperation to succeed as an older man was also very upsetting. But he was also wrong to string his wife along for years and years, if he was really unhappy, he should have tried harder to leave her.
Heinrich’s wife, Gitti, was a horrid woman! I understand the marriage they had was pretty much a complete sham, but she treated her husband like dirt. Another reason it’s no surprise Heinrich went looking for other relationships. But I also feel sorry for Gitti, not just because she was murdered, She lost all her family in the most depressing of ways and because she obviously had some troubles of wanting and not succeeding to have the perfect life, and this clearly damaged her. She clearly had some mental issues that made her flit between cursing Heinrich, wanting Heinrich back, and killing herself.
The crime of Brigitte Scholl’s death is certainly a strange one. Everything points to Heinrich as the murderer, but then it also doesn’t. I’m not sure I believe it was calculated murder. Manslaughter? Maybe. But murder, no. I actually find it hard to believe he did it at all, but maybe that’s because I have so much pity for him.
This book just leaves you wondering around with your own thoughts. It comes to a conclusion, the charge of murder, but it doesn’t lead you to any final decision. The choice is yours to make; is Heinrich Scholl guilty of murdering his wife and dog?
Thanks to Netgalley and Text Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
He smiles, but he doesn’t show what he has in his heart.
I really enjoyed this book, but for reasons I can’t really pinpoint. It wasn’t like any other true crime book I’ve read, it was more like a memoir of Heinrich Scholl’s life. It was certainly a very dry read in parts, in terms of the actual crime, but I just quite liked reading about how well Heinrich succeed in his life. By the time we got the trial, I was actually very excited to see how it all played out, and I was really rushing through the pages (in a good way). The one big downfall with this book was that I don’t know enough about the history of Germany - the war and the fall of the Berlin wall etc - so a lot of the relevance to these events and Scholl’s life were a little lost on me.
Heinrich was abused mentally as a child and by his wife - even after all his successes in life, so it was kind of unstandable for him to fall into these relationships, with the lady from the town hall and with Nani. and call it “love”. Because he was never loved beforehand. It’s sad really. And his desperation to succeed as an older man was also very upsetting. But he was also wrong to string his wife along for years and years, if he was really unhappy, he should have tried harder to leave her.
Heinrich’s wife, Gitti, was a horrid woman! I understand the marriage they had was pretty much a complete sham, but she treated her husband like dirt. Another reason it’s no surprise Heinrich went looking for other relationships. But I also feel sorry for Gitti, not just because she was murdered, She lost all her family in the most depressing of ways and because she obviously had some troubles of wanting and not succeeding to have the perfect life, and this clearly damaged her. She clearly had some mental issues that made her flit between cursing Heinrich, wanting Heinrich back, and killing herself.
The crime of Brigitte Scholl’s death is certainly a strange one. Everything points to Heinrich as the murderer, but then it also doesn’t. I’m not sure I believe it was calculated murder. Manslaughter? Maybe. But murder, no. I actually find it hard to believe he did it at all, but maybe that’s because I have so much pity for him.
This book just leaves you wondering around with your own thoughts. It comes to a conclusion, the charge of murder, but it doesn’t lead you to any final decision. The choice is yours to make; is Heinrich Scholl guilty of murdering his wife and dog?
Thanks to Netgalley and Text Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2017
In all honesty, I expected The Scholl Case: The Deadly End of a Marriage to circle more around the murder of Brigitte Scholl than the poisonous relationship she had with her husband, Heinrich Scholl.
I expected the deep-dive of Anja's narrative to explore something strong to point at the murder mystery, but it all came across more like the couple's chronological biography or rather a memoir of collected details through interviewing all those who were acquainted with the Scholls and the knowledge she'd gathered while attending the courtroom.
Here is where it became a tad problematic for me.
Throughout the narrative I thought Brigitte was heavily criticized. It were just two friends of hers who accepted her for what she was. This realization clarified even more when time and again a thought popped up into my mind -
Am I reading just one side of the story? Clearly, Brigitte is not here to comment. God bless her soul. The manipulated version probably shared by Heinrich?
Some other questions such as -
Does this story glorify Heinrich through Anja Reich-Osang?
Won't this story make Heinrich look like a hero where readers would pat him on the back from wherever they're seated in the world for putting up with the mean broad?
Didn't Heinrich want to be successful after failed attempts at independent publishing? Well, this book surely did that for him.
Anyways, I sorely felt blind-sided because every detail of the book was based on something where Heinrich was the one who suffered. When I think about Heinrich more, he appears more calculative and cunning than his wife who exhibited the same, almost perfect patterns of behavior over and over again in the story.
Heinrich on the other hand, changed colors like a chameleon in various surrounding. He manipulated every situation to favor him when it came to work, or climbing higher in the social structure.
Brigitte on the other hand, seemed to be more grounded and stayed true to her nature throughout. There was nothing out of the blue that she did. In short, she was predictable.
Heinrich on the other hand was not. There were inconsistencies in his behavior which made the narrative, a bit unbelievable because he came across more as a person suffering from fragments of masochistic personality disorder. In some parts he is virtuous, while he is possessive, part culprit of self-undoing and equal parts oppressed.
I expected the deep-dive of Anja's narrative to explore something strong to point at the murder mystery, but it all came across more like the couple's chronological biography or rather a memoir of collected details through interviewing all those who were acquainted with the Scholls and the knowledge she'd gathered while attending the courtroom.
Here is where it became a tad problematic for me.
Throughout the narrative I thought Brigitte was heavily criticized. It were just two friends of hers who accepted her for what she was. This realization clarified even more when time and again a thought popped up into my mind -
Am I reading just one side of the story? Clearly, Brigitte is not here to comment. God bless her soul. The manipulated version probably shared by Heinrich?
Some other questions such as -
Does this story glorify Heinrich through Anja Reich-Osang?
Won't this story make Heinrich look like a hero where readers would pat him on the back from wherever they're seated in the world for putting up with the mean broad?
Didn't Heinrich want to be successful after failed attempts at independent publishing? Well, this book surely did that for him.
Anyways, I sorely felt blind-sided because every detail of the book was based on something where Heinrich was the one who suffered. When I think about Heinrich more, he appears more calculative and cunning than his wife who exhibited the same, almost perfect patterns of behavior over and over again in the story.
Heinrich on the other hand, changed colors like a chameleon in various surrounding. He manipulated every situation to favor him when it came to work, or climbing higher in the social structure.
Brigitte on the other hand, seemed to be more grounded and stayed true to her nature throughout. There was nothing out of the blue that she did. In short, she was predictable.
Heinrich on the other hand was not. There were inconsistencies in his behavior which made the narrative, a bit unbelievable because he came across more as a person suffering from fragments of masochistic personality disorder. In some parts he is virtuous, while he is possessive, part culprit of self-undoing and equal parts oppressed.
February 12, 2017
I had high hopes for this book. The review I read suggested it was in the same vein as Helen Garner's sensitive and intimate portrayals of real life crimes through her acute observations of the trial process (as in This House of Grief, and Joe Cinque's Consolation). Alas, this novel lacked Garner's observational talents and her ability to make you feel empathy and understanding for those least deserving of it. It was more of a potted biography of a good man who was relentlessly bullied by an overbearing wife. His apparent frenzied murder of his wife and his subsequent inability to accept that he could have carried out such a murder does make for interesting reading, but without Helen Garner's particular sensibilities it's a very one-dimensional exercise.
June 3, 2020
I’ve read many true crime books, some good, some bad. This is a mediocre story, that tries to be more than it actually is. I lost interest and only when the trial was written about did it become interesting. I think it was more to do with the actual writing rather than the translation.
December 13, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
In December 2011, a corpse was found in a forest in Ludwigsfelde, a small and peaceful town south of Berlin. The body was hidden between pine trees, covered with leaves. The victim was Brigitte Scholl, sixty-seven, cosmetician and wife of Ludwigsfelde’s former mayor Heinrich Scholl. There were rumours that Brigitte was raped and killed by a serial killer. While the police hunted for the murderer, parents kept their children indoors, and joggers avoided the forest. Three weeks later, the police arrested the victim’s husband.
The residents were shocked. Heinrich Scholl was well-respected in his community, regarded as the most successful mayor of East Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall. This charming man had it all: a successful career, influential friends and a marriage of almost fifty years. But behind closed doors, it was a very different story. Friends and family were staggered at the picture that emerged during the trial.
In 2012, Heinrich Scholl was pronounced guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison. To this day, he pleads not guilty. Journalist and author Anja Reich-Osang followed the trial and talked to family, friends and Heinrich Scholl himself. She tells a gripping story about marriage, sex and politics, where nothing is as it seems.
*2.5 stars*
This is a book that I can slice right down the middle as far as liking and disliking goes:
Like: the facts about the case, the background, the research. All of that was good. I did enjoy that side of the book.
Dislike: Victim blaming. Apparently she emasculated him and, from the author's tone throughout the book, this justified him killing her. There was a pretty clear bias toward Heinrich - so much so, I wondered if the author was related in some way. No woman deserves to be assaulted by anyone, let alone murdered by her husband. That wasn't cool.
I would have trouble recommending this book, based on the bias of the author. Which is a shame as her facts and research were pretty good.
Paul
ARH
In December 2011, a corpse was found in a forest in Ludwigsfelde, a small and peaceful town south of Berlin. The body was hidden between pine trees, covered with leaves. The victim was Brigitte Scholl, sixty-seven, cosmetician and wife of Ludwigsfelde’s former mayor Heinrich Scholl. There were rumours that Brigitte was raped and killed by a serial killer. While the police hunted for the murderer, parents kept their children indoors, and joggers avoided the forest. Three weeks later, the police arrested the victim’s husband.
The residents were shocked. Heinrich Scholl was well-respected in his community, regarded as the most successful mayor of East Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall. This charming man had it all: a successful career, influential friends and a marriage of almost fifty years. But behind closed doors, it was a very different story. Friends and family were staggered at the picture that emerged during the trial.
In 2012, Heinrich Scholl was pronounced guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison. To this day, he pleads not guilty. Journalist and author Anja Reich-Osang followed the trial and talked to family, friends and Heinrich Scholl himself. She tells a gripping story about marriage, sex and politics, where nothing is as it seems.
*2.5 stars*
This is a book that I can slice right down the middle as far as liking and disliking goes:
Like: the facts about the case, the background, the research. All of that was good. I did enjoy that side of the book.
Dislike: Victim blaming. Apparently she emasculated him and, from the author's tone throughout the book, this justified him killing her. There was a pretty clear bias toward Heinrich - so much so, I wondered if the author was related in some way. No woman deserves to be assaulted by anyone, let alone murdered by her husband. That wasn't cool.
I would have trouble recommending this book, based on the bias of the author. Which is a shame as her facts and research were pretty good.
Paul
ARH
April 14, 2025
The Scholl Case: The Deadly End of a Marriage by Anja Reich-Osang (translated by Imogen Taylor) is a compelling but uneven read. It explores the brutal murder of Brigitte Scholl and the trial of her husband, a former mayor, in a quiet town south of Berlin. Ostensibly a true crime book, it purports to venture beyond the courtroom to examine the complexities of a decades-long marriage, local politics, and the psychology of ambition.
Reich-Osang avoids sensationalism, instead offering layered insights into both the accused and the broader societal dynamics at play. The inclusion of interviews, community perspectives, and the former mayor’s own words adds depth.
However, the narrative at times felt disjointed, and truthfully, I’m unsure there’s anything new here that couldn’t have been gleaned from following news coverage at the time. While the central crime is deeply disturbing, the book doesn’t quite deliver the gripping momentum or emotional resonance I’d hoped for. The exploration of sex, politics, and power was interesting but didn’t always cohere with the main storyline.
Still, it’s a thoughtful read for those interested in true crime that leans more towards sociological and psychological analysis than dramatic twists. I just found myself wishing for a slightly tighter narrative thread.
Reich-Osang avoids sensationalism, instead offering layered insights into both the accused and the broader societal dynamics at play. The inclusion of interviews, community perspectives, and the former mayor’s own words adds depth.
However, the narrative at times felt disjointed, and truthfully, I’m unsure there’s anything new here that couldn’t have been gleaned from following news coverage at the time. While the central crime is deeply disturbing, the book doesn’t quite deliver the gripping momentum or emotional resonance I’d hoped for. The exploration of sex, politics, and power was interesting but didn’t always cohere with the main storyline.
Still, it’s a thoughtful read for those interested in true crime that leans more towards sociological and psychological analysis than dramatic twists. I just found myself wishing for a slightly tighter narrative thread.
May 11, 2020
The deadly end of a marriage....this book is a true crime account of the murder of Mrs Scholl. Her body is found in the woods after she has been reported missing for some time. Her husband (a former respected mayor) was convicted of her murder and still protests his innocence. This book delves into their relationship in great detail from the very start of their relationship. Was Henrich a longterm victim of his wife's belittlement of him? Is this what led him to murder her? This book is a very detailed, well researched and well recounted telling of The Scholl case and the lives of the Scholl's. An interesting read. #theschollcase #tea_sipping_bookworm #bookstagram #goodreads #amazon#kindle #bookqueen #litsy
May 20, 2017
*Audiobook. Interesting journalistic coverage of the infamous murder of Bridgitte Scholl by her husband, Heinrich Scholl. Heinrich had previously been the well liked mayor of a town in East Berlin. I found this audiobook on my library website and knew nothing about this case. However, it was a nice find. The narrator had a pleasant and engaging voice and I really enjoyed this story.
March 1, 2018
An odd little story which concentrates on the lives of the couple rather than the court case. There is a bit at the end about the murderer being sentenced but that’s about it. I would have liked to know more about the case- how they decided he was guilty etc. The author does mention it but more in passing.
July 15, 2019
I had to stop reading because although it’s meticulously researched and competently written, the book aligns sympathies with the murderous husband and maligns the murdered wife. Seriously out of step with notions of justice. This is not ‘an incisive look into a marriage’, it is giving a domestic homicide perpetrator a ‘but poor me’ megaphone. Pfft.
March 6, 2020
This is horrific. If your 46 year marriage is too toxic for words, try divorce instead of murder. To this day Scholl denies he did it, including the killing of the dog. "But I liked the dog" (friends say he disliked the dog) and that's the least of his lies.
January 1, 2021
A real page turner and a good way to pass the time on a rainy New Year’s Day. Reich-Osang’s book has everything a good true crime book needs - interesting characters with interesting backgrounds, motives and opportunities.
April 4, 2018
Audiobook
Read
July 28, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Slut shaming
Domestic violence
Cheating
Murder
Animal cruelty
Slut shaming
Domestic violence
Cheating
Murder
Animal cruelty
November 27, 2022
Not as gripping as some of the other who did it novels out there, but an interesting read nevertheless that gives insight into what may contribute to someone taking someone's life.
October 5, 2016
I came across “The Scholl Case” under NetGalley’s Mystery & Thrillers, but “SC” turned out to be true crime, which is not my forte. So okay, I read it, no regrets and good for me, but had I not read it would’ve been just dandy, too.
good luck
**ARC/publisher/NetGalley
good luck
**ARC/publisher/NetGalley
December 13, 2016
In the last days of 2011, Brigitte Scholl, the wife of a former mayor of the small town of Ludwigsfelde to the south of Berlin, is found murdered in the forest. Shortly after, suspicion falls on her husband Heinrich Scholl, and he’s eventually convicted of the crime. I lived in Berlin at the time, but my German wasn’t very good then so I didn’t read the German newspapers and I don’t remember the case. But I know the strength of the small town mentality of the many little suburbs of Brandenburg surrounding Berlin, and I can only imagine what a shock it was for a former long-serving mayor to be involved in something like that. Intrigue!
The couple both have a plethora of skeletons in their closets, and these all come tumbling out to scandalous effect. Journalist Anja Reich-Osang traces their pasts, from their very different childhoods in the same small town in East Germany, including Heinrich’s horrible family and Brigitte’s family tragedies, to their marriage of convenience, Brigitte’s domineering and demanding personality, Heinrich’s career path and their eventual digressions from their marriage. Small town politics, extramarital affairs, Berlin’s future famous gay mayor Klaus Wowereit, Thai prostitutes, East Berlin circuses, some unsettling and weird stories from the past – there’s plenty of dramatic stuff here to wrap a reader up in this case.
I was interested in the story and it was well-told; neatly, understandably organized; and obviously thoroughly researched. But it often felt like a recitation of facts, so it does come across somewhat dry. There was no commentary from the author (aside from a brief introduction where she writes a little about her work on the book) and this would normally be fine – it’s true crime journalism, readers are more often interested in the reality and facts of what happened, not necessarily in a writer’s opinion.
But it needed something more – some detailed outside commentary, like insight into public perception, or further interviews with Heinrich. There was a surface amount of this and it helped, but I still felt like I was reading a straightforward summary of case facts. I got the impression that the conviction was very quick and easy, I would’ve liked to hear more of the defense, including Heinrich’s for himself.
But maybe that was the point, to let the bare facts of the case speak for themselves and the reader can form their own opinion. It’s still a pretty good read, and offers some great perspective into small-town German life pre-and post-reunification, if it does leave you feeling a little down about how some families actually live and treat one another.
I received an advance copy courtesy of the publisher in exchange for review.
The couple both have a plethora of skeletons in their closets, and these all come tumbling out to scandalous effect. Journalist Anja Reich-Osang traces their pasts, from their very different childhoods in the same small town in East Germany, including Heinrich’s horrible family and Brigitte’s family tragedies, to their marriage of convenience, Brigitte’s domineering and demanding personality, Heinrich’s career path and their eventual digressions from their marriage. Small town politics, extramarital affairs, Berlin’s future famous gay mayor Klaus Wowereit, Thai prostitutes, East Berlin circuses, some unsettling and weird stories from the past – there’s plenty of dramatic stuff here to wrap a reader up in this case.
I was interested in the story and it was well-told; neatly, understandably organized; and obviously thoroughly researched. But it often felt like a recitation of facts, so it does come across somewhat dry. There was no commentary from the author (aside from a brief introduction where she writes a little about her work on the book) and this would normally be fine – it’s true crime journalism, readers are more often interested in the reality and facts of what happened, not necessarily in a writer’s opinion.
But it needed something more – some detailed outside commentary, like insight into public perception, or further interviews with Heinrich. There was a surface amount of this and it helped, but I still felt like I was reading a straightforward summary of case facts. I got the impression that the conviction was very quick and easy, I would’ve liked to hear more of the defense, including Heinrich’s for himself.
But maybe that was the point, to let the bare facts of the case speak for themselves and the reader can form their own opinion. It’s still a pretty good read, and offers some great perspective into small-town German life pre-and post-reunification, if it does leave you feeling a little down about how some families actually live and treat one another.
I received an advance copy courtesy of the publisher in exchange for review.
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