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Karin Müller #3
A Darker State
For the Stasi, it's not just the truth that gets buried . . .
The body of a teenage boy is found weighted down in a lake. Karin Müller, newly appointed Major of the People's Police, is called to investigate. But her power will only stretch so far, when every move she makes is under the watchful eye of the Stasi.
Then, when the son of Müller's team member goes missing, it quickly becomes clear that there is a terrifying conspiracy at the heart of this case, one that could fast lead Müller and her young family into real danger.
Can she navigate this complex political web and find the missing boy, before it's too late?
The body of a teenage boy is found weighted down in a lake. Karin Müller, newly appointed Major of the People's Police, is called to investigate. But her power will only stretch so far, when every move she makes is under the watchful eye of the Stasi.
Then, when the son of Müller's team member goes missing, it quickly becomes clear that there is a terrifying conspiracy at the heart of this case, one that could fast lead Müller and her young family into real danger.
Can she navigate this complex political web and find the missing boy, before it's too late?
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
89 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
About the author
David Young
16 books215 followersDavid Young was born near Hull and – after dropping out of a Bristol University science degree - studied Humanities at Bristol Polytechnic specialising in Modern History. Temporary jobs cleaning ferry toilets and driving a butcher's van were followed by a career in journalism with provincial newspapers, a London news agency, and the BBC’s international newsrooms where he led news teams for the World Service radio and World TV.
David was a student on the inaugural Crime Thriller MA at City University – winning the course prize in 2014 for his debut novel Stasi Child – and now writes full-time in his garden shed. In his spare time, he’s a keen supporter of Hull City AFC.
Stasi Child is the first of three books in the Oberleutnant Karin Müller series – set in 1970s communist East Germany – bought by the UK arm of Swedish publisher Bonnier by former Quercus CEO Mark Smith. It reached the top 5 bestsellers on Amazon Kindle, was number one bestseller in Amazon’s Historical Fiction chart, and has been optioned for TV by Euston Films (Minder, The Sweeney etc). Translation rights have so far been sold to France.
David was a student on the inaugural Crime Thriller MA at City University – winning the course prize in 2014 for his debut novel Stasi Child – and now writes full-time in his garden shed. In his spare time, he’s a keen supporter of Hull City AFC.
Stasi Child is the first of three books in the Oberleutnant Karin Müller series – set in 1970s communist East Germany – bought by the UK arm of Swedish publisher Bonnier by former Quercus CEO Mark Smith. It reached the top 5 bestsellers on Amazon Kindle, was number one bestseller in Amazon’s Historical Fiction chart, and has been optioned for TV by Euston Films (Minder, The Sweeney etc). Translation rights have so far been sold to France.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
December 20, 2017
Excellent and compelling crime novel with the added bonus of being set in the former East Germany.
This is episode 3 of this fascinating police procedural, however each book works as a standalone.
What sets it apart from others is the unusual location, combined with the ideology, bureaucracy and secrecy that Oberleutnant Karin Müller and her team have to deal with
In this story Müller has been promoted to run a serious crimes unit and quickly has a difficult case on the border with Poland.
This story lives up to its title, showing a darker side of the GDR that challenges Karin's belief in the GDR and her personal loyalties as well as the looming influence of the Stasi blocking enquiries and influencing the investigation. There's various different timelines at play here, so you need to keep your wits about you, but I found this a real page turner.
David Young knows East Germany well. There’s some great details that would appear insignificant to many not familiar with the period or the politics. As a result the book portrays a fascinating landscape where David Young’s research captures well the feel (and the smell!) of 1970’s East Germany. It's well worth reading his notes at the end about how the book developed and his research.
However, it's worth not losing sight that it’s also a great crime novel with a richly detailed and complex female lead. According to David he's contracted for another two books and I’m very much looking forward to the further adventures of Karin Müller.
If you like police procedurals, strong female characters, along with an Orwellian landscape then I recommend this.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review.
This is episode 3 of this fascinating police procedural, however each book works as a standalone.
What sets it apart from others is the unusual location, combined with the ideology, bureaucracy and secrecy that Oberleutnant Karin Müller and her team have to deal with
In this story Müller has been promoted to run a serious crimes unit and quickly has a difficult case on the border with Poland.
This story lives up to its title, showing a darker side of the GDR that challenges Karin's belief in the GDR and her personal loyalties as well as the looming influence of the Stasi blocking enquiries and influencing the investigation. There's various different timelines at play here, so you need to keep your wits about you, but I found this a real page turner.
David Young knows East Germany well. There’s some great details that would appear insignificant to many not familiar with the period or the politics. As a result the book portrays a fascinating landscape where David Young’s research captures well the feel (and the smell!) of 1970’s East Germany. It's well worth reading his notes at the end about how the book developed and his research.
However, it's worth not losing sight that it’s also a great crime novel with a richly detailed and complex female lead. According to David he's contracted for another two books and I’m very much looking forward to the further adventures of Karin Müller.
If you like police procedurals, strong female characters, along with an Orwellian landscape then I recommend this.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review.
November 20, 2025
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#1 Stasi Child - Not Read
#2 Stasi Wolf - Not Read
#3 A Darker State - ★★
#4 Stasi 77 - Not Read
#5 Stasi Winter - Not Read
For the Stasi, it’s not just the truth that gets buried . . .
The body of a teenage boy is found weighted down in a lake. Karin Müller, newly appointed Major of the People’s Police, is called to investigate. But her power will only stretch so far, when every move she makes is under the watchful eye of the Stasi.
Then, when the son of Müller’s team member goes missing, it quickly becomes clear that there is a terrifying conspiracy at the heart of this case, one that could fast lead Müller and her young family into real danger.
Can she navigate this complex political web and find the missing boy, before it’s too late?
I have mixed feelings about A Darker State (Karin Müller #3). It has been sitting on my shelf for a very long time, and when I finally managed to read it, I thought I would be in for a treat, for something special. But it wasn’t special. I did enjoy a bit of the mystery, but it is most certainly not a favourite of mine.
Apparently, this is the third book of a series, and the books can be read as standalone. The only thing they have in common is the character and how it develops throughout the books.
From the very beginning, the book came across as unrealistic. Karin has recently become a mother, and she is just getting back to her job, when suddenly, she is being promoted as the Major of the People’s Police and is put on a very dangerous case. Now I don’t know about your police forces, but ours would certainly not promote a person just like that.
Karin’s character was too forced upon me.
At least that is how I felt. Like I needed to like her, and I needed to respect her. And I just wasn’t having it. She was not really that good of a character. Maybe it’s because I missed on reading the previous two books and don’t know her well enough. And maybe she was just a poor creation.
I didn’t enjoy the political webs and plotting. I think I prefer a much more realistic, straight up mystery novel. There was a huge lack of mystery drama, suspense, excitement or fear, which I think was crucial for me rate this book low. There were only a few actual scenes where the scene was discussed and the causes of death, etc. I wish there were more scenes like this, rather than mysterious conversation with politicians and secretive tycoons.
I loved the author’s writing and description, but I don’t think his style fits my preference, so I don’t think I will be reading any more books from this series.
Let me know if you have read it. I would love to know what you think.
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#1 Stasi Child - Not Read
#2 Stasi Wolf - Not Read
#3 A Darker State - ★★
#4 Stasi 77 - Not Read
#5 Stasi Winter - Not Read
For the Stasi, it’s not just the truth that gets buried . . .
The body of a teenage boy is found weighted down in a lake. Karin Müller, newly appointed Major of the People’s Police, is called to investigate. But her power will only stretch so far, when every move she makes is under the watchful eye of the Stasi.
Then, when the son of Müller’s team member goes missing, it quickly becomes clear that there is a terrifying conspiracy at the heart of this case, one that could fast lead Müller and her young family into real danger.
Can she navigate this complex political web and find the missing boy, before it’s too late?
I have mixed feelings about A Darker State (Karin Müller #3). It has been sitting on my shelf for a very long time, and when I finally managed to read it, I thought I would be in for a treat, for something special. But it wasn’t special. I did enjoy a bit of the mystery, but it is most certainly not a favourite of mine.
Apparently, this is the third book of a series, and the books can be read as standalone. The only thing they have in common is the character and how it develops throughout the books.
From the very beginning, the book came across as unrealistic. Karin has recently become a mother, and she is just getting back to her job, when suddenly, she is being promoted as the Major of the People’s Police and is put on a very dangerous case. Now I don’t know about your police forces, but ours would certainly not promote a person just like that.
Karin’s character was too forced upon me.
At least that is how I felt. Like I needed to like her, and I needed to respect her. And I just wasn’t having it. She was not really that good of a character. Maybe it’s because I missed on reading the previous two books and don’t know her well enough. And maybe she was just a poor creation.
I didn’t enjoy the political webs and plotting. I think I prefer a much more realistic, straight up mystery novel. There was a huge lack of mystery drama, suspense, excitement or fear, which I think was crucial for me rate this book low. There were only a few actual scenes where the scene was discussed and the causes of death, etc. I wish there were more scenes like this, rather than mysterious conversation with politicians and secretive tycoons.
I loved the author’s writing and description, but I don’t think his style fits my preference, so I don’t think I will be reading any more books from this series.
Let me know if you have read it. I would love to know what you think.
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September 28, 2020
No era un libro para mí, la premisa era buena pero muchos nombres en alemán, no he conectado con la historia ni con los principales investigadores. Aún así he seguido con la lectura porque me llamaba la atención el caso.
Encuentran un chico ahogado en un lago, Müller acaba de ser ascendida a comandante de la Policía del pueblo pero se ven vigilados muy de cerca por la Stasi.
Además el hijo de dieciocho años de un compañero ha desaparecido. Lo que saldrá a la luz no les dejará indiferentes, una conspiración, una red política y chicos desaparecidos.
El caso en sí no ha estado mal, pero no me ha gustado la historia en general, por cómo escribe el autor y cómo suceden los hechos.
Encuentran un chico ahogado en un lago, Müller acaba de ser ascendida a comandante de la Policía del pueblo pero se ven vigilados muy de cerca por la Stasi.
Además el hijo de dieciocho años de un compañero ha desaparecido. Lo que saldrá a la luz no les dejará indiferentes, una conspiración, una red política y chicos desaparecidos.
El caso en sí no ha estado mal, pero no me ha gustado la historia en general, por cómo escribe el autor y cómo suceden los hechos.
February 12, 2018
T/W- Mentions of Suicide, Suicide attempt, minor violence
I won a copy of the book through a giveaway on Readers First so thank you to them for picking me as one of the winners!
I hadn't read the first two books of this series however from my star rating above, I've decided that I am not interested to carry on reading them. Set in Berlin during the Cold War, a body of a teen boy is pulled from a lake, he has been brutally murdered. Karin Muller who has just returned after having twins is asked to investigate who murdered the boy and why the killer killed him. Things get turned upside down when another boy goes missing, the son of one of Muller's close team members. With two mysteries to solve, time is running out and secrets will be unravelled. Although I liked the historical atmosphere, I just couldn't really connect with the storyline. It was a book I was close to DNF'ing but decided to carry on to the end as this was a book for review. It just wasn't for me, if you do like thrillers set during the Cold War then you may like this one.
I won a copy of the book through a giveaway on Readers First so thank you to them for picking me as one of the winners!
I hadn't read the first two books of this series however from my star rating above, I've decided that I am not interested to carry on reading them. Set in Berlin during the Cold War, a body of a teen boy is pulled from a lake, he has been brutally murdered. Karin Muller who has just returned after having twins is asked to investigate who murdered the boy and why the killer killed him. Things get turned upside down when another boy goes missing, the son of one of Muller's close team members. With two mysteries to solve, time is running out and secrets will be unravelled. Although I liked the historical atmosphere, I just couldn't really connect with the storyline. It was a book I was close to DNF'ing but decided to carry on to the end as this was a book for review. It just wasn't for me, if you do like thrillers set during the Cold War then you may like this one.
January 27, 2018
Another really excellent addition to this series. Review to follow on blog tour.
November 28, 2022
Karin Muller is now a major of a new police department supposedly working with the Statsi. Of course that goes off the rails. Of course she can’t trust them. Hell, she even gets locked up by them in one of the worst prisons. A colleagues son (whose gay) is in danger. Oh yes, someone with Stasi support is supporting research to try to reverse homosexuality, all sponsored in the darkest of state secrets by a right wing group from the arch enemy. The USA. Apparently the republic needs money. A dark story of despair.
December 18, 2019
A clever and original novel. Through the historical fiction set against the more sinister aspects of the former Communist state of East Germany the author can raise contemporary issues in a unique way.
David Young writes with insight and fictional liberty to combine fact with what ifs and challenge political assumptions and reveal policing in a conflicted state.
Young’s brilliant detective is female, not so unusual in this socialist regime but deemed too young and inexperienced, placed under duress further by being over-promoted and set up for a crash.
Unfortunately, she has the heart and mind of a thorough investigator, she cannot by side-tracked or silenced. So, the secret police desiring an unopposed approach to law and order through fear and threat have a strong adversary believing in justice and truth.
This is played out cleverly as Karin Müller is at heart a loyal socialist and faithful public servant.
In this case she is confronted by the Stasi riding rough shod over personal choice and morality to advance the state goals to the detriment of individual freedom and political fair play.
Interwoven into this compelling plot is the tension of one of their own, being potentially caught up in the conspiracy and life being in grave danger.
I loved the writing as in the previous 2 books in this series. I would happily have given it a higher rating but for the confusing chronological sequencing which at times made for a confusing and disruptive reading experience. However, I am sure when I re-read this novel the quality of the author’s skill and accomplishment will shine through. I look with increased anticipation to book 4 as Karin life becomes more confusing and uncertain even as she discovers her own upbringing. You feel revelations are coming and you worry for this courageous woman and loving mother.
David Young writes with insight and fictional liberty to combine fact with what ifs and challenge political assumptions and reveal policing in a conflicted state.
Young’s brilliant detective is female, not so unusual in this socialist regime but deemed too young and inexperienced, placed under duress further by being over-promoted and set up for a crash.
Unfortunately, she has the heart and mind of a thorough investigator, she cannot by side-tracked or silenced. So, the secret police desiring an unopposed approach to law and order through fear and threat have a strong adversary believing in justice and truth.
This is played out cleverly as Karin Müller is at heart a loyal socialist and faithful public servant.
In this case she is confronted by the Stasi riding rough shod over personal choice and morality to advance the state goals to the detriment of individual freedom and political fair play.
Interwoven into this compelling plot is the tension of one of their own, being potentially caught up in the conspiracy and life being in grave danger.
I loved the writing as in the previous 2 books in this series. I would happily have given it a higher rating but for the confusing chronological sequencing which at times made for a confusing and disruptive reading experience. However, I am sure when I re-read this novel the quality of the author’s skill and accomplishment will shine through. I look with increased anticipation to book 4 as Karin life becomes more confusing and uncertain even as she discovers her own upbringing. You feel revelations are coming and you worry for this courageous woman and loving mother.
June 13, 2019
This is an excellent series,but it doesn't get the readership or the praise it deserves.
Unfair,considering so much trash gets rave reviews.
Unfair,considering so much trash gets rave reviews.
February 25, 2018
4.5 stars rounded to 5
Book #3 in the Karin Muller series. I call it the Stasi series since it takes place in the 1970's in East Berlin. The Stasi is the secret police who watches everyone and everything. Comrade Major Karin Muller has just been promoted to Major in the People's Police. Her new unit, Serious Crimes, is to work in collaboration with the Stasi. But no one works with the Stasi, everyone obeys the Stasi whether consciously or not. Karin is trying to solve a murder case while also working with the Stasi who has other outcomes in mind. Excellent addition to the series.
Book #3 in the Karin Muller series. I call it the Stasi series since it takes place in the 1970's in East Berlin. The Stasi is the secret police who watches everyone and everything. Comrade Major Karin Muller has just been promoted to Major in the People's Police. Her new unit, Serious Crimes, is to work in collaboration with the Stasi. But no one works with the Stasi, everyone obeys the Stasi whether consciously or not. Karin is trying to solve a murder case while also working with the Stasi who has other outcomes in mind. Excellent addition to the series.
January 25, 2018
I love this series and A Darker State is every bit as good as the others. Karin Müller is such a fantastic character. Her life and career have moved on but the challenges are as great as ever. The mystery is such a good one but the real strength of this book and the others is the author's vivid and absolutely fascinating portrayal of East Germany during the 1970s, which is clearly based on a huge amount of research and insight. It is also a pageturner.
January 29, 2020
A Darker State is an intriguing story that takes place in Berlin twenty-five years before the wall came down. There are elements of the police state from the local level all the way up to the Stasi. David Young writes all the characters and their needs and motivations well. You feel vested in them.
The book was challenging at the beginning. That’s always a good thing! First, it was due to the culture shock of the setting being in East Germany which was closed to the Western world for so long.
There’s a lot to take in: language; a police state; and, secrecy. For the language part, Young provides a decent glossary to help the reader learn the words that must be used to give the story verisimilitude. As for the police state and secrecy, they’re all easily consumed in the story he tells.
The second thing that challenged me was how the story unfolds back and forth in time. Picture a solved Rubik’s Cube. Each of the six faces represents a slice of the timeline in white, red, blue, orange, green, and yellow. Now, take the cube in your hands and continually turn and twist until the colors are jumbled up. That’s what you have when you read the out of sequence story lines in A Darker State.
But, don’t worry because the 3D jumble of facts and threads read well. The way Young tells the story makes it more interesting than if it was told linearly. Laid out forward, backward, progressive, regressive, etc., you might fear going bonkers but Young ameliorates the craziness by giving the place and date at the beginning of each chapter.
It’s a clever a piece of cake. A delicious Rubik’s Cube cake that you’ll be tempted to devour in one sitting.
The book was challenging at the beginning. That’s always a good thing! First, it was due to the culture shock of the setting being in East Germany which was closed to the Western world for so long.
There’s a lot to take in: language; a police state; and, secrecy. For the language part, Young provides a decent glossary to help the reader learn the words that must be used to give the story verisimilitude. As for the police state and secrecy, they’re all easily consumed in the story he tells.
The second thing that challenged me was how the story unfolds back and forth in time. Picture a solved Rubik’s Cube. Each of the six faces represents a slice of the timeline in white, red, blue, orange, green, and yellow. Now, take the cube in your hands and continually turn and twist until the colors are jumbled up. That’s what you have when you read the out of sequence story lines in A Darker State.
But, don’t worry because the 3D jumble of facts and threads read well. The way Young tells the story makes it more interesting than if it was told linearly. Laid out forward, backward, progressive, regressive, etc., you might fear going bonkers but Young ameliorates the craziness by giving the place and date at the beginning of each chapter.
It’s a clever a piece of cake. A delicious Rubik’s Cube cake that you’ll be tempted to devour in one sitting.
January 23, 2021
Είμαι λάτρης της γραφής του David Young γι αυτό και δεν θα μπορούσα να μη διαβάσω το τρίτο βιβλίο της σειράς με την υπέροχο Κάριν Μίλερ. Ο συγγραφέας εκμεταλλεύεται το τοπίο και τις ακραίες καιρικές συνθήκες για να αποτυπώσει τη σκληρή ιστορία του. Μια ιστορία που παίζει με την ανθρώπινη ψυχή και την ανάγκη του ανθρώπου να αγαπηθεί σε μια εποχή που ο τρόμος και ο φόβος μεσουρανεί. Κανείς δεν μπορεί να εμπιστευτεί κανέναν και οι ανακρίσεις μπορεί να αποσυντονίσουν αντί να βοηθήσουν. Η ισχυρή προσωπικότητα της Μίλερ κλέβει ξανά τις εντυπώσεις καθώς αντιμετωπίζει τις προκλήσεις στην προσωπική της ζωή όπως ακριβώς κάθε γυναίκα εκείνης της εποχής και την ίδια στιγμή ξεπερνά τον εαυτό της και αντιστέκεται με πάθος στις επιταγές του φοβικού σκηνικού που έχει στήσει η Στάζι. Η εξιχνίαση κάθε υπόθεσης είναι ζήτημα τιμής για εκείνην και αυτό προσδίδει μεγαλύτερη ένταση στην έκβαση της πλοκής γιατί ξέρεις πως είναι πάντα αποφασισμένη για όλα. Η δυνατή γραφή σε συνδυασμό με τη βαθιά έρευνα του συγγραφέα όσον αφορά το κοινωνικοπολιτικό –και όχι μόνο‒ πλαίσιο της εποχής βάζουν τις βάσεις για τη σκοτεινή ατμόσφαιρα που κυριαρχεί από την αρχή μέχρι το τέλος, ενώ η πρωτοπρόσωπη αφήγηση του Μάρκους Σμιτ καταφέρνει να αγγίξει ευαίσθητες χορδές σε μια άκρως σκληρή και ανατριχιαστική ιστορία.
Ολόκληρη η κριτική μου: https://www.athensvoice.gr/culture/bo...
Ολόκληρη η κριτική μου: https://www.athensvoice.gr/culture/bo...
January 16, 2022
Me ha enganchado la historia desde el principio, aunque creo que este libros es el más flojo de la trilogía. Si te gusta la Alemania del muro de Berlín , te interesará.
July 25, 2018
This isn’t my favourite of the 3 books in this series, but it’s still a gripping and interesting addition. I really enjoy David Young’s writing and characterisation. Well worth a read!
February 25, 2018
I read a lot of romance novels, but another genre I love is crime novels. So when I received an email with the question if I wanted to read ‘A Darker State’, I couldn’t say no. ‘A Darker State’ is the third book in the Karen Müller series, and the first book in the series I read.
In ‘A Darker State’ main character Karin Müller is still on her maternity leave when a young boy is found in a lake. After Karin is appointed Major of the People's Police she starts working on this case. But soon she finds out that this is not your average case and things aren’t what they seem.
To be honest, I had some trouble reading this book at the beginning. Although this book is in English, there is still a lot of German names that took some getting used too. What I also didn’t realize is that this book takes place in East Germany during the 1970s. It’s not a bad thing, but it definitely took me some time to get really into this book. And then the mention of the Stasi.. I had no idea what or who they were and had to google them. But thankfully after the first view chapters, I really started to enjoy this book.
‘A Darker State’ is really a greatly written book. I loved the way this book felt really original and well thought off. Just reading a view chapters makes you feel like you really are in Germany in the 1970s. The story kept me hooked and I really enjoyed reading every page. The story is really fast paced and made me want to read until the very end.
The main character Karin Müller is a great character to read about. She was strong, tough and smart and I enjoyed getting to know her. And reading this book made me want to read the previous two too, just so I can get to know her a little more.
If you like crime novels, with a little bit of a history lesson in it, than this book is definitely for you.
In ‘A Darker State’ main character Karin Müller is still on her maternity leave when a young boy is found in a lake. After Karin is appointed Major of the People's Police she starts working on this case. But soon she finds out that this is not your average case and things aren’t what they seem.
To be honest, I had some trouble reading this book at the beginning. Although this book is in English, there is still a lot of German names that took some getting used too. What I also didn’t realize is that this book takes place in East Germany during the 1970s. It’s not a bad thing, but it definitely took me some time to get really into this book. And then the mention of the Stasi.. I had no idea what or who they were and had to google them. But thankfully after the first view chapters, I really started to enjoy this book.
‘A Darker State’ is really a greatly written book. I loved the way this book felt really original and well thought off. Just reading a view chapters makes you feel like you really are in Germany in the 1970s. The story kept me hooked and I really enjoyed reading every page. The story is really fast paced and made me want to read until the very end.
The main character Karin Müller is a great character to read about. She was strong, tough and smart and I enjoyed getting to know her. And reading this book made me want to read the previous two too, just so I can get to know her a little more.
If you like crime novels, with a little bit of a history lesson in it, than this book is definitely for you.
February 26, 2018
This is the third Karin Müller story set in the German Democratic Republic in the 1970s.
Drawing on his extensive research, David Young has painted, in many ways, the most chilling fictional portrait of a surveillance state ever written. This is, essentially, the core of the book embracing trust, or the lack of it, and betrayal. In a sense, the plot hardly matters. The author uses it as a device to remind readers of what it must have been like living in a country where neighbour frequently spied on neighbour and family members on each other and where the secret police kept files on virtually every citizen.
That's not to say that the narrative isn't interesting. It is and it builds to an exciting climax with many twists and turns on the way. The characters are fascinating and very well drawn. Karen with all her maternal and family baggage and her precarious position as a member of the non-Stasi police, is an admirable central character and alongside her are all sorts of interesting people whose loyalty to her it is often difficult to assess.
David Young also uses flash backs very effectively in the structure of the story and this helps to build the growing tension.
An excellent thriller and invaluable social document.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39.
Drawing on his extensive research, David Young has painted, in many ways, the most chilling fictional portrait of a surveillance state ever written. This is, essentially, the core of the book embracing trust, or the lack of it, and betrayal. In a sense, the plot hardly matters. The author uses it as a device to remind readers of what it must have been like living in a country where neighbour frequently spied on neighbour and family members on each other and where the secret police kept files on virtually every citizen.
That's not to say that the narrative isn't interesting. It is and it builds to an exciting climax with many twists and turns on the way. The characters are fascinating and very well drawn. Karen with all her maternal and family baggage and her precarious position as a member of the non-Stasi police, is an admirable central character and alongside her are all sorts of interesting people whose loyalty to her it is often difficult to assess.
David Young also uses flash backs very effectively in the structure of the story and this helps to build the growing tension.
An excellent thriller and invaluable social document.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39.
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September 22, 2022«Σκοτεινό Κράτος»: η Κάριν Μίλερ είναι πάλι εδώ…
Στο τρίτο βιβλίο του David Young με πρωταγωνίστρια την αστυνομικό Κάριν Μίλερ, βρισκόμαστε στο 1976 στην Ανατολική Γερμανία, αγαπημένος χρόνος και τόπος για το συγγραφέα. Ο τίτλος του «Σκοτεινό Κράτος» και κυκλοφόρησε και αυτό από τις εκδόσεις Κέδρος. Μπορεί η πρωταγωνίστρια να είναι κοινή στα βιβλία, εκείνα όμως μπορούν να διαβαστούν ως αυτόνομες ιστορίες.
Το πτώμα ενός εφήβου σε μία λίμνη είναι η αρχή μόνο της ιστορίας. Στάζι, μυστηριώδεις εξαφανίσεις νεαρών, πολιτικοί με μυστικά, συνωμοσίες, αλλά και διαχείριση οικογενειακών καταστάσεων είναι κάποια από τα κομμάτια αυτού του καλογραμμένου παζλ 362 σελίδων. Ποδόσφαιρο, ομοφυλοφιλία και ναρκωτικά συνθέτουν επίσης το κάδρο.
Με γρήγορες εναλλαγές στις παράλληλες ιστορίες που εκτυλίσσονται, ο αναγνώστης αγωνιά να διαβάσει την εξέλιξη των γεγονότων. Οι περιγραφές των τοπίων είναι λεπτομερείς, τόσο ώστε να βιώνεις σχεδόν την κατάσταση σαν να είσαι μέσα σ’ αυτήν.
Στο τέλος του βιβλίου υπάρχει Γλωσσάρι με τις γερμανικές λέξεις που χρησιμοποιούνται στην αφήγηση.
Τελικά, πόσο σκοτεινό είναι το κράτος και πώς μπορούν να προστατευτούν απ’ αυτό οι πολίτες;
https://www.clevernews.gr/skoteino-kr...
Στο τρίτο βιβλίο του David Young με πρωταγωνίστρια την αστυνομικό Κάριν Μίλερ, βρισκόμαστε στο 1976 στην Ανατολική Γερμανία, αγαπημένος χρόνος και τόπος για το συγγραφέα. Ο τίτλος του «Σκοτεινό Κράτος» και κυκλοφόρησε και αυτό από τις εκδόσεις Κέδρος. Μπορεί η πρωταγωνίστρια να είναι κοινή στα βιβλία, εκείνα όμως μπορούν να διαβαστούν ως αυτόνομες ιστορίες.
Το πτώμα ενός εφήβου σε μία λίμνη είναι η αρχή μόνο της ιστορίας. Στάζι, μυστηριώδεις εξαφανίσεις νεαρών, πολιτικοί με μυστικά, συνωμοσίες, αλλά και διαχείριση οικογενειακών καταστάσεων είναι κάποια από τα κομμάτια αυτού του καλογραμμένου παζλ 362 σελίδων. Ποδόσφαιρο, ομοφυλοφιλία και ναρκωτικά συνθέτουν επίσης το κάδρο.
Με γρήγορες εναλλαγές στις παράλληλες ιστορίες που εκτυλίσσονται, ο αναγνώστης αγωνιά να διαβάσει την εξέλιξη των γεγονότων. Οι περιγραφές των τοπίων είναι λεπτομερείς, τόσο ώστε να βιώνεις σχεδόν την κατάσταση σαν να είσαι μέσα σ’ αυτήν.
Στο τέλος του βιβλίου υπάρχει Γλωσσάρι με τις γερμανικές λέξεις που χρησιμοποιούνται στην αφήγηση.
Τελικά, πόσο σκοτεινό είναι το κράτος και πώς μπορούν να προστατευτούν απ’ αυτό οι πολίτες;
https://www.clevernews.gr/skoteino-kr...
February 7, 2018
Set in the Cold War era, around 1976, in the Communist part of Eastern Europe featuring, once again, Young’s detective Karin Muller (her third outing), this book does not disappoint.
The distant Communist regime with the Ministry of State Security (Stasi) as the all-powerful overseeing eye is wonderfully portrayed. The story is not subservient to its location and rattles along symbiotically at a pleasant pace without being completely anchored in East Germany.
There is a murder for Muller to investigate, along with locating a missing person that leads to a series of events that implicates the upper echelons of the ruling party. Undertones of corruption and the fact that everything comes with a price are deftly detailed by Young.
The story flits backwards and forwards in time in relation to the same overriding narrative arc that lead to a conclusion that I was keen to reach.
This may be David Young’s third outing with Karin Muller but stands the test of readability on its own merits, like any of the excellent Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbo.
The city of Historical Crime Fiction has a rich avenue of Cold War Authors and David Young is in residence there with excellent company including Tom Robb Smith, Joseph Kanon and Philip Kerr.
I am already looking forward to Mr Young’s next offering (he has a deal for at least another two books). Fans of Historical Crime Fiction (especially the Cold War era) are in for a treat.
January 6, 2020
GDR cop Karin Müller is tapped for a promotion and put in charge of a new serious crimes unit, the formation of which is intended to keep sensitive investigations in the hands of the police and out of those of the Stasi. Her first case with the new unit involves the murder of a teenage boy whose body is found weighted down in a lake. Soon after, the son of one of her team members goes missing, and it looks like his disappearance might be connected to the dead boy in the water. But with the investigation being obstructed at every turn, it quickly becomes clear that someone powerful doesn't want Karin to dig deeper into the case - especially not when she begins to gather clues that point to a conspiracy led by the Stasi itself.
Another compelling read from a series that succeeds in bringing much needed nuance and complexity to the moral and political issues of its setting.
Another compelling read from a series that succeeds in bringing much needed nuance and complexity to the moral and political issues of its setting.
May 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book.
The story was good and I have grown to like the characters. It’s obviously setting up for another in the series too. Which is good.
The story was good and I have grown to like the characters. It’s obviously setting up for another in the series too. Which is good.
December 19, 2017
February 8/2/18 A Darker State
****
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bonnier Zaffre for an advance copy of A Darker State, the third police procedural to feature newly promoted Major Karin Müller of the East German police, set in 1976.
Karin is on maternity leave when she is asked to head up the Serious Crime Department, the police's answer to losing too many cases to the Stasi, in return for a promotion and a bigger flat. Her new job starts immediately when she is asked to look into the murder of a young man who has been found in a lake and whose disappearance has much in common with that of her team's forensic specialist's son, Markus Schmidt. The investigation takes her and her deputy, Werner Tilsner, into dark places and entanglements with the Stasi.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Darker State which is a complex novel, not in terms of understanding the plot but in terms of trying to understand the characters' allegiances and the shifting political sands of Cold War politics as practised in the German Democratic Republic. The title is a bit of a give away as this is a much darker novel than its predecessors with the sinister nature and actions of the Stasi being given more emphasis. It may be that younger readers will find the plot farfetched and unrealistic but having lived through the Cold War and its paranoia I have no problem in accepting it as plausible and wouldn't be surprised if it were grounded in fact.
I am impressed with Mr Young's research which is detailed and captures the Zeitgeist perfectly. The pervasiveness of Stasi influence on the country's inhabitants and the accompanying paranoia cannot be understated and Mr Young successfully passes this on in the novel. I found it difficult at times to understand their machinations and goals but I rather think this is the point.
I'm beginning to feel sorry for Karin Müller, or poor Karin as I now see her. She can't catch a break in her investigation, being stymied at every turn by the Stasi and their imperatives, and, despite the birth of her longed for twins her personal life is a mess and about to get worse in the next novel if I've read the hints correctly. Even her promotion is a poisoned chalice as it brings her into conflict with the all powerful Stasi. Yet she is a great protagonist, smart, gutsy and determined. It would be nice to see something go well for her but it's unlikely in the setting.
The novel mostly has a linear third person narrative but is interspersed with first person accounts of the preceding few months from the missing Markus Schmidt. I found the jumping about distracting but useful as it gives the reader a clearer picture of the background to the investigation.
A Darker State is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
****
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bonnier Zaffre for an advance copy of A Darker State, the third police procedural to feature newly promoted Major Karin Müller of the East German police, set in 1976.
Karin is on maternity leave when she is asked to head up the Serious Crime Department, the police's answer to losing too many cases to the Stasi, in return for a promotion and a bigger flat. Her new job starts immediately when she is asked to look into the murder of a young man who has been found in a lake and whose disappearance has much in common with that of her team's forensic specialist's son, Markus Schmidt. The investigation takes her and her deputy, Werner Tilsner, into dark places and entanglements with the Stasi.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Darker State which is a complex novel, not in terms of understanding the plot but in terms of trying to understand the characters' allegiances and the shifting political sands of Cold War politics as practised in the German Democratic Republic. The title is a bit of a give away as this is a much darker novel than its predecessors with the sinister nature and actions of the Stasi being given more emphasis. It may be that younger readers will find the plot farfetched and unrealistic but having lived through the Cold War and its paranoia I have no problem in accepting it as plausible and wouldn't be surprised if it were grounded in fact.
I am impressed with Mr Young's research which is detailed and captures the Zeitgeist perfectly. The pervasiveness of Stasi influence on the country's inhabitants and the accompanying paranoia cannot be understated and Mr Young successfully passes this on in the novel. I found it difficult at times to understand their machinations and goals but I rather think this is the point.
I'm beginning to feel sorry for Karin Müller, or poor Karin as I now see her. She can't catch a break in her investigation, being stymied at every turn by the Stasi and their imperatives, and, despite the birth of her longed for twins her personal life is a mess and about to get worse in the next novel if I've read the hints correctly. Even her promotion is a poisoned chalice as it brings her into conflict with the all powerful Stasi. Yet she is a great protagonist, smart, gutsy and determined. It would be nice to see something go well for her but it's unlikely in the setting.
The novel mostly has a linear third person narrative but is interspersed with first person accounts of the preceding few months from the missing Markus Schmidt. I found the jumping about distracting but useful as it gives the reader a clearer picture of the background to the investigation.
A Darker State is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
February 5, 2018
Set in Stasi controlled East Germany in the 1970s this is the third book in a series which features Karin Müller, a murder squad detective based in East Berlin. When the story starts she is still on maternity leave following the birth of twins but, when asked to head up a new team which will have state-wide responsibility for complex murder investigations, and with the irresistible offer of a much larger apartment and a promotion to Major, two grades higher than her current grade, she is persuaded to return to work earlier than she really wants to. Her deputy, Werner Tilsner joins her, with a similarly enhanced promotion, and they are immediately faced with an investigation into the murder of a teenage boy, found in a lake on the border with Poland. It quickly becomes apparent that this is going to be a complex investigation, one which will attract unwelcome and threatening interference from high-ranking Stasi officers, as well as rivalrous interference from the local police officers. When Markus Schmidt, the teenage son of her team’s forensic scientist, goes missing there appear to be some similarities in the circumstances of his disappearance so the race is on to try to find him alive.
Karen’s loyalties are torn as she struggles with solving an increasingly complex investigation whilst desperately missing the twins, feeling guilty about the extra burden she is putting on her aging grandmother, who is looking after them, and her deteriorating relationship with Emil, her partner and the father of the children. In addition to all these stresses, she is ever fearful of the ubiquitous spying and interference from the Stasi, always aware that they have the power to change her life in an instant. Told mostly through a third-person narrative there are some chapters which start a few months prior to the present day investigation, told from the first person point of view of Markus. I thought this switch in both voice and time was well handled and added an extra depth to the development of the story.
Although I hadn’t read the earlier books I found that there were enough clues in the narrative to enable me to fully engage with this story, without constantly wondering what had happened previously, always a difficult balance to achieve but one which the author managed well. The story very quickly becomes increasingly dark and complex and it soon becomes clear that not only are Karin and her team under pressure to solve the cases, but that there are many outside influences and conflicts of interest which they have to contend with. These will not only hamper their enquiries but will also put them in personal danger.
I found this an immediately engaging story which, from the very start, was full of tension and intrigue and a satisfying number of twists and turns. It was soon clear that the author has done a considerable amount of research into this period of time in Germany’s recent history. The oppressive atmosphere of a police state was evocatively captured and, as the story progressed, the fears about who could be trusted added increasing tension to the story-telling. The all-pervasive influence and power of the Stasi permeated the developing plot, with all the paranoia which was central to living during that communist regime – this was indeed an example of the “darker state” which governed people’s lives.
I thought that the characters were well-drawn and credible, particularly Karin, who struggled so hard to reconcile the often conflicting aspects her personal, professional and political ideals. I loved the fact that although she is a strong, ambitious young woman, she is also sensitive and flawed – a convincingly complex character. I also liked the fact that there was no black and white division between people from the East and those from the West but that there was a recognition that, whatever the machinations of the state, there are good and bad people on either side of the divide and that each side is equally capable of promoting propaganda to support their stance!
David Young’s considerable knowledge of the country and its history informs his writing throughout and yet I never felt that his use of his research got in the way of his story-telling, rather, he used it to provide a credible background to enhance the reader’s understanding of the reasons underlying some of the actions, and reactions, of his characters. I admired and appreciated this because all too often authors get this balance wrong.
Having read and enjoyed this novel I feel tempted to read the first two in the series but, even if I don’t do that, I will certainly keep an eye out for the next one (due out in 2019) because I would like to know how Karin continues her attempts to resolve the tensions and demands between her personal relationships and her professional advancement!
My thanks to Readers First for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Karen’s loyalties are torn as she struggles with solving an increasingly complex investigation whilst desperately missing the twins, feeling guilty about the extra burden she is putting on her aging grandmother, who is looking after them, and her deteriorating relationship with Emil, her partner and the father of the children. In addition to all these stresses, she is ever fearful of the ubiquitous spying and interference from the Stasi, always aware that they have the power to change her life in an instant. Told mostly through a third-person narrative there are some chapters which start a few months prior to the present day investigation, told from the first person point of view of Markus. I thought this switch in both voice and time was well handled and added an extra depth to the development of the story.
Although I hadn’t read the earlier books I found that there were enough clues in the narrative to enable me to fully engage with this story, without constantly wondering what had happened previously, always a difficult balance to achieve but one which the author managed well. The story very quickly becomes increasingly dark and complex and it soon becomes clear that not only are Karin and her team under pressure to solve the cases, but that there are many outside influences and conflicts of interest which they have to contend with. These will not only hamper their enquiries but will also put them in personal danger.
I found this an immediately engaging story which, from the very start, was full of tension and intrigue and a satisfying number of twists and turns. It was soon clear that the author has done a considerable amount of research into this period of time in Germany’s recent history. The oppressive atmosphere of a police state was evocatively captured and, as the story progressed, the fears about who could be trusted added increasing tension to the story-telling. The all-pervasive influence and power of the Stasi permeated the developing plot, with all the paranoia which was central to living during that communist regime – this was indeed an example of the “darker state” which governed people’s lives.
I thought that the characters were well-drawn and credible, particularly Karin, who struggled so hard to reconcile the often conflicting aspects her personal, professional and political ideals. I loved the fact that although she is a strong, ambitious young woman, she is also sensitive and flawed – a convincingly complex character. I also liked the fact that there was no black and white division between people from the East and those from the West but that there was a recognition that, whatever the machinations of the state, there are good and bad people on either side of the divide and that each side is equally capable of promoting propaganda to support their stance!
David Young’s considerable knowledge of the country and its history informs his writing throughout and yet I never felt that his use of his research got in the way of his story-telling, rather, he used it to provide a credible background to enhance the reader’s understanding of the reasons underlying some of the actions, and reactions, of his characters. I admired and appreciated this because all too often authors get this balance wrong.
Having read and enjoyed this novel I feel tempted to read the first two in the series but, even if I don’t do that, I will certainly keep an eye out for the next one (due out in 2019) because I would like to know how Karin continues her attempts to resolve the tensions and demands between her personal relationships and her professional advancement!
My thanks to Readers First for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2018
Once again I have returned to an author whose book I have enjoyed greatly in the past. Stasi Child and Stasi Wolf were books that I found to be fascinating reads, this is in large part to the choice of setting by the author. This series of books is one of the only ones I have come across in the crime genre to be set in the D.D.R. And throughout the previous book's the author took great care to bring this world back to life. All these touches help to bring the words off the page and into the real world. So once I learned that a new book in the series had come out I was greatly looking forward to getting my hands on it.
Returning to the world of Müller is like paying a visit to old friends. Having followed her through the adventures of the last two books It was good to see how she would cope with this new case. This time we also get to see how she copes with the dual world of crime investigation and being a mother to her newborn twins. As you would imagine at times trying to find balance in her life proves to be a struggle and if not for the help of family I think she would have carried off the rails. Having been promoted once more she now faces a whole new level of scrutiny on her work. Throughout the case as ever she has the Stasi breathing down her neck. While face may change the Stasi works as its own character within these books. It allows for a duality to play out in the book being able to see how the state try's to push Müller to come to conclusions that suit the official view of how wonderful the D.D.R is.
With this incarnation, the author chose to tackle the subject of homosexuality within the German state. While not illegal it was defiantly not something that was outspoken about and was most defiantly a source of blackmail for the Stasi. The author chooses to go about this in a very honest and upfront way. He shows the struggle that these men went through in the fight to be free to love who they choose. All these choice build up to be a diverse and complicated plot, that asks greater questions about how we judge others. While this book is shorter than the previous two it doesn't feel any the worse off for it. This book switches between the present murder investigation and six months previous both coming together to give a more rounded and full view of the events that led up to why the murder took place.
The author ones again crafted an interesting tale set within the cold war. I like that his story talk about the everyday people held captive within a system that was desperate to keep control of them. For most other author books set within this time frame and placing are about some grand spy adventure between America and communist Germany. I think it allows for readers to better connect with his characters and Müller is someone who I have to come to love spending time with. Both in seeing how she fights to solve a case and how I've come to learn more about her as a person. This is a tense and solid mystery book that also touches on subjects that for some are a hard struggle of there everyday lives.
Returning to the world of Müller is like paying a visit to old friends. Having followed her through the adventures of the last two books It was good to see how she would cope with this new case. This time we also get to see how she copes with the dual world of crime investigation and being a mother to her newborn twins. As you would imagine at times trying to find balance in her life proves to be a struggle and if not for the help of family I think she would have carried off the rails. Having been promoted once more she now faces a whole new level of scrutiny on her work. Throughout the case as ever she has the Stasi breathing down her neck. While face may change the Stasi works as its own character within these books. It allows for a duality to play out in the book being able to see how the state try's to push Müller to come to conclusions that suit the official view of how wonderful the D.D.R is.
With this incarnation, the author chose to tackle the subject of homosexuality within the German state. While not illegal it was defiantly not something that was outspoken about and was most defiantly a source of blackmail for the Stasi. The author chooses to go about this in a very honest and upfront way. He shows the struggle that these men went through in the fight to be free to love who they choose. All these choice build up to be a diverse and complicated plot, that asks greater questions about how we judge others. While this book is shorter than the previous two it doesn't feel any the worse off for it. This book switches between the present murder investigation and six months previous both coming together to give a more rounded and full view of the events that led up to why the murder took place.
The author ones again crafted an interesting tale set within the cold war. I like that his story talk about the everyday people held captive within a system that was desperate to keep control of them. For most other author books set within this time frame and placing are about some grand spy adventure between America and communist Germany. I think it allows for readers to better connect with his characters and Müller is someone who I have to come to love spending time with. Both in seeing how she fights to solve a case and how I've come to learn more about her as a person. This is a tense and solid mystery book that also touches on subjects that for some are a hard struggle of there everyday lives.
February 25, 2018
A new Karin Müller novel is met with great excitement here at Grab This Book. The series which started with Stasi Child (and continued into Stasi Wolf and now A Darker State) are quite unlike anything else I read and each new book is a very welcome addition to my library!
David Young sets his fabulous police thrillers in 1970’s East Berlin. His lead character Karin Müller works for the police and in A Darker State is newly promoted to the position of Major. Müller faces challenges at every step of her investigations, she not only has to catch the bad guys but as a woman in a male dominated environment she is facing the usual prejudices. She has to prove she is worthy of her promoted post as promotion brings extra rewards from the State. But most significantly she understands that all her actions are monitored and that the State will be playing their own game and Müller has no idea what their ultimate goal will be.
While all the books thus far have shown the political influence that the Stasi (Secret Police) wield over the entire country it really comes into play during A Darker State. Karin is going to investigate areas which have been very clearly closed off to her – the consequences may be far more severe than she may imagine.
Müller is required to investigate the murder of a teenage boy, his body is found weighted down in a lake. Her investigations will bring her into contact with the male dominated circles of football (soccer) and motorcycle gangs. The soccer element of the story gave a fascinating insight into the social side of life in 70’s Berlin. A scandal in a club which was hushed up and almost overlooked due to the state interference in team selection and squad building. The additional detail which David Young brings to his story, these insights into East German society, give the books the depth and character which draw the reader deeper into the story and make them feel part of events.
The murder investigation takes a nasty turn for one of Karin’s colleagues when his family become too closely embroiled in the events surrounding her investigation. Readers are periodically taken back a few months from when Karin is conducting her investigations and we get to see how a sequence of events slowly build and combine to culminate in the shocking discovery which led to a young man’s brutal death.
All three novels can be read and enjoyed as stand-alone thrillers. But the books chart Karin’s life and her career and returning readers will be rewarded with the latest twists in her story. Despite our perceptions of how life may have been in East Berlin 40 years ago, Karin seems to accept most of what the state expect of her as a citizen. A Darker State seems to push her acceptance at times and I cannot wait to see if her compliance will perhaps start to waiver – particularly in light of some information she receives in the latest book! (no spoilers)
The increased political interventions, the personal dramas which Müller has to face and the wonderful continued insights into Berlin culture all combine to make A Darker State my favourite of the series thus far. David Young goes from strength to strength. You should be reading these books.
David Young sets his fabulous police thrillers in 1970’s East Berlin. His lead character Karin Müller works for the police and in A Darker State is newly promoted to the position of Major. Müller faces challenges at every step of her investigations, she not only has to catch the bad guys but as a woman in a male dominated environment she is facing the usual prejudices. She has to prove she is worthy of her promoted post as promotion brings extra rewards from the State. But most significantly she understands that all her actions are monitored and that the State will be playing their own game and Müller has no idea what their ultimate goal will be.
While all the books thus far have shown the political influence that the Stasi (Secret Police) wield over the entire country it really comes into play during A Darker State. Karin is going to investigate areas which have been very clearly closed off to her – the consequences may be far more severe than she may imagine.
Müller is required to investigate the murder of a teenage boy, his body is found weighted down in a lake. Her investigations will bring her into contact with the male dominated circles of football (soccer) and motorcycle gangs. The soccer element of the story gave a fascinating insight into the social side of life in 70’s Berlin. A scandal in a club which was hushed up and almost overlooked due to the state interference in team selection and squad building. The additional detail which David Young brings to his story, these insights into East German society, give the books the depth and character which draw the reader deeper into the story and make them feel part of events.
The murder investigation takes a nasty turn for one of Karin’s colleagues when his family become too closely embroiled in the events surrounding her investigation. Readers are periodically taken back a few months from when Karin is conducting her investigations and we get to see how a sequence of events slowly build and combine to culminate in the shocking discovery which led to a young man’s brutal death.
All three novels can be read and enjoyed as stand-alone thrillers. But the books chart Karin’s life and her career and returning readers will be rewarded with the latest twists in her story. Despite our perceptions of how life may have been in East Berlin 40 years ago, Karin seems to accept most of what the state expect of her as a citizen. A Darker State seems to push her acceptance at times and I cannot wait to see if her compliance will perhaps start to waiver – particularly in light of some information she receives in the latest book! (no spoilers)
The increased political interventions, the personal dramas which Müller has to face and the wonderful continued insights into Berlin culture all combine to make A Darker State my favourite of the series thus far. David Young goes from strength to strength. You should be reading these books.
May 5, 2018
Disclaimer: While I am to be unbiased, I received a copy of this for free to review.
This book is the third book in Young’s Karen Muller series and as with the others, it takes place in East Germany during the Cold War and follows the young detective through another adventure. I really loved Stasi Child (the first book) and quite liked Stasi Wolf (the second), and I guess that trend has continued into this one, the third.
I mean, don’t get me wrong. The story was fine, but it just wasn’t as engaging as the others and there was a lot of back story to try to remember. On top of that, the story itself mainly focuses on medical trials on homosexuals and we repeatedly have people’s sexuality revealed as a plot twist. It’s not that it’s handled insensitively or anything, it’s just that I’m not so sure it’s necessary. It seemed as though all of the gay characters were only in it so they could die.
I should clarify here that perhaps it’s just me as a reader and that I’m starting to grow tired of Muller’s world. I feel a little bit as though the worldbuilding that made the first one such a great read has now started to make the stories feel a little claustrophobic. Where the others gripped me and dragged me in, I feel like I just sort of floated through the story without actually being engaged with it.
Still, I am glad that I read it and I imagine I’ll continue with the series when the next books come out. Young has signed on for two more and the next one is supposed to take a darker turn, which should be good. That said, I wouldn’t recommend starting out the series with this one because Stasi Child was fantastic and it’s also the first one in the series. Grab that instead and if you get to this one and you’re still enjoying it then you’ll probably want to grab it anyway.
I just hope that the next one is on par with the first one. Guess we’ll see.
This book is the third book in Young’s Karen Muller series and as with the others, it takes place in East Germany during the Cold War and follows the young detective through another adventure. I really loved Stasi Child (the first book) and quite liked Stasi Wolf (the second), and I guess that trend has continued into this one, the third.
I mean, don’t get me wrong. The story was fine, but it just wasn’t as engaging as the others and there was a lot of back story to try to remember. On top of that, the story itself mainly focuses on medical trials on homosexuals and we repeatedly have people’s sexuality revealed as a plot twist. It’s not that it’s handled insensitively or anything, it’s just that I’m not so sure it’s necessary. It seemed as though all of the gay characters were only in it so they could die.
I should clarify here that perhaps it’s just me as a reader and that I’m starting to grow tired of Muller’s world. I feel a little bit as though the worldbuilding that made the first one such a great read has now started to make the stories feel a little claustrophobic. Where the others gripped me and dragged me in, I feel like I just sort of floated through the story without actually being engaged with it.
Still, I am glad that I read it and I imagine I’ll continue with the series when the next books come out. Young has signed on for two more and the next one is supposed to take a darker turn, which should be good. That said, I wouldn’t recommend starting out the series with this one because Stasi Child was fantastic and it’s also the first one in the series. Grab that instead and if you get to this one and you’re still enjoying it then you’ll probably want to grab it anyway.
I just hope that the next one is on par with the first one. Guess we’ll see.
February 9, 2018
I received a free copy from Readers First in exchange for an honest review.
I am always a bit wary going into a book when i know it is part of a series and i haven't read any of the previous ones, but for Readers First i plowed ahead anyway, and it was worth doing so as i thoroughly enjoyed this story.
We meet Karin Muller, an East German police officer in the 1970s, as she is being shown around a fancy apartment, wondering why she is there. Her boss has ulterior motives, he wants to create a new division and have Karin be in charge of it - the apartment is a sweetener to get her to say yes. Doing so would mean coming back early from maternity leave and having to spend a long time away from her newborn twins. But how could she say no to that apartment, which was more than she could ever afford on her old salary?!
Straight away she's into a murder investigation, with an old colleague met in a previous case (and presumably featured in previous books). A murder investigation that turns into a missing persons, a gay biker club, insider dealings with the steel industry and medical experimentation on unwitting human subjects. All the while they are hampered by the Stasi, who have their own motives for not wanting them to look too much into these cases.
The narrative switches between Karin and the missing person Karin is investigating from the few months leading up to where Karin got involved.
I felt a bit behind having not read the first two books, missing the back story of her previous cases which are mentioned several times. But she is a well written character so it just makes me want to read the first two anyway to flesh out this one more.
I am always a bit wary going into a book when i know it is part of a series and i haven't read any of the previous ones, but for Readers First i plowed ahead anyway, and it was worth doing so as i thoroughly enjoyed this story.
We meet Karin Muller, an East German police officer in the 1970s, as she is being shown around a fancy apartment, wondering why she is there. Her boss has ulterior motives, he wants to create a new division and have Karin be in charge of it - the apartment is a sweetener to get her to say yes. Doing so would mean coming back early from maternity leave and having to spend a long time away from her newborn twins. But how could she say no to that apartment, which was more than she could ever afford on her old salary?!
Straight away she's into a murder investigation, with an old colleague met in a previous case (and presumably featured in previous books). A murder investigation that turns into a missing persons, a gay biker club, insider dealings with the steel industry and medical experimentation on unwitting human subjects. All the while they are hampered by the Stasi, who have their own motives for not wanting them to look too much into these cases.
The narrative switches between Karin and the missing person Karin is investigating from the few months leading up to where Karin got involved.
I felt a bit behind having not read the first two books, missing the back story of her previous cases which are mentioned several times. But she is a well written character so it just makes me want to read the first two anyway to flesh out this one more.
May 30, 2019
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in return for an honest review.
This third book in David Young's Karin Mueller series sees Karin moving into a larger and more luxurious apartment with her twin babies, her grandmother and her partner, Emil. She is promptly immersed in the investigation of a young man's murder with her colleague, Werner Tilsner and rapidly realises that they are being closely monitored by the East German Stasi. Completely compelling and full of sinister plot twists this will keep the reader guessing how Karin will manage to stay in control of her job and her life.
Highly recommended for lovers of crime novels and thrillers. Brilliant!
This third book in David Young's Karin Mueller series sees Karin moving into a larger and more luxurious apartment with her twin babies, her grandmother and her partner, Emil. She is promptly immersed in the investigation of a young man's murder with her colleague, Werner Tilsner and rapidly realises that they are being closely monitored by the East German Stasi. Completely compelling and full of sinister plot twists this will keep the reader guessing how Karin will manage to stay in control of her job and her life.
Highly recommended for lovers of crime novels and thrillers. Brilliant!
March 16, 2021
3,5
Δεν μπορω να καταλάβω γιατι το Νοσοκομειο Σαριτε Στο Βερολίνο ξαναγινε Τσαριτέ όπως στο πρωτο βιβλιο από άλλη μεταφραστρια! ειλικρινα όμως, δεν μπορει η επιμελητρια να το ψαξει λιγο;;;; Σαριτέ λέγεται, δανειζεται από την γαλλική λέξη. Επίσης υπάρχουν λαθη που θα επρεπε η επιμελεια να εχει διορθωσει.
Τελος παντων όπως και με τα προηγουμενα δεν είναι το αριστούργημα αλλα οι ηρωες είναι συμπαθείς και μοιαζουν αληθινοί, ομορφη αναπαρασταση χωρου και χρονου, ωραιο το αστυνομικό υποβαθρο, αξιοπρεπεστατο
Δεν μπορω να καταλάβω γιατι το Νοσοκομειο Σαριτε Στο Βερολίνο ξαναγινε Τσαριτέ όπως στο πρωτο βιβλιο από άλλη μεταφραστρια! ειλικρινα όμως, δεν μπορει η επιμελητρια να το ψαξει λιγο;;;; Σαριτέ λέγεται, δανειζεται από την γαλλική λέξη. Επίσης υπάρχουν λαθη που θα επρεπε η επιμελεια να εχει διορθωσει.
Τελος παντων όπως και με τα προηγουμενα δεν είναι το αριστούργημα αλλα οι ηρωες είναι συμπαθείς και μοιαζουν αληθινοί, ομορφη αναπαρασταση χωρου και χρονου, ωραιο το αστυνομικό υποβαθρο, αξιοπρεπεστατο
February 8, 2018
Karin is about to return to work after having her babies, Investigating the death of a young man. She's under the watchful eye of the Stasi and then a colleague's son goes missing. Can they find him and keep the peace?
This was a really good read. It's book 3 in the series but there is enough information to know what is going on. The story was quite heavy on the details and dark at times but I enjoyed it. The plot was fast paced but also allowed a chance to get to know a bit more about Karin. The ending was very good but leaves you wanting to read the next book.
Karin has quite the traumatic ride in this but it shows her strong character, she's determined and quite feisty. Easily likeable and I will definitely be looking for more from her.
A great thriller
This was a really good read. It's book 3 in the series but there is enough information to know what is going on. The story was quite heavy on the details and dark at times but I enjoyed it. The plot was fast paced but also allowed a chance to get to know a bit more about Karin. The ending was very good but leaves you wanting to read the next book.
Karin has quite the traumatic ride in this but it shows her strong character, she's determined and quite feisty. Easily likeable and I will definitely be looking for more from her.
A great thriller
February 12, 2018
Griping story.
I have read all the boos in this series and although crime and triers are definitely not my usual reading choice I ave found this series gripping.
I found the first fe chapter distracting as it skipped backwards and forwards but soon got used to it, and found it hard to put down.
I have read all the boos in this series and although crime and triers are definitely not my usual reading choice I ave found this series gripping.
I found the first fe chapter distracting as it skipped backwards and forwards but soon got used to it, and found it hard to put down.
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