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Willi Geismeier #1
The Good Cop
In a world of growing nationalism, a quiet few are determined to resist. This gripping historical mystery explores the darkest days of the early 20th century.
Munich, 1920. Detective Willi Geismeier has a problem: how do you uphold the law when the law goes bad? The First World War has been lost and Germany is in turmoil. The new government in Berlin is weak. The police and courts are corrupt. Fascists and Communists are fighting in the streets. People want a savior, someone who can make Germany great again. To many, Adolf Hitler seems perfect for the job. When the offices of a Munich newspaper are bombed, Willi Geismeier investigates, but as it gets political, he is taken off the case. Willi continues to ask questions, but when his pursuit of the truth itself becomes a crime, his career - and his life - are in grave danger.
Munich, 1920. Detective Willi Geismeier has a problem: how do you uphold the law when the law goes bad? The First World War has been lost and Germany is in turmoil. The new government in Berlin is weak. The police and courts are corrupt. Fascists and Communists are fighting in the streets. People want a savior, someone who can make Germany great again. To many, Adolf Hitler seems perfect for the job. When the offices of a Munich newspaper are bombed, Willi Geismeier investigates, but as it gets political, he is taken off the case. Willi continues to ask questions, but when his pursuit of the truth itself becomes a crime, his career - and his life - are in grave danger.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2019
52 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Peter Steiner
11 books38 followersPETER STEINER is the author of five books in the Louis Morgon series, A French Country Murder (Le Crime), L'Assassin, The Terrorist, The Resistance, and The Capitalist.
A new novel The Good Cop will come out September 1, 2019. This book takes place in Weimar Germany in the 1920's and early thirties.
A New Yorker cartoonist, Steiner lives in Connecticut and spends part of each year in France, in a village not unlike the one featured in the Morgon novels. You can see more at plsteiner.com. and see his most recent cartoons exclusively at plsteiner.com/blog.
A new novel The Good Cop will come out September 1, 2019. This book takes place in Weimar Germany in the 1920's and early thirties.
A New Yorker cartoonist, Steiner lives in Connecticut and spends part of each year in France, in a village not unlike the one featured in the Morgon novels. You can see more at plsteiner.com. and see his most recent cartoons exclusively at plsteiner.com/blog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 29, 2023
A fascinating account of the rise of Nazism in the 1920's seen through the eyes of a German police officer. Although labelled historical fiction, much of this story is based on fact, right down to quotes from speeches by Adolf Hitler. We learn how Hitler, initially dismissed as a joke, gradually gained power in the Reichstag (Germany's Parliament) using violence and intimidation alongside his stirring nationalist speeches telling crowds how he would return Germany to its former glories.
The story opens with Maximilian Wolf returning home to Munich at the end of World War One. A gifted artist, he is employed by a Munich newspaper where he meets a female reporter, Sophie and the two cover the politics of 1920's Germany, with Sophie's stories illustrated by Max's sketches.
The bombing of the editorial offices of the Munich Post leads Max and Sophie to encounter Munich Detective Willi Geismeier, who's no ordinary policeman. Willi is "the good cop" who realises that Germany's rule of law is now caught up in the country's politics with many policemen becoming Nazi party members and even joining the Sturmabteilung (SA) and SS, the party's paramilitary wings, in order to further their careers.
In real life, the Munich Post was described by Hitler as "the poison kitchen",("Giftküche") as it repeatedly warned of the dangers of Nazism. Behind the scenes, Willi Geismeier gathers evidence of criminal acts carried out by the Nazis in a bid to halt their worst excesses.
The story is peopled by a variety of characters, many of them drawn from real life, which serves to heighten the drama as Willi's pursuit of truth and justice puts himself and those close to him in deadly danger.
The author, Peter Steiner, has turned a seemingly straightforward crime novel into a warning from history that, unless we learn from past mistakes, history has a nasty habit of repeating itself.
My thanks to Severn House Publishers amd NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
The story opens with Maximilian Wolf returning home to Munich at the end of World War One. A gifted artist, he is employed by a Munich newspaper where he meets a female reporter, Sophie and the two cover the politics of 1920's Germany, with Sophie's stories illustrated by Max's sketches.
The bombing of the editorial offices of the Munich Post leads Max and Sophie to encounter Munich Detective Willi Geismeier, who's no ordinary policeman. Willi is "the good cop" who realises that Germany's rule of law is now caught up in the country's politics with many policemen becoming Nazi party members and even joining the Sturmabteilung (SA) and SS, the party's paramilitary wings, in order to further their careers.
In real life, the Munich Post was described by Hitler as "the poison kitchen",("Giftküche") as it repeatedly warned of the dangers of Nazism. Behind the scenes, Willi Geismeier gathers evidence of criminal acts carried out by the Nazis in a bid to halt their worst excesses.
The story is peopled by a variety of characters, many of them drawn from real life, which serves to heighten the drama as Willi's pursuit of truth and justice puts himself and those close to him in deadly danger.
The author, Peter Steiner, has turned a seemingly straightforward crime novel into a warning from history that, unless we learn from past mistakes, history has a nasty habit of repeating itself.
My thanks to Severn House Publishers amd NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
September 6, 2019
The story begins with the final throes of the first world war in 1918, and follows Maximilian Wolf as he returns home to Munich to recover his civilian life. Maximilian gets a job sketching for a newspaper, teams up with Sophie, a reporter, and then an incident at the newspaper office brings in Willi Geismeier, the cop. The three of them are involved in responding to that incident over years and against the backdrop of the growth of National Socialism and Hitler. It soon becomes obvious that the real story is the growth of the Nazis and the mystery really takes second place. I enjoyed reading it even if I felt the mystery thriller part was too underdeveloped and the historical period covered, over 25 years, was just too wide to achieve the depth it warranted. Having said that, it was admirable effort that didn’t disappoint.
November 20, 2019
A fascinating mystery set just after WW I and following the rise of Hitler. Much of the story is based on fact. Steiner's writing is incredible; quiet, understated, revealing just enough. I could not stop reading. Such a different style for me and really amazing. Additionally, the story line really parallels what is going on in our country now and this makes it all the more captivating.
Update: I attended an author talk with Steiner and wow is he fascinating and funny. His reading and explanation of his motivation in writing this book made the book even more meaningful. All I can say is wow!
Update: I attended an author talk with Steiner and wow is he fascinating and funny. His reading and explanation of his motivation in writing this book made the book even more meaningful. All I can say is wow!
February 12, 2020
Interesting novel set in the Weimar Republic, chronicling the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party. A police detective Willi Geismeier, investigates the bombing of the offices of a newspaper, even after he is pulled off the case.
He is aided by a sketch artist for a competing newspaper and a female reporter. The book suggests why a charismatic demagogue arose, captivating much of the populace with his message of regaining pride in their German nationalism and "evocation of a golden future." The characters didn't have much personality, but the theme of trying to hold to good values in the face of evil and the concept of freedom of the press was timely.
He is aided by a sketch artist for a competing newspaper and a female reporter. The book suggests why a charismatic demagogue arose, captivating much of the populace with his message of regaining pride in their German nationalism and "evocation of a golden future." The characters didn't have much personality, but the theme of trying to hold to good values in the face of evil and the concept of freedom of the press was timely.
December 2, 2019
Peter Seiner's "The Good Cop" is quite a departure from his Louis Morgon series, but in a good way. It's set in Munich and environs in the tough years following WW1 when a young firebrand named Adolf Hitler was on the rise. The protagonists are both veterans of The Great War, one a detective (Willi), the other a cartoonist (Max) who finds work at a local newspaper as a sort of roving chronicler of current affairs. They run into one another in the course of Willi's investigation of the shooting of a young tough in one of Munich's parks. It so happened that Max's girlfriend was the shooter, but it wasn't a murder- it was to stop the beating of Max by a few of Hitler's supporters. The investigation quickly becomes infected by the political climate and Willi is removed from the case, but he opts to continue on his own.
Overshadowing the entirety of the story is the rise of Hitler from being a local joke to leader of the German nation. He identifies and taps into the sentiment of the German masses who felt ripped off by the winners of the World War and needed scapegoats for their troubles. Steiner brilliantly provides a sort of micro level look at how Hitler and his supporters affected the everyday lives and institutions of Germans as they amassed power. The parallels to what's now happening in America are difficult to ignore.
I've enjoyed the Morgon series immensely but Steiner has gone in a different direction with this one. I typically avoid period pieces, but these characters have a lot of potential.
Overshadowing the entirety of the story is the rise of Hitler from being a local joke to leader of the German nation. He identifies and taps into the sentiment of the German masses who felt ripped off by the winners of the World War and needed scapegoats for their troubles. Steiner brilliantly provides a sort of micro level look at how Hitler and his supporters affected the everyday lives and institutions of Germans as they amassed power. The parallels to what's now happening in America are difficult to ignore.
I've enjoyed the Morgon series immensely but Steiner has gone in a different direction with this one. I typically avoid period pieces, but these characters have a lot of potential.
September 1, 2019
One of the best books i read this year!
The Good Cop looks at the rise of the Nationalist Socialist party in Germany, a fascinating account of the rise of Nazism in the 1920's. Through the eyes of Willi Geismeier, a police officer, we see how Hitler gathers support and finally gains power in the Reichstag. Initially dismissed as a joke Hitler becomes the Nazi leader whom's promise to the german people is to restore Germany in its former glory.
Altough this book begins at the end of WWI and centers in Munich Germany, it is not about the horrors of war. It is more about what can happen when freedom of press is undermined by politicians agendas.
Labelled historical fiction, much of the story is based on fact. The author Peter Steiner succeed by turning a straightforward crime novel into a warning from history. If we do not learn from our mistakes, history has a nasty habit of repeating itself.
Absolutely recommended read!
The Good Cop looks at the rise of the Nationalist Socialist party in Germany, a fascinating account of the rise of Nazism in the 1920's. Through the eyes of Willi Geismeier, a police officer, we see how Hitler gathers support and finally gains power in the Reichstag. Initially dismissed as a joke Hitler becomes the Nazi leader whom's promise to the german people is to restore Germany in its former glory.
Altough this book begins at the end of WWI and centers in Munich Germany, it is not about the horrors of war. It is more about what can happen when freedom of press is undermined by politicians agendas.
Labelled historical fiction, much of the story is based on fact. The author Peter Steiner succeed by turning a straightforward crime novel into a warning from history. If we do not learn from our mistakes, history has a nasty habit of repeating itself.
Absolutely recommended read!
August 27, 2019
Peter Steiner has written a splendid book. Though categorized as a thriller, The Good Cop is really a historical novel with intrigue and mystery embedded in its masterful story-telling, resulting in pages that seem to turn themselves. Set in Munich in the years following Germany’s loss of World War I, we witness the inexorable rise of Adolph Hitler as it bears riveting, cautionary relevance to our current political situation.
Steiner captures, with exemplary accuracy, the time and place of post WWI Weimar Germany so that any reader, either schooled in that history or too young to have any notion of what transpired, can gradually understand in a compelling, intimate way the zeitgeist that made Hitler’s rise to Chancellor possible. Steiner seamlessly works in a large cast of characters including artists, journalists, minor politicians, policemen, aristocrats, the poor, socialists, Hitler himself and his emerging crew of Nazi henchmen.
The novel opens with Maximillian Wolf arriving in Munich physically scarred and traumatized by his years on the front line. An artist, he is hired by a small weekly newspaper, Das Neue Deutsche Bild, to sketch events he observes on the war torn streets, and in the beer gardens and meeting halls. Sophie Auerbach, a young reporter whose husband was killed in the war, works at the same publication. She and Maximillian are thrown together in their coverage of meetings of the German Workers Party, early followers of Hitler. They both encounter resistance to their frank coverage from the Publisher, and from others loyal to the insurgent Hitler. The tensions culminate in a bomb being thrown directly into the newspaper offices. Sophie is critically wounded and hospitalized for months. The plot is set in motion when Willi Geismeier, a moral policeman in an amoral time, is assigned to the case.
We as readers can identify with the ordinariness of the lives of all the characters—the honorable and those shading into corruption—as they struggle to overcome the repercussions of the war, in a world that has turned against them as a citizens of a country on the losing side of the conflict, grappling with the economic disaster that follows from inflation that manifests itself in wheel barrels of cash necessary for the smallest purchases of food and other everyday needs. The brilliance of Steiner’s depiction is that he allows us the space and the freedom to ask ourselves, how would we have responded to such dire circumstances? Would I have been one of the good, or would I have succumbed to a relativistic life of political compromise, or would I have gone completely over to the dark side.
Too many books about the rise of Nazi Germany provide the reader with the comfort of the black and white choice between good and evil, obfuscating the possibility of understanding of how evil can sneak up on us and gradually render us complicit.
The Good Cop arrives at a crucial moment, as bit-by-bit in the United States and worldwide, leaders have emerged in various cultural identities with the intent to undermine participatory democracy in favor of authoritarian rule, camouflaged by a rhetorical veneer of supposed populism. Steiner helps us understand our own predicament through this fully realized narrative fashioned out of extensive, solid research and the genius of his imagination. It must be said that Steiner is also a visual artist and he uses that gift to paint the reality of the time in evocative cinematic gestures. We literally watch the upending of a democratic society as it vividly plays out before us.
Steiner gives us no solutions, but he does offer a glimmer of hope in the actions of his protagonists, Sophie, Maximillian, and Willi, who could serve as historical guideposts out of our contemporary political morass.
Word has it that this is the first in a series with Willi Geismeier in the lead. Good news for all of us who admire this novel and are awaiting more insight into history as foreshadow of the future.
Steiner captures, with exemplary accuracy, the time and place of post WWI Weimar Germany so that any reader, either schooled in that history or too young to have any notion of what transpired, can gradually understand in a compelling, intimate way the zeitgeist that made Hitler’s rise to Chancellor possible. Steiner seamlessly works in a large cast of characters including artists, journalists, minor politicians, policemen, aristocrats, the poor, socialists, Hitler himself and his emerging crew of Nazi henchmen.
The novel opens with Maximillian Wolf arriving in Munich physically scarred and traumatized by his years on the front line. An artist, he is hired by a small weekly newspaper, Das Neue Deutsche Bild, to sketch events he observes on the war torn streets, and in the beer gardens and meeting halls. Sophie Auerbach, a young reporter whose husband was killed in the war, works at the same publication. She and Maximillian are thrown together in their coverage of meetings of the German Workers Party, early followers of Hitler. They both encounter resistance to their frank coverage from the Publisher, and from others loyal to the insurgent Hitler. The tensions culminate in a bomb being thrown directly into the newspaper offices. Sophie is critically wounded and hospitalized for months. The plot is set in motion when Willi Geismeier, a moral policeman in an amoral time, is assigned to the case.
We as readers can identify with the ordinariness of the lives of all the characters—the honorable and those shading into corruption—as they struggle to overcome the repercussions of the war, in a world that has turned against them as a citizens of a country on the losing side of the conflict, grappling with the economic disaster that follows from inflation that manifests itself in wheel barrels of cash necessary for the smallest purchases of food and other everyday needs. The brilliance of Steiner’s depiction is that he allows us the space and the freedom to ask ourselves, how would we have responded to such dire circumstances? Would I have been one of the good, or would I have succumbed to a relativistic life of political compromise, or would I have gone completely over to the dark side.
Too many books about the rise of Nazi Germany provide the reader with the comfort of the black and white choice between good and evil, obfuscating the possibility of understanding of how evil can sneak up on us and gradually render us complicit.
The Good Cop arrives at a crucial moment, as bit-by-bit in the United States and worldwide, leaders have emerged in various cultural identities with the intent to undermine participatory democracy in favor of authoritarian rule, camouflaged by a rhetorical veneer of supposed populism. Steiner helps us understand our own predicament through this fully realized narrative fashioned out of extensive, solid research and the genius of his imagination. It must be said that Steiner is also a visual artist and he uses that gift to paint the reality of the time in evocative cinematic gestures. We literally watch the upending of a democratic society as it vividly plays out before us.
Steiner gives us no solutions, but he does offer a glimmer of hope in the actions of his protagonists, Sophie, Maximillian, and Willi, who could serve as historical guideposts out of our contemporary political morass.
Word has it that this is the first in a series with Willi Geismeier in the lead. Good news for all of us who admire this novel and are awaiting more insight into history as foreshadow of the future.
August 30, 2019
Peter Steiner has given us a work of Historical Fiction with a lot of truth in the mix.
WWI has been lost. Germany is in chaos and the new government isn't anything to brag about. Everyone is in some way corrupted. Detective Willi Geismeier has a front-row seat to the rise of Adolph Hitler.
You have Fascism and Communism and violence everywhere. This is a country that needs a leader desperately. Unfortunately, that leader comes in the shape of Adolph Hitler. Everything is politicized and investigations of crimes become impossible.
We also have the viewpoints of Maximillian and his wife, Sophie, a reporter. Together they will fight to stay alive, knowing that things are not going to end well for many.
This was a historical fiction story with a whole lot of truth behind it. It moved fast and I really enjoyed seeing Munich in the 1920s through the eyes of those who were there. Good plot, good characters, and a fast pace. Well Done!
NetGalley Reviews/ Severn House September 3rd, 2019
WWI has been lost. Germany is in chaos and the new government isn't anything to brag about. Everyone is in some way corrupted. Detective Willi Geismeier has a front-row seat to the rise of Adolph Hitler.
You have Fascism and Communism and violence everywhere. This is a country that needs a leader desperately. Unfortunately, that leader comes in the shape of Adolph Hitler. Everything is politicized and investigations of crimes become impossible.
We also have the viewpoints of Maximillian and his wife, Sophie, a reporter. Together they will fight to stay alive, knowing that things are not going to end well for many.
This was a historical fiction story with a whole lot of truth behind it. It moved fast and I really enjoyed seeing Munich in the 1920s through the eyes of those who were there. Good plot, good characters, and a fast pace. Well Done!
NetGalley Reviews/ Severn House September 3rd, 2019
September 13, 2019
Really enjoyable book, with eerie parallels to our world today.
Set in Munich Germany between the two world wars, the book starts out focused on Maximillian, coming back from WWI, and the despair of Germany's loss. Soon he meets up with Sophie, who will become his love interest, and Willi, who is the titular good cop.
Needless to say, Germany is not heading in a great direction, and Mr. Steiner does a good job capturing the slow slide into fascism. Not at Alan Furst level, but still a very great setting of the mood. I was (pleasantly) surprised with how Mr. Steiner developed Maximillian and his role in the story. The mystery/thriller aspect in this novel is really beside the point - this is a historical novel about people trying to do the right thing when the world around them has very little interest in the right thing.
I think the "wrap up" sections at the end were interesting, but if this is going to turn into a series (supposedly) then I'm sorry that we learned their fates. Willi in the late 1930's would be a great next chapter.
Set in Munich Germany between the two world wars, the book starts out focused on Maximillian, coming back from WWI, and the despair of Germany's loss. Soon he meets up with Sophie, who will become his love interest, and Willi, who is the titular good cop.
Needless to say, Germany is not heading in a great direction, and Mr. Steiner does a good job capturing the slow slide into fascism. Not at Alan Furst level, but still a very great setting of the mood. I was (pleasantly) surprised with how Mr. Steiner developed Maximillian and his role in the story. The mystery/thriller aspect in this novel is really beside the point - this is a historical novel about people trying to do the right thing when the world around them has very little interest in the right thing.
I think the "wrap up" sections at the end were interesting, but if this is going to turn into a series (supposedly) then I'm sorry that we learned their fates. Willi in the late 1930's would be a great next chapter.
October 10, 2019
I have to admit, by just reading the blurb for The Good Cop, I was not sure if it would be a read for me or not. However, by chapter two, I was hooked. I was intrigued from start to finish and had the whole book read in just a couple of hours. Hours well spent.
I am giving The Good Cop five stars. I highly recommend it for all readers who enjoy historical fiction set in post World War I and events that lead up to World War II Germany.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I am giving The Good Cop five stars. I highly recommend it for all readers who enjoy historical fiction set in post World War I and events that lead up to World War II Germany.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
February 5, 2020
My son, we're pilgrims in an unholy land
This was a well told short story set in Munich, Germany from 1918 the end of WWI to 1946
The story of a World War 1 soldier turned detective, Willi Geismeier and his struggle to be a good cop in the unholy land of Adolph's Germany.
The similarities to Donald Trump's USA are eerie.
"Don't you want to make Germany great again (MGGA)?" -Maximillian
"For them greatness means vengeance and violence, intimidation and fear." -Sophie
A rally for Adolph
"Lock them up!" and others chimed in "Lock them up!" "Lock them up!"
And the attack on the free press
The parallels to what's happening in America were difficult to ignore.
Detective Indiana Geismeier's integrity was undeniable.
"Nazis. I hate these guys." -Indiana Jones
This was a well told short story set in Munich, Germany from 1918 the end of WWI to 1946
The story of a World War 1 soldier turned detective, Willi Geismeier and his struggle to be a good cop in the unholy land of Adolph's Germany.
The similarities to Donald Trump's USA are eerie.
"Don't you want to make Germany great again (MGGA)?" -Maximillian
"For them greatness means vengeance and violence, intimidation and fear." -Sophie
A rally for Adolph
"Lock them up!" and others chimed in "Lock them up!" "Lock them up!"
And the attack on the free press
The parallels to what's happening in America were difficult to ignore.
Detective Indiana Geismeier's integrity was undeniable.
"Nazis. I hate these guys." -Indiana Jones
October 23, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. It has clearly been written as a reminder of how nationalistic popular leaders rise. There are clear links to current political stories with phrases like "lock them up" and "Germany first" being chanted at a political rally and the free press being called "fake news".
The story is, however, routed in its time, just after WW1, and does describe the level of poverty and violence of the 20s and 30s which is unimaginable now.
If I could I would give it 4.5 because for me one of the key events seemed highly improbable. Spoiler alert !!!! It just seemed highly unlikely that the young female would have been able to get free from the two thugs and then shoot the third. When the gun went off I thought it was the (good) cop who was there - but then the story wouldn't have worked.
Another minor niggle (at which point I was going down to 4 stars) is the mistaken history that Hitler "brought Germany back from the depths of depression". I doubt that Germans at the time thought that. The economic recovery after the depression allowed a certain amount of spending on infrastructure that had previously not been possible (we see similar patterns today). I know from speaking to my father (who visited Germany during the 30s) that though the people were generally supportive of the Nazis they were also sometimes nervous about the consequences. My dad was always adamant that there was no sense of an imminent major war, that as ever history is always written as if people can see it coming. In our lifetime who genuinely predicted 9-11 or the 2008 banking crash? Nations always go to war assuming it will be quickly over - but they invariably end up much longer and messier.
However for me, the niggles aside, it fully redeemed itself in the closing chapters. The story of the police inspector reinventing his past as being a victim of the Nazis rather than a perpetrator has an amazing echo in the news story (as I write this now) of Roland Berger's dad Georg who had signed up as a Nazi in 1931and was still paying his dues in 1944 but claimed he was hounded by the Gestapo and sent to Dachau. Sometimes facts are stranger than fiction!
Highly recommended read.
The story is, however, routed in its time, just after WW1, and does describe the level of poverty and violence of the 20s and 30s which is unimaginable now.
If I could I would give it 4.5 because for me one of the key events seemed highly improbable. Spoiler alert !!!! It just seemed highly unlikely that the young female would have been able to get free from the two thugs and then shoot the third. When the gun went off I thought it was the (good) cop who was there - but then the story wouldn't have worked.
Another minor niggle (at which point I was going down to 4 stars) is the mistaken history that Hitler "brought Germany back from the depths of depression". I doubt that Germans at the time thought that. The economic recovery after the depression allowed a certain amount of spending on infrastructure that had previously not been possible (we see similar patterns today). I know from speaking to my father (who visited Germany during the 30s) that though the people were generally supportive of the Nazis they were also sometimes nervous about the consequences. My dad was always adamant that there was no sense of an imminent major war, that as ever history is always written as if people can see it coming. In our lifetime who genuinely predicted 9-11 or the 2008 banking crash? Nations always go to war assuming it will be quickly over - but they invariably end up much longer and messier.
However for me, the niggles aside, it fully redeemed itself in the closing chapters. The story of the police inspector reinventing his past as being a victim of the Nazis rather than a perpetrator has an amazing echo in the news story (as I write this now) of Roland Berger's dad Georg who had signed up as a Nazi in 1931and was still paying his dues in 1944 but claimed he was hounded by the Gestapo and sent to Dachau. Sometimes facts are stranger than fiction!
Highly recommended read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2019
Peter Steiner hits it out of the park with The Good Cop! This historical thriller takes us through the rise of Hitler after WWI. The parallels to the current political environment around the world are beyond chilling. I can’t help but wonder how much this fictional tome rings true.
The Good Cop is one of those novels that hits you right in the gut with debilitating truth. Steiner weaves a tale of artist Maximilian, journalist Sophie, and officer Willi as they try to steer through the rubble of German politics after the first World War. The Versailles Treaty has the German people incensed, which makes it easy for an unknown radical named Adolph Hitler to sway the opinion of millions of people throughout Germany. As he gains support, the hate begins, and Maximilian, Sophie, and Willi are trying to expose this man for what he is...dangerous.
I am the first to admit that this summary is the hardest I have ever had to write because this book is so much more than my description. I honestly don’t have enough words to describe how excellent this book is. The novel has opened my eyes to so much more than I could ever see on my own. It is startling how familiar the story sounds yet happened so long ago, in an era that I couldn’t possibly have experienced.
When Mr. Steiner tells his tale, I feel as though I am there in the city with them. The police station is familiar, and the newspaper office is a real place in my mind. I can see the people on the street. The description of the characters makes me feel as if I have known them all my life. The storytelling is nothing short of brilliant.
I must award The Good Cop a full 5 out of 5 stars. I can see this book being a useful book club book, and I recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction. This thriller will not let you down. I urge all of you out there to give this book a try. You won’t be sorry.
The Good Cop is one of those novels that hits you right in the gut with debilitating truth. Steiner weaves a tale of artist Maximilian, journalist Sophie, and officer Willi as they try to steer through the rubble of German politics after the first World War. The Versailles Treaty has the German people incensed, which makes it easy for an unknown radical named Adolph Hitler to sway the opinion of millions of people throughout Germany. As he gains support, the hate begins, and Maximilian, Sophie, and Willi are trying to expose this man for what he is...dangerous.
I am the first to admit that this summary is the hardest I have ever had to write because this book is so much more than my description. I honestly don’t have enough words to describe how excellent this book is. The novel has opened my eyes to so much more than I could ever see on my own. It is startling how familiar the story sounds yet happened so long ago, in an era that I couldn’t possibly have experienced.
When Mr. Steiner tells his tale, I feel as though I am there in the city with them. The police station is familiar, and the newspaper office is a real place in my mind. I can see the people on the street. The description of the characters makes me feel as if I have known them all my life. The storytelling is nothing short of brilliant.
I must award The Good Cop a full 5 out of 5 stars. I can see this book being a useful book club book, and I recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction. This thriller will not let you down. I urge all of you out there to give this book a try. You won’t be sorry.
September 20, 2019
The Good Cop is one of those reads that will make you question your own ethics and linger with you when you’re done reading. The author was able to capture the inner turmoil people faced between the two world wars in Germany. Their own government is unstable and there are new regimes rising. Which side do you take? Do you follow your moral compass that’s telling you what is right or do you support a potentially dangerous group in order to protect yourself and your family?
Without getting too political, I found this book incredibly interesting because in my personal opinion, there are some similarities between 1920s Germany and the current world leadership situation. There is a level of instability in leadership in multiple areas of the world currently that is higher than in the past. The instability is driven in part by the growing divide in decisions country leaders are making. Whether or not you agree with them, you’re on a side driven by your ethics or by self-preservation. The same goes for the growth of Adolf Hitler; he was a polarizing person and you’ll see that throughout this book. And despite serving some jail time for what would normally have had a harsher punishment, he continued to grow in popularity. Sadly, it’s a feeling of de ja vu; there are moments in the book that have the potential to repeat themselves historically in the upcoming years in real life.
Overall, I’m awarding this book a four-star rating. It was very thought-provoking and the mystery, tension and ethical questions kept my attention.
Thank you so much to Wunderkind PR, Severn House and author Peter Steiner for giving me the opportunity to read The Good Cop. I have voluntarily read this book and the opinions expressed are my own.
Without getting too political, I found this book incredibly interesting because in my personal opinion, there are some similarities between 1920s Germany and the current world leadership situation. There is a level of instability in leadership in multiple areas of the world currently that is higher than in the past. The instability is driven in part by the growing divide in decisions country leaders are making. Whether or not you agree with them, you’re on a side driven by your ethics or by self-preservation. The same goes for the growth of Adolf Hitler; he was a polarizing person and you’ll see that throughout this book. And despite serving some jail time for what would normally have had a harsher punishment, he continued to grow in popularity. Sadly, it’s a feeling of de ja vu; there are moments in the book that have the potential to repeat themselves historically in the upcoming years in real life.
Overall, I’m awarding this book a four-star rating. It was very thought-provoking and the mystery, tension and ethical questions kept my attention.
Thank you so much to Wunderkind PR, Severn House and author Peter Steiner for giving me the opportunity to read The Good Cop. I have voluntarily read this book and the opinions expressed are my own.
July 20, 2019
Peter Steiner’s The Good Cop looks at the rise of the National Socialist party in Germany through the eyes of policeman Willi Geismeier, artist Maximilian and his wife Sophie, a news reporter. After WWI Maximilian finds work at the Munich Post, providing sketches to accompany the news articles. Assigned to accompany Sophie to political meetings, they are witness to Hitler’s early speeches. When the Post takes a stand against Hitler and his politics it comes under attack and Sophie is injured. It is Willi Geismeier who investigates the attack and befriends Maximilian and Sophie in the process.
Willi is a good cop. He witnesses the changes in his department as his fellow officers join the party to advance their careers. Willi is called off the investigation and later demoted when he continues seeking answers on his own. A decorated officer with the highest rate of solving crimes, he is assigned to the records department but Willi finds a way to use this assignment to his advantage.
Willi’s occasional dinners with a diverse group of friends reveals their opinions on the economy and Germany’s political situation. None of them believe that Hitler will succeed in his quest for power. The one exception is a Swedish diplomat who views the situation as an outsider. The story takes the people of Munich through Hitler’s rise to Chancellor before revealing the fates of his characters at the end of the war. It is a tale of one man’s resistance to the rise of evil and a fascinating look at the time.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Severn House for providing a copy of this book for my review.
Willi is a good cop. He witnesses the changes in his department as his fellow officers join the party to advance their careers. Willi is called off the investigation and later demoted when he continues seeking answers on his own. A decorated officer with the highest rate of solving crimes, he is assigned to the records department but Willi finds a way to use this assignment to his advantage.
Willi’s occasional dinners with a diverse group of friends reveals their opinions on the economy and Germany’s political situation. None of them believe that Hitler will succeed in his quest for power. The one exception is a Swedish diplomat who views the situation as an outsider. The story takes the people of Munich through Hitler’s rise to Chancellor before revealing the fates of his characters at the end of the war. It is a tale of one man’s resistance to the rise of evil and a fascinating look at the time.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Severn House for providing a copy of this book for my review.
September 3, 2019
The Good Cop begins in 1920 in Munich, Germany. After losing WWI the country is in turmoil. Corruption is rampant and people want a change. Adolph Hitler appears on the scene and he seems to be the answer, promising to make Germany great again.
Meanwhile, Willi Geismeier, a detective on the Munich police force, is trying to be a good cop, and Maximillian Wolf and Sophie Auerbach are trying to put their lives back together. Maximillian as an artist for a newspaper and Sophie as one of the paper’s reporters. They both find themselves in the middle of Germany’s political and social upheavals.
The Good Cop is a complex book. The writing is extraordinary and the characters are well-drawn and interesting. The story itself employs many historical facts and even dialogue from some of Hitler’s speeches, giving the reader a true sense of post-WWI Germany. Because of the historical background, it also gave me a chilling sense of a history that is repeating itself. The rise of a temperamental and fanatical leader, determined to gain complete control, can only remind the reader of today’s political situation and the dangers our democracies face.
Peter Steiner is a multi-talented author, with a true gift of storytelling. Even though The Good Cop hits uncomfortably close to home and reminds us that our freedoms should never be taken for granted, it is a timely book that we should all pay attention to.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but I don’t intend for it to be the last. Thank you, Mr Steiner, for writing a book that is compelling, thought-provoking and entertaining – a combination that is hard to find.
Meanwhile, Willi Geismeier, a detective on the Munich police force, is trying to be a good cop, and Maximillian Wolf and Sophie Auerbach are trying to put their lives back together. Maximillian as an artist for a newspaper and Sophie as one of the paper’s reporters. They both find themselves in the middle of Germany’s political and social upheavals.
The Good Cop is a complex book. The writing is extraordinary and the characters are well-drawn and interesting. The story itself employs many historical facts and even dialogue from some of Hitler’s speeches, giving the reader a true sense of post-WWI Germany. Because of the historical background, it also gave me a chilling sense of a history that is repeating itself. The rise of a temperamental and fanatical leader, determined to gain complete control, can only remind the reader of today’s political situation and the dangers our democracies face.
Peter Steiner is a multi-talented author, with a true gift of storytelling. Even though The Good Cop hits uncomfortably close to home and reminds us that our freedoms should never be taken for granted, it is a timely book that we should all pay attention to.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but I don’t intend for it to be the last. Thank you, Mr Steiner, for writing a book that is compelling, thought-provoking and entertaining – a combination that is hard to find.
November 2, 2019
Sometimes I see glowing reviews, and I think I must've read a different version of the book. Almost all the early reviews for The Good Cop offer high praise. Unfortunately, I can't join in. I can't even tell you one good thing, because I didn't like anything.
I'll summarize what I disliked: The characters are shallow, and devoid of personality and emotion. The plot is disorganized. The writing is dull. (I'm sorry, but it is.) And overall the story feel self-serving, with the author pushing his own agenda.
We have excessively long passages of dialogue with various characters debating politics, including statements like "make Germany great again" and "fake news" and blaming Jews and immigration for all their problems. Not only are these endless pages of dialogue dragged out and dull, but the speech pattern feels too modern. In fact, rather than pulling me in, all I thought was that the author wants us to compare Hitler to Trump. So, fine, write that book instead.
The story is supposed to be about a police detective trying to do the right thing within a department overrun by Nazis. It's really not. We don't see this detective investigating much at all. Instead, we spend a lot of time with a male artist and a female journalist who are trying to make people understand what Hitler is doing. That would have been okay, had either character been interesting or believable.
This book is quite short, at only 192 pages, and yet it covers a 26-year period of tumultuous history. The storyline jumps ahead years at a time. It's all shallow and I just wanted it over.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
I'll summarize what I disliked: The characters are shallow, and devoid of personality and emotion. The plot is disorganized. The writing is dull. (I'm sorry, but it is.) And overall the story feel self-serving, with the author pushing his own agenda.
We have excessively long passages of dialogue with various characters debating politics, including statements like "make Germany great again" and "fake news" and blaming Jews and immigration for all their problems. Not only are these endless pages of dialogue dragged out and dull, but the speech pattern feels too modern. In fact, rather than pulling me in, all I thought was that the author wants us to compare Hitler to Trump. So, fine, write that book instead.
The story is supposed to be about a police detective trying to do the right thing within a department overrun by Nazis. It's really not. We don't see this detective investigating much at all. Instead, we spend a lot of time with a male artist and a female journalist who are trying to make people understand what Hitler is doing. That would have been okay, had either character been interesting or believable.
This book is quite short, at only 192 pages, and yet it covers a 26-year period of tumultuous history. The storyline jumps ahead years at a time. It's all shallow and I just wanted it over.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
September 23, 2019
What does a good cop do when he finds that both the police force and the government are corrupt? Steiner takes the reader through the dilemma detective Willi Geismeier faces as he investigates a bombing in a newspaper office in Munich, during Germany's reconstruction of the 1920s, after the first world war. Assisted by a female reporter writing about the political unrest and an artist whose sketches accompany the articles, putting both of their lives in danger, Willi is forced to use his considerable knowledge and skill as an investigator to navigate the political land mines, keep his job and save his life. Steiner deftly introduces the young upstart, Adolf Hitler, into the mix, revealing how the man went from being a marginal player in 1920s politics to becoming the most powerful person in the country. Truly a time when the adage "trust no one" applied. Well researched. A riveting read.
April 11, 2020
A terrific read! The story begins on the final morning of WWI where we meet German soldier, Maximilian Wolf, who, following the war becomes a newspaper artist working for the Munich Post. He, along with his girlfriend, Sophie, a reporter for the same paper and the “good cop”, Willi Geismeier try to expose the political machinations that corrupted post WWI Germany. The plot traces the rise of Hitler starting from his first public appearances in 1920 when he was largely dismissed as a lunatic, until he captures a rapturous following that ensures his election as German Chancellor in 1933. This is a fascinating work of modern historical fiction based on fact. The central characters are credible and exceedingly well done. The ending was satisfying, in that we learnt the fate of all major players, both good and bad. The remarkable thing is that Steiner accomplishes all this in just 190 pages.
September 16, 2019
Rife with twists and linked with historical accuracies, The Good Cop is an absolute thrill ride. A large cast of characters flash about the pages, but with short chapters it is not hard to keep track of them. As the tension rises, even after Hilter is jailed, Willi and the others try to expose the constant slide of the country. Steiner comments in his author’s note about the importance of a free press and that being one of the reasons he chose to write this story. It is a completion of the arc and a not-so-subtle lesson from the past.
A gripping historical thriller that follows several admirable characters through the streets of a changing Munich.
For my full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2019/09/16/th...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog
A gripping historical thriller that follows several admirable characters through the streets of a changing Munich.
For my full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2019/09/16/th...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog
August 26, 2019
Interesting story of a German police officer- Willi- who befriends two journalists harmed when their Munich newspaper is bombed for criticizing Hitler, whose star is ascendent. Set in 1920s Germany, this is as much about how Hitler rose to power and corrupted minds as it is about the mystery. Willi's a good character, the plot moves quickly, and it covers some unique territory in the genre. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. I'd not read Steiner before but I'll look for him again.
September 20, 2019
Timely
This novel warns us that our liberties are in peril. Steiner draws parallels between Hitler's tactics and those of the current president of the USA. A very good, useful read.
This novel warns us that our liberties are in peril. Steiner draws parallels between Hitler's tactics and those of the current president of the USA. A very good, useful read.
August 25, 2019
Couldn’t put it down. Although a historical novel, it’s very relevant today. Definitely worth reading.
November 7, 2019
Steiner skillfully captures the gradual, insidious rise of fascism in pre WWII Germany. Chilling. Be sure to read the author’s note regarding news reporters and the Munich Post.
January 7, 2026
The Good Cop takes the reader to Germany at the close of WWI and follows the years leading into WWII.The story follows a WWI soldier home tp Germany. The reader also meets other citizens, a newspaper reporter,a cop, various others from poor to upper society
as the Treaty of Versailles crushes the economy. Over the ensuring decade,Hitler rises in popularity with promises of a strong Germany. Terrible unrest,cruelty, fear fuels his cause.
as the Treaty of Versailles crushes the economy. Over the ensuring decade,Hitler rises in popularity with promises of a strong Germany. Terrible unrest,cruelty, fear fuels his cause.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2020
Spare novel about a decent police officer in the Weimar Republic and early years of Hitler. Quick read.
January 8, 2021
Fact and fiction blended together
Set in Munich, most of this historical thriller takes place during the years between the two world wars. It is a fascinating and informative read about what was going on in Germany at that time, as well as a great thriller.
Maximilian travels home to Munich from the battle grounds of the Great War. He finds work as an artist for a newspaper, and so becomes involved in observing the massive changes taking place in Germany at this time. He and his girlfriend Sophie become personally involved in the disruption and violence the Nazi party are bringing to the streets of Munich, and so meet Detective Willi Geismeier. The Detective has a high success rate in investigating crimes, but is latterly finding his efforts are being disrupted by every growing corruption.
This is a fascinating read about what was going on in Germany at the time of Hitler’s emergence, and how he succeeded in his quest for power. Willi Geismeier’s investigation of some crimes that involve Sophie and Maximilian are an integral part of the thriller, but for me the real interest are the historical facts, and the parallels with what is going on in the world today.
5*s from me for this thriller, where historical facts and fiction are blended perfectly.
Set in Munich, most of this historical thriller takes place during the years between the two world wars. It is a fascinating and informative read about what was going on in Germany at that time, as well as a great thriller.
Maximilian travels home to Munich from the battle grounds of the Great War. He finds work as an artist for a newspaper, and so becomes involved in observing the massive changes taking place in Germany at this time. He and his girlfriend Sophie become personally involved in the disruption and violence the Nazi party are bringing to the streets of Munich, and so meet Detective Willi Geismeier. The Detective has a high success rate in investigating crimes, but is latterly finding his efforts are being disrupted by every growing corruption.
This is a fascinating read about what was going on in Germany at the time of Hitler’s emergence, and how he succeeded in his quest for power. Willi Geismeier’s investigation of some crimes that involve Sophie and Maximilian are an integral part of the thriller, but for me the real interest are the historical facts, and the parallels with what is going on in the world today.
5*s from me for this thriller, where historical facts and fiction are blended perfectly.
October 2, 2024
Munich in the 1920s was a Bavarian enclave trying to deal with the crushing aftermath of World War One and the rise of the National Socialist (Nazi) party. Like the late Philip Kerr before him, author Peter Steiner has done his homework. But where Kerr's "Berlin Trilogy" starts in the same era and describes Bernie Gunther's police career in atmospheric detail, Steiner deliberately rejects an immersive writing style to introduce us to a pair of protagonists: Maximilian Wolf is a German Army veteran who becomes a newspaper cartoonist, and Willi Geismeier is a detective with the Munich police force. Their paths cross when Geismeier starts investigating the bombing of the newspaper office where Wolf used to work.
Both protagonists are men of integrity, and that's the problem, because the city they call home is rife with political and criminal intrigue, not to mention corruption. Steiner has a spare writing style and no gift for memorable phrasing, but his plotting is top notch. I enjoyed The Good Cop. My late father, also a police officer, would have said the same. This is historical fiction that punches confidently above its modest weight.
Both protagonists are men of integrity, and that's the problem, because the city they call home is rife with political and criminal intrigue, not to mention corruption. Steiner has a spare writing style and no gift for memorable phrasing, but his plotting is top notch. I enjoyed The Good Cop. My late father, also a police officer, would have said the same. This is historical fiction that punches confidently above its modest weight.
November 2, 2025
Books about detectives in Nazi Germany could fill the St Peter's cathedral, from Philip Kerr' Bernie Gunther to the more recent Gregor Reinhardt by Luke McCallin).
So I was pleasantly surprised to find this detective novel with the rather atypical setting of post WWI Germany. A Germany reduced to rabbles by the lost war, shattered by the Treaty of Versailles; we are in Munich, it's 1920 and the city's anarchic climate provides the breeding ground for the newly founded Nazi party.
There is as much (if not more) actual history as fiction in The Good Cop and this is anther factor that differentiates the book from others in the genre. So, we have here a book dense with history, wrapped in atmospheric ambiences and populated by complex and multifaceted characters; a thoroughly enjoyable read
PS The author repeatedly puts the slogan "Make Germany Great Again" in the mouth of Hitler and other Nazis to draw some implicit comparisons with nowadays politics.Clearly the author wants to make a point here but he pushes it a little too far... In reality Hitler never used the slogan in any of his public speeches but it does appear in a couple of his essays.
So I was pleasantly surprised to find this detective novel with the rather atypical setting of post WWI Germany. A Germany reduced to rabbles by the lost war, shattered by the Treaty of Versailles; we are in Munich, it's 1920 and the city's anarchic climate provides the breeding ground for the newly founded Nazi party.
There is as much (if not more) actual history as fiction in The Good Cop and this is anther factor that differentiates the book from others in the genre. So, we have here a book dense with history, wrapped in atmospheric ambiences and populated by complex and multifaceted characters; a thoroughly enjoyable read
PS The author repeatedly puts the slogan "Make Germany Great Again" in the mouth of Hitler and other Nazis to draw some implicit comparisons with nowadays politics.Clearly the author wants to make a point here but he pushes it a little too far... In reality Hitler never used the slogan in any of his public speeches but it does appear in a couple of his essays.
March 3, 2020
You can read this book on two levels. At the basic level of a good cop insisting on doing his job even amid the political shenanigans going on in 1920s Munich, this is an excellent, even inspiring novel.
Unfortunately, the author also has a modern-day axe to grind, and it intrudes unnecessarily. And did he really have to be so over-the-top about it? I mean, did the words "Make Germany great again" really need to appear more than once? I've never had to pause an excellent tale to roll my eyes as often as I did here. But I'm sure the author's colleagues at the New Yorker loved it.
Unfortunately, the author also has a modern-day axe to grind, and it intrudes unnecessarily. And did he really have to be so over-the-top about it? I mean, did the words "Make Germany great again" really need to appear more than once? I've never had to pause an excellent tale to roll my eyes as often as I did here. But I'm sure the author's colleagues at the New Yorker loved it.
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