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Angel Avenger: A Max Becker Thriller
‘Angel Avenger: A Max Becker Thriller is hypnotic, a well-crafted story with great characters… A pure delight for fans of crime thrillers.’ Divine Zape – Readers’ Favorite – 5 stars
September 1960. In the Spandauer forest Detectives Max Becker and Bastian Döhl, from the Berlin Kriminalpolizei, find a naked, tortured man tied to a tree. A cryptic message hangs from his neck. When another body appears, Max is sure it won’t be the last. The press dub the killer, Der Waldscharfrichter (The Forest Executioner) and graphic tattoos on the bodies suggest that the victims are Russians with a criminal past.
As more bodies and messages appear, they lead Max and his team to a horrific past event, wounds that run deep in the Berlin psyche, plunging Max into a conflict between his sense of duty and justice.
In this first thrilling Max Becker novel, meet the detectives that first appeared in 'Girl Hunter'. As compellingly researched as a Robert Harris novel and fast-paced as a Chris Ryan thriller, the world of Max Becker is never dull!
September 1960. In the Spandauer forest Detectives Max Becker and Bastian Döhl, from the Berlin Kriminalpolizei, find a naked, tortured man tied to a tree. A cryptic message hangs from his neck. When another body appears, Max is sure it won’t be the last. The press dub the killer, Der Waldscharfrichter (The Forest Executioner) and graphic tattoos on the bodies suggest that the victims are Russians with a criminal past.
As more bodies and messages appear, they lead Max and his team to a horrific past event, wounds that run deep in the Berlin psyche, plunging Max into a conflict between his sense of duty and justice.
In this first thrilling Max Becker novel, meet the detectives that first appeared in 'Girl Hunter'. As compellingly researched as a Robert Harris novel and fast-paced as a Chris Ryan thriller, the world of Max Becker is never dull!
- GenresThriller
420 pages, ebook
Published July 30, 2019
7 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Tim Wickenden
6 books16 followersTim is a novelist and multidisciplinary artist whose work spans film, photography, and digital art. Through his collaboration with Y Cerrig, he advocates for wider access to creative industries—developing programmes that open doors to publishing, filmmaking, and digital art through affordable or free training opportunities.
Born in Zimbabwe and raised between Hong Kong and the UK, Tim’s early experiences shaped a deep interest in history and storytelling. He later spent time in West Germany, where his fascination with the country’s turbulent past began. After a career in IT, he transitioned into adult education, eventually moving to Southwest Wales in 2005 to focus on creative writing and film.
Tim published his debut historical novel in 2019 and followed it with two more titles—Take Back and That Girl in The Boxcar (2024). His work reflects a passion for history, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling.
As a dyslexic writer, Tim is a firm believer that neurodiversity should never be a barrier to creativity. His journey demonstrates that with persistence and vision, obstacles can be turned into strengths.
Born in Zimbabwe and raised between Hong Kong and the UK, Tim’s early experiences shaped a deep interest in history and storytelling. He later spent time in West Germany, where his fascination with the country’s turbulent past began. After a career in IT, he transitioned into adult education, eventually moving to Southwest Wales in 2005 to focus on creative writing and film.
Tim published his debut historical novel in 2019 and followed it with two more titles—Take Back and That Girl in The Boxcar (2024). His work reflects a passion for history, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling.
As a dyslexic writer, Tim is a firm believer that neurodiversity should never be a barrier to creativity. His journey demonstrates that with persistence and vision, obstacles can be turned into strengths.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 29, 2023
This book was provided free by Booktasters. A well structured and organsided story, set in Berlin, 1960, and concerning the police hunt for a couple of brutal murderers. There are several believable, well-drawn characters (especially Max, Otti and Angelika) and relationships both within the police detective team and with the killers. The feel of post-war 1960's Berlin is palpable. The book also has a great twist which I did not see coming at all.
I had problems with the use of modern vernacular and idiom through dialogue; while not an expert in German/Berlin social language or literature, I'm sure there is a rich language to mine to replace some of the English (eg "Hey, how's it going?", "a bit of a village idiot", "why are you being such a dick?", "need a caffeine fix" and more). I found too that the retelling of war stories/horrors lacked authentic voice - and these stories take up a fair proportion of the books' second half.
Overall, a compelling and engaging story - surprisingly so, given it's not a genre I would usually choose to read. I often got a strong sense of time, place and person (although see above!). Three stars but would easily get 4 with more authentic language and dropping by at least a third the retelling of war stories.
I had problems with the use of modern vernacular and idiom through dialogue; while not an expert in German/Berlin social language or literature, I'm sure there is a rich language to mine to replace some of the English (eg "Hey, how's it going?", "a bit of a village idiot", "why are you being such a dick?", "need a caffeine fix" and more). I found too that the retelling of war stories/horrors lacked authentic voice - and these stories take up a fair proportion of the books' second half.
Overall, a compelling and engaging story - surprisingly so, given it's not a genre I would usually choose to read. I often got a strong sense of time, place and person (although see above!). Three stars but would easily get 4 with more authentic language and dropping by at least a third the retelling of war stories.
September 25, 2019
Angel Avenger had me hooked from the moment I dived in. The story takes you to Berlin in the 1960s. People are still trying to recover from the horrors of war, only 15 years have passed, and each has their own personal battle to fight or come to terms with. We are introduced to Max Becker and his team of detectives as they try to work out who is behind the macabre murders springing up around the city. Without giving too much away (so I don’t spoil it for anyone), I was a little surprised to find out who the killer actually was after the first murder. I thought I had it figured out. But as the story leads you in deeper and deeper you begin to see why they have killed them the way they have. Why it was those messages that were left with the bodies. Right up until the final message, when they are all put together and deciphered, it reveals why they have been giving out their own brand of justice. Through the books Avenger we learn that it is not just Soldiers who suffer from PSTD, that certain events can trigger emotions that people thought they had learnt to deal with, and how one chance meeting can change everything. You begin to sympathise with what they have done, but realise that justice cannot be taken into their own hands no matter what. At times I was willing them to escape…
I found this book to be well written and researched to give an excellent read. The Shakespeare quotes as chapter titles were a nice touch too.
I am very much looking forward to reading more Max Becker novels so much so that he now has a spot on the crime shelf along with my other favourites Vera, DCI Ryan and Scarpetta.
This is an honest review in exchange for a complimentary copy of Angel Avenger.
I found this book to be well written and researched to give an excellent read. The Shakespeare quotes as chapter titles were a nice touch too.
I am very much looking forward to reading more Max Becker novels so much so that he now has a spot on the crime shelf along with my other favourites Vera, DCI Ryan and Scarpetta.
This is an honest review in exchange for a complimentary copy of Angel Avenger.
September 28, 2019
I really liked reading this story. It was gripping from the very first chapters and a s the story unfold, things kept getting more and more interesting.
The way those criminals were killed was quite brutal and gruesome but we could understand by the end why the killers did what they did. Actually, what they did seems quite natural and right.
I liked how things turn out at the end and the whole story is really good and interesting.
The way those criminals were killed was quite brutal and gruesome but we could understand by the end why the killers did what they did. Actually, what they did seems quite natural and right.
I liked how things turn out at the end and the whole story is really good and interesting.
September 4, 2019
Wickenden's first Max Becker thriller is gripping as it takes readers on a journey of emotional and physical turmoil from a past that refuse to stay hidden. I could not help but understand and feel for the angel avenger as she executes her own brand of justice that even Max Becker cannot help but empathize.
May 11, 2024
Thank you to the author and to Book Tasters for the book!
TW: Blood, body horror, confinement, death, emocional abuse, gore, grief, gun violence, implied ableism, injury detail, kidnapping, medical trauma, murder, implied police brutality, Nazism mentions, torture, violence, vomit.
Angel Avenger is a magnificent novel by Tim Wickenden and the first instalment in the Max Becker Thriller Series. And it does its job as the first book: while the chapters at the beginning may disconcert some readers with their wavering pace, soon it captures you, and I couldn't let it go (well, I did, but it wasn't because of the book!)
The plot has Max following a series of rather gruesome murders that seem linked by messages. The violence of these acts hit close to home to Max, who has his obscure past. HOWEVER, and this surprised me, I didn't care for it.
Of course, I was interested since it was such a huge part of Max as a character, but Angelika captivated me. In the first chapters, we followed Max through the office. But I wasn't there. I was thinking about the incredibly tortured characters at the start. And that prologue was amazing to me, as someone who has Jewish relatives and knows how desperate the feeling of being persecuted is. I wanted to know more about Angelika. I was eager to follow her mind. And Tim understood that. He knew that we wanted her too. The novel changes points of view per chapter, and the build-up of the mice and their hunters was one of the best things I have ever read for a thriller.
I don't think this is a book that you can read without being aware of its nuances. Thrillers are famous for their grey characters, but the difference for "Angel Avenger" is that the plot forces you out of morality for a second. I'm not saying that the author was trying to make you forget; he is dealing with the deep moral issues that war brings. But because of the nature of those issues, you realise that the whole book is a painting, not only entertainment. And paintings aren't made to "pick a side": they exist to be observed and interpreted.
As a result, you are forcefully watching: You cannot side with the Police. You cannot side with the righteous angel avenger. You simply cannot side with anyone because the writing shows you all angles. And I love that in a book.
I won't give any spoilers, but I will say that the ending felt sad. It wasn't satisfying FOR ME. It is well-executed and almost perfect. I was just so sad that it was the end :(
I wouldn't recommend this to a reader who wants to deep their toes in a thriller for the first time. The gore, for instance, can be too much. I'd gladly recommend this for someone that loves this genre, that loves mystery and history, and having a bit of a mindfuck. Because even if sometimes the office comes across too much, this book is a ride, and you have to put on your seatbelt and go for it. Will you enjoy it?
Maybe!
TW: Blood, body horror, confinement, death, emocional abuse, gore, grief, gun violence, implied ableism, injury detail, kidnapping, medical trauma, murder, implied police brutality, Nazism mentions, torture, violence, vomit.
Angel Avenger is a magnificent novel by Tim Wickenden and the first instalment in the Max Becker Thriller Series. And it does its job as the first book: while the chapters at the beginning may disconcert some readers with their wavering pace, soon it captures you, and I couldn't let it go (well, I did, but it wasn't because of the book!)
The plot has Max following a series of rather gruesome murders that seem linked by messages. The violence of these acts hit close to home to Max, who has his obscure past. HOWEVER, and this surprised me, I didn't care for it.
Of course, I was interested since it was such a huge part of Max as a character, but Angelika captivated me. In the first chapters, we followed Max through the office. But I wasn't there. I was thinking about the incredibly tortured characters at the start. And that prologue was amazing to me, as someone who has Jewish relatives and knows how desperate the feeling of being persecuted is. I wanted to know more about Angelika. I was eager to follow her mind. And Tim understood that. He knew that we wanted her too. The novel changes points of view per chapter, and the build-up of the mice and their hunters was one of the best things I have ever read for a thriller.
I don't think this is a book that you can read without being aware of its nuances. Thrillers are famous for their grey characters, but the difference for "Angel Avenger" is that the plot forces you out of morality for a second. I'm not saying that the author was trying to make you forget; he is dealing with the deep moral issues that war brings. But because of the nature of those issues, you realise that the whole book is a painting, not only entertainment. And paintings aren't made to "pick a side": they exist to be observed and interpreted.
As a result, you are forcefully watching: You cannot side with the Police. You cannot side with the righteous angel avenger. You simply cannot side with anyone because the writing shows you all angles. And I love that in a book.
I won't give any spoilers, but I will say that the ending felt sad. It wasn't satisfying FOR ME. It is well-executed and almost perfect. I was just so sad that it was the end :(
I wouldn't recommend this to a reader who wants to deep their toes in a thriller for the first time. The gore, for instance, can be too much. I'd gladly recommend this for someone that loves this genre, that loves mystery and history, and having a bit of a mindfuck. Because even if sometimes the office comes across too much, this book is a ride, and you have to put on your seatbelt and go for it. Will you enjoy it?
Maybe!
January 12, 2020
“They took everything. Now she’s found them.”
Wow! That covers my reaction to this book, on just about every different front, definitely making it my best read of 2019, which is when I opened this Pandora’s box of emotions.
I did have a couple of false starts in getting going, not because I couldn’t get into the story, but simply because I was initially reading it in short bursts and not really getting my head around the timeframe of the opening action. You really need to have a good period of uninterrupted reading, to get everything into context, then the pages turn themselves and I promise, you won’t want to put it down!
Finding a way of putting a review together which does the writing justice, without revealing too many spoilers and not repeating the glowing reviews of so many previous readers, is going to be very tricky …
Angel Avenger is a multi-layered piece of cultural fiction, alongside being an excellent first story in a great new crime thriller series.
Well researched by an author who has studied his subject extensively, to ensure as much authenticity as possible, both in time, place and the human understanding of the cause and consequences of events.
We are trapped in the post Second World War of Berlin, just as Cold War tensions reach their peak. The City plays host to a vast cross section of humanity, all struggling to come to terms with their changed roles in a society they no longer recognise.
A Germany brought to its knees by forces from both east and west, with many veterans from the east deciding that a life infiltrated amongst this defeated population, was much more preferable than returning to their masters. But are they ready for the retribution heaped upon them by their ‘liberated’ captives? – You can run, but you can’t hide!
For Max Becker and his Kriminalpolizei team of detectives, many of whom had served in the ‘regime’ military during the war, a life upholding the law in a more dignified, ordered and humane fashion, is proving to be something of a personal challenge. The mature in years circle of men who head up the organisation, are the same people who still uphold the beliefs and values under which they fought and served in the conflict; whilst many in the lower echelons, such as Max and his team, question the very foundations on which their military service was based, and only strive to make life better for their fellow Berliners, by delivering a kinder, more considered justice.
Even they however, are now having their very core values challenged, when the latest addition to the organisation might test their synergy and character dynamics to their limits. Max, who has his own personal family bedrock and confidante in his wife, to keep him grounded and open-minded; and his co-worker, Bastian who has more faith than most in the new order of things, are quite accepting of the changing face of a post-war society, so whilst they are ever watchful and vigilant, ready to intervene if there are any flagrant violations of protocol, they are quite happy to keep their distance and let events take their own course!
Tim is a consummate author, who with total authority, can inject just the right amounts of pathos and empathy into his narrative and the dialogue between his characters, whilst recognising and being able to communicate with his readers, the anger and frustration which revenge can engender in the human psyche and nature.
Visual and descriptive scenes, make this one not for the faint of heart or stomach, although in their way, these acts of clinically planned and executed brutality, were profoundly touching, emotionally draining, compelling and almost necessary reading.
It didn’t matter that the identity of the murderers was made known very early on in the story, as anyone reading the prologue would surely have already guessed the outcomes. A richly crafted storyline of almost two halves; initially focusing on the plot with its planning, execution and consequences; then switching almost seamlessly to the chase, capture and the cathartic unburdening of guilt, by both the perpetrators of crime and the law enforcement charged with tracking them down. The sting in the end of the tale took me completely by surprise, but tied up all the loose parts very nicely, without appearing contrived and manufactured.
Perceptive writing brought the Kriminalpolizei to life and is already making this a cast of characters it is becoming surprisingly easy to connect with, whilst total authority over the dialogue purveys the desperate intensity of those on both sides of the law, searching for a sense of belonging and purpose in the new order of things. I shall hopefully be following Max Becker and his team as they establish a future for law and order in the new Berlin!
Wow! That covers my reaction to this book, on just about every different front, definitely making it my best read of 2019, which is when I opened this Pandora’s box of emotions.
I did have a couple of false starts in getting going, not because I couldn’t get into the story, but simply because I was initially reading it in short bursts and not really getting my head around the timeframe of the opening action. You really need to have a good period of uninterrupted reading, to get everything into context, then the pages turn themselves and I promise, you won’t want to put it down!
Finding a way of putting a review together which does the writing justice, without revealing too many spoilers and not repeating the glowing reviews of so many previous readers, is going to be very tricky …
Angel Avenger is a multi-layered piece of cultural fiction, alongside being an excellent first story in a great new crime thriller series.
Well researched by an author who has studied his subject extensively, to ensure as much authenticity as possible, both in time, place and the human understanding of the cause and consequences of events.
We are trapped in the post Second World War of Berlin, just as Cold War tensions reach their peak. The City plays host to a vast cross section of humanity, all struggling to come to terms with their changed roles in a society they no longer recognise.
A Germany brought to its knees by forces from both east and west, with many veterans from the east deciding that a life infiltrated amongst this defeated population, was much more preferable than returning to their masters. But are they ready for the retribution heaped upon them by their ‘liberated’ captives? – You can run, but you can’t hide!
For Max Becker and his Kriminalpolizei team of detectives, many of whom had served in the ‘regime’ military during the war, a life upholding the law in a more dignified, ordered and humane fashion, is proving to be something of a personal challenge. The mature in years circle of men who head up the organisation, are the same people who still uphold the beliefs and values under which they fought and served in the conflict; whilst many in the lower echelons, such as Max and his team, question the very foundations on which their military service was based, and only strive to make life better for their fellow Berliners, by delivering a kinder, more considered justice.
Even they however, are now having their very core values challenged, when the latest addition to the organisation might test their synergy and character dynamics to their limits. Max, who has his own personal family bedrock and confidante in his wife, to keep him grounded and open-minded; and his co-worker, Bastian who has more faith than most in the new order of things, are quite accepting of the changing face of a post-war society, so whilst they are ever watchful and vigilant, ready to intervene if there are any flagrant violations of protocol, they are quite happy to keep their distance and let events take their own course!
Tim is a consummate author, who with total authority, can inject just the right amounts of pathos and empathy into his narrative and the dialogue between his characters, whilst recognising and being able to communicate with his readers, the anger and frustration which revenge can engender in the human psyche and nature.
Visual and descriptive scenes, make this one not for the faint of heart or stomach, although in their way, these acts of clinically planned and executed brutality, were profoundly touching, emotionally draining, compelling and almost necessary reading.
It didn’t matter that the identity of the murderers was made known very early on in the story, as anyone reading the prologue would surely have already guessed the outcomes. A richly crafted storyline of almost two halves; initially focusing on the plot with its planning, execution and consequences; then switching almost seamlessly to the chase, capture and the cathartic unburdening of guilt, by both the perpetrators of crime and the law enforcement charged with tracking them down. The sting in the end of the tale took me completely by surprise, but tied up all the loose parts very nicely, without appearing contrived and manufactured.
Perceptive writing brought the Kriminalpolizei to life and is already making this a cast of characters it is becoming surprisingly easy to connect with, whilst total authority over the dialogue purveys the desperate intensity of those on both sides of the law, searching for a sense of belonging and purpose in the new order of things. I shall hopefully be following Max Becker and his team as they establish a future for law and order in the new Berlin!
September 12, 2019
Berlin in 1960 is a city that is very much still trying to cope with the after effects of World War II and the subsequent division between East and West. Among those trying to pick up the pieces are Angelika and Christian, a brother and sister whose childhood was torn apart by Russian soldiers, and Max, Bastian and Ottilie, police officers who are investigating a series of brutal murders.
I found this book to be really gripping and moving on many levels. The murder scenes were very gruesome, which is not always to my taste, but as the story unfolds and the reason behind the vicious way the victims are treated becomes clear, I began to understand why the murderers felt it important for the victims to die that way.
Although it was clear from the outset who the murderers were, this didn’t detract from the enjoyment at all – the story was a great interplay between hunter and hunted and brought to light the fact that there is both good and bad in everyone and that sometimes very good people do very bad things that they perceive to be fully justified.
The characters were well developed; people who I came to like and to want to know more about, so I hope there will be more books in this series. Issues such as the everyday sexism faced by Ottilie, the ethics of co-workers forming relationships, vagrancy, and the moral issues involved when a crime is committed but even the prosecution sympathises with the actions of the criminal are all sensitively dealt with.
Finally, one small touch that I really liked was the technique of giving each chapter a title that was a brief but relevant quotation from Shakespeare.
I found this book to be really gripping and moving on many levels. The murder scenes were very gruesome, which is not always to my taste, but as the story unfolds and the reason behind the vicious way the victims are treated becomes clear, I began to understand why the murderers felt it important for the victims to die that way.
Although it was clear from the outset who the murderers were, this didn’t detract from the enjoyment at all – the story was a great interplay between hunter and hunted and brought to light the fact that there is both good and bad in everyone and that sometimes very good people do very bad things that they perceive to be fully justified.
The characters were well developed; people who I came to like and to want to know more about, so I hope there will be more books in this series. Issues such as the everyday sexism faced by Ottilie, the ethics of co-workers forming relationships, vagrancy, and the moral issues involved when a crime is committed but even the prosecution sympathises with the actions of the criminal are all sensitively dealt with.
Finally, one small touch that I really liked was the technique of giving each chapter a title that was a brief but relevant quotation from Shakespeare.
February 16, 2024
It took me longer than originally anticipated to finish the book, however it is not a mark on the quality of the novel itself. This is not your typical police procedural – alongside the overarching plot line of the murders which have been occurring, it is an innovative, creative exploration of post-war Berlin where ‘life has become cheap and death routine’ which, as the novel progresses, addresses topics such as PTSD in soldiers which adds a further layer of emotionally charged writing which was so greatly written. The Shakespearean quotes as titles added another layer to the story as well and it was something I hadn’t ever seen before in a book. This was a great first novel, unlike any other police procedural I have read, and I cannot wait to read more of Wickenden’s writing in the future!
This was an honest review in exchange for a complimentary copy of the book from Booktasters.
This was an honest review in exchange for a complimentary copy of the book from Booktasters.
September 24, 2019
I was introduced to Max Becker through a short story titled "Girl Hunter." This is a full length story, somewhat continuing where the the short story left off.
I really enjoyed the full length story. There were likable characters, not so likable characters, and characters towards which you felt empathy. The story was well thought out and developed. Unlike the short story, there was time for details and character development. My favorite character was Otti and I was impressed with how well the author was able to work women into an atmosphere that wouldn't not have been so friendly had this not been fiction. There was a nice little twist that I did not see coming and which I felt brought the story full circle. This was a great thriller and I had a hard time putting the book down.
I really enjoyed the full length story. There were likable characters, not so likable characters, and characters towards which you felt empathy. The story was well thought out and developed. Unlike the short story, there was time for details and character development. My favorite character was Otti and I was impressed with how well the author was able to work women into an atmosphere that wouldn't not have been so friendly had this not been fiction. There was a nice little twist that I did not see coming and which I felt brought the story full circle. This was a great thriller and I had a hard time putting the book down.
August 12, 2019
So many depths to this book. On one level it's a well-paced, intelligently written and researched crime thriller that kept me hooked to the end. On another level it is a deeply moving exploration of the horrors of war and the psychological impact of trauma. I felt as though I was listening to the soul of the author speaking through his characters. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more Max Becker thrillers.
September 22, 2022
A debut crime fiction that delves into post war Berlin.
This debut novel by Tim Wickenden is not your garden variety police procedural. For a start the unravelling of the crimes is not the only objective of the book. It is not a simple who-dun-it. It is a step by step exposé of how a masterful professional corners the culprits and brings them to justice.
The author has exposed some very interesting aspects of life in post war Berlin preceding the construction of The Wall. He is obviously a man who holds strong convictions on human rights but also the effect of war on the vanquished. His deep affection for Berlin underpins the book as well.
The main thrust of the book is the abduction and killing of four men, known as The Ivans. The perpetrators are introduced in the Prologue. There are hints of atrocities committed against them but it is not until much later in the book that the nature of the crimes is revealed.
Each murder is conducted in a very ritualistic manner with accompanying cryptic messages. The Berlin police department, Kripo, led by Kommissar Max Becker faces a challenge to find the culprits. The victims keep turning up in the most unlikely places and the messages become increasingly mystifying.
Max uses his considerable skills as an empathetic leader to get his team engaged in solving the mysteries. He even enlists the help of his family to decipher the messages.
There are tensions between his team members, as in any police procedural, and the efforts of Max to give a young female detective her first case are responsible for some of those scenarios.
Set in the early 1960's, the damage to war torn Berlin is still quite evident. The division of Germany between West and East has not yet been cemented but the conflict between the two sides plays a significant role in the book.
There are many insights into how the two sides work together despite their differences. However most enthralling is how the police department where our protagonists work has been rebuilt after the war, largely by former members of the Wehrmacht and even the SS. Old loyalties and hostilities are often dismissed as a new order is being created. Hence the book is a very interesting insight into how German institutions were rebuilt after the war.
The author has a well paced narrative style based on impeccable research and a refreshing perspective from the German point of view of post War Berlin.
The characters are highly plausible and drawn with empathy; realistic and poignant relationships nurtured by natural and effective dialogue. The characters are memorable and remind us that ordinary people are the real victims of war.
This debut novel by Tim Wickenden is not your garden variety police procedural. For a start the unravelling of the crimes is not the only objective of the book. It is not a simple who-dun-it. It is a step by step exposé of how a masterful professional corners the culprits and brings them to justice.
The author has exposed some very interesting aspects of life in post war Berlin preceding the construction of The Wall. He is obviously a man who holds strong convictions on human rights but also the effect of war on the vanquished. His deep affection for Berlin underpins the book as well.
The main thrust of the book is the abduction and killing of four men, known as The Ivans. The perpetrators are introduced in the Prologue. There are hints of atrocities committed against them but it is not until much later in the book that the nature of the crimes is revealed.
Each murder is conducted in a very ritualistic manner with accompanying cryptic messages. The Berlin police department, Kripo, led by Kommissar Max Becker faces a challenge to find the culprits. The victims keep turning up in the most unlikely places and the messages become increasingly mystifying.
Max uses his considerable skills as an empathetic leader to get his team engaged in solving the mysteries. He even enlists the help of his family to decipher the messages.
There are tensions between his team members, as in any police procedural, and the efforts of Max to give a young female detective her first case are responsible for some of those scenarios.
Set in the early 1960's, the damage to war torn Berlin is still quite evident. The division of Germany between West and East has not yet been cemented but the conflict between the two sides plays a significant role in the book.
There are many insights into how the two sides work together despite their differences. However most enthralling is how the police department where our protagonists work has been rebuilt after the war, largely by former members of the Wehrmacht and even the SS. Old loyalties and hostilities are often dismissed as a new order is being created. Hence the book is a very interesting insight into how German institutions were rebuilt after the war.
The author has a well paced narrative style based on impeccable research and a refreshing perspective from the German point of view of post War Berlin.
The characters are highly plausible and drawn with empathy; realistic and poignant relationships nurtured by natural and effective dialogue. The characters are memorable and remind us that ordinary people are the real victims of war.
December 30, 2020
Booktaster connected me to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: 3.5⭐️
I actually really enjoyed this book. Reading this book felt like watching CSI, but in written format. It’s like witnessing a murder (or several of them), and then witnessing the police’s search for the murderer. I was hooked from the very first chapter—this book is very entertaining for a crime-mistery.
Also, this book is a historical fiction setting in post-WW2 Germany, which makes the book even more interesting to read. It’s my first ever post-WW2 hisfic book, actually! The ones that I’ve read are usually set during the war, so this different take is really intriguing.
The characters are fairly interesting, especially Angelika & Otti. However, there are lots of them (more than necessary, if i’m being honest), and I did find it difficult to keep track who’s who. I’m aware that there’s a character directory in the earlier pages, but like.. I don’t want to keep coming back-and-forth in the middle of a story.
My other issue with this book is the pacing. I feel like it’s a bit slow sometimes, and I think the length book would be perfect if it’s 1/3 times shorter.
Other than that, this is a pretty solid book and I’m looking forward to read more of Tim Wickedsen’s works.
Actual rating: 3.5⭐️
I actually really enjoyed this book. Reading this book felt like watching CSI, but in written format. It’s like witnessing a murder (or several of them), and then witnessing the police’s search for the murderer. I was hooked from the very first chapter—this book is very entertaining for a crime-mistery.
Also, this book is a historical fiction setting in post-WW2 Germany, which makes the book even more interesting to read. It’s my first ever post-WW2 hisfic book, actually! The ones that I’ve read are usually set during the war, so this different take is really intriguing.
The characters are fairly interesting, especially Angelika & Otti. However, there are lots of them (more than necessary, if i’m being honest), and I did find it difficult to keep track who’s who. I’m aware that there’s a character directory in the earlier pages, but like.. I don’t want to keep coming back-and-forth in the middle of a story.
My other issue with this book is the pacing. I feel like it’s a bit slow sometimes, and I think the length book would be perfect if it’s 1/3 times shorter.
Other than that, this is a pretty solid book and I’m looking forward to read more of Tim Wickedsen’s works.
December 6, 2019
Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Just wow. It’s been a while since I’ve read anything as frankly compelling as Tim Wickenden’s Angel Avenger. It’s a very satisfying murder mystery, an accurate and human history lesson, an examination of the psychological results of the inhumanities of war.
Set in Germany in the early 1960s, the horrors of World War II inflicted on the German people, forced into a hell on one side, hades on the other position between the Nazis and the opposing Russians, are still fresh in mind and scarred on the landscape. Women are just starting to be admitted to police work, as well as beginning to appear on the other side, as criminals.
Angel Avenger could easily have been framed as a fairly simplistic story of "abused woman has her revenge," but instead the author has chosen a more well-developed, in-depth approach. The villains have their good sides, the heroes with badges aren’t all good at all. Still, if you’re paying attention, and you really should be, there are comparisons drawn, subtly, between the truly good and the truly evil. The characters on both sides are thoroughly believable and easy to care about.
Bodies are being found in post-WWII Berlin and they aren’t pretty. Tortured and mutilated, it is clear that, whoever committed these murders, the motive was personal. Police Inspector Max Becker gets that part early on, but the twisting puzzle he, and we, must solve takes a bit longer.
Wickenden writes with detail, not tediously but richly. He draws the reader in, letting the reader feel the sidewalk, smell the rainy air tinged with the coppery scent of blood, be there with the characters in the space and time of the story. There are a couple of plot twists that, in the hands of a lesser author (or half the writers working in Hollywood) could be totally unbelievable, but here they fit smoothly into the story. My only complaint about these twists is that they make it devilishly difficult to write a review of the story itself without giving something away!
It does gladden my heart to report that this is the second in what it is to be hoped will be a long series of Max Becker books. I look forward to reading up on any and all future adventures of Max, his family at home (who do provide solace on Max’s worse days and help with translating clues) and his team at the Police Department. If you like whodunnits, or historical mysteries, or just a well-crafted tale, Angel Avenger is a must-read.
Wow. Just wow. It’s been a while since I’ve read anything as frankly compelling as Tim Wickenden’s Angel Avenger. It’s a very satisfying murder mystery, an accurate and human history lesson, an examination of the psychological results of the inhumanities of war.
Set in Germany in the early 1960s, the horrors of World War II inflicted on the German people, forced into a hell on one side, hades on the other position between the Nazis and the opposing Russians, are still fresh in mind and scarred on the landscape. Women are just starting to be admitted to police work, as well as beginning to appear on the other side, as criminals.
Angel Avenger could easily have been framed as a fairly simplistic story of "abused woman has her revenge," but instead the author has chosen a more well-developed, in-depth approach. The villains have their good sides, the heroes with badges aren’t all good at all. Still, if you’re paying attention, and you really should be, there are comparisons drawn, subtly, between the truly good and the truly evil. The characters on both sides are thoroughly believable and easy to care about.
Bodies are being found in post-WWII Berlin and they aren’t pretty. Tortured and mutilated, it is clear that, whoever committed these murders, the motive was personal. Police Inspector Max Becker gets that part early on, but the twisting puzzle he, and we, must solve takes a bit longer.
Wickenden writes with detail, not tediously but richly. He draws the reader in, letting the reader feel the sidewalk, smell the rainy air tinged with the coppery scent of blood, be there with the characters in the space and time of the story. There are a couple of plot twists that, in the hands of a lesser author (or half the writers working in Hollywood) could be totally unbelievable, but here they fit smoothly into the story. My only complaint about these twists is that they make it devilishly difficult to write a review of the story itself without giving something away!
It does gladden my heart to report that this is the second in what it is to be hoped will be a long series of Max Becker books. I look forward to reading up on any and all future adventures of Max, his family at home (who do provide solace on Max’s worse days and help with translating clues) and his team at the Police Department. If you like whodunnits, or historical mysteries, or just a well-crafted tale, Angel Avenger is a must-read.
January 30, 2022
It’s a short book with an engaging plot. I can really tell how the author took the time to research and read about World War II and give a realistic touch to the story.
May 30, 2021
Thank you Booktasters and Tim Wickenden for the e-copy of this book.
Rating: 3,5
I liked this book. The first time that I met the character Max Becker was in the short story "Girl Hunter" which is referred in this book briefly.
Set in Berlin, 1960, after World War II, Max Becker and his team try to find who's killing and mutilating various people.
I thought the characters were well written.
I recommend this book and I will read more books by this author in the future.
Rating: 3,5
I liked this book. The first time that I met the character Max Becker was in the short story "Girl Hunter" which is referred in this book briefly.
Set in Berlin, 1960, after World War II, Max Becker and his team try to find who's killing and mutilating various people.
I thought the characters were well written.
I recommend this book and I will read more books by this author in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2023
Well, for me, the book ANGEL AVENGER has become one of the books, or to tell stories or novels that I love, the first time I read a book by this author tim wickenden, I got it through booktasters, which is a thank you for new book suggestions, and if I was going to put a review about this story, I would never finish, from the first pages you feel like you are in that beautiful time that will never return and all those characters and facts in the end, I liked tim's style very much and I say that honestly I had difficulty starting to read a new book when I finished ANGEL AVENGER ، I felt like I needed more of this genre, this style, this interesting narrative that takes you to one side and then to the other, perfect characters, I really recommend reading it to people who have loved it for the past years. ↗️📖💯
October 27, 2020
For me this book has a bit of everything. I really enjoyed reading about how Berlin was fifteen years after the war, I thought the author describes it very well. But the story itself us where he excels, it is so gripping and personally the gruesome murder scenes make it brilliant. I hope there are going to be more stories from Max as I thought he was such an interesting character. Highly recommended.
September 5, 2023
Justice versus vengeance. Angel Avenger takes place in 1960 Germany, years after the Battle of Berlin. With its multi-pov structure, readers are able to follow both members of the Berlin police force (Polizei) and the story's main perpetrators without knowing their motives until later in the novel. A set of premeditated crimes with graphic traces leaves one homicide detective, Max Becker, at unrest and readers conflicted with the limits of vengeance.
I've thoroughly enjoyed my read of Angel Avenger with its well written characters, immersive dialogue, and use of imagery. Tim Wickenden's way of writing moves so fluid that it creates a string of fleeting images in your head. There were many instances where I felt as if I were there alongside the characters, whether it'd be at crime scenes or at bierkellers (underground German pubs). One particular character that stood out to me was Angelika, our main perpetrator. She was seamlessly complicated and fueled by revenge that I could not help but keep my eyes glued to my kindle whenever the pov switched to her. You never knew what she was going to do next and that's what made Angel Avenger a great page-turner. While on topic, a unique point of the novel was providing a pov of our perpetrators without laying out their motives from the beginning. This keeps readers turning the page, in hopes of understanding these two complex characters, Angelika and Christian, and seeing where they come from. By displaying actions from both sides of a crime scene--law enforcement and perpetrators--Angel Avenger allows readers to piece the story together on their own with the idea of duty and vengeance hanging over their heads.
I do admit, there were some instances where I had difficulty following point-of-views as I'm used to them being labeled in other novels however, I quickly adjusted to the change and was able to predict whose pov I was reading before the character in question was brought up.
Overall, I've enjoyed my read of Angel Avenger as its use of imagery, immersive dialogue, and well-written characters had me turning pages quickly in hopes of figuring out character motives amidst a series of premeditated crimes. If you are a fan of thriller mysteries with historical context, I highly recommend checking out Tim Wickenden's Angel Avenger as it will serve just that and more.
I've thoroughly enjoyed my read of Angel Avenger with its well written characters, immersive dialogue, and use of imagery. Tim Wickenden's way of writing moves so fluid that it creates a string of fleeting images in your head. There were many instances where I felt as if I were there alongside the characters, whether it'd be at crime scenes or at bierkellers (underground German pubs). One particular character that stood out to me was Angelika, our main perpetrator. She was seamlessly complicated and fueled by revenge that I could not help but keep my eyes glued to my kindle whenever the pov switched to her. You never knew what she was going to do next and that's what made Angel Avenger a great page-turner. While on topic, a unique point of the novel was providing a pov of our perpetrators without laying out their motives from the beginning. This keeps readers turning the page, in hopes of understanding these two complex characters, Angelika and Christian, and seeing where they come from. By displaying actions from both sides of a crime scene--law enforcement and perpetrators--Angel Avenger allows readers to piece the story together on their own with the idea of duty and vengeance hanging over their heads.
I do admit, there were some instances where I had difficulty following point-of-views as I'm used to them being labeled in other novels however, I quickly adjusted to the change and was able to predict whose pov I was reading before the character in question was brought up.
Overall, I've enjoyed my read of Angel Avenger as its use of imagery, immersive dialogue, and well-written characters had me turning pages quickly in hopes of figuring out character motives amidst a series of premeditated crimes. If you are a fan of thriller mysteries with historical context, I highly recommend checking out Tim Wickenden's Angel Avenger as it will serve just that and more.
March 4, 2020
I love history and this author has captured a part of German history that I didn't know quite so well, and he's done it by creating a captivating story that's raw and heartfelt. Much research must have gone into this book, and it was a pleasure to read. The characters are tough, yet human, and that kept me turning the page!
September 29, 2023
I love this book it put me in the mindset of the Jason Bourne series left vacant by the passing of Robert Ludlum. Vengeance and revenge are best served cold. I believe the author gave us that. Nazism was a horrible time in history and is redemption achievable. I think we will have that if we keep reading the series. Tim, please keep going with the series.
October 13, 2021
At first I didn't know what to make of Angel Avenger. Was it a mystery? Was it a suspense? Was it a thriller? But as I got further into the story, I realized it is a full-throated police procedural, and written in the present tense it offers a sense of suspense. When I say "police procedural", I mean in the sense that you know the crimes because you see them unfold before your eyes, but as the story develops you watch the police pursue the perpetrators and discover evidence, seeking the clues to the "why" and "how". That all unfolds in the more than 330 pages on this novel, in the same way it does in the police procedural crime dramas you love to watch on TV.
This story takes place in mid-1960s Berlin, Germany, although parts of it also flashback to World War II Germany. Crime perpetrators Angelika and Christian discover several former Soviet war criminals who made a life for themselves after World War II taking on German disguises, but what they did during the war burned their identities into Angelika's and Christian's minds and they sought revenge against them and their surviving friends over the course of several days. Leaving the bodies in heavily trafficked public places, their work attracts the attention of the criminal detectives at Berlin Police Department. Mack is the leading investigator and he brings in Oppi and his team of crack detectives, who follow all the latest (for the 1960s) police procedures to solve these horrific crimes.
What's great about this read is how it lets you join Mack and Oppi and their team of investigators to learn as you go about the backstory of how Angelika and Christian came upon their quest to exact revenge and why, and you watch it all unfold just as Mack and Oppi do. And you witness their frustration of tracking these two perpetrators and stumble upon their clues and even make the occasional mistakes, like these characters are real people. And in the end, you get to feel real relief when disappointment turns into success or fear turns into care as both sets of characters finally meet and try to resolve the conflict.
Angel Avenger is well paced, well thought out, and well written. In many ways, it's like reading from a 1960s crime film, exploring human frailty and brutality.
This story takes place in mid-1960s Berlin, Germany, although parts of it also flashback to World War II Germany. Crime perpetrators Angelika and Christian discover several former Soviet war criminals who made a life for themselves after World War II taking on German disguises, but what they did during the war burned their identities into Angelika's and Christian's minds and they sought revenge against them and their surviving friends over the course of several days. Leaving the bodies in heavily trafficked public places, their work attracts the attention of the criminal detectives at Berlin Police Department. Mack is the leading investigator and he brings in Oppi and his team of crack detectives, who follow all the latest (for the 1960s) police procedures to solve these horrific crimes.
What's great about this read is how it lets you join Mack and Oppi and their team of investigators to learn as you go about the backstory of how Angelika and Christian came upon their quest to exact revenge and why, and you watch it all unfold just as Mack and Oppi do. And you witness their frustration of tracking these two perpetrators and stumble upon their clues and even make the occasional mistakes, like these characters are real people. And in the end, you get to feel real relief when disappointment turns into success or fear turns into care as both sets of characters finally meet and try to resolve the conflict.
Angel Avenger is well paced, well thought out, and well written. In many ways, it's like reading from a 1960s crime film, exploring human frailty and brutality.
September 29, 2020
Before I begin with this review, I need to make this confession to future readers of this book; and there WILL be future readers of this book. I am a professional historical novelist. I am giving you fore-warning because my review is going to be a little more involved than readers may have read. But, if you bare with me, you will see there is a reason.
As Berlin fell to the Russians, the Russians committed terrible atrocities, particular toward women and children-supposedly in revenge for the millions of their own people who had died during the Nazi’s failed invasion of Russian territory.
After the war, the soldiers returned home from the battlefield. Some immediately returned home, while for others it took years to return home from captivity as prisoners of war. They did not know what to do with themselves. Can they find a profession after the military? For some, it was all they knew? For some, they returned to find that the life that they left behind destroyed.
Many soldiers returned, haunted and shamed by what they had seen during the war. The life that they left behind was gone. Loved ones missing or dead.
Wickenden researched this book for two years,
With historical fiction, the characters are directly affected by time and events in which the story takes place. The backstory is more significant because the “Easter Eggs” in the plot are much more meaningful. How the character react to current or past events creates the backstory of a character or allows the reader to become emotionally invested with the characters. It is the history, the backstory, that shape the characters.
When the author presents the characters with the plot, the plot can be affected by how they respond to current events or incidents from the past. Some authors disagree with me.
Wickenden has achieved this because of his extensive research. The author draws on the experiences of real life people who lived before, during and after the war, which adds to the believability of the characters. Wickenden was able to describe the characters’ state of mind, or world-build post-WWII with little effort
The reader is introduced to Max, Tobi, and Bastian. These are the old-timers who have a common history from the war. The three detectives all returned home to discover what had really been happening with their country while they were away. They were each looked upon with disgust. Each man suffers from their demons from the war. In post-war Germany, they find their way to working for the same police department. While seeking a normal life for themselves they still manage to surround themselves with death. Max builds his team of veterans who have seen the horror of war and the violence of the street. A new recruit has joined the department, but will her inexperience get her killed?
It is 1960, fifteen years after the war. Having rebuilt the city, the “new generation” is enjoying the benefits of the modern western countries. The country is also populated by those who bore witness to the madness of their former leader, and made restitution for the past conflict. Wickeden does a good job at including the minor characters part of the ensemble of a cast.
A series of heinous murders have occurred. Detective Max Decker and his team must gather the clues together to solve the crime.
The author introduces a story-arc that alludes to another adventure. This arc was referred to several times in the book, and it is an important part in character-development that should have been explored. The author has written a novella, Girl Hunter, which does tell the backstory within that story arc. What can confuse the reader is that Angel Avenger is marketed as the first book in the series. A reader may not be aware of this novella. Therefore, some attention could have been made to develop enough backstory to open and close that arc.
These hiccups do not score against my rating of the book. I do intend to read the Girl Hunter. The book engrossed me. And I definitely would read another Max Becker Thriller. I am a big fan of foreign films and TV series that one can watch on PBS’s Masterpiece Mysteries. I could easily see a production of this story and other Max Becker adventures.
As Berlin fell to the Russians, the Russians committed terrible atrocities, particular toward women and children-supposedly in revenge for the millions of their own people who had died during the Nazi’s failed invasion of Russian territory.
After the war, the soldiers returned home from the battlefield. Some immediately returned home, while for others it took years to return home from captivity as prisoners of war. They did not know what to do with themselves. Can they find a profession after the military? For some, it was all they knew? For some, they returned to find that the life that they left behind destroyed.
Many soldiers returned, haunted and shamed by what they had seen during the war. The life that they left behind was gone. Loved ones missing or dead.
Wickenden researched this book for two years,
With historical fiction, the characters are directly affected by time and events in which the story takes place. The backstory is more significant because the “Easter Eggs” in the plot are much more meaningful. How the character react to current or past events creates the backstory of a character or allows the reader to become emotionally invested with the characters. It is the history, the backstory, that shape the characters.
When the author presents the characters with the plot, the plot can be affected by how they respond to current events or incidents from the past. Some authors disagree with me.
Wickenden has achieved this because of his extensive research. The author draws on the experiences of real life people who lived before, during and after the war, which adds to the believability of the characters. Wickenden was able to describe the characters’ state of mind, or world-build post-WWII with little effort
The reader is introduced to Max, Tobi, and Bastian. These are the old-timers who have a common history from the war. The three detectives all returned home to discover what had really been happening with their country while they were away. They were each looked upon with disgust. Each man suffers from their demons from the war. In post-war Germany, they find their way to working for the same police department. While seeking a normal life for themselves they still manage to surround themselves with death. Max builds his team of veterans who have seen the horror of war and the violence of the street. A new recruit has joined the department, but will her inexperience get her killed?
It is 1960, fifteen years after the war. Having rebuilt the city, the “new generation” is enjoying the benefits of the modern western countries. The country is also populated by those who bore witness to the madness of their former leader, and made restitution for the past conflict. Wickeden does a good job at including the minor characters part of the ensemble of a cast.
A series of heinous murders have occurred. Detective Max Decker and his team must gather the clues together to solve the crime.
The author introduces a story-arc that alludes to another adventure. This arc was referred to several times in the book, and it is an important part in character-development that should have been explored. The author has written a novella, Girl Hunter, which does tell the backstory within that story arc. What can confuse the reader is that Angel Avenger is marketed as the first book in the series. A reader may not be aware of this novella. Therefore, some attention could have been made to develop enough backstory to open and close that arc.
These hiccups do not score against my rating of the book. I do intend to read the Girl Hunter. The book engrossed me. And I definitely would read another Max Becker Thriller. I am a big fan of foreign films and TV series that one can watch on PBS’s Masterpiece Mysteries. I could easily see a production of this story and other Max Becker adventures.
December 3, 2019
This is an exciting novel about a case handled by the Berlin police in 1960.
The capital of Germany was coming out of World War II's traumatic end. Much of the city bore the scars of falling to the enemy. The Soviet invasion turned out to be particularly heinous for its citizens.
For the victims of Soviet atrocities, resentment was intense. This is one such case handled by the embryonic Berlin Criminal Police's Hauptkommissar Max Becker. and his team.
Tim Wickenden writes well. The suspense he built kept me interested throughout. Each time my eyelids tried to close, a new event snapped them open. The author writes the story as if a German narrator were telling it. In fact, those of us acquainted with the German language can find a great deal of comfort and familiarity with this 1960 Berlin story.
I enjoyed it tremendously and wholeheartedly recommend it. Five Stars out of Five.
The capital of Germany was coming out of World War II's traumatic end. Much of the city bore the scars of falling to the enemy. The Soviet invasion turned out to be particularly heinous for its citizens.
For the victims of Soviet atrocities, resentment was intense. This is one such case handled by the embryonic Berlin Criminal Police's Hauptkommissar Max Becker. and his team.
Tim Wickenden writes well. The suspense he built kept me interested throughout. Each time my eyelids tried to close, a new event snapped them open. The author writes the story as if a German narrator were telling it. In fact, those of us acquainted with the German language can find a great deal of comfort and familiarity with this 1960 Berlin story.
I enjoyed it tremendously and wholeheartedly recommend it. Five Stars out of Five.
October 2, 2023
First I would like to thank BookTasters and the author for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
A thrilling novel. It was interesting from the beginning to the end. The characters are quite realistic and so are some of the things that are mentioned in the book. Even in the modern era, those things happen to the innocent people. Although the police were doing their job to catch the murderer, I was siding with the "Angel Avenger" and hoping that they would escape and live the rest of their lives in peace. It does not happen but the ending is fine.
A gripping novel that is realistic after the post World War II where people are trying to adjust their lives. Well written.
A thrilling novel. It was interesting from the beginning to the end. The characters are quite realistic and so are some of the things that are mentioned in the book. Even in the modern era, those things happen to the innocent people. Although the police were doing their job to catch the murderer, I was siding with the "Angel Avenger" and hoping that they would escape and live the rest of their lives in peace. It does not happen but the ending is fine.
A gripping novel that is realistic after the post World War II where people are trying to adjust their lives. Well written.
July 9, 2020
Tim Wickenden’s Angel Avenger is a crime thriller novel that will keep you wanting to read on. Each chapter left me in suspense – I needed to find out what happened next!
In short, the novel is about a detective – Max Becker – and his loyal team trying to solve a case which involves multiple murders. We also follow the culprits as they plan and execute each murder. The novel swiftly becomes a ‘whydunit’ rather than a ‘whodunit’.
With multiple gruesome murders taking place, I expected a clear good-versus-evil approach – but that wasn’t the case at all. Reading further into this action-packed, emotionally fuelled story, I couldn’t help feeling sympathetic towards the killers. Wickenden cleverly drip-feeds their past and, as a result, reveals their motive; it is impossible not to root for them as their story unfolds throughout the book and tugs at your heartstrings. But they are not the only characters with a history affected by war, as many of the detectives reveal their own experiences during this difficult time. Despite being on different sides, I was instantly hooked, eager to read each characters’ perspective.
Taking place in post-war Germany, Wickenden does a fantastic job at painting the scene, showing snippets of what life was like at this time, and how it affects people – not just soldiers who fought in the war, but innocent civilians caught up in the chaos and tragedies of war – much like Angelika and her younger brother, Christian.
Wickenden’s novel also includes many German words and phrases, some of which are described in the footnotes, tactfully reminding the reader of the time and setting. The balance of German terminology adds authenticity and a sense of world building, without alienating a British reader like myself! I was able to fully immerse myself in this novel, and the footnotes – although not typical to the fiction novels I read – were far from distracting. In fact, I enjoyed expanding my knowledge throughout the course of this book.
I also liked the balance of police (or ‘Polizei’) day-to-day routine. With reference to other departments, detective procedures, homelife … even gender equality, as the first female ‘kriminalmeister’, KM Ottilie Jager, is assigned to work the murder case with Max Becker.
Altogether, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The characters are strong, the story is gripping, and the whole book reads at a fast pace. With a satisfying yet unexpected ending, Tim Wickenden’s Angel Avenger is a must-read for any crime-lover.
In short, the novel is about a detective – Max Becker – and his loyal team trying to solve a case which involves multiple murders. We also follow the culprits as they plan and execute each murder. The novel swiftly becomes a ‘whydunit’ rather than a ‘whodunit’.
With multiple gruesome murders taking place, I expected a clear good-versus-evil approach – but that wasn’t the case at all. Reading further into this action-packed, emotionally fuelled story, I couldn’t help feeling sympathetic towards the killers. Wickenden cleverly drip-feeds their past and, as a result, reveals their motive; it is impossible not to root for them as their story unfolds throughout the book and tugs at your heartstrings. But they are not the only characters with a history affected by war, as many of the detectives reveal their own experiences during this difficult time. Despite being on different sides, I was instantly hooked, eager to read each characters’ perspective.
Taking place in post-war Germany, Wickenden does a fantastic job at painting the scene, showing snippets of what life was like at this time, and how it affects people – not just soldiers who fought in the war, but innocent civilians caught up in the chaos and tragedies of war – much like Angelika and her younger brother, Christian.
Wickenden’s novel also includes many German words and phrases, some of which are described in the footnotes, tactfully reminding the reader of the time and setting. The balance of German terminology adds authenticity and a sense of world building, without alienating a British reader like myself! I was able to fully immerse myself in this novel, and the footnotes – although not typical to the fiction novels I read – were far from distracting. In fact, I enjoyed expanding my knowledge throughout the course of this book.
I also liked the balance of police (or ‘Polizei’) day-to-day routine. With reference to other departments, detective procedures, homelife … even gender equality, as the first female ‘kriminalmeister’, KM Ottilie Jager, is assigned to work the murder case with Max Becker.
Altogether, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The characters are strong, the story is gripping, and the whole book reads at a fast pace. With a satisfying yet unexpected ending, Tim Wickenden’s Angel Avenger is a must-read for any crime-lover.
November 30, 2019
4 Stars
Angel Avenger: A Max Becker Thriller by Tim Wickenden certainly made me sit up and take notice. It is set in Berlin in the 1960’s, fifteen years after the end of WWII- the events of which are still fresh in the minds of the citizens, and people are still struggling to adjust after what happened. This element of the plot really helped to set the whole mood and tone of the story- giving it a bit of a Nordic Noir/Nordic thriller feel.
This is a crime fiction woven with historical facts- I can tell that Mr. Wickenden has put a lot of meticulous research into getting the details just right, and this attention to detail definitely shows in this book.
Detective Max Becker works for the Berlin Police department in the criminal investigation division. He, along with Bastian Dohl and the rest of their team, are called out to the scene of a murder, which has a cryptic message left with it, for them to try and unravel. When the body count starts mounting, they are under a bit of pressure to try and figure it all out- which leads to secrets being uncovered. Unveiling the past will test Max’s sense of duty, and bring up questions about true justice.
There is a definite unpredictability to the story, even though some things were apparent from very early on. There were surprising developments which I didn’t see coming, and this tension kept me avidly reading- and made it quite gripping in places.
The story has some violent and gruesome scenes which gives it a bit of a dark undertone- but also adds to the whole “Angel Avenger’ atmosphere.
Mr. Wickenden has proven to be a talented writer, and certainly knows how to weave an intriguing story. This makes for great reading, but his would also make a superb TV series.
I Am looking forward to getting my hands on the next book in the series, “Ludkes Game”.
Thank you, Tim Wickenden.
Angel Avenger: A Max Becker Thriller by Tim Wickenden certainly made me sit up and take notice. It is set in Berlin in the 1960’s, fifteen years after the end of WWII- the events of which are still fresh in the minds of the citizens, and people are still struggling to adjust after what happened. This element of the plot really helped to set the whole mood and tone of the story- giving it a bit of a Nordic Noir/Nordic thriller feel.
This is a crime fiction woven with historical facts- I can tell that Mr. Wickenden has put a lot of meticulous research into getting the details just right, and this attention to detail definitely shows in this book.
Detective Max Becker works for the Berlin Police department in the criminal investigation division. He, along with Bastian Dohl and the rest of their team, are called out to the scene of a murder, which has a cryptic message left with it, for them to try and unravel. When the body count starts mounting, they are under a bit of pressure to try and figure it all out- which leads to secrets being uncovered. Unveiling the past will test Max’s sense of duty, and bring up questions about true justice.
There is a definite unpredictability to the story, even though some things were apparent from very early on. There were surprising developments which I didn’t see coming, and this tension kept me avidly reading- and made it quite gripping in places.
The story has some violent and gruesome scenes which gives it a bit of a dark undertone- but also adds to the whole “Angel Avenger’ atmosphere.
Mr. Wickenden has proven to be a talented writer, and certainly knows how to weave an intriguing story. This makes for great reading, but his would also make a superb TV series.
I Am looking forward to getting my hands on the next book in the series, “Ludkes Game”.
Thank you, Tim Wickenden.
December 3, 2023
This is the second Tim Wickenden book that I have read about Max Becker and much like Girl Hunter: A German Historical Crime Thriller, I enjoyed Angel Avenger. I liked how Angel Avenger comes second in sequence to Girl Hunter, but for anyone looking to get into the Max Becker Thrillers, you do not have to read Girl Hunter to be able to appreciate Angel Avenger. I enjoy how Tim Wickenden writes these vivid and incredibly complex but likable characters. He does have a knack for this. Max Becker comes off the page for me with his abilities to solve crimes and how methodical and thoughtful he can be. This book flows well and is action-packed and filled with descriptions that are so easy to envision as if you're watching the events described play out in a movie. There were several segments where I really had to just tear myself away because I had things to do in real life, but had I not, I would have had no problem continuing to devour this book. I was a bit surprised to learn a bit more about Max Becker's personal life in this novel than you ever do in Girl Hunter. Dare I even say as part of his personal life with his wife there were some mildly spicy moments that I was caught off guard by but was not unappreciative of. Overall, this was a fantastic historical fiction read for anyone interested in mystery/thriller books chronicling the work of an amazing detective and with a bit of history/background of post-Nazi Germany. Highly recommend and cannot wait to get my hands on more Tim Wickenden novels, especially those following further Max Becker adventures!
October 31, 2023
If I could give this book more than those 5 stars I would immediately do. I can't resist the realistic books that have morally gray characters.
Max Becker is really the man you would look for when you're in an environment like the one of our story. He's not a superhero whom everything around him goes with no disturbance, he makes mistakes, he feels bad for others, and he's perfectly a human.
I loved the ways the author involved me a reader in everyone's life, where I entered Max's house, saw his wife and kids, his colleagues and their side stories, everyone's dreams and old struggles. and I liked that the story wasn't going only for Ange and Christian's story where they struggled and where I felt bad and sympathised with them but everyone had their place in this book.
Angelika was a real angel, she did what she felt was right at its time, and then realised that not all things can be resolved the way she did, she got her punishment but she also had a second chance to live her life with her father, and that's a happy ending for me, but most importantly it is a good end.
Quoting lines from Shakespeare's plays at the beginning of each chapter was a captivating move that made me really like the book more and anticipate for the next chapter's quote, and putting a glossary for all of them at the end of the book is also a well respected move, as well as the glossary for German words used throughout the book.
This novel is a really good piece of work, I think I'll come back for more of Max Becker's books soon.
Max Becker is really the man you would look for when you're in an environment like the one of our story. He's not a superhero whom everything around him goes with no disturbance, he makes mistakes, he feels bad for others, and he's perfectly a human.
I loved the ways the author involved me a reader in everyone's life, where I entered Max's house, saw his wife and kids, his colleagues and their side stories, everyone's dreams and old struggles. and I liked that the story wasn't going only for Ange and Christian's story where they struggled and where I felt bad and sympathised with them but everyone had their place in this book.
Angelika was a real angel, she did what she felt was right at its time, and then realised that not all things can be resolved the way she did, she got her punishment but she also had a second chance to live her life with her father, and that's a happy ending for me, but most importantly it is a good end.
Quoting lines from Shakespeare's plays at the beginning of each chapter was a captivating move that made me really like the book more and anticipate for the next chapter's quote, and putting a glossary for all of them at the end of the book is also a well respected move, as well as the glossary for German words used throughout the book.
This novel is a really good piece of work, I think I'll come back for more of Max Becker's books soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2019
When I was offered a free copy of this book, being an avid fan of books written in and about this era in Germany I was more than happy to read ‘ Angel Avenger’ by Tim Wickenden.
This book is the first in the Max Becker series and is set in the Post war Berlin of 1960.
A brutally tortured body is found tied to a tree, with a cryptic message around his neck. With more bodies turning up suffering the same macabre fate, Max Becker and his team of detectives investigate.
This story has it roots very much in events of world war 2, and the author expertly portrays both the era, and how Berlin and it’s inhabitants are still visibly effected by events of 15 years before as its shadow still casts over the city.
Tim Wickenden has clearly done some serious research and the writing of this book is excellent.
In creating a killer who you feel for, the dark and atmospheric events are superbly crafted in a taut and tense book with an emotional and brooding plot.
The book has some very violent and gruesome elements but the reasoning for these become apparent and for me suit this tale perfectly
Max Becker is an excellent protagonist with some depth and his team also garner interest and feel more than just backing characters.
A story told with skill and a great finale, this Is an excellent opening to a new series, that I very much look forward to reading more of.
Highly Recommended.
4 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This book is the first in the Max Becker series and is set in the Post war Berlin of 1960.
A brutally tortured body is found tied to a tree, with a cryptic message around his neck. With more bodies turning up suffering the same macabre fate, Max Becker and his team of detectives investigate.
This story has it roots very much in events of world war 2, and the author expertly portrays both the era, and how Berlin and it’s inhabitants are still visibly effected by events of 15 years before as its shadow still casts over the city.
Tim Wickenden has clearly done some serious research and the writing of this book is excellent.
In creating a killer who you feel for, the dark and atmospheric events are superbly crafted in a taut and tense book with an emotional and brooding plot.
The book has some very violent and gruesome elements but the reasoning for these become apparent and for me suit this tale perfectly
Max Becker is an excellent protagonist with some depth and his team also garner interest and feel more than just backing characters.
A story told with skill and a great finale, this Is an excellent opening to a new series, that I very much look forward to reading more of.
Highly Recommended.
4 🔥🔥🔥🔥
March 26, 2020
Many thanks to Tim Wickenden and Booktasters for providing a copy of this book for an honest review. Angel Avenger: A Max Becker Thriller is a heart-pounding, tension-filled, rollercoaster ride from the Prologue to the Epilogue.
Set in the 1960s Berlin, a man is kidnapped, tortured, and murdered. This is the beginning of a series of grisly vigilante killings. Detective Max Becker is the lead investigator who with his team, works to identify the victims and find the perpetrators who seem to be one step ahead of them. As the story progresses there were many close calls where I held my breath and a botched arrest attempt that had me biting my nails.
Author Tim Wickenden meticulously set the pieces in motion as the killers are uncovered and the motivation for their crimes is revealed. It paints a detailed picture of the horrors of war and the victims that are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives and psyches. Angel Avenger is a story that stays with you long after reading the final paragraph. I recommend adding it to your collection.
Set in the 1960s Berlin, a man is kidnapped, tortured, and murdered. This is the beginning of a series of grisly vigilante killings. Detective Max Becker is the lead investigator who with his team, works to identify the victims and find the perpetrators who seem to be one step ahead of them. As the story progresses there were many close calls where I held my breath and a botched arrest attempt that had me biting my nails.
Author Tim Wickenden meticulously set the pieces in motion as the killers are uncovered and the motivation for their crimes is revealed. It paints a detailed picture of the horrors of war and the victims that are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives and psyches. Angel Avenger is a story that stays with you long after reading the final paragraph. I recommend adding it to your collection.
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