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Peter Ritter #1
A Death in East Berlin
Peter Ritter is a detective on the East Berlin murder squad -- the youngest detective they have, really too young to have been hired but too well-connected to be fired. And in the weeks before the Berlin Wall is to be built, he is called out in the middle of the night to a macabre murder scene within the Soviet war memorial in Treptower Park.As his investigation continues, multiple layers of life in East Berlin are the crisis created by the steady stream of men and women fleeing the East through the city of Berlin; the infighting and the power-grabs among the leaders of the Communist government; the fear engendered by the secret police, known as the Stasi; and the daily hardships and dreams of East Berliners who live a mere subway ride away from the West. And through it all, Ritter simply seeks the truth -- about the murderer of his victim, and about his own feelings about his place in a Communist country in turmoil."A Death in East Berlin" is the first book in a new series by Richard Wake, the author of the popular Alex Kovacs thriller series.
264 pages, Paperback
Published August 28, 2020
700 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Richard Wake
30 books101 followersRichard Wake's first career was as a newspaper reporter, columnist, and editor. Writing fiction was always an aspiration, especially historical fiction set in Europe during the inter-war period, and now it has become a reality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 10, 2021
DNF @ 10%. The writing's not very good.
April 9, 2021
I’ve always been interested in 20th-century European history, especially German history. Berlin during WW2 and the Cold War has always completely fascinated me, and I read as much as I can about it, both non-fiction and fiction. It was a natural for me to give Richard Wake’s police procedural a try.
Under Lieutenant Peter Ritter is a young detective on the criminal police murder squad in the Soviet sector of Berlin. He is the unlucky recipient of a particularly gruesome case and soon feels it’s unlikely he’ll be able to solve it. He has almost no leads and nobody seems to want to cooperate with his investigation.
At the same time he’s conducting his murder investigation, his former father-in-law regularly has after-hours work for him, tailing people. Ritter feels he has to do what the man wants, since he’s responsible for getting Ritter both his job and his apartment, both of which are much nicer than most East Germans have.
I can’t say I was bowled over by the police procedural element of this book. Ritter just stumbles into clues much of the time. What I liked a lot better was Wake’s description of what life is like for Ritter and others at that time and in that place. People could still travel relatively freely between East and West Berlin, but the differences in quality of life between the two were increasingly stark. The Stasi secret police were establishing a surveillance state. Ritter sees the harshness of life for his fellow East Berliners, compared to his relative privilege. Could he, should he, start all over in the West?
Wake’s world building is good. I would like to see him create more detail in his characters and to put together a better procedural plot, but I did like the book and I will read the next one in the series, In the Shadow of the Wall.
Under Lieutenant Peter Ritter is a young detective on the criminal police murder squad in the Soviet sector of Berlin. He is the unlucky recipient of a particularly gruesome case and soon feels it’s unlikely he’ll be able to solve it. He has almost no leads and nobody seems to want to cooperate with his investigation.
At the same time he’s conducting his murder investigation, his former father-in-law regularly has after-hours work for him, tailing people. Ritter feels he has to do what the man wants, since he’s responsible for getting Ritter both his job and his apartment, both of which are much nicer than most East Germans have.
I can’t say I was bowled over by the police procedural element of this book. Ritter just stumbles into clues much of the time. What I liked a lot better was Wake’s description of what life is like for Ritter and others at that time and in that place. People could still travel relatively freely between East and West Berlin, but the differences in quality of life between the two were increasingly stark. The Stasi secret police were establishing a surveillance state. Ritter sees the harshness of life for his fellow East Berliners, compared to his relative privilege. Could he, should he, start all over in the West?
Wake’s world building is good. I would like to see him create more detail in his characters and to put together a better procedural plot, but I did like the book and I will read the next one in the series, In the Shadow of the Wall.
October 11, 2021
Having gone thru Checkpoint Charlie several times in the 1980's to visit the Central Bank of the German Democratic Republic, I recognize the same atmosphere that the author paints in his novel - drab concrete buildings, an environment lacking in any color at all, food shortages (how about an ancient piece of cold chicken smothered in thick, hot gravy for lunch washed down by as much liquor as you can consume), streets full of smelly two-stroke Trabants and citizens wearing similar mismatched clothes - Welcome to the Workers' Paradise! But I digress.
Wake's novel is a well-written and entertaining murder story that folds around the sudden erection of The Berlin Wall on August 13th. 1961 - die Berliner Mauer had started. The hero Ritter is a greenhorn detective who sets out to solve two grisly and mysterious deaths that appeared to have taken place at a Soviet monument commemorating their war heroes. Between enjoying the sexual pleasures of two women and the mocking of his more experienced colleagues, he does find the time to bring the killer to justice. There's a lot of reflection and discussion about fleeing to West Berlin but Ritter seems to prefer to remain where he is - he has a good job, he's part of the elite, he has contacts in the right places. But The Wall will bring an end to most people's desire to escape - the mines, the machine guns, the searchlights will deter asylum seekers except for the very brave or foolhardy.
This review was written by Shawn Callon, author of The Diplomatic Spy.
Wake's novel is a well-written and entertaining murder story that folds around the sudden erection of The Berlin Wall on August 13th. 1961 - die Berliner Mauer had started. The hero Ritter is a greenhorn detective who sets out to solve two grisly and mysterious deaths that appeared to have taken place at a Soviet monument commemorating their war heroes. Between enjoying the sexual pleasures of two women and the mocking of his more experienced colleagues, he does find the time to bring the killer to justice. There's a lot of reflection and discussion about fleeing to West Berlin but Ritter seems to prefer to remain where he is - he has a good job, he's part of the elite, he has contacts in the right places. But The Wall will bring an end to most people's desire to escape - the mines, the machine guns, the searchlights will deter asylum seekers except for the very brave or foolhardy.
This review was written by Shawn Callon, author of The Diplomatic Spy.
May 29, 2021
I am a big fan of Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther series and was saddened on learning of the death of Philip Kerr in 2018, but now there is a new cynical German police officer to grab my attention in the form Richard Wake's Peter Ritter.
This first book in what I hope will be a long series introduces us to Peter, his family, friends and circumstances. Unlike Bernie, who was an highly regarded detective, Peter is in the early days of his career in East Berlin's murder squad and is trying to build his reputation and solve murders.
Set just prior to the construction of the Berlin Wall the book brings vividly portrays the East German life.
The murder investigation often takes a back seat to the character development and the personal life of Peter and its resolution was more by luck that careful detective work, but nonetheless this was a great read that had me riveted to the dramatic climax.
This first book in what I hope will be a long series introduces us to Peter, his family, friends and circumstances. Unlike Bernie, who was an highly regarded detective, Peter is in the early days of his career in East Berlin's murder squad and is trying to build his reputation and solve murders.
Set just prior to the construction of the Berlin Wall the book brings vividly portrays the East German life.
The murder investigation often takes a back seat to the character development and the personal life of Peter and its resolution was more by luck that careful detective work, but nonetheless this was a great read that had me riveted to the dramatic climax.
March 29, 2024
I am fascinated by all things East German so I really enjoyed this little book set in East Berlin. We forget that there was a time in which Berliners could easily travel between East and West on the trains and checkpoints. This story is set during that fascinating time inching towards the erection of the Berlin Wall. No one believed it possible...how could it possibly work? The exciting final moments of the book had me on the edge of my seat. I also loved getting an inside glimpse into the living situations in East Berlin....of those with privilege and those without. How different were the attitudes and ideologies between the haves and have-nots in a society that was supposed to be equal yet was anything but. Just started book 2 of the series and excited to read more about Peter Ritter. I don't know much about the author and perhaps it was intentional, but the simple writing style and occasional odd words and phrases made me really believe that a young German guy was really telling the story.
September 13, 2020
A Death in East Berlin. Richard Wake
Peter Ritter is a homicide detective in East Berlin. The youngest on his team, and he pays a price for that, mentally and emotionally. But, he is a hard worker, determined and very meticulous. He is a assigned a murder investigation. THe victims hands and feet are removed. A clue which he doesn't understand at this early point in the investigation. It should be noted that the wall has not been erected separating East and West Berlin until the very final pages of this excellent book. When Ritter solves the case , everything else falls in place. Again, an excellent read!! Enjoyed immensely!!
Peter Ritter is a homicide detective in East Berlin. The youngest on his team, and he pays a price for that, mentally and emotionally. But, he is a hard worker, determined and very meticulous. He is a assigned a murder investigation. THe victims hands and feet are removed. A clue which he doesn't understand at this early point in the investigation. It should be noted that the wall has not been erected separating East and West Berlin until the very final pages of this excellent book. When Ritter solves the case , everything else falls in place. Again, an excellent read!! Enjoyed immensely!!
January 6, 2021
This is quite a good police-procedural set in East Berlin in August 1961, unfortunately just a little too long with too many words, phrases and concepts from the 21st century to keep you immersed in the era. Peter Ritter, ex-son-in-law of a bigwig in the Party, is on the murder squad investigating the killing of an unknown man left on the steps of a Soviet Memorial which soon involves him in unwanted interaction with the Stasi. With a 1970s rather than 1961-type love-life, young Ritter was a bit out of his era, although the shadow of the War plus the omnipresent issue of West Berlin loomed large and maintained interest.
January 22, 2021
Life in the East pre-wall
I was stationed in West Berlin while the wall was up so books about Berlin always catch my eye. The main character is a junior detective on the murder squad who is privileged because his former father-in-law is a Party bigwig. There's quite a bit of discussion about the merits of East vs West. The beginning of the Wall happens at the very end. The young detective decides to stay in the East but helps 2 others escape. The next book in the series should be interesting. Quick read.
I was stationed in West Berlin while the wall was up so books about Berlin always catch my eye. The main character is a junior detective on the murder squad who is privileged because his former father-in-law is a Party bigwig. There's quite a bit of discussion about the merits of East vs West. The beginning of the Wall happens at the very end. The young detective decides to stay in the East but helps 2 others escape. The next book in the series should be interesting. Quick read.
November 23, 2024
Peter Ritter is an inexperienced detective in the East Berlin police department, immediately following World War II and the division of Berlin. He catches a case he is unprepared to solve. Through much of the story is about his lack of confidence and experience about how to solve a case, Peter's character does eventually develop. Richard Wake's writing includes a feel for Berliners during a politically chaotic time. He has invented an interesting character that I look forward to learning more about.
October 27, 2021
Loving the series so far
I found this author when I read the Alex Kovacs series, and after finishing that, decided to try the Peter Ritter series. So far, the story line has been very engaging. It was interesting to read about life in 1961 Berlin. I lived in Vienna and elsewhere in Austria in 1984 and 1985, and knew people there who had survived the war or been behind the iron curtain. I am looking forward to reading book #2 and hope there will be more after that.
I found this author when I read the Alex Kovacs series, and after finishing that, decided to try the Peter Ritter series. So far, the story line has been very engaging. It was interesting to read about life in 1961 Berlin. I lived in Vienna and elsewhere in Austria in 1984 and 1985, and knew people there who had survived the war or been behind the iron curtain. I am looking forward to reading book #2 and hope there will be more after that.
August 26, 2024
Another Richard Wake Page Turner
Richard Wake has a way of bringing the past alive like few others. The postwar era in Europe is brought to life through the eyes of Peter Ritter who could be Alex Kovacs missing brother. He brings humor and humanity to people trying to figure out how they were going to survive in the aftermath of WW2. The stories have a ring of authenticity that could only come from someone who had lived through some of the conditions himself.
Richard Wake has a way of bringing the past alive like few others. The postwar era in Europe is brought to life through the eyes of Peter Ritter who could be Alex Kovacs missing brother. He brings humor and humanity to people trying to figure out how they were going to survive in the aftermath of WW2. The stories have a ring of authenticity that could only come from someone who had lived through some of the conditions himself.
November 22, 2024
A master of fiction
Need to relax, perhaps on vacation or a long weekend take any Richard Wake book or books and enjoy yourself. I read the entire Alex Kovacs series and was impressed, hope for more. Peter Miller Book one was very enjoyable and I will start Book 2. All his books have excellent character building and no mater what city or town the series takes us through you feel that the author actually lived there. Enjoy.
Need to relax, perhaps on vacation or a long weekend take any Richard Wake book or books and enjoy yourself. I read the entire Alex Kovacs series and was impressed, hope for more. Peter Miller Book one was very enjoyable and I will start Book 2. All his books have excellent character building and no mater what city or town the series takes us through you feel that the author actually lived there. Enjoy.
September 1, 2020
A good start to a great series
I read this book in one sitting, could not put it down. I have read Alex's book and have throughly enjoyed them now add Peter to that, this book is suberb and so is the writing, can't wait for the next book. I am getting an education about the cold war with your books keep them coming.
I read this book in one sitting, could not put it down. I have read Alex's book and have throughly enjoyed them now add Peter to that, this book is suberb and so is the writing, can't wait for the next book. I am getting an education about the cold war with your books keep them coming.
January 14, 2021
The truth is I loved Philip Kerr and was looking for a replacement for his great Bernie Gunther books. I think I may have found that replacement in the Peter Ritter novels by Richard Wake if A Death in East Berlin is any indication. Great book loved its pace and plot twists. Hope the next book is as good.
May 8, 2021
A good read.
I really enjoyed this book. Great character development, especially the protagonist. I only caught two or three typos. Peter Ritter was very human, good dialog, interesting plot. It never dragged, moved along with purpose. I loved the flaws in Peter and his self deprecation, especially the sexy episodes. I'll look forward to reading more from this author.
I really enjoyed this book. Great character development, especially the protagonist. I only caught two or three typos. Peter Ritter was very human, good dialog, interesting plot. It never dragged, moved along with purpose. I loved the flaws in Peter and his self deprecation, especially the sexy episodes. I'll look forward to reading more from this author.
April 28, 2023
First book in a new series for this author. Main character is interesting: fairly inept, not confident. Got his job thanks to the father of his ex-wife, who is a member of the Central Committee in East Germany. Set in East Berlin right before the wall went up, the plot is noir-ish and sufficiently tangled. Good atmosphere: ruins, secret police, corruption. Recommended!
August 22, 2024
This history could be today’s headlines; best we remember and reflect.
What an interesting way to illustrate Berlin, post WWII. The populations of East and West Berlin need containment and control, according to the Stasi Central Committee. How many generations will debate and sort out their options under deprivation and social control?
What an interesting way to illustrate Berlin, post WWII. The populations of East and West Berlin need containment and control, according to the Stasi Central Committee. How many generations will debate and sort out their options under deprivation and social control?
June 15, 2025
Refreshing new story angle for the author, interesting setting and time frame.
Captivating new storyline, East Berlin in 1961. Not prudish, but I wonder at the need for the volume of profanity and sex — guess that’s what sells books, but a bit over the top. I hope the character and locale will feature in future books.
Captivating new storyline, East Berlin in 1961. Not prudish, but I wonder at the need for the volume of profanity and sex — guess that’s what sells books, but a bit over the top. I hope the character and locale will feature in future books.
December 8, 2020
Excellent story set just before the Wall was built
The main story is of 2 murders in East Berlin before the Wall was built . Murders are solved much by accident just as the separation is imposed to give an added complication.
The main story is of 2 murders in East Berlin before the Wall was built . Murders are solved much by accident just as the separation is imposed to give an added complication.
December 9, 2020
A great new series
This is a new series with a young East German police detective trying to make his way at the beginning of a divided Berlin. Peter Ritter is a sympathetic character and I can't wait for more in the series. We'll see how far the story goes.
This is a new series with a young East German police detective trying to make his way at the beginning of a divided Berlin. Peter Ritter is a sympathetic character and I can't wait for more in the series. We'll see how far the story goes.
February 8, 2021
Very good
I understand this to be a first effort, and quite a good one. Don't wish to be too effusive, but it reminded me a bit of Len Deighton's Bernard Samson series. Looking forward to the next in series...
I understand this to be a first effort, and quite a good one. Don't wish to be too effusive, but it reminded me a bit of Len Deighton's Bernard Samson series. Looking forward to the next in series...
March 30, 2021
Great book
Loved the dialogue and character development. Enjoyed hearing about post war Germany on the east side. Learned couple things I was not aware of such as people in gdr really did love their country. Looking forward to more books
Loved the dialogue and character development. Enjoyed hearing about post war Germany on the east side. Learned couple things I was not aware of such as people in gdr really did love their country. Looking forward to more books
September 22, 2021
A interesting look at East Berlin
I was fortunate to be in Berlin both before the wall, during the wall and after it came down. The descriptions of the areas pretty much validated what I saw when there. The storyline itself, I felt was a little slow and not of much interest
I was fortunate to be in Berlin both before the wall, during the wall and after it came down. The descriptions of the areas pretty much validated what I saw when there. The storyline itself, I felt was a little slow and not of much interest
April 29, 2025
Peter Ritter is the best series
The Peter Ritter Thriller Series is thrilling and absorbing. You owe it to yourself to read this series. I am on my third read of the first two books and I am looking desperately forward to the third book.
The Peter Ritter Thriller Series is thrilling and absorbing. You owe it to yourself to read this series. I am on my third read of the first two books and I am looking desperately forward to the third book.
November 6, 2020
Absorbing. Era and place specific. Riveting series start.
April 4, 2021
Well done Cold War novel
This is an engaging work of historical fiction, set in Post WWII Berlin. If you like Cold War novels, you should enjoy this.
This is an engaging work of historical fiction, set in Post WWII Berlin. If you like Cold War novels, you should enjoy this.
August 8, 2021
Excellent
The story is very interesting. But what makes this book especially worthwhile is the different view it gives of a fascinating historical period.
The story is very interesting. But what makes this book especially worthwhile is the different view it gives of a fascinating historical period.
June 4, 2022
I liked this book and I especially liked the setting and time period of just prior to the Berlin Wall. The mystery itself was a bit of a let down but overall I enjoyed it.
December 26, 2022
Loved this book! First time reading a book that takes place somewhere I lived, very cool
November 19, 2023
A good read
I really enjoyed my time with Ritter. The storyline was good the intrigue captivating and I look forward to reading book 2.
I really enjoyed my time with Ritter. The storyline was good the intrigue captivating and I look forward to reading book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews