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Peter Ritter #2
In the Shadow of the Wall
Why would one man risk everything to help a mere acquaintance escape from East Germany? Peter Ritter thought the Berlin Wall would stand for three months, tops. He thought the impracticalities of dividing such a big city would cause it to crumble of its own weight. If not that he thought the Americans would never tolerate such a division. But three months turned into six, and six months turned into ten, and the wall was only growing bigger and more fortified by the day. Ritter was a detective on the East Berlin murder squad. He had obtained advanced warning about the wall being built and could have escaped along with his best friend, but he chose not to leave for any number of reasons. Most days, he had no regrets. He received a promotion at work, and his career was moving along well. His love life was active if not particularly serious. His lifestyle was among the best in the country — and if he had to do the occasional off-the-books favor for a member of the Central Committee who happened to be his ex-father-in-law, it was worth the trade-off. So why risk it all to assist a man he knew only from questioning him in prison regarding an old case? The question will haunt Ritter as his good deed turns into a life-or-death situation, not only for the man he helps but for Ritter himself. “In the Shadow of the Wall” is the second book in the Peter Ritter thriller series, written by Richard Wake, the author of the popular Alex Kovacs thriller series set during World War II. If you like the world inhabited by Philip Kerr’s Bernie Gunther or the characters created by Alan Furst, a place and time of unfathomable evil where the biggest questions sometimes are forced upon the most ordinary of people, I hope you’ll give “In the Shadow of the Wall” a try!
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2020
193 people are currently reading
70 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 33 reviews
December 29, 2020
In the Shadow of the Wall. Richard Wake
The Wall that separates East and West Berlin has not been up for long. All the traitors left. Traitors? Peter Ritter is an Easy Berlin homicide detective. He's the youngest in his unit and like a lot of people he has connections. His ex father in law. In the current political environment every
little bit helps. He is working a homicide case involving the murder, decapitation of a man. Some of the people questioned about the victims past contradict each other. The suspects motives? Was the victim an easy target? Jostling this case with a request from his ex father in law who is politically very strong and helpful to Peter is another learning experience in life. Everything is a learning experience in survival under the current political climate. Detective Ritter has a strong moral compass, and he will do what he needs to do to survive. An excellent read!! Enjoyed immensely!!
The Wall that separates East and West Berlin has not been up for long. All the traitors left. Traitors? Peter Ritter is an Easy Berlin homicide detective. He's the youngest in his unit and like a lot of people he has connections. His ex father in law. In the current political environment every
little bit helps. He is working a homicide case involving the murder, decapitation of a man. Some of the people questioned about the victims past contradict each other. The suspects motives? Was the victim an easy target? Jostling this case with a request from his ex father in law who is politically very strong and helpful to Peter is another learning experience in life. Everything is a learning experience in survival under the current political climate. Detective Ritter has a strong moral compass, and he will do what he needs to do to survive. An excellent read!! Enjoyed immensely!!
February 15, 2021
Continuing a great series
This is the 2nd book in the author's 2nd series. Very entertaining. Peter Ritter is growing before our eyes. The central murder and it's investigation is not even the core of the story. Without giving the store away, just check both Peter Ritter books out.
This is the 2nd book in the author's 2nd series. Very entertaining. Peter Ritter is growing before our eyes. The central murder and it's investigation is not even the core of the story. Without giving the store away, just check both Peter Ritter books out.
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February 15, 2021Actually have this as a 4...
... but the system wouldn't allow me to give higher than a 3? Anyways, better than the first book. Great protagonist, clever story. I must say though, the amount of typos are hard to believe - did anyone edit this? All considered - a great read - highly recommend...
... but the system wouldn't allow me to give higher than a 3? Anyways, better than the first book. Great protagonist, clever story. I must say though, the amount of typos are hard to believe - did anyone edit this? All considered - a great read - highly recommend...
March 1, 2021
Time Travel
I visited Berlin in the 60's and remember the chill crossing over to the east via Checkpoint Charlie. This series has brought back those memories. Wonderful sense of place and a sympathetic hero just trying to survive with dignity in a fearful place and time. Exceptional character development that builds sympathy and understanding over time.
I visited Berlin in the 60's and remember the chill crossing over to the east via Checkpoint Charlie. This series has brought back those memories. Wonderful sense of place and a sympathetic hero just trying to survive with dignity in a fearful place and time. Exceptional character development that builds sympathy and understanding over time.
March 8, 2021
A really good story told well.
Being of an age that allows me to remember the days when there was an East Germany, I found this story exceptionally descriptive and set the scene perfectly. The main character is self deprecating but likable with a dry sense of humor. The story is well paced and has a great conclusion. It’s worth the read.
Being of an age that allows me to remember the days when there was an East Germany, I found this story exceptionally descriptive and set the scene perfectly. The main character is self deprecating but likable with a dry sense of humor. The story is well paced and has a great conclusion. It’s worth the read.
April 24, 2022
Unusual
Enjoyed thoroughly. Having the main character be a police detective in East Berlin in 1962 communist East Germany was a unique perspective. Seeing the life of the common people, the police, Stasi and politicians from that perspective gave the story an unusual flavor. Mr. Wake is a skilled writer, and a great storyteller. Thank you.
Enjoyed thoroughly. Having the main character be a police detective in East Berlin in 1962 communist East Germany was a unique perspective. Seeing the life of the common people, the police, Stasi and politicians from that perspective gave the story an unusual flavor. Mr. Wake is a skilled writer, and a great storyteller. Thank you.
August 18, 2022
Another good read. The murders that Peter Ritter 'investigates' seem to be almost inconsequential to the books but I don't mind that as the rest is very interesting. As I said about the first one, I could have done without the sexism and homophobia, but I suppose it is reflective of the time and place of the story.
March 14, 2023
Becoming my favorite author
Unlike a lot of spy/.mystery writers, Wake always writes in first person with lots of the personal inner thinking of his characters. There isn't always lots of action but his excellent writing propels the stories forward and with great characters development. I will look forward to reading more of his work.
Unlike a lot of spy/.mystery writers, Wake always writes in first person with lots of the personal inner thinking of his characters. There isn't always lots of action but his excellent writing propels the stories forward and with great characters development. I will look forward to reading more of his work.
August 26, 2024
Right and good in times of duplicity and turmoil.
Book 2 links nicely to book #1; the wall grows from barbed wire to concrete and bricks. East and West citizens scramble to find safe places in life. Peter Ritter handles new challenges and mixed emotions. Historical, real life, and contemporary as well.
Book 2 links nicely to book #1; the wall grows from barbed wire to concrete and bricks. East and West citizens scramble to find safe places in life. Peter Ritter handles new challenges and mixed emotions. Historical, real life, and contemporary as well.
March 29, 2025
Brilliant Look behind the Iron Curtain
Many factors go into the skill of telling this story. The realism of the psychological stress of living under a totalitarian regime comes through in Wake’s narrative. Perhaps that’s the most impressive factor for me as well as the overall pleasure of the read.
Many factors go into the skill of telling this story. The realism of the psychological stress of living under a totalitarian regime comes through in Wake’s narrative. Perhaps that’s the most impressive factor for me as well as the overall pleasure of the read.
January 11, 2021
Great inner dialogue
The protagonist has a running dialogue of witty observations and opinions that connect you to this character. He’s flawed, but you can’t help but root for him.
The protagonist has a running dialogue of witty observations and opinions that connect you to this character. He’s flawed, but you can’t help but root for him.
January 11, 2021
Very good story
This installment of the new Peter Ritter series is just as good as the first. Ritter's maneuvering in the deadly waters of the East German police world is spellbinding! Can't wait for the next story!!
This installment of the new Peter Ritter series is just as good as the first. Ritter's maneuvering in the deadly waters of the East German police world is spellbinding! Can't wait for the next story!!
February 12, 2021
Good book
I really enjoyed this book and the first one and also the Alex book. These characters are great and sure hope to see more of them. It is evident how much research goes into these books.
I really enjoyed this book and the first one and also the Alex book. These characters are great and sure hope to see more of them. It is evident how much research goes into these books.
May 18, 2021
Gunther move over.
Bernie Gunther has an updated rival in totalitarian fiction. Not the SS or Gestapo or Nazis but East Berlin and the Wall and the Stasi against a cop on the murder squad. I enjoyed this story tremendously
Bernie Gunther has an updated rival in totalitarian fiction. Not the SS or Gestapo or Nazis but East Berlin and the Wall and the Stasi against a cop on the murder squad. I enjoyed this story tremendously
September 17, 2021
Real time
A youthful, light hearted Ritter turns deadly serious as he plots the successful escape Westward of a dull witted currency exchange crook while coldly sacrificing a former schoolhood friend and drinking buddy. A Stasi leader in the making? Masterful woven plot
A youthful, light hearted Ritter turns deadly serious as he plots the successful escape Westward of a dull witted currency exchange crook while coldly sacrificing a former schoolhood friend and drinking buddy. A Stasi leader in the making? Masterful woven plot
April 16, 2022
This series is not as good as the Alex series , too much self analysis, and double thinking and less action , skipped a lot of this to concentrate on the dialog and the action ... Its like the author likes to fill in space and words to make the book longer...
October 15, 2022
Great tale
Who knows about the East Berlin police force or the internal workings of the Stasi? Mr. Wake seems to, and in enough details to capture the reader in his descriptions of cat and mouse and betrayal.
Who knows about the East Berlin police force or the internal workings of the Stasi? Mr. Wake seems to, and in enough details to capture the reader in his descriptions of cat and mouse and betrayal.
April 14, 2023
My favorite author
Richard Wake never disappoints. Peter Ritter is such a believable character, the dialogue is very real, and the plot always surprises. I thoroughly enjoy these books.
Richard Wake never disappoints. Peter Ritter is such a believable character, the dialogue is very real, and the plot always surprises. I thoroughly enjoy these books.
April 21, 2023
Refreshing writing style
It gets tiresome reading about main characters who are righteous and have no flaws and so when I read Richard Wake’s work I feel refreshed but just a teeny bit disappointed that the story comes to an end. On to the next….
It gets tiresome reading about main characters who are righteous and have no flaws and so when I read Richard Wake’s work I feel refreshed but just a teeny bit disappointed that the story comes to an end. On to the next….
July 15, 2023
Interesting Story
Cleverly written story about a policemen in East Berlin in the 1960's. Also interesting is the way the author write about the daily life and security measures of Russian policies.
Cleverly written story about a policemen in East Berlin in the 1960's. Also interesting is the way the author write about the daily life and security measures of Russian policies.
September 12, 2024
Another Excellent Read From Rochard Wake
Enjoy this fast paced, realistic cold war thriller set in East Germany by a master story teller. Wake knows how to make you part of the plot. You are THERE. I can't wait for the next book.
Enjoy this fast paced, realistic cold war thriller set in East Germany by a master story teller. Wake knows how to make you part of the plot. You are THERE. I can't wait for the next book.
December 27, 2025
Fun story with lots of intrigue along the way. An excellent peak into Berlin’s past too.
Btw reading the first book in this series helps in knowing some of the back story but it is by no means necessary.
Btw reading the first book in this series helps in knowing some of the back story but it is by no means necessary.
February 7, 2021
Very good second book. I wanted it to keep going. Well I’m looking forward to number 3.
April 3, 2021
2nd book as good as the first
Peter Ritter is my new favorite fictional detective. He now needs a serious love interest. Would like to hear more about his childhood.
Peter Ritter is my new favorite fictional detective. He now needs a serious love interest. Would like to hear more about his childhood.
May 27, 2021
Excellent euro noir
It’s always a good book when it centers on different characters than the usual stereotypes. This is such a book, with some excellent history thrown in.
It’s always a good book when it centers on different characters than the usual stereotypes. This is such a book, with some excellent history thrown in.
August 12, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this police procedural/historical fiction. Wonderful characters. Hope there's more to come in this series.
September 26, 2021
Interesting look at the Berlin Wall
I enjoy books by Richard Wake. The Peter Ritter series can drag a little at places but is still good. I would enjoy a sequel.
I enjoy books by Richard Wake. The Peter Ritter series can drag a little at places but is still good. I would enjoy a sequel.
January 4, 2022
Another great read by Richard Wake.
February 17, 2022
great book!!
This book really gets inside the secret, deadly games played to survive in the mad world of post-WWII in East Berlin.
This book really gets inside the secret, deadly games played to survive in the mad world of post-WWII in East Berlin.
March 21, 2023
Fabulous period mystery
I loved this book. The main character is really interesting, the plot is fascinating, and the writing excellent. I hope there are more books to come.
I loved this book. The main character is really interesting, the plot is fascinating, and the writing excellent. I hope there are more books to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews