A Despicable Profession

American Spy Trilogy #2

by John Knoerle

May, 1946. America is basking in hard-won peace and prosperity. The OSS has been disbanded, the CIA does not yet exist. Rumors swirl about the Red Army massing tanks along the Elbe in East Germany. Former OSS agent Hal Schroeder gets an offer from Global Commerce LTD to be a trade rep in Berlin. He flies to New York to meet his new boss. Hal's jaw drops when former OSS Chief Wild Bill Donovan strides in. Schroeder, who survived perilous duty behind German lines, says he is no longer interested in being a spy. General Donovan assures him that's not part of his job description. Hal comes to doubt that when he meets his immediate superior in Berlin. It's Victor Jacobson, the case officer who sent him on repeated suicide missions in WWII.

Genres: Fiction

310 pages, Paperback

First published July 13, 2010

About the author

John Knoerle's first novel,"Crystal Meth Cowboys," was optioned by Fox for a TV series.

His second novel, "The Violin Player," won the Mayhaven Award for Fiction.

John has dubbed his latest novel, "Beer and Gasoline," Book FOUR of The American Spy Trilogy. It was a finalist for the 2018 Eric Hoffer Award. Book Three was designated one of the best indie novels of 2013 by Kirkus Reviews.

John lives with his wife Judie in Shorewood, Wisconsin.

Reviews

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author was a good reads find, I happened to not win a free copy of the first book in The American Spy Trilogy entitled A Pure Double Cross. Having read the description of the book I was intrigued enough to buy a copy and rather enjoyed it. I would describe Koerle as a boutique author with a wicked sense of humor and a firm grasp of post WWII history. The second installment places our intrepid spy Hal Schroeder in Berlin in 1946 amidst the rubble and ruin of post WWII Berlin. Hal is tasked with assisting essentially a pre-CIA front with information regarding the Soviet sector of Berlin. Hal soon discovers that everything is not as it seems (is it ever?) Douche and treachery lurks around every corner. Hal calls in a buddy for backup, a hard nosed Irish lad from the County of Cork, Ireland. The boys find themselves mixing it up with the NKVD Soviet spy apparatus and discover a soviet traitor in their ranks. With the help of a gay British Colonel (also is there any other kind?) they get out of a tight jam but soon realize the Colonel and his valet have been riding the hobby horse and he is in the pocket (so to speak) of the Russian spy service. Hal discovers a plot by the Soviets to invade Western Europe and has to rush at breakneck speed to prevent our side getting caught with our pants down. If fast paced action, dry wit, and an Irish whiskey are your game then this book is just for you.

[Gregg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway-Thanks for the signed copy! I read a few reviews prior to receiving my copy in the mail, which I think was a mistake. I was expecting something dark and gritty, like one of Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther novels, but instead found a more lighthearted (if you can say that about a post-war Berlin story) tale full of mid-1940's American optimism that is still a bit naive about the coming "Red Menace". Hal Schroeder isn't quite used to the new order of things, missing the clarity of who are friends and who are enemies that war offered. With several interesting twists and turns, that lack of clarity is emphasized until Hal isn't really sure that anyone is who they appear to be.
There is ample humor, well developed characters and an interesting story. I am planning to read "A Pure Double Cross", the first book in the series, to get to know Hal and the boys better, and I look forward to the next adventure of the almost reluctant spy Hal Schroeder.

Thanks again.

[Simon Koenig · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book two of the American Spy Trilogy Hal Schroeder is re-recruited by the OSS for a mission to war torn Berlin. I liked this book and recommend it to Library Thing readers. The book has several strengths, the dialog is crisp and witty. Character development is strong. Where Mr. Knoerle shines is in the passages with Martin the homeless Berlin boy, the passages between Hal and Anna, and lastly the interaction with Colonel Norwood. My only complaint is that there was not more with Martin. I think Mr Knoerle captured the essence of post war Berlin in these passages and perhaps a deeper story line could have been developed along these lines. Additionally, it's been a while since I have read A Pure Double Cross, 1st in the series. References to the first story were sparse.[return][return]Having said that A Despicable Profession is a fast paced book with great dialog and interesting characters. I'm looking forward to the next in the series and perhaps a Prequel in the future.

[Adriane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won this book on first reads (and the author kindly autographed my copy). Got it on Monday, finished it by Tuesday night because I was so caught up in the story. I won't re-hash the plot - you can read that on the book description, I'll just add I really enjoyed the protagonist. He's dry and witty but not a complete smart a**. The setting of 1946 Berlin is intriguing and well defined with small details that enrich the feeling of being there. The supporting characters are vividly drawn. I liked it enough that I want to read the other two books in the trilogy! The ending has one situation that ends a bit abruptly, but as it is book 2 of 3 I am wondering if the situation is revived in Book 3 (I hope so!)

[Les Gehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There are plots inside of plots, and no one is above suspicion. The setting (1946, Berlin) made for interesting reading, and I really like the character of Hal Schroeder. It is written in a first person noir detective style, which took a bit of getting used to, but was well worth the effort.

Thanks to Library Thing for a chance to read this book, which I never would have found otherwise.

[Nannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband & I both enjoyed this book. The post-war setting in Berlin and the descriptive references were well done. I was in Berlin in 1956 and although there had been some renewal, many of Knoerle's scenes brought back interesting memories to me. A fun spy story with a cool, but self-effacing and likable protagonist. PS---thanks for the autographed copy----a pleasant surprise!

[Hillary Woody · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few disclaimers:
First of all, I need to tell you that I got a copy of this book for free (First Reads Giveaway). Don’t worry; that didn’t influence my opinion of the book. I get most of my books at the library anyway.
Secondly, A Despicable Profession is the second book in the American Spy Trilogy. I did not read the first book.
Thirdly, spy novels really aren’t my thing. I don’t categorically dislike them or anything; I just don’t read a lot of them. That’s all.
Onward.
I really wanted to like A Despicable Profession. It had a lot of elements that appealed to me. There was the interesting title for starters, and it is set in Berlin, which happens to be one of my favorite places. But in the end, I couldn’t make myself love it like it deserved.
The story itself is somewhat interesting. Like spy novels, post WWII history isn’t one of my “things.” However, while I think an interest in history might have improved my opinion (there are a lot of abbreviations to remember), I didn’t feel it was necessary in order to enjoy the story. The narrator and protagonist, Hal Schroeder, is offered a job in Berlin. Despite being told that spying will not be involved (he’s sworn it off after what happened in the last book, apparently), he ends up, well, being a spy and having to uncover Soviet secrets and save his friends from peril. There were times when it fell short of riveting, but it was far from dull and there was quite a bit of action, particularly towards the end of the novel.
The voice of the novel is distinct, however, I never did decide if it was in a good or bad way. At times I thought Schroeder was endearing, but other times he annoyed me quite a bit. I mean, maybe sometime you could call them “hands” instead of “mitts.” Just once or twice. But often he’s funny and maybe a little bit goofy, though not stupid. And in those instances, I really liked Schroeder.
I feel like everything you need to know regarding my opinion on this novel can be summed up in two thoughts.
1)It took me about a month to get through it, and I was busy, but we all know that really great books know nothing of busy.
2)I had both this and Interview With a Vampire sitting by my bed. I chose A Despicable Profession over and over again.

[Quentin Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading John Knoerle's book A Despicable Profession. It reminded me of the detective novels I read as a teenager. The main character's grittiness and dialog draws the reader in as the story unwinds. The reader finds that they have become fully involved in the story and cannot wait to turn the page to see what happens next. Hal Schroeder is the quintessential hero from the 1940s and 50s. I read the first book in this trilogy, A Pure Double Cross, before I read this one, and though it is not necessary to understand the plot of this book, it is good to get to know the characters that appear in both. As you read the book you find out what the despicable profession is and throughout the twists and turns of the book you learn why Mr. Knoerle through his character Schroeder believes it to be despicable.

The setting of the book is Berlin 1946 and the scramble going on among the winning powers of how best to consolidate the victory that they had just won. The descriptions of the city scenes holds true to what it must have appeared like at time and the portrayal of the people of Berlin holds true. One has to wonder how many of the incidents in the book are fictional and how many actually occurred. It was a time of desperation for all who were in that city at that time.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to the third one in the trilogy. I think Mr. Knoerle has created a new American hero. He is tough with a human side that dislikes hurting people. I think of him as that "Aw shucks" guy who rides in saves the day and then returns to his bar stool just a little wiser. ( )

[Vicky Riggio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I would not have typically take a second look at in a bookstore.

It book two of what appears to be a three book series. I loved I did not need to read the first book to enjoy the second book and don't feel I have to read the third book (although I am highly considering it) to complete Hal Schroeder's (main character) story.

The setting of the book is post WWII which is a time period of interest to me. It is also a spy/mystery book which I also enjoy if the mystery is a challenge to figure out.

There were several threads of mystery in this book. Some were more complex than others and I can appreciate this book already being at 300 pages that the author chose not to go deeper for some.

I enjoyed the characters immensely. I thought the development of each one was well done. I also felt I could connect to them through out the story.


I won this book from the generous people at Goodreads First Reads. Thank you.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's the thing about John Knoerle's writing: It is simultaneously familiar and unexpected. It feels like passing someone you recognize on the street only to place them six blocks later as your kindergarten sweetheart. All of Knoerle's writing ( from his fantastically-high-stakes setting to his chuckle-inducing archetypal characters) feels familiar until you let the details wash over you. What makes this novel stand out from other Noir fiction is Knoerle's knack for surprising and refreshing details; The witty forties dialogue has an effortless grit to it, young Hal Schroeder waxes and wanes between self depreciation and untethered gall, and the layered plot twists and turns with whiplash speed! When you buy this book check your expectations at the counter because Knoerle is kneading a story that is more than your average Noir thriller. Enjoy the ride with an author who knows exactly what he's doing.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as part of the goodreads giveaway. Thanks so much for the autographed copy. For the most part I liked the book, it did get a little slow in parts but overall it was a goodread. I am a huge fan of film noir and this book would be great as a movie in that genre. I am planning on going back and reading the first book in the series as I would like to Know Hal better. I liked the character and I liked the style of the book, I enjoyed that the tone of the book was both humorous and serious at thje same time. I loved Col Norwood. Thanks so much for this enjoyable read.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads Giveaways - not a book I would have been interested in reading but I found that it was a good story. The author kept my interest in the characters and was a intriguing story. Not being interested in the War or in that time period I was glad that I did not have to refresh my history. The storyline held its on and the author made mention and filled in all the blanks of the time period.

[Macjest · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed with this book. When I read that the story would involve the OSS set after WWII, I was very interested. I thought it would involve more of the actual beginnings of the OSS. This was much more of a character driven story, which is okay if that is what you are interested in. The pacing was fairly swift in most places. I agree though, that the language was a bit over the top.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from GoodReads. I really enjoyed this book. It is witty,
and funny and very easy to read. Germany after WWII and spy type,
"what's next" book. I look forward to reading the next
book, have recommended to friends and passed it on. Thanks John
Knoerle, your book made me smile!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was not for me. If you are a fan of post WWII spy novel noir, this may be an excellent choice.

[Robert Dahlen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read.
Fast paced, topical and mostly interesting.
Bogs down a bit, but so do most books.
Not an entirely satisfying ending.
But, all in all well worth reading.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of the two books recieved from entering drawings on goodreads.com. Not my normal read, but I liked it and found it to be a page turner at times.