The One from the Other: A Bernie Gunther Novel

I have been a recent reader of Mr. Kerr. I have read all of the trilogy and the recent Hitler's Peace. I am a fan, but one who sees Mr. Kerr's occassional short comings, and idiosyncracies. I thought this book was exceptional, and perhaps the best I have read. There are many good reviews here which capture my thoughts. Instead let me make 5 quick points: 1) Kerr is that magical writer who puts you in Munich in 1947. His attention to detail and detail of feeling is remarkable. 2) His stories are always set up well. His strongest point is his plot set ups, and characters. 3) To me, his challenge has always been his endings. In general there are several logic or other issues which occur in the end of his books. This book i felt was his best thought through until the end. 4) He is able to hold to complex themes without patronizing or lecturing the reader. 5) I enjoyed reading this book more than the others (which i liked)

I was so delighted to find another Bernie Gunther novel, I pre-ordered it! Kerr is definitely a thriller reader's dream-writer. In the latest installment, we find post-war Bernie Gunther, down and out, operating his late father-in-law's shabby hotel outside of Dachau (the once ambitious notorious concentration camp), drinking the few profits and contemplating how best to move on with life. But, like all Kerr's books involving Bernie, nothing is as it seems and soon Bernie is back at his true game as a fast-talking, irreverent, private detective running, hiding, and scheming to save his life. Yes, its true Bernie is older and not as spry, but once he's been set up, it won't take him long to ferret out what's up and how to get out of the hole he's in. Kerr's magic happens in character development and plot. Kerr's plot is sinuous and strikes like a viper, bending back on itself, leaving the reader in unfathomable waters that only Bernie can negotiate. Bernie, through his machinations in this thriller, shows the chaos that is post war Germany, without losing his sense of humor, even though there is much that is dark in this novel. Kerr has the ability to force us to look at our past mistakes while continuing to shock us with events, ideas, and characters we'd rather not think about. All of Kerr's characters are vital; many are detestable but all are believable. It's a joy to watch Kerr balance so many subplots and characters and just when you think he can't possibly connect the dots, the picture comes into focus and we see the final form take shape. Although you may have to suspend your belief system a few times at what seems too incredible to be true, Kerr manages to pick up all of the threads and wrap them up neatly by the end, leaving the reader wondering what will happen next. Please Philip don't make us wait another 15 years to find out what happens to Bernie. Though there were a few seemingly implausible aspects to the plot, this is still my favorite Bernie Gunther thriller. Bernie has lost none of his brashness, humor in the face of defeat, and ingenious ability to rise above his mistakes to outsmart the dirtiest of criminals. Highly recommended. Come back soon Bernie.

I am pleased to give this book my unqualified endorsement. Ingeniously, Kerr reintroduces the old Bernie in a pre-war prologue, giving readers new to the series a good taste of the original character. The main story takes place ten years later. The reviewer who observed that Bernie has lost his snap may be right, but only to a point. Kerr has aged Bernie masterfully, reflecting the horrors, compromises and deprivations of the war and its aftermath in the older man. Of course, he's somewhat subdued, but he's as determined, resourceful and decent as ever. The plot is excellent but read this book for character. You won't be disappointed. In fact, I think you'll find yourself thinking about Bernie--and his creator--for days afterward. Note to P. Kerr: Well done. Thank you.