Blackout by Simon Scarrow

 

The unabridged audio version of Blackout by Simon Scarrow and narrated by Simon Mattacks was my first read during the month of October 2023.

I love historical fiction and Blackout by Simon Scarrow is set in Germany during World War II. This novel also falls into the thriller genre as well. I should also mention that Simon Scarrow is a new to me author this year, so I enjoyed exploring a new author.

I enjoyed the narration for Blackout as well as the overall storyline. But for the most part, I found this novel to be a middle of the road read. Some of the characters seemed to be bit over the top/stereotypical, especially for the characters that were high ranking Nazi officials. 

Also, Horst Schenke's (main character) girlfriend was a bit too brash and gave the impression that she was immune to any sort of punishment for speaking out against the government because her uncle was an admiral in the navy. Otherwise, I enjoyed reading about Horst Schenke's efforts to solve a series of murders during difficult times.

Below is the plot summary for Blackout by Simon Scarrow from Chirp's website:

Berlin 1939. The city is blanketed by snow and ice. In the distance, the rumble of war grows louder. In the shadows, a serial killer rises … As the Nazis tighten their chokehold on the capital, panic and paranoia fester as blackout is rigidly enforced. Every night the city is plunged into an oppressive, suffocating darkness-pitch perfect conditions for unspeakable acts. When a young woman is found brutally murdered, it’s up to Criminal Inspector Horst Schenke to solve the case quickly. His reputation is already on the line for his failure to join the Nazi Party. If he doesn’t solve the case, the consequences could be fatal. Schenke’s worst fears are confirmed when a second victim is found. As the investigation takes him deeper into the regime’s darkest corridors, Schenke realizes danger lurks behind every corner-and that the warring factions of the Reich can be as deadly as a killer stalking the streets.

I am giving Blackout by Simon Scarrow a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!