A THOUSAND DEVILS Max Heller, Dresden Detective, Book 2

Alexander Cendese superlatively narrates a story of life in postwar (1947) Dresden. Inspector Max Heller, a German detective, must work with the Russians who occupy Germany. Heller's realistic yet practical personality, and the ongoing hostility between the Russians and Germans that make his work difficult as he searches for a brutal murderer, are plausibly presented by Cendese. Believable descriptions of the unrelenting winter and searches for scarce food add to the bleakness. Emotive renderings of two very different incidents--the heartbreaking story of orphans fighting to survive and a lavish government party rich with food and drink--bring listeners into Heller's world. Authentic accents, particularly Russian, and meeting an honorable priest who gives his all to follow his conscience enhance this gripping mystery. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2018]