Publisher: Harper Collins UK
Release date: 25 September 2025
Back cover blurb: A DETECTIVE WITH A SECRET. Berlin, June 1944. Hugo Fischer is forced to work for the Nazi secret service, but he carries dangerous secrets he must conceal. Gioele is not his son, but a Jewish boy he rescued during an investigation at Auschwitz. A FATEFUL SERIES OF CRIMES. The murder of a prominent Nazi couple. The suicide of a Reich journalist. An alleged accident that killed fifteen Hitler Youth children. As Fischer investigates, he begins to suspect the deaths in Berlin are intertwined. A CITY FIGHTING BACK. But when suspicion starts to fall Fischer’s way, he finds himself walking a knife edge. To be found part of the conspiracy means death. Yet how can he betray those who stand up for what is right?
This novel is the second in a series, but can definitely be read as a standalone (I have read the first, and you can read my review here).
Criminologist Hugo Fischer no longer wants to work for the Nazi party, particularly not after what he witnessed at Auschwitz, but as a German citizen, he has no choice.
They say keep your friends close, and your enemies closer, and that's exactly what Hugo must do to keep himself, his Father and young Giole alive.
Gioele has survived Auschwitz, rescued by Hugo and hidden where no one can find him. But every day he stays hidden with Hugo, is another day of danger.
Hugo himself has another secret that must stay hidden. A degenerative disease that his employer must never find out about.
When he is called upon to investigate the murder of a prominent Nazi couple, he really wants to refuse. But he is told that the case is simple, and won't take him long to investigate.
Hugo quickly realises that this is because his seniors want it to be shut down quickly, and that there is much more to it than meets the eye.
He knows that he should do as he is told, but Hugo has never been one to follow the rules, and prefers to do what he thinks is right, no matter the danger.
Smoke In Berlin is available now via Amazon online and all good book shops.
Thank You to the publishers who approved my request via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.