#BlogTour #BookReview: Stasi Wolf by David Young @djy_writer @BonnierZaffre

Published: 9 February 2017
Reviewed: 2 January 2017

4 out of 5 stars

Copy provided by Bonnier Zaffre in return for an honest review

 

Description:

How do you solve a murder when you can’t ask any questions? The gripping new thriller from the bestselling author of Stasi Child.

East Germany, 1975.

Karin Müller, sidelined from the murder squad in Berlin, jumps at the chance to be sent south to Halle-Neustadt, where a pair of infant twins have gone missing. But Müller soon finds her problems have followed her. Halle-Neustadt is a new town – the pride of the communist state – and she and her team are forbidden by the Stasi from publicising the disappearances, lest they tarnish the town’s flawless image. Meanwhile, in the eerily nameless streets and tower blocks, a child snatcher lurks, and the clock is ticking to rescue the twins alive . . .

My Thoughts & Review:

Stasi Wolf sees the return of detective Karin Müller in Stasi Germany and another frustratingly complex case for her to solve.  For fans of David Young’s writing this is the second book to feature the plucky detective, but this can be read as a stand alone book.  Young has included enough detail to bring new readers up to speed with previous events but all the while ensures that fans of the series are satisfied that loose ends are tied up.  

After the success of Stasi Child I will admit I was champing at the bit so to speak to see where Young would take Karin Müller next, how he would develop this wonderfully complex character and what else he could possibly throw at her next.  But almost more than that I was looking forward to being surrounded by the immensely descriptive qualities of Young’s writing again.  David Young has the ability to transport his reader to the setting of his books and allow them to explore the vastness through his words, the vivid details in this book bring to mind the atmosphere and surroundings of Cold War Germany so effortlessly.  The use of German language adds to the authenticity and allowed me to once again practice my long forgotten German. 

As with any second novel there is the worry that it may fall victim to “second novel syndrome” but I do not think that it is an issue here.  The plot of Stasi Wolf is interesting and complex, the abduction of twin babies from a maternity unit is not the easiest of cases at the  best of times.  Throw in the restrictive presence of the Stasi and it makes for a very convoluted investigation which forces Karin Müller to operate with one hand tied behind her back.
The overarching theme of suspicion that emanates from this book is superbly written, characters not knowing who to trust and just how far that trust can be tested.

This book also sees the development of the personal side to Karin Müller , the reader finds out more about her life before moving to Berlin, which adds the connection readers have with this character already.  But also raises questions as to her future.      

I found that this book fell victim to “just one more chapter”, and ended up reading beyond bedtime but it was worth it.  The intensity of the mystery in this drives the reader to keep going, determined to find out who is behind the abduction but also what all of the connections are in the investigation.

For me David Young has cemented his place on the bookshelf alongside my Cold War thrillers by John le Carré and Len Deighton.

You can buy a copy of Stasi Wolf here.