Metropolis

Philip Kerr wrote 14 books in the Bernie Gunther series set in Berlin in the late 1920s until after the Second World War. The books were not written chronologically so this title is earliest in the series although it was the final book written.

 The description of life in Berlin is an important part of Philip Kerr's novels and the reader quickly becomes aware of political tensions and unrest  in the city, particularly in regard to Jews and Communists, with the rise of the Nazi movement. These tensions also extend between members of the policeforce.

When Detective Bernie Gunther transferred to the Murder Commission a major case being investigated was the deaths of several  prostitutes who had been shot then scalped. This case was then put on hold as the bodies of a number of disabled servicemen were also discovered. As Bernie investigates he is not only attempting to identify the killer and reasons for the crimes but also has to contend with a gangster whose daughter was one of the murdered women. Discovering the identity of the killer does not solve all of Bernie's problems as he realises the mayhem that will result if the name of the killer is made public.