Peter Ritter Thriller

by Richard Wake 2 books in this series

The Peter Ritter series follows a young detective in the East Berlin murder squad during the crisis that culminates in the Berlin Wall. Ritter benefits from political connections within the ruling system but remains committed to evidence and individual truth, even when a case threatens the authority of the state.

The two novels move from the refugee crisis and political tensions of summer 1961 to life after the border is sealed. Murder investigations, Stasi pressure and the temptation to help people escape force Ritter to decide whether professional advancement can justify service to a regime that increasingly treats movement and dissent as crimes.

Reading order

Books in this series (2 books)

1. A Death in East Berlin

Richard Wake

First published 2020

4.4(1,668)

In the weeks before the Berlin Wall is built, young detective Peter Ritter is called to a murder scene inside the Soviet War Memorial at Treptower Park. His rapid promotion owes something to political connections, but the case requires him to follow evidence through institutions that…

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2. In the Shadow of the Wall

Richard Wake

First published 2020

4.4(2,987)

Months after the border is sealed, Peter Ritter has adapted to the permanence of the Berlin Wall. His police career is advancing, his standard of living is unusually comfortable and occasional unofficial work for his politically powerful former father-in-law appears an acceptable price for security. That…

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