A Thousand Devils (Max Heller, Dresden Detective, 2)

Dive into the grim and haunting world of postwar Dresden with Frank Goldammer's "A Thousand Devils," the second gripping installment in the Max Heller Dresden Detective series. Published in 2018 by Amazon Crossing, this paperback edition (ISBN: 9781503904095) plunges readers into a city scarred by war and struggling to rebuild amidst unimaginable hardship. Two years after the devastating firebombing, Dresden is a landscape of ruins and despair. A brutal winter grips the city, adding another layer of misery to the lives of its weary and traumatized inhabitants. Amidst this backdrop of pervasive suffering, Detective Max Heller, a man haunted by his own wartime experiences, is confronted with a chilling crime that threatens to unravel the fragile threads of order. A Russian officer is found brutally murdered, stabbed to death in the frozen streets. The discovery of a severed head in an abandoned backpack near the crime scene only deepens the mystery and raises disturbing questions. Does the head belong to the officer? If so, the implications are explosive, potentially implicating the Soviet military occupiers who wield significant power over the ravaged city. If not, who is the victim, and what connection does he have to the murdered officer? Against the backdrop of political tension, scarcity, and a city teetering on the brink of chaos, Heller embarks on a perilous investigation. He navigates a treacherous landscape of corruption and deceit, where loyalties are constantly tested, and the lines between victim and perpetrator are blurred. Ignoring warnings from powerful figures on all sides, Heller is determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost. His relentless pursuit leads him down a dark and dangerous path, revealing a conspiracy far more sinister than he could have imagined. "A Thousand Devils" is more than just a crime thriller; it is a powerful exploration of human resilience, the enduring impact of war, and the moral compromises people make to survive. Goldammer paints a vivid and unflinching portrait of a city struggling to rise from the ashes, where hope and despair coexist in equal measure. With its intricate plot, compelling characters, and atmospheric setting, this novel will captivate fans of historical mysteries, crime fiction, and suspenseful thrillers. It appeals to readers who enjoy authors like Philip Kerr or Alan Furst, who skillfully blend historical detail with compelling narratives. This second book further explores the world of Max Heller, his past and the challenges he faces, delivering a complex and satisfying read. Experience the post-war intrigue and suspense of Dresden with Detective Max Heller, a man determined to find justice in a city consumed by darkness.