225
Book · 2000
Schwemmholz
During the spring 1999 Danube flood in Ulm, a body is discovered in a submerged new building following an arson attack on an Italian construction firm's trailer. When an acquitted suspect is found murdered in front of the courthouse, Inspector Hans Berndorf and his assistant Tamara Wegenast reopen the case, uncovering a corrupt web of procurement cartels, local politics, and business interests.
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Michaela Grom, who had already identified the author as a "beacon of hope for German crime fiction" in his debut novel, is certainly not disappointed by this book either. In Ulm detective inspector Berndorf, Ritzel has crafted a sympathetic protagonist that leaves the reader wanting more, notes the enthusiastic reviewer. The novel's plot, she praises, is "cleverly" constructed and unfolds against the reader's expectations.
Michaela Grom on Perlentaucher The inspector grows ever more grim. How his inquiries among the local notables unearth a corrupt web of opportunism and self-serving greed is keenly observed and brilliantly written. The author grippingly delineates a peculiar male friendship oscillating between aggression, subliminal eroticism, and uninhibited brutality. Ulrich Ritzel already penned his novel last year.
Michaela Grom on Die Zeit Without doubt: one definitely wants to read more from this author. A touch of panic sets in towards the end when Berndorf, disillusioned and weary, considers stepping down. Could this really be all? Let us hope that this rugged, slightly melancholy seeker of truth remains curious even as a retiree. Otherwise, crime fiction made in Germany would be poorer by yet another great hope.
Michaela Grom on Die Zeit
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