The Other Side of Silence

By: Philip Kerr

Narrated by: John Lee

When Bernie Gunther takes on a blackmail case and gets involved in the affairs of British spies, the former detective risks exposing his own dark past in this thrilling novel hailed by The New York Times Book Review as “one of Kerr’s best.”

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, 1956. Having gone into hiding in the French Riviera, Bernie Gunther is working as a concierge at the Grand-Hôtel under a false name. His days and nights consist of maneuvering drunks to their rooms, shooing away prostitutes in search of trade, and answering the mindless questions posed by the absurdly rich guests—needless to say, he’s miserable. Now, the man who was once a homicide detective and unwilling SS officer in Hitler’s Third Reich is simply the person you turn to for touring tips or if you need a bridge partner.

As it just so happens, a rich and famous writer needs someone to fill the fourth seat in a regular game at the Villa Mauresque. But Somerset Maugham wants Bernie to help him get out of a game far more dangerous than bridge. Maugham is being blackmailed—perhaps because of his unorthodox lifestyle, or perhaps because, once upon a time, Maugham worked for the British Secret Service...

Critic reviews

Praise for Philip Kerr and the Bernie Gunther Novels

“A brilliantly innovative thriller writer.”—Salman Rushdie

“Philip Kerr is the only bona fide heir to Raymond Chandler.”—Salon.com

“In terms of narrative, plot, pace and characterization, Kerr’s in a league with John le Carré.”—The Washington Post

“Every time we’re afraid we’ve seen the last of Bernie Gunther, Philip Kerr comes through with another unnerving adventure for his morally conflicted hero.”—Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review

“Just as youth is wasted on the young, history is wasted on historians. It ought to be the exclusive property of novelists—but only if they are as clever and knowledgeable as Philip Kerr.”—Chicago Tribune

“Kerr quantum leaps the limitations of genre fiction. Most thrillers insult your intelligence; his assault your ignorance.”—Esquire

“A richly satisfying mystery, one that evokes the noir sensibilities of Raymond Chandler and Ross Macdonald while breaking important new ground of its own.”—Los Angeles Times

“Part of the allure of these novels is that Bernie is such an interesting creation, a Chandleresque knight errant caught in insane historical surroundings. Bernie walks down streets so mean that nobody can stay alive and remain truly clean.”—John Powers, Fresh Air (NPR)

“The Bernie Gunther novels are first-class, as stylish as Chandler and as emotionally resonant as the best of Ross Macdonald.”—George Pelecanos

“Kerr’s stylish noir writing makes every page a joy to read.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Readers who love hard-boiled heroes fell for Bernie Gunther back when he was a Berlin cop talking tough to Nazi thugs (March Violets, 1989), and we loved him just as much when he was forced to become an SS soldier on the Eastern Front (Field Gray, 2011). And yet, those whose own dark core runs deep may well love the postwar Bernie most of all, the Bernie whose cynicism has slowly morphed into black despair, like whiskey gradually eating its way through a defenseless liver.”—Booklist (starred review)

Back to form

This is a return to form for Kerr. I recommend and look forward for the next.

Outstanding!

I love and admire Philip, Kerr’s writing, and now John Lee’s excellent narration has brought the words to life.

Nobody beats Bernie

This is one of the better series in mystery fiction, and this offering is no exception... As usual Bernie finds himself knee deep in the proverbial smelly stuff, and somehow makes it amusing... I love the historical aspect to these novels, and this one gives a double dose w/ both world history and literary history... We see the very beginning of the cold war getting it's legs and the casual, and not so casual digs at the French are deliciously entertaining... I clipped several to send to friends... The mystery is easy paced yet engaging... The casual flow works well w/ the literary and espionage backdrop... The narration is fantastic and only adds to an already above average story... Worth the credit... FYI, if interested you can start the series at any point and not miss anything...

Great read.

I've read and loved each of the Bernie Gunther novels by Philip Kerr. I loved this one just as much. The plot has many twists and many turns and you don't know who can be trusted, or who's a friend or foe.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys historical fiction, is a Bernie Gunther fan, and likes fast-paced thriller style plots.

I would suggest to anyone who has never read a Bernie Gunther novel that they get some background on his character first. Bernie is cynical, sarcastic, and always seems to love the wrong woman. If you have more background about him, it's easier to understand why he's like that. This book includes many characters from past books written by Philip Kerr about Bernie, so reading or looking up summaries of his past books about Bernie Gunther will help you follow this one that much better. Although this is a good stand alone book as well.

I would like to see Bernie find some peace and happiness in his old age, but it always seems to elude him, but then again his books wouldn't be as interesting to read if he became wealthy, found a good woman and settled down.

Overall, a four and half star rating.

Slow starting but very satisfying

I didn't feel like this book really hit stride until halfway through. The plot became increasingly complex in the final several chapters and once again left me very grateful that Phillip Kerr is writing these books and that John Lee is performing. I will no longer download anything with Paul Hecht narrating which is frustrating because he did do some of the books in the series. I have opted to read those instead.