Not my favorite kind of reading. I don't care about straight people and their hook-ups, their infidelities, or whether or not they get their HEAs.

The murder-mystery aspect of the story was well done, involving, and clever. The historical setting was genius! It not only made the mystery possible in the first place, it was essentially a second layer of novel unto itself. This is a very difficult feat to pull off. Two layers, inextricable from each other, are still somehow different registers of story. This self-harmony is the whole reason I give the read four instead of two and a half stars. Quite an achievement. ( )

Set in Berlin at the time of the Potsdam Conference, just after the Allied victory in Europe, Jake Geismar, an American journalist, is searching for his German girlfriend, Lena, along with a story for his magazine. While there, a murder is committed, and Jake gets involved. At first, the murder and the search for Lena do not seem connected, but with the help of German detective, the relationship becomes clear. He also wants to find out what happened to Lena’s husband, Emil, a scientist working with Wernher von Braun. Jake uncovers the corruption of the black market and a covert struggle between the Americans and the Soviets to lure German scientists for assistance in arms development in advance of the Cold War.

The author combines elements of mystery, romance, and history into a compelling story with well-developed characters. It explores ethical questions of whether involvement with the Nazis will result in punishment or exoneration. Should scientists get a free pass because they continue to be useful? The main plot and sub-plots are woven together expertly. The novel conveys a strong sense of place. I could picture the bombed-out rubble of Berlin. As in many mysteries, some of the key pieces of information are delivered through plot devices.

I had not previously joined the audiobook trend, but when I found myself facing a long drive, I decided to try it. I came across this one at my local library. The audiobook reader, Stanley Tucci, does an excellent job of modulating his voice and creating realistic differentiated accents to render the various German, American, and Russian characters of both sexes. It kept us entertained while driving for over seven hours. Recommended to fans of historical fiction or mysteries, especially of the period surrounding WWII. Contains language, sex, and violence. ( )

Characters may be good in one respect, but in other areas of their lives or in some of their actions they are questionable. Unless they're Russian; there are no good Russians in this novel. Very atmospheric--Kanon made me feel like I was walking in the destruction and desolation of bombed-out Berlin. ( )

Journalist in Berlin in immediate aftermath - really early days of rubble and references to feelings of Germans just emerging from the chaos. Convoluted plot but I stuck with it cos of atmosphere created.

A reporter arrives in Berlin in the months after the Nazis surrendered and, while visiting the Potsdam conference, he discovers the body of an American solider who had been shot with an American bullet. The book provides fascinating glimpse at what Berlin was like immediately after the war. it also introduces an interesting and diverse cast of characters. Particularly entertaining is the way the clues dribble out. Despite these positive aspects, the writing is somewhat flat for my taste. ( )