The Ice Queen

Detective Superintendent Oliver von Bodenstein has been called out by Detective Pia Kirchoff to investigate a body of an elderly Jewish man who has been killed execution style.  What is strange is the series of five numbers, which have been written in the wall in the victim's blood.  What is even stranger is when the pathologist, Dr. Henning Kirchoff discovers a tattoo on the victim's upper left arm - the capital letters AB, indicative of the man having been a member of the SS.

Since the victim was an American citizen, who had returned to his native Germany, an American delegation quickly arrived demanding the body be turned over to them.  To prevent an international incident, the murder is to be swept under the rug.

A couple of days later another pensioner is killed in the same manner.  Again the same five numbers appear.  The victim has a houseful of Nazi memorabilia.  Like the first victim, he appears to have a connection to a prominent businesswoman.  Bodenstein has no intention of giving up this case.  Kirchoff turns to an old friend, Miriam Horowitz, to do some research on the two men.  Miriam suggests that the numbers could mean a date.  Later, Miriam's research would prove that the first victim was not who he had claimed to be.  The identity of the person he claimed to be, was someone who had died in the gas chambers.

Bodenstein is surprised when he is informed that his new boss is to be Dr. Nicola Engel, a woman with whom he had had negative dealings with in the past.  At this time a third body turns up; this time it is an elderly woman who had been confined to a wheelchair.  She too, had been killed execution style, and the same number written on her back in her blood.  Her photos and photo albums have all been taken from her apartment.  Why?

Using the internet, Kirchoff is able to discover the real identities of the first two victims.  But what can she do with the information?  More research by Miriam in Poland turns up more vital information, which points towards the killer.

Author Nele Neuhaus ramps up the action and provides plenty of twists in the plot of this murder thriller leading to a surprising conclusion.  Well written, fast paced and a real page turner, which is hard to put down.