I think it is important not to think of Germania as a thriller. It is a police procedural set in a historical time period. Therefore, it moves at a rather plodding pace compared to a typical thriller.
There are obviously a lot of backstories to tell in the waning days of the Third Reich. Especially of the unusual relationship between the experienced former Detective, and Jew, Oppenheimer, and his SS supervisor, Volmer.
Oppenheimer is just trying to survive. Will he be sent to a concentration camp after he solves the serial case he is working on? Can he still complete his escape plan with his Aryan wife? Or is it too late to save them in a Reich quickly swirling down the drain?
Historical fiction fans of the WWII period will love the look behind the curtain at the lives of the German people, both Jew and Aryan, in the waning days of the war. I believe Germania is most successful at evoking a feeling of really living through it personally. The mystery was good too. How much you like the book depends on what your favorite genres are. For mystery and thriller lovers, like me, 3 stars (but much higher for WWII historical fiction readers).
Thanks to Thomas Dunn Books, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.