Philip Kerr
Philip Kerr was a British author best known for his Bernie Gunther series of historical detective thrillers. He also wrote children's books under the name P.B. Kerr.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. March Violets
A Bernie Gunther Novel
Set in 1936 Berlin, the narrative follows a hard-boiled private investigator navigating the treacherous terrain of Nazi Germany. Tasked with solving a high-profile case involving the theft of a diamond necklace and the murder of a wealthy industrialist's daughter and her husband, the detective delves into a world where political intrigue, corruption, and the rising tide of fascism intersect. As he uncovers more about the case, he finds himself entangled in the dangerous machinations of the Third Reich, revealing a sinister backdrop of power, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. This gripping tale masterfully combines historical detail with the classic elements of noir fiction, presenting a vivid portrayal of a society on the brink of moral collapse.
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2. Berlin Noir
March Violets
Set against the backdrop of pre-World War II Germany, the narrative follows Bernie Gunther, a former Berlin police detective turned private investigator, as he navigates the murky waters of a city teetering on the brink of chaos. With the rise of the Nazi regime, Bernie finds himself embroiled in a series of complex cases that intertwine with the political upheaval of the time. As he delves deeper into the underbelly of Berlin, he encounters a cast of morally ambiguous characters, each with their own secrets and agendas, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of a society in turmoil.
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3. Japonia Utracona
The Lost Japan
The novel is a gripping historical thriller set in post-World War II Japan, where an American war crimes investigator is tasked with uncovering the truth behind a series of mysterious murders. As he navigates the complex political landscape and cultural tensions of occupied Japan, he encounters a web of deceit and intrigue involving former military officials, secret societies, and the lingering shadows of wartime atrocities. The investigator must confront his own moral dilemmas while seeking justice in a land struggling to rebuild and redefine itself in the aftermath of conflict.
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4. Scream
A Novel of Suspense
The book is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark world of Hollywood, where a renowned film director becomes embroiled in a chilling mystery after receiving a series of threatening messages. As the tension escalates, the director must confront his past and navigate a web of deceit and danger, all while trying to protect his family and career. The narrative explores themes of obsession, fame, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction, keeping readers on edge with its suspenseful twists and turns.
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5. Sand People
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6. Metropolis
A Bernie Gunther Novel
Set against the backdrop of 1928 Berlin, this gripping narrative follows detective Bernie Gunther as he navigates the gritty underbelly of a city teetering on the brink of monumental change. Tasked with solving a series of brutal murders targeting the city's marginalized communities, Gunther finds himself entangled in a web of political intrigue, societal tensions, and personal dilemmas. As he delves deeper into the case, the detective must confront the dark forces rising within the city, all while grappling with his own moral compass in a world where justice is as elusive as the truth.
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7. The One From The Other
Set in the aftermath of World War II, the story follows Bernie Gunther, a former Berlin detective turned private investigator, as he navigates the chaotic landscape of post-war Germany. Tasked with finding a missing husband, Gunther uncovers a web of deceit involving Nazi war criminals seeking new identities and refuge. As he delves deeper, he confronts moral ambiguities and the haunting shadows of his own past, all while trying to discern friend from foe in a world where the lines between good and evil have blurred.
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8. The Other Side Of Silence
A Bernie Gunther Novel
Set against the backdrop of the French Riviera in 1956, this gripping novel follows Bernie Gunther, a former Berlin detective, as he navigates a world of espionage and intrigue. Now working as a hotel concierge, Bernie finds himself entangled in a web of blackmail and deceit involving the infamous British writer W. Somerset Maugham and a host of Cold War spies. As he delves deeper into the murky underworld of secrets and lies, Bernie must confront his own past while trying to outwit those who would use him as a pawn in their dangerous games.
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9. Conservation Plan
Set against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, this gripping thriller weaves a tale of intrigue and deception as a determined environmentalist finds herself embroiled in a deadly conspiracy. Tasked with protecting a pristine wilderness area from corporate exploitation, she uncovers a web of corruption that threatens not only the land she cherishes but also her own life. As she delves deeper into the murky waters of political and corporate machinations, she must navigate a treacherous path filled with unexpected allies and dangerous adversaries, all while racing against time to expose the truth and save the natural world she holds dear.
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10. The Uses Of The University
This seminal work explores the evolving role of higher education institutions in society, examining their multifaceted functions beyond mere knowledge dissemination. It delves into the university's responsibilities in fostering critical thinking, advancing research, and serving as a catalyst for social change. The narrative highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by universities in adapting to societal needs, technological advancements, and economic pressures, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining academic freedom and intellectual integrity in an ever-changing world.
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11. My Boyfriend Barfed In My Handbag . . . And Other Things You Can't Ask Martha
And Other Things You Can't Ask Martha
This humorous and practical guide offers readers a candid and witty approach to tackling life's most awkward and messy situations. With a blend of humor and practicality, it provides unconventional solutions to everyday domestic disasters that traditional etiquette guides might shy away from. From cleaning up unexpected messes to handling embarrassing social faux pas, the book is a refreshing take on modern-day dilemmas, encouraging readers to embrace the chaos with a sense of humor and resourcefulness.
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12. Lost Japan
Last Glimpse of Beautiful Japan
Set against the backdrop of Japan's rich cultural tapestry, this evocative narrative delves into the intricate layers of the country's history, art, and traditions. The author, with a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for Japanese aesthetics, explores the delicate balance between modernity and tradition. Through personal anecdotes and insightful observations, the reader is taken on a journey that highlights the beauty and complexity of a nation that is constantly evolving yet deeply rooted in its past. The narrative is a heartfelt homage to a land where the past and present coexist in a harmonious dance.
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13. The Red Wyvern
Set in a richly detailed fantasy world, the story follows the intertwining fates of two powerful families locked in a bitter feud, as ancient prophecies and mystical forces come into play. The narrative weaves together themes of loyalty, betrayal, and destiny, as characters grapple with their own ambitions and the weight of their lineage. With a backdrop of political intrigue and magical elements, the tale explores the complexities of power and the consequences of choices made in the pursuit of legacy and control.
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14. Ouch!
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15. A Philosophical Investigation
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16. Esau
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17. Reborn
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18. A German Requiem
Set amid the ruins of postwar Germany, the novel follows a hard‑boiled former detective who, caught between occupying powers and haunted by the choices of the recent past, is drawn into a brutal investigation that exposes lingering Nazi crimes, corruption and the moral compromises required to survive in a shattered society.
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19. The Pale Criminal
A hard-boiled private investigator in late-1930s Berlin becomes drawn into a dangerous inquiry that exposes the city’s moral rot and the ruthless machinery of the Nazi state; chasing leads through the police, the SS and the criminal underworld, he uncovers conspiracies, betrayals and the personal cost of survival as Germany hurtles toward catastrophe.
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21. The Akhenaten Adventure
The Akhenaten Adventure is a novel by the Scottish writer P.B. Kerr. It is the first book of the Children of the Lamp series. It tells the story of John and Philippa Gaunt and their adventures when they find that they are djinn, or mystical genies. The book was on the New York Times Best Seller list for children's books and received generally favorable reviews. The novel's sequel is The Blue Djinn of Babylon, the second book in the seven part series.
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23. The Blue Djinn Of Babylon
Two twelve-year-old twins, John and Philippa Gaunt, discover they are descended from djinn and are plunged into a hidden world of ancient magic and strict rules. When a malevolent, ancient djinn from Babylon threatens to escape and remake the world, the siblings must quickly learn to use their powers, unravel family secrets, and outwit dangerous enemies as they travel between modern life and mythic locations. Fast-paced, witty, and full of wonder, the story mixes coming-of-age moments with high-stakes supernatural adventure.
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