Highly enjoyable novel set in Berlin just before Hitler takes over Germany. Esme Carmichael, a young American who hopes to be a foreign correspondent, takes the post of research assistant to Archie Laverick, a damaged WWI veteran, who is writing biographies about 19th century generals. At a weekend visit her best friend is murdered, and, conveniently, an Austrian communist is arrested. Esme has her doubts as to her guilt, and pursues her own enquiries. There are red herrings, plenty of background colour, and a page-turning plot. I'm looking forward to further episodes from Michael Ridpath. With thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an ARC.

I loved this book. Set in 1930 it concerns Archie, who is doing research on a German General for his book, and Esme who is a would-be foreign correspondent in Germany. It is full of humour and the main characters are adorable in their weird and odd ways. The description of between the wars Germany and the politics of the time is evocative. This is the start of, what I think will be a fantastic series. I can't get enough of Archie, Lister and Esme. Well worth a read. With thanks to the author,Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

This was a gripping and thrilling read! A murder/mystery set in Berlin during the mid-1930s, the Nazis are gaining in popularity but people are struggling during this period of financial turmoil. Esme, a young American woman, has taken a job as a research assistant for historian writer, Archie Laverick and has arrived in Berlin to stay with her friend Harriet. It is not long however before Esme finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation, and her questions soon lead her into deeper trouble. I really enjoyed the setting of this book,the authors research into Germany at this time is clearly evident in the story. I loved the interaction between Archie, Esme and Lister- all characters that became real the further I read. I particularly appreciated the insight into the emotional turmoil that the First World War left many men facing for the rest of their lives The story is totally engaging and intriguing as you try to work out what happened, and there are twists to the plotline throughout. A recommended read!

The Foreign Correspondent Series Book 1 Berlin 1930: Historian Archie Laverick scarred mentally and psychically by the Great War, travels to Berlin to research a famed Prussian general. His quiet study is shattered when he crosses paths with Esme Carmichael, a spirited young American intent on making a name as foreign correspondent. When a shooting at Saxon Castle leaves a young Jewish woman accused of murder, Archie and Esme are drawn into a perilous hunt for the truth. Their investigation cuts through the glittering facades and lingering scars of a nation still reeling from war. Historian Sir Archie Laverick is a veteran of the Great War. He is researching his new book in Berlin, it's about a famed Prussian general. He hires Esme Carmichael to be his research assistant. Esme is a foreign correspondent. When Esme's friend Harriet Dryden is murdered, Esme believes that the German police have arrested the wrong person. Sir Archie is shell-shocked from fighting in the war. I love when I get the chance to start a new series, hoping that I'll be on to a winner, and I wasn't disappointed with this book. The characters are well=portrayed, the plot is well-developed, and there were twists and clues along the way. The suspense builds throughout. I'm already looking forward to the next book. Published 12th April 2026 I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MichaelRidpath for my ARC of #OperationBerlin in exchange for an honest review.