I came to this series via the TV show Babylon Berlin, which encouraged me to read the (translated) books it was based on. The first book in the series covered much of the show's material in season 1. I enjoyed that book very much because it clarified some of the information I struggled with as I watched the show.

Der Stumme Tod covered material from Season 2 of the show but was a much deeper dive into the German film industry at the time. The subplot about the car industry piqued my interest but wasn't fleshed out as fully as the film industry. And the shaggy dog story (literally!) while perhaps cute, didn't work as well as it could have. One too many subplots? His interest in the dog gives the reader more insight into Gereon Rath's personality outside the police and further demonstration of his sour relationship with his father.

While I enjoyed the book, it was not a favorite. However, I plan to continue reading the series because I am enjoying this author's look at Germany between the wars and am interested in Gereon Rath's development.