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  PRAISE FOR SIMONE BUCHHOLZ

  ‘Caustic, incisive prose. A street-smart, gutsy heroine. A timely and staggeringly stylish thriller from an original new voice’ Will Carver

  ‘This book is to crime thriller what jazz music is to classical. With plenty of dry humour and a good old dash of despair, Simone Buchholz is an unconventional, refreshing new voice, the likes of which I haven’t heard in German crime fiction since Arjouni’ Crime Fiction Lover

  ‘I loved this book, I ached to continue reading when pesky things like work got in the way. I highly recommend it!’ From Belgium

  ‘Short chapters, snappy sentences, witty dialogue and succinct writing have created a fast-paced read – saying “just one more chapter” to myself led me to read most of the book in one sitting. The descriptions are vivid and rich, painting a colourful picture of the German setting’ Off-the-Shelf Books

  ‘Snappy dialogue and the sense of life happening constantly in the shadows of a world we think we know. Stripped back in style and deadpan in voice, this is a scintillating romp around the German criminal underworld and back’ Doug Johnstone, Big Issue

  ‘Written with a sense of place, a fresh voice, and a fast pace. Absolutely recommended’ Euro Crime

  ‘An original, firecracker of a read, it will undoubtedly be one of my books of the year, I absolutely loved it’ Liz Robinson, LoveReading

  ‘By turns lyrical and pithy, this adventure set in the melting pot of contemporary Hamburg has a plot and a sensibility that both owe something to mind-altering substances … Lots of fun’ Sunday Times Crime Club

  ‘If Philip Marlowe and Bernie Gunther got together in a Hamburg speakeasy and had a literary love child, then that might just explain Chastity Riley – Simone Buchholz’s tough, acerbic and utterly engaging central character’ William Ryan

  ‘A must-read, stylish and highly original take on the detective novel, written with great skill and popping with great characters’ Judith O’Reilly

  ‘Witty and original, beautifully translated by Rachel Ward, A gripping investigation that’s also a moving love letter to Hamburg and the bonds of friendship’ Dr Kat Hall

  ‘Great sparkling energy, humour and stylistic verve … and the story itself is gripping and pacey. Simone Buchholz’s homage to Raymond Chandler and Jonny Cash is affectionate and deliberate. Then there’s the interplay of author and translator, like musicians in the same band … creating an all-female tour de force’ Rosie Goldsmith, European Literature Network

  ‘Buchholz gives us a declaration of love for all the grime of a city of contrasts. Dripping with local colour, soaked in beer and infused with cigarette smoke, this is not your typical police procedural’ Katy Derbyshire, Love German Books

  ‘Chastity Riley belongs among Germany’s most complex crime heroines: a lone wolf who looks into the chasms of human society’ Brigitte

  ‘Simone Buchholz just writes very, very well, all the while sure of her milieu, atmospherically confident and full of empathy for her characters’ Bücher magazin

  ‘Explosive writing, larger-than-life characters, a killer mystery … Loved it!’ LV Hay

  ‘A fast-paced Noir that tackles some serious and contemporary issues, while delivering full-on entertainment. Chastity Riley is a strong modern woman, she is affected by the dislocation of the city, but she has her friends, she looks after them, she is formidable and independently minded’ New Books Magazine

  ‘An easy to devour, brilliant story. I highly recommend!’ Between the Pages Book Club

  ‘The pacing and the unfolding of the story within the first half of the book made it very difficult to put down; however, during the second half of the book I found I couldn’t read it fast enough! A brilliant taste of German Noir which I hope is received as well in the UK as it was in Germany’ Have Books Will Read

  ‘A rich, tightly woven plot that’s brimming with intrigue and with plenty of backstory woven in, compelling characters and a great approach to narrative … oh, and it all rips along at one hell of a pace … Buchholz’s writing style is original, and she delivers a fantastic story in a unique voice that’s a welcome blast of fresh air and a great start to the year’s reading’ Mumbling about…

  ‘A gritty and raw crime novel that brings German Noir to the British reader. Simone Buchholz pulls no punches in a stunning new novel that really ends up exploding in your face’ The Last Word Book Review

  ‘Hard-hitting Hamburg Noir with a female protagonist you can’t help but like and respect. It is also a crime novel with a unique voice that delivers with style and panache. I want to read more of Chastity Reilly as soon as possible’ Live and Deadly

  ‘What a clever thriller this is. All credit to Rachel Ward too, as the translation of this book is seamless, making the direct first-person narrative of Chas, and the other assorted characters, just fly’ Jen Med’s Book Reviews

  ‘This short and gritty crime story hit the ground running and didn’t let up until the final page’ I Loved Reading This

  ‘Gripping, tense and difficult to put down’ Portable Magic

  ‘The story and writing slowly seep into your soul, to the extent that I found it almost impossible to put it down! … It’s a firstclass piece of storytelling, with believable characters and based in a gritty reality … The novel is full of dark themes, but is at all times thrilling and unnerving’ Books Are My Cwtches

  ‘I really liked Chastity – she has plenty of compassion, and is loyal, funny and down to earth. And she has some of the best observations on life that I have read in fiction. A very successful series that is well-established in Germany, I have no doubt that it will do just as well in other countries’ Steph’s Book Blog

  ‘Buchholz has a refreshingly new, provocative voice, and I have no doubt she will stand out among a sea of writers … It takes your breath away and then it burns until a warmth settles into the pit of your stomach. That’s the kind of mark and statement Buchholz is making’ Cheryl M-M’s Book Blog

  ‘A cracking story with a splash of classic Noir crime and a lead character who is full of compassion, loyalty and is a force to be reckoned with’ Emma’s Bookish Corner

  ‘I thought that this book was fantastic! Everything about the book worked for me – the characters were brilliant, the pace was spot on and the plot was gripping, thrilling and completely addictive!’ Donna’s Book Blog

  ‘Simply addictive … It isn’t painted as a sixth sense or a mystical ability but does come across as Chastity being very much in her element in those mean streets as the late drinkers head home and the litter blows down the Reeperbahn. Simply an excellent slice of atmospheric crime. Give me more, soon!’ Blue Book Balloon

  ‘This novel is steeped in pure grit and darkness. For me the grittiest element was Chastity Riley – a hard-drinking, smoking, nononsense, kick-ass prosecutor not afraid to challenge the good and the bad guys … The novel is dark, subversive and just that little bit different from everything in the crime genre’ My Bookish Blogspot

  ‘A deliciously dark novel with layers upon layers of mystery, not all uncovered by the end of it. Buchholz leaves her readers intrigued to know more about these characters. Whatever case Chastity Riley takes up next, if indeed she does, I’ll be very keen to uncover it with her. The magic of Orenda Books strikes again!’ Segnalibro

  ‘Simone Buchholz has created a contemporary thriller with all the coolness of classic Noir. Dark, pessimistic and gritty; exuding atmosphere, the story enveloped me like wisps of cigarette smoke. I loved it and can’t wait to read more of this exciting series’ Hair Past a Freckle

  ‘The sentences were snappy and the writing was highly addictive and engaging … German Noir is something new to me, but I was utterly enthralled and will most definitely be reading more. S
imone Buchholz has a refreshing writing style and a unique talent for drawing the reader right into the heart of the story with the wonderful descriptions of Hamburg and a narrative that is spectacular. Really recommend it’ Reflections of a Reader

  ‘The wonderful way that Buchholz brings her plot alive through gritty, punchy and thrilling writing makes this a gripping read that readers can race through, devouring every last, tantalising detail’ The Quiet Knitter

  ‘Simone Buchholz has created a striking, thrilling set of characters. With its unique chapters, wonderful writing and show-stopping protagonist, a book that will win over the hearts and minds of a lot of readers! Fast-paced. Dark. Thrilling’ Ronnie Turner

  ‘I was kept on my toes with this dark and gritty crime story. It’s not a long book but it’s certainly packed to the brim and could easily be read in one sitting, it pulls you in, and with relatively short chapters it was very easy to get lost in the story’ It’s All about the Books

  ‘Sharply written with a staccato sense to it that really draws you in … I loved the character of Chastity, who is cleverly drawn. Overall Blue Night is fast, considered and written beautifully. Very different. I like different. It’s refreshing. Highly recommended’ Liz Loves Books

  ‘Gripping, ominous and delightfully edgy. I can’t wait to meet up with Chastity Riley again soon. For a shorter than average novel, it really packs one heck of a punch!’ Damppebbles

  ‘A really unique read, and I grew to love the structure and style. Beautifully written and seamlessly translated, Buchholz offers something refreshingly different to what’s on the market currently. I urge you to check it out’ Bloomin’ Brilliant Books

  ‘It has all the danger, thrills and twists required to keep the reader on edge throughout, and I highly recommend it to all crime readers. It was a treat to experience Chastity Riley’s story and I hope to cross paths with her again soon’ Always Trust in Books

  ‘This story is so atmospheric, and it has done an excellent job of portraying the gritty, raw, seedy hedonism of Hamburg at that time’ Sissi Reads

  ‘Buchholz has created a phenomenal female character, Chastity Riley … I found myself racing through each page, eager to find out more … I can’t wait to read more from this author’ Compulsive Readers

  ‘The chapters are short, which helped to keep the story fresh and made me want to read more … a different and intriguing crime story, and I will be interested in seeing what is in store for Chastity next’ Rae Reads

  ‘This is straight up one of the most intriguing books I’ve had the pleasure of reading! … I imagine it’s going to be a long time before I read something quite so extraordinary’ The P Turners’ Book Blog

  ‘This is a dark, gritty read with heaps of action … it packs a real punch and is a testament to Simone Buchholz’s writing … Wonderful’ Beverley Has Read

  ‘The chapters are short and are infused with one-liners and monologues, making it a very fast book to read … It is, I imagine, what would have been termed hard-boiled crime fiction, a style synonymous with 1920s America, but with a very modern and German twist’ Swirl and Thread

  ‘It’s gritty and yes, it’s dark but it’s also an incredibly refreshing take on the crime-fiction genre with a fabulous cast of characters and a delicious sense of humour that won me over within the first few pages’ Novel Deelights

  BETON ROUGE

  SIMONE BUCHHOLZ

  translated by Rachel Ward

  For Neville Longbottom

  The sky is grey,

  The houses are greyer,

  A very warm welcome to Grey-upon-Despair,

  Eyes scream at me: ‘You’re not from round here,’

  Little red-brick houses, gardens all cement,

  For each of life’s problem there’s an alcoholic drink,

  While all of life’s joys step over the brink,

  Walk through the streets, there’s no colour and no life,

  The cold social wind cuts right through me like a knife,

  See, here, my son, there’s no happy ending,

  Without immigration, there’s not enough befriending,

  I’m stranded here like a shipwrecked sailor,

  Who doesn’t even have enough weed to roll a spliff.

  Absolute Beginner: ‘Nach Hause’ [Going Home]

  (from the album ‘Advanced Chemistry’, 2016)

  CONTENTS

  TITLE PAGE

  DEDICATION

  MAP

  EPIGRAPH

  DOG EAT DOG WORLD

  SHADOWRUNNER

  SPECIALIST IN DARK HOLES

  SPAT ON

  CAN’T YET QUITE BE CLASSIFED

  THE MAIN THING IS TO KEEP THE FRONT GARDEN IMMACULATE

  THE SHIT’S ALWAYS PASSED DOWNWARDS

  THINGS PEOPLE DO WHEN THERE’S TROUBLE

  WEATHER PHENOMENA

  JUST AS WELL ALONE

  BLOOD MOON, BLONDE MOOD

  BLACK BOX ONE

  RESCUED FOR YOU

  EXECUTIVES (FUCK ALL OF YOU)

  VIKTOR AND CHARITY

  SHADOWRUNNER

  IT GENERALLY RAINS CRUD

  NOBODY’LL BE ALONG TO PICK UP THE SMILE

  MEN IN CAGES ARE UNDERSTANDABLE

  FLASHY-THINGED

  DEMENTORS (THE BIRDS DIED IN TINY CRATES)

  VERY BAD SECRETARY

  TWO WANNABES FOR THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

  YOUR OWN IMPORTANCE

  FORGOTTEN

  OH, YOU KNOW

  HOLD ON

  NOW

  SMOKE SIGNALS

  BLACK BOX TWO

  BIESENDORF (1987)

  ENGINE NOISES

  START BUYING MAKE-UP

  CIGARETTES AS A WEAPON

  TUSCANY, MY ARSE

  BUT WITH A LITTLE ILL WILL, YOU COULD THINK THAT THERE’S SOMEONE LYING BEHIND THE BROKEN WINDOWS, WHO’S BEEN ROTTING IN THERE FOR YEARS

  DO YOU LIVE HERE?

  I TOLD THE CLEANING LADY NOT TO COME

  HOW YOU FILL THE TOES OF FOOTBALL BOOTS WITH DRAWING PINS

  COUNTRY STUFF

  MELON WOULD BE BETTER

  THE BOY DIED

  NO STARS OVER THE KAISPEICHER A

  BLACK BOX THREE

  UNCONSCIOUS ON THE SOFA

  REVITALISING BATHS

  TROUSERS AND HOLSTER

  THE SADNESS OF THE TISSUE

  STAY ON THE ROAD

  OUT, EVERYBODY OUT OF TIME, NOW

  SHADOWRUNNER

  THEN I WON’T SAY A WORD

  TURNING POINT

  WE WEREN’T LIVING, WE WERE JUST WAITING FOR IT TO BE OVER

  ECONOMI.CO

  SOMETHING THAT COULD TIP OVER AT ANY MOMENT

  A BARE LIGHTBULB, DANGLING FROM THE CEILING

  CHANCE BLOWN

  TOGETHER, NOT GOING HOME

  SACK OF CEMENT

  THEN CRASH, HARD

  BLACK BOX FOUR

  GULL SHIT IS NO TRIFLING MATTER

  THE WILD WEST (STARTS JUST BEYOND HAMBURG)

  AND WHEN ALL THE LANTERNS HAVE BEEN SHOT OUT, YOU’LL REALISE THAT YOU CAN’T EAT FOG

  I DON’T WANT TO SEE THAT

  HALF JUST TO MAKE SURE AND HALF BECAUSE THAT’S JUST WHAT I’M LIKE

  SHADOWRUNNER’S HIGH

  THE LIQUORICE SCHNAPPS IS TERRIFYING, BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO?

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR

  COPYRIGHT

  DOG EAT DOG WORLD

  The rain creates walls in the night. Falling from the sky, they are like mirrors, reflecting and warping the blue light from the police car.

  Everything spins.

  The street emerges from the darkness and loses itself between the harbour lights, and there – right in the middle, just where it suddenly drops downhill – is where it happened: a cyclist.

  She’s lying, twisted, on the asphalt, her strawberry-blonde hair forming a delicate pool around her head. Her pale dress is awash
with blood; the blood seems to be flowing from her side, staining the concrete red. There’s a black shoe – some kind of ballet flat – on her right foot and no skin at all on her left. The bike’s lying a few feet away on a grass verge, as if it’s been ditched.

  The woman isn’t moving; only her ribcage twitches desperately, as if to rise and fall, but then it doesn’t move at all. Her body is trying to take in air from somewhere.

  Two paramedics are leaning over and talking to her, but it doesn’t look as though they’re getting through. It doesn’t look as though anything’s getting through any more. Death is about to give her a ride.

  Two police officers are cordoning off the accident site, shadows dancing on their faces. Now and then, a car comes past and drives slowly around her. The people in the cars don’t want to look too closely.

  The paramedics do things to their paramedic cases; then they close them, stand up.

  That must be it, then.

  So, thinks God, looking industrious, that’s that. He picks up his well-chewed pencil, crosses the cyclist off, and wonders whose life he could play football with next.

  I think: I’m not on duty. I’m just on my way to the nearest pub.

  But as I’m here.

  ‘Hello,’ I say.

  What else was I supposed to say?

  ‘Move along, please,’ says the more solid of the two policemen. He’s pulled his cap right down over his face; raindrops are glittering on his black moustache. The other has his back to me and is on his phone.

  ‘I certainly can,’ I say, ‘or I can stay and take care of a few things.’ I hold out my hand. ‘Chastity Riley, public prosecutor.’

  ‘Ah, OK.’

  He takes my hand but doesn’t shake it. I feel as though he’s holding it. Because that’s what you do at times like this, when someone’s just died – because a tiny bit of all of us dies along with them and so everything’s a bit shaky. The big policeman and I seem suddenly involved in a relationship of mutual uncertainty.

  ‘Dirk Kammann,’ he says. ‘Davidwache Station. My colleague’s on the phone to our CID.’

  ‘OK,’ I say.