Philip Kerr

Philip Kerr was a British author known for his Bernie Gunther series of historical detective thrillers. Kerr has published eleven novels under his full name and a children's series, Children of the Lamp, under the name P.B. Kerr.

Philip Ballantyne Kerr was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He showed an early aptitude for writing and a strong interest in history. He studied at the University of Birmingham, earning a BA degree in Law.

Kerr debuted with the novel March Violets, published in 1989. This book marked the beginning of his highly acclaimed Bernie Gunther series. The first novel is set in 1936, three years into Nazi rule, and follows the life and investigations of the detective Bernie Gunther.

At that time, bringing Nazi-era Berlin to life was a feat of imagination, research, and physical effort.

"I tramped the streets endlessly," Philip Kerr says. "This was before the Wall came down when Berlin was probably the most atmospheric city on earth. I didn’t know that I would write a thriller, but the more I got into it the more I realized that I was being the detective; exploring the historical Berlin was like working on a case."

March Violets introduced readers to Gunther's world and established Kerr's reputation for combining historical authenticity with thrilling detective plots. The success led to Kerr continuing the series, eventually spanning over a dozen books.

As time moves on, Gunther has to deal not just with the Nazi system but with war and the postwar occupation by Soviet troops.

His Bernie Gunther series often referred to as "Berlin noir" novels, provided a unique lens into the tumultuous events of the 20th century, including World War II and its aftermath.

Kerr's exploration of moral ambiguity and the complexities of human nature set against the backdrop of historical turmoil resonated with readers and critics alike.

Philip Kerr passed away at the age of 62. He died from bladder cancer, which he battled privately.

Photo credit: Ed Lederman/PEN American Center