H. W. Kettenbach
DAVID’S REVENGE
Hans Werner Kettenbach
“This is a dark psychological drama with an underlying threat of violence where individual and social morality is constantly questioned. Racism, nationalism and xenophobia are amongst the uncomfortable subjects that Kettenbach explores in this sinister but fascinating rumination on the true nature of revenge.” Crime Time
When David Ninoshvili arrives from war-torn Georgia, the peaceful existence of a school teacher’s family in Germany comes to an abrupt end. Christian Kestner has all but forgotten his stay in Tbilisi seven years before under Soviet rule but when he receives a letter from David announcing his visit, he begins to worry. Why is David coming? To seek revenge for a relationship that Christian had with his wife? To conspire with one of the different factions now vying for the control of Georgia?
Christian becomes intensely suspicious of David’s secretive ways, jealous of the Georgian’s attraction to his wife and even resentful of his relationship with his teenage son. Fear turns into panic, a feeling so corrosive that it almost transforms this most rational individual into a monster.
“This suspenseful novel provides an interesting look at post- soviet life in Germany and a unique view inside German politics and schools. The real thrill of the novel comes from watching Christian’s destructive spiral and trying to separate his delusions from reality.” ForeWord
£7.99/$14.95
CRIME PAPERBACK ORIGINAL
ISBN 978-1904738-398
www.bitterlemonpress.com
BLACK ICE
Hans Werner Kettenbach
“A beautifully translated thriller, not a drop of blood on its pages. The nastiness takes place off-stage which makes it all the more threatening” BBC2 Culture
“A dark thriller in the Patricia Highsmith tradition. The slow build up to the cruel and bitter ending displays Kettenbach’s skill and confirms his reputation as one of Germany’s leading thriller writers.” Sunday Telegraph
Erika, an attractive local heiress, is married to Wallmann, a man with expensive tastes. When she falls to her death near their lakeside villa, the police conclude it was a tragic accident. Scholten, a long time employee of Erika’s, isn’t so sure. He knows a thing or two about the true state of her marriage and suspects an almost perfect crime. Scholten’s maverick investigation into the odd, inexplicable details of the death scene soon buys him a ticket for a most dangerous ride.
This beautifully crafted thriller set in a European world of small-town hypocrisy was made into a film in 1998. It is written by an essayist, script writer and best-selling novelist whose work is now available in English for the first time.
“A devilish dive into an obsessed mind. Despite, or because of, his many humorous quirks, the hero is also a convincing Everyman.” Kirkus, starred review
£8.99/$13.95
CRIME PAPERBACK ORIGINAL
ISBN 978-1904738-084
www.bitterlemonpress.com
BITTER LEMON PRESS
First published in the United Kingdom in 2011 by
Bitter Lemon Press, 37 Arundel Gardens, London W11 2LW
First published in German as Das starke Geschlecht
by Diogenes Verlag AG Zurich, 2009
The translation of this work was supported by
the Goethe-Institut which is funded by the
German Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Bitter Lemon Press gratefully acknowledges the financial
assistance of Arts Council of England
© Diogenes Verlag AG Zurich, 2009
English translation © Anthea Bell, 2011
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced in any form or by any means without
written permission of the publisher
The moral rights of the author and the translator
have been asserted in accordance with the
Copyright, Designs, and Patents Act 1988
A CIP record for this book is available from the British Library
eISBN : 978-1-904-73870-1
Typeset by Alma Books Limited
Printed and bound by Cox & Wyman Ltd. Reading, Berkshire