London-based fans of the crime author Philip Kerr are in for a treat this week. The author, who rarely appears publicly, is to host a dinner at Hardy’s Brasserie in Marylebone. It starts at 7pm on Thursday 7 February and tickets are £40 including a three-course meal.
Kerr is the author of the Bernie Gunther novels which we featured in some depth here. Gunther is a German detective of the 1930s who, though morally upright himself, has to do his job as best he can through the torment and injustice of the Nazi era. The series has been labelled Berlin Noir, and Kerr will be introducing and discussing the latest one: A Man Without Breath. It comes out 13 March.
There’s an enticing menu of Bavarian food on offer to chime with the subject matter. Wienerwurst, schnitzel, spätzel and kaiserschmarm are all on the menu, not to mention Bavarian beer and bottles of Reisling. There’s even been mention of Weimar songs. As Kerr previews the book, the audience will be able to ask questions and the three guests with the most interesting queries will each receive a free early copy of A Man Without Breath.
Interested? Email hardysbookdinners@gmail.com or see the website for details. Oh, and there will be strudel as well.
