Dust from the demolished Berlin Wall has barely settled, the East German police state is teetering on the edge of collapse, and Stasi General Holger Frantz will stop at nothing to save it. Caught in his intrigue are two unlikely heroes: American lawyer Rolf Keller, recently divorced, fresh off the bottle, and mysteriously dispatched by his senior law partner to coordinate document drops by a defecting Stasi agent, and aspiring opera diva Sylvia Mazzoni, Rolf's former lover who has been coerced into acting as courier.
After the scheme goes fatally awry, the reluctant recruits uncover an assassination plot designed to thwart the unification of East and West Germany. In the crosshairs of rival intelligence services and with a professional Stasi killer hot on their heels, Sylvia and Rolf resist the urge to run for their lives, and risk everything to stop the assassins.
Quarter Finalist 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award
2022 Arizona Authors Association Literary Contest: First Place in the category of published books
The opening chapters received the following two Amazon editorial reviews:
"The air of mystery is evident from the beginning. No reader would be left guessing at its genre. The action moves along perfectly and there is danger in the air. Very strong writing and perfect pacing. I certainly wanted to read more."
"The strongest aspect of this excerpt is definitely the suspense factor. When I finished reading, I just knew this was on the way to being a good suspense/thriller. Fantastic writing. This is a well polished piece of work and I think is on the way to being a great book."
For more details, reviews, or to purchase a paperback or eBook click here: http://tinyurl.com/88uvo6b
Peer reviews propelled The Stasi File into a top-five monthly novel and the permanent bestseller chart in the thriller category of former British-Arts-Council sponsored critique site YouWriteOn. As a result, it garnered the professional review below.
Peer Reviews:
The opening section of this novel reads like the best of the best-seller/thrillers on sale at any high street book shop. The writing is excellent and the pace is perfect. [T]he key ingredients for any good story are plot, characters and information. This piece
has all in spades. I have no doubt that this book will be picked up and published. It is targeting a clear market and is an accomplished and deserving piece of work. I wish its author every success!
♫ ♫ ♫
Tension, drama and setting. This has it all.
♫ ♫ ♫
An extremely well written piece that intrigued me from the beginning to its end.To me it had a touch of Robert Ludlum and John Grisham.
♫ ♫ ♫
Cheers for a smashing read.
♫ ♫ ♫
[I]t held my attention throughout and I enjoyed it very much. You are obviously an accomplished writer and this reads as well as any published work. The characters were interesting, consistent and believable, the settings were conveyed effectively and the narrative voice was compelling. Use of language was excellent . . . All in all, an extremely impressive
piece.
♫ ♫ ♫
In the very first paragraph I began to feel I knew Sylvia; I'd probably recognise her if I saw her in the street.
♫ ♫ ♫
I think you have a good international espionage tale going here. The plot seems well thought out, the characters are interesting and plausible, and the settings are very nicely written.
♫ ♫ ♫
Excellent story. I was captivated within the first few paragraphs.
♫ ♫ ♫
Professional Review:
Random House Readers' Group Feedback on The Stasi File
This historic novel introduced me to a topic I was surprisingly unfamiliar with. The history of the Red Army Faction
is an uncommon background to a story. Cleanly woven into the fall of the Berlin wall and the start of Germany’s new future, I found it rich and engaging, even in only the first few chapters of the story.
All three starting points, in East Germany, West Germany and in the US, offer the reader a huge amount of detail to start the plot off. I am often wary of such approach as too much detail up front can often lead to reader overload, or
at the least a sense of the author handing everything on a plate. But in this case it walks the line between them very
carefully.
There are two scenes that particularly drew my attention. The first, with Sylvia in the Park, and the second with Rolf
going to visit the senior partner.
Sylvia’s attack in the park comes completely out of the blue. I was just taking in the details of the previous paragraphs and starting to place where and when the story is set, when the assault by the RAF member started. While the section only lasts a few paragraphs I could feel my heart racing at the sudden change of pace. This is a good technique to engage the reader. This then set my interest at a higher level for the rest of the piece.
One suggestion here might be to lighten slightly the details before the attack. Not by much as it was all well written. It would just ensure that a browsing reader could be engaged slightly quicker.
The second scene was Rolf's. Here the first sentence changes the scene well, while skilfully keeping a semblance of pace from the Park scene. It also manages to quickly capture the essence of Rolf’s outlook. A view which is expanded upon as we are introduced to Mr Stein. The following exchange would be worthy of any great court room drama
and quickly reveals the real Rolf.
The third scene with Dobnik, while less enjoyable for me than the first two, is equally well handled. It has a distinctly darker theme and highlights the different shades with which the author paints the scenes. Using this colouring to hint at three different worlds that would eventually collide as the story progresses.
I think this is a Stirling effort that I enjoyed reading. With a small amount of effort to engage the reader as soon as possible, this could be even better! Congratulations to the Author for getting to the Top Ten, a worthy achievement indeed!
2022 Arizona Authors Association Literary Contest: First Place in the category of published books
The opening chapters received the following two Amazon editorial reviews:
"The air of mystery is evident from the beginning. No reader would be left guessing at its genre. The action moves along perfectly and there is danger in the air. Very strong writing and perfect pacing. I certainly wanted to read more."
"The strongest aspect of this excerpt is definitely the suspense factor. When I finished reading, I just knew this was on the way to being a good suspense/thriller. Fantastic writing. This is a well polished piece of work and I think is on the way to being a great book."
For more details, reviews, or to purchase a paperback or eBook click here: http://tinyurl.com/88uvo6b
Peer reviews propelled The Stasi File into a top-five monthly novel and the permanent bestseller chart in the thriller category of former British-Arts-Council sponsored critique site YouWriteOn. As a result, it garnered the professional review below.
Peer Reviews:
The opening section of this novel reads like the best of the best-seller/thrillers on sale at any high street book shop. The writing is excellent and the pace is perfect. [T]he key ingredients for any good story are plot, characters and information. This piece
has all in spades. I have no doubt that this book will be picked up and published. It is targeting a clear market and is an accomplished and deserving piece of work. I wish its author every success!
♫ ♫ ♫
Tension, drama and setting. This has it all.
♫ ♫ ♫
An extremely well written piece that intrigued me from the beginning to its end.To me it had a touch of Robert Ludlum and John Grisham.
♫ ♫ ♫
Cheers for a smashing read.
♫ ♫ ♫
[I]t held my attention throughout and I enjoyed it very much. You are obviously an accomplished writer and this reads as well as any published work. The characters were interesting, consistent and believable, the settings were conveyed effectively and the narrative voice was compelling. Use of language was excellent . . . All in all, an extremely impressive
piece.
♫ ♫ ♫
In the very first paragraph I began to feel I knew Sylvia; I'd probably recognise her if I saw her in the street.
♫ ♫ ♫
I think you have a good international espionage tale going here. The plot seems well thought out, the characters are interesting and plausible, and the settings are very nicely written.
♫ ♫ ♫
Excellent story. I was captivated within the first few paragraphs.
♫ ♫ ♫
Professional Review:
Random House Readers' Group Feedback on The Stasi File
This historic novel introduced me to a topic I was surprisingly unfamiliar with. The history of the Red Army Faction
is an uncommon background to a story. Cleanly woven into the fall of the Berlin wall and the start of Germany’s new future, I found it rich and engaging, even in only the first few chapters of the story.
All three starting points, in East Germany, West Germany and in the US, offer the reader a huge amount of detail to start the plot off. I am often wary of such approach as too much detail up front can often lead to reader overload, or
at the least a sense of the author handing everything on a plate. But in this case it walks the line between them very
carefully.
There are two scenes that particularly drew my attention. The first, with Sylvia in the Park, and the second with Rolf
going to visit the senior partner.
Sylvia’s attack in the park comes completely out of the blue. I was just taking in the details of the previous paragraphs and starting to place where and when the story is set, when the assault by the RAF member started. While the section only lasts a few paragraphs I could feel my heart racing at the sudden change of pace. This is a good technique to engage the reader. This then set my interest at a higher level for the rest of the piece.
One suggestion here might be to lighten slightly the details before the attack. Not by much as it was all well written. It would just ensure that a browsing reader could be engaged slightly quicker.
The second scene was Rolf's. Here the first sentence changes the scene well, while skilfully keeping a semblance of pace from the Park scene. It also manages to quickly capture the essence of Rolf’s outlook. A view which is expanded upon as we are introduced to Mr Stein. The following exchange would be worthy of any great court room drama
and quickly reveals the real Rolf.
The third scene with Dobnik, while less enjoyable for me than the first two, is equally well handled. It has a distinctly darker theme and highlights the different shades with which the author paints the scenes. Using this colouring to hint at three different worlds that would eventually collide as the story progresses.
I think this is a Stirling effort that I enjoyed reading. With a small amount of effort to engage the reader as soon as possible, this could be even better! Congratulations to the Author for getting to the Top Ten, a worthy achievement indeed!
Critiques and Reviews:
What you are writing here has great potential. . . . [Y]ou are on the right lines with your plot and pacing. This really reads well, moves along with a great deal of zest. I'm loath to find much fault, to be honest. The characters are rounded, I really think this is good stuff.
♫ ♫ ♫
The characters were believable and well differentiated. The main characters well described problematic lives would invite empathy from most readers in my opinion. The use of language was appropriate. The historical and geographical detail was spot on. Clearly the author knows exactly what he is talking about. The pace was good - excellent build up. The plot structure was well put together. . . . This piece has a nice concise style which is entirely suited to this particular genre. It is an intelligent, articulate and interesting story which I would definitely read. Thumbs up from me.
♫ ♫ ♫
The writing is clear and easy to follow. The conflict is shown and not told. The scenes advance the story and have intriguing conflict. The characters have strong motivations and the viewpoint characters have some great inner conflicts. A lot of great story questions are being raised from the very beginning.
♫ ♫ ♫
Thank you very much for the excellent excerpt. It really reads like a professional, published novel. . . . [T]he part with Rolf was my personal favorite with such authenticity that I could feel everything and every emotion. . . I am a writer who has lived in four Eastern European countries myself and studied and written about intelligence/police organizations over there. Everything you write about rings true . . . I can't imagine it won't be published.
♫ ♫ ♫
I really enjoyed this story. It was well paced, exciting and left me wanting to read more.
♫ ♫ ♫
The fall of the Berlin Wall, the Stasi and the history of East Germany is highly topical at the moment - witness the huge success of The Lives Of Others - which I saw last year and loved. So, all in all, I think you are onto a winner here.
[Y]ou convey [Keller's] qualities well, and drip feed us information about him in a masterful way. . . . Your other characters are great - Schmidt, Sylvia, Dobnik, the nurse - all well described, believable and engaging. Stein is also intriguing—he could turn out to be the archetypal double-crossing boss, who may or may not be manipulating Keller, and who may or may not get a brutal comeuppance at the end. Certainly, this extract promises much.
The dialogue is realistic and moves the plot along, and your narrative voice is excellent— you are in control of your material. Your language is well-written. The pace was generally terrific
. . .
♫ ♫ ♫
The writing is accomplished throughout, with barely a word wasted. The attention to detail is impeccable. . . . [T]he author keeps the reader's attention and interest throughout—something which takes no little skill.
♫ ♫ ♫
Information about Keller's background was cleverly and convincingly unveiled during his meeting with Stein. The account of this meeting was extremely well-paced, building tension . . . relieving the tension slightly . . . then quickly rebuilding it . . . (would Rolf be offered promotion, would his personal issues affect his suitability for the task he was being set, what were his priorities?)
I would certainly be interested to read on, and learn more about the culture and political climate of the time. Quite apart from the educational aspects, I found the story grabbed my attention and would be well worth reading on.
♫ ♫ ♫
A very interesting story with an excellent historical context which immediately hooks the reader. There is a lot of excellent historical detail which lends an air of reality and again engages the reader. The characters are credible and interconnect well. The use of different settings is executed very well and creates a very interesting backdrop for the story.
♫ ♫ ♫
The atmosphere of the period is very well captured, the script flows smoothly, the pace feels right and the dialogue works well to establish relationships - especially the one between Harry Stein and Rolf Keller. I liked the twist of an ambitious, naturalised American lawyer whose career and partnership prospects depend on the success of his mission. If media reports are right about a possible return to the climate of the Cold War, it could be boom time again for this kind of story.
♫ ♫ ♫
This was an accomplished piece of writing with good, believable characters and an authentic feel for the settings. I really felt that I was there with Dobnik in Trieste. . . . I loved the way you set up all the intrigue, and are slowly bringing the characters together.
♫ ♫ ♫
I really liked your opening. Great action and your description of the attack was excellent.
♫ ♫ ♫
I liked this and scored it highly. . . . I enjoyed the pace, descriptions, characterizations… all of it. Too often do I end up looking at the words and forget about the story; here I read the story. If I picked this up in Borders or somewhere I would consider buying it.
♫ ♫ ♫
I found the first chapters of your novel quite gripping . . . The detail in the setting was excellent, really giving a sense of place. The characters were well drawn . . . The dialogue was very realistic, and I especially enjoyed Rolf's interview with Stein. The shock information about Alcoholics Anonymous was well introduced, and an excellent way of telling us about Rolf without using direct exposition. . . . [T]his seems like a very well researched story.
Readers' Comments:
Action & Intellectual Intrigue, March 6, 2009:
The Stasi File is a heart-thumping novel full of action and intellectual intrigue. As the plot twists and turns you will find this book unputdownable (borrowed this 'word' from somewhere). The compelling main characters take you on a ride through a part of the world in the very recent past, that has and continues to have an impact on us all. A very satisfying read that leaves you wanting to read more about these characters.
Chris Kuber, Cornville, AZ
A Thinking Person's Spy Novel, March 6, 2009:
Many writers have tried - and failed - to blend espionage with the fine arts. Mr. Bernhardt has succeeded in a bravo way that makes the reader want to get closer (but not TOO close) to the Stasi File's main characters. With a foreground that blends terror, ego and greed, and a background of - can this be? - Opera, the book strikes a balance that is at once satisfying and exciting. I hope that this is just the first of Mr. Bernhardt's creations. I need more, please!
L. Roderick, Naples, FL
Prepare for a Sleepless Night, March 23, 2009:
I vividly remember the time when the Berlin wall came down and the subsequent revelations about the machinations of the East German State Security Service. Peter Bernhardt obviously has an intimate knowledge of Stasi matters and brilliantly describes the intrigues, deceptions, and murderous plots during this tumultuous period in German history.
Once you start reading, you get captivated and won't be able to put the book down. You ask yourself: Is this fiction or the true story of an insider? There is so much at stake: Human lives, and even German unification!
As you read through the night, you will grow fond of the main heroes of this thriller, the aspiring opera diva Sylvia and the German born US lawyer Rolf (my namesake!). Their strained relationship gradually changes as they hunt down the Stasi files in a breathtaking roller coaster ride through Germany. You hope that they will make out in a sequel to this page turner.
This novel concludes with another surprise, the stunning reason behind the lawyer's mission.
Rolf Reinfried, Sedona, AZ
Undaunted by Power Outage, June 12, 2009:
The Stasi File is one of the most compelling spy novels I have read. The author has a gift and has done his homework. Move over Clancy, Ludlum and LeCarre. This is an intelligent, complex, believable, tightly written story with well developed characters. Half way through my reading, a power outage tried to interrupt my enjoyment, but I resorted to a camper's headlamp to keep going. Be prepared for an all-nighter.
William Reller, Sedona, AZ
May 25, 2009:
The Stasi File kept me awake until1:30 AM this morning and sapped my waking will until it was finished. Congratulations! You have crafted a fast-paced, convoluted, intriguing set of episodes in a believable, threatening setting. In short, I liked it a lot! And appreciate the skill, descriptive color, and thoughtful creativity with which it was written. Bravo!
Georgia L. Snoke, Tulsa, OK
Bravo and Encore for The Stasi File, June 10, 2009:
The Stasi File is a well-researched, fast-paced, intellectually interesting thriller that is long on atmosphere and short (very short) on gratuitous violence and/or four letter words. It is a pleasure to read, with a broad (read multi-syllabic) vocabulary, a graphic sense of place (places) and time, and a stimulating rush towards the climax. The juxtaposition of opera and espionage adds color, and the hesitant love story provides the reader with a welcome hint of romance between episodes of action and escape. I can only hope there will be sequels.
Georgia L. Snoke, Tulsa, OK,
Co-author: Roman
Jasinski: A Gypsy Prince from the Ballet Russe.
The Stasi File, May 19, 2009:
I just finished this book...very hard to put down. This is an excellent read. It was exciting and kept you guessing. It was obviously well researched, you wonder if this is based on real people and events. I came away with a much better sense of what it was like back when the wall was coming down in Germany. Well written. I hope there are sequels! This book compares easily with the books of Clancy, Ludlum, or Follett.
Lois Hutcheson, Village of Oak Creek, AZ
Wonderful Writer, March 7, 2009:
I am so excited to have found another writer that can satifsy my love for books of espionage. Bernhardt grabbed my attention from the start and kept me hooked right until the end. I can't wait for him to write another book.
Alicia Detter, Tulsa, OK
I Could Hardly Put it Down, June 23, 2009:
I just finished reading The Stasi File and was very impressed. I enjoyed it very much and could hardly put it down. I stayed up one night reading until 3:00. Good story line, good characters, great descriptions.I felt like I was right in the story.
Bev Kephart, Ajiic, Mexico
An Astounding Debut Performance, July 17, 2009:
Peter Bernhardt has pulled off a marvelous accomplishment. The book is a thriller but it's also an intellectual challenge that teaches you about law, the fine arts, diplomacy, history, and politics.The author was able to accelerate the pace as the book proceeded so that by the final pages, I was reading as fast as I could. This book recounts a crucial time in history around the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of East Germany. It helps us understand how this was playing out from the personal to the supra-national level. The plot is complex and fascinating. I hope Bernhardt is well along on his next book. His first was a superb contribution.
Richard T. Mahoney, Sedona, AZ
Book Club Opinion, July 22, 2009
I belong to a book club of 10 women, age 50 and over. Everyone thought this was an outstanding espionage novel. It has great character development that helps you to care about the players. You can't guess the outcome of this, you are kept guessing at all times. A great read!
Carolyn book club member, Tulsa, OK
Excellent debut novel, August 2, 2009
Hate to praise such a great book with cliches, but this novel is truly riveting. Very well written, with plot twists and resolutions the reader doesn't expect; keeps you guessing as to the outcome to the very last chapter. The characters are very real and engaging. I can't wait to read Bernhardt's next book.
Steve Schuller, Tulsa, OK
Stasi File Review, August 21, 2009
I read this book for my book club. It is an exciting book. I could not put it down.
Sheila E. Dryden "book lover," Tulsa, OK
The Novel Held Me Right to the End. You Can't Put the Book Down.
Last night when I finished your novel I was so caught up with Sylvia and Rolf . . . I was excited by the way you play with and know Germany. The novel held me right to the end. I was amazed how you kept all the strings of the plot clear, and it is a complicated and involved plot. You kept all the stories working at the same pace so we could keep abreast of what each was doing. I was never confused. You are a novelist who loves detail. Over and over you take the time to elaborate on action or business or environment. This to me is a novelist who loves life and loves to reveal the total life of his characters. I, of course, was with Sylvia and Rolf all the way. The final chapters of the novel and the wild chase with all its danger is really breathtaking. You can't put the book down.
Omar Paxson, Los Angeles, January 6, 2010.
Book Club Study Questions
1. Identify at least three important sources of conflict in the plot.
A. Which are personal? Have you or someone you know ever been involved in a similar situation?
B. Which are cultural or political? Have you seen similar conflicts reflected in the news?
2. Why does the Stasi want to prevent German unification?
A. How does it try to stop the process?
B. How does its approach match its past style of behavior?
3. How well does Colonel Dobnik fit into the Stasi organization?
A. Where do his loyalties lie?
B. Is he a “good guy” or a “bad guy?”
4. What is Rolf afraid of? How about Sylvia?
A. Which of their decisions are made as the result of their fears?
B. Which are made in spite of their fears?
5. In what ways do opera, and Sylvia’s character, Micaëla, contribute to the plot?
6. What did you learn from the book about German habits and culture?
A. What did you learn about its history?
B. Did the author integrate these items into the story, or did they seem added on like lessons?
7. What motivates Rolf to stand by Sylvia this time instead of running away as he did twelve years earlier?
8. How do you think Rolf was able to refrain from drinking when under severe stress?
A. Do you know anyone who has struggled to recover from alcoholism?
B. How has their experience been similar to Rolf’s? How has it been different?
9. Did you learn something new or gain an insight from the novel?
10. How does the relationship between Sylvia and Rolf change and what causes the change?
A. By the end of the novel, do Sylvia and Rolf have the foundation for a long-term relationship? Why or why not?
11. Which scene grabbed you the most and why?
A. How did the author create the excitement and/or tension?
12. Which character(s) did you find the most interesting? Why?
13. Assuming you lived in our nation’s capital, how might your life be different if an organization like the Stasi secret police were a fact of life in Washington, D.C.? This would mean that 6,000 of Washington, D.C.’s population of 600,000 would have been coerced or lured into recording the personal activities of their fellow citizens, including you, and reporting everything to the police for action unrestrained by law. Would you be having this discussion?
A. What if Washington, D.C. were enclosed by a guarded wall and you could be summarily shot for trying to cross it?
14. What future adventure might you like to see Rolf and Sylvia become involved in?
Fragen zur Diskussion
1. Identifizieren Sie mindestens drei wichtige Konfliktpotenziale im Handlungsverlauf.
A. Welche sind persönlicher Natur? Steckten Sie oder jemand, den Sie kennen, schon einmal in einer ähnlichen Situation?
B. Welche sind kulturell oder politisch bedingt? Sind Ihnen ähnliche Konflikte schon einmal in den Nachrichten aufgefallen?
2. Warum will die Stasi die Vereinigung Deutschlands verhindern?
A. Wie versucht sie, diesen Prozess aufzuhalten?
B. Wie passt dieser Ansatz zu ihrem sonst üblichen Vorgehen?
3. Wie gut passt Oberst Dobnik in die Stasi-Organisation?
A. Wo liegt seine Loyalität?
B. Gehört er zu den Guten oder den Bösen?
4. Wovor hat Rolf Angst? Und Sylvia?
A. Welche ihrer Entscheidungen werden aufgrund dieser Ängste getroffen?
B. Welche treffen sie trotz dieser Ängste?
5. Auf welche Weise tragen die Oper und Sylvias Rolle als Micaëla zur Handlung bei?
6. Was haben Sie bei der Lektüre über den Fall der Mauer und die Vereinigung Deutschlands gelernt?
A. Hat der Autor diese Elemente in die Geschichte integriert oder wirkten sie wie hinzugefügte Lektionen?
7. Was motiviert Rolf, Sylvia diesmal beizustehen, statt wegzulaufen, wie er es vor zwölf Jahren getan hat?
8. Wie hat Rolf es Ihrer Meinung nach geschafft, trotz des enormen Stresses keinen Alkohol zu trinken?
A. Kennen Sie jemanden, der mit Alkoholsucht gekämpft hat?
B. Inwiefern ähnelten die Erfahrungen denen Rolfs? Worin unterschieden sie sich?
9. Wie verändert sich die Beziehung zwischen Sylvia und Rolf, und wodurch wird diese Veränderung ausgelöst?
A. Haben Sylvia und Rolf am Ende des Romans das Fundament für eine dauerhafte Beziehung gelegt? Warum oder warum nicht?
10. Welche Szene hat Sie am meisten gepackt und warum?
A. Wie hat der Autor diese Erregung und/oder Spannung erzeugt?
11. Welche Figur(en) fanden Sie am interessantesten? Warum?
12. Wie würden Sie den Charakter von Generalmajor Frantz einschätzen?
13. Wie würden Sie den Charakter von Boris Schlechter beurteilen? War er die stumpfsinnige Bestie, die fraglos alle Befehle von General Frantz befolgte, oder war er mehr als das?
14. Haben Sie durch den Roman etwas Neues gelernt oder neue Einsichten gewonnen?
A. Über deutsche Geschichte und Kultur?
B. Über Geheimdienste und Spionage?
C. Über Oper?
D. Sonstiges?