Detective Bernie Gunther is back for another adventure in the latest novel by the prolific Philip Kerr. Following a disastrous attendance at a police conference in 1942, Bernie is ordered by Goebbels to Yugoslavia to find the father of the beautiful actress Dalia Dresner. Thrust into the middle of a Nazi plot and an ethnic war Bernie needs all his wits to survive.

The 10th novel in the Bernie Gunther series again showcases Kerr's ability for combining compelling mysteries with harsh historical elements. It contains several different mysteries spread throughout Europe, all of which combine together well in the narrative. A smart and eloquent novel, this is a fun read for fans of historical mysteries.

EAGLES AT WAR
By Ben Kane. Preface. $32.99.

AD9, Rome's influence and control over the Germanic tribes has grown and Governor Varus leads three legions into the forest to collect taxes. However, Rome's supposed ally, Arminius, has unified the disgruntled tribes and leads the Romans towards a deadly trap. As the legions walk closer towards the ambush one centurion, Tullus, tries to warn his comrades of his suspicions.

This is an intense and comprehensive literary reconstruction of one of the most infamous ambushes in military history. Making use of extensive research Kane examines the events leading up to the ambush from multiple perspectives, examining the various motivations and decisions. Detailed, brutal and enthralling, this is one of the year's most enjoyable historical fiction novels.

THE LADY OF MISRULE
By Suzannah Dunn. Little Brown. $29.99.

In 1553 Elizabeth Tilney has impulsively volunteered to act as an escort to Lady Jane Grey, who has been deposed after nine days as England's Queen. As guests in the Tower of London the two girls are forced together, despite being direct opposites. Their newfound relationship is put to the test, when events outside of their control seal Jane's fate.

The life of Jane Grey is fascinating due to her short reign. Dunn has made excellent use of a secondary character to explore Grey's history and to show the iconic events of her life. This is a fascinating insight into an important and somewhat obscure figure of English history.