The story serves as a gripping blend of historical fiction and classic detective work, capturing the "Trümmerzeit" (rubble era) when survival was often a matter of the black market and moral compromise.

During the carnival celebrations, a high-ranking British officer is found murdered. The timing is catastrophic, as it threatens the fragile peace between the local population and the British occupation forces.

Cologne is in ruins, yet the spirit of the city is beginning to stir as the first post-war Carnival—culminating in Rosenmontag (Rose Monday)—is being planned. This contrast between the festive tradition and the grim reality of starvation and destruction provides a unique atmosphere.

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A popular version is narrated by Michael Hansonis , available on Audible.de .