Bettina Kerwien: "Katzenkopp" (Spandau Mystery)

As part of the 48h Spandau Festival

Lesung mit Bettina Kerwien

West Berlin, April 1986: A killer is on the loose in Spandau at night. He has a penchant for deserted streets and older women. Inspector Peter Kappe believes this is a serial murder case—and so far, he is the only one.

Shortly thereafter, Novosti photographer Schenja Brost collapses in the lobby of the Axel Springer high-rise. He had traveled from Kiev to West Berlin via Schönefeld and was contaminated with radiation. Brost had demanded an international press conference and otherwise remained silent. Now, two days later, he is dead. Is Brost responsible for the murders of the women? Or is he a spy? Then a photo negative is found in the dead Russian’s shoe—and on it, Kappe sees something unimaginable that nevertheless turns out to be true.

Bettina Kerwien’s crime novel “Katzenkopp” is set precisely during the days of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which marked its 40th anniversary this year. While Inspector Kappe investigates a serial murder case, news of the nuclear disaster in the Soviet Union gradually reaches the public. The 39th volume of the Kappe series brings the atmosphere of the city at that time back to life. The crime series "Es geschah in Berlin" has been running since 1996—it is Germany’s longest-running crime series.

The reading will take place in the attic of a medieval half-timbered house and is therefore unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

In cooperation with the Evangelical Church District of Spandau.Translated with DeepL

Next date:

• Date Friday, 19/June/2026 19:00
• Venue Spandovia Sacra
• Address Reformationsplatz 12, 13597 Berlin-Spandau