Brunner in the Black by Will Nichols (Book Review #2297)

Brunner in the Black by Will Nichols is a gripping, high-stakes crime thriller that plunges readers into a world of espionage, corruption, and ruthless justice. At its center is Lenya Fischer, a former Stasi operative turned private investigator who embodies the grit, cunning, and moral ambiguity of a true anti-heroine. At sixty-three, Lenya is anything but past her prime—she’s sharp, relentless, and unafraid to get her hands dirty in pursuit of truth.

Hired by a jealous cousin to investigate Austrian industrialist Peter Brunner’s powerful lumber conglomerate, Lenya quickly discovers she has stepped into far darker waters than expected. The Brunner Group’s legitimate façade masks deep corruption, with ties to drug and arms trafficking, hidden funds in Liechtenstein, and the Vatican Bank’s shadowy dealings. When her lover, Orell Schneider—a former intelligence officer with insider knowledge of global finance—is murdered by a car bomb, the investigation becomes personal. What begins as a job spirals into a deadly pursuit of vengeance and justice, as Lenya takes on not just a corrupt family but the entrenched powers of globalization’s criminal elite.

Nichols writes with the precision of someone who has lived and breathed the investigative world. His background as a career private investigator lends authenticity to every detail, from the mechanics of financial secrecy to the shadow networks that sustain international crime. The novel balances intense action sequences with careful plotting, immersing readers in a landscape where political intrigue, money laundering, and moral compromise collide.

Lenya herself is a standout. Complex, battle-hardened, and unapologetically ruthless, she is a character who commands attention. Her pain at Orell’s death fuels her drive, but Nichols ensures she remains more than a vessel for revenge. She is a symbol of resistance against a corrupt establishment, proof that justice—though often bloodied—can still be pursued.

The novel also resonates with contemporary themes, as Nichols explores how globalization enables corruption at the highest levels, and how ordinary citizens—millions filling the streets in protest—push back against systems designed to exploit them. With its blend of noir sensibilities, geopolitical insight, and emotionally charged storytelling, Brunner in the Black is both timely and timeless.

For readers who enjoy crime thrillers with depth, international intrigue, and a fearless, unforgettable heroine, Will Nichols has delivered a must-read.

Written by Jeyran Main

“Looking for editing, marketing, or book reviews? Explore our services and let us help you elevate your book!”

“Want your book featured in our magazine? Feature an editorial book review in our Book Review Magazine or submit an article in our Book Article Magazine.”