" without a trace

Author: Bernhard Schlink
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-10-01
Features: Private detective Selber and the general manager of the Rhine Chemical Works, Koden, are close friends who grew up together, attended school together, and even graduated together. Moreover, Selber married Koden's sister. During the early difficult years, Selber always received warm care from Koden's entire family. During World War II, Selber served as a Nazi prosecutor, while Koden joined the chemical works. After the war, Selber could no longer bear the psychological torment of that unhappy past and switched careers to become a private detective, while Koden gradually became the general manager of this major chemical conglomerate. By chance, Selber accepted his brother-in-law's to investigate a "hacker" who had infiltrated the factory's computer system. During the investigation, he discovered the history of the chemical works' rise——how it relied on forced labor during World War II and polluted the environment as its foundation for growth. At the same time, he also found that Koden, in his pursuit of promotion, had gone to great lengths,, manipulated retaliatory actions, and even killed those who discovered his tracks, yet the existing laws were powerless to stop him. Between friendship, family, and justice, Selber found a solution that aligned with his own desires. He eliminated Koden without a trace, removing a harmful element from society.