As of: February 3, 2024, 1:00 p.m
By: Sven Trautwein
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“Crime Scene: Death at the Landungsbrücken” has been published.
The author duo explains in an interview how they came to write together and what readers can expect.
With “Death at the Landungsbrücken” Angélique and Andreas Kästner have brought their first crime novel together onto the market.
The psychotherapist, who has a doctorate, already has experience in the crime genre.
As retirement approached for the chief inspector of the Hamburg water police and his colleagues encouraged him to share some of his experiences, Andreas Kästner also decided to devote himself to writing crime novels.
He explained this in an interview with Ippen.Media.
Andreas and Angélique Kästner “Harbor Crime Scene: Death on the Landungsbrücken” in an interview with Ippen.Media © Kerstin Petermann
Angélique and Andreas Kästner recently presented their debut novel “Tatort Hafen.
Death at the Landungsbrücken”.
On a four-hour barge tour, in addition to book excerpts, we also took a deep look into the port of Hamburg, which offers much more than the jetties and the crossing to Musical Island.
What is “Death at the Landungsbrücken” about?
The difference to other crime novels is that the book is not just set on the edge of the harbor, but right in the middle of the harbor.
It's about a launch captain who was found dead on his launch.
The water police secure the crime scene and call in the homicide squad.
Homicide detective Jonna Jacobi quickly realizes that the perpetrators and the events must be closely linked to the port.
And she doesn't know her way around there.
So she brings the water protector Tom Bendixen into her team and they investigate together.
There is an important third main character, Charlotte, a detective from the police victim protection department who provides psychological support to the family of the dead barge captain.
And yes, what initially looks like a war between barge operators, all of whom are in fierce competition with one another, turns out to be much more complex as the book progresses and Jonna penetrates deeply into the operations of the port of Hamburg.
How did you come up with the idea of writing this crime novel together?
Andreas Kästner: My wife has actually been pestering me for a long time (laughs).
Angélique Kästner: Literally harassed (laughs).
It started with colleagues and friends.
They would love a crime thriller that revolves around the water police.
Our agent was thrilled.
So we started plotting.
There are crime novels that deal with the topic of water police in passing, but they only investigate
at the
port and not
in the
port.
That makes the big difference to our stories.
My husband is a real insider.
Andreas Kästner: At first I didn't want to have anything to do with it.
I have been a water police officer for over 30 years.
I'm at work all day and I don't want to deal with the topic in the evening.
But as retirement approached, I became more comfortable with the idea.
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Do you have a typical writing day?
If so, what does it look like?
Angélique Kästner: The writing days are all quite similar.
I usually get up at six...
Andreas Kästner: Not me (laughs).
Angélique Kästner: My husband is happy that he can now sleep in.
I then sit at my desk with a coffee and start writing.
After two to three hours we have breakfast together and I discuss with my husband the passages in the text where questions remain unanswered.
Then the writing continues.
My husband can then use the time for other things.
Andreas Kästner: I can't work on the book all day.
When we sit down together, I clarify what works and what doesn't work.
I always bring a few experiences and missions with me.
The basic framework is then gradually created.
Angélique Kästner: Every now and then I print out passages and chapters that I give to my husband to proofread.
It is now a fluid process.
Seven days a week and even on vacation.
Your book shows the perfect symbiosis: writing and background knowledge without having to ask x additional experts.
Angélique Kästner: Yes, that gives our book a special touch.
With us the exchange is more direct and Andreas gives me advice straight away about what fits and what can stay that way.
Or not.
Every now and then there is a “no” and Andreas tells a story that brings in a completely new nuance and changes the situation.
For us it is a constant process in which everything is adjusted and aligned.
You can tell it’s not a “research” book.
Do you have a favorite character in “Death at the Landungsbrücken”?
Andreas Kästner: For me it is definitely “squeeze”.
I think every book needs a character like that.
Someone who doesn't think too much, but just gets things done.
Unique.
Angélique Kästner: My favorite person is the homicide detective Jonna.
She is four years from retirement and realizes that she has sacrificed her private life for work.
A conflict with her superiors gives her completely new ideas.
Is writing a bit of a balance to your job?
Angélique Kästner: Yes, I have been a psychotherapist for over 30 years and I have a lot to do with emotions.
I also worked for the police in crisis intervention for twelve years.
There were a lot of emotions and dramatic situations.
Writing was a way to deal with and distance myself from the feelings that had to go somewhere.
At some point these notes were expanded fictionally.
I really enjoyed it – that’s how it all started.
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What kind of books do you like to read in your private life?
Andreas Kästner: I really enjoy reading crime novels and have a large collection, similar to my wife's.
Angélique Kästner: I also like reading crime novels and thrillers, but also novels.
Last year we published a novel together that is based on my husband's life story: a male friendship in the 1980s in the GDR - between friendship and betrayal.
The clique still exists today!
Are there more crime novels in the pipeline?
Angélique Kästner: Three volumes of “Tatort Hafen” are currently planned and in progress.
The second volume will be released before Christmas!
We're really looking forward to that.
What are you most looking forward to after finishing the first book?
Angélique Kästner: We look forward to the readings and readers' reactions in the coming weeks.
Is the port of Hamburg well received?
What else are readers interested in?
We've been writing in our closet for so long that we're happy to receive feedback and exchange!
Andreas Kästner: I am pleased that the work of the water police is being recognized and that the processes and operations are becoming a little more public.
If we can get one or two young people to join the water police, all the better.
Thank you for the interview.
Angélique and Andreas Kästner “Crime Scene Harbor.
Death at the Landungsbrücken”
2024 Droemer, ISBN-13 978-3-426-53066-5
Price: paperback €12.99, e-book €4.99, 320 pages (different format)
“Writing is a real craft,” as crime writer Nele Neuhaus explains in an interview with Ippen.Media.
Here you can find more crime novels set in Hamburg.