Phillip Kerr

I love his Bernie Gunther books, BG is a wonderful character. And yes, they are so evocative of those years. I haven't read "Metropolis" either nor any of his stand alone books.
Another author who writes about events in/around Europe before/during WW2 is Alan Furst. His books are equally enjoyable.

Just found this thread and wanted to add that I too love Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther novels and have read every one several times.
Very sad that this talented author has died - such an exceptional story teller whose meticulous research on WW11 Berlin enriched every page of his work.
For those who enjoyed Philip Kerr's material, I suggest having a look at David Downing's Station series. His central character is an American journalist caught up in the intrigues of the Nazi regime in Berlin. Cracking stories.

Love the Bernie Gunther novels, just got another one out the library-Prussian Blue. Didn't know he had died. How sad.