Crime fiction event reimagines Thomas Mann's Felix Krull with a twist
A crime fiction event will close this year's Wiesbaden Crime March with a twist. Eight authors from the collective Dostoevsky's Heirs will present short stories inspired by Thomas Mann's The Confessions of Felix Krull, Confidence Man. The evening promises a mix of readings and literary celebration.
The event marks a rare nod to Mann's work in the region, despite 2025 being the 150th anniversary of his birth and the 70th since his death.
The evening takes place on Tuesday, March 31, at 7:30 PM in the Literaturhaus Villa Clementine. Authors Leila Emami, Jürgen Heimbach, Bernd Köstering, Susanne Kronenberg, Alexander Pfeiffer, Ute Schusterreiter, Belinda Vogt, and Thorsten Weiß will read from their new anthology, High Stacks, Hard Falls. Each story reimagines themes from Mann's novel, blending deception, charm, and criminal intrigue.
One tale follows a cunning trickster from the Rheingau whose schemes spiral into crime. The anthology itself was created to honour Mann's legacy, though no other local events have tied into his 2025 milestones. Instead, this gathering offers a playful yet sharp take on his influence through modern crime fiction.
The event wraps up the Wiesbaden Crime March with a focus on literary craft and clever storytelling. Attendees will hear fresh interpretations of a classic work, all while celebrating the enduring appeal of the confidence man. Tickets remain available for those eager to experience the blend of crime and culture.
