A deceased Jewish comedian haunts the former Nazi officer responsible for his execution, forcing a surreal confrontation between victim and perpetrator.

The protagonist, Genghis Cohn, exists as a persistent, spectral presence attached to Schatz, a former SS officer who now serves as a police commissioner in post-war Germany. Cohn utilizes his biting wit and supernatural influence to sabotage Schatz's attempts at normalcy and authority, effectively turning the officer's life into a psychological prison. The narrative operates through a blend of dark humor and existential dread, shifting between the mundane realities of police work and the haunting memories of the concentration camps. The structure is non-linear, often blurring the lines between the physical world and the internal torment of the antagonist.

Readers frequently highlight the jarring yet effective balance between the book's comedic tone and its somber subject matter. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to personify the weight of history through the abrasive, witty voice of Cohn. Critics note that the narrative avoids traditional sentimentality, opting instead for a cynical, sharp-edged examination of accountability. The atmosphere is consistently described as claustrophobic and surreal, reflecting the inescapable nature of the characters' shared history. Many readers find the interplay between the two leads to be a provocative study of human cruelty and the endurance of memory.