Death in Brittany - Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a book on my TBR pile. While normally I'm a stickler for reading series in order, even when it's said that it's not necessary, sometimes I make an exception. This book is a case in point. I was so intrigued when the publisher asked me to review the third book in the series, I said yes. You can read my review of  The Fleur de Sel Murders here. I really enjoyed it, so I intend to read the first two. The first in the series is Death in Brittany by Jean-Luc Bannalec. It was originally published in Germany in 2012.

From the back cover:

Commissaire Georges Dupin, a cantankerous, Parisian-born caffeine junkie recently relocated from the glamour of Paris to the remote (if picturesque) Breton coast, is dragged from his morning croissant and coffee to the scene of a curious murder. The local village of Pont-Aven-a sleepy community by the sea where everyone knows one another and nothing much seems to happen-is in shock. The legendary ninety-one-year -old hotelier Pierre-Louis Penned, owner of the Central Hotel, has been found dead.

A picture-perfect seaside village that played host to Gauguin in the nineteenth century, Pont-Aven is at the height of its tourist season and is immediately thrown into an uproar. As Dupin delves into the lives of the victim and the suspects, he uncovers a web of secrecy and silence that belies the village's quaint image.

A delectable read, Death in Brittany transports readers to the French coast, where you can practically smell the sea air and taste the perfectly cooked steak frites in an expertly crafted, page-turning mystery perfect for fans of Martin Walker.

The Fleur de Sel Murders - Review

Review

THE FLEUR DE SEL MURDERS by Jean-Luc Bannalec

The Third Brittany Mystery

On a vague tip from trusted journalist Lilou Breval, Commissaire Georges Dupin decides to break a few rules and take a peek at the salt marshes, not believing he'll find anything. Enjoying the beautiful place he sees nothing amiss, until someone starts shooting at him! Wounded and unable to make contact with Lilou, Commissaire Dupin is determined to work the case, even though it's out of his jurisdiction. Now he, along with Commissaire Sylvaine Rose and her local team will sift through the salt marshes to discover the truth behind the blue barrels.

Jean-Luc Bannalec captures the essence of Brittany with his vivid descriptions, from the succulent food (My mouth is watering for a tartine with brie, walnuts, and grape mustard!), the myths and fables, the gorgeous landscape, even the scents. I want to visit the salt marshes to smell the violet fragrance of the salt!

THE FLEUR DE SEL MURDERS has a slow, steady, and methodical pace. It's not a light, easy read. The narrative needs to be savored and readers need to pay attention to appreciate the complex story and exquisite details given. I liked the characters, and wish I had my own Nolwenn! I enjoyed the different approaches of both Commissaire Dupin and Commissaire Rose as they begrudgingly work as a team, each with an honest respect for the other, but each used to doing things his/her own way! But it's the charming details that really heighten the appeal of the mystery, the gifts that Georges chooses for Claire, Riwal's stories, and the kangaroo!

THE FLEUR DE SEL MURDERS is a police procedural that traditional mystery fans will embrace.