The chili guardian…
The Disappearance of Adèle Bedeau by Graeme Macrae Burnet
This book was written before the highly successful “His Bloody Project “(shortlisted for the 2016 Booker Prize )and it has some of the same characteristics. The atmosphere and setting (in this case a small Alsatian town) have a surreal touch. It feels as if the whole town is caught in a dark time stop (although Mulhouse and Strasbourg,both very much alive, are in the vicinity). Furthermore, the whole town seems to be inhabited by thoroughly unpleasant and yes, slightly weird people(a bartender who hardly says a word, a desk sergeant who’s not inclined to do any work, people in bars just staring at nothing (or their glass)).
This book is,although very well written, difficult to classify. The best description (that I can give)is a written film noir with undertones of Patrick Süskind and Simenon.
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
After the untimely (and mysterious )death of her husband, Elsie is sent to her husband’s ramshackle country manor. The manor is surrounded by a bleak scenery, an hostile village and a decrepit church.That should be enough to make one feel a bit tense but there is more:a 17th century diary, strange wooden figures and many,many secrets .This is in every sense a classic ghost story (haunted house, forbidden rooms,noises in the night…)but what makes this special is the fact that the ghostly part is very good ,but there is also an excellent mystery story underneath.
A Season in the Sun by Robert Rees
Things are not going well in London for Henry Fanshaw (of the Fanshaw dynasty )when he(luckily )inherits a beautiful colonial house and a cricket club in the amazing Seychelles. Being a bit of a pompous Englishman, Henry has to adapt to both this island in the sun and to his fellow club members (a (swearing)vicar and a priest,a chief of police, a dope smoking top player, a heartbroken captain…)But even in paradise evil lurks, in this case,gambling evil…
This is the perfect read for fans of Death in Paradise and Jerome K.Jerome.And it has the kind of setting that makes you want to book a flight to Mahé right away !
Books,dogs and cats 