This is a well-written police procedural set in 1930s France, told over a period of a week. The storytelling of Laurence Giliotti is such that you actually felt part of the investigation and involved in the police-station politics of pre-WWII France.
A senior prosecutor, Jean Michel Bertrand, is charged with the murder of his mistress, Annette Cuomo on the island of Q. Bertrand realises quickly he will need help and calls upon his court-room rival, Chief Inspector Gambrelli of the Metro Police to investigate. The local police commander Henri Ormond wants a quick resolution but Gambrelli is not so sure ..... things don't quite add up. What is the mystery surrounding the two sisters, Annette & Lisa; why has the prosecutor's wife, Madame Bertrand, undergone such a noticeable change? Just when it seems that the case is solved, Gambrelli has some nagging afterthoughts. Despite a successful conclusion there are still a few loose ends - nothings is as clear cut as anticipated.
I, like many other readers, will be looking forward to the next installment.
Other Reviews:
Kirkus Review "The spirit of Georges Simenon is alive and well in this novel."
Portland Book Review "The book reads as if it is a series that has been ongoing for some time, but readers will find a delightful surprise to discover Gambrelli and the Prosecutor is only the beginning."
San Francisco Book Review "While the main mystery is solved two-thirds of the way through, the true mastermind is only unveiled near the end."
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