The Dead Genius

by Axel Brand

After forensic scientist Armand de Trouville dies without a will, his associates ask Detective Lt. Joe Sonntag to assist them in finding any heirs, a task that starts out as a courtesy becomes more sinister as Sonntag believes Trouville may have been murdered.

300 pages, Hardcover

First published July 20, 2011

About the author

The Milwaukee where I grew up in the forties was a place where English was often a second language, and each neighborhood had its own tongue. It was a place with corner taverns, where families collected, and a place of churches, many of them transplanted from the old country. I remember the orange streetcars and the motormen in dark blue who watched the fare money drop into the glass box and then gave you a transfer. I remember the Big Band music that played on WTMJ and WEMP, along with Charlie McCarthy and Edgar Bergen, or Fibber McGee and Molly. And I remember it as a safe and solid place, run by a socialist mayor, with four seasons and a settled way of life. So I set my mysteries there, in a big industrial town that had amenities, a town that I remember fondly.

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

As I started this story, it was unique. A master who created a new field in criminal science, forensic document examination, dies without any documents to his life or past. The time is post-WWII in Milwaukee and the pace reflects the times. This procedural was just bit too much procedure and not enough character. Didn't even read the end to find out the conclusion!

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chose this book for my husband, as it’s in large print. I lived in Milwaukee in the early ‘60s, on Wells St, so enjoyed seeing the mention of places I knew. The story started well, but was slow moving and there was too much cigar smoke. It was interesting to discover who the dead genius was.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carol Nelson I'll definitely be going back to read the first book in this series about Lt. Sonntag (The Hotel Dick). The characters are quirky, but I got a very real sense of them and I could relate to them. From what I could determine, this book is set in 1940's or 50's Milwaukee. It had suspense, but without any gore. Check this book out if you enjoy well-crafted character-driven stories. If you are looking for non-stop action, this book isn't for you.

[J.F. Juzwik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great. Lots of odd characters, but they're odd in an interesting way. All you want to do is keep turning pages to find out more about them and also to follow the storyline. It flows very smoothly and keeps you guessing all the way through. It's a terrific mystery and I enjoyed this very much.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my review at my blog.

[Polly]

Milwaukee 1940s

[Al Stoess · Rating 2 out of 5]

ok. Notthing spectacular.