What do you think?
Rate this book
Kommissar Dupin #8
Body by the Sea
In all of Commissaire Georges Dupin’s time living in Brittany, there has never been a murder on his home turf, until now, in Jean-Luc Bannalec's The Body by the Sea .
A town on the sea, Concarneau’s nickname is Ville Bleue, or the Blue Town. With three harbors at its center, visitors can see enormous ships, sailors, fishermen, and the industry that goes alongside it. Because of its geographical location, Concarneau has shown it’s perfectly positioned to protect its inhabitants from enemy attacks.
For this reason and more, including his favorite restaurant, the Amiral, Commissaire Georges Dupin calls this town home. Most of his colleagues are on vacation for the Pentecost long weekend, but Dupin remains. His future in-laws are coming to visit.
But what happens when an enemy attacks from within? Dupin’s plans as host must change when the body of Doctor Chaboseau is discovered. Chaboseau fell to his death, pushed from his home above the Amiral. With only two new colleagues to help―no one else is answering their phone―Dupin is tasked with finding out what happened to the doctor.
A town on the sea, Concarneau’s nickname is Ville Bleue, or the Blue Town. With three harbors at its center, visitors can see enormous ships, sailors, fishermen, and the industry that goes alongside it. Because of its geographical location, Concarneau has shown it’s perfectly positioned to protect its inhabitants from enemy attacks.
For this reason and more, including his favorite restaurant, the Amiral, Commissaire Georges Dupin calls this town home. Most of his colleagues are on vacation for the Pentecost long weekend, but Dupin remains. His future in-laws are coming to visit.
But what happens when an enemy attacks from within? Dupin’s plans as host must change when the body of Doctor Chaboseau is discovered. Chaboseau fell to his death, pushed from his home above the Amiral. With only two new colleagues to help―no one else is answering their phone―Dupin is tasked with finding out what happened to the doctor.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2019
298 people are currently reading
3586 people want to read
About the author
Jean-Luc Bannalec
33 books517 followerspen name of Jörg Bong
The author divides his time between Germany and coastal Brittany, France. Death in Brittany, the first case for Commissaire Dupin, was published in German in March 2012 and sold 600,000 copies, spending many months on the bestseller list. It has been sold into 14 countries.
The author divides his time between Germany and coastal Brittany, France. Death in Brittany, the first case for Commissaire Dupin, was published in German in March 2012 and sold 600,000 copies, spending many months on the bestseller list. It has been sold into 14 countries.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
April 13, 2023
The Body by the Sea is the 8th in the Commissaire Dupin series, but it’s the first time a murder is committed on his home turf. And it would have to happen while his whole crew, Nolwenn, Riwal and Kadeg are away.
The murdered man was a wealthy physician, one of three men that were business partners in multiple ventures. Quickly, there’s an explosion at a shipyard they all own.
As is Bannalec’s standard practice, there are multiple crimes that might or might not be connected. Past books have had ties to Breton folktales and legends. Here, it turns out there are parallels to an Inspector Maigret story called The Yellow Dog by Georges Simonon, written in 1931.
The book is perfect for those that like the addition of good food and wine and beautiful scenery to a convoluted mystery. A visit from Claire’s parents provides small bits of humor scattered throughout the story.
The book can easily be read as a stand-alone.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for an advance copy of this book.
The murdered man was a wealthy physician, one of three men that were business partners in multiple ventures. Quickly, there’s an explosion at a shipyard they all own.
As is Bannalec’s standard practice, there are multiple crimes that might or might not be connected. Past books have had ties to Breton folktales and legends. Here, it turns out there are parallels to an Inspector Maigret story called The Yellow Dog by Georges Simonon, written in 1931.
The book is perfect for those that like the addition of good food and wine and beautiful scenery to a convoluted mystery. A visit from Claire’s parents provides small bits of humor scattered throughout the story.
The book can easily be read as a stand-alone.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for an advance copy of this book.
June 16, 2024
When commissaire Dupin gets a suspected murder thrown in his lap in his hometown none of his regular staff is around. Due to work to the Police station they all took vacation only Dupin with new staff is left defending justice. We learn that Dupin really depends upon his so Breton staff to help him come to his often brilliant conclusions.
This time we get more Breton magic and touristy information about history, sundowns, surfing and food. Also the story touches base with a George Simenon novel called the Yellow Dog in which commissaire Maigrit solves a case in Dupins town.
Again we are left with a splendid tale of murder, greed and in-laws in beautifull Brittany. A welcome and interesting tale once again.
This time we get more Breton magic and touristy information about history, sundowns, surfing and food. Also the story touches base with a George Simenon novel called the Yellow Dog in which commissaire Maigrit solves a case in Dupins town.
Again we are left with a splendid tale of murder, greed and in-laws in beautifull Brittany. A welcome and interesting tale once again.
January 5, 2023
Commissaire Dupin, residing in Brittany, has been called to the scene of a suspicious death--the town's doctor has fallen to his death from his apartment, and his snobbish wife is very uncooperative when Dupin and his staff try to interview her. Then there is another murder and an explosion--could they be related? There are so many suspects, and Dupin sees a pattern emerging, similar to a mystery novel written in the 1930's which was set in Brittany. The conclusion is exciting, and the ending surprising. The descriptions of Brittany's scenery and food make it sound like a wonderful place to visit. The novel was excellently translated by Sorcha Mcdonagh and, despite being #8 in a series, was fine to read as a standalone. Recommended for anyone who enjoys Martin Walker's Bruno Chief of Police mysteries. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
August 25, 2019
Vive la France! - auch wenn sich das etwas merkwürdig anfühlt, wenn man weiß, daß sich hinter dem Pseudonym Jean-Luc Bannalec der deutsche Literat Jörg Bong (schon eine Weile nicht mehr) versteckt. Merkwürdig fühlt es sich auch an, nach längerer Zeit der “Abstinenz” einmal mehr in meiner Muttersprache gelesen und, jetzt und hier, auch geschrieben zu haben.
Andererseits schreibt mit Martin Walker auch ein nicht ganz so “waschechter” Franzose (sondern ein Schotte!) über seinen Bruno und ist damit ziemlich erfolgreich.
Ähnlich verhält es sich auch in anderen Punkten, was beide Roman-Serien angeht: Beide, so scheint es leider, haben ihre besten Zeiten hinter sich. Denn der vorliegende Band “Bretonisches Vermächtnis” ist immer noch nett, Dupin als Figur weiterhin ausgesprochen sympathisch und auch gewissermaßen glaubwürdig; nur leider wirkt doch alles recht routiniert:
“Schon Hunderte Male hatte er hier gesessen. Er hätte die Augen schließen und den Raum dabei im Detail beschreiben können.”
Nun gut, hunderte Male haben wir Dupin nicht “getroffen”, aber dies ist bereits der achte Band und, ja, man kann schon leider zunehmend Parallelen zu älteren Fällen finden.
Na klar, mit den beiden neuen Polizistinnen LeMenn und Nevou hat sich Bannalec neue Randfiguren erschaffen, aber nach einem vielversprechenden Anfang, während dessen die beiden beginnen, Konturen zu gewinnen, gelingt es Bannalec nicht, sie wirklich mit Leben zu füllen...
“Kein Kaffee, kein Wein, Dupin machte sich langsam Sorgen um Nevou.”
… dabei kann ich diese Sorge nur allzu gut verstehen!
Stattdessen holt er den vorher abwesenden Riwal zurück an Bord der Ermittlungen. Ein Kunstgriff, der notwendig scheint, um der etwas verworrenen Geschichte und deren Auflösung ein bißchen Authentizität zu verleihen.
Auch eben diese Geschichte – schnell zusammengefaßt und in mehrerlei Hinsicht leider nur mäßig originell – kann nur bedingt überzeugen: Drei ältere Herren – ein Arzt, ein Apotheker und ein Weinhändler – aus Concarneau verbinden ihre langjährige Freundschaft mit dem Geschäft – sie investieren gemeinsam in die lokale Wirtschaft. Da wird der Arzt ermordet und ein eher seichtes Drama nimmt seinen Lauf.
Viele Nebenfiguren treten auf und wir lernen den stereotypen jung-dynamischen Bürgermeister Concarneaus ebenso kennen wie die Besitzerin einer lokalen Konservenfabrik und viele weitere Lokal-Größen. Leider ist niemand von ihnen wirklich interessant, aber alle irgendwie schwer verdächtig – für meinen Geschmack zumindest tummeln sich zu viele Figuren am Rand und die Lösung des Falles fällt Dupin plötzlich förmlich in den Schoß. Und, Deus ex machina, alles wird – zumindest für mich ebenso überraschend wie nur bedingt glaubwürdig – plötzlich gut, oder fast.
Vielleicht ist es das Gesetz der Serie (also, nicht das Gesetz der Serie): Je länger eine Buch-Serie Erfolg hat, desto höher ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit, daß es dem Autor nicht gelingt, ein würdiges Ende zu finden, bevor wir seines Helden überdrüssig werden. (Ganz anders übrigens als Henning Mankell, der seinem Kommissar Wallander einen etwas traurigen, dabei aber überaus würdevollen, realistischen und lebensbejahenden Abschied angedeihen ließ, was ich nach über 40 Jahren des Lesens so noch nie gesehen habe!)
Allzu oft wird es dann glatt und routiniert, wie hier – das tut keiner Serie gut.
So zumindest geht es mir – leider! – sowohl mit meinem geliebten Bruno als auch – wie mir böse schwant – mit dem mir so sehr sympathischen Dupin.
Allerdings – und das gibt mir ein wenig Hoffnung – tut Bannalec etwas, daß mir zutiefst sympathisch ist: Er läßt Dupin nicht nur den reinen Wortlaut des Gesetzes, sondern auch dessen Bedeutung beachten:
“Dupin hatte gegrübelt, wie er sich beim Verhör verhalten sollte. Vor allem: welche Fragen er stellen sollte. Um was zum Thema zu machen. Oder, andersherum: Was würde er […] alles erzählen lassen und wie ausführlich? Und – was nicht?”
Darin wiederum sind sich Walkers Bruno und Bannalecs Dupin sehr ähnlich – sie lassen nie die Menschlichkeit außer Acht, sondern verhalten sich jedem Menschen gegenüber anständig.
So lasse ich diesen achten Band aus Jean-Luc Bannalecs Dupin-Reihe mit gemischten Gefühlen zurück und werde doch nicht von ihm, Dupin, lassen und empfehle diesen Band all jenen, die meine kleine Schwäche für französische Kommissare teilen.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Andererseits schreibt mit Martin Walker auch ein nicht ganz so “waschechter” Franzose (sondern ein Schotte!) über seinen Bruno und ist damit ziemlich erfolgreich.
Ähnlich verhält es sich auch in anderen Punkten, was beide Roman-Serien angeht: Beide, so scheint es leider, haben ihre besten Zeiten hinter sich. Denn der vorliegende Band “Bretonisches Vermächtnis” ist immer noch nett, Dupin als Figur weiterhin ausgesprochen sympathisch und auch gewissermaßen glaubwürdig; nur leider wirkt doch alles recht routiniert:
“Schon Hunderte Male hatte er hier gesessen. Er hätte die Augen schließen und den Raum dabei im Detail beschreiben können.”
Nun gut, hunderte Male haben wir Dupin nicht “getroffen”, aber dies ist bereits der achte Band und, ja, man kann schon leider zunehmend Parallelen zu älteren Fällen finden.
Na klar, mit den beiden neuen Polizistinnen LeMenn und Nevou hat sich Bannalec neue Randfiguren erschaffen, aber nach einem vielversprechenden Anfang, während dessen die beiden beginnen, Konturen zu gewinnen, gelingt es Bannalec nicht, sie wirklich mit Leben zu füllen...
“Kein Kaffee, kein Wein, Dupin machte sich langsam Sorgen um Nevou.”
… dabei kann ich diese Sorge nur allzu gut verstehen!
Stattdessen holt er den vorher abwesenden Riwal zurück an Bord der Ermittlungen. Ein Kunstgriff, der notwendig scheint, um der etwas verworrenen Geschichte und deren Auflösung ein bißchen Authentizität zu verleihen.
Auch eben diese Geschichte – schnell zusammengefaßt und in mehrerlei Hinsicht leider nur mäßig originell – kann nur bedingt überzeugen: Drei ältere Herren – ein Arzt, ein Apotheker und ein Weinhändler – aus Concarneau verbinden ihre langjährige Freundschaft mit dem Geschäft – sie investieren gemeinsam in die lokale Wirtschaft. Da wird der Arzt ermordet und ein eher seichtes Drama nimmt seinen Lauf.
Viele Nebenfiguren treten auf und wir lernen den stereotypen jung-dynamischen Bürgermeister Concarneaus ebenso kennen wie die Besitzerin einer lokalen Konservenfabrik und viele weitere Lokal-Größen. Leider ist niemand von ihnen wirklich interessant, aber alle irgendwie schwer verdächtig – für meinen Geschmack zumindest tummeln sich zu viele Figuren am Rand und die Lösung des Falles fällt Dupin plötzlich förmlich in den Schoß. Und, Deus ex machina, alles wird – zumindest für mich ebenso überraschend wie nur bedingt glaubwürdig – plötzlich gut, oder fast.
Vielleicht ist es das Gesetz der Serie (also, nicht das Gesetz der Serie): Je länger eine Buch-Serie Erfolg hat, desto höher ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit, daß es dem Autor nicht gelingt, ein würdiges Ende zu finden, bevor wir seines Helden überdrüssig werden. (Ganz anders übrigens als Henning Mankell, der seinem Kommissar Wallander einen etwas traurigen, dabei aber überaus würdevollen, realistischen und lebensbejahenden Abschied angedeihen ließ, was ich nach über 40 Jahren des Lesens so noch nie gesehen habe!)
Allzu oft wird es dann glatt und routiniert, wie hier – das tut keiner Serie gut.
So zumindest geht es mir – leider! – sowohl mit meinem geliebten Bruno als auch – wie mir böse schwant – mit dem mir so sehr sympathischen Dupin.
Allerdings – und das gibt mir ein wenig Hoffnung – tut Bannalec etwas, daß mir zutiefst sympathisch ist: Er läßt Dupin nicht nur den reinen Wortlaut des Gesetzes, sondern auch dessen Bedeutung beachten:
“Dupin hatte gegrübelt, wie er sich beim Verhör verhalten sollte. Vor allem: welche Fragen er stellen sollte. Um was zum Thema zu machen. Oder, andersherum: Was würde er […] alles erzählen lassen und wie ausführlich? Und – was nicht?”
Darin wiederum sind sich Walkers Bruno und Bannalecs Dupin sehr ähnlich – sie lassen nie die Menschlichkeit außer Acht, sondern verhalten sich jedem Menschen gegenüber anständig.
So lasse ich diesen achten Band aus Jean-Luc Bannalecs Dupin-Reihe mit gemischten Gefühlen zurück und werde doch nicht von ihm, Dupin, lassen und empfehle diesen Band all jenen, die meine kleine Schwäche für französische Kommissare teilen.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
April 24, 2023
✨🔍👩🏼⚕️💊🍷✨
February 25, 2024
I like these books so much- and now I really want to visit Brittany. Anyone else ready to go and see the sights and sample the cuisine?
These books are so clever and set in modern times, within no old-fashioned romance, but with interesting contemporary sensibilities.
I only have one more to read and then I am caught up with the series, sorry to say.
These books are so clever and set in modern times, within no old-fashioned romance, but with interesting contemporary sensibilities.
I only have one more to read and then I am caught up with the series, sorry to say.
April 12, 2021
Un roman solide mais qui n'a pas été un coup de cœur. L'enquête en soi est relativement simple et plutôt banale mais j'ai adoré reconnaître des lieux près de chez moi, et en savoir plus sur l'histoire d'Arthur et du Graal.
Les personnages sont assez sympa, Dupin en tête. Bref, je ne garderai pas un souvenir impérissable de ma lecture mais j'ai passé un bon moment.
Les personnages sont assez sympa, Dupin en tête. Bref, je ne garderai pas un souvenir impérissable de ma lecture mais j'ai passé un bon moment.
December 22, 2024
3.5 stars
Mon dieu! Commissaire Georges Dupin must deal with his first murder that actually takes place in his picturesque home village of Concarneau, in Brittany. A trio of wealthy and powerful local men have formed a financial partnership that has interests in many different areas, and one of them ends up splattered on the pavement from his luxurious dwelling above Dupin’s beloved bar/bistro L’Amiral. Is it an accident, or is it murder? Then a second man of the trio ends up dead, and Dupin and his team struggle to find the connection. Could the men be quarreling over money and bumping each other off? The answer is rather more interesting than that!
Mon dieu! Commissaire Georges Dupin must deal with his first murder that actually takes place in his picturesque home village of Concarneau, in Brittany. A trio of wealthy and powerful local men have formed a financial partnership that has interests in many different areas, and one of them ends up splattered on the pavement from his luxurious dwelling above Dupin’s beloved bar/bistro L’Amiral. Is it an accident, or is it murder? Then a second man of the trio ends up dead, and Dupin and his team struggle to find the connection. Could the men be quarreling over money and bumping each other off? The answer is rather more interesting than that!
December 13, 2023
More deaths in Brittany. While sounding beautiful, this is a place with many murders. Pacy, caffeinated and complex.
October 23, 2019
Erneut ein sehr unterhaltsames Buch der von mir sehr geschätzten Dupin-Reihe. Vor allem Maigret-Fans werden hier auf ihre Kosten kommen!
Ich liebe die Auflösung, die Bannalec hier gestrickt hat, und die Art und Weise wie er schon früh einen gelben Hund durchs Amiral streifen lässt, noch bevor der berühmte Roman von George Simenon überhaupt das erste Mal erwähnt wird. (Interessierten Lesern, die das 1931 erschienene Buch "Maigret und der gelbe Hund" noch nicht gelesen haben, sei an dieser Stelle empfohlen, den Roman vor der Lektüre von "Bretonisches Vermächtnis" nachzuholen. Sonst drohen Spoiler! Und überhaupt ist es sehr interessant, das Bild von Concarneau, das Simenon damals gezeichnet hat, mit dem von Bannalec heute zu vergleichen.)
Leider krankt der neue Dupin meiner Meinung nach an einem gängigen Krimi-Problem: Die Ermittlungen und falschen Fährten sind keineswegs so interessant wie die ungewöhnliche Auflösung. Und so kommt die eigentliche Geschichte, die sich logischerweise erst am Ende entfaltet, dann für mich persönlich etwas zu kurz.
Zudem muss ich mehreren Mitrezensenten hier beipflichten: Auch ich habe das Gefühl, dass sich die Serie langsam abnutzt. Ich hoffe sehr, dass Bannalec eine spanende Wendung für die Figuren findet, die neuen Drive in die Serie bringt.
Ich liebe die Auflösung, die Bannalec hier gestrickt hat, und die Art und Weise wie er schon früh einen gelben Hund durchs Amiral streifen lässt, noch bevor der berühmte Roman von George Simenon überhaupt das erste Mal erwähnt wird. (Interessierten Lesern, die das 1931 erschienene Buch "Maigret und der gelbe Hund" noch nicht gelesen haben, sei an dieser Stelle empfohlen, den Roman vor der Lektüre von "Bretonisches Vermächtnis" nachzuholen. Sonst drohen Spoiler! Und überhaupt ist es sehr interessant, das Bild von Concarneau, das Simenon damals gezeichnet hat, mit dem von Bannalec heute zu vergleichen.)
Leider krankt der neue Dupin meiner Meinung nach an einem gängigen Krimi-Problem: Die Ermittlungen und falschen Fährten sind keineswegs so interessant wie die ungewöhnliche Auflösung. Und so kommt die eigentliche Geschichte, die sich logischerweise erst am Ende entfaltet, dann für mich persönlich etwas zu kurz.
Zudem muss ich mehreren Mitrezensenten hier beipflichten: Auch ich habe das Gefühl, dass sich die Serie langsam abnutzt. Ich hoffe sehr, dass Bannalec eine spanende Wendung für die Figuren findet, die neuen Drive in die Serie bringt.
April 15, 2021
Je découvre par ce roman le commissaire Dupin dont je ne connaissais ni les enquêtes livresques ni l’adaptation cinématographique, je n’avais pas non plus entendu parler de Jean-Luc Bannalec, auteur d’origine allemande que l’on croirait breton pure souche tant son écriture est immersive !
Le docteur Chaboseau, notable issu d’une des familles les plus anciennes et les plus fortunées de Concarneau, dont la réputation est excellente, est retrouvé défenestré dans la cour de son immeuble. Alors que la plupart de ses collaborateurs sont en congés pour fuir un commissariat en travaux, le commissaire Georges Dupin voit son week-end de Pentecôte en amoureux bouleversé par deux évènements de taille : d’une part, l’arrivée impromptue de ses beaux-parents et d’autre part cette enquête inattendue, qui mène Dupin sur les traces d’un tueur avide de vengeance.
Pour ses amis proches, l’un pharmacien, l’autre négociant en vin, ainsi que pour son épouse, Chaboseau était un homme apprécié de tous. Pourtant, les pistes ne manquent pas car le médecin réputé était également mécène dans plusieurs domaines : entrepreneur et investisseur dans l’immobilier, il aidait au développement des brasseries et conserveries locales et s’investissait dans la construction navale. Il se passionnait également pour l’art: autant de pistes à suivre pour tenter de démasquer le coupable… Après l’avoir fait rechercher par monts et par vaux, le commissaire va, grâce à l’efficacité incomparable de son assistante Nolwenn, enfin avancer dans cette enquête particulièrement retors.
Enquête troublante à Concarneau est un roman policier original et savoureux, je dirai qu’il est « rétro » et ça fait du bien parfois d’être déconnecté d’un monde où tout file à toute vitesse. Le lieu de l’intrigue tout d’abord est une invitation au voyage. Lisez le premier chapitre et faites vos bagages, direction Concarneau : oui, en cette nouvelle période de confinement, les quelques pages de ce roman m’ont procuré un grand bol d’air! Les personnages, y compris secondaires sont charismatiques, mais je retiendrai surtout Georges Dupin qui voue un véritable culte aux spécialités culinaires bretonnes : les descriptions de ses nombreux repas sont plaisantes jusqu’à un certain point car on frise tout de même l’indigestion ! Certaines situations qui mettent en scène le commissaire sont cocasses, notamment avec ses beaux-parents, ce qui contribue à le rendre très sympathique. De nombreux protagonistes participent à cette enquête, il faut être attentif pour tous les retenir, mais le style de l’auteur, notamment au niveau des dialogues, est assez théâtral et il est donc facile d’imaginer les interactions entre les personnages et de les retenir aisément. J’ai particulièrement apprécié l’hommage rendu à Georges Simenon, par l’utilisation de son roman « Le chien jaune » comme élément de l’intrigue : le commissaire Maigret a en effet mené plusieurs enquêtes à Concarneau, l’originalité de Jean-Luc Bannalec est d’intégrer l’intrigue de ce roman dans sa propre énigme.
A découvrir pour les amateurs de roman policier « du terroir », j’ai apprécié cette lecture pour laquelle je remercie vivement les Editions Presses de La Cité ainsi que NetGalley.
Le docteur Chaboseau, notable issu d’une des familles les plus anciennes et les plus fortunées de Concarneau, dont la réputation est excellente, est retrouvé défenestré dans la cour de son immeuble. Alors que la plupart de ses collaborateurs sont en congés pour fuir un commissariat en travaux, le commissaire Georges Dupin voit son week-end de Pentecôte en amoureux bouleversé par deux évènements de taille : d’une part, l’arrivée impromptue de ses beaux-parents et d’autre part cette enquête inattendue, qui mène Dupin sur les traces d’un tueur avide de vengeance.
Pour ses amis proches, l’un pharmacien, l’autre négociant en vin, ainsi que pour son épouse, Chaboseau était un homme apprécié de tous. Pourtant, les pistes ne manquent pas car le médecin réputé était également mécène dans plusieurs domaines : entrepreneur et investisseur dans l’immobilier, il aidait au développement des brasseries et conserveries locales et s’investissait dans la construction navale. Il se passionnait également pour l’art: autant de pistes à suivre pour tenter de démasquer le coupable… Après l’avoir fait rechercher par monts et par vaux, le commissaire va, grâce à l’efficacité incomparable de son assistante Nolwenn, enfin avancer dans cette enquête particulièrement retors.
Enquête troublante à Concarneau est un roman policier original et savoureux, je dirai qu’il est « rétro » et ça fait du bien parfois d’être déconnecté d’un monde où tout file à toute vitesse. Le lieu de l’intrigue tout d’abord est une invitation au voyage. Lisez le premier chapitre et faites vos bagages, direction Concarneau : oui, en cette nouvelle période de confinement, les quelques pages de ce roman m’ont procuré un grand bol d’air! Les personnages, y compris secondaires sont charismatiques, mais je retiendrai surtout Georges Dupin qui voue un véritable culte aux spécialités culinaires bretonnes : les descriptions de ses nombreux repas sont plaisantes jusqu’à un certain point car on frise tout de même l’indigestion ! Certaines situations qui mettent en scène le commissaire sont cocasses, notamment avec ses beaux-parents, ce qui contribue à le rendre très sympathique. De nombreux protagonistes participent à cette enquête, il faut être attentif pour tous les retenir, mais le style de l’auteur, notamment au niveau des dialogues, est assez théâtral et il est donc facile d’imaginer les interactions entre les personnages et de les retenir aisément. J’ai particulièrement apprécié l’hommage rendu à Georges Simenon, par l’utilisation de son roman « Le chien jaune » comme élément de l’intrigue : le commissaire Maigret a en effet mené plusieurs enquêtes à Concarneau, l’originalité de Jean-Luc Bannalec est d’intégrer l’intrigue de ce roman dans sa propre énigme.
A découvrir pour les amateurs de roman policier « du terroir », j’ai apprécié cette lecture pour laquelle je remercie vivement les Editions Presses de La Cité ainsi que NetGalley.
April 1, 2023
The Body by the Sea is the eighth book in the marvelous Brittainy Mystery Series by Jean-Luc Bannalec who consistently writes with wit, cunning, evocative atmosphere and quirky characters, many of whom would be fun to enjoy coffee with. But the atmosphere, oh, the atmosphere! That's my favourite bit. I felt, heard and smelled the sea waves crash and tasted the delicious baked goods at cafes. Concarneau is usually a peaceful fishing village punctuated by slivers of gossip. When a body is discovered...likely pushed over a cliff...people grow suspicious of each other, some overtly, others covertly. Murder casts a thick blanket of deception over the village and skeletons creak in closets.
Commissaire Georges Dupin and his colleagues take some necessary time away from the office. At first two colleagues dutifully check in with him but that quickly changes after their requisite show of loyalty burns off. Alas...when they are needed most, Doctor Chaboseau's body is discovered in Dupin's Brittany town...er, the sea... and it isn't pretty. But the crimes don't end there...this is just the beginning. There is an explosion and espionage and death isn't finished yet. So much for George enjoying a weekend alone with Claire. His future in-laws showing up are the least of his problems.
Jean-Luc Bannalac's unique writing style really stands out and when I see those striped book covers I don't even need to read the blurb as I know a treat lies ahead. This is one of my favourite mystery series as the stories are original, gorgeously written, evocative and contain smatterings of intelligent wit. They're not fluffy but they are perfect for escaping in.
Mystery readers who yearn for oft elusive je ne sais quois, get your hands on this series. You won't regret it!
My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this enchanting book. Book nine, please! Quickly!
Commissaire Georges Dupin and his colleagues take some necessary time away from the office. At first two colleagues dutifully check in with him but that quickly changes after their requisite show of loyalty burns off. Alas...when they are needed most, Doctor Chaboseau's body is discovered in Dupin's Brittany town...er, the sea... and it isn't pretty. But the crimes don't end there...this is just the beginning. There is an explosion and espionage and death isn't finished yet. So much for George enjoying a weekend alone with Claire. His future in-laws showing up are the least of his problems.
Jean-Luc Bannalac's unique writing style really stands out and when I see those striped book covers I don't even need to read the blurb as I know a treat lies ahead. This is one of my favourite mystery series as the stories are original, gorgeously written, evocative and contain smatterings of intelligent wit. They're not fluffy but they are perfect for escaping in.
Mystery readers who yearn for oft elusive je ne sais quois, get your hands on this series. You won't regret it!
My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this enchanting book. Book nine, please! Quickly!
January 26, 2020
I like the easiness and fluidity, I enjoy the description of food and places a wonderful book to escape a rainy January but it is not more than that and it is definitely not a particularly well constructed crime story - entertaining definitely but not more than that.
Wer diese Reihe kennt, weiß, Jean-Luc Bannalec versetzt seine Leser durch seine schöne Landschaftsbeschreibungen direkt in die Bretagne. Das ist ihm auch dieses Mal wieder gut gelungen und seine Krimihandlung ist ein gekonntes Verwirrspiel, bei dem nicht nur viele Verdächtige auf Herz und Nieren befragt werden müssen, sondern auch noch Inhalte eines Simenon-Buches für den Fall von Bedeutung werden. Trotzdem kein besonders herausragender Krimi aber gute Unterhaltung die sommerliche Stimmung aufkommen lässt.
Wer diese Reihe kennt, weiß, Jean-Luc Bannalec versetzt seine Leser durch seine schöne Landschaftsbeschreibungen direkt in die Bretagne. Das ist ihm auch dieses Mal wieder gut gelungen und seine Krimihandlung ist ein gekonntes Verwirrspiel, bei dem nicht nur viele Verdächtige auf Herz und Nieren befragt werden müssen, sondern auch noch Inhalte eines Simenon-Buches für den Fall von Bedeutung werden. Trotzdem kein besonders herausragender Krimi aber gute Unterhaltung die sommerliche Stimmung aufkommen lässt.
September 2, 2025
The Body by the Sea. ( 2023) A Brittany Mystery (Commissaire Dupin #8) Jean-Luc Bannalec pen name of Jörg Bong. iBook 10.99. 2/9/25. 5/5 ⭐️
Absolutely fantastic series of books, highly recommend. #8 was for me the absolute best, start to finish. This took place where Dupin lives, his home turf and the descriptions of the area are amazing. With the added pleasure of frequent references to the famous old series that includes Maigret and The Yellow Dog, Georges Simenon 1931, which seems to reflect in Dupin’s current case. The usual characters are here with an additional two new policewomen. The writer has been clever with the recurring characters of the series and the new that come along with each mystery or death. Every book explores a part of the history of Brittany, brilliantly. Makes me want to return to that marvelous part of France again as it has been years since we were last there. This storyline is tight and well written …. 5/5! On to the next in the series of 11 books, happily.
Absolutely fantastic series of books, highly recommend. #8 was for me the absolute best, start to finish. This took place where Dupin lives, his home turf and the descriptions of the area are amazing. With the added pleasure of frequent references to the famous old series that includes Maigret and The Yellow Dog, Georges Simenon 1931, which seems to reflect in Dupin’s current case. The usual characters are here with an additional two new policewomen. The writer has been clever with the recurring characters of the series and the new that come along with each mystery or death. Every book explores a part of the history of Brittany, brilliantly. Makes me want to return to that marvelous part of France again as it has been years since we were last there. This storyline is tight and well written …. 5/5! On to the next in the series of 11 books, happily.
August 28, 2025
Solito giallino arruffato e un po' pasticciato alla Bannalec: un commissario che scoperchia pentoloni che alla fine non c'entrano un tubo con l'inchiesta... e li lascia lì tranquillamente scoperchiati a far incazzare la gente, dalla vedova al sindaco, dall'armatore di yacht alla dottoressa fighissima. L'ultimo morto, peraltro, perché? Non mi è proprio chiarissimo, sono un po' tonta lo ammetto. Insomma non mi torna proprio il senso di tutto quanto.
L'autore cita spesso Simenon e si fa suggerire la soluzione del caso da uno dei romanzi di Maigret ambientato a Concarneau (acqua in bocca che già sto dicendo troppo :-P). Di Simenon però non ha lo spessore, la capacità di ricreare le atmosfere e le persone, la capacità di raccontare e, secondo me, di far tornare tutti i pezzi al loro posto alla fine della fiera.
Perché 3* nonostante questo commento non entusiasta? Perché non mi capita spesso di leggere un libro immaginandomi perfettamente i luoghi in cui la storia si svolge: a Concarneau sono stata più di una volta, la Bretagna la conosco abbastanza bene. Il commissario va qui e là, e me lo immagino benissimo, si mangia un paninazzo sontuoso in quel posto lì seduto sulla panchina fuori dal locale, dalla quale si vede quel paesaggio là, beve l'ennesimo caffè in quel baretto lì, cena all'Amiral, dove sostavano Simenon e Maigret e pure la sottoscritta. Insomma a tratti mi pareva di esserci. Ma soprattutto, (limite del libro per chi a Concarneau non pensa di andare a breve), sembra un compendio di un opuscolo dell'ATP o dell'associazione ristoratori: mi sono segnata un bel po' di dritte, so come si chiamano i gestori, quali sono i piatti più amati, addirittura cita un paio di vini. Pure il nome dell'edicolante all'angolo. Mica paglia, no?
(no, non credo siano sponsor, solo amici, credo, però il dubbio potrebbe essere lecito)
E adesso di corsa a rileggere "il cane giallo" di Simenon!
L'autore cita spesso Simenon e si fa suggerire la soluzione del caso da uno dei romanzi di Maigret ambientato a Concarneau (acqua in bocca che già sto dicendo troppo :-P). Di Simenon però non ha lo spessore, la capacità di ricreare le atmosfere e le persone, la capacità di raccontare e, secondo me, di far tornare tutti i pezzi al loro posto alla fine della fiera.
Perché 3* nonostante questo commento non entusiasta? Perché non mi capita spesso di leggere un libro immaginandomi perfettamente i luoghi in cui la storia si svolge: a Concarneau sono stata più di una volta, la Bretagna la conosco abbastanza bene. Il commissario va qui e là, e me lo immagino benissimo, si mangia un paninazzo sontuoso in quel posto lì seduto sulla panchina fuori dal locale, dalla quale si vede quel paesaggio là, beve l'ennesimo caffè in quel baretto lì, cena all'Amiral, dove sostavano Simenon e Maigret e pure la sottoscritta. Insomma a tratti mi pareva di esserci. Ma soprattutto, (limite del libro per chi a Concarneau non pensa di andare a breve), sembra un compendio di un opuscolo dell'ATP o dell'associazione ristoratori: mi sono segnata un bel po' di dritte, so come si chiamano i gestori, quali sono i piatti più amati, addirittura cita un paio di vini. Pure il nome dell'edicolante all'angolo. Mica paglia, no?
(no, non credo siano sponsor, solo amici, credo, però il dubbio potrebbe essere lecito)
E adesso di corsa a rileggere "il cane giallo" di Simenon!
February 5, 2020
Routiniert geschriebener Bretagne-Krimi. Wie immer in der Reihe werden glaubhafte und angemessen tiefe Charaktere geboten. Die Lösung des Falles hätte für meinen Geschmack gern etwas weniger kurz und überraschend kommen dürfen. So war das sehr die plötzliche "Tante aus Amerika", die im letzten Moment alles aufklärt. Was ich als streckenweise störend empfand, war die Lobpreisungen der kulinarischen Höhepunkte. Das war mir diesmal einfach to much. Ansonsten ein runder Frankreich-Krimi.
November 17, 2020
Gran libro una vez más. El autor es capaz de hacerte dar vueltas sin que sospeches nada hasta el final del libro. Se hace un poco pesada la estructura de capítulos largos, pero por lo demás es un gran libro, que te mantiene atrapada desde el principio. Como siempre, este autor es capaz de mantener el suspense en todo momento.
June 5, 2024
Ah, ta zbirka mi je pa v celoti všeč. Vsakič znova me vleče v Bretanjo in pisatelj vedno znova odkriva nekaj drugačnega in razkriva: tokrat nekaj legend in lokalno gospodarstvo, od pivovarn, konzervarn, ladjedelnic.. Ribice so tokrat kar v ospredju... In pa: zanimiva povezava s kriminalko Rumeni pes Georga Simenona. Več pa v tem delu bretonske serije....
March 31, 2020
Nach einem schwachen Vorgänger wieder ein spannender Fall für Dupin und sein Team - mit zwei neuen Gesichtern.
April 11, 2023
A police procedural with relatable characters, an intriguing plot and a far-away setting that sounds like a wonderful place to visit (if only through someone else's eyes)? In my book, it doesn't get much better. The star of this show is French Commissaire Georges Dupin, who lives in Brittany. And for the first time in the series, his home turf is the setting for some very nasty goings-on.
This is the eighth in a series, of which I've previously read only one; I assure other readers, though, that this stands alone well (although I do feel it was an advantage to be at least somewhat familiar with the characters). At any rate, it's Pentecost season, and most of Dupin's cohorts are on vacation - even he, a workaholic, is taking things a bit easier than usual. Then, it all takes a nosedive; well, more accurately, a town big-wig, a doctor, takes a dive off the balcony of his residence - and not by accident.
Turns out the good doctor and two also big-wig friends are business partners in several ventures, and in the midst of an investigation that seems to be going nowhere, one of them is the scene of a big explosion that quite likely also wasn't an accident. One by one, Dupin's treasured and relied-upon team members return to work (all of them are workoholics just like their boss). In the midst of all this, Dupin's lady love, Claire, was hoping he'd be around for the weekend because her parents are coming for a visit. Having to be on the job makes Dupin quite certain they won't be happy - and Claire's mother has never been all that fond of him anyway. Then comes yet another murder, and an intriguing twist: What's happening now bears an uncanny resemblance to events from a book a local author wrote many years earlier.
As always, readers are treated to enticing descriptions of Brittany, its people and it's places as well as plain old good sleuthing by Dupin and his colleagues. Very enjoyable, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
This is the eighth in a series, of which I've previously read only one; I assure other readers, though, that this stands alone well (although I do feel it was an advantage to be at least somewhat familiar with the characters). At any rate, it's Pentecost season, and most of Dupin's cohorts are on vacation - even he, a workaholic, is taking things a bit easier than usual. Then, it all takes a nosedive; well, more accurately, a town big-wig, a doctor, takes a dive off the balcony of his residence - and not by accident.
Turns out the good doctor and two also big-wig friends are business partners in several ventures, and in the midst of an investigation that seems to be going nowhere, one of them is the scene of a big explosion that quite likely also wasn't an accident. One by one, Dupin's treasured and relied-upon team members return to work (all of them are workoholics just like their boss). In the midst of all this, Dupin's lady love, Claire, was hoping he'd be around for the weekend because her parents are coming for a visit. Having to be on the job makes Dupin quite certain they won't be happy - and Claire's mother has never been all that fond of him anyway. Then comes yet another murder, and an intriguing twist: What's happening now bears an uncanny resemblance to events from a book a local author wrote many years earlier.
As always, readers are treated to enticing descriptions of Brittany, its people and it's places as well as plain old good sleuthing by Dupin and his colleagues. Very enjoyable, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
November 11, 2024
Une enquête centrée sur les personnages (beaucoup) plus que sur n'importe quel élément concret our procédure. C'est un choix.
August 6, 2020
En recevant ce livre je dois avouer que j'avais un peu peur de ne pas réussir à me détacher de la série qui a été réalisée d'après les romans. Malheureusement ce fut un peu le cas car, d'une part j'avais en tête les acteurs et ensuite je m'attendais à avoir un roman me permettant d'aller beaucoup plus en profondeur dans la psychologie des personnages et clairement là, ça n'a pas été le cas… C'est dommage car je trouve qu'il y avait moyen de faire quelque chose de plus fouillé, de plus abouti.
J'avoue que connaissant bien Brocéliande, je suis restée sur ma faim, j'ai trouvé que l'auteur n'a pas vraiment retranscris la magie qui se dégage de cette forêt – ceux qui connaissent Brocéliande sauront de quoi je veux parler. Cela aurait pu être compréhensible dans n'importe quel roman policier lambda mais ici Brocéliande est un personnage à part entière de l'intrigue et je crois qu'elle aurait mérité que l'on s'y attarde un peu plus. Même chose pour la légende Arthurienne, relativement complexe en réalité, qui peut vite perdre le lecteur qui ne la connaît pas et qui représente la clé de voute de l'intrigue.
Soyons clairs, j'ai bien aimé ma lecture, c'est un parfait roman pour l'été, qui répond complètement aux critères du genre mais j'en aurai aimé un peu plus, sur le contexte, la région, la légende Arthurienne… Par contre, j'ai passé un bon moment, la lecture est rythmée, beaucoup de dialogues, de rebondissements, une part de magie et de mystère et des personnages tout à fait dans leur rôle respectif. Je suis totalement consciente que mon avis est influencé par la série, j'ai trouvé que le roman s'en rapprochait un peu trop à mon goût. J'aurai aimé plus de développements, tant au niveau de la psychologie des personnages que de l'atmosphère des lieux… C'est cela qui m'a manqué ! C'était un peu trop clinique, détaché… j'aurai aimé plus de différences entre le roman et la série. Cela reste malgré tout une bonne lecture, très agréable, j'ai passé un bon moment mais je suis de parti-pris par le fait de connaître les lieux de l'intrigue et aussi sans doute pour avoir découvert la série avant les romans. du coup j'en attendais peut-être un peu trop ! Mais j'étais heureuse de retrouver Dupin, Nolwenn, Labat, le Ber, pour une nouvelle aventure.
A voir sur le blog :
http://bidules16.canalblog.com/archiv...
J'avoue que connaissant bien Brocéliande, je suis restée sur ma faim, j'ai trouvé que l'auteur n'a pas vraiment retranscris la magie qui se dégage de cette forêt – ceux qui connaissent Brocéliande sauront de quoi je veux parler. Cela aurait pu être compréhensible dans n'importe quel roman policier lambda mais ici Brocéliande est un personnage à part entière de l'intrigue et je crois qu'elle aurait mérité que l'on s'y attarde un peu plus. Même chose pour la légende Arthurienne, relativement complexe en réalité, qui peut vite perdre le lecteur qui ne la connaît pas et qui représente la clé de voute de l'intrigue.
Soyons clairs, j'ai bien aimé ma lecture, c'est un parfait roman pour l'été, qui répond complètement aux critères du genre mais j'en aurai aimé un peu plus, sur le contexte, la région, la légende Arthurienne… Par contre, j'ai passé un bon moment, la lecture est rythmée, beaucoup de dialogues, de rebondissements, une part de magie et de mystère et des personnages tout à fait dans leur rôle respectif. Je suis totalement consciente que mon avis est influencé par la série, j'ai trouvé que le roman s'en rapprochait un peu trop à mon goût. J'aurai aimé plus de développements, tant au niveau de la psychologie des personnages que de l'atmosphère des lieux… C'est cela qui m'a manqué ! C'était un peu trop clinique, détaché… j'aurai aimé plus de différences entre le roman et la série. Cela reste malgré tout une bonne lecture, très agréable, j'ai passé un bon moment mais je suis de parti-pris par le fait de connaître les lieux de l'intrigue et aussi sans doute pour avoir découvert la série avant les romans. du coup j'en attendais peut-être un peu trop ! Mais j'étais heureuse de retrouver Dupin, Nolwenn, Labat, le Ber, pour une nouvelle aventure.
A voir sur le blog :
http://bidules16.canalblog.com/archiv...
April 25, 2023
TL;DR
The Body by the Sea by Jean-Luc Bannalec follows Georges Dupin as he tries to solve the murder of one of Concarneau’s wealthier citizens. This police procedural also acts as a tour through Concarneau. Even though this is book eight in the series, The Body by the Sea welcomes new readers. Highly recommended.
Disclaimer: The publisher provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Any and all opinions that follow are mine alone.
Review: The Body by the Sea by Jean-Luc Bannalec
Setting can become iconic for certain novels. Middle Earth for Tolkien, Hogwarts for Harry Potter, Arrakis for Frank Herbert, Palimpsest by Catherynne M. Valente, Ambergris for Jeff VanderMeer, and Bas-Lag for China Miéville, all stand out as the setting being as important as the story. Reading any of those works evokes a wonderful place that’s fun to visit (at least, vicariously). While all of these are fictional settings, there exist plenty of real world settings that make their stories excel. The Old West in Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry and John Irving’s New England setting have always felt as important to their stories as the plot. For The Body by the Sea by Jean-Luc Bannalec, the setting of Brittany in France is not only important to the book, but it hooks the reader as the main character, Monsieur Le Commissaire Georges Dupin, takes readers on a tour in this eighth book of the Brittany Mystery Series. As this was the first book by Bannalec that I’ve read, I found the setting to be delightful and tempting. If my son were a bit older, we might have taken the trip to Concarneau to experience the region that Bannalec loves so much.
Monsieur le Commissaire Georges Dupin is preparing for the long Pentecost weekend when a murder strikes, and it strikes in his town, Concarneau. Concarneau is on the southern coast of Brittany in France. Dupin must put his long weekend and plans with his in-laws on hold in order to solve this murder. Doctor Chaboseau is a wealthy investor, art collector, and owner of a lucrative medical practice. His death sends Dupin delving into the wealthy of Concarneau, their businesses, and their history. Dupin is running on all cylinders from the start, but he’s without his best detectives Nolwenn and Riwal. Follow along as Dupin works through the mystery of who killed Doctor Charboseau.
The Body by the Sea by Jean-Luc Bannalec is third person point of view novel that closely follows Georges Dupin throughout the course of a murder investigation in Concarneau, France. The pacing is a bit slower than U.S. readers are used to in mystery novels. Bannalec rewards his audience with a lovely travelogue around Concarneau and Brittany. This book is very much a police procedural in that readers follow Dupin through all aspects of leading an investigation. Since Dupin is without help on the long weekend, he’s the one doing the interviews. It’s an excellent police procedural and an even better enticement to visit the region of Brittany in France.
An Amazing Setting
As said earlier, this book does an excellent job setting us in Concarneau and the northwest of France. Bannalec truly loves the region and writes like a public relations agent. Hopefully whoever is in charge of French tourism is giving Bannalec commissions on all the vacations his writing induces. I want to visit Concarneau and Brittany now. Readers learn about the area, many restaurants that Dupin loves, surfing in the area, some local legends, and a bit of the geography. It’s clear through Dupin’s love of the region that Bannalec loves the region. Concarneau is as much a part of the story as it is a setting. The town’s history and industry play a role in the mystery surrounding the doctor’s death.
Distinctly European
Jean-Luc Bannalec is the pen name of Jörg Bong, a German writer, who splits his time between Germany and the southern part of the French department of Finistère. The Body by the Sea was originally published in German. (It’s translated into English by Sorcha McDonagh.) So, it’s a thoroughly European book from my two favorite countries in Europe. But more than that, it has a distinct feel from U.S. literature that drew me and was off putting at the same time. While Dupin is under time pressure to get the mystery solved in hopes of preventing more murders, he’s not rushing around without thought. He takes a very cerebral approach to solving the case. His cops aren’t violent; there’s no gun battles or car chases; and no one’s framing Dupin for the job. It’s a straight forward murder investigation that involves gathering information, sifting through it all to find important details, and putting it together to make a coherent story. It sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it does. Dupin and Concarneau carry the story in a way that action would for a U.S. author. I found this change of pace to be refreshing.
To be clear, there exists plenty of tension in the novel. Readers can expect that the story will keep their interest. For those like me who must know who the murderer is, you won’t be disappointed. Bannalec kept me guessing until the very end.
Monsieur Le Commissaire
Georges Dupin is the point of view character for the novel, and the weight of the narrative rests on his shoulders. He came off as likable with a need to solve problems. He rushes around the region looking for answers, gathering details, and eating. Georges loves coffee and can give you a list of places to get the best coffee at any time of day in Concarneau. He’s often ordering two petits cafés, drinking one down straight away. His mother-in-law plagues him during this novel, and he seems lost without Nolwenn and Riwal, even as he’s irritated by Riwal’s constant digressions. It’s clear that he trusts his assistants to help him and lets them do their job without micro-managing them. Dupin is mostly a genial man but can turn up the heat when needed.
Dupin also plays so different from what a U.S. author would write of a law enforcement officer with Dupin’s experience. He’s not world-weary; the job doesn’t weigh on him; he’s not burned out; and he doesn’t suspect everyone as being a liar. Despite all the murder that Dupin’s investigated, he still loves his wife, loves his town, and, like any good Frenchman, loves his food. He doesn’t blame the media for all the wrong in the world, and people seem to generally like him in the town. Is this how it is with European police?
Conclusion
Jean-Luc Bannalec’s The Body by the Sea is an excellent police procedural set in the lovely city of Concarneau and its surrounding region. Though I’ve never been, I now want to visit Brittany, to take in the sights that Bannalec so lovingly describes. Until that day, I’ll be returning to Brittany with another of Bannalec’s Dupin books. Highly recommended.
The Body by the Sea by Jean-Luc Bannalec follows Georges Dupin as he tries to solve the murder of one of Concarneau’s wealthier citizens. This police procedural also acts as a tour through Concarneau. Even though this is book eight in the series, The Body by the Sea welcomes new readers. Highly recommended.
Disclaimer: The publisher provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Any and all opinions that follow are mine alone.
Review: The Body by the Sea by Jean-Luc Bannalec
Setting can become iconic for certain novels. Middle Earth for Tolkien, Hogwarts for Harry Potter, Arrakis for Frank Herbert, Palimpsest by Catherynne M. Valente, Ambergris for Jeff VanderMeer, and Bas-Lag for China Miéville, all stand out as the setting being as important as the story. Reading any of those works evokes a wonderful place that’s fun to visit (at least, vicariously). While all of these are fictional settings, there exist plenty of real world settings that make their stories excel. The Old West in Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry and John Irving’s New England setting have always felt as important to their stories as the plot. For The Body by the Sea by Jean-Luc Bannalec, the setting of Brittany in France is not only important to the book, but it hooks the reader as the main character, Monsieur Le Commissaire Georges Dupin, takes readers on a tour in this eighth book of the Brittany Mystery Series. As this was the first book by Bannalec that I’ve read, I found the setting to be delightful and tempting. If my son were a bit older, we might have taken the trip to Concarneau to experience the region that Bannalec loves so much.
Monsieur le Commissaire Georges Dupin is preparing for the long Pentecost weekend when a murder strikes, and it strikes in his town, Concarneau. Concarneau is on the southern coast of Brittany in France. Dupin must put his long weekend and plans with his in-laws on hold in order to solve this murder. Doctor Chaboseau is a wealthy investor, art collector, and owner of a lucrative medical practice. His death sends Dupin delving into the wealthy of Concarneau, their businesses, and their history. Dupin is running on all cylinders from the start, but he’s without his best detectives Nolwenn and Riwal. Follow along as Dupin works through the mystery of who killed Doctor Charboseau.
The Body by the Sea by Jean-Luc Bannalec is third person point of view novel that closely follows Georges Dupin throughout the course of a murder investigation in Concarneau, France. The pacing is a bit slower than U.S. readers are used to in mystery novels. Bannalec rewards his audience with a lovely travelogue around Concarneau and Brittany. This book is very much a police procedural in that readers follow Dupin through all aspects of leading an investigation. Since Dupin is without help on the long weekend, he’s the one doing the interviews. It’s an excellent police procedural and an even better enticement to visit the region of Brittany in France.
An Amazing Setting
As said earlier, this book does an excellent job setting us in Concarneau and the northwest of France. Bannalec truly loves the region and writes like a public relations agent. Hopefully whoever is in charge of French tourism is giving Bannalec commissions on all the vacations his writing induces. I want to visit Concarneau and Brittany now. Readers learn about the area, many restaurants that Dupin loves, surfing in the area, some local legends, and a bit of the geography. It’s clear through Dupin’s love of the region that Bannalec loves the region. Concarneau is as much a part of the story as it is a setting. The town’s history and industry play a role in the mystery surrounding the doctor’s death.
Distinctly European
Jean-Luc Bannalec is the pen name of Jörg Bong, a German writer, who splits his time between Germany and the southern part of the French department of Finistère. The Body by the Sea was originally published in German. (It’s translated into English by Sorcha McDonagh.) So, it’s a thoroughly European book from my two favorite countries in Europe. But more than that, it has a distinct feel from U.S. literature that drew me and was off putting at the same time. While Dupin is under time pressure to get the mystery solved in hopes of preventing more murders, he’s not rushing around without thought. He takes a very cerebral approach to solving the case. His cops aren’t violent; there’s no gun battles or car chases; and no one’s framing Dupin for the job. It’s a straight forward murder investigation that involves gathering information, sifting through it all to find important details, and putting it together to make a coherent story. It sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it does. Dupin and Concarneau carry the story in a way that action would for a U.S. author. I found this change of pace to be refreshing.
To be clear, there exists plenty of tension in the novel. Readers can expect that the story will keep their interest. For those like me who must know who the murderer is, you won’t be disappointed. Bannalec kept me guessing until the very end.
Monsieur Le Commissaire
Georges Dupin is the point of view character for the novel, and the weight of the narrative rests on his shoulders. He came off as likable with a need to solve problems. He rushes around the region looking for answers, gathering details, and eating. Georges loves coffee and can give you a list of places to get the best coffee at any time of day in Concarneau. He’s often ordering two petits cafés, drinking one down straight away. His mother-in-law plagues him during this novel, and he seems lost without Nolwenn and Riwal, even as he’s irritated by Riwal’s constant digressions. It’s clear that he trusts his assistants to help him and lets them do their job without micro-managing them. Dupin is mostly a genial man but can turn up the heat when needed.
Dupin also plays so different from what a U.S. author would write of a law enforcement officer with Dupin’s experience. He’s not world-weary; the job doesn’t weigh on him; he’s not burned out; and he doesn’t suspect everyone as being a liar. Despite all the murder that Dupin’s investigated, he still loves his wife, loves his town, and, like any good Frenchman, loves his food. He doesn’t blame the media for all the wrong in the world, and people seem to generally like him in the town. Is this how it is with European police?
Conclusion
Jean-Luc Bannalec’s The Body by the Sea is an excellent police procedural set in the lovely city of Concarneau and its surrounding region. Though I’ve never been, I now want to visit Brittany, to take in the sights that Bannalec so lovingly describes. Until that day, I’ll be returning to Brittany with another of Bannalec’s Dupin books. Highly recommended.
January 8, 2023
The Body by the Sea Review
This book had s two subjects: the descriptions of the seaside town of Concarneau in Brittany and a murder mystery.
The author gave vivid descriptions of this town and the whole Brittany area in almost every chapter. The main character, Commissaire Georges Dupis, spent much of his time outside enjoying nature while trying to solve the mysteries.
A local doctor, a member of a wealthy family of doctors, was found on the ground outside his home. He had been pushed through a fragile window and died immediately. Dupis, the lead detective, was called in to find out who was responsible. Dupis started questioning the doctor’s wife and found out that the doctor had two wealthy business partners and had large investments in several local businesses.
Then that night there was an accident at a large local boatyard owned by one of the doctor’s partners. Someone was killed and several workers were injured. It appeared to be sabotage.
Dupis and his assistants tried to make a connection between the two occurrences. They did not seem to be coincidental.
Both the owner of the destroyed shipyard and the third partner, a wealthy pharmacist, were interviewed but did not have any idea who had killed the doctor or why the shipyard was targeted.
Dupis got his hands on a novel that had been written about the town back in the 1930s. Once he began reading the book, which was based on a true crime in Carcaneau, he had a better idea of what was happening and why. He was able to solve the crime with this information.
This book should appeal to armchair or actual travelers with the descriptions of the seaside village. The main character, Dupis, is a thoughtful man who solves crimes with the help of knowledgeable assistants. He reminds the reader of the Detective Gamache in the Louise Penny mysteries. This is one of a series of mystery books about Brittany and I hope to read others in the series.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
This book had s two subjects: the descriptions of the seaside town of Concarneau in Brittany and a murder mystery.
The author gave vivid descriptions of this town and the whole Brittany area in almost every chapter. The main character, Commissaire Georges Dupis, spent much of his time outside enjoying nature while trying to solve the mysteries.
A local doctor, a member of a wealthy family of doctors, was found on the ground outside his home. He had been pushed through a fragile window and died immediately. Dupis, the lead detective, was called in to find out who was responsible. Dupis started questioning the doctor’s wife and found out that the doctor had two wealthy business partners and had large investments in several local businesses.
Then that night there was an accident at a large local boatyard owned by one of the doctor’s partners. Someone was killed and several workers were injured. It appeared to be sabotage.
Dupis and his assistants tried to make a connection between the two occurrences. They did not seem to be coincidental.
Both the owner of the destroyed shipyard and the third partner, a wealthy pharmacist, were interviewed but did not have any idea who had killed the doctor or why the shipyard was targeted.
Dupis got his hands on a novel that had been written about the town back in the 1930s. Once he began reading the book, which was based on a true crime in Carcaneau, he had a better idea of what was happening and why. He was able to solve the crime with this information.
This book should appeal to armchair or actual travelers with the descriptions of the seaside village. The main character, Dupis, is a thoughtful man who solves crimes with the help of knowledgeable assistants. He reminds the reader of the Detective Gamache in the Louise Penny mysteries. This is one of a series of mystery books about Brittany and I hope to read others in the series.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
July 23, 2019
Endlich Teil 8 der Kommissar Dupin-Reihe. Auch dieser Band enthält alles was man aus der Reihe kennt, tolle Landschaften, tolles Essen, bretonische Mystiken, die mit der Weltgeschichte verbandelt sind und natürlich einen Mordfall, den wiedereinmal nur Dupin lösen kann.
Diesmal wird direkt vor der Haustür, in Concarneau gemordet und es scheint einen Zusammenhang mit einem alten Roman zu geben. Was ist los in der High Society in der Bretagne?
Wie immer tolles Buch, dass allerdings die Schwächen der Vorgänger aufweisst. Der Fall ist nicht so spannend und wird relativ schnell gelöst, alles in allem aber ein gewohnt gutes Buch
Diesmal wird direkt vor der Haustür, in Concarneau gemordet und es scheint einen Zusammenhang mit einem alten Roman zu geben. Was ist los in der High Society in der Bretagne?
Wie immer tolles Buch, dass allerdings die Schwächen der Vorgänger aufweisst. Der Fall ist nicht so spannend und wird relativ schnell gelöst, alles in allem aber ein gewohnt gutes Buch
February 28, 2024
Another great addition to the Commissaire Dupin series. I've developed quite a desire to see Brittany after reading these novels. Dupin's missing his coworkers as people have been taking vacations but a murder has happened in his immediate neighborhood (coinciding with Claire's parents' visit). The story was a bit convoluted at times - it ties together at the end, but the mystery was confusing. It's always great to get to visit the French coast (at least in my imagination) through Bannalec's stories.
August 17, 2024
Le plaisir de lire Bannalec c’est avant tout découvrir la Bretagne à travers ses yeux, ses réflexions, ses enquêtes. L’auteur sait nous montrer une Bretagne superbe, surprenante. La nature y a tous les droits.
May 2, 2023
Commissaire Georges Dupin thought that he was going to have a relaxing Pentecost weekend. He and several of his coworkers had been driven out of their offices while work was being done on the building. Between the noise and the smell of paint, they couldn’t take it anymore and went their own ways. He was off enjoying the view and picking up some smoked fish for his future in-laws’ visit that weekend.
And then he got the call.
There was a death. A respected doctor in Concarneau had been thrown from his home, several stories up. Suddenly, Dupin had to investigate a murder practically in his own backyard, and with his best deputies off on vacations. The doctor’s wife had found him when she got back from some errands, and Dupin finds out from her that the doctor had his hands in several investments in town, with his friends, a pharmacist named Priziac and a wine merchant named Luzel. They had invested in a local brewery, an artisan cannery of local fish, and the harbor.
Dupin tries to put the pieces together, but he struggles to make sense of why the doctor would be murdered. Investigating so close to home is easier in some ways, as he knows so much about the people and the community already. But it’s also more challenging, since the evil is now so close to his heart.
But when there is an attack at the harbor that sends four men to the hospital, Dupin knows that the evil is bigger than he first imagined. This isn’t an isolated incident. Others are in danger, and Dupin has to figure out who and why before anyone else gets hurt. He thinks it must have something to do with the three men and their investments. The doctor, the pharmacist, the wine merchant. Is someone jealous of their success? Trying to split up their business interests? Simply wanting to sabotage them?
Dupin is scrambling to make sense of the facts before him, conducting interviews and gathering facts, when there is another attack. Since it’s another of the three investors, Dupin is convinced that there is something sinister going on with the three men. But does that mean that the last man standing is the villain, or is he the next target of a killer?
The Body by the Sea is the eighth book in Jean-Luc Bannalec’s mystery series set in Brittany, France. In this novel, Commissaire Dupin is investigating in his hometown, so as he’s walking around, gathering information, he’s also eating at his favorite restaurants and walking along his favorite beaches, and his love of Brittany flows through each moment.
I love mysteries with a strong sense of place, and The Body by the Sea has that with such strong flavor that my mouth is watering with some of the descriptions of the food and places. This one felt really personal, with the celebration of so many great Breton individuals, inventions, and creations, and special consideration of writer Georges Simenon and his Inspector Maigret mystery novels. I liked the plotting in this one, as it kept me guessing until the end. But it was the sense of place and love of Brittany that made me fall in love with this story. Be prepared to start planning your own trip to France when you read this one!
Egalleys for The Body by the Sea were provided by Minotaur Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.
And then he got the call.
There was a death. A respected doctor in Concarneau had been thrown from his home, several stories up. Suddenly, Dupin had to investigate a murder practically in his own backyard, and with his best deputies off on vacations. The doctor’s wife had found him when she got back from some errands, and Dupin finds out from her that the doctor had his hands in several investments in town, with his friends, a pharmacist named Priziac and a wine merchant named Luzel. They had invested in a local brewery, an artisan cannery of local fish, and the harbor.
Dupin tries to put the pieces together, but he struggles to make sense of why the doctor would be murdered. Investigating so close to home is easier in some ways, as he knows so much about the people and the community already. But it’s also more challenging, since the evil is now so close to his heart.
But when there is an attack at the harbor that sends four men to the hospital, Dupin knows that the evil is bigger than he first imagined. This isn’t an isolated incident. Others are in danger, and Dupin has to figure out who and why before anyone else gets hurt. He thinks it must have something to do with the three men and their investments. The doctor, the pharmacist, the wine merchant. Is someone jealous of their success? Trying to split up their business interests? Simply wanting to sabotage them?
Dupin is scrambling to make sense of the facts before him, conducting interviews and gathering facts, when there is another attack. Since it’s another of the three investors, Dupin is convinced that there is something sinister going on with the three men. But does that mean that the last man standing is the villain, or is he the next target of a killer?
The Body by the Sea is the eighth book in Jean-Luc Bannalec’s mystery series set in Brittany, France. In this novel, Commissaire Dupin is investigating in his hometown, so as he’s walking around, gathering information, he’s also eating at his favorite restaurants and walking along his favorite beaches, and his love of Brittany flows through each moment.
I love mysteries with a strong sense of place, and The Body by the Sea has that with such strong flavor that my mouth is watering with some of the descriptions of the food and places. This one felt really personal, with the celebration of so many great Breton individuals, inventions, and creations, and special consideration of writer Georges Simenon and his Inspector Maigret mystery novels. I liked the plotting in this one, as it kept me guessing until the end. But it was the sense of place and love of Brittany that made me fall in love with this story. Be prepared to start planning your own trip to France when you read this one!
Egalleys for The Body by the Sea were provided by Minotaur Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.
May 1, 2023
The Body by the Sea by Jean-Luc Bannalec is the eight book in the Brittany murder mystery series. There is a small commune town on the sea named Concarneau whose nickname is Ville Bleue, or Blue Town. The town has three harbors and visitors come from all over to view the scenery and explore the neighboring businesses. In the past, the harbors also served as a barrier for the village and its inhabitants from attacks from outsiders.
Commissaire Georges Dupin calls this town home because of the scenic and easy going vibes. The town also has his favorite restaurant, the Amiral. The restaurant is loved by many, and well known because a famous author wrote a book based on the town while eating at the restaurant. The restaurant will become an integral part of the story.
The police station that Dupin works at is currently undergoing construction. It is also Pentecost, a prominent holiday in Europe, and many of his colleagues are gone for the long weekend. He’s drawn the short straw to be on call, and Dupin is looking forward to his vacation before his in-laws come to visit.
Things go awry when the body of Doctor Chaboseau is discovered. Chaboseau fell from his window to his death but was it an accident, or was he pushed? Dupin is called to the scene to help investigate the death but his job is made more difficult because the team is short staffed. He tries to reach out to them to no avail. He has to rely on his new associates for help with the investigation. Will Dupin and his colleagues find the murderer before they strike again?
The book is a cozy murder mystery. The novel is an easy read and can be read as a standalone. I liked that the book included ample descriptions of the food and scenery. It made me feel that I was right there with Dupin while he was trying to solve the mystery. However, at times there were phrases that weren’t translated well and it was confusing to understand what it was referring to. I wish that the author included a translation or an explanation behind the phrases.
The ending did come as a bit of a surprise and I didn’t expect the motive behind the murders. The book introduced a ton of characters and it was hard keeping track of them and their purpose in the story. The novel does move very slowly but has some humor sprinkled throughout the book. If you enjoy cozy murder mysteries that have detailed descriptions, then you would definitely enjoy this book.
Commissaire Georges Dupin calls this town home because of the scenic and easy going vibes. The town also has his favorite restaurant, the Amiral. The restaurant is loved by many, and well known because a famous author wrote a book based on the town while eating at the restaurant. The restaurant will become an integral part of the story.
The police station that Dupin works at is currently undergoing construction. It is also Pentecost, a prominent holiday in Europe, and many of his colleagues are gone for the long weekend. He’s drawn the short straw to be on call, and Dupin is looking forward to his vacation before his in-laws come to visit.
Things go awry when the body of Doctor Chaboseau is discovered. Chaboseau fell from his window to his death but was it an accident, or was he pushed? Dupin is called to the scene to help investigate the death but his job is made more difficult because the team is short staffed. He tries to reach out to them to no avail. He has to rely on his new associates for help with the investigation. Will Dupin and his colleagues find the murderer before they strike again?
The book is a cozy murder mystery. The novel is an easy read and can be read as a standalone. I liked that the book included ample descriptions of the food and scenery. It made me feel that I was right there with Dupin while he was trying to solve the mystery. However, at times there were phrases that weren’t translated well and it was confusing to understand what it was referring to. I wish that the author included a translation or an explanation behind the phrases.
The ending did come as a bit of a surprise and I didn’t expect the motive behind the murders. The book introduced a ton of characters and it was hard keeping track of them and their purpose in the story. The novel does move very slowly but has some humor sprinkled throughout the book. If you enjoy cozy murder mysteries that have detailed descriptions, then you would definitely enjoy this book.
July 18, 2019
INHALT
Pfingsten steht vor der Tür und während sich Concarneau in Feierlaune befindet, da trübt eine Leiche den Sommerbeginn. Und das auch noch vor dem Amiral, dem Lieblingsrestaurant von Kommissar Dupin. Und Dupin sieht sich zu allem Überfluss auch noch ganz alleine vor einem großen Haufen Ermittlungsarbeit, denn seine Kollegen sind entweder im Urlaub oder in Elternzeit. Sogar Nolwenn, die sonst unverzichtbar ist, ist nicht erreichbar. Dupin nimmt Vorlieb mit zwei anderen Kolleginnen – und stößt schon bald auf irritierende Parallelen zu einem alten Kriminalroman. Der Kreis der Verdächtigen wird nicht kleiner, stattdessen bestehen die Involvierten aus angesehenen Menschen des kleinen Städtchens. Dann aber hält ein Anschlag die Menschen in Atem – und Dupin wird unterdessen den Gedanken an seine Schwiegereltern nicht los, die zu Besuch sind. Ein spannender Fall nimmt Fahrt auf.
MEINUNG
Der nunmehr achte Fall des kultigen, kaffeeliebenden Kommissars. Ich begleite Dupin unheimllich gerne, weil man mit ihm immer gut isst und trinkt und eine Menge Spannung erlebt. Dass genau der Ort, der sonst der Zufluchtsort für ihn ist, nun in den Fokus eines Mordes gerät, ist doppelt spannend.
Den Charme, den Bannalecs Krimis ausstrahlen, habe ich auch hier wieder auf jeder Seite gespürt. Ich mag es sehr, wie Tradition der Bretagne und die Anekdoten der Figuren miteinander spielen, wie sich sich elegant in die Ermittlungen einschleichen. Das ist – wie in jedem anderen der Bücher – auch hier wieder sehr gelungen.
Ich habe Dupin dieses Mal sehr nah kennengelernt, wie ich finde. Das mag daran liegen, dass man mehr mit seinen eigenen Gedanken konkrontiert wird, weil er auf sich alleine gestellt ist. Dass der Kult-Kommissar mir ans Herz gewachsen ist, muss ich nicht mehr erwähnen, dafür habe ich schon zu oft die Bücher hier vorgestellt. In den Vordergrund gedrängt hat sich in dieser Geschichte aber auch Claire, die Frau an Dupins Seite. Ich finde sie so angenehm unkompliziert und doch empfinde ich sie als eine sehr starke Persönlichkeit. Wie sie mit der Beziehung, dem Job ihres Mannes und ihrem eigenen Leben umgeht, ist nennens-, wenn nicht gar bewundernswert.
Auch ein heimlicher Star ist – wie immer – Nolwenn. Tolle Frau, eine Menge kluge Dinge kommen da aus ihrem Mund. Ich habe letztens in einer Bewertung gelesen, man bekäme bei Dupin den Eindruck, dass er sich wie ein Superheld aufspiele, der er nicht ist. Zum einen habe ich dieses Gefühl nicht, zum anderen finde ich, dass eigentlich Nolwenn die heimliche Superheldin der Bretagne ist – oder zumindest der Polizei dort. Dennoch macht der Kommissar natürlich das aus, was ich an den Krimis so mag. Dieser hier hat mir besonders gut gefallen, weil er neben der typischen Gelassenheit auch eine Menge Spannung bot und vor allem das letzte Drittel absolut durchdacht, plausibel und gut war.
FAZIT
Toller Krimi aus dem Herzen Concarneaus. Man sollte die vorhergehenden Bände meiner Meinung nach kennen, aber wenn man das tut, ist der achte Fall für Dupin ein wahrer Genuss – nicht nur in dramaturgischer, sondern auch in kulinarischer Sicht!
5 VON 5 BUCHHERZEN ♥♥♥♥♥
DANKE AN DEN VERLAG FÜR DAS REZENSIONSEXEMPLAR!
Pfingsten steht vor der Tür und während sich Concarneau in Feierlaune befindet, da trübt eine Leiche den Sommerbeginn. Und das auch noch vor dem Amiral, dem Lieblingsrestaurant von Kommissar Dupin. Und Dupin sieht sich zu allem Überfluss auch noch ganz alleine vor einem großen Haufen Ermittlungsarbeit, denn seine Kollegen sind entweder im Urlaub oder in Elternzeit. Sogar Nolwenn, die sonst unverzichtbar ist, ist nicht erreichbar. Dupin nimmt Vorlieb mit zwei anderen Kolleginnen – und stößt schon bald auf irritierende Parallelen zu einem alten Kriminalroman. Der Kreis der Verdächtigen wird nicht kleiner, stattdessen bestehen die Involvierten aus angesehenen Menschen des kleinen Städtchens. Dann aber hält ein Anschlag die Menschen in Atem – und Dupin wird unterdessen den Gedanken an seine Schwiegereltern nicht los, die zu Besuch sind. Ein spannender Fall nimmt Fahrt auf.
MEINUNG
Der nunmehr achte Fall des kultigen, kaffeeliebenden Kommissars. Ich begleite Dupin unheimllich gerne, weil man mit ihm immer gut isst und trinkt und eine Menge Spannung erlebt. Dass genau der Ort, der sonst der Zufluchtsort für ihn ist, nun in den Fokus eines Mordes gerät, ist doppelt spannend.
Den Charme, den Bannalecs Krimis ausstrahlen, habe ich auch hier wieder auf jeder Seite gespürt. Ich mag es sehr, wie Tradition der Bretagne und die Anekdoten der Figuren miteinander spielen, wie sich sich elegant in die Ermittlungen einschleichen. Das ist – wie in jedem anderen der Bücher – auch hier wieder sehr gelungen.
Ich habe Dupin dieses Mal sehr nah kennengelernt, wie ich finde. Das mag daran liegen, dass man mehr mit seinen eigenen Gedanken konkrontiert wird, weil er auf sich alleine gestellt ist. Dass der Kult-Kommissar mir ans Herz gewachsen ist, muss ich nicht mehr erwähnen, dafür habe ich schon zu oft die Bücher hier vorgestellt. In den Vordergrund gedrängt hat sich in dieser Geschichte aber auch Claire, die Frau an Dupins Seite. Ich finde sie so angenehm unkompliziert und doch empfinde ich sie als eine sehr starke Persönlichkeit. Wie sie mit der Beziehung, dem Job ihres Mannes und ihrem eigenen Leben umgeht, ist nennens-, wenn nicht gar bewundernswert.
Auch ein heimlicher Star ist – wie immer – Nolwenn. Tolle Frau, eine Menge kluge Dinge kommen da aus ihrem Mund. Ich habe letztens in einer Bewertung gelesen, man bekäme bei Dupin den Eindruck, dass er sich wie ein Superheld aufspiele, der er nicht ist. Zum einen habe ich dieses Gefühl nicht, zum anderen finde ich, dass eigentlich Nolwenn die heimliche Superheldin der Bretagne ist – oder zumindest der Polizei dort. Dennoch macht der Kommissar natürlich das aus, was ich an den Krimis so mag. Dieser hier hat mir besonders gut gefallen, weil er neben der typischen Gelassenheit auch eine Menge Spannung bot und vor allem das letzte Drittel absolut durchdacht, plausibel und gut war.
FAZIT
Toller Krimi aus dem Herzen Concarneaus. Man sollte die vorhergehenden Bände meiner Meinung nach kennen, aber wenn man das tut, ist der achte Fall für Dupin ein wahrer Genuss – nicht nur in dramaturgischer, sondern auch in kulinarischer Sicht!
5 VON 5 BUCHHERZEN ♥♥♥♥♥
DANKE AN DEN VERLAG FÜR DAS REZENSIONSEXEMPLAR!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews