The Vikström Papers: Restoration Man

Sam Vikstrom #1

by Douglas Lindsay

Meet Sam Vikström, Scottish P.I. on the New England coast.

Vikström is tasked with investigating the disappearance of an art restorer named Carl Fischer. But what at first seems like a simple affair of the heart, quickly spirals into a sinister vortex of jealousy, revenge, and death.

Fischer has joined the hunt for the legendary Burrow compass, a relic from the lost whaler The Leonard. But ill fortune has haunted everyone who’s ever owned the compass, and now that it’s back in circulation, murder has followed.

As a cold Atlantic wind blows across the land, it won’t be long before the killer leaves their macabre calling card on another corpse. Now Vikström is in a race to learn the is Fischer the hunted, or the hunter?

“When Lindsay is in his stride, he’s up there with the best.” The Mirror

“Lindsay writes with an economy and skill all too rare in modern fiction.” Tony Black

Genres: Mystery

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2024

Reviews

[Lesley Williamson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was ok to read, but I found most of the characters a bit vacuous and there was a typical American PI feel - which was maybe tongue in cheek deliberate but didn't make for a particularly satisfying novel.

[Mikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written, entertaining tale of murder and mayhem, full of twists and turns. I enjoyed it. PI in pursuit of a philandering thief, whose lovers were being picked off one by one, ostensibly because of what he'd stolen. And thereby hangs the tale.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series from this talented author is a cause for celebration. He succeeds in delivering a smart, tightly plotted PI entry that is clever, humorous, intelligent at every turn with sparkling and lively characters and brilliant dialogue that brings a smile.
Looking forward to the second of this series this summer!

Kindle Unlimited

[Pirates Underpants · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contains many of the dry Lindsay trademark fun bits, although it plays in the US which can be confusing at first. Highsmith (cat) moments are great.

[Govno Nichevo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a pretty good read. A light and easy read with a bit of intrigue to keep me interested.

[Katya · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5*

The story wasn't anything special.
I gave 0.5 star for the writing. I liked the style.
The main character wasn't likeable as much as wanted. The cat on the other hand was spot on.