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Kommissar Dupin #7
Segreto bretone.
Brocéliande! Quanta storia, in un solo nome. L’ultimo regno delle fate, il cuore favoloso della Bretagna, la foresta in cui sono nati alcuni fra i miti più duraturi nella storia dell’umanità, la cui origine si perde nelle nebbie del tempo. È qui che sono ambientate le più belle vicende di re Artù, qui che l’ardito Lancillotto rompe l’incantesimo della maga Viviana, ed è sempre qui che il commissario Dupin – unendo l’utile al dilettevole – si reca in visita insieme agli ispettori Riwal e Kadeg e alla preziosa assistente Nolwenn. Era da tempo che i quattro progettavano una gita insieme, ma Dupin ha colto l’occasione anche per un incarico non raccogliere informazioni su un caso irrisolto per conto della polizia di Parigi. Peccato che l’uomo che Dupin dovrebbe interrogare, Fabien Cadiou, uno dei massimi esperti della leggenda arturiana, viene ritrovato morto in casa sua per un colpo d’arma da fuoco. Ben presto la conta dei cadaveri aumenta e, nonostante le sue resistenze, il caso viene definitivamente affidato a Dupin. Così, il gruppo investigativo improvvisato – al punto che il commissario è costretto a prendere appunti sul libretto della sua Citroën – si mette all’opera, per scoprire che le vittime avrebbero tutte dovuto partecipare a un convegno presso il Centre de l’Imaginaire Arthurien. E che ognuno degli studiosi del Centro ha un proprio tornaconto, non sempre rispettoso della magia del luogo. Il fascino e l’incanto della foresta si tingono così di una luce oscura, maligna. Ostile.
Eccola, la famosa foresta, a ricoprire colline basse e sinuose. Imponente, fitta, impenetrabile. Era avvolta da un alone scuro, non esattamente ostile, ma nemmeno amichevole, che sembrava inghiottire tutta la luce. Dupin scosse la testa. «Sciocchezze» disse ad alta voce. Era un bosco. Solo un bosco. Niente di più.
«Quando un autore ha davvero successo? Quando riesce ad affermare sé stesso e il suo lavoro come un marchio sempre più richiesto. E Jean-Luc Bannalec ci è riuscito».
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
«Una serie deliziosa. Se non è il paradiso, di certo ci va vicino».
The New York Times
«Un altro rompicapo per l’ispettore Dupin, nato dalla penna di Bannalec, con il paesaggio bretone ancora una volta protagonista».
Kirkus Reviews
Eccola, la famosa foresta, a ricoprire colline basse e sinuose. Imponente, fitta, impenetrabile. Era avvolta da un alone scuro, non esattamente ostile, ma nemmeno amichevole, che sembrava inghiottire tutta la luce. Dupin scosse la testa. «Sciocchezze» disse ad alta voce. Era un bosco. Solo un bosco. Niente di più.
«Quando un autore ha davvero successo? Quando riesce ad affermare sé stesso e il suo lavoro come un marchio sempre più richiesto. E Jean-Luc Bannalec ci è riuscito».
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
«Una serie deliziosa. Se non è il paradiso, di certo ci va vicino».
The New York Times
«Un altro rompicapo per l’ispettore Dupin, nato dalla penna di Bannalec, con il paesaggio bretone ancora una volta protagonista».
Kirkus Reviews
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2018
336 people are currently reading
2878 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
December 1, 2021
This was a hard book for me. I have read this author and the series previously and was looking forward to this book and it just let me down. A pretty long book with only 2 chapters. This was a chore for me to read and nothing came easily. I am not a fan of the King Arthur legend but again had hopes for this book. It just left me flat. We have little character development, and most are academics who are identified by their academic interest in King Arthur.
Sorry I can do no better with this book. I was just let down and it may be me because I am not an Arthurian fan. But beyond that I just found the book very difficult to follow and why are there only 2 chapters in this book??
Sorry I can do no better with this book. I was just let down and it may be me because I am not an Arthurian fan. But beyond that I just found the book very difficult to follow and why are there only 2 chapters in this book??
March 26, 2024
Commisaire Dupin and his crew are on a sort of team day/ days when they stumble into a murder victim which soon multiplies into a second murder victim. Dupin and friends gladly hand this one off to the local Police talent. However Dupins friend from Paris makes it a special investigation with Dupin in charge since the death of two renowned academics who are specialized in the Arthurian history is bound to make big headlines. Dupin is totally not okay with this hé rather goes home to unpack boxes from his fiance Claire whom hé is moving in with.
The Breton nationalism is once again on the forefront as usual, especially with some of part of the legends of King Arthur and ambiance coming into play.
This New book with Dupin got 3 stars from me due to its lenght which could have been edited easily. The mystery is well done and you discover along with Dupin the clues to solve this mystery.
Another enjoyable Breton tale of murder and mystery while it not feels like a touristy tour of a new part of Brittanny you sense a need to go and visit the place.
As always smoothly written and delivered, translate from the original German. Now I can see ifvthis one is already filmed as a German movie for TV. Even those are fun.
A truly enjoyable cozy series of French mystery.
The Breton nationalism is once again on the forefront as usual, especially with some of part of the legends of King Arthur and ambiance coming into play.
This New book with Dupin got 3 stars from me due to its lenght which could have been edited easily. The mystery is well done and you discover along with Dupin the clues to solve this mystery.
Another enjoyable Breton tale of murder and mystery while it not feels like a touristy tour of a new part of Brittanny you sense a need to go and visit the place.
As always smoothly written and delivered, translate from the original German. Now I can see ifvthis one is already filmed as a German movie for TV. Even those are fun.
A truly enjoyable cozy series of French mystery.
October 15, 2025
I find this series so intriguing- get bit by the travel bug every time I read one! This foray into the Brocéliande Forest and all that ensues with King Arthur and Merlin points of interest, not to mention several murders, I found fascinating!
July 2, 2023
I’m happy to have found another entertaining crime/mystery series that I can dip into in between more solid reading.
I gather they’re all set in Brittany and this one, as you can guess from the title, revolves around the legendary Arthur and Merlin’s links with the forest of Broceliande in which the action takes place.
The police team set off for a office holiday when they are forced to take on a new murder case - an Arthurian scholar shot dead in his castle home. Then another dies. And another. Who is killing the scholars? Why?
Bannalec clearly doesn’t have any sympathy for academic rivalries. A nasty lot, these are, unlike the police who are all decent people - no out of place police violence in this regional mystery, despite urgency and 3.5 murders within 36 hours. And, despite the deaths and near-deaths, it is almost light-hearted.
Although this is number 7 in the series I didn’t feel at a loss at any time, and I will borrow earlier ones from the library.
I gather they’re all set in Brittany and this one, as you can guess from the title, revolves around the legendary Arthur and Merlin’s links with the forest of Broceliande in which the action takes place.
The police team set off for a office holiday when they are forced to take on a new murder case - an Arthurian scholar shot dead in his castle home. Then another dies. And another. Who is killing the scholars? Why?
Bannalec clearly doesn’t have any sympathy for academic rivalries. A nasty lot, these are, unlike the police who are all decent people - no out of place police violence in this regional mystery, despite urgency and 3.5 murders within 36 hours. And, despite the deaths and near-deaths, it is almost light-hearted.
Although this is number 7 in the series I didn’t feel at a loss at any time, and I will borrow earlier ones from the library.
January 25, 2020
Leído el último publicado de la serie del comisario Dupin, natural de París, pero afincado en la Bretaña francesa.
Una vez más, me he deleitado con sus descripciones de los paisajes y las costumbres de la zona... Y me ha llamado mucho la atención el espacio donde se desarrolla la trama: un bosque asociado, según las leyendas, con el rey Arturo y con Merlín.
Me ha gustado!!!
Una vez más, me he deleitado con sus descripciones de los paisajes y las costumbres de la zona... Y me ha llamado mucho la atención el espacio donde se desarrolla la trama: un bosque asociado, según las leyendas, con el rey Arturo y con Merlín.
Me ha gustado!!!
June 6, 2022
This is the seventh book of a series that I started reading after a long Summer holiday in the part of Brittany that was Commissaire Dupin's home territory. The books really captured the feel of the place and I enjoyed reliving my holiday as I read them.
This book ,however, was devoid of much of that feeling as the story is set away, as the team try for an 'office trip' to the forest of Broceliande, combining business with pleasure as Dupin has agreed to help one of his old colleagues by interviewing someone near by.
When the intended interviewee is found dead Dupin is put in charge of the case. Although still in Brittany, the mysterious wood, lake and castle together with all the Arthurian connections, could really have been anywhere. Unlike previous books it seems as if we were introduced to most of the characters almost en bloc and I confess to difficulty in getting them fixed in my mind. Perhaps this meant that I missed some of the intended clues and suspicions. I never felt as though I got to know or had any feeling for them.
It was almost as if the author recognized the missing 'home town' feel by trying to make up for it in what , I thought, was an overlong 'back home' episode, at the end.
Do I still want to read the next book due out next year? Of course I do, especially as it looks as if it is set back on home turf.
This book ,however, was devoid of much of that feeling as the story is set away, as the team try for an 'office trip' to the forest of Broceliande, combining business with pleasure as Dupin has agreed to help one of his old colleagues by interviewing someone near by.
When the intended interviewee is found dead Dupin is put in charge of the case. Although still in Brittany, the mysterious wood, lake and castle together with all the Arthurian connections, could really have been anywhere. Unlike previous books it seems as if we were introduced to most of the characters almost en bloc and I confess to difficulty in getting them fixed in my mind. Perhaps this meant that I missed some of the intended clues and suspicions. I never felt as though I got to know or had any feeling for them.
It was almost as if the author recognized the missing 'home town' feel by trying to make up for it in what , I thought, was an overlong 'back home' episode, at the end.
Do I still want to read the next book due out next year? Of course I do, especially as it looks as if it is set back on home turf.
April 26, 2022
Many thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this opportunity to review The King Arthur Case. All opinions and comments are my own.
Readers have a lot to contend with in The King Arthur Case, as our “hero,” Commissaire Georges Dupin quickly finds out. Will our location muddle your mind, as it seems to be doing to le Commissaire? He may come to agree with you.
As this seventh in the series begins, readers are along with Dupin, his colleagues Inspectors Riwal and Kadeg, and his wonderful assistant Nolwenn as they travel through La forêt de Brocéliande, the “Forest of the Other World," biggest forest in Brittany, home to fairies, and possibly the source for the King Arthur and his Round Table stories. They’re on an office “road trip,” (unofficially) doing a favor for a former colleague of the Paris police force, checking out leads on a cold case. And of course, to enjoy the food and drink and the wonderful sights of this portion of Brittany.
Soon that is not at all what happens, in The King Arthur Case. Because at their first stop, Dupin finds a dead man, and becomes officially involved, reluctantly. But what’s a policeman to do? And then there’s another body! And since the Paris cold case may also be a murder… and all of these men involved in archeology, and Arthurian research. The hunt is on for a killer -- or killers.
And boy, will you learn about this Arthurian research, and the legends, and what these men may have been working on. Maybe a lot more than you ever wanted to know.
Understand that our author, Jean-Luc Bannalec, knows how to weave his setting into the story. The forest, the castle, the archeological sites that are so important to everything. Menacing and mysterious. And the weather keeps changing, the fog seeping in and masking the surroundings. Dupin wonders at one point if he’s losing his mind. Readers must keep sharp to read The King Arthur Case.
In the end, the real quest is revealed, the reason why this killing is being done. And Dupin does the special thinking that he does. “All’s well that ends well,” as Nolwenn says to him. He’s just glad it’s over. They have a final get-together, a delicious tartine, some petits cafes, and set off for home.
He and Clare have another fabulous meal at their favorite restaurant. The case is solved. He might have seen a mythical white ermine, the symbol of Breton from medieval times. Who knows? He’s with Claire, in their home. Life is good. Until he gets a phone call.
In an epilogue, we get a fellow-up about information discussed in the book. But even though it’s “several weeks later,” there’s no mention of “that phone call.” A teaser for the next book for loyal fans, I suppose. I enjoyed The King Arthur Case, although I could have done with less info-dumping, which made it seem over-complicated to me. But fans of Dupin and his fellows should enjoy another installment of his adventures in Brittany.
Readers have a lot to contend with in The King Arthur Case, as our “hero,” Commissaire Georges Dupin quickly finds out. Will our location muddle your mind, as it seems to be doing to le Commissaire? He may come to agree with you.
As this seventh in the series begins, readers are along with Dupin, his colleagues Inspectors Riwal and Kadeg, and his wonderful assistant Nolwenn as they travel through La forêt de Brocéliande, the “Forest of the Other World," biggest forest in Brittany, home to fairies, and possibly the source for the King Arthur and his Round Table stories. They’re on an office “road trip,” (unofficially) doing a favor for a former colleague of the Paris police force, checking out leads on a cold case. And of course, to enjoy the food and drink and the wonderful sights of this portion of Brittany.
Soon that is not at all what happens, in The King Arthur Case. Because at their first stop, Dupin finds a dead man, and becomes officially involved, reluctantly. But what’s a policeman to do? And then there’s another body! And since the Paris cold case may also be a murder… and all of these men involved in archeology, and Arthurian research. The hunt is on for a killer -- or killers.
And boy, will you learn about this Arthurian research, and the legends, and what these men may have been working on. Maybe a lot more than you ever wanted to know.
Understand that our author, Jean-Luc Bannalec, knows how to weave his setting into the story. The forest, the castle, the archeological sites that are so important to everything. Menacing and mysterious. And the weather keeps changing, the fog seeping in and masking the surroundings. Dupin wonders at one point if he’s losing his mind. Readers must keep sharp to read The King Arthur Case.
In the end, the real quest is revealed, the reason why this killing is being done. And Dupin does the special thinking that he does. “All’s well that ends well,” as Nolwenn says to him. He’s just glad it’s over. They have a final get-together, a delicious tartine, some petits cafes, and set off for home.
He and Clare have another fabulous meal at their favorite restaurant. The case is solved. He might have seen a mythical white ermine, the symbol of Breton from medieval times. Who knows? He’s with Claire, in their home. Life is good. Until he gets a phone call.
In an epilogue, we get a fellow-up about information discussed in the book. But even though it’s “several weeks later,” there’s no mention of “that phone call.” A teaser for the next book for loyal fans, I suppose. I enjoyed The King Arthur Case, although I could have done with less info-dumping, which made it seem over-complicated to me. But fans of Dupin and his fellows should enjoy another installment of his adventures in Brittany.
June 12, 2022
I have enjoyed each of the seven translated books from this series including this one that is centered away from the usual home base. Dupin's team attempts to go on a little office outing that turns into a murder investigation. Inspector Riwal is full of excitement due to his interest in all things Arthurian. The destination: Broceliande- "the sole remaining kingdom of the fairies." Nolwenn (Dupin's trusted and brilliant assistant) suggested they start at the Church of the Holy Grail. They must part ways for a bit, as Dupin must interview a man in the area
on behalf of a contact with the Paris police, a small "favor." After trying to get attention at the door of a manor house, yelling out for the man, Dupin entered the house to find the man on the floor in a pool of blood.
So...quite a start to a trip meant to be fun. It will get more hazardous as they get enmeshed in what results in more death and threats. Many characters to keep track of in this tale, but all quite interesting with the added mystique of Arthurian legends.
During the strenuous investigation, Dupin has something else on his mind. He and Claire had rented a house for the summer close to a sandy beach and he was meant to get back there and help unpack boxes. Will he make it?
on behalf of a contact with the Paris police, a small "favor." After trying to get attention at the door of a manor house, yelling out for the man, Dupin entered the house to find the man on the floor in a pool of blood.
So...quite a start to a trip meant to be fun. It will get more hazardous as they get enmeshed in what results in more death and threats. Many characters to keep track of in this tale, but all quite interesting with the added mystique of Arthurian legends.
During the strenuous investigation, Dupin has something else on his mind. He and Claire had rented a house for the summer close to a sandy beach and he was meant to get back there and help unpack boxes. Will he make it?
April 21, 2023
Was Dupin so alles in 2 Tagen unterbringt, ist schon erstaunlich :)
March 11, 2020
3,5/5
Empiezo la saga a lo grande y lo hago por el número site, olé yo xD
Por lo demás, lo he disfrutado mucho^^
Empiezo la saga a lo grande y lo hago por el número site, olé yo xD
Por lo demás, lo he disfrutado mucho^^
April 17, 2023
Dupin ermittelt im Wissenschaftsmilieu!
✨🔍🏆🔪✨
✨🔍🏆🔪✨
April 20, 2023
This is the third of the Commissaire Dupin books that makes me feel like Bannalec has forgotten when to finish a story. Between the eleventh-hour a-HA! that turns into a twist and the fact that there is ZERO character development for anyone, it has become a palate-cleansing series between other books.
I don't know what has happened. I suspect it's that thing called "success" conflated with the other thing called "a TV series adaptation". Dupin's pacing back and forth, endless notes, and coffee drinking were amusing, and now they come across as purely mechanical. If he's not doing those things, the author seems to think, he's not Dupin.
The mystery, on this particular occasion, seems terribly far-fetched. We started out quite nicely with a group outing for Dupin and his team, and we inevitably launched into a super-special, super-convoluted story involving Arthurian lore. I won't spoil the ending; my humble opinion is that it's not so much spoilt as stale and with a definite whiff of "this won't hold up very well under scrutiny". Too many suspects and all of them are way too suspicious which makes the potentially least suspicious person the obvious killer.
I am, perhaps, being unfair when I compare the character development that Di Giovanni and Herron manage for The Bastards of Pizzofalcone and the Slough House book series with Bannalec's -by now, inevitably- repetitive and formulaic sidekicks: Riwal wide-eyed as he waxes poetic about Brittany, Kadeg butts heads (in his thick-skulled lunk who is competent anyway) with everyone, Locmariaquer is a meathead that has no business being a prefect, Claire is the girlfriend who is also a thoracic surgeon, isn't really supportive of Dupin's career and, let's face it, is quite a nag when she wants to be. And then there's Nolwenn who is invariably no-nonsense (yet so fun-loving and driven!) as she out Miss-Moneypennys Miss Moneypenny. Why isn't Nolwenn an actual flic, by the way? She is more organized and intuitive than Commissaire Dupin; maybe he should be manning the phones and SHE should be handling the cases. Perhaps her greatest Achilles' heel is that she can't pause being didactic about Brittany and translating what she says from Breton to French (or English in the translations I read). No, Nolwenn's job is to serve; she's too busy making sure everyone is fed, supplied with what they need, and informed of whatever, and never seems to be away from her desk or phone because Dupin might call her. Nolwenn supposedly has a husband, but I don't know when she has time to see him, or if she is as solicitous with him as she is with her co-workers. The poor woman probably collapses as soon as she gets home, or she goes all C3PO and powers down for a bit.
(An aside note: Fred Vargas beautifully handles the competent woman cop and her conservation of energy by having Violette Rettencourt just stand or sit and, for lack of a better expression, reboot her energy. While Nolwenn is a dynamo who never makes a mistake, Rettencourt is a much more developed character and one that is easy to love and respect.)
This particular case left me feeling...meh. I thought the last time I felt this way about a Bannalec book it was my fault, and now I realize that he is partly to blame. He is throwing everything but the kitchen sink at his adventures, and he's not really adding anything that would make the series move forward rather than just pinball back and forth constantly between the same elements.
Every new trip to Brittany seems a little ho-hum at this point. I hope Bannalec decides to flesh out his characters a little bit more, but I'm not holding my breath.
I don't know what has happened. I suspect it's that thing called "success" conflated with the other thing called "a TV series adaptation". Dupin's pacing back and forth, endless notes, and coffee drinking were amusing, and now they come across as purely mechanical. If he's not doing those things, the author seems to think, he's not Dupin.
The mystery, on this particular occasion, seems terribly far-fetched. We started out quite nicely with a group outing for Dupin and his team, and we inevitably launched into a super-special, super-convoluted story involving Arthurian lore. I won't spoil the ending; my humble opinion is that it's not so much spoilt as stale and with a definite whiff of "this won't hold up very well under scrutiny". Too many suspects and all of them are way too suspicious which makes the potentially least suspicious person the obvious killer.
I am, perhaps, being unfair when I compare the character development that Di Giovanni and Herron manage for The Bastards of Pizzofalcone and the Slough House book series with Bannalec's -by now, inevitably- repetitive and formulaic sidekicks: Riwal wide-eyed as he waxes poetic about Brittany, Kadeg butts heads (in his thick-skulled lunk who is competent anyway) with everyone, Locmariaquer is a meathead that has no business being a prefect, Claire is the girlfriend who is also a thoracic surgeon, isn't really supportive of Dupin's career and, let's face it, is quite a nag when she wants to be. And then there's Nolwenn who is invariably no-nonsense (yet so fun-loving and driven!) as she out Miss-Moneypennys Miss Moneypenny. Why isn't Nolwenn an actual flic, by the way? She is more organized and intuitive than Commissaire Dupin; maybe he should be manning the phones and SHE should be handling the cases. Perhaps her greatest Achilles' heel is that she can't pause being didactic about Brittany and translating what she says from Breton to French (or English in the translations I read). No, Nolwenn's job is to serve; she's too busy making sure everyone is fed, supplied with what they need, and informed of whatever, and never seems to be away from her desk or phone because Dupin might call her. Nolwenn supposedly has a husband, but I don't know when she has time to see him, or if she is as solicitous with him as she is with her co-workers. The poor woman probably collapses as soon as she gets home, or she goes all C3PO and powers down for a bit.
(An aside note: Fred Vargas beautifully handles the competent woman cop and her conservation of energy by having Violette Rettencourt just stand or sit and, for lack of a better expression, reboot her energy. While Nolwenn is a dynamo who never makes a mistake, Rettencourt is a much more developed character and one that is easy to love and respect.)
This particular case left me feeling...meh. I thought the last time I felt this way about a Bannalec book it was my fault, and now I realize that he is partly to blame. He is throwing everything but the kitchen sink at his adventures, and he's not really adding anything that would make the series move forward rather than just pinball back and forth constantly between the same elements.
Every new trip to Brittany seems a little ho-hum at this point. I hope Bannalec decides to flesh out his characters a little bit more, but I'm not holding my breath.
February 23, 2022
This was the first time for me reading anything from Jean-Luc Bannalec, his The King Arthur Case is a nice little mystery set in Brittany in France. It all starts out as an office outing for inspector Dupin and his men but it quickly turns into a murder mystery with historical background and some politics involved. I found it interesting and entertaining although I got the feeling that I would have benefitted from reading the first six books. I must thank @MacmillanUSA and @edelweiss_squad and @MinotaurBooks for giving me this advance copy and #JeanLucBannalec for writing this book out in stores April 26th
November 4, 2022
Čím víc ho čtu, tím víc ho miluju! A začínám být na café stejně závislá jako on. Kulisa artušovskylch legend je skvělá a odpočinek úplně nejlepší.
October 4, 2024
3,5 estrellas
Siempre es entretenido acompañar al comisario Dupin por los distintos paisajes de la Bretaña. En este caso, el bosque de Broceliande y alrededores con todas las historias y los mitos artúricos. Me han dado ganas de documentarme más sobre el tema y un libro que te despierta curiosidad por algo siempre está bien.
Siempre es entretenido acompañar al comisario Dupin por los distintos paisajes de la Bretaña. En este caso, el bosque de Broceliande y alrededores con todas las historias y los mitos artúricos. Me han dado ganas de documentarme más sobre el tema y un libro que te despierta curiosidad por algo siempre está bien.
August 6, 2019
Desde que comencé el libro supe que no me iba a gustar, es indudable que en los libros de misterio se espera que el escritor genere interés en sus personajes, que uno no pueda parar de leer porque es imperante llegar hasta el final del asunto, lastimosamente esta historia me ha parecido aburridísima, tediosa, no ha despertado en lo más mínimo mi curiosidad por saber por cuál razón están asesinando a los investigadores más versados en la leyenda del Rey Arturo.
El personaje principal, el Comisario Dupin, es insulso, ni hablar de los demás personajes, pasan por cada pagina sin tomar notoriedad, desde mi punto de vista son planos, no he sentido nada al leerlos.
Otro aspecto que no me gustó es que el libro tiene demasiada información histórica que honestamente considero innecesaria y que ha hecho que la historia me parezca pesada, cada página sigue un hilo de la investigación, pero no sucede nada de gran relevancia.
Es el primer libro que leo de Jean-Luc Bannalec y puedo decir con toda seguridad que será el último.
El personaje principal, el Comisario Dupin, es insulso, ni hablar de los demás personajes, pasan por cada pagina sin tomar notoriedad, desde mi punto de vista son planos, no he sentido nada al leerlos.
Otro aspecto que no me gustó es que el libro tiene demasiada información histórica que honestamente considero innecesaria y que ha hecho que la historia me parezca pesada, cada página sigue un hilo de la investigación, pero no sucede nada de gran relevancia.
Es el primer libro que leo de Jean-Luc Bannalec y puedo decir con toda seguridad que será el último.
November 8, 2021
Commissaire Georges Dupin along with his assistant secretary Nolwenn, and Inspectors Riwal and Kadeg. are on an office outing from Concarneau to the forest of Broceliande. Dupin is asked by an old Paris friend, Inspector General Jean Odinet, to interview a scholar there at a King Arthur conference. Unfortunately, when Dupin goes to see him, the scholar has been shot dead. There are several other experts attending the conference, so there are plenty of suspects. Odinet and his Paris superiors assign Dupin to the case and give it special status so Dupin is soon working with the local police as well, who are very helpful. The experts are an unlikeable group, and the townspeople are debating about having a theme park built, which might have something to do with the murder as well, but the forest is a beautiful, dark place and the team feel the enchantment. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange of an honest review. However, I confess, this is one of my favorite mystery series and I would definitely recommend starting at the beginning.
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July 19, 2024This is a 7th book in my favourite crime serie set in Brittany, France which features commissaire Dupin and his team.While reading this book I felt transported in Brittany and I hope one day I will be able to visit places described in Bannalec's books so vividly and beautifully. The book is very well written and the mystery is well plotted. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
December 25, 2018
hmmm - ich glaub ich brauche eine Pause von der Reihe - es hat mich so gar nicht interessiert, wie es weiter ging mit den Personen. Der Fall war spannend - aber so richtig vom Hocker hat mich auch der nicht gerissen - Schade
May 13, 2020
Eigentlich sollte es ein gemütlicher Betriebsausflug werden, verknüpft mit einem winzigen Gefallen den Kommissar Dupin einem Pariser Kollegen schuldet, doch dann findet er den Zeugen tot auf. In Null-Komma-Nichts wird Dupin, nicht ganz freiwillig zum leitenden Ermittler ernannt, mit allen möglichen und unmöglichen Befugnissen. Kaum das er Luft geholt hat, findet sich schon die zweite Leiche. Beides sind renommierte Professoren, die sich auf die Erforschung der Arthus-Saga spezialisiert haben. Nun sitzt Dupin den Kollegen der beiden gegenüber und kämpft sich durch eine Mauer des Schweigens. Zur Seite stehen ihm wie immer die unermüdliche Nolwenn und die Inspektoren Riwal und Kadeg. Unter Einsatz aller vor Ort arbeitenden Polizisten und jeder Menge Cafe, versucht der Kommissar den Fall innerhalb von 48 Stunden zu lösen, denn dieses Ultimatum hat ihm seine bessere Hälfte gestellt.
Jedes Jahr freue ich mich wieder auf ein neues Buch über Georges Dupin und seine Ermittlungen in der Bretagne. „Bretonische Geheimnisse“ lag zu Unrecht beinahe zwei Jahre ungelesen in meinem Regal. Ich mag die Truppe um den Zwangsbretonen, weil dieser Regionalkrimi so herrlich unaufgeregt daherkommt. Natürlich mangelt es auch bei Dupin nie an Leichen und Blut und doch verglichen mit anderen Krimis, die ich lese, ist es immer noch ein idyllisches Lesevergnügen, bei dem man sich mit der Bretagne vertraut machen kann. Dieses Fleckchen Erde scheint ein umfangreiches Facettenspektrum zu haben, da es dem Autor gelingt, mir mit jedem neuen Fall eine andere Seite davon zu erschließen. Dem armen Dupin bleibt bei diesem Fall nichts erspart, von widerspenstigen Wissenschaftlern, hin zu verschwunden Ermittlern und der Begegnung mit einem nicht näher benannten weißen Tier. Dennoch gelingt es ihm mit Hilfe des Sonderstatus, Nolwenn, Schlafentzug und natürlich jeder Menge Cafe die Verbrechen aufzuklären. Schauplatz ist in diesem Fall der Wald von Brocéliande, in dem sich ein Großteil der Arthus-Sage abgespielt haben soll. Dem Autor gelang es mir die märchenhafte, fast mystische Atmosphäre durch seine Schilderung zu transportieren, fast meinte ich Dupin wäre der Löwenritter, dessen Frau ihm ein Ultimatum stellt und der durch den Wahnsinn schreiten muss, um seine Bestimmung zu erfüllen. Ich habe alle geliebten Charaktere wiedergetroffen und natürlich hat Nolwenn mit ihrem Organisationstalent, alle in die Tasche gesteckt. Kein Wunder das sie für die Chefin des Kommissars gehalten. Nach so langer Zeit bringt Dupin dieser Fall seine Reputation zurück und eine Stelle in Paris ein. Doch ich glaube in den letzten Jahren ist aus ihm ein waschechter Bretone geworden.
Ich freue mich schon auf sein nächstes Abenteuer, insbesondere da es ja mit seinem Lieblingsrestaurant dem Amiral zu tun haben soll. Ich hoffe es folgen noch viele Bücher über diese faszinierenden Bretonen.
Jedes Jahr freue ich mich wieder auf ein neues Buch über Georges Dupin und seine Ermittlungen in der Bretagne. „Bretonische Geheimnisse“ lag zu Unrecht beinahe zwei Jahre ungelesen in meinem Regal. Ich mag die Truppe um den Zwangsbretonen, weil dieser Regionalkrimi so herrlich unaufgeregt daherkommt. Natürlich mangelt es auch bei Dupin nie an Leichen und Blut und doch verglichen mit anderen Krimis, die ich lese, ist es immer noch ein idyllisches Lesevergnügen, bei dem man sich mit der Bretagne vertraut machen kann. Dieses Fleckchen Erde scheint ein umfangreiches Facettenspektrum zu haben, da es dem Autor gelingt, mir mit jedem neuen Fall eine andere Seite davon zu erschließen. Dem armen Dupin bleibt bei diesem Fall nichts erspart, von widerspenstigen Wissenschaftlern, hin zu verschwunden Ermittlern und der Begegnung mit einem nicht näher benannten weißen Tier. Dennoch gelingt es ihm mit Hilfe des Sonderstatus, Nolwenn, Schlafentzug und natürlich jeder Menge Cafe die Verbrechen aufzuklären. Schauplatz ist in diesem Fall der Wald von Brocéliande, in dem sich ein Großteil der Arthus-Sage abgespielt haben soll. Dem Autor gelang es mir die märchenhafte, fast mystische Atmosphäre durch seine Schilderung zu transportieren, fast meinte ich Dupin wäre der Löwenritter, dessen Frau ihm ein Ultimatum stellt und der durch den Wahnsinn schreiten muss, um seine Bestimmung zu erfüllen. Ich habe alle geliebten Charaktere wiedergetroffen und natürlich hat Nolwenn mit ihrem Organisationstalent, alle in die Tasche gesteckt. Kein Wunder das sie für die Chefin des Kommissars gehalten. Nach so langer Zeit bringt Dupin dieser Fall seine Reputation zurück und eine Stelle in Paris ein. Doch ich glaube in den letzten Jahren ist aus ihm ein waschechter Bretone geworden.
Ich freue mich schon auf sein nächstes Abenteuer, insbesondere da es ja mit seinem Lieblingsrestaurant dem Amiral zu tun haben soll. Ich hoffe es folgen noch viele Bücher über diese faszinierenden Bretonen.
April 15, 2023
I couldn't believe the story until I went onto Google Earth and found all the places, including the location of the headquarters of the King Arthur group. Brittany is a very strange place I didn't include archaeology in the bookshelves because these people are all "scholars" not archaeologists. Three separate deaths in one day is a bit hard to believe and to think of pen and ink types committing murders like these stretches belief even though I know that envy, ambition, and greed can all be found lurking under those academic gowns and who knows how far some will go to gain prestige or a professorship or wealth.
The writing style feels a little distant, but I don't know if that is the writer or the translator. I was going to criticise someone who put a box of slide negatives in a drawer but I am assured by one person that you can stop the developing process and make negatives, even though it doesn't seem like something one would do. I will have to speak to my other information source for clarification. I know a considerable amount of Arthurian material but I don't know the Lion Knight and will have to do some research.
This was interesting enough that I will look out others in the series and I agree with the comment on the book jacket regarding the beautiful nature of the country descriptions. They did make me want to visit Brittany
The writing style feels a little distant, but I don't know if that is the writer or the translator. I was going to criticise someone who put a box of slide negatives in a drawer but I am assured by one person that you can stop the developing process and make negatives, even though it doesn't seem like something one would do. I will have to speak to my other information source for clarification. I know a considerable amount of Arthurian material but I don't know the Lion Knight and will have to do some research.
This was interesting enough that I will look out others in the series and I agree with the comment on the book jacket regarding the beautiful nature of the country descriptions. They did make me want to visit Brittany
April 20, 2022
This was the first book in this series that I read, although it’s the seventh. It’s nice to read a mystery series set in France that isn’t set in Paris (apparently the lead, Commissaire Dupin, used to work in Paris and there was a scandal or something), but instead is in Brittany, on the coast. In this particular episode, a bunch of King Arthur experts (academics) are meeting in an area that according to legend might be a place where Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table once were, and they start being killed.
It’s a police procedural, but both the subject (King Arthur academic experts) and the locale (misty, boggy, forested) gave it a hint of coziness. Also this is in a very small town which doesn’t have the police force to investigate this (which is why Dupin and his colleagues, who are there on a retreat from work, hah–pitch in) and the police they do have have heard of Dupin and treat him a bit like a celebrity, which is more just provincial and irritating than flattering.
Both the setup and the area were delightful–amusing and a little different. Made me really want to eat cheese and drink wine. And maybe refresh my King Arthur tales. A fun mystery, I may read more.
It’s a police procedural, but both the subject (King Arthur academic experts) and the locale (misty, boggy, forested) gave it a hint of coziness. Also this is in a very small town which doesn’t have the police force to investigate this (which is why Dupin and his colleagues, who are there on a retreat from work, hah–pitch in) and the police they do have have heard of Dupin and treat him a bit like a celebrity, which is more just provincial and irritating than flattering.
Both the setup and the area were delightful–amusing and a little different. Made me really want to eat cheese and drink wine. And maybe refresh my King Arthur tales. A fun mystery, I may read more.
September 9, 2020
Die Story hat sich dieses mal wirklich wie ein Kaugummi gezogen. Und das so ein komplexer Fall, mit so vielen Toten in weniger als 48 Stunden gelöst sein soll... Es wäre für den Leser/in einfacher, wenn nicht alles so dicht gedrängt passieren würde, sondern zwischen allem auch noch Luft wäre. Aus der Story um Artus hätte man meiner Meinung auch viel mehr rausholen könnte.
Der schwächste Dupin der ganzen Reihe.
Der schwächste Dupin der ganzen Reihe.
October 31, 2020
Otro libro más del comisario Dupin y otro libro que me encanta. La forma que tiene el autor de describir los paisajes hace que te traslades a la Bretaña. Lo que menos me gusta es el formato se capítulos largos. El libro contiene solo tres capítulos y se hacen un poco pesados. Si fueran cortos se leería mucho más rápido. Aun así tengo el octavo esperándome.
March 20, 2023
I totally enjoyed this book, my 2nd by this author.
I was a huge fan of the King Arthur tales and the Merlin magic, and all that, in my younger days, but I never felt the need to research it to the level these Scholars have done.
I simply enjoyed the fantasy.
This novel took my breath away. I was impressed by the vivid and energetic descriptions of the natural environment: The mists. The lake. The white rabbit(?). The drastic changes in the weather. The moon and stars. And in particular, the darkness. Oh my goodness! He literally turned these natural events into a supporting cast of characters. I just loved it.
But I didn’t correctly guess the murderer(s).
I was a huge fan of the King Arthur tales and the Merlin magic, and all that, in my younger days, but I never felt the need to research it to the level these Scholars have done.
I simply enjoyed the fantasy.
This novel took my breath away. I was impressed by the vivid and energetic descriptions of the natural environment: The mists. The lake. The white rabbit(?). The drastic changes in the weather. The moon and stars. And in particular, the darkness. Oh my goodness! He literally turned these natural events into a supporting cast of characters. I just loved it.
But I didn’t correctly guess the murderer(s).
May 19, 2024
Dupin in njegovi sodelavci se odpravijo na službeni izlet. Pričakujejo sproščen oddih, pričaka pa jih umor. A ne le eden; kar trije in še poskus umora. Le v dveh dneh razrešijo vse skrivnosti...
Tokrat veliko o kralju Arturju, zgodovini in svetem gralu, ter področju Bretanje, ki je za to obdobje še kako zelo pomembna.
Nov, privlačen primer iz očitno neverjetno lepe Bretanje.
Tokrat veliko o kralju Arturju, zgodovini in svetem gralu, ter področju Bretanje, ki je za to obdobje še kako zelo pomembna.
Nov, privlačen primer iz očitno neverjetno lepe Bretanje.
February 4, 2023
I enjoyed this next book in Bannalec’s series. The plot was demanding & engaging! I also appreciate the evolving relationships in Dupin’s team.
However, I must admit that I had no idea that the King Arthur legend had its roots in Brittany!! 🤔
However, I must admit that I had no idea that the King Arthur legend had its roots in Brittany!! 🤔
August 27, 2018
Sehr geheimnisvoll, vielleicht das beste Dupinbuch bisher. Schneller Rhythmus und exzellent beschriebene Charaktere. Schade dass die Bretagne so weit weg ist ...
February 28, 2022
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this new mystery based in France.
Mystery books not only offer you the intellectual exercise in keeping up with both smart killers and hopefully smarter detectives, but the have the ability to teach and show places that might be unfamiliar. A monastery near the border or Wales, for example, or a brownstone full of orchids and great food. Jean- Luc Bannalec in his seventh book in this series featuring Commissaire Dupin, The King Arthur Case, takes us to a fabled area of Brittany, a place of magic and fairies, and lots of bodies.
Commissaire Dupin and his fellow investigators are on a team building/ spring trip to the forest of Broceliande, with a little work to do on the way. Owing a favor, Dupin has agreed to stop and ask a historian familiar with the Arthurian myths of the area, about the recent death of another Arthurian expert. Dupin arrives to late, the expert has been killed, and soon he is informed another expert his been knifed by a fabled well. Dupin, is soon placed in charge of the case, much to the satisfaction of the locals, and Dupin and his team are soon deep in Arthurian myth and stories of development for the area, that might not have been popular with everyone. And why do the other experts brought together for a conference, not seem that upset about their recently deceased comrades.
The story is good, a mix of both police procedural and historical travelogue for the area, and facts about King Arthur and his possible ties to the area. Dupin is an interesting character, as are his investigators, and though this is the seventh book, reading the others doesn't seem necessary, though some ties and character conflicts might be a little clearer. The mystery is complex with a few genuine surprises. I wish there had been more chapters, or breaks but that is more of a formatting issue, and doesn't take away from the story.
A fun mystery, complete with beautiful scenery and an interesting locale. For Francophiles this is a perfect read, with a lot about the language, culture and the region of Brittany. For fans of the MHz channel, which features television shows from around the world, like the Murder In series, which covers different regions of France this would also be a very good read. Also for fans of Cara Black and Mark Pryor with their series set in France, and for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
Mystery books not only offer you the intellectual exercise in keeping up with both smart killers and hopefully smarter detectives, but the have the ability to teach and show places that might be unfamiliar. A monastery near the border or Wales, for example, or a brownstone full of orchids and great food. Jean- Luc Bannalec in his seventh book in this series featuring Commissaire Dupin, The King Arthur Case, takes us to a fabled area of Brittany, a place of magic and fairies, and lots of bodies.
Commissaire Dupin and his fellow investigators are on a team building/ spring trip to the forest of Broceliande, with a little work to do on the way. Owing a favor, Dupin has agreed to stop and ask a historian familiar with the Arthurian myths of the area, about the recent death of another Arthurian expert. Dupin arrives to late, the expert has been killed, and soon he is informed another expert his been knifed by a fabled well. Dupin, is soon placed in charge of the case, much to the satisfaction of the locals, and Dupin and his team are soon deep in Arthurian myth and stories of development for the area, that might not have been popular with everyone. And why do the other experts brought together for a conference, not seem that upset about their recently deceased comrades.
The story is good, a mix of both police procedural and historical travelogue for the area, and facts about King Arthur and his possible ties to the area. Dupin is an interesting character, as are his investigators, and though this is the seventh book, reading the others doesn't seem necessary, though some ties and character conflicts might be a little clearer. The mystery is complex with a few genuine surprises. I wish there had been more chapters, or breaks but that is more of a formatting issue, and doesn't take away from the story.
A fun mystery, complete with beautiful scenery and an interesting locale. For Francophiles this is a perfect read, with a lot about the language, culture and the region of Brittany. For fans of the MHz channel, which features television shows from around the world, like the Murder In series, which covers different regions of France this would also be a very good read. Also for fans of Cara Black and Mark Pryor with their series set in France, and for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
February 17, 2022
The King Arthur Case case opens with the four members of the Concarneau station going on an office outing on their day off. A team building hike and lunch to relax and enjoy themselves. The forest of Broceliande in Brittany is a famous Arthurian sight. Many of the old tales of Arthurian knights take place in the wood. Riwal as usual is a font of knowledge. He has many tales to tell of the history of the area. Dupin has one stop to make before they begin the hike. While the three other team member, Kadeg, Riwal, and Nolwenn, will grab provisions, Dupin has to meet with a local professor for an interview.
In a previous case, Dupin asked a friend from Paris for help in the investigation. Jean is high up in the Paris police and did the favor with the promise of a return favor from Dupin. Another professor named Laurent dies on an Arthurian archeological dig in the UK and the last person to visit him was Professor Cadiou. Laurent's wife suspects Laurent's death was not a natural one. When Dupin arrives he finds Cadiou dead and with another professor found dead nearby soon after, the team outing is off and Dupin has been handed the case.
I love books that take me places. In this series I feel like I have been to Brittany and met the people. I can feel their pride and strength. When Commissaire Dupin first arrives in Concarneau the local are suspicious of Le Parisien. They wonder why an officer from Paris would come to Brittany, did he leave in disgrace. By the end of this latest book Dupin as been claimed by the locals at a Breton! This is my favorite mystery series, the scenery and characters will steal your heart.
In a previous case, Dupin asked a friend from Paris for help in the investigation. Jean is high up in the Paris police and did the favor with the promise of a return favor from Dupin. Another professor named Laurent dies on an Arthurian archeological dig in the UK and the last person to visit him was Professor Cadiou. Laurent's wife suspects Laurent's death was not a natural one. When Dupin arrives he finds Cadiou dead and with another professor found dead nearby soon after, the team outing is off and Dupin has been handed the case.
I love books that take me places. In this series I feel like I have been to Brittany and met the people. I can feel their pride and strength. When Commissaire Dupin first arrives in Concarneau the local are suspicious of Le Parisien. They wonder why an officer from Paris would come to Brittany, did he leave in disgrace. By the end of this latest book Dupin as been claimed by the locals at a Breton! This is my favorite mystery series, the scenery and characters will steal your heart.
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