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Lola Jost & Ingrid Diesel #5
Dirty War
A lawyer who specialises in French-African relations is found brutally murdered after suffering 'the torture of Father Lebrun' - a burning tyre is placed around his neck until he suffocates.
The case is already explosive because of its connections to high-profile members of the Franco-African arms trade. But for Lola Jost, the case has a darker resonance - her much-loved assistant, a mixed race policeman named Toussaint Kidjo, was murdered in the same manner five years before - a crime that was never solved.
Weaving in our favourite larger-than-life characters from The Dark Angel, this is a far darker story, as Lola and Ingrid become embroiled in a case that draws attention from all the wrong quarters.
The case is already explosive because of its connections to high-profile members of the Franco-African arms trade. But for Lola Jost, the case has a darker resonance - her much-loved assistant, a mixed race policeman named Toussaint Kidjo, was murdered in the same manner five years before - a crime that was never solved.
Weaving in our favourite larger-than-life characters from The Dark Angel, this is a far darker story, as Lola and Ingrid become embroiled in a case that draws attention from all the wrong quarters.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 26, 2016
Having really enjoyed the first mystery featuring retired Commissaire of police Lola Just and the American masseuse Ingrid Diesel, “Dark Angel,” I was pleased to get the chance to read this second translated in the series (although, as far as I can tell, number 5 in the original series). Overall, it is a much darker novel than the first book and recalls events mentioned in “Dark Angel”, when a young officer of African origin, Toussaint Kidjo, was killed five years before events in this story. Lola Just obviously felt she had failed in solving that case, and that she had a personal responsibility towards one of her own officers. Now, this book begins with the violent murder of lawyer, Florian Vidal, in a crime reminiscent of that of Kidjo’s.
While the official investigation is being carried out by Sebastian Menard, Lola Just soon discovers the links between the crimes, due to Lieutenant Jerome Barthelemy, who is still loyal to his old boss. With tension in the department and the crime a delicate one, as Florian Vidal worked for ‘Mr Africa,’ Richard Gratien, a key player in French-African relationships, Lola convinces Ingrid to help her investigate the case.
Before long, there are more deaths, in a high profile investigation which involves arms sales, political ambitions and long held secrets. Alongside this crime, is that of a well respected auctioneer, Nora Nungesser, who has killed her son’s murderer on his release from prison and fled the country. Although it seems unlikely that the two crimes are linked, what soon becomes obvious is that the answers lie in the past. As before, the unlikely pairing of Lola and Ingrid works brilliantly. Lola is, if anything, even more determined to solve this crime, whatever it takes, and discover what really happened to the case she thought she would never solve. With a good cast of characters, a fast moving plot and a dark and believable undercurrent of tension, this is an even better addition to a great series. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
While the official investigation is being carried out by Sebastian Menard, Lola Just soon discovers the links between the crimes, due to Lieutenant Jerome Barthelemy, who is still loyal to his old boss. With tension in the department and the crime a delicate one, as Florian Vidal worked for ‘Mr Africa,’ Richard Gratien, a key player in French-African relationships, Lola convinces Ingrid to help her investigate the case.
Before long, there are more deaths, in a high profile investigation which involves arms sales, political ambitions and long held secrets. Alongside this crime, is that of a well respected auctioneer, Nora Nungesser, who has killed her son’s murderer on his release from prison and fled the country. Although it seems unlikely that the two crimes are linked, what soon becomes obvious is that the answers lie in the past. As before, the unlikely pairing of Lola and Ingrid works brilliantly. Lola is, if anything, even more determined to solve this crime, whatever it takes, and discover what really happened to the case she thought she would never solve. With a good cast of characters, a fast moving plot and a dark and believable undercurrent of tension, this is an even better addition to a great series. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
April 26, 2014
Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. I like the Lola/Ingrid dynamic and was rather sorry that there wasn't more of it in this book. However, the story is complex and this time police inspector Sacha Duguin is more centre-stage. The 'dirty war' of the title, which wealthy countries carry out on the African continent is barely mentioned within the African context itself. Instead we see a stream of characters with links to the Congo (perhaps too many characters, it gets hard at times to keep track), all acting out their sad tale of corruption, revenge and nasty secrets on the streets of Paris. Sylvain can write a good old plot twist as well as the best of them, but the opening and close of this novel prove what a great writing style she has too. Now I need to read the next in the series, which takes up where this story left off.
February 18, 2017
A gruesome murder leads to the uncovering of dark secrets.
I found this story a bit confusing - there were too many (side) characters for me. Plus I found it difficult to engage with the writing style and the murder’s identity / the reason for the murders appeared to come out of nowhere.
I found this story a bit confusing - there were too many (side) characters for me. Plus I found it difficult to engage with the writing style and the murder’s identity / the reason for the murders appeared to come out of nowhere.
January 3, 2022
Frivolous, fanciful, far-fetched and phoney; but fun.
Dirty War, is one of three Lola and Ingrid novels available in English. Lire, the French literary magazine proclaimed it the best crime novel of 2011. It is a light-hearted romp through the back streets of Paris as the unlikely investigators race the police to find the murderer.
Whilst the initial murder is a little grim, Sylvain doesn’t feel the need to turn your stomach with vivid descriptions of murder and torture. She is more interested in playing on the curious friendship of a stripper and a retired police officer, and their rivalry with the police. Though she doesn’t milk the storyline for laughs, she squeezes the humour out of it.
Sylvain reveals clues, witnesses and discoveries at such an alarming rate that you have to work hard to keep up. The pace is frantic and the plot goes so far beyond incredulous you will banish disbelief as an irrelevance as you tear through the pages.
If you are looking for a French author who will challenge your thinking, choose Manotti. If you want a story, choose Vargas. If you want nightmares try Lemaitre. If you want a light-hearted and frivolous diversion, Sylvain’s Dirty War is just the job.
A word of warning, the book ends with a cliffhanger and you will be tempted to buy the next, Shadows and Sun. Fortunately, it has been translated into English as well.
Read a little more at https://crimebooks.uk/book/dirty-war-2/
Dirty War, is one of three Lola and Ingrid novels available in English. Lire, the French literary magazine proclaimed it the best crime novel of 2011. It is a light-hearted romp through the back streets of Paris as the unlikely investigators race the police to find the murderer.
Whilst the initial murder is a little grim, Sylvain doesn’t feel the need to turn your stomach with vivid descriptions of murder and torture. She is more interested in playing on the curious friendship of a stripper and a retired police officer, and their rivalry with the police. Though she doesn’t milk the storyline for laughs, she squeezes the humour out of it.
Sylvain reveals clues, witnesses and discoveries at such an alarming rate that you have to work hard to keep up. The pace is frantic and the plot goes so far beyond incredulous you will banish disbelief as an irrelevance as you tear through the pages.
If you are looking for a French author who will challenge your thinking, choose Manotti. If you want a story, choose Vargas. If you want nightmares try Lemaitre. If you want a light-hearted and frivolous diversion, Sylvain’s Dirty War is just the job.
A word of warning, the book ends with a cliffhanger and you will be tempted to buy the next, Shadows and Sun. Fortunately, it has been translated into English as well.
Read a little more at https://crimebooks.uk/book/dirty-war-2/
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March 15, 2020Espagne
September 5, 2021
Definitely a good read. Stylish and interesting with 2 strong female protagonists
May 17, 2016
J'aime bien lire Dominique Sylvain car j'ai le sentiment de partager les mêmes références culturelles, je me dis que nous devons avoir le même âge. C'est peut-être bête mais c'est comme retrouver quelqu'un que l'on connait depuis longtemps.
J'ai bien aimé lire Guerre Sale, mais j'ai eu un peu de la peine à finir le livre. Au départ j'ai failli ne même pas le lire, à cause de la description de la torture qu'avait subi la victime, mais mon ami qui a lu le livre avant, m'a informée que c'était justifié, puisque le reste de l'histoire et l'enquête reposaient en partie sur le modus operandi du meurtre de cette principale victime. Je n'aime pas les livres "torture-porn", ce n'est pas ragoûtant du tout. Mais évidemment avec Dominique Sylvain, on s'attache ensuite plus aux personnages qui mênent l'enquête, ce que j'apprécie..il y a un peu de Fred Vargas dans sa façon de dépeindre des personnages attachants et humains, souvent bon vivants, et discutant par exemple autour d'un verre ou d'un bon petit plat. (aussi à la façon du personnage de Montalban, Pepe Carvalho). C'est étrange mais j'ai d'ailleurs pas mal cuisiné dans les jours où je lisais ce livre, sans doute un effet inconscient. J'ai eu un peu de mal à m'intéresser à l'intrigue et les magouilles des politiques dans les affaires France-Afrique, mais bien entendu, je voulais tout de même savoir qui avait fait le coup.
Petit bémol, je tique lorsque des personnages mênent des actions contraires à leur caractères, comme cette femme-flic à la retraite qui se met à menacer de trouer la peau à une jeune hotesse de l'air en échange d'information ? Non je n'y ai pas cru. Et aussi, on nous rappelle à la fin du livre que durant tout ce temps, elle portait une minerve, et que ça la soulage bien de pouvoir enfin l'oter. Sauf que jamais on nous a dit comment ça entravait ses mouvements ou si ça lui faisait mal, même si au départ, oui, on sait qu'elle tombe dans l'escalier. Mais bon cela est vite éludé et ça ne l'empèche pas de boire des coups et de mener son enquête comme si de rien était. Donc oui, un peu bizarre.
J'ai bien aimé lire Guerre Sale, mais j'ai eu un peu de la peine à finir le livre. Au départ j'ai failli ne même pas le lire, à cause de la description de la torture qu'avait subi la victime, mais mon ami qui a lu le livre avant, m'a informée que c'était justifié, puisque le reste de l'histoire et l'enquête reposaient en partie sur le modus operandi du meurtre de cette principale victime. Je n'aime pas les livres "torture-porn", ce n'est pas ragoûtant du tout. Mais évidemment avec Dominique Sylvain, on s'attache ensuite plus aux personnages qui mênent l'enquête, ce que j'apprécie..il y a un peu de Fred Vargas dans sa façon de dépeindre des personnages attachants et humains, souvent bon vivants, et discutant par exemple autour d'un verre ou d'un bon petit plat. (aussi à la façon du personnage de Montalban, Pepe Carvalho). C'est étrange mais j'ai d'ailleurs pas mal cuisiné dans les jours où je lisais ce livre, sans doute un effet inconscient. J'ai eu un peu de mal à m'intéresser à l'intrigue et les magouilles des politiques dans les affaires France-Afrique, mais bien entendu, je voulais tout de même savoir qui avait fait le coup.
Petit bémol, je tique lorsque des personnages mênent des actions contraires à leur caractères, comme cette femme-flic à la retraite qui se met à menacer de trouer la peau à une jeune hotesse de l'air en échange d'information ? Non je n'y ai pas cru. Et aussi, on nous rappelle à la fin du livre que durant tout ce temps, elle portait une minerve, et que ça la soulage bien de pouvoir enfin l'oter. Sauf que jamais on nous a dit comment ça entravait ses mouvements ou si ça lui faisait mal, même si au départ, oui, on sait qu'elle tombe dans l'escalier. Mais bon cela est vite éludé et ça ne l'empèche pas de boire des coups et de mener son enquête comme si de rien était. Donc oui, un peu bizarre.
Want to Read
January 28, 2011Vu l'auteur hier soir à la "Grande librairie"
Intéressée par un livre où les héros citent, entre autres, Valery Larbaud !
Intéressée par un livre où les héros citent, entre autres, Valery Larbaud !
January 3, 2015
Bien ficelé, ce polar mi politique mi africain!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews