The Missing Corpse: A Brittany Mystery

Kommissar Dupin #4

by Jean-Luc Bannalec

"Roll over Maigret. Commissaire Dupin has arrived." —M.C. Beaton on Death in Brittany

"Very satisfying…along the lines of Martin Walker’s novels set in Dordogne, or M.L. Longworth’s Aix-en-Provence mysteries." —Booklist on Murder on Brittany Shores

The Missing Corpse is internationally bestselling author, Jean-Luc Bannalec’s fourth novel in the Commissaire Dupin series. It’s picturesque, suspenseful, and the next best thing to a trip to Brittany.

Along the picturesque Belon River, home of the world famous oyster beds, between steep cliffs, ominous forests and the Atlantic Ocean, a stubborn elderly film actress discovers a corpse. By the time Commissaire Dupin arrives at the scene, the body has disappeared. A little while later, he receives a phone call from the mystical hills of Monts d'Arree, where legends of fairies and the devil another unidentified body has turned up. Dupin quickly realizes this may be his most difficult and confounding case yet, with links to celtic myths, a sand theft operation, and mysterious ancient druid cults.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, France, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Cozy Mystery

327 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2015

About the author

pen 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.

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
This book opens with Commissaire Georges Dupin in the Oceanopolis in Brest, France. He is supposed to attend a police training seminar. But then a corpse is discovered. By the time he gets to the scene the the corpse is gone. Although he does solve the mystery of the missing corpse, the murderer is not revealed until the end of the book. Another murder takes place and the book does meander a bit with side plots, including a subordinate's unauthorized investigation which almost costs Inspector Kadeg his job. Then there is is Dupin's personal life, which takes a happy turn. In between solving the crimes, Dupin indulges himself in some delicious Breton food.
There is very little violence and I would call it a cozy mystery. It is book 4 in the series, but it would work as a stand alone. I have also read book 3 in the series.
Some quotes:
On rain "If other people complained about the rain: 'En Bretagne il ne pleut que sur les cons' In Brittany it only rains on idiots.'
Breton firsts: "The first monumental construction of humanity? No, not the Egyptian pyramids, as everyone would assume, but the seventy-five meter long Breton stone tombs, the Cairn de Barenez. Built when? 4500bc. The pyramids weren't built until two thousand years later."

"You know the Breton motto: nothing is more real than what you cannot see! The world is an enchanted forest."
Thanks to Minotaur Books/St Martin's Press for sending me this book through NetGalley.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up
The Missing Corpse is aptly named. An elderly woman is out walking when she and her dog discover a corpse. By the time the police arrive at the scene, the body is missing.
With each book, Bannalec offers up another aspect of life in Brittany. Here, the reader learns about the oyster industry, sand stealing, and the Celtic relationship of Brittany with Scotland and the Druids who celebrate it.
Meanwhile, Commissaire Dupin has been told by his doctor to cut out drinking coffee. This is tantamount to telling an addict to stop injecting heroin. Needless to say, it’s not going well. But at least there’s good news on the romantic front.
I love that Bretons believe everything is better in the region and that all important discoveries originated here. It reminds me of the mind set of “How the Irish Saved Civilization. Maybe it’s a Celtic mindset?
These cozy mysteries are all about the thought process of determining the murderer. They move at a leisurely pace.
Unlike the prior books, I had a problem with the resolution to this story. Are we really to believe that a Scotsman could mimic the accent of a Breton easily and quickly?
But I enjoy these stories and will definitely continue with the series.
My dislike of the narrator, Graham Halstead, remains.

[Geles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Un cadáver que aparece y desaparece, leyendas celtas, ostras y vino blanco.

Los libros del comisario Dupín tienen un ritmo pausado, pero esta cuarta entrega se me ha hecho eterna. A las ya habituales descripciones del paisaje, el autor añade un buen repertorio de refranes y leyendas bretonas, que, junto con las lecciones magistrales de la cría de ostras y sus variedades en Europa han ido demorando la investigación sin aportar nada.

Reconozco que las primeras entregas me resultaron entretenidas, pero en esta ya ha empezado a resultarme cargante tanto catálogo turístico de la Bretaña, así que por el momento dejaré aparcada la serie.

Aprobado justito -- 2.5*

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Missing Corpse is subtitled A Brittany Mystery, and a delightful and thought-provoking one it is from Jean luc Bannalec, especially if you like reading about gastronomic delights alongside the details of a murder investigation. And who doesn’t? We’re reading about food within the first few pages. A good start. And a body on the same page. Even better. Our author does not disappoint in either regard.

Commissaire Georges Dupin is back in this, his fourth investigation. His fifth year with the Commissariat de Police Concarneau is approaching, and that hangs over his head throughout the book, and not in a good way, not for him. His friends and associates are looking forward to it.

An elderly woman, Madame Bandol, claims to have seen a dead body while out walking. By the time the police get there – no body. Is the old actress – who may not be an actress, but her twin sister – confused? Dupin sets out to find out, of course. Soon we have a body. Just not “that” one. It’s revealed that the murdered man is a Scot. How has he come to be in France? Curiouser and curiouser.

In between the pages of the book we get examples of what faithful readers have come to know and look forward to – the love of Breton that populates this series. The weather is described, the landscape, the sound of the sea, the smell of the rain. Familiar, happy, calming. Along the way we also receive notification of what makes the area “food famous” – in this case, oysters in the village of Port Belon. As Dupin meets and talks with the witnesses, the suspects, his subordinates and his superiors (that Prefect!), he gets to eat, and we get to follow along. Do not be hungry when you read these books.

Always densely plotted, these books are, but this book seems even more than most, as thick as the “rocs” that the author describes in such detail. There are red herrings, missing (possible) witnesses, and alibis to check and double-check. Then he’s sidetracked by an investigation into the theft of sand off French beaches – that’s a close one, for a member of his team. That is how a Dupin investigation goes; it’s not just about murder, or missing bodies, it’s about old Breton myths, of Celtic legends and Druids and Celtic music. A suspect is almost killed. Oh, and it all hinges on the sighting of a "ghost." And Nolween, Dupin’s incomparable assistant, is there to remind him of his party. Oh, and did I mention the great news from his girlfriend? No wonder the man needs a glass or three of his favorite Gigondas to get through it all.

It does tend to be a bit confusing, I’d have to admit. It takes a long while to get at the real reason for the murder(s). But, just as Madame Bandol’s favorite detective Hercule Poirot uses his little grey cells to put all the pieces together, Monsieur le Commissaire does the same.

The Missing Corpse ends with a magnificent description of Dupin’s anniversary dinner. Everyone important in his life is there. That is the essence of these books; the characters, the life of Breton. Dupin solves mysteries. Life, glorious Breton life, goes on.

Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for a copy of this book, in exchange for this review.

[Julie Durnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do enjoy this Breton series, for you not only get a murder mystery investigated and solved, but a culture and history lesson of this beautiful part of France. Commissaire Georges Dupin is a bit of a bumbling, just-one-more-question, detective, with the stereotypical pompous ass as his supervisor. Most of the credit, which is taken by the said pompous ass, belongs not so much to Dupin, as his team. Nolwenn, Dupin's assistant extraordinaire, who seems to almost supernaturally extract information pertaining to suspects, Kadeg, and Riwal, who seems to know everything about Brittany and imparts his knowledge in large doses throughout the investigation. This book had several red herring plotlines, Celtic peoples, Druids, Scottish bagpipes/music, and the culture of oysters. I look forward to the next book!

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

niemand, der nicht sein geld damit verdient, muss so viel über austern wissen


2.5 🌟

[Audrey Dry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta cuarta parte sigue la misma línea de los otros: un caso estilo cozy mystery y un comisario protestón y con malas pulgas. En comparación con los demás, debo decir que este caso me ha parecido más enrevesado que los anteriores. Además, pensaba que acabaría de otra manera (no puedo decir mucho) y quizá en ese aspecto me ha sabido a poco. En cambio, los personajes, como siempre, siguen en su misma línea: sigues amando a los mismos y odiando a los de siempre. Y, por supuesto, la estrella de oro se la lleva la ambientación del lugar: esta vez Port du Bélon.

En definitiva, un libro sin pretensiones ni ambiciones. Perfecto para desconectar de la rutina. :)

3,5/5

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am growing fond of this series featuring Commissaire Dupin in Brittany, France. Brittany is on the tip of France on the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the six Celtic countries and full of mysticism and mystery and good food especially seafood. Dupin was transferred from Paris five years ago and is slowly becoming accustomed to the strange customs of Brittany.

The last book concerned sea salt mining that so captivated me that I ordered some of the featured sea salt and it was delicious. This one is about oyster farming but don't worry. I am not ordering any of the featured oysters. Apparently they are best eaten straight out of the sea. Maybe I should go visit. Dupin makes it sound so beautiful and the food, which he loves, sounds delicious.

This is the story of two corpses of Scottish men that are discovered but then one disappears. Not only do they have to find the murderer but one of the bodies. What are they doing in Brittany? Meanwhile there is a big sand stealing operation going on. Someone is stealing the sand off the beaches disrupting the ecological balance of the area. Two huge cases at once and then Dupin's girlfriend, Claire, relocates from Paris. How can he juggle all this and still get enough to eat? It's complex.

The investigation centers in the oyster fields industry and I learned so much about it. I now know more than I ever suspected existed. I also learned a great deal about Druidism and bagpipe playing, both Celtic activities that are apparently popular in Brittany.

I like this good natured series and learning so much about Brittany. The crimes are interestingly plotted and I never guessed the murderer.

[Gabril · Rating 3 out of 5]

“L’enorme ostrica nel Belon gli aveva ricordato il sogno, le parole agghiaccianti e sinistre che sembravano uscite da una fiaba e contenevano la soluzione del puzzle: “Sono io. Io, ma non io.”

Ecco il quarto caso del commissario Dupin.
Si comincia con il ritrovamento di un cadavere lungo un sentiero che va al mare. Un cadavere che subito scompare, tanto che si dubita della testimonianza di chi l’ha avvistato: una ex stella del cinema ora anziana (e già per questo inaffidabile).
Ma il commissario, curioso e tenace, non si fa distrarre dalle chiacchiere di paese. Ammiratore della ex diva, ne ascolta le ragioni, avvia le ricerche e di lì a poco un corpo esanime viene ritrovato…ma non si tratta di quello descritto dalla vecchia signora: a quanto pare i morti adesso sono due. Chi sono? Da dove vengono? E perché sono arrivati fin lì?

Comincia una ricerca complessa che ha a che fare con gli antichi riti druidici, l’orgoglio celtico, i furti di sabbia, l’allevamento delle pregiate ostriche del Belon e un virus misterioso che rischia di comprometterne la produzione.

Tanta carne al fuoco,insomma, fili che si intrecciano e si ingarbugliano fino a quando Dupin troverà la chiave per risolvere l’inghippo. E la Bretagna, il suo paesaggio e la sua storia in primo piano come sempre.

[John Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather unusually for me , I read a few of the reviews before I started writing this. I can see that not everyone appreciates the depth of the subject matter of the stories that the author covers or the manner of his writing the character of Commissaire Dupin. I have to admit I can see both sides of the coin.

May be I am swayed because a couple of years ago we spent of fortnight in this very area and were so captivated by it that we booked a month there that autumn. The description of the area is one from someone who loves it, particularly the local food and scenery. I would have known nothing of the salt industry or the history or process of the Oyster farming if it wasnt for these books. For that I am grateful because I know that I would never have thought of searching for a non fiction book on either subject.

Almost as an aside, I enjoyed the story of the crime detection too even with Dupins own style.

If you have spent any time in this enchanting part of France this is the series for you but start at the beginning to get the best out of it. If you havent, then becareful, for after reading them you might be captivated enough to want to visit.

[Katharina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am really angry with the crappy research on this book. First, whichever translator can't tell gaelic and celtic apart should be abandoned on an uninhabited Scottish island to learn a lesson. Secondly - if the author claims that someone speaking Scots Gaelic can fluently speak Breton Gaelic, he shouldn't write books set in the Bretagne and make that linguistic "fact" a big hook in the story. The story itself would be good but it was just all ruined by the miserable research.

[Mike Finn]

I picked up 'The Missing Corpse' to read while I spent a few days in Brittany. It was my first visit with Commissaire Dupin and it will be my last. I found myself having the same reaction to this book that I was having to the endless offers of Moules, Oysters, Shrimps and other 'fruits of the sea' that the local restaurants present me with: I can see that people love them but they're not to my taste.

The 'Brittany Mystery Series' is sold as a cosy crime series featuring an eccentric Commissaire and has plots that make full use of the Breton culture.

I can see that 'The Missing Corpse' delivers on all of those promises but it does it in a way that doesn't work for me.

The cosy part works. At the 40% mark where I abandoned the book, two men have been murdered, one of them very violently (the corpse of the other man was still missing when I stopped reading, so I don't know how he died.) but the violence all happened off stage and there is no emotional investment in either of the dead men. Their deaths and the disappearance of one of the corpses are simply elements of an intriguing puzzle that Commissaire Dupin has to solve.

Much of the success of the novel depends on how the reader feels about Commissaire Dupin. If you can see him as an eccentric but passionate and intuitive man with a talent for unearthing the truth, then this book would probably work for you. Unfortunately, I see him as an annoying, undisciplined, emotionally erratic man who follows no methodology, makes very inefficient use of the teams working for him and solves cases by blundering around until he bumps into the solution. I can see he's meant to be charming, maybe even amusing and I know I shouldn't be grinding my teeth as he wanders around aimlessly following his instincts rather than the evidence. I don't dislike the man. He's well-intentioned. He's loyal to his people. He's endlessly curious, He's also very tiring to spend any time with.

The novel delivered a lot of information about Brittany and Breton culture. I found some of it quite interesting, especially as I'm in the middle of this culture at the moment. The style in which this information was delivered didn't work for me. Dupin romanticises Bretons the way some American film directors romanticise the Irish. To me, it feels patronising. Dupin is not a Breton but the members of his team are. He draws on their knowledge of the local culture and history but at the same time is amused by their passions and disdains their beliefs.

Jean-Luc Bannalec sells a version of Brittany that could have 'Tourist Board Approved' stamped across it but doesn't speak to any of the problems and issues that Brittany faces within France. I felt like I was getting the tourist T-shirt and Postcard version of Brittany rather than what I actually see around me.

What finally lead me to abandon the book was a lecture on the oyster industry that extended over several pages. I'm sure it was providing information that will turn out to be central to the mystery but it was done clumsily. Jean-Luc Bannalec tried to make it less static by giving Dupin the data from two people rather than one and by trying to lighten the load by inviting me to be amused at how passionate one of Dupin's team was about the industry and his knowledge of it but that didn't help. It just reminded me how irritating Dupin was.

So, Commissaire Dupin and I are parting ways and I'll never know why the corpse went missing or if they found it again.

[OLT · Rating 3 out of 5]

This modern-day mystery, the fourth in Bannalec's series, takes place in an area of Brittany in France along the Belon River, world famous for oyster cultivation. Into this breathtakingly beautiful, picturesque area with forests, steep cliffs, rivers and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, comes the discovery of a dead body. But before our hero, Commissaire Georges Dupin, policeman transplanted from Paris to Brittany in the first book of the series, shows up at the scene of the crime, the body has gone missing. Was it ever really there? Only an aging French movie star claims to have seen it. And her memory of everything is a bit spotty.

But then, a short time later, another body (or the same one?) is discovered in Monts d'Arree, a hilly area some distance away. It's up to Dupin and his team to (1) identify the body they have in their possession, (2) find the missing first body or establish that it is the same one, and (3) find motive and murderer.

This may be a complicated crime. Does it have to do with druids and/or the Celtic Nations sisterhood? Or is it possibly related to some cutthroat oyster cultivation rivalry? Perhaps it has to do with sand theft linked to unscrupulous construction business. Or is it something else altogether?

Well, that's to be decided. There is a very large cast of characters, plenty of intricate plot points, and a lot of extra historical and cultural information, all designed to make this mystery perhaps murkier than it would have been in a more traditional, straightforward police procedural.

I found this book to be more Breton travelogue, Breton gastronomy, Breton history and cultural tidbits, information about oysters and their cultivation, and digressions about sand theft operations than actual mystery. Often I felt, when reading, that not only was the corpse missing, but that the whole mystery itself had been misplaced somewhere along the way as characters rambled on about Celtic origins of Halloween and Easter, Breton national pride and the importance of Bretagne in world history, about the Celtic Nations Sisterhood, and more about oysters and their cultivation than I could have ever known I wanted to know.

Now, granted, most of these digressions were interesting and educational. One hopes most of it was well-researched. The bit about how scurvy and its remedy should be attributed to Breton pharmacist Francois Martin in 1601 and not to Scotsman James Lind in 1753, for instance, ignores Vasco da Gama's use of oranges on shipboard in 1497. But then, national pride often ignores things like this.

But I digress. As this book was wont to do over and over again. With so many digressions, my aging brain often began to forget which name belonged to which character in the story. As for the characters themselves, they are often quirky and interesting, but most are superficially developed. Even our hero Dupin. Perhaps if I had read the first three books of this series I would have a better understanding of the recurring characters. As it was, they were, IMO, rather two-dimensional.

The story is somewhat quirky and mildly amusing, but I read cozy mysteries for the mystery. I needed more mystery and its investigation and less sidebars to enjoy this fully.

[Judith Shadford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frustrated. Bannalec's novel, The Fleur de Sel Murders had the same issues: fascinating treatment of the cultivation--farming--of sea salt along the coast of Brittany, mingled with endless lame dialog and gorgeous scenic descriptions. This time, farming of oysters. More than I ever knew or could of guessed, including their extraordinary European history, the incredible amounts eaten at every meal by popes and kings. Still lame dialog, Dupin's endless inner voice trying to figure out multiple murders, sentence after sentence beginning with "Dupin", or for variety, "he". Subject, verb, object. Like driving over speed bumps 5 feet apart. And again, gorgeous scenic writing. Is is a translation problem? I can't imagine editorial glossing just to get a mystery set in Brittany. My last attempt at M Dupin, though I rather liked him. Sort of.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this entry in the series, ex-Parisian Commissaire Georges Dupin hits his fifth anniversary of having been transferred to Brittany, Finisterre, the end of the earth, and he’s settling in nicely, thank you. Each new book exposes us to another characteristic aspect of life in Brittany, and this time around it’s oysters. An elderly film star from the golden age of French cinema now makes her home in the area, and she stumbles across a corpse early one morning while walking her dog. But by the time the police arrive, the corpse is gone—some police even wonder if the old girl is just losing her marbles. But it soon becomes apparent that there’s something sinister going on having to do with oysters, the massive and illegal theft of beach sand, the international societies of Celts and druids—say what? Lots of fun.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

J'ai passé un excellent moment avec ce roman policier assez cosy qui avait tout pour me plaire: un cadre breton magnifiquement décrit, un lien avec l'Écosse, de nombreuses explications culturelles sur la région (l'ostréiculture est notamment au coeur du récit), des personnages touchants, et un rythme à la fois doux et trépidant, puisque de nouveaux petits événements et avancées arrivaient constamment. Je serais ravie de découvrir d'autres titres de cette saga !

[Maine Colonial · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free publisher’s advance review copy.

I like to read Europe-based mysteries. French mysteries (at least the translated ones) are concentrated in Paris and the south. When the first book in this series came out, I was excited to get a change of scene.

Bannelec’s police detective, Dupin, is a Parisian transplant himself, but Brittany has grown on him over the series. The ever-changing light, the sight and smell of the sea, and the delights of the local cuisine. You will learn so much about oysters in this book, not to mention the bizarre practice of stealing beach sand.

A particular feature of this entry in the series is a focus on Breton Gaelic culture, which adds some unusual interest. The crime is a strange one, and following Dupin’s investigation makes for an above-average police procedural.

One of the small criticisms I’ve had with this series is that you don’t get a good feel for Dupin as a person. Some progress is made with that this time around, and I hope that continues in the series.

[Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bannalec’s fourth installment in this charming series set in Brittany does not disappoint. As the book opens, a dead body is discovered, and Commissaire Dupin is called to the scene. However, upon his arrival, the body has disappeared, and questions arise about whether the individual really died. As he works to resolve the alleged crime, he delves into the Breton oyster industry and Celtic culture.

Breton history and culture is fascinating, and Bannalec’s focus on both provide for a fabulous and entertaining read. Every time I read a book in this series, I resolve to plan a trip to Brittany.

Readers who enjoy unique settings and clever mysteries will thoroughly enjoy both this latest installment in the series and the previous books too.

For more reviews, check out my Instagram account, https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsfro....

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy reading the investigative challenges that come to be the responsibility of Commissaire Georges Dupin, but I had a reservation or two. Dupin is now attempting to live without coffee, something he depended on and was part of his shtick. Another change is the decision made by his lady Claire, the surgeon, to move to his town and work at the local hospital. Dupin's 5th year anniversary is approaching as is a party to celebrate his promotion.

Everything you ever wanted to know about oyster farming as well as Druidism fills many pages. That is what I struggled with because the information is delivered by conversation with suspects and other individuals and is simply not conversational. It reads like the results of a research paper. I didn't mind learning about these topics, but it was not realistic conversation.

As in the previous books in this series, I did enjoy the many descriptions of topography, penguins and sea life as well as the interactions with his team.

People are killed, oysters are at risk with a virus on the way, sands are being stolen, fires are started and people are lying to Dupin. He is fairly certain all the events are linked but it is always difficult to convince the Prefect who wants to solve things quickly and have news conferences where he takes the credit.

Library Loan

[Lynn Horton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a satisfying story—particularly if you enjoy travel to France. Bannalec's works always make me smile because they remind me of our family's adventures in Normandy and Brittany. This book was particularly enjoyable because that's where my kids first tried oysters—unsuccessfully, but humorously—and I learned a great deal about the oyster culture in The Missing Corpse.

Bannlec's characters are well-drawn and ring true to the idiosyncrases of the French. That's also one of the author's greatest weaknesses; French interactions, thoughts, and speech sometimes are very loopy, and the inner dialogue and dialogue in The Missing Corpse is particularly circular (in my opinion). I faced the choice of either sticking with it in the spirit of la Francaise, or skipping passages. (I admit that I skipped a few.) I should also note that Bannalex writes very intelligent women who think and communicate in a straighter line than the (male) protagonist, Dupin.

Nonetheless, The Missing Corpse is another enjoyable installament in Bannalec's work, and I look forward to the next book.

Recommended.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for travel tips in Brittany. Good detective drama too. Taking notes and will redirect a week or two to Brittany to visit Dupin's favorite restaurants and byways.

[Masteatro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quizá sean más 3,5 estrellas que otra cosa, pero siempre es un placer recorrer la Bretaña de la mano del comisario Dupin.
En este caso la investigación se centra en el mundo del cultivo de ostras y aunque a primera vista no lo parezca por la temática, se aprenden cosas muy interesantes. Por ejemplo l delicadas que son las ostras y lo expuestas que están a gran cantidad de enemigos.
Seguiré leyendo los libros del comisario Dupin de vez en cuando porque siempre es una gozada reencontrarse con él y su equipo por esas latitudes

[Rob Anybody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ein durchaus spannender Krimi. Ich habe das Buch vor ein paar Jahren schon einmal gelesen und jetzt als Hörbuch gehört. Es war auch zum Horchen wieder sehr vergnüglich :)

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had an interesting concept, but I thought overall it was just okay, I had a hard time following what was going on since all the names were so hard to remember. And there was no real action. It was a pretty slow read. It crawled in the middle making me want to put it down.

I figured this was more like a real detective case a rather than an action-packed fictional account like we are so used to in books. Not my favorite detective book but not horrible either. It was just okay for me. I wanted it to be so good. I guess I am spoiled by other books which hook up with hyped up story and dialogue to make it all more exciting.

If you are a detective fiction fan, definitely check this one out. Lots of details in the storyline to keep you guessing whodunit. Just not up my personal alley.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

[Marijalas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read three books of the series I was looking forward to the fourth but was severely disappointed.
The book begins with a long discourse on penguins for no apparent reason except that he seems to have a affinity for penguins: So,he really likes penguins and has a cynical attitude towards his job as well as towards most of his subordinates.
Clumsy questioning, investigation, well as a less than interesting attempt to bring in the mythology in Brittany led me to give up the book.

I do wonder, though, if this was due to poor translation?

[Orgeluse · Rating 2 out of 5]

The "Breton pride" displayed by the investigating police force and the enervating lectures about Breton achievements would be suitable for a satire but unfortunately, it is meant dead seriously by this (German!) author and therefore is simply nerve-wrecking and so completely over the top that it is hard to stomach. This is a pity as the crime story as such is not too bad but it is utterly spoiled by provincial nationalistic gibberish...

[Clarabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lassant ! On se croirait dans un guide touristique plutôt que dans un roman policier. La série TV est juste horrible, au passage.
http://video.lefigaro.fr/tvmag/video/...

[Luis Minski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cuando nos llega a las manos una nueva novela de Bannalec, los lectores tenemos la certeza de que nos vamos a encontrar con una trama policial bien construida, acompañada con múltiples referencias a leyendas y comidas típicas bretonas, en un entorno natural brillantemente descripto.
En este caso, mientras el comisario Dupin espera, muy a su pesar, que le organicen una fiesta en su honor para festejar su ascenso y los cinco años que lleva en su cada vez más aceptado exilio bretón, una anciana denuncia la aparición de un cadáver.
A los personajes ya conocidos y queribles se le suman dos nuevos: una joven oficial de policía y la anciana aludida, fanática del Hercule Poirot de Agatha Christie. Por último, así como en la novela anterior se aludía a la producción artesanal de sal, en èsta el eje pasa por la cría de ostras. Desde ya, recomendamos su lectura!!

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ein solider Destinationskrimi.

[Stephan Gschwind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wieder ein fesselnder Fall von Kommissar Dupin. Neben der durchgehend spannenden Geschichte konnte ich eine Menge über Austernzucht lernen. Sehr empfehlenswert