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Kommissar Dupin #3
Oro bretone: Scomparsa a Guérande
Commissaire Dupin is back on the case in this atmospheric mystery from international bestselling author Jean-Luc Bannalec.
The old salt farmers have always said that the violet scent of the Fleur de Sel at harvest time on the salt marshes of the Guérande Peninsula has been known to cause hallucinations. Commissaire Dupin also starts to believe this when he’s attacked out of the blue in the salt works.
He had actually been looking forward to escaping his endless paperwork and taking a trip to the “white country” between the raging Atlantic Ocean and idyllic rivers. But when he starts snooping around mysterious barrels on behalf of Lilou Breval, a journalist friend, he finds himself unexpectedly under attack. The offender remains a mystery, and a short time later, Breval disappears without a trace. It is thanks to his secretary Nolwenn and the ambition of the prefect that Dupin is assigned to the case. But he won’t be working alone because Sylvaine Rose is the investigator responsible for the department—and she lives up to her name…
What’s going on in the salt works? Dupin and Rose search feverishly for clues and stumble upon false alibis, massive conflicts of interest, personal feuds—and ancient Breton legends.
The old salt farmers have always said that the violet scent of the Fleur de Sel at harvest time on the salt marshes of the Guérande Peninsula has been known to cause hallucinations. Commissaire Dupin also starts to believe this when he’s attacked out of the blue in the salt works.
He had actually been looking forward to escaping his endless paperwork and taking a trip to the “white country” between the raging Atlantic Ocean and idyllic rivers. But when he starts snooping around mysterious barrels on behalf of Lilou Breval, a journalist friend, he finds himself unexpectedly under attack. The offender remains a mystery, and a short time later, Breval disappears without a trace. It is thanks to his secretary Nolwenn and the ambition of the prefect that Dupin is assigned to the case. But he won’t be working alone because Sylvaine Rose is the investigator responsible for the department—and she lives up to her name…
What’s going on in the salt works? Dupin and Rose search feverishly for clues and stumble upon false alibis, massive conflicts of interest, personal feuds—and ancient Breton legends.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
503 people are currently reading
1312 people want to read
About the author
Jean-Luc Bannalec
33 books516 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 261 reviews
April 24, 2018
4 solid stars
If you have ever eaten anything labeled "with sea salt" and wanted to know how it is harvested, then this murder mystery is for you. Georges Dupin, Commissaire from the Commissariat de Police Concarneau, Brittany, France, has gone to the salt marshes on Brittany's Atlantic coast to check out a rumor about mysterious blue barrels. Lilou Breval, a reporter friend who has done him some favors in the past, believes "something very fishy" is going on. He is walking on a very narrow path between salt ponds when someone starts shooting at him. He manages to get inside a wooden hut used by the paludiers(salt gatherers). He has been shot once and the shooter traps him inside the hut by wedging the door shut. He is rescued by the local police, who are very annoyed by his investigating out of his jurisdiction without telling them. This location is part of the Departement Loire-Atlantique and Commissaire Sylvaine Rose demands to know what he is doing there.
This is the beginning of a joint investigation by the 2 Commissaires, who work well together, despite some initial mistrust from both sides. A Police Commissaire in France appears to be the US equivalent of a detective lieutenant, with several detectives under his/her supervision. They do solve the case, but not before 2 people die. I liked the plot and the characters. The killer was not revealed until the end along with the motive.
I learned a great deal about harvesting salt. "Fleur de Sel" flower of salt, is a protected designation in France and only a handful of salt marshes can claim this name, said to be among the finest in the world.
According to the Goodreads author bio, the author was born in Brest, Brittany, of a Breton father and a Rhineland,Germany mother. This book was translated from German and the translation was excellent.
Some quotes: Dupin, describing Rose "In these kinds of conclusions, Rose's mind was razor sharp, always moving forward, pushing for specific scenarios."
Dupin on coffee "It had been researched and proven countless times: coffee stimulated the metabolism in the brain, the brain's concentration, attention span and memory capacity were significantly improved, the signs of fatigue eliminated. The scientific truth was this: caffeine was simply a miracle substance."
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me this e ARC.
If you have ever eaten anything labeled "with sea salt" and wanted to know how it is harvested, then this murder mystery is for you. Georges Dupin, Commissaire from the Commissariat de Police Concarneau, Brittany, France, has gone to the salt marshes on Brittany's Atlantic coast to check out a rumor about mysterious blue barrels. Lilou Breval, a reporter friend who has done him some favors in the past, believes "something very fishy" is going on. He is walking on a very narrow path between salt ponds when someone starts shooting at him. He manages to get inside a wooden hut used by the paludiers(salt gatherers). He has been shot once and the shooter traps him inside the hut by wedging the door shut. He is rescued by the local police, who are very annoyed by his investigating out of his jurisdiction without telling them. This location is part of the Departement Loire-Atlantique and Commissaire Sylvaine Rose demands to know what he is doing there.
This is the beginning of a joint investigation by the 2 Commissaires, who work well together, despite some initial mistrust from both sides. A Police Commissaire in France appears to be the US equivalent of a detective lieutenant, with several detectives under his/her supervision. They do solve the case, but not before 2 people die. I liked the plot and the characters. The killer was not revealed until the end along with the motive.
I learned a great deal about harvesting salt. "Fleur de Sel" flower of salt, is a protected designation in France and only a handful of salt marshes can claim this name, said to be among the finest in the world.
According to the Goodreads author bio, the author was born in Brest, Brittany, of a Breton father and a Rhineland,Germany mother. This book was translated from German and the translation was excellent.
Some quotes: Dupin, describing Rose "In these kinds of conclusions, Rose's mind was razor sharp, always moving forward, pushing for specific scenarios."
Dupin on coffee "It had been researched and proven countless times: coffee stimulated the metabolism in the brain, the brain's concentration, attention span and memory capacity were significantly improved, the signs of fatigue eliminated. The scientific truth was this: caffeine was simply a miracle substance."
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me this e ARC.
February 26, 2021
En esta ocasión el comisario Dupín deberá cederle la batuta a la comisaria Rose, ya que las salinas en las que han intentado matarle no pertenecen a su jurisdicción.
Dupín, acostumbrado a campar a sus anchas sin dar explicaciones a nadie, no está dispuesto a estar bajo la supervisión de su colega, pero esta vez el comisario ha encontrado “la horma de su zapato”. Son dos gotas de agua condenadas a entenderse, si realmente quiere formar parte de la investigación.
Una trama sencilla y reposada, con buenas descripciones de los lugares y de la gastronomía bretona.
Dupín, acostumbrado a campar a sus anchas sin dar explicaciones a nadie, no está dispuesto a estar bajo la supervisión de su colega, pero esta vez el comisario ha encontrado “la horma de su zapato”. Son dos gotas de agua condenadas a entenderse, si realmente quiere formar parte de la investigación.
Una trama sencilla y reposada, con buenas descripciones de los lugares y de la gastronomía bretona.
May 16, 2018
I recently read that a good mystery series has a strong sense of place. I agree and this book certainly lives up to that criteria. Set in the famous salt mines in Brittany France, the descriptions are so vivid that you feel like you are there looking out at miles and miles of white (the salt) and seeing the unique salt harvesting system.
Commissaire Dupin receives a tip from a journalist friend that all may be not be well in the marshes and the tip is vague and concentrates on blue buckets. Dupin goes to investigate, is shot at and then is locked in on of the marshes harvest huts with a should wound. Luckily a local Commissaire, the very female Rose, receives a call and comes to rescue him. Things get heated almost at once as the body of the journalist who gave the tip is found murdered and the investigation is on.
The description of salt harvesting is quite interesting. Also there is a complex structure of salt harvesters made up of independent owners, a co-op and an evil conglomerate. There are a lot of female executives who are all quite formidable and a long list of suspects. The plot is complex and nuanced.
Dupin is quite a character. His love of food and espresso is wonderful. My mouth watered with the description of caramels, crepes, lamb tartine, and other delicacies. I even loved the lime trees. Dupin is a loner but had three able assistants.
I found this book entertaining from beginning to end. I learned a lot and enjoyed a complex mystery. Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of the book in exchange for a fair review. Thanks to my friend, Thomas, who recommended this book to me.
Commissaire Dupin receives a tip from a journalist friend that all may be not be well in the marshes and the tip is vague and concentrates on blue buckets. Dupin goes to investigate, is shot at and then is locked in on of the marshes harvest huts with a should wound. Luckily a local Commissaire, the very female Rose, receives a call and comes to rescue him. Things get heated almost at once as the body of the journalist who gave the tip is found murdered and the investigation is on.
The description of salt harvesting is quite interesting. Also there is a complex structure of salt harvesters made up of independent owners, a co-op and an evil conglomerate. There are a lot of female executives who are all quite formidable and a long list of suspects. The plot is complex and nuanced.
Dupin is quite a character. His love of food and espresso is wonderful. My mouth watered with the description of caramels, crepes, lamb tartine, and other delicacies. I even loved the lime trees. Dupin is a loner but had three able assistants.
I found this book entertaining from beginning to end. I learned a lot and enjoyed a complex mystery. Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of the book in exchange for a fair review. Thanks to my friend, Thomas, who recommended this book to me.
December 3, 2017
I was unfamiliar with the Brittany Mysteries by Jean-Luc Bannalec until I read The Fleur de Sel Murders. I am glad I discovered the series and had a lot of fun reading this installment. As a fan of all things French, I really enjoyed reading about the Brittany region and the salt farming that occurs in that area. Commissaire Dupin is a marvelous protagonist with a clever and sly sense of humor, and the mystery taught me a lot about salt farming. The resolution was realistic and wrapped the story up nicely. My favorite part of the book was learning so much about the Bretons: the language, the ancient Breton legends, and the characteristics of the people from that area. The one small issue I have with the story is that Bannalec includes a ton of information and detail about salt farming – more than the average reader is going to want to read, but it does not take away from the story at all. I thoroughly enjoyed The Fleur de Sel Murders and look forward to the next book in the series. Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.
April 22, 2018
Different, but delightful! That's my reaction after reading this, the third book in a series featuring French Commissaire Georges Dupin (Brittany Mystery Series). Although I have not read the other two, this one sounded so intriguing that I requested, and was approved for, an advance review copy from the publisher via NetGalley. And it turned out to be an excellent choice - a wonderful change of pace, in many ways, from my usual fare of police/detective/murder mysteries.
Make no mistake, though - it's in the same genre - but somehow the setting in the salt gardens near the Medieval town of Guerande gave it a more mondain (a.k.a., worldly) air. As the story begins, Dupin has come to the salt ponds at the request of his friend, journalist Lilou Breval. He is, she told him, to look for blue plastic barrels amid the ponds and small farmers' huts that dot the surroundings. As he pokes around in the surroundings that are totally unfamiliar to him, mon dieu! Bullets begins to fly in his direction, one of which hits its mark.
Not seriously wounded, Dupin begins his getaway, but suddenly the local police show up - most notably in the person of investigator Sylvaine Rose, who isn't happy to find an officer from another department trespassing on her territory. But then, with the unexplained disappearance of Dupin's friend Lilou, comes an uneasy truce; the two investigators and their teams are ordered to work together to find out who shot at Dupin and why and what has happened to Lilou.
When the latter investigation doesn't end well, sacre bleu! The situation goes from bad to worse - leading to all sorts of questions about interactions among the owners of the various salt ponds and what's really going on. In between it's fun to watch the often reluctant interactions between Dupin and Rose and learn more about salt than I ever imagined possible. All told, a very enjoyable experience.
Make no mistake, though - it's in the same genre - but somehow the setting in the salt gardens near the Medieval town of Guerande gave it a more mondain (a.k.a., worldly) air. As the story begins, Dupin has come to the salt ponds at the request of his friend, journalist Lilou Breval. He is, she told him, to look for blue plastic barrels amid the ponds and small farmers' huts that dot the surroundings. As he pokes around in the surroundings that are totally unfamiliar to him, mon dieu! Bullets begins to fly in his direction, one of which hits its mark.
Not seriously wounded, Dupin begins his getaway, but suddenly the local police show up - most notably in the person of investigator Sylvaine Rose, who isn't happy to find an officer from another department trespassing on her territory. But then, with the unexplained disappearance of Dupin's friend Lilou, comes an uneasy truce; the two investigators and their teams are ordered to work together to find out who shot at Dupin and why and what has happened to Lilou.
When the latter investigation doesn't end well, sacre bleu! The situation goes from bad to worse - leading to all sorts of questions about interactions among the owners of the various salt ponds and what's really going on. In between it's fun to watch the often reluctant interactions between Dupin and Rose and learn more about salt than I ever imagined possible. All told, a very enjoyable experience.
August 4, 2018
I have truly enjoyed reading the three murder mysteries featuring Commissaire Dupin, formerly of Paris and now approaching his fifth year in Brittany. The equal measures of nature, unique characters, police procedure and a topic of interest combine for a masterful feast.
Dupin is checking up on a lead from his friend, reporter Lilou Breval that takes him to the salt marshes and results in him being fired on. This is a rather violent introduction to the world of harvesting sea salt, confirmation that Breval had reason to be suspicious.
This geographical area is outside Dupin's jurisdiction, so he will have to partner with Sylvaine Rose, adding another piquant ingredient to the mix. They actually do work well together.
Bird watching, more boats to contend with, interrupted espressos and meals, the methods of harvesting sea salt, a measure of science - and murders plus attempted murder. Great read for me as I love to be transported to a beautiful spot and this author does that well. No translation problems in this one.
Dupin's need to walk in order to process information is put to the test, but he manages to get away and walk in the area where he was shot at.
"But perhaps it was this specific pool - perfectly hidden in this labyrinth that they needed to look into. They needed to take samples from here...I need a chemist team in the salt marshes. Right now."
and from Rose: "So we have a solid hypothesis. Impressively deduced, Monsieur le Commissaire...It would be a perfect motive. Now we need the perpetrator."
And the fun begins!
Dupin is checking up on a lead from his friend, reporter Lilou Breval that takes him to the salt marshes and results in him being fired on. This is a rather violent introduction to the world of harvesting sea salt, confirmation that Breval had reason to be suspicious.
This geographical area is outside Dupin's jurisdiction, so he will have to partner with Sylvaine Rose, adding another piquant ingredient to the mix. They actually do work well together.
Bird watching, more boats to contend with, interrupted espressos and meals, the methods of harvesting sea salt, a measure of science - and murders plus attempted murder. Great read for me as I love to be transported to a beautiful spot and this author does that well. No translation problems in this one.
Dupin's need to walk in order to process information is put to the test, but he manages to get away and walk in the area where he was shot at.
"But perhaps it was this specific pool - perfectly hidden in this labyrinth that they needed to look into. They needed to take samples from here...I need a chemist team in the salt marshes. Right now."
and from Rose: "So we have a solid hypothesis. Impressively deduced, Monsieur le Commissaire...It would be a perfect motive. Now we need the perpetrator."
And the fun begins!
January 27, 2018
Jean-Luc Bannalec is an author that spends pages and pages on description and data. Having a vivid idea of surroundings is important but not as much as the story line and the endearment of the characters. Commissaire Dupin is shot investigating a journalists' research. This all leads to the hunt for missing people, murder, and the quest for the mystery of the salt works. This was a hard title to finish for me. A copy of this book was presented by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley. Comments here are my honest opinion."
December 6, 2023
I've really come to enjoy this series. Well-developed characters and plot lines as well as beautiful settings in Brittany.
The subplot of salt harvesting in the White Land was informative and unique in this book. The partnership of Commissaire Georges Dupin and Sylvaine Rose investigating malfeasance and murder was intriguing and hopefully they will work together again. The adventures of Skippy, a kangaroo far from home, were amusing even though not pertinent to the story. I think my favorite character has to be Nolwenn, she's just about the perfect assistant.
The subplot of salt harvesting in the White Land was informative and unique in this book. The partnership of Commissaire Georges Dupin and Sylvaine Rose investigating malfeasance and murder was intriguing and hopefully they will work together again. The adventures of Skippy, a kangaroo far from home, were amusing even though not pertinent to the story. I think my favorite character has to be Nolwenn, she's just about the perfect assistant.
September 4, 2018
Después de un tiempo, retomo esta serie policiaca, había casi olvidado lo relajados que son estos libros y lo mucho que me gusta esta serie.
Dupin es un personaje policiaco a la vieja usanza, de esos que resuelven misterios casi imposibles y nunca se despeina, de los que utiliza la astucia y su "olfato" para resolver sus casos, sin embargo tiene su toque contemporáneo sin llegar en absoluto a ser una novela negra.
Lo mejor de estos libros es la manera en que el autor nos muestra la Bretaña Francesa, sus paisajes, su comida, su cultura, su forma de vivir, de ver la vida y de verse a si mismos.
Imposible no querer tomar un avión e irse a la Bretaña a pasar una vacaciones y conocer el lugar.
En esta ocasión Dupin nos lleva a un lugar de la Bretaña donde están las salinas de Guérande, está fuera de su jurisdicción, pero va a investigar algo por petición de una amiga reportera, no solo tratan de asesinarlo si no que se producen dos asesinatos más y no hay pistas, ni sospechosos ni posibles razones que lleven a esto. Dupin toma el caso y nos lleva a conocer esta parte de Francia para cazar a un asesino
Muy agradable de leer, nada complicado, simple, sencillo, ágil y fácil, pura novela policiaca sin más.
Dupin es un personaje policiaco a la vieja usanza, de esos que resuelven misterios casi imposibles y nunca se despeina, de los que utiliza la astucia y su "olfato" para resolver sus casos, sin embargo tiene su toque contemporáneo sin llegar en absoluto a ser una novela negra.
Lo mejor de estos libros es la manera en que el autor nos muestra la Bretaña Francesa, sus paisajes, su comida, su cultura, su forma de vivir, de ver la vida y de verse a si mismos.
Imposible no querer tomar un avión e irse a la Bretaña a pasar una vacaciones y conocer el lugar.
En esta ocasión Dupin nos lleva a un lugar de la Bretaña donde están las salinas de Guérande, está fuera de su jurisdicción, pero va a investigar algo por petición de una amiga reportera, no solo tratan de asesinarlo si no que se producen dos asesinatos más y no hay pistas, ni sospechosos ni posibles razones que lleven a esto. Dupin toma el caso y nos lleva a conocer esta parte de Francia para cazar a un asesino
Muy agradable de leer, nada complicado, simple, sencillo, ágil y fácil, pura novela policiaca sin más.
March 11, 2021
Commissaire Dupin's third novel does show us the world of traditional Salt making and less traditional Salt making. Dupin gets a call from a journalist friend who has some concerns about a danger to the Salt business and wants him to have a look. Being a friend Dupin drives toward the place she wanted to have him a look at. He finds something else because somebody shoots him and tries very much to make that definite.
And so Dupin outside of his own huntinggrouds finds himself in an investigation that has as a startingpoint himself being shot at and his journalist friend who has disappeared. The Prefects of both arrondissements have decided to pool their resources and have two commissaires looking at the case that might be in Bretons importance. After all Fleur de Sel is after all the best seasalt there is, or so the Bretons believe.
Another great tale about Breton and Salt being investigated by the caffeine addicted Dupin, who measures by the quality of espresso. And as always the love for anything Breton shines through and mr Bannalec does weave his love for his Breton in a decent detective story.
Well worth your time.
And so Dupin outside of his own huntinggrouds finds himself in an investigation that has as a startingpoint himself being shot at and his journalist friend who has disappeared. The Prefects of both arrondissements have decided to pool their resources and have two commissaires looking at the case that might be in Bretons importance. After all Fleur de Sel is after all the best seasalt there is, or so the Bretons believe.
Another great tale about Breton and Salt being investigated by the caffeine addicted Dupin, who measures by the quality of espresso. And as always the love for anything Breton shines through and mr Bannalec does weave his love for his Breton in a decent detective story.
Well worth your time.
February 28, 2021
Beautifully detailed to the extent of being slow and methodical. Right from the start I had no great sympathy for Commissaire Georges Dupin who, although a workaholic, drops everything and runs off to follow up a hare-brained idea from journalist Lilou Breval. Of course, he gets shot at when he 'investigates something' in the eerie salt marshes on the Guerande Peninsula. He makes several mistakes, the least of which is depending too much on his mobile phone reception. Why didn't he take his SIG Sauer service pistol? Why didn't he call out to the shooter? Why didn't he investigate the roof of the hut? Although it is a unique plot, the interest went downhill for me as the story evolved. However, there is humour and it was amusing when everyone drove too fast for Dupin, or when he needed his caffeine and sugar fix. Perhaps this series is one for the aficionados?
June 8, 2023
¡Ay, mi querido comisario Dupin! ¿Os he dicho ya que me encanta el cozy mystery? Pero no es sólo eso lo que me gusta de esta serie, sino los escenarios y los personajes centrales tan excéntricos y pintorescos. Ah, sí, y la carta culinaria... Qué hambre me da cuando leo tantas cosas ricas.
Bueno, volviendo al libro. Como siempre un caso pequeño, muy bien llevado, complejo de resolver desde el punto de vista del lector, pero un caso sin ambiciones. Esta historia sigue el mismo patrón que los dos libros anteriores y aunque el caso no sea gran cosa, tan solo con sentirme transportada a la bretaña francesa, me llega.
Dividido, como siempre, en 3 días. Un capítulo por día con puntos de escape para descansar. Se hace rápido de leer, la verdad, además de que el ritmo es muy bueno.
Preparándome para el cuarto... 🖤
4,5/5
Bueno, volviendo al libro. Como siempre un caso pequeño, muy bien llevado, complejo de resolver desde el punto de vista del lector, pero un caso sin ambiciones. Esta historia sigue el mismo patrón que los dos libros anteriores y aunque el caso no sea gran cosa, tan solo con sentirme transportada a la bretaña francesa, me llega.
Dividido, como siempre, en 3 días. Un capítulo por día con puntos de escape para descansar. Se hace rápido de leer, la verdad, además de que el ritmo es muy bueno.
Preparándome para el cuarto... 🖤
4,5/5
May 5, 2018
THE FLEUR de SEL MURDERS by Jean-Luc Bannalec is the second book I’ve read from this author. This the third outing for his Commissaire Dupin among the wilds of Brittany, France. Dupin has been given a tip from a journalist friend of his, a puzzling hint about “Blue Barrels” out among the salt marshes. Hardly a crime and without further information something he normally wouldn’t look into, but she is a friend of his and a trusted writer of all things in the North West of France, so he goes.
Once upon the salt marshes, where the ocean has been harvested for it’s precious treasure for centuries, Dupin is shot at, wounded, and trapped in a small hut overnight.
As a victim of a crime, and way out of his jurisdiction, Dupin is not part of the investigation, but his boss soon settles the situation and Dupin finds himself in the awkward situation of being on almost an equal footing as Commissaire Rose, but it is her territory and so he, and his investigators, answer to her.
Dupin would find this a troubling situation except Commissaire Rose is like a female image of him, doing what he would do, asking the same questions, as kurt and dynamic as he. You can almost feel a love thing growing, but Dupin has that aspect covered, unless he doesn’t come through for his beloved Claire on her birthday.
There is a mystery on the salt flats, several parties with almost apparently nothing to gain by any of the happenings, yet people keep dying. This is a neat little view into a part of the world few travelers venture to, and it courses around an industry that is both ancient, yet necessary. You learn a great deal about the harvesting of ocean salt and the future of the industry.
And there is a pretty good mystery here also.
I won this book through Goodreads.
Once upon the salt marshes, where the ocean has been harvested for it’s precious treasure for centuries, Dupin is shot at, wounded, and trapped in a small hut overnight.
As a victim of a crime, and way out of his jurisdiction, Dupin is not part of the investigation, but his boss soon settles the situation and Dupin finds himself in the awkward situation of being on almost an equal footing as Commissaire Rose, but it is her territory and so he, and his investigators, answer to her.
Dupin would find this a troubling situation except Commissaire Rose is like a female image of him, doing what he would do, asking the same questions, as kurt and dynamic as he. You can almost feel a love thing growing, but Dupin has that aspect covered, unless he doesn’t come through for his beloved Claire on her birthday.
There is a mystery on the salt flats, several parties with almost apparently nothing to gain by any of the happenings, yet people keep dying. This is a neat little view into a part of the world few travelers venture to, and it courses around an industry that is both ancient, yet necessary. You learn a great deal about the harvesting of ocean salt and the future of the industry.
And there is a pretty good mystery here also.
I won this book through Goodreads.
April 22, 2018
The Fleur de Sel Murders: A Brittany Mystery by Jean-Luc Bannalec is not the first book in the series but can easily be read as a stand alone novel.
I really enjoyed the Fleur de Sel Murders. While it is a slower pace than many mystery novels, the writing is well done and the story is really interesting. I have never been to Brittany and I love the descriptions of it. I feel like I am right there.
I basically knew nothing about salt (sel) before this book. The reader learns all about the fleur de sel which is only harvested in the Brittany region of France. And all about salt ponds. They remind me of the cranberry fields here at home in BC.
Fascinating and clever mystery story! You will enjoy The Fleur del Sel Murders!
February 2, 2023
Ein feiner Dupin-Krimi - dieses Mal inmitten von Salinen und mit detailreichem Wissen zu Fleur de Sel.
Die Charaktere waren in diesem Band ausgefeilter, das möchte ich herausstreichen! Nur gelegentlich liest es sich stellenweise wie ein Reiseprospekt, da schwand ein Sternchen :)
✨🕵🏼♀️🕵🏽♂️🧂✨
Die Charaktere waren in diesem Band ausgefeilter, das möchte ich herausstreichen! Nur gelegentlich liest es sich stellenweise wie ein Reiseprospekt, da schwand ein Sternchen :)
✨🕵🏼♀️🕵🏽♂️🧂✨
February 18, 2024
This was an interesting murder mystery that centers around the extraction of salt from the sea in
Brittany. I did think the book was a bit long, as my interest in solving the murder waned in the middle.
Brittany. I did think the book was a bit long, as my interest in solving the murder waned in the middle.
April 25, 2018
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of The Fleurs de Sel Murders by Jean-Luc Bannalec in exchange for an honest review. I had no idea what was involved in having sea salt in my kitchen. The book was worth it just for the information gained about the process of harvesting sea salt and fleur de sel ( the superior grade of sea salt). Hard work and Mother Nature make this a tenuous crop. This novel is situated in Brittany, on the Atlantic side of France, also known as the white land because of the salt harvest. Commissaire Dupin is outside of his jurisdiction when he in investigates suspicious barrels in the salt marshes. His help has been requested by his journalist friend, Lilou Reval.. While verifying her information, he is shot and locked in one of the salt sheds. He is rescued by Commissaire Rose, whose jurisdiction he is in. The two join forces to investigate the goings-on in the salt marshes and are lead to murder, mayhem and the politics of sea salt. It was an enjoyable read and readers will feel like they are in Brittany. The lyrical prose gives us a sense of being there and isn't that the reason we read.
December 26, 2017
Who knew there were so many different brands of salt? In this crime mystery, we find Commissaire Dupin teaming up with Commissaire Rose to solve the mystery of the blue barrels and the murder of his journalist friend. What would cause someone to murder her? Did she find evidence of wrongdoing in the salt flats of Brittany in France? I really enjoyed learning about salt and look forward to reading more of Commissaire Dupin's escapades. And where might that escaped Kangaroo next make an appearance?
September 27, 2025
Ist ganz okay, ich hoffe die Reihe kann mich mehr begeistern, noch habe ich nicht aufgegeben, da mir die Atmosphäre sehr gefällt und der Ermittler interessant agiert.
July 7, 2023
“… si ritrovò immerso nelle saline, in quel mondo stravagante e stregato, un regno bizzarro, fatto di luci e ombre, con i suoi nani, le sue fate, le sue vergini bianche e i suoi draghi. Dove tutta quella storia era cominciata.”
Nel territorio di Guerande (bretone Gween Rann, Terra Bianca) si trovano le ampie distese delle saline, di cui gli anziani raccoglitori (i paludiers) raccontano i miraggi e le storie magiche. Sole mare terra vento sono gli ingredienti fondamentali di quel paesaggio surreale.
È proprio lì che si trova il commissario Dupin: sta vagando alla cieca per cercare delle misteriose botti blu di cui gli ha parlato Lilou Breval, una giornalista d’assalto di cui Dupin ha piena fiducia.
Improvvisamente echeggiano degli spari e sembra che il bersaglio da centrare sia proprio lui. Che fare? Ripararsi dove? Chiamare chi? Ovviamente non c’è campo, la linea si interrompe, cominciano i guai seri.
Questo è l’inizio del terzo caso del commissario Dupin, che si rivelerà complesso e pieno di sorprese. Stavolta il nostro eroe non svolgerà da solo le indagini ma insieme a Sylvaine Rose, la responsabile del distretto.
La collaborazione e l’interazione dei due diversi caratteri conferisce verve al racconto che finora è il più dinamico e intrigante dei tre.
In primo piano, naturalmente, c’è sempre la Bretagna con tutti i suoi luoghi caratteristici e la sua magica atmosfera.
Nel territorio di Guerande (bretone Gween Rann, Terra Bianca) si trovano le ampie distese delle saline, di cui gli anziani raccoglitori (i paludiers) raccontano i miraggi e le storie magiche. Sole mare terra vento sono gli ingredienti fondamentali di quel paesaggio surreale.
È proprio lì che si trova il commissario Dupin: sta vagando alla cieca per cercare delle misteriose botti blu di cui gli ha parlato Lilou Breval, una giornalista d’assalto di cui Dupin ha piena fiducia.
Improvvisamente echeggiano degli spari e sembra che il bersaglio da centrare sia proprio lui. Che fare? Ripararsi dove? Chiamare chi? Ovviamente non c’è campo, la linea si interrompe, cominciano i guai seri.
Questo è l’inizio del terzo caso del commissario Dupin, che si rivelerà complesso e pieno di sorprese. Stavolta il nostro eroe non svolgerà da solo le indagini ma insieme a Sylvaine Rose, la responsabile del distretto.
La collaborazione e l’interazione dei due diversi caratteri conferisce verve al racconto che finora è il più dinamico e intrigante dei tre.
In primo piano, naturalmente, c’è sempre la Bretagna con tutti i suoi luoghi caratteristici e la sua magica atmosfera.
May 11, 2021
The Fleur de Sel Murders: A Brittany Mystery by Jean-Luc Bannalec
I read The Fleur de Sel Murders as a stand-alone novel, but I am looking for the rest of the series.
It was an enjoyable read, but some of the French names confused me just a bit…. It struck me as a cozy kind of mystery with a leisurely pace and lots of descriptions. I had no idea about the levels and types of salt… although I am a big salt fan I would have to say that I am not discerning… just salt will do. But I loved all the information about the salt ponds.. it was very interesting.
The main character, Dupin is quite eccentric, sort of crabby, and has a huge relationship with food… the writing is quite French, I think… or what I would think would be French..
Dupin is outside of his jurisdiction when he gets to the salt ponds so ends up working with Sylvaine Rose, a female officer and they have to shift around before they can work together… I enjoyed the boats… and the atmosphere.
It was a great read and made me want to go back to France…
4 stars and I am looking for another in the series
Happy Reading!
I read The Fleur de Sel Murders as a stand-alone novel, but I am looking for the rest of the series.
It was an enjoyable read, but some of the French names confused me just a bit…. It struck me as a cozy kind of mystery with a leisurely pace and lots of descriptions. I had no idea about the levels and types of salt… although I am a big salt fan I would have to say that I am not discerning… just salt will do. But I loved all the information about the salt ponds.. it was very interesting.
The main character, Dupin is quite eccentric, sort of crabby, and has a huge relationship with food… the writing is quite French, I think… or what I would think would be French..
Dupin is outside of his jurisdiction when he gets to the salt ponds so ends up working with Sylvaine Rose, a female officer and they have to shift around before they can work together… I enjoyed the boats… and the atmosphere.
It was a great read and made me want to go back to France…
4 stars and I am looking for another in the series
Happy Reading!
May 20, 2019
Quizá soy demasiado generosa dando 4 estrellas a estos libros puesto que no es que sus intrigas policíacas sean nada del otro mundo, pero lo cierto es que no me importa, me lo paso genial cada vez que me reencuentro con el Comisario Dupin en Bretaña. Pasear con él por todos esos lugares en los que nunca he estado pero que espero conocer personalmente algún día. Conocer de boca de su eficiente secretaria Nolwenn y de su inspector Le Ber todas esas leyendas bretonas que pueblan el imaginario de la gente de esas tierras me resulta realmente impagable. Me lo paso bomba.
Jean Luc Bannalec no es francés sino alemán, pero sí que tiene orígenes bretones y se nota que conoce esa tierra y sobre todo, es evidente que la quiere. Sus descripciones del paisaje son bellísimas. Estoy segura que volveré a la Bretaña muchas veces y que en más de una ocasión, lo haré de su mano.
Jean Luc Bannalec no es francés sino alemán, pero sí que tiene orígenes bretones y se nota que conoce esa tierra y sobre todo, es evidente que la quiere. Sus descripciones del paisaje son bellísimas. Estoy segura que volveré a la Bretaña muchas veces y que en más de una ocasión, lo haré de su mano.
May 12, 2019
These mysteries need to be read if only to experience wonderful descriptions of Brittany. They make you want to rent a house in Brittany and enjoy the landscape and places mention in the Jean-Luc Bannalec stories.
October 20, 2017
So ansprechend die Landschaft und vor allem das Essen auch beschrieben werden, ich finde den Schreibstil insgesamt einfach nicht gut, und so etwas lenkt mich immer enorm von der Geschichte ab.
Was noch nervt: Auch in diesem Band gibt es wieder nur "café" (kursiv gedruckt, natürlich ...).
Die Lokalität würde mich auch weiterhin reizen, aber ich glaube, von den restlichen Bänden lasse ich die Finger. :(
Was noch nervt: Auch in diesem Band gibt es wieder nur "café" (kursiv gedruckt, natürlich ...).
Die Lokalität würde mich auch weiterhin reizen, aber ich glaube, von den restlichen Bänden lasse ich die Finger. :(
May 8, 2018
3.5 stars
I am always open to reading quirky books. Don’t get me wrong, I love traditional story telling with traditional themes and relatable stories but I also tend to gravitate toward strange or unusual books that are off the beaten path.
Sometimes that works out and other times it doesn’t. It’s 50/50 for me….either weird works or it doesn’t. This mystery series sounded quirky. I debated about reviewing it but ultimately decided on picking it up.
How does one make the ‘sea salt industry’ look glamorous and intriguing to the average reader? Even with a mystery? I was up for the challenge and dug right in.
This book is the third in the series (there are 6 books so far) and while it is part of a series, I thought it read perfectly well as a standalone. I didn’t feel terribly lost or confused as the focus was on the mystery rather than the larger storyline. I liked that this book was set in a completely random place. So many mysteries are set in familiar areas like London or Paris with the occasional book set in quaint country towns. This location made the story for me. I loved that it was set in the salt region of France, someplace that I know nothing about but now thanks to this story I have gotten a proper education. I really loved that aspect of the story and for me that’s what made it quirky—the location and topic.
The other part that was surprisingly interesting was the Bretons culture and history. The author did go into a lot of detail about the Bretons and the salt farming industry. While I enjoyed it, I don’t know that other readers will. There was a lot of detail and while interesting, I don’t know that it was really all that necessary. I mean the author writes with authority and authenticity but for the average reader just wanting to read a mystery novel and focus on that—those parts might be a little tedious.
I really liked the two main characters—Commissaire Dupin and Commissaire Rose. They were each individually enjoyable but also worked well together. I loved how they interacted and worked together to solve the mystery. The mystery itself had a lot of action to keep it moving forward. Once you get past all the Breton and salt farming sections, things pick up rather nicely.
I started reading this book and got distracted by another read….while I might have gotten distracted from this one, that’s not to say it was boring. As soon as I was done with the other book, I went right back to this one and finished it very quickly! I spent a day aggressively reading it and finished by the end of the day.
The cover art needs a facelift. For a book that has such a unique topic, I think the cover art isn’t doing enough to sell it. It’s a great read with a unique setting that I think should be capitalized on with the cover. The boat and house on the over were confusing and the font took over the cover. I think it needs some tweaking to capture the eye of new readers.
See my full review here
I am always open to reading quirky books. Don’t get me wrong, I love traditional story telling with traditional themes and relatable stories but I also tend to gravitate toward strange or unusual books that are off the beaten path.
Sometimes that works out and other times it doesn’t. It’s 50/50 for me….either weird works or it doesn’t. This mystery series sounded quirky. I debated about reviewing it but ultimately decided on picking it up.
How does one make the ‘sea salt industry’ look glamorous and intriguing to the average reader? Even with a mystery? I was up for the challenge and dug right in.
This book is the third in the series (there are 6 books so far) and while it is part of a series, I thought it read perfectly well as a standalone. I didn’t feel terribly lost or confused as the focus was on the mystery rather than the larger storyline. I liked that this book was set in a completely random place. So many mysteries are set in familiar areas like London or Paris with the occasional book set in quaint country towns. This location made the story for me. I loved that it was set in the salt region of France, someplace that I know nothing about but now thanks to this story I have gotten a proper education. I really loved that aspect of the story and for me that’s what made it quirky—the location and topic.
The other part that was surprisingly interesting was the Bretons culture and history. The author did go into a lot of detail about the Bretons and the salt farming industry. While I enjoyed it, I don’t know that other readers will. There was a lot of detail and while interesting, I don’t know that it was really all that necessary. I mean the author writes with authority and authenticity but for the average reader just wanting to read a mystery novel and focus on that—those parts might be a little tedious.
I really liked the two main characters—Commissaire Dupin and Commissaire Rose. They were each individually enjoyable but also worked well together. I loved how they interacted and worked together to solve the mystery. The mystery itself had a lot of action to keep it moving forward. Once you get past all the Breton and salt farming sections, things pick up rather nicely.
I started reading this book and got distracted by another read….while I might have gotten distracted from this one, that’s not to say it was boring. As soon as I was done with the other book, I went right back to this one and finished it very quickly! I spent a day aggressively reading it and finished by the end of the day.
The cover art needs a facelift. For a book that has such a unique topic, I think the cover art isn’t doing enough to sell it. It’s a great read with a unique setting that I think should be capitalized on with the cover. The boat and house on the over were confusing and the font took over the cover. I think it needs some tweaking to capture the eye of new readers.
See my full review here
September 4, 2020
Sorry. I just couldn’t get into this one. Slow start.
January 26, 2020
Kolme ööpäevane uuurimine kulgeb justkui kuuajane. Aeglane mõnus tempo. Väga tahaks taaskord Bretagnesse minna.
June 25, 2024
Rounded up to barely make 3-stars. Very interesting setting. Lots of description...often too much. Mystery takes place over 3 days: book is a chapter for each day. Interesting to see how investigative decisions are processed (or not!). Lots of detail and perhaps not all of it is necessary and seems to slow things down. I'll read the next one in the series and just hope it moves faster.
November 2, 2024
Nett für zwischendurch
July 17, 2025
Dupin geht immer. Besser ist es allerdings, ihn nicht zu lesen, bevor der nächste Urlaub in der Bretagne zweifelsfrei feststeht. Die Gefahr von Bretagneweh ist sonst sehr groß.
Und selbstverständlich ist es sehr wichtig, zu wissen, wie das Sel de Guerande geerntet wird, das niemals, NIEMALS! zur Neige geht in einem bretonischen Haushalt.
Und selbstverständlich ist es sehr wichtig, zu wissen, wie das Sel de Guerande geerntet wird, das niemals, NIEMALS! zur Neige geht in einem bretonischen Haushalt.
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