Title: Death in Brittany
Author: Jean-Luc Bannalec
First published January 1, 2012
320 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250061744 (ISBN10: 1250061741)
Rating: 3.63
Overview
In the peaceful village of Pont-Aven, Brittany, the ninety-one-year-old owner of the Central Hotel, Pierre-Louis Pennec, is found dead. Commissaire Georges Dupin and his team are called to investigate the murder and quickly narrow down the list of suspects to five individuals.
Among them are a prominent politician, a close friend of the victim, and a wealthy art historian. But when more incidents occur, including a break-in and another mysterious death, the investigation becomes even more complex.
As Commissaire Dupin delves deeper into the lives of the suspects, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that shatters the village’s idyllic façade. Death in Brittany, the summer’s most anticipated crime novel, introduces readers to the quirky Commissaire Dupin, a caffeine-addicted Parisian with a love for penguins.
This atmospheric story takes readers on a journey through the village’s narrow streets, where they can taste the salty air and indulge in Brittany’s seaside specialties. Death in Brittany is a captivating, witty, and cunning novel, filled with unexpected twists and turns.
About the Author
Jörg Bong, writing under a pen name, spends his time between Germany and the coastal region of Brittany, France. In March 2012, he published Death in Brittany, which follows Commissaire Dupin on his first case.
The book has sold over 600,000 copies in Germany, spent months on the bestseller list, and has been translated into 14 languages.
Editoral Review
Jean-Luc Bannalec’s Death in Brittany is a captivating murder mystery set in the picturesque region of Brittany, France. Bannalec is a pseudonym for German author Jörg Bong, who has spent time living in Brittany and has an intimate knowledge of its culture and customs.
The book was first published in 2012 and has since been translated into several languages.
The genre of Death in Brittany is a classic whodunit mystery, with a touch of police procedural. The writing style is descriptive, with a focus on setting and atmosphere.
The themes of the book include the clash between tradition and modernity, the tension between locals and outsiders, and the complexities of human relationships.
The story follows Commissaire Georges Dupin, a Parisian detective who is sent to Brittany to investigate the murder of an elderly hotel owner. Dupin is an outsider in a tight-knit community, and he must navigate the cultural differences and personal rivalries that complicate his investigation.
Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, including the victim’s dysfunctional family, the hotel staff, and a group of eccentric artists.
Bannalec’s writing is skillful and engaging, with vivid descriptions of the Breton landscape and its inhabitants. The characters are well-drawn and complex, with their own secrets and motivations.
The pacing of the book is slow and deliberate, allowing the reader to savor the atmosphere and unravel the clues at their own pace.
One of the strengths of Death in Brittany is its attention to detail, both in terms of setting and characterization. Bannalec’s portrayal of Breton culture and customs is nuanced and respectful, and he avoids stereotypes or caricatures.
The conflicts between the characters are rooted in their individual histories and personalities, rather than being contrived for the sake of the plot.
However, one of the weaknesses of the book is its reliance on coincidence and contrivance to move the plot forward. Some of the twists and turns of the story feel forced or implausible, and the resolution of the mystery is somewhat unsatisfying.
Overall, Death in Brittany is a well-crafted mystery with a strong sense of place and character. It will appeal to fans of classic whodunits and police procedurals, as well as readers who are interested in exploring the culture and history of Brittany.
While it has some flaws, it is a worthy addition to the genre and a promising start to a series.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
