When a beautiful woman is found
floating down the river in St. Denis, Inspector Bruno and the town
are shocked. The naked woman had apparently been participating in a
black mass. Although it is not apparent at first whether the woman
was murdered, or a suicide, Bruno investigates the case.
The Devil's Cave, a tourist attraction
outside town, is the next location for a satanist ritual. While this
second manifestation brings increased tourism to the town, not
everyone is happy. The mayor is worried that St. Denis will become
known as a haven for satanic practices.
Bruno continues his investigation with
some help from his ex-love, Isabelle, now in Paris working for the
Brigadier. When the dead woman is identified, she turns out to have
local roots. The investigation becomes more intense involving the
Defense Ministry, an impressive new hotel, and a local aristocratic
family.
This second book in the Chief Bruno
series is a good read. Bruno and the collection of characters that
inhabit the area are the best part of the book. The life of the
village, particularly Bruno's romantic attachments, keep the story
moving. The real show stealer is Bruno's new puppy. I look forward to
watching him grow up in the next books in the series.
The countryside around St. Denis is
beautifully described, as are the food and wine. I felt as if I was
having a vacation in a delightful French village. I recommend this
book if you like mysteries in which the characters and the setting
are as important as the mystery.
I reviewed this book for the Amazon
Vine Program.
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