Death In Bordeaux, By Allan Massie

Reviewed,Boyd Tonkin
Friday 25 June 2010 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Loyal readers of Allan Massie will already know of his assurance and dexterity as a historical novelist, whether in ancient Rome or modern Europe. And they will be delighted to learn that this stylish, atmospheric, satisfying policier is the first of three to feature Superintendent Lannes. In snobbish Bordeaux, the action unfolds in spring and summer 1940.

The rout of the French forces and the first days of collaboration with German invaders mean that his murder investigations unroll against a backdrop of panic and chaos. Massie shows with keen insight how daily life stumbles on in apocalypse, while as the case takes Lannes to the "make-believe town" of Vichy, crime and war shockingly embrace.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in