Nicolas Freeling était un célèbre romancier britannique de romans policiers dont l'œuvre explorait les complexités de la psyché humaine. Ses récits développaient souvent des intrigues complexes avec un style littéraire distinctif, capturant l'atmosphère des lieux qu'il dépeignait. L'écriture de Freeling se caractérise par sa construction intelligente et son observation aiguë des personnages, ce qui rend sa contribution au genre très significative.
Suite à une lettre à peine anonyme d'un respectable banquier, l'inspecteur Van der Valk, de la police d'Amsterdam, enquête sur la mort suspecte d'un peintre minable et authentique maître chanteur. L'accusé ? Un non moins respectable neurologue, avec lequel il va entreprendre un étonnant dialogue... Curieux, patient, obstiné, Van der Valk a pu être comparé à un Maigret hollandais, mais un Maigret mâtiné de Philip Marlowe pour sa décontraction et son humour parfois sarcastique.
Set against the backdrop of the cynical political landscapes of Strasbourg and Paris, the story intertwines themes of love and mortality. Characters seek solace in the works of Jane Austen, whose writings provide comfort amidst the harsh realities of life, particularly in the face of illness. The narrative highlights the profound impact literature can have during challenging times, illustrating how Austen's insights resonate deeply with those navigating personal struggles.
Her background was impeccably aristocratic, but like many rich, neglected wives, Madame Lecat pursued a variety of diversions, from cocaine to young men. Now the Madame is dead, and Henri Castang is about to reveal some startling things about how the rich live and die.
The first novel in the acclaimed VAN DER VALK series - now a major new ITV series starring Marc Warren 'Masterful' SUNDAY TIMES 'Freeling's Inspector Van der Valk is less rugged than Rebus, less parsonical than Dalgliesh, more Morse than Frost, and more Maigret than any of them. Marvellous' - Anita Brookner 'Freeling is a joy to read' TLS 'You're in for a treat' COSMOPOLITAN A woman, Elsa, is brutally murdered in her Amsterdam apartment. Her ex-lover, Martin, is seen outside the building around the time of the crime. The witness who saw him? A policeman. It looks like a straightforward case - but police inspector Van der Valk is not convinced. Despite all the evidence - and the fact that Martin originally denied he was at the apartment - he believes Martin is not guilty of murder. Instead of charging him, Van der Valk takes him on a tour: a tour of the investigation; a tour of Martin's own past; and a tour into the darkly obsessive world of Elsa...
An international bestseller captivates readers with its compelling narrative and relatable characters. The story explores profound themes of love, loss, and redemption, drawing readers into a richly woven plot that spans diverse settings. It challenges societal norms and delves into the complexities of human relationships, making it both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. With its engaging prose and unexpected twists, this book has resonated with audiences worldwide, solidifying its status as a must-read in contemporary literature.
