Murders circle around Burgundy where Pel has just been promoted to Chief Inspector, starting with the case of a woman whose body is found on the beach one morning. A death that appeared to be suicide at first glance turns out to have plenty of suspects, each with their own particular motive.

Pel''s personal life is going far from smoothly, as he discovers himself to be the target of a letter-bomb sent by an old enemy - aside from the obvious danger, this is yet another obstacle to his plans to marry Madame Faivre-Perret. Can Pel keep his life, his love and his career by solving the murder mysteries, and keeping the predators at bay?

Moody, sharp-tongued and worrying constantly about his health, Inspector Evariste Clovis Désiré Pel ensures that no case goes unsolved, in these mordantly witty French mysteries.

Praise for the Inspector Pel Mystery series:

''Totally convincing.'' Financial Times

''Mr Hebden has created a nice band of flics.'' Oxford Times

''Pel and his procedurals are some of the best things since Maigret.'' Observer

''Chief Inspector Evariste Clovis Désiré Pel, as well rounded a character as Maigret or Van der Valk.'' Punch

''Impeccable French ambience, unexaggerated flics, and a well-constructed solution. Hebden proves again that few understand Gallic cops better than English writers!'' The Times

''Some characters grow as their saga lengthens and Pel... is one of them. You might say he is ripening along with the grapes.'' Police Review

''...written with downbeat humour and some delightful dialogue.'' Financial Times

''...all is most cunningly contrived and dovetailed into a coherent plot.'' Irish Times

''A thoroughly entertaining read.'' Evening Standard

''The best Gallic sleuth since Maigret.'' London Mystery Selection