A NOT SO PERFECT CRIME

Russell James has been named “the Godfather of Noir” by Ian Rankin. Russell writes crime novels - about criminals and victims, not the cozy procedural or whodunnit. Amongst his work is the highly-acclaimed novel, Painting in the Dark. His latest is The Maud Allan Affair, published by Remember When.

Perfect summer reading – indeed, thoroughly enjoyable at any time – is this ironic crime caper set in present-day Barcelona and written by a Catalan author. If you don’t associate Catalan with capers, think again. The hook here is to have a pair of non-identical twins set themselves up as so-called detectives, working purely for the rich and famous seeking discretion. Clients who want discretion won’t make a fuss, and if they’re rich they should pay up. Not that our sleuths give poor value. They may be amateur but they do try. Engaged by a rising politician to check on his wife’s fidelity, their case quickly becomes one of murder, by poisoned sweeties. Their quest takes them into Barcelona’s highest echelons (amusingly set against the narrator’s more humble family life) and on to an expenses-paid jaunt to Paris (found less than amusing by the narrator’s wife, who is left at home). This highly agreeable novel ends unexpectedly, on a surprisingly contemplative note.