In Search of Murder

Inspector Alvarez is rudely awakened from his afternoon siesta by a phone call reporting the death of one Senor Picare. On arrival at the Picare villa, it seems his grieving widow is passed out in bed and the housekeeper, Rosalía, is the one dealing with the police and comforting the young maid, Marta, who is devastated by the death of her employer.

It soon becomes clear that Senor Picare may have promised Marta – and other young women – more than he should have done and there could be a fair number of disgruntled husbands or fathers around who had a reason to want him gone.

Alvarez’s investigation, as always, is full of the vivid colour of Mallorcan life and passion, and despite Superior Chief Salas’ instructions, he doggedly follows his own – often unconventional – path until he finds out the truth . . .

Majorca, the land of sun, sea, and a relaxed lifestyle, seems an unlikely place for murder. But as Inspector Enrique Alvarez knows all too well, violent crime is comfortable in paradise. So it’s no surprise to the long-suffering detective when he’s called to investigate the suspicious death of English expat Señor Picare, who appears to have drowned in his swimming pool. The bruises on Picare’s ankles indicate he was held under water until he died. But who would do such a thing? Unfortunately, there are plenty of suspects. The nouveau-riche Picare tended to flaunt his success, and he was also a known womanizer, suggesting that one could either follow the money or the women. Alvarez, as always, must juggle the unreasonable demands of his superior (solve the crime immediately, but don’t offend anyone important) while chasing down clues and still finding time for his afternoon siesta and cognac. Ah, but count on the seemingly bumbling but instinctively clever detective to overcome all obstacles and solve the case. A fun read with sharp wit, a lovable hero, and an intoxicating glimpse of Majorcan life. --Emily Melton