In Search of Murder [electronic resource] : The Inspector Alvarez Mysteries, Book 37

Jeffries, Roderic2014

eBook

Summary

An eccentric detective finds sun, sand, and murder in this "fun read with sharp wit, a lovable hero, and an intoxicating glimpse of Majorcan life" (Booklist). Inspector Alvarez is rudely awakened from his afternoon siesta by a phone call reporting the death of one Señor Picare, a wealthy Englishman living in Majorca. On arrival at the Picare villa, the detective discovers the dead man's grieving widow passed out in bed and the cook, Rosalía, comforting a devastated young maid named Marta. It soon becomes clear that Señor Picare promised Marta—and other young women—more than he ever planned to deliver. The island is full of spurned mistresses and jealous husbands who wanted to see the notorious playboy dead. Could Marta's tears be nothing more than a clever ruse? And what about the friend who was overheard arguing poolside with Picare on the day of his death? Pushed and prodded by his cantankerous boss, Superior Chief Salas, Alvarez doggedly sorts through lies and half-truths to find out what really happened to Picare. Justice and a break from bureaucratic meddling may be powerful incentives, but Alvarez's true motivation lies closer to his heart—namely, his stomach. If he finds the killer, he might just get a taste of Rosalía's delicious cooking. "Fans will enjoy the latest adventure of this amiably lazy detective." —Kirkus Reviews