booksuperpower's review
4.0
A Well Timed Murder by Tracee de Hahn is a 2018 Minotaur Books publication.
This second book in the Agnes Lüthi series, finds Agnes in Lausanne, Switzerland tailing an old adversary, although she is still technically on leave, after sustaining injuries in the line of duty. Surprisingly, she discovers that her friend Julien is also in Lausanne, and that a friend of his recently passed away quite suddenly. Before she knows it, Agnes has found herself embroiled in the case, which by all accounts appeared to be a tragic, accidental death. But, not everyone is convinced of that, which gives Agnes a side case to work, before she officially returns to work.
I was very impressed with the first installment of this series and have been eagerly anticipating this follow up. I enjoyed the location, which is a nice change of pace, and I really like Agnes. This story is centered around the Swiss tradition, pride, and reputation of precision watch making. With the possibility of a new breakthrough technology that would revolutionize the industry, it just might be possible Julien’s friend was murdered in order to steal his secrets.
The world of watch making is a fascinating one, and again, this is not a topic that comes up often in mysteries, which is a refreshing change of pace, too. The mystery has many complexities, and more than one thread that could give an ample motive for murder. As with the first book, this one does not move at a super -fast clip, but builds slowly, which could require a bit of patience for some, but it adds so much depth, deep characterizations, and creates a tantalizing atmosphere the further the mystery deepens.
I didn’t quite connect with Agnes in the same way as I did in the first book, maybe because she doesn’t need my sympathy in quite the same way as before. However, her personal life is still tethered to her former husband, via her mother-in-law, with whom she has a complicated relationship. But, the case Agnes catches is so very puzzling, it more than made up for the reduced time spent with Agnes’ profound inner musings.
While the cover of the book might suggest a cozy mystery format, this is pretty much a police procedural and while there is a lack of explicit content, and the language is mostly mild, the mystery almost reminds me of the noir style.
While it is not necessary to read the first book in order to enjoy this one, I do recommend adding it at some point, as it does explain details about Agnes' personal life that will deepen your understanding of her character and enhance your enjoyment of this book. But, all in all, this is an excellent follow up book, very solid, interesting and detailed. I am very much looking forward to Agnes’ next big case!
This second book in the Agnes Lüthi series, finds Agnes in Lausanne, Switzerland tailing an old adversary, although she is still technically on leave, after sustaining injuries in the line of duty. Surprisingly, she discovers that her friend Julien is also in Lausanne, and that a friend of his recently passed away quite suddenly. Before she knows it, Agnes has found herself embroiled in the case, which by all accounts appeared to be a tragic, accidental death. But, not everyone is convinced of that, which gives Agnes a side case to work, before she officially returns to work.
I was very impressed with the first installment of this series and have been eagerly anticipating this follow up. I enjoyed the location, which is a nice change of pace, and I really like Agnes. This story is centered around the Swiss tradition, pride, and reputation of precision watch making. With the possibility of a new breakthrough technology that would revolutionize the industry, it just might be possible Julien’s friend was murdered in order to steal his secrets.
The world of watch making is a fascinating one, and again, this is not a topic that comes up often in mysteries, which is a refreshing change of pace, too. The mystery has many complexities, and more than one thread that could give an ample motive for murder. As with the first book, this one does not move at a super -fast clip, but builds slowly, which could require a bit of patience for some, but it adds so much depth, deep characterizations, and creates a tantalizing atmosphere the further the mystery deepens.
I didn’t quite connect with Agnes in the same way as I did in the first book, maybe because she doesn’t need my sympathy in quite the same way as before. However, her personal life is still tethered to her former husband, via her mother-in-law, with whom she has a complicated relationship. But, the case Agnes catches is so very puzzling, it more than made up for the reduced time spent with Agnes’ profound inner musings.
While the cover of the book might suggest a cozy mystery format, this is pretty much a police procedural and while there is a lack of explicit content, and the language is mostly mild, the mystery almost reminds me of the noir style.
While it is not necessary to read the first book in order to enjoy this one, I do recommend adding it at some point, as it does explain details about Agnes' personal life that will deepen your understanding of her character and enhance your enjoyment of this book. But, all in all, this is an excellent follow up book, very solid, interesting and detailed. I am very much looking forward to Agnes’ next big case!
vesper1931's review
4.0
A few days before returning to work in the Violent Crimes Unit because of injures sustained in a previous case, Agnes Lüthi meets friend Julien Vallatton at a watch and jewelry trade show. Where he introduces her to Christine Chavanon who believes that the death of her father, Guy, a watchmaker was not an accident and wishes Agnes to investigate.
An interesting and enjoyable mystery, with characters I have come to like. Although it is the second in the series it is a standalone novel.
ANetGalley Book
An interesting and enjoyable mystery, with characters I have come to like. Although it is the second in the series it is a standalone novel.
ANetGalley Book
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