Martin Suter

This is not a cosy mystery per se, but it has a bit of that feel. Allmen was born wealthy and has always lived a wealthy and privileged life-style. He continues the facade of wealth even though he long ago squandered his fortune. For a while, he supported himself by selling off the furnishings and trinkets from his mansion. But he has had to sell the mansion (retaining for himself the right to live in the caretaker's cottage). Now, he takes the train over a few towns to shoplift an antique or two now and then.

One evening during a romantic interlude he discovers some exquisite (and priceless) art nouveau bowls decorated with dragonflies. He can't resist, and takes them. The problem is that the bowls are famous for having been reported stolen several years previously. Now, someone wants them back--and they might kill to get them.

This was the engaging story of a gentleman thief, and is apparently the first entry in a series. The author is Swiss, and the setting is Switzerland, so that was interesting. And it was another read somewhat reminiscent of Patricia Highsmith.

Recommended.

3 stars… (mer)