Die Around Sundown

Set in 1940 Paris, this uneven series launch from Pryor (the Hugo Marston series) introduces Insp. Henri Lefort, who soon after the Germans occupy the city is called to the home of famous psychoanalyst Marie Bonaparte (“call me Mimi”), to investigate a burglary and a murder. After a quick-witted assessment of the situation, Henri brings the case to a successful conclusion, which catches SS officer Ludwig Vogel’s attention. Vogel gives Henri one week to solve the murder of his subordinate, Walter Fischer, who was stabbed to death in the Louvre two days earlier. Should Henri fail to do so, he faces torture at the hands of Vogel. Meanwhile, Henri’s angry reaction to certain sounds, such as the crunch of apples being eaten, has intrigued Mimi, who wants to psychoanalyze him. He agrees to this in exchange for parcels of hard-to-get food and wines. Henri’s psychoanalysis sessions alternate with the sleuthing. An intriguing setup and fascinating details about life in occupied Paris help make up for the coincidence-heavy plot and some ramshackle pacing caused by the many scene shifts involving Henri’s complicated backstory. WWII history buffs may want to have a look. Agent: Ann Collette, Rees Literary. (Aug.)