Essence of Murder: A Captain Darac Mystery #5

The first third of Morfoot’s uneven fifth mystery featuring Capt. Paul Darac (after 2020’s Knock ’em Dead) describes the gentle climate and relaxing vibes of Nice, France; catches up with recurring characters in the city’s Brigade Criminelle; and sets the scene at Villa des Pinales, a salon where adult students follow the leisurely pursuits of painting, perfume making, and wine appreciation, as well as pursuing each other romantically. When one student, Gérard Urquelle, an oily jewelry firm rep, is dispatched in an apparent poisoning, it looks as though he was the victim of a nerve gas in a perfume container, sprayed on by Zena Bairault, a trainee sales assistant at a department store. Did Zena act as an assassin? How long is the list of women who would have liked to see Gérard dead? When the action finally kicks into gear, Morfoot offers satisfying suspense, plot twists, and a wise police detective in Darac, but his slow opening may alienate some readers. This is not the place to start for newcomers. (Sept.)