Review: Blowback by Peter May

 

• Author:  Peter May
• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590588436
• ISBN-13: 978-1590588437

 

Product Description

 

When France's top chef, Marc Fraysse, summoned the world's press to make a shattering announcement, rumors abounded that he was about to lose one of his three coveted Michelin stars.  Instead, on arrival at his remote restaurant on a volcanic plateau in central France, they were greeted with the news that the troubled genius had been murdered, and the message he intended to deliver was never made.  Seven years on, the identity of his killer also remains an enigma.

Enzo Macleod takes on his fifth cold case and delves into the big business and high stakes of French haute cuisine.  As winter sets in, and snow gathers along a volcanic horizon, he retraces long cold footsteps across a remote hilltop.  But unravelling the complex web of relationships that surrounded the brilliant and mercurial chef - a spurned lover, a jealous wife, an estranged brother, an embittered food critic--also leads to strange parallels with his own life.  And in opening up this celebrated cold case, he finds himself reopening old wounds from his past.

My Review

I was provided an ebook galley by Poisoned Pen Press through Net Galley for the purpose of this review. 

This is the first book that I have read in Peter May's series featuring Enzo Macleod.  I have been delightfully surprised by the excellent writing and excellent story.  Enzo Macleod who is a former forensic specialist and currently a university professor in Toulouse in France.  He is half Scottish and half Italian and has an interesting life filled with very complicated family connections!  His daughter Sophie, while undercover, assists him with this case.  

Why is a university professor working at solving a case you may ask.  Enzo is working through the seven unsolved mysteries in Roger Raffin's book "Les Assassins Caches".  Roger Raffin is a freelance investigative writer based in Paris whose book has embarrassed the police forces in France by outlining their failures.  The murder of Raffin's wife is the final chapter in the book.  Raffin is currently involved with Enzo's daughter Kirsty much to Enzo's dismay. Enzo is solving these mysteries based upon a wager.

Blowback is set in a lovely auberge, Chez Fraysse, which houses one of the world's most famous Michelin 3 star restaurants.  Marc Fraysse who was murdered seven years ago was the owner and chef of this amazing restaurant.  The novel contains many wonderful mouth watering descriptions of food and wine.  It is well written and a completely enjoyable read.  I would highly recommend this book and I plan on reading the initial four books in the series.


You can explore all of Enzo's Files here:  http://www.enzomacleod.com/