Night (Commandant Martin Servaz #4), by Bernard Minier

Eight stars

Fans of Bernard Minier are in for a treat with the release of the latest translated novel in the Commandant Martin Servaz series. A great psychological thriller that taps into the darker side of the genre, this book offers some wonderful twists and ties-off some loose ends that have been left in past novels. When Kirsten Nigaard is call out to the scene of a crime in rural Norway, she can only hope it will be a simple solve. An officer in the national major crime squad, Kripos, Nigaard comes upon a woman who was murdered atop a church alter. Some of the preliminary clues point to a suspect aboard a Norwegian offshore oil rig, necessitating a visit in poor weather. Nigaard works through her investigation, locating the likely culprit, though he slips through her fingers. Nigaard tosses his room, finding a number of photos of a man who appears to be a police officer in France, as well as a photo of a young boy, marked with ‘Gustav’ on the back. It would seem Nigaard is off to France to expand her search. Meanwhile, Commandant Martin Servaz is working a case with his team when he is serious injured on the job. Shot in the heart, Servaz almost dies, but not before causing series physical damage to the suspect. As he convalesces in hospital, Servaz is made aware of Kirsten Nigaard’s arrival, seeking to better understand why he might be featured in the aforementioned photo collection. Servaz pieces a few things together and realises that his long-time arch-nemesis, Julian Hirtmann, is back, lurking in the shadows. It is likely that this Gustav is Hirtmann’s son, potentially the offspring of a past captor he held, who happened to be Servaz’s love interest. Ignoring medical advice, Servaz works with Nigaard to locate Gustav, who has been attending school in the community. There are some disturbing ties to Hirtmann, something that Servaz cannot ignore. The hunt is on for Hirtmann, as Servaz seeks to bring him to justice with the help of his new partner. However, this game of cat and mouse is complicated when someone has been trying to frame Servaz for another crime, forcing additional delays. Using young Gustav to coax Julian Hirtmann out of the shadows, Servaz can only hope that this will be his chance to bring a serial killer to justice. However, there are significant factors complicating matters, things that Servaz could not have predicted, but should have expected from his arch-nemesis. Many lives hang in the balance and pride cannot play a deciding factor. Minier brings readers another wonderful novel that is as exciting as it is dark. Fans of Commandant Martin Servaz will want to get their hands on this one in short order.

I stumbled upon this series when I was on a binge of international police procedurals penned in languages other than English. The series gripped me from the outset and has only become more entertaining the further I go. The fact that this is a translated piece does not play a factor, as the narrative flows as if there were no linguistic impediments whatsoever. Commandant Martin Servaz proves to be a character who continues to develop throughout this series, building on both how he continues to grow and some of the backstory the reader discovers. Servaz has seen much in this series and experienced even more, allowing readers to sympathise with the man as he seeks to chase down one of the worst killers Europe has ever seen. As Servaz tackles complex cases that put him in danger on a regular basis, he does not stand down. The introduction of Kirsten Nigaard offers series fans a look at a new face in the investigative service, bringing her Norwegian background into the middle of this complex narrative. The contrast between the two protagonists and their policing techniques offers the reader a wonderful comparative opportunity. Nigaard has her own story and the reader is sure to find a connection to her throughout, though it is her interaction with Servaz and others that proves the most interesting. Others, including Julian Hirtmann, grace the pages of this novel, offering a well-developed plot and adding flavour to an already wonderful series. The narrative pushes forward with a few criminal plot lines that develop the further the story progresses. Servaz finds himself in the middle of a few investigations, though could not have predicted some of the twists that befall him. These unpredictable parts of the narrative offer the reader some wonderful aspects to help strengthen the series and leave even more questions by the end. Minier is a masterful storyteller and the reader is able to discover the depths he will go to provide a stellar novel for his adoring fans.

Kudos, Monsieur Minier, for a powerful novel in this splendid series. I just wish I did not have to wait so long for the next novel to make its way into an English publication.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Don’t Turn Out the Lights (Commandant Martin Servaz #3), by Bernard Minier

Eight stars

Continuing with another Bernard Minier novel, I noticed a distinct change in this series. Whereas the first two novels were definitely crime thrillers, this one has morphed into something psychological, but still holds a strong story to keep the reader fully engaged. Christine Steinmeyer is prepared to go out on Christmas Eve when she noticed an unmarked letter in her post box. Opening it, she discovers a letter expressing that the writer intends on killing themselves and that she, the reader, is to blame. Baffled, Christine seeks to learn if she received this letter in error, but no one else seems able to determine the intended recipient. During her Christmas Day radio broadcast, a caller reaches Christine on-air to ask how she could have let someone die. Spooked, Christine is more determined to find out who is behind this and how she can stop the game. Meanwhile, Martin Servaz is on leave from the Toulouse Police, having checked himself into a facility to handle some traumatic events in his recent past. He is haunted by horrible nightmares, though is sure that he will be able to overcome them, given the time to process. He receives a random envelop one day, in which he finds a hotel key card from a high-end establishment. With little to do, Servaz follows the message left for him and makes his way to the hotel, only to learn that the room associated with the card has an ominous past. An artist took her life the year before, but there is no suspicions or foul play. Still, for many who know Servaz, he does not let this go lightly, beginning an exploration into this woman and what might have led to her demise. As Christine continues to probe her own mystery, messages begin appearing at work and by email, attributed to her. She hears things and cannot sleep, sure that someone is following her. The deeper she probes, the less things make sense and those around her have given up on her. When she finds herself in the crosshairs of the police, she knows that she is being toyed with, but cannot finger the culprit. Servaz’s off the books investigation soon finds a thread that brings Christine into his own probing. Might there be a correlation between these two cases? Minier branches out with a wonderful novel that takes readers down many a dark corridor and leaves them guessing until the final page, when the closing paragraph is left to resonate. Perfect for those who enjoyed the first two novels and readers who enjoy a dark, psychological thrillers that develop at their own pace.

Those who follow my reviews will know that I find foreign language thrillers to differ greatly from my usual English reading fare. They tend to be much darker and use characters whose angst pushes the story into odd directions. Bernard Minier is one author whose novels meet this criteria, particularly as they take the reader into the struggles of Commandant Martin Servaz. However, in this case, it is processing the horrible reality of what he has come to presumed followed the closing of the previous novel. Servaz is back, though plays a secondary role in this piece, at least in its central focus and drive. He seeks to come to terms with the likely death of a past lover who was kidnapped by a killer he put away years before. While not actively working, his mind seeks a mystery that he can solve which is why the ‘hotel key curiosity’ is right up his alley. The reader plunges into this investigation with him, keeping him occupied enough not to think of the past. That said, he does have a brief encounter with his daughter, who brings stunning news and permits the reader to witness some of the Commandant’s character development. The primary focus of the novel is Christine Steinmeyer, whose fall from glory is documented through a spiral of intensifying acts and revelations , hinting that the mental health struggles from her youth may have resurfaced. Additionally, the reader learns much about this woman’s past and how the death of her older sister may have been a long path full of red flags that no one noticed. As Christine professes her sanity, the reader can only wonder who is pulling the strings of these seemingly inexplicable actions that see her lose the trust of many. With a number of other characters who push the story along, Minier has crafted a strong collection of entities to propel this novel of a differing genre into being success. Minier does well to individualise this story without leaving the series fan feeling cheated or out of sorts. The slow advancement of the overall plot works well, as Minier is never one to get to the point in short order. Peppering the narrative with both operatic and space references, the reader can learn a great deal while trying to solve these parallel mysteries that seem to have a similar thread. By the end, the reader can breathe a sigh of relief, only to be pushed over with new information in the epilogue to stun them and pray that the fourth novel will soon be on hand.

Kudos, Monsieur Minier, for another great piece. I am eager to get my hands on the next in the series when it has been translated!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Circle (Commandant Martin Servaz #2), by Bernard Minier

Eight stars

After reading Bernard Minier’s debut crime novel in this series, I was certain that I would return for more. Translated from the French, these novels must not only find a way to capture the attention of the English reader (in my case), but also show that language is no impediment to a great story. Commandant Martin Servaz receives a frantic call from someone in his distant past, hoping that he will come to her aid. It would seem that a young man has found himself in the home of his professor, who has been tied up and murdered. All the evidence points to Hugo Bokhanowsky being the killer, though he is sure that he did nothing wrong, even if he was in a drugged stupor. While Servaz asserts control of the scene, he cannot help but remember his time in this town, attending the Marsac, a premier university. It is also where his teenage daughter, Margot, is currently enrolled. As Servaz seeks to put together some of the clues at the scene, he receives a haunting message from a serial killer he put away, someone who has been on the lam for over a year. Taunting him, Servaz must try to keep his focus in order to keep Julian Hirtmann at bay. With little concrete or digital evidence at their disposal, Servaz and the team dig a little deeper to find motives or even connections to the victim, though he cannot help but notice that the crime fits perfectly into Hirtmann’s past kills. One man seems to have a growing connection to the victim, though his political position has kept it discrete. Margot Servaz has come across her own trail of evidence, having known some of Hugo’s friends on campus. When she uncovers a secret group calling themselves The Circle, she is keen to learn more, though it may cost her a great deal. With a case mounting against Hugo and his mother pleading for Servaz’s assistance, the Commandant is forced to make a final push and ensure a killer does not stay off the radar and strike again. Minier keeps the story dark and yet full of intrigue, as the reader learns more about the case, the Commandant’s past, and a number of secrets held by those in town. Perfect for those who enjoyed the debut novel and readers who are not afraid of entering dark, slowly developing crime thrillers.

I tend to find foreign language thrillers to differ greatly from those I read in English. Darker, more angst-driven, and whose characters seem to be less relatable to those I find in my normal reading fare. It could be the introspection or even the philosophy that comes up within the narrative, but whatever it might be, it is refreshing and always has me keeping an eye for these authors when they publisher additional novels. Bernard Minier is one such author, whose novels take the reader into the struggles of Commandant Martin Servaz. The crimes are usually less common and the layers related to motive keeps the reader guessing until the final page turn. Servaz is back for this second novel, though he does not reflect too much on the case that introduced readers to his character. Rather, there is the ongoing memory of a serial killer he put away, who has since slipped through the cracks and may be targeting him anew. Servaz must return to Marsac, his former school, which brings up many memories from his past, offering the reader a great deal of backstory and angst. Servaz surely had some strong and deeply personal moments here, which bleeds into the narrative and is discussed at length. He seems able to divorce his past struggles with the case at hand, allowing him to grow and forge onwards. Making things a little more difficult would be the presence of his daughter, Margot, whose own academic studies are flourishing. Margot is a young woman whose life has always been influenced by other Marsac students, though Minier is keen to paint her out to be a sexually confident woman who does not suffer fools. The handful of other influential characters help provide the reader with a solid narrative that moves along at a slower pace, though does not ever lose its momentum. Sub-plots and minor storylines come to life under Minier’s direction, keeping the reader entertained as they seek to solve the murder of an instructor. The story is strong and takes things in many directions before righting itself in the closing chapters. Small nuggets of information come to light and the pieces fit together seamlessly. Perhaps not the type of case that some readers would enjoy, but surely one that keeps the story from being spoiled too early. I found that the piece ran fairly smoothly, indicative not only that the translation was strong, but that the story and language hold true when leaving its original French. That said, it is peppered with French-nuanced legal terms and formalities, so much so that the translator opens the novel with an explanation of the legal and policing system, which would surely be foreign to many who are reading this outside of France. Well written and surely a series I will continue to follow, as long as English translations are available.

Kudos, Monsieur Minier, for another great piece. I am eager to get my hands on the next in the series and have noticed a fourth has just come out in French!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Frozen Dead (Commandant Martin Servaz #1), by Bernard Minier

Eight stars

In my attempt to explore more dark mysteries translated from another language, I stumbled upon French author, Bernard Minier. Bringing a new meaning to the word ‘noir mystery’, Minier uses his debut novel to delve into the depths of despair, stereotypical for literary pieces emanating from the author’s homeland. When a body is discovered dangling from a cliff, Commandant Martin Servaz is called to the scene. Much to his dismay, the body is that of a decapitated horse. Sure that someone has played a macabre joke, Servaz tries to remove himself from the case, feeling that his skills could be better used elsewhere. Early investigation shows that DNA evidence of Julian Hirtmann accompanies the horse’s corpse, which proves to be even more interesting, in that he is a Swiss serial killer and locked down in the mental asylum in a nearby French community. Servaz is intrigued and finds himself newly committed to the case, curious how a super-max facility could be porous enough to have one of their most notorious patients slipping out. On the same day as the horse is discovered, Diane Berg arrives to take up employment at the asylum. A Swiss psychologist by trade, Berg learns much about the facility and their less than mainstream means of treating patients. Non-anesthetized electro-shock therapy, graphic virtual reality with body probes, and countless medicines no longer used in the treatment of psychiatric patients all find themselves used on a daily basis, with a director who prides himself on these unorthodox measures. Back on the outside, Servaz is called to the scene of another body, this time a man who is found hanging under a bridge. He, too, is found to have Hirtmann’s DNA, however, there appears to be no tie between the patient and the reclusive chemist. Servaz is baffled, particularly when he arrives at the asylum and cannot find a means by which anyone would be able to escape or to return unnoticed. When Servaz learns that the community also lived through a number of teen suicides, all by hanging, he wonders how much more the locals can take. Further probing can only help to open old wounds and forces Servaz to wonder if he is doing so more out of curiosity than necessity. Servaz finds himself distracted as well by his daughter, who is beginning to exhibit odd behaviours, so much so that he has her tailed. What he discovers shocks him a little, but that proves to help his case, if only a little. Berg continues to probe inside the asylum, trying to answer her own questions, but her inquisitiveness might be unknowingly acting as a secondary investigator for this truly baffling case. A wonderfully dark piece that pulls the reader into corners of the story that are anything but pleasant, Minier exemplifies that the language barrier does not lessen the impact of this thriller. Perfect for those who enjoy macabre pieces with a protagonist who is anything but uplifting.

While no expert, I have read a number of mysteries whose original publication language is not English. I find them scintillating and require the reader to play a much more active role than in some of the pieces penned in my mother tongue. Minier portrays Commandant Servaz in much the same way as my Scandinavian police officers, fighting his own demons and with a personal life more jagged than peaceful. Servaz seems to have an agenda all his own, surrounded by colleagues who are anything but sycophants. He struggles to piece together the clues, but always ends up positing the most outlandish possibilities, some of which prove fruitful as he synthesizes the statements made by reluctant witnesses. Minier is able not only to tell his dark mystery, but also create a decent backstory for a few of his characters, whose lives away from the office and the case at hand show that they, too, have secrets they prefer not rise to the surface. The story remains dark and the element of equine torture pulls the reader in from the early going. What else might Minier have in store for the reader? Exploration of the asylum angle only further baits the reader and keeps the story from becoming too predictable. Slow to develop, but with a constant sense of forward movement, Minier pulls the reader along and keeps things from becoming too easy to discern. These are the best types of novels, as the reader can never tell where a twist will take things. Minier’s debut novel has me curious and I will certainly be back for more in the near future.

Kudos, Mr. Minier, for pulling me in and finding a new fan. I can only hope that others will be as intrigued to read this and the other novels in which Martin Servaz makes an appearance.