The Ghost Riders of Ordebec

When a terrified woman begs Commissaire Adamsberg for help with a murder that has not happened yet he is intrigued. Her daughter claims to have seen the ghostly hunt, lead by the Devil's helper Lord Hellequin. These spectral horsemen ride through Northern France collecting the souls of evildoers and any living person spotted riding with them is sure to die a horrific death soon after. With three local men identified among the riders, and one of them already missing, it is not long before the bodies pile up but can Adamsberg solve the case before the lives of his men come under serious threat?

This excellent novel provides a refreshing break from the 'tough, misunderstood detective with a heart of gold' characters that populate so many books of this genre. Adamsberg is ditzy with flashes of genius, he likes taking his shoes off to walk in the grass and cares as much about finding out who tied a pigeon's feet together as he does about solving murder. All-in-all a truly lovable protagonist. The whole story has a slightly surreal feel to it with its immobile cows, narcoleptic policemen and suspects who talk backwards but this all serves to highlight the peculiarity of the case. Written with a fantastic combination of humour and tension it is a fantastic read. Highly recommended.