Brittany Mystery #10
An Island of Suspects is Jean-Luc Bannalec’s tenth book in his Brittany mystery series. The main character is Commissaire George Dupin, who works along with his team of investigators to solve various mysteries throughout Breton. An Island of Suspects focuses on the island of Belle-Île, and the murder of a wealthy and well known sheep farmer Patric Provost. Mr. Provost was actively being blackmailed and the deadline for payment came just before the discovery of his body. Almost as soon as they start investigating it’s clear that the victim was not at all liked in his community. Even his own employees seem to outright hate him. Mr. Dupin is soon faced with the realization that he has an entire island of suspects.
The island itself has mainly permanent residents, some of which have lived there for generations and are unable to conceive of living anywhere else. Mr. Dupin works with authorities to ensure as many people stay on the island as possible, at least until he gets a chance to talk to them. To get around the island efficiently he is also provided with a car that he is very excited to be able to drive, even if he ends up having a little trouble with it as he is distracted by the investigation. The island residents refuse to believe that anyone in the community could have had a hand in Mr. Provost’s death but they also completely understand why someone might have been driven to it. Every time Mr. Dupin thinks he has found a lead, it turns out they have an alibi or an explanation. Island politics become far more intertwined and confusing that he expected. For example, he has to face a league of various mayors instead of just one. His fellow investigators also tend to get off track and spend time recounting the mythology of the island, which while interesting to read is frustrating to Mr. Dupin who just wants to focus on the murder.
I would classify An Island of Suspects as a police procedural mystery. Readers get to experience every step of the investigation alongside Mr. Dupin. Jean-Luc Bannalec also breaks the book up into actual investigative days rather than chapters, which helps readers submerse themselves in the investigation. A lot of running around and clues are found in the first couple of days in a murder investigation, assuming the detectives are as observant and dedicated as Mr. Dupin. I enjoyed experiencing this different format, the only drawback being that I was afraid to lose my place and take a break. I think An Island of Suspects will appeal to both new and long term readers of Jean-Luc Bannalec’s work. The characters are well introduced, the plot easy to follow, and the characters interesting and engaging. However, one must enjoy a police procedural mystery to truly appreciate the details of An Island of Suspects. As long as you find that genre enjoyable, readers will be happy to know there are many other books in this particular series. – Carla Schantz