Lower Rhine's Hidden Criminal Activities Unveiled
Exploring the Charm of Cozy Crime: Three Novels from the Lower Rhine Region
For readers who savor the solution of a good mystery without the graphic violence, and enjoy a narration that stirs laughter, the genre of cozy crime might be just the right fit. Let's delve into three engaging reads, all authored by writers from the Lower Rhine region, transporting us from the Rhineland to Italy.
Vera Nentwich: Dead Sing Rarely Off Key
Setting the tone for our selection is Vera Nentwich, Grefrath author, and her 8th installation in the series featuring Sabine "Biene" Hagen. Biene resides with her resolute grandmother in Grefrath, running a detective agency with her partner Jago. In 'Dead Sing Rarely Off Key', Biene's curiosity leads her to investigate a crime after attending a rehearsal of the Harmonia women's choir. The choir's chairwoman met with an unfortunate accident, and one of Biene's closest friends is now in danger. Nentwich skillfully reconciles violence and action with missing bicycles and close friendships, weaving a down-to-earth tale brimming with local color for those who admire their hometown.
Antonia Lechner aka. Diana Menschig: Beyond the Tree Line
Next, we journey to South Tyrol with Viersen author Diana Menschig, writing under the pen name Antonia Lechner. 'Beyond the Tree Line' is the debut novel in a new series that introduces Arie Daamen, a Dutch-German forester. Faced with the loss of his old forest in the Rhineland, Arie stumbles upon an ideal replacement during a trip to Tyrol. As he goes about his daily life among hunting lodges, forests, and Gut Bahrenberg, he discovers a hand under a pile of logs one morning. Eager to help, Arie's calm demeanor complements the gruff Kommissarin Salzhaller, who arrives from Innsbruck to solve the case. This novel is a delightful tapestry of village community and forest life, featuring a cast of lovable characters that leaves readers eager for more.
Marie Kaersting: Dolce Vita Mortale
Our last stop takes us aboard a senior bus tour to Tuscany with Marie Kaersting. 'Dolce Vita Mortale', Kaersting's first crime novel, follows Antonia Oedt, who decides to embark on a new path inspired by her best friend. Facing resistance from her fellow travelers, Antonia's journey takes a dramatic turn after the murder of the tour guide. She soon forges valuable partnerships with two allies unsatisfied with the chambermaid's arrest. Along with the exploration of Tuscan cities and landscapes, the absurdities of human relationships on a bus tour create captivating, juxtaposed action with a killer on the loose.
Additional Options for Cozy Crime and Historical Mystery Lovers:
- In the Rhineland area, immerse yourself in Sarah3's 'The Alewives of Colmar' series, set amidst the free Alsatian city of Colmar. The compelling story revolves around Frau Gritta and her family in 1353 who brew ale while navigating daily life in a tannery quarter haunted by the aftermath of the plague. Known for its intriguing characters and evocative atmosphere, the series merges cozy mystery elements with historical fiction.
- 'Rhine Journey' by Ann Schlee offers a captivating exploration of the Rhineland in 1851. While it leans more toward literary historical fiction, the novel includes elements of suspense and emotional intrigue, weaving together Charlotte Morrison's repressed desires and memories with the lush cultural atmosphere of the Rhineland.
For those who appreciate a blend of entertaining fiction with a touch of historical insights, the novels by Sarah3, particularly 'The Alewives of Colmar' series, provide an immersive experience in the free Alsatian city of Colmar. The irresistible narrative featuring Frau Gritta and her family in 1353 combines the charm of a cozy mystery with the intrigue of historical fiction, set amidst the captivating atmosphere of a tannery quarter.
For readers who appreciate both cozy crime and a historical backdrop, 'Rhine Journey' by Ann Schlee transport us to the Rhineland in 1851. Combining elements of literary historical fiction, suspense, and emotional intrigue, the novel weaves together Charlotte Morrison's repressed desires and memories with the lush cultural atmosphere of the Rhineland, offering a captivating exploration of the era.
