Inspector Pel's home life is far from peaceful, thanks to his housekeeper's addiction to watching television at full volume in all her waking hours - and with the Tour de France about to begin, things are not set to improve any time soon. Pel's work life is just as stressful, as a series of thefts of priceless treasures from churches and chateaux has landed on his desk.

Matters take a darker turn when a suspicious death is confirmed as murder, and it becomes even more vital for Pel to uncover the true nature of who's behind the crime wave. The case leads him from Paris to Scotland Yard and a climax involving the Tour de France cycle race - not through the small screen this time, but up close and personal.

Moody, sharp-tongued and worrying constantly about his health, Inspector Pel ensures that no case goes unsolved, in these mordantly witty French mysteries.

'Totally convincing.' Financial Times

'Mr Hebden has created a nice band of flics.' Oxford Times

'Pel and his procedurals are some of the best things since Maigret.' Observer

'Chief Inspector Evariste Clovis Désiré Pel, as well rounded a character as Maigret or Van der Valk.' Punch

'Impeccable French ambience, unexaggerated flics, and a well-constructed solution. Hebden proves again that few understand Gallic cops better than English writers!' The Times

'Some characters grow as their saga lengthens and Pel... is one of them. You might say he is ripening along with the grapes.' Police Review

'...written with downbeat humour and some delightful dialogue.' Financial Times

'...all is most cunningly contrived and dovetailed into a coherent plot.' Irish Times

'A thoroughly entertaining read.' Evening Standard

'The best Gallic sleuth since Maigret.' London Mystery Selection