Murder in Amsterdam

Mysteries that take place in other countries, othere cultures are enjoyable on two levels. Here the story is well developed and convincing every step of the way. you can tell Dekok is based on real police work. And the sociological atmosphere of Amstedam is wonderful

A.C. Baantjer is a very popular author from the Netherlands. He knows whereof he speaks, as he is a former Detective Inspector for the Amsterdam Police, with a career which spanned thirty-eight years. He features Inspector Dekok in at least sixteen addition mysteries which have been translated into English.This volume includes two Inspector Dekok mysteries: Dekok and the Sunday Strangler and Dekok and the Corpse on Christmas Eve. Both stories deal with the murder of women: the first is a killer who preys on prostitutes, and the second is a killer who preys on the office workers at his company. Both are excellent studies in human nature. Dekok is the epitome of the grizzled veteran detective, and his sidekick, Vledder, is in awe of Dekok's experience and intelligence:"Of course, you didn't dare tackle it on your own, I bet. You thought: come, let's call Dekok out of bed. The old man will take care of it, right? You thought: Why should I take a chance on messing it up, when I can lean on the old man. Isn't that so? That's what you thought, right?' Vledder looked at him searchingly. Was that a reproach? Did it sound as a reproach? He did not know. The expression on the face of the experienced photographer was unreadable."Baantjer's writing style is smooth and flowing. Dekok is a superb character...sort of a combination of Columbo and Hercule Poirot. He is intelligent; is a family man; has a good heart; and is very forgiving of the blunders of his prot??. The plot lines are steady and believable, and the dialogue is full of interesting witticisms and give-and-take between Dekok and Vledder. One feels as if Dekok is very much of a master detective, shaping Vledder into what will eventually be a fine detective to take his place. At the same time, Dekok is very much in control of his own emotions as he navigates through the world of murder and intrigue.Baantjer is a expert narrator who takes the reader deep into the world which police have to inhabit as part of their jobs. He even makes funny little asides to the reader about people who love mysteries, almost as if he is reaching out to touch his audience and give them a tweak on the cheek. This is an excellent and entertaining mystery from a skillful writer and profound thinker.Shelley GlodowskiReviewer