This book says it is fiction. But the subtitle says it all. Deadly Slipper: A Novel of Death in the Dordogne by Michelle Wan, is a great beginning to what will hopefully be a series. The next book is out this month.
This is a well written mystery that explores its surroundings - the Dordogne region of southwestern France, and some of the locals and expats who live there. And then there are the orchids. Yes, I admit the reason I read this, was for the orchids, but they are a important part of the search for the missing hiker who disappeared 19 years ago.
The leads are Mara - a twin who is obsessed with her sister's disappearance, and Julian the orchidologst that she gets to help her with her quest. She has a series of photos of what appear to be the last roll of film that her sister took. Can Julian identify the orchids and the landmarks in the shots? And what about those stories of other missing women?
Wan gives us intimate details of the countryside, and has us peeking in to the lives of the villagers and along the way - the reader gets to savor the local bistro's menu. I am eagerly awaiting the next book!
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