Peter May, Extraordinary People

Extraordinary People

Peter May

Poisoned Pen, November 2006, $22.95

ISBN: 1590583353

In 1996 Paris, Ecole Nationale d'Administration teacher and politician Jacques Gaillard vanishes without a trace. His disappearance has become a legendary cold case never resolved.

University Professor Enzo Macleod left his wife Linda and daughter Kirsty behind in Scotland two decades ago to start a new family in Cahors. He has a second daughter Sophie, but remains estranged from Kirsty who accuses him of deserting her. He makes a bet with a friend that he can solve the mystery of Gaillard. He follows clues that seem to go nowhere and everywhere, as he and his team travel to Germany and all over France finding body parts. Enzo's efforts bring him to the attention of cold blooded killers who want Gaillard to remain a legendary cold case.

Though some implausible events occur, readers will appreciate this delightful western European mystery, due in part to the solid cast, especially Enzo, and to the clues that tell much about the life of Gaillard just before he vanished. The storyline is fast-paced as Enzo and his team follow the leads to Germany and much of France. The climax is a fabulous finale that will leave readers clamoring for more enquires by the Professor and his team.