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Albert Camus

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Friday, August 28, 2015

a web of deceit, madness, and murder - Black Forest Reckoning by Bluette Matthey

Outfitter Hardy Durkin and company are visiting the Black Forest area of Germany, staying in the guest wing of a local castle, Schloss Haeflin. In the midst of hiking the Black Forest, enjoying all things Swabian, and spending a day in Baden-Baden, the hikers find themselves at ground zero for coeds disappearing from the nearby University of Freiburg and foul play is suspected.


Description:

Outfitter Hardy Durkin and company are visiting the Black Forest area of Germany, staying in the guest wing of a local castle, Schloss Haeflin. In the midst of hiking the Black Forest, enjoying all things Swabian, and spending a day in Baden-Baden, the hikers find themselves at ground zero for coeds disappearing from the nearby University of Freiburg and foul play is suspected.

Unresolved personal issues of several members of the group threaten the tour’s cohesion, and Hardy discovers the Baron, who owns the schloss, has stolen someone’s identity as well as his fortune. Ever the sleuth, Hardy untangles the web of deceit, madness, and murder in ‘The Black Forest Reckoning’. 

Goodreads:
Dark secrets and events unfold in a Black Forest castle setting-

In Hardy Durkin’s third book, Black Forest Reckoning, we find Hardy and company hiking various venues in the Black Forest, including a day in the luxurious spa town of Baden-Baden, while experiencing the historical legacy, cultural heritage, and sumptuous foods of that region. 

Their host is Baron Haeflin, owner and lord of the schloss they call home during their stay. Also resident at Schloss Haeflin is a waif of a girl, the baron’s niece, Zsu-Zsu, who has never spoken, due to emotional trauma at an early age. 

When another co-ed from the University of Freiburg is reported missing, the third, so far, members of the hiking group realize they are at ground zero for a possible serial killer. Once the suspicion that Baron Haeflin has stolen the identity and money of the real Baron Haeflin becomes a certainty, Hardy’s concern for Zsu-Zsu’s safety is aroused and the game is afoot. Hardy is convinced that Zsu-Zsu holds the key to it all, but she’s not telling anyone. 

While investigating the baron’s true identity, Hardy suddenly comes up missing. Ultimately, it is Hardy Durkin who untangles the web of deceit, madness, and murder in The Black Forest Reckoning
About the author:
Bluette Matthey is a third generation Swiss American and an avid lover of European cultures. She has decades of travel and writing experience. She is a keen reader of mysteries, especially those that immerse the reader in the history, inhabitants, culture, and cuisine of new places. Her passion for travel, except airports (where she keeps a mystery with her to pass the time), is shared by her husband, who owned a tour outfitter business in Europe. Bluette particularly loves to explore regions that are not on the “15 days in Europe” itineraries. She also enjoys little-known discoveries, such as the London Walks, in well-known areas. She firmly believes that walking and hiking bring her closer to the real life of any locale. Bluette maintains a list of hikes and pilgrimages throughout Europe for future exploration. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, faithful dog, and band of loving cats. You can visit Bluette’s website.

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