First published 1973
Inspector Piet Van der Valk faces a puzzling case when a body turns up under suspicious circumstances. The Amsterdam detective must navigate the murky waters of Dutch society as he investigates what initially appears to be a straightforward death but reveals deeper complexities. Van der Valk applies his methodical approach and psychological insight to uncover the truth behind the victim's final moments. The inspector's investigation leads him through various social circles, each harboring secrets that complicate his pursuit of justice. As Van der Valk peels back layers of deception, he confronts the moral ambiguities that define his cases. The detective's relentless questioning exposes the human motivations that drive people to desperate acts, revealing how ordinary lives can spiral toward tragedy.
Genres: 20th-century, mystery, crime, detective, psychological-thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful
Tropes: investigation, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Period: 20th-century
218 pages · Paperback · Penguin Books Ltd