https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1913866404?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
http://www.readingroom-readmore.com/2018/02/a-well-timed-murder-by-tracee-de-hahn.html
Springtime in Switzerland!
Tracee de Hahn
As readers and writers we’ve probably all heard the
question: how important is place in the book? Since I started my professional
life as an architect, the answer is always: incredibly important. I like to
think that the story couldn't happen without that exact place. After all, how
many people live in a château set on the edge of a deep lake where an ice storm
can cut them off from help? That’s certainly what happened in Agnes Lüthi’s
first adventure, Swiss Vendetta.
What about the death of a watchmaker in a valley filled with
watchmakers (dare we say jealous watchmakers?).
This won’t happen in just any valley in the world. It can only happen in Switzerland
(and in A Well-Timed Murder).
Since the Agnes Lüthi series is set in Switzerland, where
I’ve been fortunate to spend many years, I think constantly about the
importance of place. Now that spring has arrived, and appears to want to stay,
I’m thinking about Switzerland in the context of the seasons. A Well-Timed Murder lets Agnes leave behind
the desperate cold of a cataclysmic ice storm and enjoy the prospect of warmer
weather. Farmers start to think about releasing cows from their winter barns,
and eventually driving them up into the high summer pastures. Unfortunately for
Agnes, this also means muddy fields where evidence is diluted by rain. At the
same time, the smoke from a wood burning stove might also be evidence! Thank
goodness there’s still a bit of a chill in the air.
My husband is Swiss and in the years we lived there, and
when we return for our annual visit, we try to stay true to seasonal delights.
However, there are a few heresies. I can’t visit without going to the Castle of
Gruyeres, and since the cheese is produced in the village at the bottom of the
fortress we have to indulge in a fondue. Hot melted cheese in July? Why not
(just don’t tell any Swiss friends).
Agnes’s world centers on her village of a few hundred families
and her work in Lausanne. Her village is typical of the French speaking part of
the country, nestled in the hills that rise from Lac Léman (also known as Lake Geneva),
and populated with a mix of traditional wood chalets complete with window boxes
and red geraniums, more modern stucco structures, and perhaps a few VERY modern
poured-in-place concrete buildings. As much as the Swiss cherish their history,
they are on the cutting edge of contemporary architecture, using exquisite
concrete, wood and, of course, large windows to enjoy the ever-present
spectacular views.
Agnes’s work takes her across the country in pursuit of
criminals. Lausanne, where I’ve spent most of my time, is an enchanting truly
Swiss city set on steep hills facing the French alps and the lake. In A Well-Timed Murder Agnes ventures to
Basel and the outward face of Switzerland – that of watchmaking. There’s
nothing like the protection of tradition to rile people to murder.
So, when the question is posed: Does place matter? I can
only say absolutely, yes!
Fondue at the Castle of
Gruyeres
Bio Info for Tracee:
Tracee de Hahn was born in Missouri and grew up in Kentucky,
later spending several years in Europe. Her time in Switzerland was the inspiration
for the Agnes Lüthi mystery series published by St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books.
The first book, Swiss Vendetta, published
in 2017, was followed by A Well-Timed
Murder which Publisher’s Weekly calls “an intriguing sequel…. Dynamic
setting and fascinating glimpse into the Swiss watchmaking world.” Learn more about
Tracee at www.TraceedeHahn.com. She
is on social media at FB TraceedeHahnWriter;
Twitter LuthiMysteries;
Instagram TraceedeHahn;
and Pinterest LuthiMysteries.
Fun to join The Reading Room for a day! Thanks for having me.....
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Swiss Vendetta very much.
ReplyDelete