The setting would be enough, but there’s a fine mystery too…

I’ve read most of the titles in Jean-Luc Bannalec’s Commissaire Dupin series - at least, most of those that have been translated into English. And I’ve liked all that I’ve read. After all, what’s not to like about gorgeous countryside, wonderful food, Breton culture, and Dupin’s wry, almost fatalistic, take on life – paired with a mystery, of course? So I was very happy to receive a review copy of the latest book to come out in English, An Island of Suspects. And it’s every bit as enjoyable as I expected it to be.

As Island opens, Dupin has made an unusual friend, an Atlantic gray seal who seems to enjoy frolicking with him on his daily swims. However, on this particular morning, Dupin’s visit with his buddy is interrupted by one of his inspectors, Riwal. It seems there’s a dead body caught in some fishing lines in the channel at Doëlin. Dupin and his team find out rather quickly that the murdered man, Patric Provost, lives on Belle-Île, just off the coast of Brittany, and furthermore, that he’s probably both the wealthiest and the most hated man on the island.

Dupin, who hates boats as much as he likes swimming, tries hard not to have to leave the mainland for the case, but of course he has to go. And he’s even less amused when it turns out that Riwal has the fervor of a true Belle-Île-convert, and spends most of the two-hour trip extolling the island’s otherworldly beauty and virtues. Once they arrive, however, it seems the island really is an almost mystical place unto itself, which both helps and hinders the investigation. As you might expect, given Provost’s character, there are plenty of suspects, hence the title. But eventually Dupin and his team figure it all out, finishing just in time (no pressure!) for the celebration that Dupin’s admin-and-source-of-info-about-all-things-Breton, Nolwenn, has set up for his tenth anniversary in Brittany.

I’ve always enjoyed the Dupin books as much for their descriptions of Brittany as for the mysteries. And An Island of Suspects is no exception: both the settings and the case are great. So just go read this book. Finally, my thanks go to St Martins/Minotaur and NetGalley for the review copy…

3.5 stars

In this 10th book in the 'Brittany Mystery' series, Commissaire Dupin investigates the murder of a wealthy sheep farmer from Belle-Île, an island off the coast of Brittany, France. The book works fine as a standalone.

*****

Commissaire Georges Dupin, who started his police career in Paris, has been a Breton detective (detective in Brittany) for ten years. Dupin loves his home on coastal Brittany, and revels in the blue and green sea, where he swims each morning with the gray seal who's befriended him.

One morning the Breton sea contains more than marine creatures. The body of Patric Provost, a native of Belle-Île, is found in the harbor at Doëlan, where Patric was visiting his uncle. Commissaire Dupin and his team are quickly dispatched to Belle-Île, a gorgeous little island with a riot of colors everywhere the eye can see.

Dupin's squad learns that Provost was a VERY wealthy sheep farmer/landowner/landlord on Belle-Île, and that everyone who knew Patric disliked him. The residents of the island describe Patric as a skinflint who relished in thwarting people's hopes and dreams. For example, Provost refused to repair his run-down, leaky rental properties; prevented his tenants from expanding their businesses; wouldn't allow other sheep farmers to acquire new breeds, etc.

Now that Provost is dead, there are new opportunities for many people on Belle-Île. Moreover, Provost's last will and testament leaves his entire fortune, millions of Euros, to the island's wind energy project. This scheme is is meant to make Belle-Île self-sufficient with green energy. The wind turbine enterprise, led by the mayor, can now go ahead full steam!!

Since Patric's murder benefits almost everyone on Belle-Île, there are a plethora of suspects. Dupin and his detectives get busy interviewing people, checking their alibis, looking into their finances, and so on, in hopes of identifying the killer. The mystery at the heart of the novel is intriguing, but it's almost secondary to descriptions of beautiful Belle-Île, and anecdotes about the region and its history. As it happens, a member of Dupin's team, Inspector Riwal, has relatives on Belle-Île, and Riwal is a font of knowledge about the island.

As the investigators go about their business, Riwal is frequently reminded of appropriate stories to relate. For instance, Riwal observes:

"The island is seventeen and half kilometers long, and nine kilometers at its widest point....Belle-Île is much more than an island. It's a realm. Even though it's merely 'a few hectares of land in the ocean' as we islanders say, it's an entire continent in its own right."

"The original Acadians who came to Belle-Île in the late 1700s were inspired by ancient mythical Arcadia, and its utopia of a golden era, the idea of a peaceful, carefree pastoral life in harmony with the island's idyllic nature and beauty."

"No other island has attracted so many artists: Monet, Rodin, Matisse, Sarah Bernhardt, Jacques Prévert. Gustave Flaubert. The island is surrounded by an aura of liberalism and artistic spirit, of immense freedom and creative anarchy."

And more.

There are also descriptions of Belle-Île's spectacular scenery, wandering sheep, tourist attractions, and historic artifacts - like the two menhirs (upright monoliths) called Jean and Jeanne, said to have been a man and a woman. The myth goes as follows: Jean was the son of a holy bard and Jeanne was a poor shepherdess. They were in love, but forbidden to have a relationship. So the leader of the druids told witches to turn Jean and Jeanne into stones, far away from each other. Some people believe the monoliths are slowly moving closer together, and their meeting will bring about the end of times.

Author Jean-Luc Bannalec skillfully evokes the atmosphere of Belle-Île, including the scorching summer heat and the kaleidoscopic sights. To illustrate: "The island capital lay on a ria too, you could see the inlet making its way inland. The little town - narrow streets, beautiful old houses in pastel tones: pink, light blue, light green, yellow....It looked like a film set. Cafés, bars, restaurants, shops, a leisurely to and fro without any hurry or haste."

All the major characters in the book are interesting and fun, especially Commissaire Dupin, a coffee addict who's constantly in search of his next great cup of java. Dupin's neverending quest is very entertaining....and he does find the perfect cup of coffee.

The mystery of Patric Provost's death, as well as auxiliary blackmailings and kidnappings, are solved in the end, and Dupin's team returns home to Brittany to celebrate the Commissaire's ten year anniversary as a Breton detective.

This is a charming little mystery, off the beaten track. Recommended for light reading.

Thanks to Netgalley, Jean-Luc Bannalec, and Minotaur Books for a copy of the book.

Jean-Luc Bannalec captivated readers in a new Brittany mystery An Island of Suspects.
The descriptions are well written and the mystery complex enough to keep the reader engaged to the last page.
This murder mystery was intriguing and I found myself reading this one very quickly.
The plot is tight and twisty.
Overall, I liked the mystery behind this story.

In An Island of Suspects, Jean-Luc Bannalec delivers another atmospheric and compelling mystery featuring the ever-curious Commissaire Georges Dupin. Set against the picturesque yet secretive backdrop of Belle-Île, this book immerses readers in a world of coastal beauty, culinary delights, and deep-seated island grudges.

When Patric Provost, a local businessman with more enemies than friends, is found dead in the harbor, Dupin is pulled away from his summer routine and into a labyrinth of deception, old rivalries, and blackmail. With a long list of suspects and a community reluctant to share its secrets, Dupin must navigate both the island’s tight-knit society and its complex history to uncover the truth.

Bannalec’s strength lies in his evocative descriptions of Brittany, which make the setting feel like a character in itself. The blend of mouthwatering food references, sharp detective work, and a cleverly woven mystery keeps the pages turning. While the pacing occasionally lags with detailed observations, the payoff is satisfying, and fans of the series will appreciate Dupin’s wit and persistence.

A must-read for lovers of atmospheric mysteries and armchair travelers alike!

Welcome to beautiful Belle-Ile, home of Patric Provost, whose body was found by a local fisherman. When Commissaire Dupin arrives with his team to investigate he discovers that everyone in Provost’s village hated him. He owned all but one of the houses in the village as well as vast areas of property and was a breeder of the island’s famous sheep. His wife was filing for divorce. He refused to allow the local brewer permission to expand. One of the residents was a fan of Sarah Bernhardt and he denied her the use of one of the buildings to open a museum devoted to her. There is also a project to make the island energy independent that is short of funds and would benefit from his death. Searching his home, Dupin’s team finds blackmail notes that threatened his life unless he paid up. The notes are similar to ones from an unsolved case a few years earlier. Each of the suspects has an alibi, providing a challenge for Dupin. Like Hercule Poirot and his little gray cells, Dupin sees through the lies and manipulation with an aha moment to discover the truth.

Dupin is surrounded by an experienced team. Riwal, who lives on the island, provides background on its’ history and the residents, and Nolwenn, who provides his research, are also accompanied by Kadiz and LeMenn. As Dupin travels around the island he is enchanted by the beauty. These were the same scenes that inspired Monet. All of this beauty is also hiding a murderer who will strike again. This is a delightful trip to Brittany and a mystery that will keep you guessing to the end. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press - Minotaur for providing this book.

Rather mesmerising!

A body has been found on Belle-Île, one of the islands off the coast of Brittany.
Commissaire Georges Dupin (who hates travelling by boat) is called to investigate.
A slow start that builds in tension and with many questions. Dupin assures the reader that, “It was always like that during a case: time lost all measure and structure.”
Dupin‘s reflections on the islands are superb. They assault and assuage the senses—color, foods, aromas, sparkling waters, the geographic formations, the perfect coffee, all enclosing the question of not one, but two murders.
Set in Breton, the book admits the haunts of Monet and the others.
The islands sound absolutely wonderful. In a heartbeat I’d be there if possible.
The denouement comes in the last chapters, all hanging on the slightest of clues.
I’m transfixed by the plot, and beneath it all the philosophical discussions of what makes a true Breton. Dupin’s assistant Inspector Nolwenn sums it up “you don’t become a true Breton by birth, faith, or heritage, for us it’s not about blood and all that nonsense. No, it’s much simpler than that, and simultaneously much more difficult: being Breton is a question of outlook, attitude, philosophy—toward life, the world, people, and all our fellow creatures.” These people, so different from the Parisian Commissaire who came to Brittany some ten years ago, approve of Dupin it seems from the celebration dinner held in his honor.

A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Originally from Paris, Georges Dupin has begun to embrace his new home along the northern coast of France in Brittany. He heads to the nearby island of Belle-Ile after the body of Patric Provost turns up in the harbor. Provost was universally disliked so there are plenty of suspects despite the small size of the island. Having visited the area of Brittany myself, spending an August there as a teen in Dinard, I found it interesting that Bannalec included unique details about the area such as Dupin enjoying salt marsh lamb, where the lamb is said to be pre-seasoned from eating pastures with high salinity. It gave me lots of moments of nostalgia. Besides background research, Bannalec brings alive the look of the area describing the unique colors and vistas. There is no slow build like some mystery novels where the characters are first introduced before the action; the book thrusts into the case immediately and picks up speed to the dramatic end. Although there are several prior books in the series it is easy to jump in without having read past entries. It reminded me of a classic Agatha Christie novel. If you enjoy the novel there is also a 2014 German television adaptation of Bannalec’s Inspector Dupin series to enjoy.

Thank you Netgalley & Minotaur Books for an eARC ❤️

Dupin's summer vacation on the stunning island of Belle-Île was supposed to be a relaxing escape from the chaos of his daily life. But, as we all know, murder has a way of ruining even the most idyllic of getaways.
As Dupin delves into the mysterious death of Patric Provost, a wealthy businessman from a prominent island family, I found myself drawn into a complex web of secrets, lies, and motives. Bannalec's masterful storytelling had me suspecting everyone - and I mean everyone! - on the island.
What I love most about this series is the way Bannalec seamlessly weaves together the island's breathtaking scenery, its rich history, and the intricate lives of its inhabitants. It's like you're right there with Dupin, sipping coffee at the local café, sampling the island's famous lamb, and unraveling the tangled threads of the mystery.
And speaking of food, Dupin's culinary adventures are, as always, a highlight of the book! His passion for fine food and wine is infectious, and I found myself craving the fresh seafood and local specialties he encounters on the island.
But what truly sets this book apart is its thoughtful exploration of the human condition. Bannalec raises important questions about the nature of truth, the power of secrets, and the complexities of human relationships. It's a mystery that'll keep you guessing, but also one that'll leave you pondering the bigger questions of life.
So, if you're looking for a deliciously dark mystery to devour on your next getaway (or in your cozy reading nook), look no further than An Island of Suspects. 🤩

An Island of Suspects, the tenth installment in A Brittany Mystery series, is another absolute gem from Jean-Luc Bannalec. This series remains one of the very best in the genre, and every new release is an automatic must-read for me. The familiar striped covers alone send a thrill of anticipation, knowing I’m in for a richly evocative treat.

Set on the stunning Belle-Île, the novel once again brings Brittany to life with lush, atmospheric descriptions that are nothing short of mesmerizing. Bannalec’s prose captures the natural beauty, rural life, and delectable cuisine of Brittany with such vividness that the island itself feels like a character. From the surreal sunsets to the scent of rosemary and lavender, I felt fully immersed in the story’s setting. The art of living in Brittany—its slower pace, its traditions, and its fairytale-like landscapes—is captured with perfection. As someone who spends time on the Mediterranean, these depictions reminded me so much of the rhythm of life in such idyllic locations.

The mystery itself is just as compelling as the setting. Commissaire Georges Dupin, who has a talent for blending his love of swimming with solving crimes, is pulled into action when the body of Patric Provost, a notorious and disliked local, is found tangled in the harbor. The investigation into Provost’s death is filled with obstacles, intriguing connections to Acadian history, and plenty of red herrings. Bannalec masterfully layers the mystery, creating a slow-burn investigation that perfectly mirrors the laid-back, insular culture of the islanders. Dupin and Inspector Riwal must navigate the island’s unique rhythms and protectiveness to uncover the truth, and the ending is as satisfying as it is surprising.

This book is so much more than just a mystery—it’s a sensory experience that transports you to Brittany, immersing you in its beauty, culture, and mythology. Bannalec’s attention to detail, combined with his ability to capture the essence of a place, makes this series a true standout in the genre.

An Island of Suspects is pure joy from start to finish—a captivating mystery wrapped in a lush, atmospheric setting. I could not have enjoyed it more. A very easy five stars for this absolute delight!

No one on Belle-Ile liked Patric Provost but which one of them killed him? That's the question Commissaire Dupin must answer in this latest in a series that will be just fine as a standalone. Dupin has his quirks (he does love coffee. and food) but he's a clever one. Bannalac does a great job with the atmospherics and with creating a group of suspects who will keep you guessing. Inspector Riwal is a treat and you gotta love a mystery that features sheep. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun international cozy with all the right feels.

Dupin is enjoying a daily swim during the hot summer. That ends when he's notified that there's a body in the harbor and the death is suspicious. The dead man is Patric Provost. Provost had come to the mainland from Belle-lle to have dinner with his uncle. A prominent sheep farmer on Belle-lle, Provost was not well liked by his tenants, other farmers or his neighbors. Dupin's challenge is to discover which among these disliked him enough to kill him. During the investigation another island resident is kidnapped and another is murdered. What kind of evil lurks on the beautiful island? Dupin wearing a floppy hat to protect his head from the brutal heat, is constantly racing from village to village to solve the crime. This is the tenth in the series and at times I thought I was reading a travel article rather than a mystery. Descriptions of the scenery at times seem endless and repetitive. I hope a map of Belle-lle is included in the print version because my head was spinning as Dupin jumped from town to town at breakneck speed leaving me with no idea where they were. Not my favorite but I learned about the island and it's history while the crime was so-so. Thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC.

I thank NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advance reader copy of “An Island of Suspects.” All opinions and comments are my own.

“An Island of Suspects” is more of a travelogue than a mystery book. Let’s read about the colors of the ocean, the sky, and the flora of the island of Belle-Île, shall we? Oh, someone’s been murdered? Yeah, but everybody hated him, he was a horrible man, so, there’s that. And soon, someone else is kidnapped? Okay, but first, let’s talk about the color of the lichens on the rocks! I do appreciate that the appeal of a Commissaire Georges Dupin book (this is the tenth) is part and parcel with the beauty of its setting, but this one felt over the top. And before I go on, must mention a trigger warning -- there’s an animal death in this book. It's off-screen, but it does happen.

As usual, you’ll get the history, (ancient and otherwise, including the likes of Sarah Bernhardt!), the topography (gorgeous to the point of being overwhelming), and a whole bunch of characters/suspects to pick from who Dupin can interview and interact with. And of course, there’s food. And the commissaire’s “lightbulb” moment, when he puts everything together and realizes who and what and why. Just in time for his tenth anniversary party. “An Island of Suspects” was definitely entertaining, but I would have liked more mystery book, less travel book copy.

An Island of Suspects is #10 in A Brittany Mystery series, one of the very best there is. Spotting the familiar stripes on the book covers sends that exciting thrill down my spine, knowing a guaranteed treat is in store. This author is an automatic read for me, no need to even mull over the blurb. It is impossible to get enough of the lush descriptions, so richly evocative, akin to landscape paintings. Better, in fact. Brittany is an unusual setting, perfect for superlatives which aren't exaggerated. I live part time on the Mediterranean and descriptions of the culture, natural beauty, rural life and delectable food of Brittany remind me so much of the art of living here. Surreal sunsets, sheep seasoning themselves, noisy cicadas, incomprehensible vegetation dripping with flowers, fairytale-like lichen and multitudinous colours of the sea perfectly capture what such locations are truly like. But it is more than visual. I felt the heat and smelled the pines, rosemary and lavender and tasted the mouthwatering dishes. The island is a character itself. The mystery captivated me and the ending is highly satisfying. What a pleasure to learn more about Brittany, its myths and rhythm of life.

Commissaire Georges Dupin enjoys swimming in the sea, especially with his new friend. But pleasure quickly turns to grim business when a body is discovered tangled up in the harbour. It turns out to be Patric Provost, an odious greedy man of Belle-Île. Islanders are a different group and are protective of their uniqueness...with good reason. The pace is slow and they really know what life is about. They take advantage of the scenery and climate. Acadian links and old families are intriguing. But death means trouble is brewing in paradise. Dupin and Inspector Riwal, a native of the island, have only a few days to wrap up the murder investigation but are met with obstacles and red herrings along the way. Murder isn't the only crime on their hands. This is personal.

I could not have enjoyed this refreshing novel more! Pure joy. A very, very easy five stars.

An Island of Suspects by Jean-Luc Bannalec is a captivating novel that immediately drew me in and left me craving more.

Dupin heads to an island to help solve the murder of a sheep farmer and businessman. This book is part of a series, but I thought it was easy to read as a stand alone. This book is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie. The translation was done well.

Commissaire Dupin is taking his morning swim when he hears there is a dead body in the water which has been found by a fisherman. The man has been strangled, and they soon find it is a man called Patrick Provost from the island of Bell-Isle. He is very wealthy and not well liked. He had come to the mainland to visit his uncle for his birthday the previous night. Dupin and his team go to Bell-Isle, and have a difficult time. They soon find out that Provost was being blackmailed. Then, the boat captain is kidnapped, and he was also being blackmailed. It seems that no one on the island is telling the truth. As the case goes on Dupin is longing to go home, but he finally cracks the case.

I have read all the books in the series and really like them. The descriptions of the countryside are great and I am learning about Brittany. I thank Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.

4 stars for a welcome addition to the Brittany Mystery series. This is book #10 in the series and while it can be read as a stand alone, I have been reading them in order. Commissaire Georges Dupin and his team have grown on me and I enjoy reading about them while they solve the mystery of a dead body lodged against a buoy near the mainland. Dupin is something of a coffee fanatic, drinking 6 or more cups a day. Riwal, a member of his team, tends to go off on tangents of interesting but unrelated information when asked questions. Nolwenn has been cajoling Dupin into becoming more of a Breton since his transfer from Paris 10 years ago.
The author has frequent descriptions of the flora, fauna, colors and scents encountered by Dupin.
One quote, Riwal on lichen: "Lichen are totally misunderstood, boss, they are systematically underestimated. They come into being as unique connection between ocean and earth, from algae to fungi. A perfect symbiosis!"
This book, like the rest of the series, is a cerebral mystery, with no graphic sex, violence or bad language.
Thank You St. Martin's Press for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.

.Pub Date: Feb 25 2025

canicide, strangled, murders, investigations, Brittany, islands, kidnapping, unpleasant-victims, unputdownable, law-enforcement, relentless, teamwork, witty, secrets, lies, procedural, series, workaholic, coffee-addict, relatives, relationships, sly-humor, situational-humor, blackmail, seal, history-and-culture, historical-research, historical-places-events, working-partners, suspense*****

Hardly an unbiased review as I love Commissaire Georges Dupin, his team, the culinary delights, learning about the land (and Islands), and the inventiveness of the series.
This time it is the heat of the summer and an excellent time to see the problems that heating of the planet has exacerbated. Including murder.
Translated from the original German.
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected e-galley from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you! Pub Date Feb 25, 2025
#AnIslandOfSuspects by Jean-Luc Bannalec #CommissaireDupinBrittanyMysteriesBk10 @stmartinspress @minotaur_books #NetGalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble @waterstones ***** Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk #CozyMystery #Murder #Brittany #CaffeineAddict

Commissaire Dupin, our favorite caffeine-addicted adopted son of Brittany, is back in “An Island of Suspects”, the tenth mystery in the series from Jean-Luc Bannalec, another interesting foray into the culture (and food!) of this independent-minded region of France.

An August heatwave is gripping Brittany, and Commissaire Dupin finds that a quick swim in the morning is both refreshing and cooling, preparing him for the day ahead. However, one morning his swim is interrupted by the discovery of a dead body near his beach. The corpse shows signs of foul play, and Dupin is quick to discover that this was no accident, but murder.

The victim is Patric Provost, a rich man from the nearby island of Belle-Île, another interesting corner of Brittany. Belle-Île is know for its sheep, a protected delicacy known throughout France. Dupin and his team head on out to Belle-Île, where they soon discover that the victim was the most hated man on the island, someone who went out of his way to thwart the hopes and dreams of everyone he met, just because he could. From a wife who he wouldn’t divorce to tenants who couldn’t expand their distillery to his second-in-command who wanted to leave to a local who wanted to establish a museum, and others as well, Provost fought them all. Not lacking motives, Dupin has to look for opportunity, yet this insular community seems to alibi each other, leaving the police baffled. And what happened to Provost’s dog?

Dupin finds himself going round and round, trying to determine what actually happened. When a suspect is kidnapped, the stakes seem to have gotten higher as Dupin tries to catch a killer before he can strike again.

Another fine mystery and love letter to a new corner of Brittany for us to explore.

I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

An Island of Suspects is the 10th in the Commissaire Dupin series. And it was just as enjoyable as the prior nine. Dupin has grown on me, he’s less prickly than he was in earlier books. His love of life, of food and drink, of the Breton lifestyle, all speak to me and make me want to visit Brittany. And after this book, specifically the Belle-Ile en Mer.
The story starts when Dupin’s morning ocean swim is interrupted when a body is found caught in buoy lines in the harbor. The dead man, a wealthy sheep farmer from the island of Belle-Ile, has obviously been murdered. As the team learns about the man, it turns out that he was universally despised. “But here, everyone had a motive. And no one was concealing it, Patric provost seemed to have sabotaged the fulfillment of everyone’s plans and dreams.” The story kept me engaged throughout and I had no clue as to who was behind the crimes.
I adore Bannalec’s writing - he literally plops you right down in the beauty of the region and also provides a dose of the area’s history and folklore.
Despite being the tenth in the series, the book would work as a stand-alone. I hold recommend this to fans of Martin Walker’s Bruno series.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.