*A big thank-you to Graeme Macrae Burnet, Bolinda Audio, and NetGalley for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*
The third book with Inspector Gorski is a little more private than the previous two since Gorski's complicated family relations are more exposed, linked together with his current case which is not simple at all. The seemingly sleepy French town simmers underneath, and the lives of its burgeois inhabitants are offer more of the unexpected.
Terrific plot and execution, together with characters make this book an engaging read.

A Case Of Matricide is the third book in the Georges Gorski series by award-winning Scottish author, Graeme Macrae Burnet. The audio version is narrated by Geoffrey Breton. In the town of Saint Louis, the Chief of Police, Georges Gorski has always felt like an outsider, always felt like he’s under surveillance, but lately his purposelessness borders on acute.

The townspeople follow their routines and little out of the ordinary happens: a stray dog is brought to the police station; a high-school student is suspended for sharing inappropriate literature; the florist downstairs keeps an eye on an increasingly-demented Mme Gorski.

Except that it’s such a minor thing, it’s almost a relief to respond to an alert about a guest staying longer than usual at the Hotel Bertillon: the nameless Slav is quite unforthcoming with detail, but Gorski hasn’t any legal recourse when no offence has been committed.

Madame Duymann tells Gorski that her son has threatened to kill her, by violent and other means, and kicked her pet dog to death. Robert Duymann, apparently a celebrated author, claims she is quite demented. Of course Gorski has to speak to her, and keep an eye on the son, (who wears slip-on shoes, making him untrustworthy in Gorski’s estimation), then makes a record of the visit.

His attention to detail involves checking local veterinary surgeries to verify Robert Duymann’s story about the dog, perhaps inviting ridicule, even if it provides an amusing tale when his daughter, Clemence comes for dinner.

Is he clutching at straws, hoping for something more important to do when he finds something not quite right about the death scene of a local factory owner? Is the ageing doctor too eager to call it a cardiac arrest? Why is the mayor, Gorski’s father-in-law, at the scene? And is the death, in a car accident, of the man’s receptionist, described as an erratic driver, in any way suspicious?

Before matters are resolved (if they ever really are, the reader will have to draw their own conclusions), there have been three suicide attempts, the description of the unsuccessful one blackly funny; as well as the deaths mentioned, an older man and two older women meet their ends; someone is blackmailed; and the dog is given a home.

Gorski’s narrative is interspersed with a sort of catch-up of what the townsfolk are up to just then. Macrae Burnet certainly has the measure of the French provincial town: his depiction of its inhabitants, their frequent pettiness, their flaws and foibles, is perfect.

Macrae Burnet gives the reader a story within a story within a story as author Duymann writes about matricide, Brunet writes about Duymann and Macrae Burnet writes about Brunet. There are plenty of parallels between their lives including two sons with demented mothers, suicide by train, and the feeling of being trapped in a small town. Although, of his unfavourable depiction of Saint Louis, Brunet told an interviewer: “just because you love something, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write about it with honesty.”

While he does do something that will surprise, Gorksi’s unending self-examination, second-guessing, rationalising and over-interpreting everything is a constant source of humour, but he makes some insightful observations too. Accomplices “hold sway over each other not merely for the duration of a particular job, but for as long as they both remain in the land of the living. It is a kind of grim marriage” and “what mattered was not what had actually occurred, but what people believed to have occurred.”

As with earlier instalments, the reader who skips the Foreword and Afterword is doing themself a huge disservice, as these enhance the story, are an essential, if tongue-in-cheek, part of the fiction, providing extra detail, an interesting perspective, and parts are laugh-out-loud funny. While it’s a pity that Gorski’s story has come to an end, whatever else Macrae Burnet comes up with will be a must-read. This is literary crime at its best.
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by NetGalley and Bolinda Audio.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

Graeme Macrae Burnet’s A Case of Matricide is a compelling addition to the Chief Inspector Georges Gorski series, blending intricate mystery with profound psychological insight. Set in the unremarkable French town of Saint-Louis, this novel delves into the dark recesses of small-town life, where secrets and lies are as common as the cobblestone streets.

The story revolves around Chief Inspector Georges Gorski, who is called to investigate a peculiar case: an elderly woman claims her son, Robert Duymann, has threatened to kill her. As Gorski delves deeper, he uncovers a web of deceit and hidden motives that challenge his perceptions of morality and justice. The narrative is further complicated by the mysterious death of a prominent local manufacturer, adding layers of intrigue to the investigation.

Geoffrey Breton’s narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. His performance captures the essence of Gorski’s character—his weariness, his determination, and his underlying vulnerability. Breton’s ability to convey the nuances of each character’s voice adds depth to the story, making the listening experience immersive and engaging.

Burnet’s writing is sharp and evocative, painting a vivid picture of Saint-Louis and its inhabitants. The novel’s atmosphere is thick with tension, and Burnet masterfully builds suspense through his meticulous plotting and character development. Gorski’s internal struggles, particularly his relationship with his ailing mother, add a poignant layer to the narrative, making him a deeply relatable and human protagonist.

The themes explored in A Case of Matricide are both timely and timeless. Burnet examines the complexities of familial relationships, the moral ambiguities of justice, and the impact of personal and societal corruption. The novel’s philosophical undertones invite readers to ponder the nature of truth and the consequences of our actions.

A Case of Matricide is a thought-provoking and gripping mystery that will appeal to fans of literary crime fiction. Graeme Macrae Burnet has crafted a story that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant. Geoffrey Breton’s narration enhances the experience, making this audiobook a must-listen for anyone who appreciates a well-told tale of suspense and psychological depth.

Graeme Macrae Burnet is one of my favorite authors and I have read all his books. I just had trouble following the plot in the audiobook version so I will probably read the book.

A case of matricide, a postmodernist take on thriller, is a delectable feast without the fanfare. For the lovers of Paul Auster's showmanship, here is an author who turns the detective story into an illusionist performance without breaking the flow.

The author claims he is the translator of a French book "A Case of Matricide" and in his foreward talks of how the author originally died by suicide and this the last book that was to be published by his estate after his mother's death. What this does is plays with the reader all along and significantly alters the reading experience.

The book starts with Chief inspector of a small town, George Goscki getting a call from a woman who claims her son, also an author, is trying to murder her. He also drops in to investigate a foreigner who has come to town and, as it is later revealed, following the inspector around. Almost 30% into the book you start to lose sense of characters, timelines and the book gets into a different gear.

I loved the play that appears dry and unemotional. I even briefly remembered the stranger by Camus, but then the author is too wily to be contained. It doesn't tie loose ends, does not answer the questions and the ending is a contract that is more in the heads of the reader. Special callout to the narrator of the audiobook.

Brilliant book even standalone. Hope this gets the recognition it deserves.

Thank you Bolinda books for the ARC of the book.

Chief Inspector Georges Gorski finds himself mulling the appearance of a mysterious stranger, a woman claiming her son wants to kill her and the death of a businessman, over many a beer and wine in the bars of Saint-Louis. Whilst there he considers his life, how he has ended up back at home looking after his mother who suffers from dementia. Is there anything behind the three incidents and what does the future hold for Gorski?

This is a book featuring a fictional detective written by a fictional author, though it’s easy to forget until the end that this is the case. It does though, I think, add a layer to the story, making it seem a little more mysterious and opaque, as if read through a gossamer layer, which adds to the idea it is a translated work.

It’s set in an undated past but which seems to be around the 1970s/80s. There’s a tone to it which gives the impression it’s viewed through sepia tones, by which I mean there’s an old, contemplative almost whimsical tone to it.

I listened to this and I think that added to the atmosphere. I could imagine the old French town, the cars of the time, passing on the streets, the smoke filled bars and cafes.

This is the third book in the Georges Gorski trilogy. I haven’t read the other two books but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of A Case of Matricide.

This is more of a character study than a crime novel. Yes Gorski is a police officer. Yes there are events he investigates, yet it’s more focussed on Gorski and his personality, his guilt still felt for childhood misdemeanours, at his mother’s declining health and his former marriage.

A cleverly played out story which takes the reader down unexpected narrative paths.

A book within a book, a story within a story. Inspector Gorski, a police chief in a small French town, is contacted by an elderly woman who insists her son is trying to kill her. As he looks into her son’s movements and starts visiting her more frequently, questions arise and comparisons are made to other cases, other lives. It’s curiously engaging with surprising turns at the end.
While this is the third book featuring Inspector Gorski, it is not necessary to have read the earlier novels…but I now intend to!
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook for review purposes.

A local woman calls the police to report that she suspects her son of plotting her death. Inspector Gorski decides to keep a close eye on them and visits with increasing frequency, trying to understand why and how a man might murder his mother.

This is the third book featuring Inspector Georges Gorski and the small town of Saint-Louis in France but it's not necessary to have read the previous books. I do recommend the whole series though. I have a hard time expressing why this author's writing appeals to me. There's certainly nothing deep or earth-shattering about the stories or the characters but I'm drawn to them anyway. Inspector Gorski carries on much internal dialogue as he debates with himself about how he or his actions or inactions might appear to other residents of the town and he is constantly preparing answers to questions never asked.

Graeme Burnet has a most unusual style of writing. We learn from the foreword that this story (as with the previous two in the series) was written by Raymond Brunet (a close spelling to Burnet!) and translated from the French by the narrator but then we spend most of the time in the head of the main character. It's almost like burrowing down throught the layers of an onion. There are a couple of different covers for this book but this one is my favourite!

I think I've read everything Graeme Macrae Burnet has written but this is the first audiobook of his work that I've listened to. The book is narrated by Geoffrey Breton and his narration is extremely fitting even though he has a British accent and the story takes place in a small town in France. Much as I enjoyed the audiobook, I'd still like to read the physical book if and when the library gets copies. I can't wait to see where Mr. Burnet goes from here as I suspect we're done with Inspector Gorski.

My deepest appreciation to Bolinda Audio via Netgalley for approving my request to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: October 3, 2024

I don't read many detective novels and so I never had a favourite detective. But after three Gorski-novels, now I do!

Gorski has changed though, he drinks more and is less sharp. In 'A Case of Matricide' a mysterious Slave visits sleepy St Louis for no apparent reason, a local writer threatens to murder his mother and a rich industrialist dies in mysterious circumstances. Gorski suspects the cases may be connected, but then he takes a decision that upends everything.

I recommend reading the first two installments before starting this... not because the cases are connected, but because you follow Gorski's development and especially because of the meta-games that GMB is playing with us and which are good fun and perhaps the true mystery...

The prologue announces this is, unfortunately, the final part in the Gorski-trilogy, but with Macrae Burnet you never know - a lost manuscript by his 'Gallic Doppelganger' may yet turn up...

(The narrator of the audiobook is great, but in my mind Gorski had a very different voice)

A Case of Matricide is an intriguing tale of a man becoming everything he never expected to be. The third Gorski book is an interesting listen, that I have often found my thoughts returning to with an odd feeling of piqued curiosity despite it being some time since I finished it.

Thank You for the opportunity to listen to A Case of Matricide by Graeme Macrae Burnet.

It was quite an interesting listen. Initially, I thought Georges Gorski would unearth the murderer in their town and that would be the main course of the plot but I was surprised when it became about him breaking the law.

I don't want to give much away. So, I will say it is definitely worth a listen. Quite intriguing and different, I must say.

Graeme Burnet is truly innovative. In a trio of titles, he’s created a scenario which played with my head. At one point I wasn’t sure if the background detail was real or part of his invention. It’s a very clever device, to create a backstory involving newly discovered manuscripts, only to be published after some individuals are deceased, Burnet clearly had the characters and events in mind as part of a skilled trio of titles with Gorski, the central police officer the thread through all.

I love the small town of St Louis and the way minor characters are dealt with in minute detail. He takes the ordinary and turns mundane trivia into compelling reading or listening. I read the first in the series but I missed the second. I’ll definitely be buying it to complete the picture. Beautifully written and well paced, this is an amble through a murder mystery but it’s essentially a series of profound character studies I devoured in a couple of sittings

Sorry not my type of book but an OK storyline felt a bit too inspector Clouseau for me I like a good physiological modern thriller

Chief Inspector Georges Gorski seems to spend a lot of his time drinking while working in the French town of Saint Louis. He has returned to the family home and is looking after his elderly mother. He ponders the death of a manufacturer and encounters a stranger in town.

Enjoyed this well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Quirky characters who are not all they seem to be. Things are going on in the background in this well paced novel. Will a death be resolved and are there more to come? Enjoy being intrigued.

Review for audiobook.


I was fully drawn in by this one, and it made no difference that I hadn't read the previous books .
Firstly I was far too interested in all the goings on of the small town, but then when we solely looked at Gorski, it was even more intriguing.
He was an interesting character .
I appreciated the afterword too, to put some context to the character.
Nicely narrated, and very enjoyable .

A mystery thriller set in France, a canny read, I’m wondering if it was translated or not? Either way it was decent. The characters had great depth and that made the book/audio. The plot was engaging and worked well with the initial premise of the book. Unexpected twists kept me on board. I think I’d maybe have a more modern style of cover, although it doesn’t detract from the overall book too much. Great narrator. Waiting to hear if girls in my book club also enjoyed it so we can discuss