Albert C. Baantjer
| British Pbk Original - Speck Press (2005) |
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Dekok and Murder by Melody
‘Death,’ observes DeKok, ‘is entitled to our respect. Especially when it manifests itself in a violent manner.’ The phenomenon of sudden death has long intrigued Inspector DeKok. From the moment he confronted his first corpse, at the beginning of a very long career, he knew it was never going to get any easier. The numbness will never set in, even after solving many mysteries, bringing to light many dark dealings and unraveling many a puzzle. For DeKok, death will always remain an enigma.
Inspector DeKok finds himself in the midst of outwardly disparate motives and personalities surrounding the deaths of two ex-junkies and their former-prostitute landlady. However, there is one connection in the madness, music threads its way among and around the list of suspects and victims. But finding the trail leading to this melodious murderer is as long as a symphonic masterpiece.
A. C. Baantjer is one of the most widely read authors in the Netherlands. A former detective inspector of the Amsterdam police, his fictional characters reflect the depth and personality of individuals encountered during his thirty-eight-year career in law enforcement. He was recently knighted by the Dutch monarchy.
Praise for the Inspector DeKok Series by Baantjer
‘This series is the answer to an insomniac’s worse fears’ The Boston Globe
'Along with such peers as Ed McBain and Georges Simenon, Baantjer has created a long-running and uniformly engaging police series. They are smart, suspenseful, and better-crafted than most in the field.’ Mystery Scene
‘Baantjer’s laconic, rapid-fire storytelling has spun out a surprisingly complex web of mysteries.’ Kirkus Reviews
‘DeKok is a careful, compassionate policeman in the tradition of Maigret; crime fans will enjoy this book.’ Library Journal
‘DeKok’s maverick personality certainly makes him a compassionate judge of other outsiders and an astute analyst of antisocial behavior.’ The New York Times Book Review
‘It’s easy to understand the appeal of Amsterdam police detective DeKok; he hides his intelligence behind a phlegmatic demeanor, like an old dog that lazes by the fireplace and only shows his teeth when the house is threatened.’ The Los Angeles Times
‘A major new voice in crime fiction for America.’ Clues: A Journal of Detection
‘Baantjer seduces mystery lovers. Inspector DeKok is part Columbo, part Clouseau, part genius, and part imp.’ West Coast Review of Books
‘…supports the mystery writer’s reputation in his native Holland as a Dutch Conan Doyle. His knowledge of esoterica rivals that of Holmes, but Baantjer wisely uses such trivia infrequently, his main interests clearly being detective work, characterization and moral complexity’ Publishers Weekly
‘There’s no better way to spend a hot or a cold day than with this man who radiates pleasure, adventure and overall enjoyment. A five star rating for this author ...’ Clues: A Journal of Detection
‘DeKok’s American audiences can delight in his work. Descriptive passages decorate the narrative like glittering red Christmas baubles.’ Rapport
Bibliography
N.B. dates and publishers in dark red indicate British First Editions. Dates and publishers in black indicate recent reprints.
Dekok and Murder by Melody
(Speck Press Pbk,
2005)
Dekok and Murder Depicted
Dekok and the Murder in Bronze
Dekok and the Devils Conspiracy
Dekok and the Disfiguring Death
Dekok and the Duel at Night
Dekok and Variations on Murder
Dekok and Dance Macabre
Dekok and the Deadly Warning
Dekok and the Murder 1st Class
Dekok and the Begging Death
Dekok and Murder in Ecstasy
Dekok and the Deadly Accord
Dekok and Murder in Seance
Dekok and the Mask of Death
DeKok and the Geese of Death
Dekok and the Death of a Clown
Dekok and Murder by Installment
Dekok and the Dead Harlequin
Dekok and the Dancing Death
Dekok and the Sombre Nude
Dekok and the Sorrowing Tomcat
Dekok and the Corpse at the Church Wall
Dekok and the Romantic Murder
Dekok and the Careful Killer
Dekok and the Disillisioned Corpse
Dekok and the Naked Lady
Dekok and Murder on the Menu
Murder in Amsterdam
Dekok and the Dying Stroller
Dekok and Murder by Melody
by Albert C. Baantjer
