READERS OPINION

Jim Cowie, Scotland

I have just finished reading Amsterdam Sniper and what a good read it was. Rinus Rompa is a strong central character, his drinking and family relationships add to his appeal. For me, several elements pressed the right buttons. First of all, he drives a Citroen DS19. I owned many Citroens over the years, but thou I’d have loved a DS they eluded me. Then he drinks jenever. That brought back memories of pubs in Amsterdam and the first occasion a stranger at the bar introduced me to the drink and it’s ritual. I’ve since shared the experience with friends. Amsterdam is a wonderful “character” in itself. For a year I spent time visiting the city while being involved with the English Speaking Church seeking out a new minister. Many of the streets and landmarks brought back fond memories. The variety of Church choices by the sniper makes me want to visit again and do a “sniper’s tour” of the Churches. I look forward to reading the Amsterdam Strangler.

Elaine Hartigan, Ireland

Enjoyed this 2nd whodunnit set in wonderful Amsterdam – a city that is very familiar. Introducing the quixotic ebullient, alcoholic Inspector Rinus Rompa (best detective name in a long time) who trolls through the madness of this murderer’s intentions, to bring him down. The book is beautiful also, aesthetically, and will sit nicely on my shelves, alongside Amsterdam Sniper, which is delightful also.

John Barran, Bulgaria

After reading the first few pages of the Amsterdam Trilogy, I was hooked. The story is fast flowing and exciting, the action starts on page one and does not stop until the final page. The main character Rinus, a recovering alcoholic, is struggling with his alcoholism while under pressure from his superiors to solve a series of murders. The novel is a real ‘page turner’ I read it in one sitting and would put it up alongside other super authors the likes of Jeffery Deaver and Lee Child et al. In finishing, if you want a good read, this is it! Well worth the money and with more books in the series promised it could be the start of a long and exciting adventure …

Marha Anderton, The Netherlands

Lust, Lies, Liquor & Love takes us back to the Amsterdam of 1974 at the height of the World Cup tournament. The attraction of the book is that it is indeed a faithful recreation of the period, especially in view of the fact that Jean Weso was not living here at the time. There are some small anomalies, such as the fact that the Verzetsmuseum did not exist yet, but this does not spoil the overall atmosphere. The story line is exciting and full of twists and turns, keeping the reader’s attention throughout the book. However, the excessively violent incidences in the narrative do not really match the Amsterdam atmosphere of the time, but are more reminiscent of other Scandinavian detectives such as the popular Swedish television series Maria Wern. All in all, certainly well worth a read.