This is an auction for WASH THIS BLOOD CLEAN FROM MY HAND by Fred Vargas.

"Fred Vargas is the hottest property in crime fiction.Poetic, offbeat and genuinely addictive."

• The Guardian (UK)

"Adamsberg faces his personal demon, a serial killer named the Trident who, 30 years previously, framed the commissaire's brother for a murder, successfully avoiding prosecution for that and other slayings. Supposedly dead for more than 15 years, the Trident has risen from the grave—or so Adamsberg believes. Convincing anyone of this fact is impossible, of course, and then Adamsberg finds himself well and truly framed for the murder of a young woman. Vargas continues to mix styles effectively, combining the light, comic touch of the best Simenon with much darker themes. This time, too, with the hero forced to look deep into himself, the novel adds an extra pinch of Rendellian psychology to the stewpot."

• Booklist (US)

Amazon.com review:

"FIVE STARS!! Vargas yet again proves why she is the #1 mystery writer in the world with this book, the 3rd of the Commissaire Adamsberg series. The book takes place in France and in Canada, but much of it explores the genius of a methodical killer who's mind clearly outmatches the protagonist Adamsberg - in fact, in many ways, that's the true brilliance of the book. How many mysteries can you recall where the main investigator was aware of how he simply could not get ahead of the killer no matter what he tried? As the story goes on, you begin to even distrust some of the Commissaire's colleagues, wondering what's going on - you feel true empathy with Adamsberg, the protagonist. And that is the result of a master writer at work."

More very favourable reviews on Amazon.com.

Large format (trade) paperback 2007.

388 pages.

Good condition.

The cost of shipping is $4.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.