Book Review: Tumbleweed

Reviewed By: Woodstock - RAM

Tumbleweed     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Jan Willem Van De Wetering
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Series: Grijpstra & deGier

Van de Wetering is deserving of a much wider reputation. His novels are short atmospheric tours of municipal Amsterdam, featuring two detectives - Grijpstra & deGier. The two men have worked together for several years and by now share a delightful, somewhat adversarial relationship which inhabits the books like a comfortable, somewhat battered blanket.

In this entry in the series, the two are called upon by their superior officer to investigate the death of a wealthy prostitute. Her body has been found in her home with a large knife protruding from her back, and the officers search for someone known to her who possessed the skill of throwing such a knife across a room with accuracy.

They encounter several red herrings, visit a marshy island off the coast of Holland, the Caribbean island of Curacao, and the local houseboats along the Amsterdam canals, following a trail involving black magic and sorcery, as well as the convoluted family history of the dead woman. More than a few chuckles are waiting for the reader, along with a great deal of food for thought.

Woodstock - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Woodstock - RAM