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Les Evangélistes #3
Sans feu ni lieu
Clément Vauquer est une rareté. Il est stupide au point d'exécuter ce qu'on lui demande de faire sans se poser de questions, et assez aveugle pour ne pas voir la tombe qu'on creuse sous ses pieds. Pour un manipulateur, c'est une véritable aubaine. Lorsque son portrait s'étale à la une de tous les journaux et qu'on l'accuse d'être le tueur en série de jeunes parisiennes, il n'y a que la vieille Marthe pour croire à son innocence. Cette ancienne prostituée, qui avait pris Clément enfant sous son aile, va tout faire pour prouver l'innocence de "son petit". Elle fait appel à Louis Kehlweiler, ancien client et ami de longue date, qui va mener l'enquête avec son équipe d'érudits, les évangélistes.
Fred Vargas, l'une des plus talentueuses représentantes du polar français, reprend les personnages de Un peu plus loin sur la droite, et continue la saga des Évangelistes, son trio d'enquêteurs lunaires. Il leur faudra déployer ingéniosité et sagacité pour venir à bout d'une sanglante machination, où poésie rime avec crimes en série. --Christophe Dupuis
288 pages, Pocket Book
First published January 1, 1997
84 people are currently reading
852 people want to read
About the author
Fred Vargas
69 books1,631 followersFred Vargas is the pseudonym of the French historian, archaeologist and writer Frédérique Audoin-Rouzeau (often mistakenly spelled "Audouin-Rouzeau"). She is the daughter of Philippe Audoin(-Rouzeau), a surrealist writer who was close to André Breton, and the sister of the historian Stéphane Audoin-Rouzeau, a noted specialist of the First World War who inspired her the character of Lucien Devernois.
Archeo-zoologist and historian by trade, she undertook a project on the epidemiology of the Black Death and bubonic plague, the result of which was a scientific work published in 2003 and still considered definitive in this research area: Les chemins de la peste : Le rat la puce et l'homme (Pest Roads).
As a novelist, Fred Vargas writes mostly crime stories. She found writing was a way to combine her interests and relax from her job as a scientist. Her novels are set in Paris and feature the adventures of Chief Inspector Adamsberg and his team. Her interest in the Middle Ages is manifest in many of her novels, especially through the person of Marc Vandoosler, a young specialist in the period.
She separated her public persona as a writer from her scientific persona by adopting the pseudonym Fred Vargas. "Fred" is the diminutive of her given name, Frédérique, while with "Vargas", she has chosen the same pseudonym than her twin sister, Jo Vargas (pseudonym of Joëlle Audoin-Rouzeau), a painter. For both sisters, the pseudonym "Vargas" derives from the Ava Gardner character in "The Barefoot Contessa".
Her crime fiction policiers have won three International Dagger Awards from the Crime Writers Association, for three successive novels: in 2006, 2008 and 2009. She is the first author to achieve such an honor. In each case her translator into English has been Sîan Leonard, who was also recognized by the international award.
Archeo-zoologist and historian by trade, she undertook a project on the epidemiology of the Black Death and bubonic plague, the result of which was a scientific work published in 2003 and still considered definitive in this research area: Les chemins de la peste : Le rat la puce et l'homme (Pest Roads).
As a novelist, Fred Vargas writes mostly crime stories. She found writing was a way to combine her interests and relax from her job as a scientist. Her novels are set in Paris and feature the adventures of Chief Inspector Adamsberg and his team. Her interest in the Middle Ages is manifest in many of her novels, especially through the person of Marc Vandoosler, a young specialist in the period.
She separated her public persona as a writer from her scientific persona by adopting the pseudonym Fred Vargas. "Fred" is the diminutive of her given name, Frédérique, while with "Vargas", she has chosen the same pseudonym than her twin sister, Jo Vargas (pseudonym of Joëlle Audoin-Rouzeau), a painter. For both sisters, the pseudonym "Vargas" derives from the Ava Gardner character in "The Barefoot Contessa".
Her crime fiction policiers have won three International Dagger Awards from the Crime Writers Association, for three successive novels: in 2006, 2008 and 2009. She is the first author to achieve such an honor. In each case her translator into English has been Sîan Leonard, who was also recognized by the international award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
July 6, 2017
This is the final novel in the Three Evangelists Trilogy and it was an absolute thrill to read. Vargas specialises in the quirky and the eccentric with its distinctly French style and this is no different. It has been a while since I had read the first two, but as the familiar characters appeared, it all began to slowly come back to me. The German, Louis Kehlweiler, has retired from the Ministry and is translating a book on Bismarck whilst trying to stay away from murder articles in the newspaper. Clement Vauquer is a simple minded but gifted accordionist who is in trouble and makes his way to Marthe. He is the prime suspect in the murder of 2 women that he gave plants to, followed for a few days, on the orders of a mysterious man on the phone. Marthe contacts Louis, and asks for his help to protect Clement, who she is adamant is innocent.
Louis ropes in the 3 Evangelists, Marc Vandoosler, who is now taking in ironing and doing cleaning to supplement his income, Lucien, Mathias, and Marc's Uncle, the retired cop. Louis and Marc are not so certain about Clement's innocence and organise round the clock guarding duties. They interrogate Clement but it is not so easy to get information from an apprehensive and nervous man with learning difficulties. In their investigations, they end up in Never, Burgundy, where Clement intervened in the raping of Nicole Verdot by 3 masked men by hosing them with cold water. One man is recognised, seemingly committing suicide later, and Nicole is murdered in her hospital bed. With his pet toad, Bufo, in his pocket, Louis tries to identify the two other men, and uncovers another murder in the town with the same MO as the women in Paris. With further murders, a poem by the nineteenth century poet, Gerard de Nerval that Lucien is convinced is vital in identifying future victims, visits to Montparnesse Cemetery to visit Secateurs, and bees in many bonnets, the Evangelists and Louis endeavour to get to the truth that leads them to the ruthless killer.
As always, Fred Vargas has delivered on her particular brand of intelligent, character driven, crime fiction. It is a shame that we have reached the end of this trilogy because it has been a true delight to read. The offbeat characters and the relationships between them are what has made this series such a joy. Vargas's character development is second to none, and Clement is a wonderful creation of subtlety and complexity. The plotting is impeccable and the underlying humour ensnares the reader with its wit and charm. A brilliant read that I highly recommend. Thanks to Random House Vintage for an ARC.
Louis ropes in the 3 Evangelists, Marc Vandoosler, who is now taking in ironing and doing cleaning to supplement his income, Lucien, Mathias, and Marc's Uncle, the retired cop. Louis and Marc are not so certain about Clement's innocence and organise round the clock guarding duties. They interrogate Clement but it is not so easy to get information from an apprehensive and nervous man with learning difficulties. In their investigations, they end up in Never, Burgundy, where Clement intervened in the raping of Nicole Verdot by 3 masked men by hosing them with cold water. One man is recognised, seemingly committing suicide later, and Nicole is murdered in her hospital bed. With his pet toad, Bufo, in his pocket, Louis tries to identify the two other men, and uncovers another murder in the town with the same MO as the women in Paris. With further murders, a poem by the nineteenth century poet, Gerard de Nerval that Lucien is convinced is vital in identifying future victims, visits to Montparnesse Cemetery to visit Secateurs, and bees in many bonnets, the Evangelists and Louis endeavour to get to the truth that leads them to the ruthless killer.
As always, Fred Vargas has delivered on her particular brand of intelligent, character driven, crime fiction. It is a shame that we have reached the end of this trilogy because it has been a true delight to read. The offbeat characters and the relationships between them are what has made this series such a joy. Vargas's character development is second to none, and Clement is a wonderful creation of subtlety and complexity. The plotting is impeccable and the underlying humour ensnares the reader with its wit and charm. A brilliant read that I highly recommend. Thanks to Random House Vintage for an ARC.
September 1, 2007
Fred Vargas is probably the best detective fiction writer EVER. Her world is poetic, her characters are charming. Her novels are neither gory nor cosy. A must-read.
January 28, 2021
This is a great choice for readers who feel that most recent publications are too similar. First published in France in the 90's, it is excellent for anyone nostalgic of that decade. Other than that, The Accordionist has a delicious non-anglophone flavour.
In spite of it being the last installment of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. I hadn't read any of the previous novels and had no difficulty following the story/characters. (Now, I want to go back and read the other two.)
(Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!)
In spite of it being the last installment of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. I hadn't read any of the previous novels and had no difficulty following the story/characters. (Now, I want to go back and read the other two.)
(Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!)
September 19, 2024
I am fan of Fred Vargas' Commissaire Adamsberg series. This book is a bit different from that series of books. It is a "domestic" cosy thriller about the old Paris streets and tells the story of a too-clever serial killer who wants to direct police in the wrong direction. And only a bunch of old friends help to catch the killer.
As always, it is a very interesting story.
As always, it is a very interesting story.
July 8, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK, Vintage Publishing for an advance copy of The Accordionist, the third Paris based novel in the Three Evangelists series.
Clément Vauquer, the eponymous accordionist, is in trouble as the suspect in two grisly murders. In a panic he contacts Marthe, who mothered him as a child. Convinced of his innocence she, in turn, contacts former Ministry of the Interior investigator, Louis Kehlweiler for help. He enlists the help of his unofficial collaborators, the three evangelists.
The Accordionist is another quirky read from Ms Vargas. It has an excellent plot with a real mystery to it which, I admit, baffled me until the reveal. Louis's approach, however, is rather scattergun and as he works on intuition there are plenty of feelings but not much proof. He does normally find the right path by instinct so it makes for interesting reading.
It is the characterisation that drives the novel. Louis is smart but very much an oddball with his pet toad and initial fascination with sorting out his shoes. The evangelists are Mark, Lucien and Matthieu, all struggling historians who cohabit the "dosshouse" with Mark's uncle. In our modern world they could be regarded as failures but they have a rich intellectual life, a strong friendship and a desire to see justice done. I like the humanity and naturalness of the characters as they don't hesitate to disagree and argue if required. Louis's castigation of Lucien is a prime example.
I like the sense of place as well. Paris really comes alive as a living breathing city, rather than as a tourist Mecca with a repository of historical buildings and sites.
The Accordionist will not be for every reader but I enjoyed it and have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
Clément Vauquer, the eponymous accordionist, is in trouble as the suspect in two grisly murders. In a panic he contacts Marthe, who mothered him as a child. Convinced of his innocence she, in turn, contacts former Ministry of the Interior investigator, Louis Kehlweiler for help. He enlists the help of his unofficial collaborators, the three evangelists.
The Accordionist is another quirky read from Ms Vargas. It has an excellent plot with a real mystery to it which, I admit, baffled me until the reveal. Louis's approach, however, is rather scattergun and as he works on intuition there are plenty of feelings but not much proof. He does normally find the right path by instinct so it makes for interesting reading.
It is the characterisation that drives the novel. Louis is smart but very much an oddball with his pet toad and initial fascination with sorting out his shoes. The evangelists are Mark, Lucien and Matthieu, all struggling historians who cohabit the "dosshouse" with Mark's uncle. In our modern world they could be regarded as failures but they have a rich intellectual life, a strong friendship and a desire to see justice done. I like the humanity and naturalness of the characters as they don't hesitate to disagree and argue if required. Louis's castigation of Lucien is a prime example.
I like the sense of place as well. Paris really comes alive as a living breathing city, rather than as a tourist Mecca with a repository of historical buildings and sites.
The Accordionist will not be for every reader but I enjoyed it and have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
September 25, 2017
I don't know how I would particularly recommend these to someone who reads a lot of crime thrillers because I'm not overly familiar with the genre as a whole, but they live in my heart because the characters are so charming and I just love them all so much. The Accordionist is the last of the trilogy and I'm sad that Vargas seems to not have written any more, but I saw mention that Marc makes a cameo in one of her other books, so maybe I'll have to give them a shot too. Her dialogue and the way she writes banter is just delightful.
This book was originally published in 1997 so it's a bit dated and I'm not sure how it compares with her more recent work. If you like mysteries and also idiosyncratic historians you should give this series a shot. The original book, The Three Evangelists will always be my favourite as it has the relationship between Marc, Matthias and Lucien as a focal point, and really features their characters in a way you just can't keep doing endlessly when you have murders to solve, but still. The characters and their ramshackle house have always been the most charming aspect of these books to me.
This book was originally published in 1997 so it's a bit dated and I'm not sure how it compares with her more recent work. If you like mysteries and also idiosyncratic historians you should give this series a shot. The original book, The Three Evangelists will always be my favourite as it has the relationship between Marc, Matthias and Lucien as a focal point, and really features their characters in a way you just can't keep doing endlessly when you have murders to solve, but still. The characters and their ramshackle house have always been the most charming aspect of these books to me.
January 26, 2018
Fred Vargas manages that rarest thing in crime writing - her books are both gruesomely dark and utterly delightful. This was first published in France 20 years ago but newly translated into English, and it's charming and odd and also incredibly creepy and weird. I love how much Vargas cares about animals (the main character has a pet toad called Bufo who is treated like a squashy little human) and I love her intricate, terrifying crime fiction plots. (14+)
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
November 12, 2017
It seems I'll read anything that appears by Fred Vargas. The Accordionist is the latest to appear in English, although it was published in France twenty years ago. (No one has mobile phones, much to the benefit of the plot.) It's the third in her "Three Evangelists" trilogy. The first, which I read 10 years ago, is one my favorite books by this quirky novelist, better known for her series starring the even quirkier Commissaire Adamsberg.
The Accordionist was lots of fun. With Vargas you never guess where the story is going, and the characters involved are characters in every sense, and comically French. As I approached the final pages I kept wondering – how is she going to pull all this together? And then presto! the usual Vargas magic act in which the rabbit - or in this case, the toad - hops out of the hat. It's her gimmick and it works for me every time.
* * *
The Accordionist was lots of fun. With Vargas you never guess where the story is going, and the characters involved are characters in every sense, and comically French. As I approached the final pages I kept wondering – how is she going to pull all this together? And then presto! the usual Vargas magic act in which the rabbit - or in this case, the toad - hops out of the hat. It's her gimmick and it works for me every time.
* * *
"My friend," said Lucien without pausing in his work, "it's not possible to accomplish an act of intelligence and courage and expect to pick up a girlfriend as a bonus."
"Why not?"
"Because then it wouldn't be heroism, it would be musical comedy."
June 10, 2019
Godibilissimo. Come sempre, nei gialli che piacciono a me, c'è il solito "tenebroso" profondo fantasmatico del disturbato ma apparentemente sano. La sua mente segue percorsi che noi umani, attaccati alla realtà, non possiamo immaginare. A meno che non decidiamo di procedere come "Il Tedesco", investigatore in pensione del ministero degli Interni francesi , e ci buttiamo alla caccia del femminicida seriale seguendo le strofe di una ermeticissima poesia di Nerval.
Un piccolo ventaglio di sospettati tra cui si oscilla: non importa che la scoperta del colpevole non ti lasci a bocca aperta. Gli evangelisti sono godibilissimi, un pò così...onirici ma il principale sospettato un pò così troppo imbambolato, non a caso chiamato il bambolotto.
Io, la Vargas, medioevalista e archeologa, che scrive gialli solo nel mese di ferie, io, dicevo l'adoro.
[Con la Vargas condivido la difesa ad oltranza del tal brigatista Battista o assassino, che nei trent'anni e passa di latitanza aveva avuto modo di riscattarsi, di diventare un'altra persona, cosa che dovrebbero fare le patrie galere. E' andata come è andata.]
Un piccolo ventaglio di sospettati tra cui si oscilla: non importa che la scoperta del colpevole non ti lasci a bocca aperta. Gli evangelisti sono godibilissimi, un pò così...onirici ma il principale sospettato un pò così troppo imbambolato, non a caso chiamato il bambolotto.
Io, la Vargas, medioevalista e archeologa, che scrive gialli solo nel mese di ferie, io, dicevo l'adoro.
[Con la Vargas condivido la difesa ad oltranza del tal brigatista Battista o assassino, che nei trent'anni e passa di latitanza aveva avuto modo di riscattarsi, di diventare un'altra persona, cosa che dovrebbero fare le patrie galere. E' andata come è andata.]
October 9, 2017
My View:
This is a great series - I love the quirky characters – Vargas characters are unique, interesting and empathetic, unlike any I have come across in the many many mystery/thrillers/crime fiction genres I have read – refreshing, a joy to read!
If you are feeling a little fatigued, a little less engaged, a little disenchanted with the crime fiction books you had read recently re-ignite that joy of reading by reading the Three Evangelists Trilogy – you will not be disappointed.
This is a great series - I love the quirky characters – Vargas characters are unique, interesting and empathetic, unlike any I have come across in the many many mystery/thrillers/crime fiction genres I have read – refreshing, a joy to read!
If you are feeling a little fatigued, a little less engaged, a little disenchanted with the crime fiction books you had read recently re-ignite that joy of reading by reading the Three Evangelists Trilogy – you will not be disappointed.
January 28, 2019
Never disappoints. I could read a Fred Vargas book once a month. More please!
December 15, 2016
Clément Vauquer est l'idiot du village. Il a le regard vide, ne comprend pas quand on lui parle, parle avec des phrases incorrectes et alambiquées, et gagne sa vie en jouant de l'accordéon dans les cafés. Dans son enfance, Clément Vauquer a été le protégé de la vieille Marthe, prostituée parisienne de son état, qui lui a appris à lire et à écrire. Alors lorsqu'il est accusé du meurtre de deux jeunes femmes, c'est dans le giron de Marthe que Clément va chercher refuge. Marthe et ses amis, Louis et les évangélistes, chercheront personnellement à protéger Clément de la machinerie qui a été montée à son encontre par devers lui. Mais est-il réellement si innocent qu'il le prétend ?
Troisième tome de la série des Évangélistes, sympathiques personnages d'historiens que j'avais déjà croisés dans un Adamsberg (oui, mais lequel ?), c'est le premier que je découvre, au hasard d'un butinage dans une bouquinerie. Une lecture courte, agréable et de qualité ; de celles dont on a besoin pour se rendre le goût de lire. J'ai découvert le coupable à la moitié du livre ; et le reste du temps, j'ai pris du plaisir à regarder les détectives de papier galérer (mouhaha). Une bonne lecture, bien menée, agréable à lire, poétique, qui fait du bien quand il y a trop de brouillard dehors (et dedans).
PS. Par contre je n'ai pas du tout compris le titre du livre. Anyone ?
Troisième tome de la série des Évangélistes, sympathiques personnages d'historiens que j'avais déjà croisés dans un Adamsberg (oui, mais lequel ?), c'est le premier que je découvre, au hasard d'un butinage dans une bouquinerie. Une lecture courte, agréable et de qualité ; de celles dont on a besoin pour se rendre le goût de lire. J'ai découvert le coupable à la moitié du livre ; et le reste du temps, j'ai pris du plaisir à regarder les détectives de papier galérer (mouhaha). Une bonne lecture, bien menée, agréable à lire, poétique, qui fait du bien quand il y a trop de brouillard dehors (et dedans).
PS. Par contre je n'ai pas du tout compris le titre du livre. Anyone ?
March 13, 2022
This is the third Vargas novel I've read in two weeks or so. She has been a great discovery for me in the realm of light reading with a distinctive style, panache, complex plotting and casts of unusual characters who add lightness to what can only be the gruesome world of solving murders.
The cast of The Accordionist is eccentric, the poor accordionist intellectually disabled (is that an acceptable term now?) and the detectives all neurologically diverse (I know that's acceptable now). The villain is deceitful and repellent, satisfyingly tracked down by the team of sleuths.
I'll save further Vargas' books till Im ready for another burst of inventive French crime.
3.5 stars.
The cast of The Accordionist is eccentric, the poor accordionist intellectually disabled (is that an acceptable term now?) and the detectives all neurologically diverse (I know that's acceptable now). The villain is deceitful and repellent, satisfyingly tracked down by the team of sleuths.
I'll save further Vargas' books till Im ready for another burst of inventive French crime.
3.5 stars.
November 3, 2012
Bel libro, forse migliore del primo. Qui i tre evangelisti non sono i personaggi principali della storia, solo Marc è -diciamo- la "mente".La storia è avvincente, la lettura scorre piacevole e confesso che non ho capito chi fosse l'assassino fino alla fine.
April 25, 2024
Toujours aussi satisfaite des polars de Fred Vargas qui, à chaque fois nous tient dans l’enquête jusqu’au bout. Très bien ficelé et des éléments farfelus très appréciables.
July 13, 2023
4.5. Loved this. Very much enjoyed the quirky characters & the interaction between them. Definitely want to read the other novels in the Three Evangelists series now.
September 6, 2017
French novelist Fred Vargas writes two separate crime series which have been translated into English. The Commissaire Adamsberg investigations are slightly more conventional. The Accordionist belongs to her other ‘Three Evangelists’ series, and it veers from quaintly quirky into absolute obscurity without following a straight line at any time.
Which shouldn’t suggest any absence of creative flair from The Accordionist, far from it. The plot is cunning and craftily constructed. It revolves around a seemingly charming new character – the accordion player of the title, a somewhat simple young man. He’s the obvious suspect when two young women are horribly murdered, not least because he was seen stalking them. But is he a convenient fall-guy or actually someone rather more sinister with dark secrets in his obscure past?
The story revolves around Louis, previously a man from the Ministry of the Interior and now an amateur, cold-case detective.The Evangelists themselves aren’t especially well defined as distinct individuals in this story. There’s more than enough meat in the central story and new characters to engage the reader. The actual Evangelists were, for me, simply surplus to requirements, although I appreciate that other folk will enjoy the entertaining interludes in their quirky commune.
The Evangelists novels were written before Vargas moved onto the Adamsberg stories; they’re now 20 years old, and I prefer the author’s more recent crime fiction. While she still writes wonderfully weird fiction, frequently at right-angles to reality, her recent books are rather more focused and streamlined.
There’s a great story in The Accordionist and some truly memorable characters. Vargas’ writing is never less than evocative and original. Even so, much of the effect was obscured by all the detours and deviations.
7/10
There's a longer review (and much more about crime fiction) over at https://murdermayhemandmore.wordpress...
Which shouldn’t suggest any absence of creative flair from The Accordionist, far from it. The plot is cunning and craftily constructed. It revolves around a seemingly charming new character – the accordion player of the title, a somewhat simple young man. He’s the obvious suspect when two young women are horribly murdered, not least because he was seen stalking them. But is he a convenient fall-guy or actually someone rather more sinister with dark secrets in his obscure past?
The story revolves around Louis, previously a man from the Ministry of the Interior and now an amateur, cold-case detective.The Evangelists themselves aren’t especially well defined as distinct individuals in this story. There’s more than enough meat in the central story and new characters to engage the reader. The actual Evangelists were, for me, simply surplus to requirements, although I appreciate that other folk will enjoy the entertaining interludes in their quirky commune.
The Evangelists novels were written before Vargas moved onto the Adamsberg stories; they’re now 20 years old, and I prefer the author’s more recent crime fiction. While she still writes wonderfully weird fiction, frequently at right-angles to reality, her recent books are rather more focused and streamlined.
There’s a great story in The Accordionist and some truly memorable characters. Vargas’ writing is never less than evocative and original. Even so, much of the effect was obscured by all the detours and deviations.
7/10
There's a longer review (and much more about crime fiction) over at https://murdermayhemandmore.wordpress...
April 8, 2020
I loved this book!!! It was so much fun to read and enjoyable all the way through! There's something so quirky and unique about Vargas's writing that makes simple conversations quite laugh out loud funny and she does an excellent job striking a balance between the seriousness of the crimes and the hilarity of the characters. The crimes were tragic in this book especially but that didn't take away from the enjoyability of the reading experience which I find happens in modern detective fiction these days where the crimes are so dark and mixed up you are just traumatized and can't even really enjoy the book.
Let me just say it now: Fred Vargas is one of the best if not the best crime/detective fiction writer in the game today!!! And love the translation by Sian Reynolds!
Marc Vandoosler and the three Evangelists are definitely some of my favourite characters.
If you are a fan of detective fiction, definitely read her books and even if you are not, this series would be a great way to get into the genre!
Let me just say it now: Fred Vargas is one of the best if not the best crime/detective fiction writer in the game today!!! And love the translation by Sian Reynolds!
Marc Vandoosler and the three Evangelists are definitely some of my favourite characters.
If you are a fan of detective fiction, definitely read her books and even if you are not, this series would be a great way to get into the genre!
December 7, 2017
I can't think of any modern crime writer who is more unique than Fred Vargas. In some respects her writing harks back to a former age; like a mix of Wilkie Collins and Agatha Christie, but overlaid with a heavy dose of whimsy and irony.
Apparently, the original French version of this novel Sans Feu Ni Lieu dates back to 1997, although it's only this year been available in English translation. However, it matters not as the refreshing lack of technological detail and product placement creates (as with all Fred Vargas's other books) a quite timeless feel. It is also, sadly, the last book in this delightfully quirky series, so we must bid a tearful farewell to the almost surreal adventures of Marc, Mathieu, Lucien and Louis Kehlweiler - not forgetting Louis's pet toad, Bufo.
This book was a total pleasure to read and even the decidedly Gallic sense of humour came across perfectly thanks to the excellent translation by Sîan Reynolds.
Apparently, the original French version of this novel Sans Feu Ni Lieu dates back to 1997, although it's only this year been available in English translation. However, it matters not as the refreshing lack of technological detail and product placement creates (as with all Fred Vargas's other books) a quite timeless feel. It is also, sadly, the last book in this delightfully quirky series, so we must bid a tearful farewell to the almost surreal adventures of Marc, Mathieu, Lucien and Louis Kehlweiler - not forgetting Louis's pet toad, Bufo.
This book was a total pleasure to read and even the decidedly Gallic sense of humour came across perfectly thanks to the excellent translation by Sîan Reynolds.
October 13, 2017
I love crime novels by this author. Written in her native language, French, the books are translated by Sian Reynolds who misses none of the humour. There is a lot of humour in "The Accordianist" being in the "Three Evangelists" series. The 3 men, Matthew, Mark and Luke, are all historians sharing a house and eeking a living in various ways including being a 'domestique'. They somehow seem to get embroiled in crimes which they try to solve with varying degrees of enthusiasm. On this case they are helped by their elderly lodger, and Louis, who is also known as 'Ludwig' or 'The German', a delightful character who is accompanied everywhere by his pet toad. Highly recommended for people who like their crime novels light.
December 31, 2018
I love all of the mysteries written by Fred Vargas, and the whole idea of the Three Evangelists. This one is evidently the last in the trilogy, which was written in the mid-90s. It was fun to revisit Louis/Ludwig, Marc, Lucien, Mathias, and Vandoosler Senior, and of course sweet old Marthé.
The thing Vargas does is to write in her native French without converting plot points or character traits into anything other than French. Her translator, Siân Reynolds is owed recognition for her skills. The result is a chance to swim in a pool of French culture and idiosyncrasies from the convenience of my living room sofa.
Now to look forward to more Vargas, if she continues her Commissaire Adamsberg series. One can hope!
Recommended.
The thing Vargas does is to write in her native French without converting plot points or character traits into anything other than French. Her translator, Siân Reynolds is owed recognition for her skills. The result is a chance to swim in a pool of French culture and idiosyncrasies from the convenience of my living room sofa.
Now to look forward to more Vargas, if she continues her Commissaire Adamsberg series. One can hope!
Recommended.
February 14, 2018
A rather average crime novel from an author whose earlier works I enjoyed much more. The plot was a bit pedestrian and I think the translation was somewhat clunky. The eponymous accordionist comes under the protection of an elderly prostitute and is described as her "doll". I don't know what the French word would have been but every time I encountered this I thought pet would have been a a better word. When small things like this jar so much it's often a sign that the book is not very gripping.
April 22, 2018
Another good mystery in the series, of which I hope more books are coming in the future. The three evangelists are very amusing and well-crafted characters, but Kehnweiler is a truly wonderful character, warming your heart with his compassion and humanity and impressing you with his sharp intelligence, self control and moral confidence. The novel is suspenseful, but more than the suspense I enjoyed the relationships between the characters and learning more about their personalities. Vargas is soon becoming my favorite suspense writer with her subtle humor, original ideas and lovely writing.
September 11, 2017
All'albergo della Vecchia Lanterna, a Nevers, non servivano la colazione dopo le dieci. Louis era abituato a questo tipo di punizione, poiché apparteneva alla schiera di gente sospetta che si alza dopo l'ora legale, tra le undici e mezzogiorno, all'ora degli sballati, dei nottambuli, dei proscritti, dei colpevoli, dei poltroni, degli scapoli, dei malrasati e degli immorali.
February 5, 2020
Maljka - per RFS
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Questo, fra i tre libri della serie, raccolti in quest’unico volume è quello che mi è piaciuto di più in assoluto! Ritroviamo sempre lo stesso stile di scrittura: fluido, abbastanza descrittivo ma non troppo, ricco di dialoghi e con una storia che ti tiene con il fiato sospeso dall’inizio alla fine.
I protagonisti sono gli stessi dei due romanzi precedenti: Marc, Mathias e Louis e, in aggiunta ma più nello sfondo, il vecchio poliziotto che imperterrito continua a chiamarli, appunto, i tre evangelisti.
Tra tutti, quello che mi ha fatto più divertire è stato Louis Kehlweiler con il suo amico rospo Bufo, che porta ovunque.
Ha lavorato per 25 anni al ministero degli interni e, proprio per questo motivo, ha contatti ovunque e con chiunque, ama tenere degli articoli di giornali riguardanti casi particolari irrisolti o che presentano qualcosa di strano rispetto agli altri.
Un giorno, leggendo il giornale trova uno strano articolo a pagina sei: a Parigi viene ritrovata morta una donna, ed è la seconda ritrovata in due settimane. Anche questa, come la precedente, è stata assassinata, stordita, strangolata e “sforacchiata” come direbbe qualcuno con 18 colpi di lama.
Fa la sua comparsa Clément, un bambino ormai cresciuto, allevato da Marthe, la vecchia “donna di facili costumi” per usare parole gentili, amica degli evangelisti. Lui ormai è un uomo di 29 anni, scarno, un po’ tonto e con un’infanzia terribile: un padre mai presente e, sempre deriso da tutti. Marthe durante l’infanzia l’ha protetto e cresciuto, gli ha insegnato a leggere e scrivere quando il padre lo dimenticava sui marciapiedi. È cresciuto tra furti e risse adolescenziali , spesso per difendersi quando lo attaccavano… ma cosa c’entra questo giovane d’uomo a cui manca qualche rotella con gli omicidi in continua crescita?
Perché hanno scelto proprio lui come colpevole?
La spiegazione di tutto e le sue radici affondano nella sua gioventù, quando durante il primo lavoro ha a che fare con delle persone sbagliate. Ma non vi svelerò altro, non vi resta che leggervelo tutto d’un fiato e godervi la storia.
Vi avviso: non provate a cercare il colpevole, a meno che amiate le ardue imprese!
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Questo, fra i tre libri della serie, raccolti in quest’unico volume è quello che mi è piaciuto di più in assoluto! Ritroviamo sempre lo stesso stile di scrittura: fluido, abbastanza descrittivo ma non troppo, ricco di dialoghi e con una storia che ti tiene con il fiato sospeso dall’inizio alla fine.
I protagonisti sono gli stessi dei due romanzi precedenti: Marc, Mathias e Louis e, in aggiunta ma più nello sfondo, il vecchio poliziotto che imperterrito continua a chiamarli, appunto, i tre evangelisti.
Tra tutti, quello che mi ha fatto più divertire è stato Louis Kehlweiler con il suo amico rospo Bufo, che porta ovunque.
Ha lavorato per 25 anni al ministero degli interni e, proprio per questo motivo, ha contatti ovunque e con chiunque, ama tenere degli articoli di giornali riguardanti casi particolari irrisolti o che presentano qualcosa di strano rispetto agli altri.
Un giorno, leggendo il giornale trova uno strano articolo a pagina sei: a Parigi viene ritrovata morta una donna, ed è la seconda ritrovata in due settimane. Anche questa, come la precedente, è stata assassinata, stordita, strangolata e “sforacchiata” come direbbe qualcuno con 18 colpi di lama.
Fa la sua comparsa Clément, un bambino ormai cresciuto, allevato da Marthe, la vecchia “donna di facili costumi” per usare parole gentili, amica degli evangelisti. Lui ormai è un uomo di 29 anni, scarno, un po’ tonto e con un’infanzia terribile: un padre mai presente e, sempre deriso da tutti. Marthe durante l’infanzia l’ha protetto e cresciuto, gli ha insegnato a leggere e scrivere quando il padre lo dimenticava sui marciapiedi. È cresciuto tra furti e risse adolescenziali , spesso per difendersi quando lo attaccavano… ma cosa c’entra questo giovane d’uomo a cui manca qualche rotella con gli omicidi in continua crescita?
Perché hanno scelto proprio lui come colpevole?
La spiegazione di tutto e le sue radici affondano nella sua gioventù, quando durante il primo lavoro ha a che fare con delle persone sbagliate. Ma non vi svelerò altro, non vi resta che leggervelo tutto d’un fiato e godervi la storia.
Vi avviso: non provate a cercare il colpevole, a meno che amiate le ardue imprese!
September 23, 2022
Ultimo libro de la trilogía de Los Evangelistas e igual de adictivo que los anteriores, historia muy bien montada con personajes muy bien dibujados sin extenderse en demasía. Muy recomendable saga
September 19, 2020
Buena novela, policiaca pero con mucha ironía
June 3, 2018
Fred Vargas writes two series about highly unusual sleuths. This older series (but more recently translated) features the odd Louis Kehlweiler, alias the German. This is the last volume in a series that has endeared itself to me. The series also features the three evangelists, young scholars that focus on different time periods : WWI, Middle Ages, Prehistoric Man. The characterizations of these crime-solving partners frequently outshine the actual mystery , especially for those preferring their crimes gritty and fast-paced. But letting go of that criteria allows the reader to enter a world of wonderful characters that somehow make the best of each other in spite of peculiarities, petty squabbles and moments of genius.
In this book a young, mentally challenged accodionist may be caught in a murderous web as the main suspect unless Kehlweiler and his “team” can find out what really happened. And, then there is the possibility, that he may have really committed the crimes.
I would recommend this book to those seeking a mystery with charm, wit and a contemporary French flavor. I also see parallels of this series to the great Laotian sleuth Dr. Siri Paiboun in Colin Cotterill’s books. My recommendation – read both!
In this book a young, mentally challenged accodionist may be caught in a murderous web as the main suspect unless Kehlweiler and his “team” can find out what really happened. And, then there is the possibility, that he may have really committed the crimes.
I would recommend this book to those seeking a mystery with charm, wit and a contemporary French flavor. I also see parallels of this series to the great Laotian sleuth Dr. Siri Paiboun in Colin Cotterill’s books. My recommendation – read both!
July 11, 2017
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Fred Vargas is not for everybody. If you are looking for a fast-paced thriller, set in Paris, go find another book. If you are looking for a very well written, intelligent and thought-provoking story, with lively and interesting characters and a good plot, set in Paris, then read The Accordionist.
I did not read The Accordionist as the third part in a trilogy, as I wasn’t really it was a third book in a series. I’ve read Dog will have his day, the first part, and although it’s been some years ago, I immediately recognized the main characters. Now all I have to do is read the first part, because I really liked Dog will have is day and of course, The Accordionist.
This book has it all for me: interesting setting, good plot and very entertaining characters, including Bufo! Old Martha is an interesting person too. For me, Clément was the weakest one. I would have liked to hear more about his music and singing. It wasn’t really hard to find out who the murderer was, because there were only a limited number of suspects but still it was a wonderful read.
Fred Vargas is not for everybody. If you are looking for a fast-paced thriller, set in Paris, go find another book. If you are looking for a very well written, intelligent and thought-provoking story, with lively and interesting characters and a good plot, set in Paris, then read The Accordionist.
I did not read The Accordionist as the third part in a trilogy, as I wasn’t really it was a third book in a series. I’ve read Dog will have his day, the first part, and although it’s been some years ago, I immediately recognized the main characters. Now all I have to do is read the first part, because I really liked Dog will have is day and of course, The Accordionist.
This book has it all for me: interesting setting, good plot and very entertaining characters, including Bufo! Old Martha is an interesting person too. For me, Clément was the weakest one. I would have liked to hear more about his music and singing. It wasn’t really hard to find out who the murderer was, because there were only a limited number of suspects but still it was a wonderful read.
October 4, 2016
Fred Vargas possede en abondance ce que Germaine de Stael a appelé "la belle insouciance moqueuse du genie francais." On lit Fred Vargas pour gouter l'humour gai qui semble etre une chose du passé chez les francais.
Un Rompol de Vargas offer une lecture legere et bonton. En regle générale tous ses romans possede ces qualités. Sans feu ni lieu fait partie de série trois évangéliste qui est un peu moins bonne que la série Adamsberg. Cependant les romans des trois évangéliste font sourire autant que ceux de la série Adamsberg. Sans feu ni lieu ne decevra personne.
Un Rompol de Vargas offer une lecture legere et bonton. En regle générale tous ses romans possede ces qualités. Sans feu ni lieu fait partie de série trois évangéliste qui est un peu moins bonne que la série Adamsberg. Cependant les romans des trois évangéliste font sourire autant que ceux de la série Adamsberg. Sans feu ni lieu ne decevra personne.
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