Inspector Hanaud by A.E.W. Mason

[Feliks, Moderator]

If you're a Francophile but are tired of Hercule Poirot, (yes I know he's a Belgian) here's a classic French detective of which you may be unaware.

It's Inspector Hanaud written by A.E.W. Mason, from around 1910. Hanaud is said to be the first great serial sleuth of the 20th century.

He was specifically written to offer a contrast to Sherlock Holmes, (the popularity of whom, dominated the genre at that date). So where Holmes is thin and ascetic; Hanaud is barrel-chested and broad-shouldered.

A.E.W. Mason was a much-liked author of various strains of adventure story. The Hanaud series stretches to 6-7 titles; here are some prompts for you to begin with:

At The Villa Rose
The House of The Arrow
The Prisoner In The Opal
The Affair at the Semiramis Hotel Inspector Hanaud #2

Or, a convenient compendium seems to be available, here...
INSPECTOR HANAUD 7-BOOK COMPLETE SERIES. At the Villa Rose, The affair at the Semiramis Hotel, The House of the Arrow, The Prisoner in the Opal, They Wouldn't ... Lane

Enjoy!