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Zen and the Art of Murder

A Black Forest Investigation I
By Oliver Bottini
Series: The Black Forest Investigations
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3.15 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 395 ratings, 61 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Zen and the Art of Murder by Oliver Bottini, the story kicks off with a peculiar event: a Buddhist monk is found wandering the snowy fields of a small German village, sparking intrigue and suspicion. Inspector Louise Boni is tasked with uncovering the monk's mysterious past and its connections to local crimes. As she navigates personal demons and threats, the investigation unravels a complex web of deceit and violence.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$9400

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This intriguing crime novel may appeal to you if you enjoy a blend of mystery and psychological insight. Set in the Black Forest, it delves into the complexities of human nature while providing a gripping narrative filled with unexpected twists. The book expertly combines elements of crime, introspection, and vivid character development, making it a compelling read for thriller enthusiasts.

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The first in a gripping new crime series set in Germany - the Black Forest Investigations - shortlisted for the CWA International Dagger 2018

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

NOW SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA INTERNATIONAL DAGGER

"Gripping" Tatler

The first in a thrilling new crime series set in Germany - the BLACK FOREST INVESTIGATIONS

Zen and the Art of Murder introduces us to Louise Boni, a maverick chief inspector with the Black Forest crime squad, who is battling her personal demons. At forty-two, after a painful divorce, she finds herself haunted by her past.

Expecting a bleak winter weekend alone, Louise receives an unexpected call from her departmental chief. She is assigned a peculiar case: to follow a Japanese monk who is wandering through the snowy expanse east of Freiburg, clad only in sandals and a cowl. Reluctantly, she embarks on this mission and eventually catches up with him, discovering he is injured and fearfully escaping an unknown menace. When her own team faces mortal danger, the investigation unveils a terrifying reality—a hideous ring of child traffickers. The impact of these events will irrevocably alter her life.

Oliver Bottini is a refreshing and captivating voice in the crime fiction genre, especially in translation. His choice of the Rhine borderlands of the Black Forest as a backdrop offers a perfect setting for these expertly crafted mysteries.

Translated from the German by Jamie Bulloch

Series: The Black Forest Investigations

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  • The White Circle
    The White Circle by Oliver Bottini follows Chief Inspector Louise Boni of the Freiburg criminal police as she receives intelligence about two guns purchased from a Russian criminal network. Desperate to prevent a fatal act of violence, Boni swiftly investigates the situation. Boni quickly identifies the vehicle used to collect the weapons, but encounters a setback as the car's owner...
    By Oliver Bottini
    Paperback
    $3999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Zen and the Art of Murder
    NOW SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA INTERNATIONAL DAGGER "Gripping" Tatler The first in a thrilling new crime series set in Germany - the BLACK FOREST INVESTIGATIONS Zen and the Art of Murder introduces us to Louise Boni, a maverick chief inspector with the Black Forest crime squad, who is battling her personal demons. At forty-two, after a painful divorce, she finds...
    By Oliver Bottini
    Paperback
    $9400
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • The Invisible Web
    Berlin: A man is beaten up, the attacker escapes undetected. As a trail leads to Freiburg, Chief Inspector Louise Boni is sent to investigate. It's a complex case: the attacker appears to be a professional, the victim a secret service informer, the only witness knows more than she's saying, and the domestic intelligence service is hovering in the background but...
    By Oliver Bottini
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Zen and the Art of Murder by Oliver Bottini has garnered praise for its gripping narrative and arresting opening, featuring an enigmatic Buddhist monk. Critics have highlighted its exceptional quality, surprising case development, and intelligent depth. The book is noted for its tension without brutality and its rich local colour, while offering a profound exploration of societal themes. Reviews commend Bottini as a standout in the crime-writing arena, delivering a compelling story.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780857057365

Publisher: Quercus Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 09 August 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: MacLehose Press

Contributors:

  • Translated by Jamie Bulloch
  • Translated by Jamie Bulloch

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 214g

Pages: 304

Collections

Crime & Thriller Fiction Fiction in Translation General Fiction Oliver Bottini Series: The Black Forest Investigations

About the Author

Oliver Bottini was born in 1965. Five of his novels, including ZEN AND THE ART OF MURDER and A SUMMER OF MURDER of the Black Forest Investigations have been awarded the Deutscher Krimipreis, Germany's most prestigious award for crime writing. ZEN AND THE ART OF MURDER was shortlisted for the 2018 CWA International Dagger. He lives in Frankfurt. www.bottini.de.

Also by Oliver Bottini

View all
  • The White Circle
    The White Circle by Oliver Bottini follows Chief Inspector Louise Boni of the Freiburg criminal police as she receives intelligence about two guns purchased from a Russian criminal network. Desperate to prevent a fatal act of violence, Boni swiftly investigates the situation. Boni quickly identifies the vehicle used to collect the weapons, but encounters a setback as the car's owner...
    By Oliver Bottini
    Paperback
    $3999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Invisible Web
    Berlin: A man is beaten up, the attacker escapes undetected. As a trail leads to Freiburg, Chief Inspector Louise Boni is sent to investigate. It's a complex case: the attacker appears to be a professional, the victim a secret service informer, the only witness knows more than she's saying, and the domestic intelligence service is hovering in the background but...
    By Oliver Bottini
    Paperback
    Sold Out

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