Beton Rouge by Simone Buchholz

Beton Rouge
By Simone Buchholz
Published by Orenda Books (ebook - out now; paperback - 21 February 2019)
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher

Publisher's description

On a warm September morning, an unconscious man is found in a cage at the entrance to the offices of one of the biggest German newspapers. Closer inspection shows he is a manager of the company, and he’s been tortured. Three days later, another manager appears in similar circumstances.

Chastity Riley and her new colleague Ivo Stepanovic are tasked with uncovering the truth behind the attacks, an investigation that goes far beyond the revenge they first suspect … to the dubious past shared by both victims. Travelling to the south of Germany, they step into the elite world of boarding schools, where secrets are currency, and monsters are bred … monsters who will stop at nothing to protect themselves.

My verdict
Beton Rouge is another strong character-led novel from German author Simone Buchholz, lovingly translated by Rachel Ward. Following on from Blue Night, it again features feisty and tough public prosecutor Chastity Riley and a mystery to solve.

Beton Rouge isn't a particularly long book but there's a lot packed within its pages. Two unconscious men are discovered locked in cages outside the offices of a major German newspaper, both having been tortured and drugged. Plus there are flashbacks to boarding school students with bullying tendencies and plenty of secrets to hide.

Despite being a crime novel, it's so much more than that - in fact, at times the crime investigation takes a backseat, as Chastity reveals thoughts on her life, friends and drinking habits and also the modern world we live in. She's funny, sharp and very blunt and it's great fun being inside her head, especially when she's in a reflective mood. So while the book is dark, it's also full of humour and sadness too.

Short chapters, snappy sentences, witty dialogue and succinct writing have created a fast-paced read - saying 'just one more chapter' to myself led me to read most of the book in one sitting. Descriptions are vivid and rich, painting a colourful picture of of the German setting. I loved the chapter names - you'll have to discover these for yourself - all taken from a line or phrase from within the chapter itself.

Finishing Beton Rouge left me wanting more. I really do hope there is more to come!