Detective Chief Inspector Jack Buchanan is an unusual policeman. In a world where most fictional cops seem to be tortured, suicidal drunks, Buchanan is sober, honest and happily married. There are no dark skeletons rattling around in his closet. He is a dedicated public servant who takes his sworn duty seriously. All this is a refreshing departure from the usual cliched crime story of crooked, burnt-out, guilt-ridden cops fighting the temptation to eat their gun. But our hero has a problem. He is getting along in years. The clock is ticking. The powers that be think it is high time that he was put out to pasture. Buchanan has other ideas. The disappearance of a woman on a holiday cruise gives the aging detective to opportunity to remind his superiors just how valuable he is. The mystery of cabin 312 quickly develops into something far more sinister than a missing persons case. Buchanan is gradually drawn into the high-powered world of Russian oligarchs, shady business deals, corrupt government officials and murder. The actions takes us from the scenic canals of the Low Countries to the rain-washed streets of Eastbourne, where the dogged policeman finally collars and unmasks the culprit. I'm usually pretty good at figuring out whodunit, but the author of this rattling good tale kept me guessing to the end.
This is Buchanan's third outing and, in my opinion, the best so far. The story begins its narrative where book 2 ended but stands alone in its own right. The plot has interesting twists and flows well continuing to flesh out the characters introduced in the preceeding books, in particular Buchanan's wife Karen (who must be very exasperated at times with her husband!). As usual those living in Eastbourne (or even visiting the town) can relate to the local detail but for once we are taken abroad for a while as well. There are a few red herrings in the story adding suspense to an enjoyable mystery, which tends to leave the reader wanting to finish the book rather than read it in bitesize chunks to find out the "truth". This is another recommended Buchanan read.
I love these books, very well written and keep you guessing all the way through ! Can't wait for the next one !
I have just finished reading the 3rd in Alex Willis' DCI Buchanan series: The Mystery of Cabin 312 and it is a cracking read ! From a start on a European cruise with his wife to a climactic and unexpected end at the Police HQ in Eastbourne, the book gripped me from start to finish. I can't wait for Buchanan 4.
