I haven’t read the first book in this series, but warmed immediately to Albert, a retired police officer and his trusty sidekick, Rex, a German Shepherd. The two are on holiday in France and environs, sampling the fare. A body is discovered at the site of an archaeological dig, but all is not as it seems. It’s not a dig at all and there’s another body, much older, to be discovered..

This is a gentle, meandering tale with Rex given a human voice and insights way beyond those of humans. It’s very well imagined and the bond between the two is both amusing and touching. You have to suspend belief more than once; it’s almost a story from a different era, but it’s truly engaging as Albert determines to get to the truth. Very relaxing with a few laugh out loud moments and a real sense of mystery abroad. I enjoyed this.