A Police Procedural: Does Death on the Adriatic Stand Out?

If you enjoy police procedurals with a unique setting and a strong, relatable lead character, Death on the Adriatic is well worth a read.

Synopsis: Death on the Adriatic

Death on the Adriatic by Georgina Stewart

In the serene coastal town of Koper, Slovenia, the discovery of a body shatters the peace of the Adriatic shores. The victim is none other than police inspector Ivan Furlan, found lifeless in a remote, rocky cove along the coastal path. With a well-documented family feud over an inheritance, his brother is swiftly arrested—case closed, or so it seems.

But when an anonymous whistle-blower contacts police headquarters in Ljubljana, warning of a grave miscarriage of justice, the case takes a sharp turn. Enter Petra Vidmar, the youngest female police inspector in Slovenia’s force, dispatched to unravel the truth. With time running out and resistance from those eager to bury the case, Petra must navigate a labyrinth of hidden motives, old grudges, and coastal secrets to uncover what really happened on the Adriatic shore.

A gripping mystery set against the stunning yet deceptive tranquillity of Slovenia’s coastline, Death on the Adriatic is a thrilling investigation of justice, corruption, and the complexities of family ties.

Review: Death on the Adriatic

Death on the Adriatic by Georgina Stewart is a police procedural that transports readers to the captivating Adriatic coast of Slovenia. The novel centers on Petra Vidmar, the youngest serving female police inspector, who is called in to investigate the murder of a senior police officer following the tip of a whistleblower. Set in the charming coastal town of Koper, the investigation initially appears to be a simple family dispute—but as Petra digs deeper, she begins to suspect that something far more sinister is at play.

Key Strengths

• Exotic and Authentic Setting:
  The novel’s location in a small Slovenian town is a refreshing departure from the usual UK-based mysteries. Stewart’s personal experience living in the area infuses the narrative with authentic details that give Koper a distinct, atmospheric character, enhancing the overall mood and intrigue.
• Well-Rounded Protagonist:
  Petra Vidmar emerges as a compelling and well-developed character. The gradual revelation of her backstory and the challenges she faces add depth to her role as an investigator. Her interactions with both her colleagues and the local townspeople help to build a multifaceted portrait of a determined detective working against the odds.
• Layered Plot and Series Potential:
  While the investigation follows a familiar procedural framework, the twists and turns keep the reader guessing. Stewart’s inclusion of a variety of local characters—from fellow police officers to community members—adds texture to the narrative and hints at the potential for a longer series centered around Petra’s world.

Areas for Improvement

• Standard Procedural Elements:
  As is often the case with police procedurals, some plot elements might feel conventional to readers who are well-versed in the genre. Certain twists, while effective, occasionally lean on coincidences that may stretch believability.
• Pacing and Suspense:
  Although the novel provides enough suspense to maintain interest, there are moments when the narrative’s reliance on familiar crime fiction tropes could have been tightened to enhance the overall tension.

Conclusion

If you enjoy police procedurals with a unique setting and a strong, relatable lead character, Death on the Adriatic is well worth a read.

Were, Georgina Stewart successfully leverages the exotic backdrop of the Slovenian coast to breathe fresh life into a familiar genre, making this investigation both engaging and atmospheric.

While Death on the Adriatic does, not reinvent the genre, its blend of local colour, well-drawn characters, and intriguing plot twists makes it a an above average option for fans of mystery and crime fiction.

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