THE CIRCLE is truly a remarkable work. It is the sophomore effort from Bernard Minier, a customs agent turned author who seemingly emerged from the ether as a fully developed literary talent with THE FROZEN DEAD, which introduced dour and troubled Commandant Martin Servaz of the Toulouse, France crime squad.

The good news is that Servaz returns here; the bad news is that... well, there is no bad news actually. The book is simply amazing from beginning to end, with an overarching mystery, an underlying menace and an erstwhile romance that has lain ripped asunder for almost two decades, with all of it wonderfully plotted and narrated (with no small credit going to Alison Anderson, who not only translated the original work but also has provided a concise introductory explanation of how criminal procedure works under French law).

"THE CIRCLE is complete in itself. From its very first page, it sets the reader up for the next installment in the series. This is a neat trick that you’ll fully appreciate when you all too quickly reach the end of this riveting, addictive narrative."

The novel begins more or less where THE FROZEN DEAD left off, with Servaz brooding over the escape of his nemesis --- former prosecutor and very active serial killer Julian Hirtmann --- from prison. Servaz has his attention diverted, however momentarily, when he receives a late night telephone call from Marianne Bokhanowsky, his college sweetheart. Marianne’s son, Hugo, has been arrested for the murder of a woman who is a professor at a prep school in rural Marsac, a seat of higher learning that Servaz attended and that his daughter Margot (along with Hugo) presently attend.

Hugo was found at the scene of the crime, which is extremely disturbing. Marianne insists that Hugo could not have committed the murder, but he certainly looks to be the perpetrator. Servaz has his doubts, some of which are legitimate. One very subtle element of the murder tableau points toward Hirtmann, of all people. It would not be impossible, given that there are rumors he is in the area.

Servaz is emotionally compromised, though. He still has feelings for Marianne, which are apparently reciprocated, and as a result his judgment may be clouded. Someone, meanwhile, may be feeding him clues, even as Margot conducts her own clandestine investigation into the matter. All the while Hirtmann remains a menacing, overshadowing presence throughout the book, even as the manifestations of his presence are intermittent and minimal. Servaz's investigation progresses, taking him --- and possibly Margot --- into dangerous places that he never expected to go. And as the story unfolds, a series of interludes serve as a prequel to the surprising and shocking conclusion and its aftermath.

THE CIRCLE is complete in itself. From its very first page, it sets the reader up for the next installment in the series. This is a neat trick that you’ll fully appreciate when you all too quickly reach the end of this riveting, addictive narrative. The third book literally cannot come too soon.