"This Swiss set crime novel with a somewhat grumpy lead is a fascinating mix of knotty crime investigation, complicated family relationships, glory of food, and love of place. "
This is a series and police inspector worth meeting. Peter Hunkeler has just retired, while in hospital he wakes and witnesses an incident, yet come the morning questions whether it was just a dream. Award-winning Swiss author Hansjorg Schneider lives in Basel, the sense of place is wonderful and I always feel transported to this corner of Switzerland on the French and German border.
Hunkeler’s Secret is the fourth novel to be translated into English, I’ve read each one which began with The Basel Killings, and can most definitely recommend the series. Astrid Freuler again translates beautifully, you feel at home, yet feel the differences too. Hunkeler has grown on me with each outing, he doesn’t suffer fools yet acts with compassion, his love of food and wine is legendary, as is his nose for the truth.
I adore the somewhat quirky nature of these novels, while crime fiction, equal footing is given to the relationships within and the location simply sings. Hunkeler’s Secret is another absorbing read from a series that is as rewarding as it is satisfying.
Hunkeler, now a retired inspector of the Basel police force, is hospitalized and sharing a room with Stephan Fankhauser, an old acquaintance terminally ill with cancer. One night, a groggy Hunkeler wakes up to see a young nurse with a ruby ring on her hand administering an injection to his friend. The following day Fankhauser is found dead.
| Primary Genre | Crime and Mystery |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
Win a Pair of Tickets to Agatha Christie’s The Hollow at a Venue of Your Choice.
Closing date: 15/10/2026
Hunkeler, now a retired inspector of the Basel police force, is hospitalized and sharing a room with Stephan Fankhauser, an old acquaintance terminally ill with cancer. One night, a groggy Hunkeler wakes up to see a young nurse with a ruby ring on her hand administering an injection to his friend.
Hunkeler's Secret features in the following genres: eBooks of the Month, Crime and Mystery, Fiction in translation, General Fiction, Modern and Contemporary Fiction, Shorter Reads, Fiction, Crime and Mystery, Narrative theme: Sense of place, Narrative theme: Social issues, Fiction in translation, Crime and mystery: police procedural
Paperback. £8.99, down from the £9.99 cover price. In Stock.
Hunkeler's Secret was written by Hansjörg Schneider and published by bitter Lemon press
Hunkeler's Secret has 192 pages
£8.99, reduced from £9.99. In Stock.
