The Fifteen — Martin O'Brien

On the C?te d'Azur, jealousy is a hot-blooded killer… Pierre Dombasle is the billionaire owner of Sport?quipe, the world's leading sportswear manufacturer. Twenty years ago, he was also captain of the French rugby team that beat England in a Five Nations Final at Twickenham. To mark the anniversary of this famous victory, Dombasle organises a glittering reunion for his old team-mates. When Daniel Jacquot, who scored the winning try, receives his invitation he is determined to decline. As far as he's concerned, past glories are best left where they belong. But you don't say 'no' to a man like Pierre Dombasle, and Jacquot is persuaded to put in an appearance. At Cap Corsaire, Dombasle's luxurious C?te d'Azur home, Jacquot meets many old friends from his playing days - and enemies, too. In the years since they hung up their boots, some of them have become wealthy and successful, but others have not. Old rivalries and dark jealousies soon re-surface, and when one of the team is found dead Jacquot starts looking for a killer. (Originally published as Jacquot and the Fifteen) Praise for the Jacquot series "Only an Englishman could set his detective fiction in France and infuse it with such passion for the place and its people." The Daily Mail "Martin O'Brien's books featuring Chief Inspector Jacquot are fast becoming detective classics." Crime Squad "A French counterpart to Ian Rankin's Scottish Inspector Rebus, with a tough authentic voice, and deft plot." The Cleveland Plain Dealer (US) "Terrific!" Northampton Chronicle & Echo "These are rich, leisurely reads. Jacquot's not a cop to be rushing around - he enjoys his food and his cigarettes and the occasional joint. So relax and enjoy what's turning into an impressive series." reviewingtheevidence.com