A good holiday read. Multiple murders over a long period, a tiny spider capable of producing deadly venom, a sadistic climate of fear in a long-gone children's home, and super-sleuth Adamsberg in charge of sorting it all out, away from the gaze of his superiors. Fred Vargas and Adamsberg are always good value, but the level of coincidence piled on coincidence in this story stretches the bounds of credibility, which is why, despite this being a highly readable yarn, I give it only a three star rating. ( )

I did not like this one as well as the others in the series.

I like the characters and it had the usual bits of folklore/ mythology, but it begins to feel like the author strains to create conflict within the squad. I also hate (spoiler alert) books in which the sexual abuse of children is a plot device. This one is especially egregious. I appreciated the ending, anyways, had wondered what she would do to keep integrity of the commassaire in the situation she’d placed him in ( )

A Nîmes, des octogénaires succombent des piqûres d’une araignée nommée la recluse, jusque là disparue des contrées françaises. Des vieillards qui meurent…ça n’intéresse personne. Personne ? Suivant son instinct légendaire, le commissaire Adamsberg décide de mener une enquête officieuse pour meurtre. ( )

J'ai mis un peu de temps, mais je suis bien rentré dedans et cela faisait longtemps que je n'avais pas ressenti ce plaisir à retrouver un récit et y être absorbé.
Histoire qui parait vraiment improbable, mais beau réseau de personnage et une enquête prenante.
Adamsberg toujours aussi "perché" mais attachant. ( )

Definitely one of the series' best books. This one is about poisonous recluse spiders killing older men. Adamsberg investigates more aggressively than previous cases. Seems visiting Iceland has helped fine tune his focus.

As with other cases this one effects Adamsberg and his remarkably motley team on deeply personal levels. And brings about a much-needed reckoning between the two discordant factions of the team.

Vargas brilliantly balances her broad-based scientific and historic knowledge through the depths of human depravity to Adamsberg's understanding of human flaws. He may not solve cases fast enough but more importantly he is all heart and compassion. Vargas is a master at creating this amazing characterization of a police inspector that is believable and works well.

Excellent read.