Because of the Cats

Rating:
Summary: Another sterling book by Freeling
Review: Freeling's second novel, published in 1963, is up to the standards of his best books (King of a Rainy Country, Gun Before Butter, etc.). Well-written and well-conceived, Freeling remains one of my all-time favorite mystery writers.

In this book, Van der Valk uncovers the very unlikely fact of a youth gang from the rich town of Bloemendaal. These teenagers are carrying out particularly vicious robberies in Amsterdam and leave their victim with only the mysterious words "the cats won't like it." To solve this particular mystery, Van Der Valk needs to get beneath the skin of a seemingly sleepy Dutch town to get at the rot that lies beneath.

If you're a fan of Simenon or Durrenmatt, you should consider trying Nicolas Freeling.