The Fleur de Sel Murders, Bannalec - B

                       The most charming aspect of this series is the immersion in all things Breton, and the wonderful stories that set this Atlantic province off from the rest of France. This story features evil doings in the White Land, the place where Breton sea salt is collected and harvested. The pools go back over a thousand years and the tools that the paludiers use are from the 12th century.  The marshes are regulated and overseen by two different entities working to assure the safety of the salt and the adherence to the ancient ways. When shots ring out, Commissaire Dupin begins to investigate and he uncovers a plot to generate microbes that can stave off green algae. If truth be told, the plot line of the crime and its investigation is not nearly as well done as the earlier novels. On the other hand, if one is interested in thousand year old methods of salt cultivation, this is the place to be.