[1] Vargas received the 2009 Crime Writers Association International Dagger for this work.

It describes the background of Adamsberg's move to Paris, the origins of his partnership with Inspector Adrien Danglard, and a glimpse at his elusive relationship with Camille.

Much emphasis is placed on the theme of different ways of thinking - contrasting the two policemen's distinct approaches to investigations, and indeed life.

There are also a number of typical Vargas elements in the story: a pedestrian's view of the geography of Paris, independent, eccentric but effective older women, a misdirection of the apparently abnormal drawn over the deliberate actions of a killer.

A telefilm of the novel (2009) starred Jean-Hugues Anglade as Adamsberg, Charlotte Rampling as Mathilde Forestier, Jacques Spiesser as Danglard and Jean-Pierre Léaud as Louis le Nermond, and was directed by Josée Dayan.