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Daniel Jacqout is a policeman, but known throughout France for his match-winning try in a rugby international against England 20 years previously. To mark the anniversary of the game, Pierre Dombasle, the captain that day, organises a reunion for the team. Dombasle is now a billionaire who owns a top sportswear firm. Not everyone has done so well, though, and the glittering occasion at Dombasle's Cote d'Azur residence is marred by a death. The smarmy policeman, who seems more interested in yachting, insists it's suicide. Jacquot isn't at all convinced, and starts to investigate, even though it's outside of his jurisdiction. I've always had a very soft spot for this series, and JACQUOT & THE FIFTEEN (the number of players in a rugby union team, in case you were wondering) doesn't disappoint. O'Brien is a relaxed storyteller with a strong eye for description. His plotting is tidy, although it may take you a while to cotton on to where Jacquot's main leap of faith comes from. But the clue is there if you pay attention! So you'll soon imagine that you're accompanying Jacquot on his journey round France and as he indulges in yet another tempting meal or takes in some of the stunning houses owned by his successful former team-mates. Jacquot is faintly unconventional, with his trademark ponytail. He's the obligatory maverick, but one you absolutely want on your side. His love life is important, but never unbalances the book. And there's a slightly Hollywood-style ending, kept from being OTT by O'Brien's rather tongue-in-cheek style. The book stands fine by itself, but it's definitely worth going back and reading the earlier ones, not only for the characterisation but also for the setting (I want to be there – now!) It did take me a while to suss the timeline for the series (this book is set in 1996). In JACQUOT & THE FIFTEEN the soccer fans among you will spot a reference in the dialogue to a promising young French player called Zindane!
Reviewed by Sharon Wheeler, July 2007
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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