Crime Fiction from Switzerland

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Friedrich Glauser (2006) In Matto's Realm (First published in 1936)

Glauser's second Sergeant Studer mystery is a psychological police procedural. A child killer has escaped from a psychiatric asylum and as Studer begins to investigate, the director of that institution is found in the boiler room with a broken neck. In a battle of will between Studer and the assistant director, who is suspected of the crime, the truth slowly unravels. A masterpiece!

Friedrich Glauser (2006) Fever (First published in 1937)

In his third Sergeant Studer mystery, Glauser spins a surreal tale that takes the reader from Paris to Switzerland and Morocco. Studer investigates the deaths of two elderly women in Bern and Basel. Both are killed by gas leaks, both once married to the same man. Written in a unique matter-of-fact style, this European cult classic reveals the fine line between sanity and madness.

Friedrich Glauser (2008) The Chinaman (First published in 1938)

When the body of James Farny is found lying atop the grave of the recently deceased wife the doctor assumes suicide. Studer suspects murder and he slowly, but meticulously, puzzles out the relationships and motives behind the crime. Glauser's forth Sergeant Studer mystery is nothing for fans of fast-paced thrillers - but if you want something beyond today's stereotypes, it is a great read.

Charles McCarry (2005) The Miernik Dossier. (First published in 1973)

McCarry, who worked for the CIA before his literary career is probably the best American spy novelist - in the same league as John LeCarre.

Daniel Silva (2003) The English Assassin.

Silva, a former CNN correspondent, has created an crisp spy thriller in which a Mossad agent gets entangled in Switzerland's secretive power structure and has to fight for his life.

Christopher Reich (2009) Rules of Deception.

A surgeon for "Doctors without Borders" is climbing in the Swiss Alps with his wife, when she falls into a crevasse and dies. During the next few days he finds himself being hunted by the Swiss police and a mysterious assassin. Apparently, his wife had been leading a double life in the shady world of espionage. The "good doctor" quickly turns himself into a "tough operative". What nonsense!

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