In The Sweet Taste of Death, Tom Pierce has produced an intriguing and absorbing tale which is more than just an account of a retired police superintendent's holiday in the South of France. Matthew and his wife, Beth, become accidentally involved in a dramatic attempt to smuggle priceless historical artefacts out of France. Blundering into the middle of these events Matthew is forced to re-examine his priorities and his commitment to his wife, after a life spent fighting crime, often to the exclusion of all else. The beautiful but savage scenery and extraordinary story of medieval sacrifice provide a stunning theatre for this satisfying read, which is highly recommended as an absorbing book which successfully combines the suspense, history, travel and detective genres.