Eccentric and wayward Commissaire Adamsberg is pitted against the deep-rooted mysteries of an Alpine village's history and the disturbing presence of wolves. This is an early case for the engaging French detective, but appearing in paperback in this country for the first time.

Fred Vargas was born in Paris in 1957. A historian and archaeologist by profession, she is now a bestselling novelist. Her books have sold over 10 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 45 languages.