DeKok and the Kiss of Death

DEKOK AND THE KISS OF DEATH is a book in the DeKok series by Dutch bestselling author Baantjer. This series, featuring inspector DeKok, is set in Amsterdam, around the Warmoes Street police station.

When Joyce Degenaar is found murdered, inspector DeKok is stumped. Who would have reason to kill Joyce, well-known and loved in Amsterdam as she was? The lady was a politician with a seat on the city council, she volunteered for the Food Bank, and she was an active member of the community in her neighbourhood. As a city councillor, she represented the Great Amsterdam party, or ‘Gram’ as it was better known – a pet name both she and the party shared.

DeKok’s investigation soon focusses on Matthias, Joyce’s husband, who is a very successful entrepreneur. His rise from rags to riches was nothing short of meteoric, but he turns out to be well-connected in Amsterdam’s criminal underworld. Matthias’ chain of tanning parlours are perfect for money laundering. Was it her own political wheeling and dealing that led to her death? Or did she fall victim to her husband’s secret life…?