Brenner and God

This quirkily funny kidnapping caper marks the first appearance in English of underdog sleuth Simon Brenner, a middle-aged ex-cop living in Vienna. Brenner feels he’s finally found his professional niche after being hired as a chauffeur for two-year-old Helena Kressdorf by her construction mogul father and physician mother. Unfortunately, when Brenner briefly leaves Helena alone in the car at a gas station, she disappears, apparently abducted. Suspicion falls first on Brenner, and then on Sebastian Knoll, an antiabortion activist opposed to the clinic run by Helena’s mother. No longer employed by the Kressdorfs, Brenner decides to investigate the case himself and uncovers possible connections to the father’s new construction development and political relationships. Austrian author Haas brings a wry sense of humor to this familiar story line with his detached, conversational style. American readers will look forward to seeing more of Herr Simon. (June)