I have been curious about this series since the first time I set my eyes on the first book. So, when I got this chance, to read the sequel did I go for it. Now, since I haven't read the first book is this my first introduction to Agnes Luthi, but this is definitely a book you can read as a stand-alone.

Swiss police officer Agnes Luthi's friend Julien Vallotton contacts her because a friend of his, Guy Chavanon a watchmaking, has died and the daughter doesn't believe it's an accident. Guy Chavanon had a severe allergy towards nuts and it was what killed him. However, there are no traces of nuts in the milieu where he was, nothing in the food, etc. Also, he seemed to have discovered something that would revolutionize the watchmaking industry before he died.

I found the setting of Switzerland to be a welcome change of scenery. I've been looking for some new crime series set in new environments and this one felt like a nice to the usual the UK or the US setting. Agnes Luthi is an interesting character, and since this is the first book I read about her I have the disadvantage of not knowing much about her. However, I learned a lot of about her in this book, about her family and the tragic circumstances of her husband's death some month's before.

As for the case, I won't lie, I did think it took a while for the story to really get going. Since it's a crime novel one knew that something is amiss, the death of Guy Chavanon is suspicious, but why would anyone kill him, if it is murder, and if it is foul play, how did it happen? Or is there something else going one, it's hard to know since the people in Guy Chavanon life is now acting suspiciously. Thankfully Agnes Luthi is tenacious.

I found the book interesting and I'm looking forward to reading the first book in the series since I want to know more about Agnes Luthi, not to mention her "friend" Julien Vallotton. ( )

A few days before returning to work in the Violent Crimes Unit because of injures sustained in a previous case, Agnes Lüthi meets friend Julien Vallatton at a watch and jewelry trade show. Where he introduces her to Christine Chavanon who believes that the death of her father, Guy, a watchmaker was not an accident and wishes Agnes to investigate.
An interesting and enjoyable mystery, with characters I have come to like. Although it is the second in the series it is a standalone novel.
ANetGalley Book ( )

I love to dive right into a fast paced murder mystery and this was definitely action packed from page one. Agnes Luthi is a very likable character and a brilliant police officer. I enjoyed the setting which was in Switzerland and could picture all the scenes there. This book is the second in the Agnes Luthi series but you do not have to read the first book in order to follow along with this one. I wish that I had read the first and will be reading that soon because Agnes’s backstory sounds intriguing. The author does a great job though with providing just enough background information on Agnes without giving too much away from the first book. I loved reading about the cutthroat and highly secretive watch industry and the title is quite clever given the subject matter of the book! The story was well written with a very interesting plot and I became quite attached to Agnes. I have found a new mystery series in a beautiful setting. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. ( )

This is an enjoyable book with a quadruple mystery and lots of details - second in the Agnes Lüthi Mystery series. Author's architectural background is quite evident in the description of the various classic Swiss chalets, modern villa and various exposition buildings. The characters are many with sufficient description to form one's opinions early on. Several red herrings keep you going right through to the end. I loved this book as much as the first in the series. ( )

A Well Timed Murder by Tracee de Hahn is a 2018 Minotaur Books publication.

This second book in the Agnes Lüthi series, finds Agnes in Lausanne, Switzerland tailing an old adversary, although she is still technically on leave, after sustaining injuries in the line of duty. Surprisingly, she discovers that her friend Julien is also in Lausanne, and that a friend of his recently passed away quite suddenly. Before she knows it, Agnes has found herself embroiled in the case, which by all accounts appeared to be a tragic, accidental death. But, not everyone is convinced of that, which give Agnes a side case to work, before she officially returns to work.

I was very impressed with the first installment of this series and have been eagerly anticipating this follow up. I enjoyed the location, which is a nice change of pace, and I really like Agnes. This story is centered around the Swiss tradition, pride, and reputation of precision watch making. With the possibility of a new breakthrough technology that would revolutionize the industry, it just might be possible Julien’s friend was murdered in order to steal his secrets.

The world of watch making is a fascinating one, and again, this is not a topic that comes up often in mysteries, which is a refreshing change of pace. The mystery has many complexities, and more than one thread that could give an ample motive for murder. As with the first book, this one does not move at a super -fast clip, but builds slowly, which could require a bit of patience for some, but it adds so much depth, deep characterizations, and creates a tantalizing atmosphere the further the mystery deepens.

I didn’t quite connect with Agnes in the same way as I did in the first book, maybe because she doesn’t need my sympathy in quite the same way as before. However, her personal life is still tethered to former husband, via her mother-in-law, with whom she has a complicated relationship. But, the case Agnes catches is so very puzzling, it more than made up for the reduced time spent with Agnes’ profound inner musings.

While the cover of the book might suggest a cozy mystery format, this is pretty much a police procedural and while there is a lack of explicit content, and the language is mostly mild, the mystery almost reminds me of the noir style.

While it is not necessary to read the first book in order to enjoy this one, I do recommend adding to at some point, as it does explain details about Agnes' personal life that will deepen your understanding of her character and enhance your enjoyment of this book. But, all in all, this is an excellent follow up book, very solid, interesting and detailed. I am very much looking forward to Agnes’ next big case! ( )