The Tulip Virus by Danielle Hermans

Absolutely fantastic! I hate to sound clichéd but I did not want to put this book down and whenever I had to I was always thinking about how to wangle my next reading opportunity. I was hooked right from the first page. The Tulip Virus begins with the murder of Wouter Winckel in Alkmaar, Holland in the year of 1636. Next we are confronted with the murder of Dutchman Frank Schoeller in London in the year 2007. With so much time between these murders you might think they couldn’t possibly be related but by goodness they are and their connection is what gives rise to the title of this fast-paced, exciting and completely captivating novel – tulips.

The Tulip Virus is well set out, there are two stories going on at the same time, the one in 1636 and the one in 2007, but I was never confused between the storylines. Each change in time is done so effortlessly which makes the book highly readable and enjoyable, not disjointed at all. Time progresses in each story and there is a time where they are both joined seamlessly together. In 1636 the focus is on the tulip trade and Winckel’s death. Danielle Hermans has done a marvellous job combining non-fiction with fiction. I learnt quite a lot about the tulip trade, some very interesting facts and Danielle presented this information in a non-technical way and definitely in an entertaining way. In 2007 the focus is on Alec, Frank’s nephew, and Frank’s murder. Alec arrives just before Frank dies and Frank manages to give a major clue to Alec about how this unfortunate occurrence has come about. Alec seeks his friend Damien’s help in working through this mystery in hopes of discovering Frank’s killer but along the way they meet with much opposition and due to their prying their lives are put in danger.

I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy a bit of a murder mystery, with a little bit of a history lesson thrown in and are looking for that book which holds their interests, enforces its power over the reader and begs to be read as quickly as possible. This is one of the best books I have read and absolutely 100% goes in my most favourite books list. Seriously, there is much to say about this riveting piece of work, other parts of the storyline that are important, but the best bit of advice I will give you – go out and buy this book, read it and let me know what you think of it if you do. Don’t delay. It really is that good!

Thank you once again to Jess at Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of this fantastic book!

To read the blurb for The Tulip Virus click here

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