Fear has many faces in Bielsko-Biała, so prepare yourself before visiting this city! The novels about the cases of Detective Inspector Edyta Orłowska will act as an excellent guide book in this respect.

THE CRIME NOVELS OF K.M. BAKOW

Orłowska, a police detective and psychologist from Warsaw is transferred to the capital of the Podbeskidzie region. The cases that she takes on with an investigative team of Bielsko police officers will chill you to the bone. Putting the fear element to one side, Mr Bakow’s crime novels do faithfully depict the city’s topography. Having been born and bred in Bielsko, and with a post-doctoral degree in Fine Arts, he skilfully guides his readers through the nooks and backstreets of Bielsko-Biała.

A SERIES OF MURDERS

In the first book, “Albatros i hiena” (The Albatross and the Hyena), we acquaint ourselves with the area known as Dolina Gościnna (The Hospitable Valley). A series of murders of young women are committed in the meadows and mountain streams of the densely wooded ravines.

The action in the second volume, “Padlinożercy” (The Carrion Feeders) takes place on the shores of the Goczałkowice Lake. This beautiful recreational and touristic spot sees two teenagers going missing and an abandoned recreational centre in Zabrzeg hides a grim secret.

SECRET GOINGS-ON

“Fontanestrasse” draws the pre-war and wartime destinies of the residents of Bielitz close together. History blends itself with contemporary times. Bakow transports us not only through time but through space. Secret goings-on take place in an abandoned townhouse on Paderewski St and the Beskidzie residential estate witnesses a brutal murder.

You can read about the further adventures of Detective Inspector Orłowska in volume called “Jeśli zapomiałeś, przypomnę” (If you’ve Forgotten, Then Let me Remind you). I haven’t read this one yet. Maybe one of you will let us into the secret and tell us what you think about the book.