Esther Verkest #4

The fourth volume of Kim Duchateau's Belgian series finds the stylish, red-haired Esther perched coolly atop what appears to be a large naval vessel under a moody night sky — while a rather disheveled figure lies sprawled unconscious at her feet. Subtitled Verschwunden (German for "Vanished"), this 2006 Oogachtend release already hints at intrigue and dark comedy before you've turned a single page. Duchateau's clean, confident linework gives the cover a playful noir atmosphere that fans of the series will find immediately appealing.