Ubistvo u troglu

The story begins when Milan is found dead, and the police, led by the experienced inspector Petrović, begin an investigation. Suspicion falls on a circle of people connected to Milan: his girlfriend Vera, his friend Zoran, and his neighbor, a mysterious pensioner. Each character carries their own secrets, and the investigation reveals complex relationships, jealousies, and hidden motives.

Popović skillfully builds tension, using the Belgrade setting – narrow streets, smoky taverns, and gray buildings – as a backdrop for a dark atmosphere. Inspector Petrović, methodical and insightful, resembles Simenon’s detectives, exposing lies through conversations and small clues. The novel deals not only with the crime, but also with the psychology of the characters, exploring how greed and passion lead to fatal consequences. The denouement brings an unexpected twist, revealing a murderer whose motive lies in deeply repressed emotions.

Popović's style is realistic, with an emphasis on dialogue and details of everyday life, which makes the novel a convincing depiction of Belgrade in the 1950s.