Review: The Reader's Room by Antoine Laurain

Synopsis: When the manuscript of a debut crime novel arrives at a Parisian publishing house, everyone in the readers’ room is convinced it’s something special. And the committee for France’s highest literary honour, the Prix Goncourt, agrees.

But when the shortlist is announced, there’s a problem for editor Violaine Lepage: she has no idea of the author’s identity. As the police begin to investigate a series of murders strangely reminiscent of those recounted in the book, Violaine is not the only one looking for answers. And, suffering memory blanks following an aeroplane accident, she’s beginning to wonder what role she might play in the story …

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Laurain is fast becoming one of my favorite authors of fiction.

We are introduced to Violaine shortly after her hospitalisation following her accident.  As she recovers, she is alarmed to discover that her memory is not what it was ... little things are unfamiliar to her - she notes that her brain has forgotten her vices and sins.

But return to work Violaine does as a newly discovered crime novel and its mysterious author are about to make history, and possibly for all the wrong reasons.

Both the police and Violaine are in a race to discover the identity of the author - the police, to solve the crimes being perpetrated in a manner outlined in the novel, and Violaine, so she can present the author at a notable literary event!

Soon the indirect narrative style merges to become one and the mystery surrounding both the novel and the crimes is revealed.

If you have read Laurain's "French Windows", you will love this one. Laurain's books are not so much crime thrillers but gently unraveling mysteries that don't let you go - even after you have finished them. I have read a number now and cannot but recommend Laurain - take the plunge and explore this French author for yourselves.