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The Readers' Room

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About this listen

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 honor, 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 airplane accident, she’s beginning to wonder what role she might play in the story....

Antoine Laurain, best-selling author of The Red Notebook, combines intrigue and charm in this dazzling novel of mystery, love, and the power of books.

©2020 Gallic Books (P)2022 Gallic Books Cosy Crime Fiction Detective Fiction Literature & Fiction Mystery Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Crime Suspense Comedy

Critic reviews

"The plot blends mystery with comedy to great effect". (Daily Mail)

"A profound love of books and authors underpins this sprightly mystery." (Publishers Weekly)

"A stylish whodunnit blended with an affectionate send-up of the world of books." (Sunday Mirror)
All stars
Most relevant
It kept me guessing right until the end.
Another Laurain book to add to my favourites list.

Brilliant

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What a wonderful and unique book.

Initially I was unsure whether this book would be for me but the drama and mystery quickly builds.

Several mysteries interwoven with characters who come to life.

I found this a very easy listen and thoroughly enjoyed

Fabulous

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Listener received this title free

This was a very good story. Excellent translation, which retained its realism. High intrigue which kept me riveted to see if the editor was indeed the killer, and the ending was a completely unexpected one. Highly recommend this one. 100%

Absolutely Fantastic

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Subtly complex and intriguing novel from the wonder that is Antoine Laurain. Comical in parts, intertwined with well established characters and a firm sense of Parisian life. I throughly enjoyed the descriptions of the way editors and other members of the publishing world find authors manuscripts and bring their hope and dreams to life. The idea of finding that needle in the haystack, or in this case a Sun amidst squares. Possibly a naive viewpoint of the complexities of the industry but I loved it nonetheless.
The detectives were believable, as was the way in which the case was taken on, I was really taken aback by how much the author was able to fit into such a short novel, so refreshing to read a book under 500 pages that was riveting and yet didn’t feel rushed. I can wholeheartedly agree that this is a Sun and a half of a book!

a Sun and a half of a book!

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Listener received this title free

Preciosísimo libro, me gustó mucho su orginalidad, la forma en que está escrito, cómo describen el proceso de edición y descubrimiento de nuevos autores, hasta que poco a poco, te vas sumergiendo en un enigmático misterio.

No conocía a este autor francés, Antoine Laurain, pero ya está en mi lista de interés.

Con respecto a la narración, he de admitir que me encantó mucho el acento francés de Mary L Phillips, creo que le dio un toque muy pero muy auténtico al audiolibro.

Preciosísimo y súper original

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