The Readers' Room - by Antoine Laurain (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

From the author of The Red Notebook, described as 'Parisian perfection' by Queen Camilla, comes a thrilling murder mystery set in the world of publishing

"A stylish whodunnit blended with an affectionate send-up of the world of books" -- The Sunday Mirror

"Blends mystery with comedy to great effect" -- The Daily Mail

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, when it's eventually published, the committee for France's highest literary honour, the Prix Goncourt, agrees.

But when the shortlist is announced, there's a problem for glamorous 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 - as well as how to find the mystery author before the prize is announced.

In the end it will take the combined investigative powers of a detective, a junior editor, and Violaine's therapist to uncover the truth. They will learn not just about the author of the book, but about the story's origins, and the novel's strange power to exact justice for violence done to a young girl decades ago. But when everything comes to light, one question will remain: can Violaine and the other readers of the mystery manuscript put the past to rest, and find happiness in the present?

About the Author

Antoine Laurain is the award-winning author of ten novels including The Red Notebook (Indie Next, MIBA bestseller) and The President's Hat (Waterstones Book Club, Indies Introduce). His books have been translated into 25 languages and sold more than 200,000 copies in English. He lives in Paris, France. Beginning in in 2025, more than a dozen of his greatest works will be published in North America by Pushkin Press.

Jane Aitken is a publisher and translator from the French.