A Twisty French Thriller That Will Keep You Guessing Till the Last Page

A Twisty French Thriller That Will Keep You Guessing Till the Very End

summarizeEditor's Summary

Frank Tallis's latest book is a real treat for fans of French thrillers. It's a wild ride with nods to Arthur Conan Doyle, Stephen King, and even Frank Tallis himself. The story's got two main plot threads that keep you guessing till the very end. I love how the author crafts puzzles that challenge the reader, and this time, he's taken it to a whole new level by involving a cast of writers and manuscripts. If you're into complex storytelling, you'll be hooked from start to finish.

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SonVerdictOynamaz

KitapKalitesi8/10

YorumKalitesi9/10

TercümeKalitesi7/10

A Twisty French Thriller That Will Keep You Guessing Till the Very End

I'll warn you upfront: the book's description gives away just as much as the blurb, and the key puzzles are only mentioned, not solved. Don't worry, I won't spoil it for you – you'll just have to trust me on that.

Frank Tallis's latest book is a real treat, and I'm hoping it won't be his last. I love his bleak, hopeless stories that reek of rain, blood, and madness. He's always been great at crafting puzzles that challenge the reader, and this time, he's taken it to a whole new level by involving a cast of writers and manuscripts.

So, let's get down to business and dissect this matryoshka doll. Frank Tallis wrote a book that was actually written by Caleb Traskman, but not completed – Caleb took his own life, and his son finished the job. One of the main characters, a writer named Lin Morgan, has a bestselling series under a male pseudonym, Neil Mirror. In short, prepare for a literary circus with nods to Arthur Conan Doyle, Stephen King, and even Frank Tallis himself.

The story's got two main plot threads that eventually intersect in a surprising way, keeping you hooked from start to finish. On one hand, we've got Lin and her husband, Julien, who lost their 17-year-old daughter. It's assumed she fell victim to a serial killer, but until her body's found, there's still hope. The distraught father manages to uncover some clues, but a brutal attack leaves him with amnesia – Tallis loves it when his characters have a few screws loose.

On the other hand, we've got a car crash that results in the driver's death, and when the cops arrive, they find a complete murder kit in the trunk, along with a woman's faceless body. Since the nearest 'Faceless God' temple is on a different bookshelf, the case falls to two detectives – one with an incredible memory, and the other with a name starting with the same letter.

As you'd expect from Tallis, you'll want to feel for the characters – they're all struggling, and the universe is just conspiring against them. There's gore, necrophilia, sadism, violence, and plenty of booze – this one's definitely for the mature crowd. It's not exactly a summer read, but it's engaging.

One word: game changer...

The book's ending is intentionally left open. On one hand, it's a nod to Sherlock Holmes. On the other hand, the author (Traskman Jr., who finished it, Traskman Sr., who probably planned it, and Tallis himself) still managed to answer the question that'll be on your mind after finishing the book. They used a clever technique that'll surface later in the story – it's not exactly a Gravity Falls-style cipher, but it's still challenging.

However, there's a catch: the translators missed the clue and didn't translate it properly. The key won't fit the lock, so if you don't have the original and a French-Russian dictionary, you'll miss the point.

Without the final puzzle, the ending feels a bit forced. Tallis drops plenty of hints throughout the book, from the epigraph to Lin's novel – it's a real challenge. However, the twist with Moriarty's identity was somewhat predictable. Maybe that's Traskman Jr.'s fault, or maybe it was a deliberate choice.

I'd give the book four stars for the writing, but one star off for the translation – it's a shame, really, because this one's definitely worth reading. Your brain will be put to the test, that's for sure.

The book's published by Azbuks, 2019. The cover, supercover, and French detectives' despair – it's all here.

And if you're in the mood for another thriller, check out this one – it's an American take on a former maniac's wife.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the book about?

Frank Tallis's latest book is a twisty French thriller that follows two main plot threads, involving a cast of writers and manuscripts. The story's full of puzzles and references to famous authors, making it a must-read for fans of complex storytelling.

Is the book a good choice for fans of mystery and suspense?

Absolutely - the book's got all the ingredients for a great mystery: twists, turns, and a complex plot. Just be warned that the pacing can be slow at times, and some readers may find the complex plot overwhelming.

What's the deal with the translation?

Unfortunately, the translation doesn't do justice to the original puzzle, leaving some readers feeling cheated. However, the book's still worth reading, even if the translation doesn't quite live up to the original.

Is the book a good choice for fans of French literature?

Yes, the book's got a strong French flavor, with nods to famous French authors and a setting that's deeply rooted in French culture. Just be aware that the book relies heavily on literary references, which may not appeal to all readers.

What's the book's atmosphere like?

The book's atmosphere is seriously dark and suspenseful, drawing you in from page one. It's a wild ride with twists and turns that'll keep you guessing till the very end.

Is the book a good choice for fans of complex storytelling?

Absolutely - the book's got a complex plot with multiple twists and turns, making it a must-read for fans of complex storytelling. Just be warned that the pacing can be slow at times, and some readers may find the complex plot overwhelming.

What's the deal with the main villain?

The main villain's identity could've been handled better, with more clues throughout the story. However, the book's still worth reading, even if the villain's reveal feels a bit rushed.

Is the book a good choice for fans of mystery and suspense?

Yes, the book's got all the ingredients for a great mystery: twists, turns, and a complex plot. Just be warned that the pacing can be slow at times, and some readers may find the complex plot overwhelming.

check_circlePros

•The atmosphere is seriously electric, drawing you in from page one.
•The author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, even when the plot gets crazy complicated.
•The twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat, guessing till the very end.
•The cast of characters is well-developed and complex, making it easy to become invested in their stories.
•The book tackles themes of loss and grief with a lot of sensitivity and depth.
•The writing is descriptive and immersive, making it easy to picture the setting and characters.

cancelCons

•The translation doesn't do justice to the original puzzle, leaving some readers feeling cheated.
•The main villain's identity could've been handled better, with more clues throughout the story.
•The book feels a bit unfinished in some places, with some plot threads left dangling.
•The pacing can be a bit slow at times, making it hard to stay engaged.
•Some readers may find the complex plot overwhelming, making it hard to keep track of the story.
•The book relies heavily on literary references, which may not appeal to all readers.