In September, we have the literary start. We have about two months to read them, because in November, we have various more or less well-known literary prizes which help boost book sales. We are thinking in particular of the Goncourt prize which allowed Kamel Daoud's novel to take 24 places in the ranking and arrive at number 1. In the same period, we have the Renaudot, Femina, and high school students prizes. Among all these prices, we have the Price of the Quai des Orfèvres. This award names the best books that concern the detective genre. This refers to the location where the judicial police have been located since 1913: 36 Quai des Orfèvres. An author, although unknown to the battalion, obtained this prize this year. This is his first novel which heralds a great career and already propels him to 14th place in the weekly book sales ranking.
Which thriller won the Quai des Orfèvres prize?
It is around Halloween time that we choose the detective novel that has the honor of winning this prize. Often linked to stories of murder and/or assassinations, this novel can make us realize the difference between the two words. His name is Post Mortem East Olivier Tournut is the author. Born in Belfort, Olivier Tournut first studied law. Which can help him write detective novels. Then, he worked in human resources, for local authorities, then independent administrative authorities. Alongside being a successful writer, he is the Secretary General of the National Gaming Authority.
What is this thriller about?
Here is its synopsis: ““A work not beautiful to see”: this is the way in which the crime scene was described to the captain Isabelle Le Peletier before arriving on the scene. But nothing could have prepared her for such horror. In a large Parisian apartment, empty of any furniture, the body of a man waits for him seated on a chair, naked and horribly mutilated. On his forearm, a strange tattoo. The highlight of the show: a painting of Van Gogh missing since the Second World War is placed next to the corpse. Supported by the unpredictable Lieutenant Blanche Charon, Isabelle Le Peletier leads the investigation without suspecting that this murder will take her on the trail of one of the most powerful men in the country.” Interesting, no?
Very positive and promising reviews for this book
Released on November 6, there are not yet many reviews of the novel. Indeed, the 336 pages cannot be read on their own. With this author still unknown, he was not able to have many readings from the beginning. It is indeed the price Quai des orfèvres which boosts its sales. Among the (rare) consistently positive reviews, we find that readers appreciated several things. First of all, the fact that the book tackles highest in governmentwhich pleases those who don't like it. But on top of that, the plot remains well-crafted, the book remains dynamic to read, we don't get bored. Finally, we appreciate the fact that the killer also speaks in the book without us knowing who he is.
