the essential
Author of dark and historical novels, Christelle Rousseau, Chaurienne by adoption, has written a new thriller, entitled “Histrion”, published by Il est Midi. The book was released this Monday, December 16.
Author of dark and historical novels, Christelle Rousseau, Chaurienne by adoption, has written a new thriller, entitled “Histrion”, published by Il est Midi. The book, which was released this Monday, December 16, plunges the reader into the streets of Carcassonne to discover a killer who murders his victims – women – whom they then make into clowns. Interview.
Are you a big fan of dark novels and thrillers?
I grew up with Agatha Christie. I only have this type in my library (Laughs). This is my universe.
Without revealing everything to our readers, can you explain to us how the plot of your new novel unfolds?
The scene takes place in Carcassonne. It’s a place I know well, having lived there for a few years. I wanted to put a killer in the streets of Carcassonne, as I had done in another novel, in Castelnaudary. It’s quite tense, we have a police commander traumatized by an affair, which affected him personally. He’s a bit dry. And we have a daredevil journalist who offers to be the intermediary between the killer and the newspaper she works for, at her own risk.
How do you come up with your stories?
My brain never stops, I try to have a plan but I don’t always stick to it… If ever (Laughs). The characters do what they want, I let them handle their affairs, and I follow.
You have also completed studies in criminology. I imagine this helps you construct your stories…
Effectively ! I do a lot of research, whether in criminology or criminal psychology. I’m trying to make it believable.
Why the title of Histrion?
Histrion is a mime in Roman Antiquity. I wanted a mysterious title, and that’s the name of my killer. It was also close to the clown.
