Author:Daniel Pennac
Pathetic, contrite and hapless, Benjamin is nonetheless the scapegoat at The Store: there is nothing for which he cannot be blamed. While his blunders remain minor, most of his unwitting victims can find it in their hearts to forgive him, but when violent explosions begin to follow him around, he inevitably becomes the prime suspect. With his girlfriend Julie by his side, Benjamin thrusts himself into uncovering the mystery, delving deep into underground Paris and pursuing the truth through a maze of bizarre criminality and oppressive shadows.
A gripping whodunnit and a subtle study of the mind of a psychopath
—— Daily MailI loved this book. Masterly and satisfying
—— Ruth RendellThis book must be judged as a potential successor to the great sequences of detective writing by PD James and Ruth Rendell...excellent
—— Daily TelegraphShe has the priceless ability to construct a solidly-researched narrative that keeps the reader turning the pages
—— IndependentHill's first crime novel has a grip of steel
—— Woman and HomeFor the first time in years, P D James has serious competition
—— Literary ReviewExtraordinarily detailed world, impeccably researched . . . so superbly written that it soars as a masterly work of fiction . . . utterly compelling.
—— Dermot Bolger , IRISH MAIL ON SUNDAYAn intriguing debut (that) sets out Hughes as one to watch.
—— SUNDAY TIMES IRELANDA skilfully planned, elegantly written debut . . . a riveting read.
—— SUNDAY INDEPENDENTStupendous: a brilliant achievement for a first novel, completely compelling and with a perfectly damaged central character.
—— MANDA SCOTTTold in the voice of its oddly detached protagonist, this is a memorable novel - a chilling story of a man gradually losing all sense of what makes life worth living.
—— Sunday Times, Culture magazineThis dark gem... The knowledgable Andrew Hughes carefully recreates a truly grim time, seemingly stripped of morals, and one where a brutal end lurks on each street.
—— Sunday SportWith its polished prose, vivid period feel and debauched protagonist, this assured first novel will be relished by fans of literary crime and historical fiction alike.
—— Irish TimesThe story is not for the faint of heart, but for those who love being thrilled, gripped by an unputdownable book, and who loves reading about the dark side of life, then this is the book for them. This chilling novel is amazing and I loved every page. Simply fabulous.
—— Historical Novel ReviewAt once a close character study and a sweeping panorama of the era of 'dissectionists', who buy bodies for medical research and the 'resurectionists' who dig them up, this fascinating book is a stirring work of fiction and a perceptive chapter in Ireland's social history.
—— The New York Times Book Reviewghastly, riveting tale.
—— Entertainment WeeklyHighly unsettling
—— Daily TelegraphA tantalising mystery
—— Sunday TelegraphCaptures sinister atmosphere brilliantly
—— Spectator