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 the committee for France’s highest literary honor, the Prix Goncourt, agrees.

But when the shortlist is announced, there’s a problem for 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 airplane accident, she’s beginning to wonder what role she might play in the story....

Antoine Laurain, best-selling author of The Red Notebook, combines intrigue and charm in this dazzling novel of mystery, love, and the power of books.