The Paris Lawyer

The Past & Present Collide in Paris

Winner of the Grand Prix Sang d’Encre crime fiction award in 2011, for the first time in English.



“A beautifully written and elegantly structured novel of a woman's attempt to solve the central mystery of her life, along with several other mysteries along the way. It captures the reader from the first page and never lets go.” — Thomas H. Cook, winner of the Martin Beck Award, Barry Award for Best Novel, Edgar Award for Best Novel



As a child, Catherine Monsigny was the only witness to a heinous crime. Now, she is an ambitious rookie attorney in sophisticated modern-day Paris. On the side, she does pro bono work and hits the jackpot: a major felony case that could boost her career. A black woman is accused of poisoning her rich farmer husband in a peaceful village in central France, where the beautiful, rolling hills hold dark secrets. While preparing the case, Catherine’s own past comes back with a vengeance. This fast- paced story follows Catherine’s determined search for the truth in both her case and her own life. Who can she believe? And can you ever escape from your past? The story twists and turns, combining subtle psychological insight with a detailed sense of place.



“Fans of Elizabeth George and Ruth Rendell will eat this one up.” –Booklist



"This is a complex tale, skillfully told, that will keep you in suspense to the very end.” — Patricia MacDonald, Edgar-award nominee



“Full of surprises and twists that will keep you reading late into the night.” –Cosmopolitan



“This is a suspense novel with an absolutely perfect atmosphere. The writing is subtle, racy, controlled. It is written with great art!” — RTL.be



“Everything in this book—the plot, the atmosphere, the characters, and the style—is perfectly mastered from beginning to end.” — L’Echo