Mik lives in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, but travels the length and breadth of the UK as a Project Manager. He's a long-time crime fiction fan, with bookshelves groaning under the weight of signed copies from some of the greats of the genre. He's also a reviewer, and an aspiring crime writer, with hopes of joining his literary heroes on a shelf near you in the not too distant future.
Former academic turned writer Michel Bussi is gaining a solid reputation as best-selling thriller scribe following commercial and critical acclaim [with After the Crash and Black Water Lilies] and his latest will further cement his reputation.
Set on the French Reunion Island, Don’t Let Go is a beautifully crafted mystery that you will not be able to put down for too long, without thinking about the story.
When Liane Bellion fails to return from her hotel room her anxious husband Martial goes to look for her but she has vanished leaving only splattered blood as a clue. Martial soon finds himself the main suspect in the vanishing. He faces an uphill struggle to not only prove his innocence, but also to get to the bottom of what actually happened to Liane.
This is a thriller full of suspense that leaves you desperate to know where the truth lies. There are twists, turns and red herrings at every corner. I love Michel’s style of writing as he knows exactly how to play the reader without manipulation. The book also gives a fascinating insight into what goes on behind the scenes on these luxury holiday islands, revealing the day-to-day lives of the inhabitants; illustrating a life that the tourists do not see.
The descriptions of the island are perfect and in balance with the rest of the plot providing an intriguing and at times beguiling backdrop. The story is told over just three days, with a minute by minute account as to what is happening and shows how important every minute is in a missing persons investigation.
In summary, this is a very clever novel, paced perfectly and written with elegance which wraps up the mystery at a stunning climax; one that makes you think and ponder.
I was captivated by this story right from the beginning and would highly recommend it.
Editor’s Note : Translated into English by Sam Taylor
