When a rising tennis star disappears without leaving a single clue, and a body is discovered at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea, all eyes turn to Marseille's brilliant investigator Roxane Baxter. What begins as a routine missing persons case quickly spirals into something far more sinister, pulling Roxane into a web of deception that threatens to unravel not just her career, but her entire personal life.
Roxane never imagined this case would hit so close to home. Her father, a former elite gendarme who now spends his days crafting intricate timepieces as a watchmaker, was the last person to see the missing tennis player alive. But his methods of investigation aren't exactly by the book—combining old-school police instincts with the precision of a master craftsman, this father-daughter duo brings a fresh perspective to the case that conventional detectives might miss.
As they dig deeper, the truth becomes increasingly disturbing. What started as a disappearance investigation uncovers a conspiracy darker and more complex than anyone could have imagined. Roxane and her father must navigate treacherous waters, questioning everyone from tennis officials to underworld figures, all while racing against time to prevent more lives from being lost.
This isn't just another thriller—it's been recognized for its exceptional quality. "L'Horloger, Hors-circuit" was selected as one of just five finalists for Amazon's prestigious 2022 "Plumes Francophones" contest, putting it among the year's best French-language novels. Author Pierre Schreiber, known for his work on "DEEP IMPACT," has crafted a police procedural that stands out for its unique characters and intricate plotting.
Perfect for fans of international crime fiction, this French police thriller delivers the kind of edge-of-your-seat suspense that keeps readers turning pages long after they should have put the book down. If you've been searching for your next great mystery series—one that offers both authenticity and excitement—look no further than this critically acclaimed debut that marks the beginning of an unforgettable investigative saga.
