Tuesday 6 May 2014

PASCAL GARNIER - THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER


Synopsis/blurb......

Fabien and Sylvie both knew their marriage wasn't working. But when Sylvie is involved in a fatal car accident, Fabien is stunned to discover she had a lover who died with her. Harbouring thoughts of revenge, he tracks down the lover's widow, Martine, and begins stalking her. Fabien is desperate to get Martine on her own. And that won't happen until he deals with her protective best friend, Madeleine...

Another new to me author and one who is sadly no longer with us. French author Garnier died in March 2010. Gallic Books have so far published 5 of Garnier’s short slices of French noir, with a sixth The Islanders due out in November of this year. Thanks to Jose - The Game's Afoot  (The Panda Theory review) and Sarah at Crimepieces (The Front Seat Passenger review) for bringing Garnier to my attention.

There’s a lot to like with this book. It’s short – always a plus in my reading world, dark and a little bit disturbing. I was reminded of a Stephen King book and film at one point when Garnier turned the plot on its head. I won’t name check the book because it may reveal a bit too much about things and I wouldn’t want to go spoiling things for anyone.

We have an interesting main character, Fabien. Someone who I was rooting for without ever actually liking him. He’s a bit too passive and lethargic to actually feel any great sympathy for him. He has a strange, uncomfortable relationship with his father and only one good friend in his life.

We have a couple of strong females, Madeleine and Sylvie. Neither are particularly likeable and warming, though they’re perhaps a lot more interesting because of this. No family with the demise of Sylvie’s husband and only each other, until Fabien unwittingly engineers an introduction.  

Great set-up, great twist, touches of humour and dispassionate violence. Odd characters, with their own secrets and hang-ups and foibles.

Verdict – quirky and unlike anything I have read for a while.   
                        
5 from 5.

Always one to impulsively stockpile books ahead of sampling an author,
How’s the Pain, The A26, Moon in a Dead Eye and The Panda Theory are all waiting for me. I don't think I will be regretting my pre-emptive purchasing!   
   

Grateful thanks to Emily at Gallic for my copy of this. Their website is here

14 comments:

  1. Col, Fabien has a rather strange idea of revenge—going after a widow whose dead husband was his dead wife's lover. There's nothing he can do and yet he must do something. I can see why the plot sounds noirish. I'd read it if it came my way.

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    1. Prashant, definitely one to keep an eye out for, though I'm unsure how readily available it might be in your part of the world. The plot is definitely unusual.

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  2. Col - You're not the only one who's said great things about this one. It certainly sounds worth the read.

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    1. Margot, I'd definitely recommend it to others. Glad I took a punt on it, though I did have a decent steer from Jose and Sarah.

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  3. Woohoo a five! I think I have it in my stacks here. Terrific review.

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    1. Maybe this one kickstarts the reading year. Hope you enjoy it when you get around to it, cheers, Col

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  4. Definitely intriguing, and short, and with a twist - you might have sold me on this one. And a 5 - does this mean your mojo is back?

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    1. Hmm, maybe a bit too early to say.....I was asking myself the question whether I would prefer to read 10 books in a month that say averaged at 3 stars each, or 5 books that were all 5 stars. I do get hung up on numbers, so I think I'd rather go for 10........on that basis my mojo is still elusive! Hope you find time to try this.

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  5. Col, I appreaciate very much your kind reference, pal.

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    1. Jose - you're welcome. And thanks again for the tip-off!

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  6. I have been planning to get some of his books, and I love the fact that they are so short. I think I will be a bit more restrained than you until I have tried a couple.

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    1. If brains were made of dynamite, I wouldn't have enough to blow my hat off.....just about sums me up. Me and my book buying........but nothing in May so far! Hope you enjoy him if you give him a try.

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  7. I added this to my wishlist after Sarah's review, but I'm going to have to read it soon after yours. I'm intrigued as anything now!

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    1. Vicki, I don't think you'll regret it. Hopefully he is quite readily available in your neck of the woods.

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