A dark, brilliantly conceived and deeply chilling novel that has sold over 700,000 copies in the author’s native France. ‘A novel so extraordinary that it reminded me of reading Steig Larsson for the very first time . . . Bussi breaks every rule in the book, but I doubt I’ll read a more brilliant crime novel this year’ – Joan Smith, Sunday Times
On the night of 22 December 1980, a plane crashes on the Franco-Swiss border and is engulfed in flames. 168 out of 169 passengers are killed instantly. The miraculous sole survivor is a three-month-old baby girl. Two families, one rich, the other poor, step forward to claim her, sparking an investigation that will last for almost two decades. Is she Lyse-Rose or Emilie?
Eighteen years later, having failed to discover the truth, private detective Credule Grand-Duc plans to take his own life, but not before placing an account of his investigation in the girl’s hands. But, as he sits at his desk about to pull the trigger, he uncovers a secret that changes everything – then is killed before he can breathe a word of it to anyone…
On the night of 22 December 1980, a plane crashes on the Franco-Swiss border and is engulfed in flames. 168 out of 169 passengers are killed instantly. The miraculous sole survivor is a three-month-old baby girl. Two families, one rich, the other poor, step forward to claim her, sparking an investigation that will last for almost two decades. Is she Lyse-Rose or Emilie?
Eighteen years later, having failed to discover the truth, private detective Credule Grand-Duc plans to take his own life, but not before placing an account of his investigation in the girl’s hands. But, as he sits at his desk about to pull the trigger, he uncovers a secret that changes everything – then is killed before he can breathe a word of it to anyone…
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Reviews
A novel so extraordinary that it reminded me of reading Stieg Larsson for the very first time. Bussi's novel brings with it the same thrill of discovering a truly original voice.
It is one of the most remarkable books I've read in a long time; Bussi breaks every rule in the book, but I doubt I'll read a more brilliant crime novel this year.
There's a great premise to this thriller, which is already a huge bestseller in the author's native France... You find yourself quite frantic to know the truth, before this cleverly constructed, smart mystery concludes by delivering a delicious sting in the tail.
A richly satisfying story...a hugely enjoyable ride.
Thriller of the Month
...an original voice... he [Bussi] borrows elements from old-fashioned clue-puzzle mysteries to provide a breathtakingly suspenseful thriller.
Michel Bussi's AFTER THE CRASH will keep you solidly gripped for its total duration. [The] provocative premise - and its aftermath in the present set in motion a truly compelling tale by the talented Michel Bussi, a writer who well knows exactly how to keep the reader turning page after page even when it's past time to turn out that bedside lamp.
'A compulsive page turner.'
Bussi delivers an intriguing and multi-layered psychological thriller that gets its hooks in early and doesn't let go
Riveting! Bussi spins psychological suspense at its finest with this consuming tale of one child, two families, and the dark secrets that define us all. Clear your schedule; this book is worth it!
This is one of the most compulsively readable mystery novels of the year, a great premise thrillingly explored.
Michel Bussi grabs your attention straight away, and keeps it, with great twists, in what is a very good translation by the English writer Sam Taylor.
After the Crash is a jolt to the senses and a jolt to the heart - both rollicking and labyrinthine, both wildly propulsive and yet rich with grand drama, and with a cast of characters - particularly its sumptuously powerful women - you won't forget