The Readers' Room Audiobook By Antoine Laurain cover art

The Readers' Room

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The Readers' Room

By: Antoine Laurain
Narrated by: Mary L Phillips
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When the manuscript of a debut crime novel arrives at a Parisian publishing house, everyone in the readers’ room is convinced it’s something special. And the committee for France’s highest literary honor, the Prix Goncourt, agrees.

But when the shortlist is announced, there’s a problem for editor Violaine Lepage: She has no idea of the author’s identity. As the police begin to investigate a series of murders strangely reminiscent of those recounted in the book, Violaine is not the only one looking for answers. And, suffering memory blanks following an airplane accident, she’s beginning to wonder what role she might play in the story....

Antoine Laurain, best-selling author of The Red Notebook, combines intrigue and charm in this dazzling novel of mystery, love, and the power of books.

©2020 Gallic Books (P)2022 Gallic Books Cozy Crime Crime Fiction Detective Fiction Literature & Fiction Mystery Women Sleuths Women's Fiction

Critic reviews

"The plot blends mystery with comedy to great effect". (Daily Mail)

"A profound love of books and authors underpins this sprightly mystery." (Publishers Weekly)

"A stylish whodunnit blended with an affectionate send-up of the world of books." (Sunday Mirror)
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I am a big fan of the author and always fascinated by the stories he writes. They are all different and brilliant in its own way. Totally recommend it!

Excellent and touching story

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Listener received this title free

Violaine Lepage’s publishing house received an unsolicited manuscript that is so special that it needs to be published. It garners award nominations, and also the attention of the police when the crimes in the book seem to be replicated in real life. A lot of interesting characters and twists and turns in the plot. The narration by Mary L. Phillips is excellent. I received a free audiobook code for my honest review.

Excellent

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Listener received this title free

WOW! I loved this book!!!
The flawed characters, the mystery - the ending was surprising and I could never have guessed it.
Truly an awesome job all around!
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

WOW!!!

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Listener received this title free

I was pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoyed this book! I was a bit confused now and then but it all came together. Dysfunctional families and flawed people usually make a good story. These characters did. I loved taking a seat in a publishing house Readers Room! I enjoyed learning how it all works. Very enjoyable listen and narration.

Flawed Characters Rule!!

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Listener received this title free

The Readers' Room by Antoine Laurain has an intriguing premise that mixes mystery with a literary twist. Set in a cozy Parisian publishing house, the story kicks off with a debut crime novel that grabs everyone's attention in the readers' room and even catches the eye of the Prix Goncourt committee. Things get really interesting when the editor, Violaine Lepage, realizes she has no clue who the author is, and then a bunch of real-life murders start to mimic the book.

Laurain’s writing pulls you in, and he’s great at mixing mystery with the charm of the literary world. The book has a bunch of cool characters and suspenseful moments that keep you hooked. But, some parts of the plot feel a bit forced, and the pacing can be a bit all over the place.

Violaine’s memory issues after a plane crash add a unique twist, but it can feel a bit overdone as a plot point. The mystery itself is gripping, though the ending might leave some readers wanting a bit more depth and clarity.

All in all, it is an enjoyable read with a fascinating concept, but it falls short of being a standout in the mystery genre. It's a good pick for anyone who loves literary-themed mysteries and wants something light and entertaining.

Literary Mystery

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Listener received this title free

This was a fascinating short story, not something I'd normally read, but it really captivated me. The notion of memory and recreating our past and future was a recurring theme. Throughout the story you got a sense that the protagonist had a secret involvement in the case, but it only shaped up near the end in a surprising way.
I felt that there were a lot of extraneous details and I did lose interest at times, but overall the characters were well crafted and the plot really got under your skin!

Fascinating story that gets you thinking!

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Listener received this title free

I was gifted an audio version of this book from the author through Story Origin.
I'm afraid I really struggled with the French names, not seeing them in writing. I did enjoy the plot. It really has alot going on. Editing a book that describes real life murders. Rape. Pregnancy. Abortion. Lesbianism. A plane crash. All in this short read/listen.
4 stars for narration.
4 stars for book.

The French publishing world.

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I have read three other books by this author and loved the stories, the humor, the sweetness. This one had language, violence and some very disturbing twists.

Very different

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