I quite like Antoine Laurain’s writing.

The Readers’ Room is the third book I have read by the Paris, France-based author, and much like Vintage 1954 and the Portrait before it, it was a unique read in terms of both writing voice and content. I am not sure sure if it’s the fact the book is translated from French that makes the writing voice different or it’s just the way Laurain writes. Either way I like it.

In The Readers’ Room, we learn about the Prix Goncourt, France’s highest literary honour, and one of the books shortlisted. Sugar Flowers, a debut crime novel, was published by editor Violaine Lepage’s publishing house. Violaine has no idea who the author is, having never met her throughout the process.

“As the police begin to investigate a series of murders strangely reminiscent of those in the book, Violaine is not the only one looking for answers. And she’s beginning to wonder what role she might play in the story.”

The book is a quick read and one that kept my attention from start to finish – a rare feat these days. It also kept me guessing about Violaine’s role in the murders, if any, and her story, which we get in bits and pieces throughout the book. The ending was not what I was expecting and I am not completely sure of it, at least some of it.

The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain retails for $20.99 and was provided by PGC Books for an honest review. The opinions are my own.